The news was in all the papers. 'Catgirl unmasked' 'Gotham Academy student found to be thief' 'Master and apprentice caught' and similar titles filled the front pages of every newspaper in Gotham. It was actually a little ridiculous.
Then there was the matter of the reporters trying to get an exclusive with Dick Grayson. Why? Because he'd somehow managed to become best friends with her.
Of course she'd never told him anything about her double life, not that the reporters believed him. And as angry as he was when he found out, he couldn't bring himself to be mad at her.
Catgirl was his first real investigation. Bruce had left it all up to him, chasing her down, discovering her identity, turning her in. He'd been thrilled when he was first given the assignment, he was finally being given the chance to prove his detective skills. But when her mask came off he was caught off guard and he shouldn't have been. Because it all fit, and he was too blind to see it. He punched the wall. How could he have been so stupid? He might have punched the wall again, but the door opened.
"Master Bruce wishes to see you in his study," said Alfred.
"Thanks," Dick said, "Err... Sorry about the wall." He added looking towards the hole his fist had made.
"Not a problem," Alfred said, "I'll have someone come fix straight away." Dick walked off towards the study, wondering why he was being summoned, as Alfred went to call a repairman.
When Dick reached the study he heard voices coming from inside, briefly thinking it was wrong to eavesdrop, but he pressed his ear against the door to listen anyway.
"It would do her good to talk to him," a woman said, "She's been very quiet, she won't answer any of my questions or talk to the other inmates. A familiar face would truly help her."
"Absolutely not," Dick recognized that voice of Commissioner Gordon, "She's a criminal! She could corrupt him! Or attack him, or trick him in to helping her escape! I absolutely forbid it. For the boys own safety," So that's what was going on. They were arguing about letting him see her. He couldn't help it, he felt sad again. Even if she did break the law he would still miss her.
He knocked on the door; it was time to join this argument.
"Come in," Bruce said.
He walked in and saw Bruce, Gordon, and... a matronly women in a maroon suit that he'd never seen before.
"Dick this is Commissioner Gordon and Ms. Niniva," Bruce said, "She's the therapist working with-"
"Oh it's so nice to meet you," Ms. Niniva interrupted, she walked over and hugged him, "I've heard so much about you."
"Oh?" Dick asked, "From whom?" she just laughed and kept smiling.
"We were just discussing the possibility of you visiting-" Bruce started.
"There is no discussion," Commissioner Gordon said, "I won't have him visiting a criminal, and that's final."
"Actually it isn't your decision," Ms. Niniva said, "It's entirely up to Mr. Wayne and I, you're only at this meeting as a courtesy to the GCPD."
"She isn't one of the troubled teens you usually get," Gordon said, "She's was mentored by one of the most dangerous women in this city and who knows what psychopaths she's come into contact with because of that. And she's surely guilty of more than theft."
"All the more reason to bring Mr. Grayson in. She needs a friend to bring her back to the right side of the law. The purpose of juvenile detention centers is to reform youths, not leave them to rot in a cell," Ms. Niniva said, her smile almost becoming a frown.
"Can I say something?" Dick asked.
"Of course dear," Ms. Niniva said.
"Well it's just...I'm not sure I want to see her just yet. She's lied to me so much these past years, what would I even say to her?" he said, "I'm sorry Ms. Niniva."
"Well there you go," the commissioner said, "The boy himself is object to the idea."
"Fine," Ms. Niniva said, "but whenever you feel ready just let me know." She handed him a business card and left. Gordon tipped his hat and followed her out.
"Is that it? Or was there something else you wanted to talk me about," Dick asked.
"Not unless you wanted to tell me something," Bruce said, Dick shook his head and left.
Bruce was worried about him, but there wasn't much he could for him unless the boy let him help. Bruce sighed; surely he'd move on soon.
As it turned out Bruce was right, Dick was back to normal in just a few months. He made new friends, and he joined a team a young heroes. And after twelve months it seemed as if Quinn O'Conner had been all but forgotten.