Bitter Memories Chapter 13 By Marcie Ann Gore The thrilling conclusion to our story Rated M or R Brief Language and adult content Tommy thinks he s getting away with his crime but the heroes are closing in and Beth is a Grayson.
While in the air, Tommy checks Beth s pulse several times. Good. I don t think the drug s affected her badly, Tommy says. He stares longingly at the child and plays with her hair. Beth is in peaceful but Drug induced slumber on a mattress in the back of the private plane. How long till we arrive on the Island? Tommy asks.
We need to refuel, and then it will be maybe an hour and a half. Will Banks, the pilot, says. He then tells Himself, If that Kid s his, then I m the Octomom s Kids' Dad, he thinks. Maybe I should just leave when I get out refueling. That guy gives me the creeps. When they land, Will tells Tommy, There s a nice store not far from here. You could get your daughter a gift. Watch her for me please? Tommy Says.
Will do, The pilot says But as soon as he s gone Will says to himself, I gotta go; something about this little girl seems too familiar and I don t want to get involved with a kidnapping or worse. Sorry Kid, I have to check this out. If it s true I ll send help, he says to a sleeping Beth. He exits the plane and runs off in the opposite direction Tommy went.
Twenty minutes later, Tommy is seen making hasty retreat from the store with angry locals yelling, Go away You Weirdo. He s also dripping wet with dirt clods stuck to his shirt. He is, however, carrying a stuffed animal and a sack with contents that seemed to have caused the uproar earlier. Snowflake rawls when she sees the stuffed dog Tommy bought. Amigo just yawns.
Now where d that pilot go? He mutters something unrepeatable under his breath.
Beth whimpers in her sleep, Mom? Dad? Everything s ok, sweetheart, Tommy says as he rolls her cot closer to the cockpit.
Beth sighs, then goes back to sleep.
The lazy slug didn t even fuel up before he deserted us, Tommy grumbles. Glad I actually have a pilot s license. I just wanted to be with you - no detractions- so I hired that so and so, he says to no one in particular. He refuels the plane then takes off.
True to Will s word they arrive on his private island s airstrip an hour and half later. He ties her wrists and ankles before he loads her into a gray van. The drive to his house, almost a compound, takes another half hour. He carries her up a slight hill and up the stairs to a room on the top floor. On the mainland, the heroes of the world converge on the Batcave. They re looking over evidence from Tommy s apartment and the museum. Decretive John Smith aka Martian Manhunter examines the reports from The BHPD AND GCPD. Batman is simultaneously being briefed by The FBI (as Grandpa Bruce Wayne) by phone and trying to avoid them.
As usual, The Feds are getting in the way, Batman grumbles as he puts down the phone. Oracle, what have you found? He asks.
Wong s Chinatown restaurant, She says. Sorry, old habit. Thomas Edwin Land inherited, among other things, a weekend house outside of Gotham. Thomas, Sr. and Sue also willed several million to their only child. They died mysteriously in a fire when he was 20. I m trying to find out where the other properties are located, She says.
We need a map to his cabin, Batman says. To Think I thought Oracle was a program, Flash says.
We need to get back on Track, Nightwing says. My daughter is still in danger. Yes. Sorry, Dick. I am taking this seriously. I love Beth like she s my family, Wally says. I'VE FOUND IT! Barbara says as she prints it out.
They head for the cabin, only to find it deserted. Batman picks the lock and the heroes enter. Flash goes to check the dumpster outside. Nightwing and Robin search the woods' weaponry at the ready. Superman, Batman and Donna search the inside of the cabin. Tempest does an underwater search praying he does not find anything.
Donna finds Tommy s stash of adult and child pornography. She starts destroying the cabinet with her energy beams. That bastard s toast when I get him, she says. Calm Down, Batman tells the enraged Amazon. At first, it is in vain, since she keeps up her destructive force. Finally, she says, Yes we need to look for clues. Now s not time for revenge. She bags up the disks.
Finally, Flash returns with a piece of notebook paper. He is wiping food from it to make the writing clearer. I found some numbers he says, almost too fast to be understood. He hands them to Batman.
When both Beth's father and Uncle Tim return, they are white as sheets. What did you find, son? Batman asks. He rarely uses such endearments when working; but of course, this is not an ordinary missing child case.
This, he says, handing him a bag with the clothes Beth was wearing the day she disappeared. This isn t necessarily as bad as it seems, the senior crime fighter says.
The younger man gives him a cutting look. Something about this blood does quite look right, he says, studying the small sweater and jeans. Batman cuts a section from the Jeans to analyze. He brings up Beth s DNA Profile for comparison.
I d almost forgotten you had Beth's DNA profile. At first I didn t see why you needed it but then I saw the wisdom, Nightwing says.
I do remember her Mother s reaction, Batman says. Mother Lion. ARSONAL asks, When this is over I may ask you to get a sample from Liam? Who says I don t have one already, Harper? He says. And yes, she was I don t know whether to thank you or file a restraining order, Roy says.
I d say thank you; and a restraining order wouldn t work. Nightwing tells his friend. Last time I checked he has The DNA of all of his allies, enemies, and family when available. WHAA? Roy says. Batman grimaces when the results return. Nightwing and the other heroes' faces drain of color when they see his reaction. Is it? Is she? Dick asks, afraid to finish his questions. No, it is animal blood. To be specific, a domestic canine, he says allowing himself to feel some relief. Dog s blood? Donna asks, having joined the group. The creep seems to think that could keep us from tracking him down. Even if we thought Beth was dead, we would look for her and him. He does not know her family. We would want his head even more He Has NO idea who he s crossed, Batgirl says, returning from searching the area around the Lake.
I have the feeling Beth can take care of her till we can get to her. Catwoman says over Batman s Com-link. I m just waiting for to tell me where to go next. I have serious doubts he would take a commercial flight. I heard rumors from my contacts about a guy willing to pay anything to fly him and his daughter to a small island off the coast of Cuba. It is still US Territory, though. One said the person made him sick to his stomach for some reason. This guy used to fence anything, no questions asked so he s dealt with some of Gotham s worst lowlifes. The guy he was talking about has to be Land. Oracle, do you know if Land owns any property on any islands? Batman asks.
Yes. Thomas Edwin Land inherited an estate on an obscure island called San Rosalina. He s practically the only resident, though there s a town on the Island. I have coordinates here. The Number The Flash found was for a small private plane rental service called Above It All None of the pilots seem to have criminal Records, she says .
I think Beth tried to contact me, He says. Roy plays a message. The only part that can be understood is a child s voice saying Uncle Roy? In San Rosalina, Beth wakes on a bed with pink sheets on white wooden frame and lacy canopy. The bedroom set looks a bit like the set George had at his home the room Looks a bit like her room at home but too cutesy even for her taste. She is wearing a satin-looking sleeping beauty gown. She would not feel as disturbed if she did not see the hospital style restraints on her arms and legs. The only sounds she hears are the plaintive purr of a cat - it is Snowflake, and a music box playing a lullaby.
A few hours later George comes in the room to check on his guest. He is armed with Peanut Butter Sandwiches for two and a can of Sprite.
You got sick on the Plane. I thought the Sprite would help. Try that first before you eat the Sandwich, He says. I got hungry and thought I would eat with you. I need to get some other food delivered this was all I had that was edible but I don t want Jade to know that. Beth s head is swimming with fear and confusion. She feels like she has been given some kind of drug. What does she know about him anyway? She seems to remember him giving her a shot when he caught her trying to call Uncle Roy. She wants to ask him so many questions but she can only form the question that is most important to her right now.
Where is my family? she asks WE arrived after the hospital ICU Visiting hours, but the only person I could get on the phone that spoke English said they were all stable. I ll take you to see them soon, He lies.
It is late, he says after they eat. Why don t I sleep on the day bed and let Snowflake sleep on the Bed with you? I will be here if you need me tonight, He says. As the child is drifting off, he climbs in her bed with him. Tommy Aka George attempts to undress Beth when he s assaulted By a white ball of fur. I should ve gotten her a new cat, he says. He finally grows tired of trying to loosen the cat of her iron grip and falls asleep. About 9:30, Tommy wakes up to Beth is gigging and saying Silly Kitty. She gently releases Snowflake s claws from his face.
I m Sorry, uh George, she says. It s ok. The scratches are not deep. I just need to clean them off. I do not think I ll Need to shave today. I guess she does not trust me yet He says. Snowflake hisses as if in Response. A few moments later Tommy Emerges from the bathroom with small bandages all over his face. My staff just got back. They are making Breakfast. Crepes, I think. Do you know what those are? If not, I can get my cook to make pancakes, He says.
Yes, I know what they are. My Mom makes them for after- Church brunch sometimes Just then, a man with reddish brown hair in a chief s outfit beckons Tommy into the kitchen. That child mentioned her family. I thought you and your friends stuck to children without families or distant -to-abusive parents who d be grateful for the attention. If you were bringing them here, there's less risk of getting caught the man says.
Not that it s any of your business Ronald, but her parents care more about position than her. She tends to make up stories of a better family life to console herself but she won t have to do that here. I really love this one, Tommy says. Sure, he mutters. Do you have the back corner behind the garden shed blacked off? With a high wall, there s no way she ll see unless she s trained by the Bat, he says.
Jade has done some gymnastics I think, but she is still a dainty little girl. She loves me. She wouldn t try to leave, he insists.
Still, I'd keep an eye on her, Ronald says After breakfast, George suggests they go out and play in his yard. Beth follows him out to the garden/play area, all the while watching her back. She s also looking for escape routes.
Something about George doesn t feel right, Beth thinks. Mom and Dad warned me about that man Tommy Land but they didn t show me a picture. This person's name is George, but still something is not right. I have to find out what s going on and find my family. She plays seemingly carefree on the slide and swings ; She just can t bring herself to let George push her which would involve touching her. She, Snowflake and Amigo run around exploring the vast land. The dog seems to be leading Beth somewhere. She sees a high Brick wall. She s about to try to climb it when she hears George. Don t try to climb that wall. There's a big patch of poison ivy and thorny plants there. The gardener can t seem to get rid of. Beth obeys But has a feeling there's more there, maybe the answer to why she feels so uncomfortable with this man or at least find a way off the property so she can try to find out if George is telling the truth.
They play until about noon when Ron says, Anyone wants Lunch? Hamburgers and French fries! They run to the main house and wash up. He lets her eat in the living room and watch a movie. This one seems to be the type he didn t let her Watch Back home. About five minutes into it, he notices she s uncomfortable.
I m sorry you aren t comfortable with this type of movie yet, he says and puts on a normal Movie. Want to go swimming later? Tommy/ George asks. Maybe, Beth replies.
He goes into the kitchen and returns with what looks like grape juice. Want to try grape juice the way adults drink it? He asks. Beth tries a sip, and then goes back to her cola. He can tell Beth does not like the wine and says, It's OK. Some adults don t like it. Secretly he thinks, That didn t work; if she doesn t accept my love right away I might have to use the drug again. I probably won t; she likes me and obeys well. Later, Beth asks, May I pretend to be your cat after I take a short nap? It's a little cool for a swim. He Smiles lecherously. Beth goes in the bedroom to take a nap and to think.
Something still doesn t feel right, Beth says to herself. I'll take a nap any way. I am leaving tonight; hopefully I can find my way home. George s Story never Made much sense, she says looking though The night gowns he bought for her. Most are cotton tee shirt like gowns. However, in one drawer she finds A Little Mermaid gown that almost looks like a wedding gown.
It s so cute but she thinks back on the other things she s seen since she woke up in the strange cabin, with holes in the both bathroom wall and the bedroom in the cabin. The weird cartoons in both houses. The Walled off Area. Finally, the wine here. The next things she sees really give her the shivers. She saw something like them before in her mom's drawer when she was looking for things to play with. When she showed her mom, mom blushed. If they mean what she thinks, she will have to leave sooner than she thought.
Beth thinks, I need to at least act like I m taking a nap. She closes the door and locks it from the inside. She decides, I ll need the Catacombs' combs Aunt Selena gave me for more than just decoration soon. She takes them out of the drawer and places them on her bed. She lies down for a little while, maybe even falling asleep.
An hour or so later, She wakes up and brushes her hair then puts the combs in her hair. Time for the best acting job of my life, She says as she walks in the living room.
She spies Tommy on the couch and begins her performance. Meow, I m Your Kitty! She hops into his lap and rubs up against him as Snowflake does.
There you are, Duchess. I think I ll call you that when you re playing Kitty. Do you like that Sweetie? Tommy asks.
Beth rubs up against him, not breaking character.
Tommy picks her up and strokes her as if he would a cat at first. He gets lower. Beth goes for her combs. The Sex offender doesn t seem to notice a threat. How cute, he says. HE keeps smiling until he tries to take off Beth s undies. Beth springs into action before he can get any further. She digs her combs into his neither regions. Snowflake follows her mistress s lead, digging her claws into his eyes. While he s incapacitated, Beth grabs her cat and the cell phone Tommy took from her and heads for the Door. Amigo just looks sad and pants. Do not worry Amigo, I will send someone to take care of you, Beth says as she runs out the door. She keeps running until she reaches the walled area. She knows she doesn t have much time but has a feeling she should see what s behind the wall.
She s surprised how quickly she climbs the wall. When she gets there, she sees stones with Years carved in them. They almost look like grave markers but with just a date on them. Did he kill all those people or are they relatives buried on the property like Grandpa Bruce s Parents and Dad s Real parents? She doesn t have time to think about that now but She takes a picture with her cell phone in case it s important and then Climb the wall again. Back on the mainland, the rescue party has a strategy to deal with Tommy.
Are you sure we can trust him? Roy asks. Do you think he s stable enough to be trusted to not use the chemicals On the Surrounding town? Nightwing asks.
He won t be administering it; one of us will Batman Says. His one Condition was he gets to see the results of his work somehow. He will be supervised. All we have to do is pick it up in its spray form. It should terrify him but not cloud his mind so much we can t question him. The Courier from Arkham should Be Dropping off the vial soon, then we ll go to the unmarked Jet Batman Says. Are there any volunteers to go to the private island? I, Roy says I, Catwoman says I, Donna and Diana say.
I, Wally says. I, Superman says.
I, a younger voice says. Harper, what s your daughter doing here? Batman Says.
She begged me when She found out what Happened to Beth, besides good practices Understood, but you look out for your Own kid, Batman says Understood, Roy says as if he s talking to an Army General Of course, all of the Bat Family chooses to go.
The rest of you are on standby unless there s another emergency, Robin Says. The slime ball won t know what hit him. Robin, even though this Case is personal we ll use the same code of ethics as always. Batman says sternly.
I have my own code, Roy says. Batman just looks at him and doesn t say anything.
I have my toys ready when the jet s ready, Roy adds. A half hour later, the bat-signal shines in the sky. A daytime rarity. I ve been summoned, Batman says. Hopefully it s what we need, Batgirl says.
It has to be. The commissioner wouldn t bother me right now, otherwise. The Batman climbs to the top of Wayne Towers at Noon.
It took all night for Crane to complete it, I m told. I was uneasy dealing with him; but if you say It ll help bring Beth home I d deal with the devil himself. Just bring her home. By the time James hands him the bottle and is though speaking, Batman is gone as usual. Twenty minutes later, the rescue team s on the plane heading to the island. Everyone is sitting down with The exception Of Dick and Roy who are pacing. Catwoman is seated but nearly shredding Wally s seat in Front of her. Oracle is downloading a blueprint of the vacation home.
OK guys, we need to go over the Print, Barbara tells them.
Everyone with exception of Batman, who is flying the jet, gather to go over plans for the Mission. Nightwing, you and Batman will search the west wing of the house. Robin, you and Cassandra will cover the east end. Superman, you cover the air, of course, Roy, you And Wally cover the grounds. Diana and Donna, you both cover the South end. Catwoman, you cover all points north including trees and towers. Batgirl, you cover the water and wooded area. Lian, you stay here! , Barbara says. Batman has divided the Fear gas into separate bottles for each of you. Report in when you find anything or anyone. Is the plan satisfactory with you, boss? Yes but if anyone finds clues suggesting Beth is elsewhere, head there and tell the rest on the way or when you arrive. Two more things: do not turn off your trackers. Do not Waste the fear gas on Land s staff, Batman says.
Beth keeps running until she finds a town with a store. She looks for her wallet in her side pack. I should probably buy some things like a toothbrush and Toothpaste, Beth Says. She goes into the store. Hi, I need a toothbrush, tooth paste and a hairbrush. She sees a travel Bag and Picks it up. Great, a hair travel kit. Don t need that one. I don t need Hairspray. There s the one I need. A dental kit. Great. If it takes a while to find help, I ll get hungry. She finds some trail Mix and couple of bottles of water. She pays for the things, then goes outside to pack her bag. Now, we have to look for an airport or Boat. I know you hate traveling, but I ll be there, Beth says to snowflake. Snow just purrs to soothe herself. Beth explores the rest of the town with one eye on the lookout for danger. She finds a small airport that supports small commuter airplanes and private jets. Most of the people there are business people and the occasional family on vacation. She looks around for any way to get home. She spies a group of children about her age with an adult guard. Boys are dressed in royal blue tee shirts and shorts Holding Coats in their arms; The Girls Dressed In soft Lavender tees and shorts. Beth looks at her clothes. She s dressed the same as the girls.
The teachers shirts say Gotham Prep. Great, I hope they re going home. They must be. They re carrying coats; it s warm there. I ll just blend in and get home that way. When I get there, if I don t find mom and dad I ll go to the police station. They can probably tell me if what George said is true. She joins the group of kids. Luckily, they re wearing nametags if she has to talk to them. At the Land compound, Roy interviews Ronald the Chef. Where s your Boss, Baker Boy? I, I can t remember seeing him since Lunch, Ronald says with a trembling voice.
Arsenal lifts him up higher. Does this clear your mind? Flash races over to his friend. You re being too rough on him. Too rough on him? He doesn t know rough. He s lucky I m not Batman or Nightwing. Roy says, Wally, Remember the code. It s his code, not mine. In addition, the code goes out the window when a kid s in danger. I doubt The Bat will follow the code if he gets a hold of him.
Point Taken, Wally says. We need to figure out to do with him. Can t let him go, he s most likely an accessory. Suddenly, an arrow flies in their direction and pins Ronald to a wall. Will that do? A voice says. Lia, I mean Speedy, Arsenal says to his daughter. Perfect Shot, Baby! As much as I respect Oracle, I couldn t stay in the plane and wait. She s my friend, the young hero in training says.
Ok, stay with us, Roy says.
Meanwhile, Batman and Nightwing meet Robin and Batgirl; in the woods, they follow a train of blood with fear in their hearts. There is also torn fabric. To their shock and relief, they find out it is Tommy s. He is covered with claw marks and Blood. Despite his injuries, he s able to wander around calling Jade. Batman shouts, You aren t going anywhere The heroes surround him. Bruce spays Him with the chemical. Despite the fact part of them would rather him bleed to death, they apply First aid and notice the wounds aren t life threatening. However, the ones to his crotch might limit his usage. Suddenly, the fear potion seems to kick in. Batman turns on the Cam. Tommy sees a vision of a little girl; the first child He attacked You ruined my life. You ruined Mommy s Life, She Says. She turns to a bloody Skeleton. As soon as she disappears, he sees his Parents. They Scream, We loved you. We did everything We could For you and betrayed us with your Monstrous acts ,then murdered us!
Next, a Group of children seems to rise from the makeshift graveyard. A little girl about 6 with Blue eyes And Red hair in a Bloody yellow dress says, you Swore you Wouldn t let him hurt me, But he killed me. I m sorry Gracie. I m really sorry, Tommy says to the vision.
A Young boy about seven says, You didn t kill me. You just let your Friend kill me. That makes you just as guilty. Choruses of ghost Children add their accusations to the voices in Tommy s head. He tries to block out their voices with Visions of Beth but Every time he thinks of touching her screams are added to the others. When the Heroes are finished bandaging him He curls up in a fetal position, whimpering. He s still in that condition when the local Police carry him away.
Oracle, we have some good news. Land has been carted away, Batman says.
Good, I think we re needed elsewhere. I tapped into his Security Cameras and saw Beth Leaving the house and the grounds. Batman types a coded message to the team: Prey caught. Assemble here two miles S.W. of the main house where the stone wall can be seen. It doesn t take long for the message to be received. Roy and Lian arrive first with The Flash s help, Then Diana and Donna follows. What s going on? We still have to finish searching the house, Roy says. Oracle, show them, Batman says. Barbara plays the security footage. Now what do we do? Robin asks.
There are two ways to leave this island; Airplane or boat. There are two boat services. One mostly carries cargo; the other, Passengers. I want you to interview someone at all of them. Nightwing, Oracle, and I will go to the one airport. Bruce Wayne will call for a service with Wheelchair accessible vans To Take his Son, Daughter In law, and himself to the airport. When Any Team Finds Beth, they will contact the rest. Remember to keep an Eye out in the town, also. She may not have reached a boat service or an airport. At the airport, Beth somehow manages to blend in with the kids from Gotham Prep. They announce that US AIR flight 19 to Gotham International is boarding in five minutes. She can hardly contain her excitement. Snow seems to feel it too. She almost leaps out of the bag Beth had to stick her into. Beth pours her some water in a shallow cup. I promise I ll find you some food soon or at least some milk, Beth says. Snowflake Purrs and licks Beth s hand.
The children start to board the last five rows of the flight. Beth manages to sneak into a Back Seat hoping no one notices that she s not a classmate. Meanwhile, the heroes notice the children. I think One of those Kids IS Beth, Dick says.
I think so too. I managed to take Pictures of the kids, Oracle says. She enlarges the picture.
That has to be her, Dick says.
Bruce examines the image and concurs. Batman sends a message to the others. We think we ve found Beth boarding a plane with some children from Gotham Prep returning from a field trip to the Island. We re taking the jet to check it out. If we re right, I ll send the jet back ASAP to collect the rest of you. If we re wrong, we will return and continue searching. In the meantime, I m booking you all rooms at an Inn on the island under your Civilian Ids. Everyone is to get a change of clothes in the jet. When she gets on the plane Beth keeps her promise and gives Snowflake a part of a chicken sandwich a sympathetic child gives Beth. She also gives Snowflake some milk.
Thank you. I lost My Lunch, Beth Claims to the girl.
I think I Recognize you, the child named Torry says. Of Course you do, Torry. I go to school with you, she says suitably looking at her nametag.
No. I think you re that missing girl. Mary Elizabeth Grayson, she says. I saw a report about you on the T. V. at the airport on the way to the island, Torry says.
OK you re right, Beth says. Please don t say anything to your teacher. I was kidnapped. I m trying to get home. I won t. Pinky Swear, Torry. I m glad you re ok, And nice to meet you. I bet your parents are looking for you. If anyone asks, you re my cousin Leann. My mom paid for an extra seat for the trip. I was supposed to meet my cousin there but she got sick; so you can be her. You look a lot like her, Torry says. Thanks, Beth says. BTW, this is my cat Snowflake. I can t explain how she got on the island. The last place I remember being before I woke up with that guy was a field trip at a museum. The two Girls become fast friends on the three-hour flight. They did girl talk and ate the whole time. They bonded over their love of Animals, mostly cats. When it s time to land, Torry helps her to evade detection again. They trade E-mail address And Hug. Beth sets about looking for her family or at Least a police officer.
I m starting to wonder if we were wrong, Babs says We haven t seen all the kids on the Plane yet, Dick reminds her.
A few minutes later, they hear a familiar voice behind them.
Mom, Dad, Grandpa! I m OK They turn around to see Beth standing there, alive and well. The Three embrace for what seems to be hours. They inspect her closely.
How did you get here on your own? Bruce asks. I used what you and what Aunt Selena taught me. She shows them the Catacombs. She then tells the whole story from the Van. Bruce records it For the Prosecution You behaved like a true Grayson and like a true hero! I think it is time to really begin your training with your parents permission. The end Epilogue: Amigo got a new home with Grandpa Jim. Tommy was transferred to Arkham temporarily. And Guess who was the cell Next to him! Hint: he s beginning to remember who his friend is and Tommy s In Double trouble. The evidence Beth Photographed Helped to close several missing child cases worldwide.
Author s note I m Sorry It took so long between Chapter I lost versions in hard drive crashes and got discouraged I hope anyone left enjoyed this.
While in the air, Tommy checks Beth s pulse several times. Good. I don t think the drug s affected her badly, Tommy says. He stares longingly at the child and plays with her hair. Beth is in peaceful but Drug induced slumber on a mattress in the back of the private plane. How long till we arrive on the Island? Tommy asks.
We need to refuel, and then it will be maybe an hour and a half. Will Banks, the pilot, says. He then tells Himself, If that Kid s his, then I m the Octomom s Kids' Dad, he thinks. Maybe I should just leave when I get out refueling. That guy gives me the creeps. When they land, Will tells Tommy, There s a nice store not far from here. You could get your daughter a gift. Watch her for me please? Tommy Says.
Will do, The pilot says But as soon as he s gone Will says to himself, I gotta go; something about this little girl seems too familiar and I don t want to get involved with a kidnapping or worse. Sorry Kid, I have to check this out. If it s true I ll send help, he says to a sleeping Beth. He exits the plane and runs off in the opposite direction Tommy went.
Twenty minutes later, Tommy is seen making hasty retreat from the store with angry locals yelling, Go away You Weirdo. He s also dripping wet with dirt clods stuck to his shirt. He is, however, carrying a stuffed animal and a sack with contents that seemed to have caused the uproar earlier. Snowflake rawls when she sees the stuffed dog Tommy bought. Amigo just yawns.
Now where d that pilot go? He mutters something unrepeatable under his breath.
Beth whimpers in her sleep, Mom? Dad? Everything s ok, sweetheart, Tommy says as he rolls her cot closer to the cockpit.
Beth sighs, then goes back to sleep.
The lazy slug didn t even fuel up before he deserted us, Tommy grumbles. Glad I actually have a pilot s license. I just wanted to be with you - no detractions- so I hired that so and so, he says to no one in particular. He refuels the plane then takes off.
True to Will s word they arrive on his private island s airstrip an hour and half later. He ties her wrists and ankles before he loads her into a gray van. The drive to his house, almost a compound, takes another half hour. He carries her up a slight hill and up the stairs to a room on the top floor. On the mainland, the heroes of the world converge on the Batcave. They re looking over evidence from Tommy s apartment and the museum. Decretive John Smith aka Martian Manhunter examines the reports from The BHPD AND GCPD. Batman is simultaneously being briefed by The FBI (as Grandpa Bruce Wayne) by phone and trying to avoid them.
As usual, The Feds are getting in the way, Batman grumbles as he puts down the phone. Oracle, what have you found? He asks.
Wong s Chinatown restaurant, She says. Sorry, old habit. Thomas Edwin Land inherited, among other things, a weekend house outside of Gotham. Thomas, Sr. and Sue also willed several million to their only child. They died mysteriously in a fire when he was 20. I m trying to find out where the other properties are located, She says.
We need a map to his cabin, Batman says. To Think I thought Oracle was a program, Flash says.
We need to get back on Track, Nightwing says. My daughter is still in danger. Yes. Sorry, Dick. I am taking this seriously. I love Beth like she s my family, Wally says. I'VE FOUND IT! Barbara says as she prints it out.
They head for the cabin, only to find it deserted. Batman picks the lock and the heroes enter. Flash goes to check the dumpster outside. Nightwing and Robin search the woods' weaponry at the ready. Superman, Batman and Donna search the inside of the cabin. Tempest does an underwater search praying he does not find anything.
Donna finds Tommy s stash of adult and child pornography. She starts destroying the cabinet with her energy beams. That bastard s toast when I get him, she says. Calm Down, Batman tells the enraged Amazon. At first, it is in vain, since she keeps up her destructive force. Finally, she says, Yes we need to look for clues. Now s not time for revenge. She bags up the disks.
Finally, Flash returns with a piece of notebook paper. He is wiping food from it to make the writing clearer. I found some numbers he says, almost too fast to be understood. He hands them to Batman.
When both Beth's father and Uncle Tim return, they are white as sheets. What did you find, son? Batman asks. He rarely uses such endearments when working; but of course, this is not an ordinary missing child case.
This, he says, handing him a bag with the clothes Beth was wearing the day she disappeared. This isn t necessarily as bad as it seems, the senior crime fighter says.
The younger man gives him a cutting look. Something about this blood does quite look right, he says, studying the small sweater and jeans. Batman cuts a section from the Jeans to analyze. He brings up Beth s DNA Profile for comparison.
I d almost forgotten you had Beth's DNA profile. At first I didn t see why you needed it but then I saw the wisdom, Nightwing says.
I do remember her Mother s reaction, Batman says. Mother Lion. ARSONAL asks, When this is over I may ask you to get a sample from Liam? Who says I don t have one already, Harper? He says. And yes, she was I don t know whether to thank you or file a restraining order, Roy says.
I d say thank you; and a restraining order wouldn t work. Nightwing tells his friend. Last time I checked he has The DNA of all of his allies, enemies, and family when available. WHAA? Roy says. Batman grimaces when the results return. Nightwing and the other heroes' faces drain of color when they see his reaction. Is it? Is she? Dick asks, afraid to finish his questions. No, it is animal blood. To be specific, a domestic canine, he says allowing himself to feel some relief. Dog s blood? Donna asks, having joined the group. The creep seems to think that could keep us from tracking him down. Even if we thought Beth was dead, we would look for her and him. He does not know her family. We would want his head even more He Has NO idea who he s crossed, Batgirl says, returning from searching the area around the Lake.
I have the feeling Beth can take care of her till we can get to her. Catwoman says over Batman s Com-link. I m just waiting for to tell me where to go next. I have serious doubts he would take a commercial flight. I heard rumors from my contacts about a guy willing to pay anything to fly him and his daughter to a small island off the coast of Cuba. It is still US Territory, though. One said the person made him sick to his stomach for some reason. This guy used to fence anything, no questions asked so he s dealt with some of Gotham s worst lowlifes. The guy he was talking about has to be Land. Oracle, do you know if Land owns any property on any islands? Batman asks.
Yes. Thomas Edwin Land inherited an estate on an obscure island called San Rosalina. He s practically the only resident, though there s a town on the Island. I have coordinates here. The Number The Flash found was for a small private plane rental service called Above It All None of the pilots seem to have criminal Records, she says .
I think Beth tried to contact me, He says. Roy plays a message. The only part that can be understood is a child s voice saying Uncle Roy? In San Rosalina, Beth wakes on a bed with pink sheets on white wooden frame and lacy canopy. The bedroom set looks a bit like the set George had at his home the room Looks a bit like her room at home but too cutesy even for her taste. She is wearing a satin-looking sleeping beauty gown. She would not feel as disturbed if she did not see the hospital style restraints on her arms and legs. The only sounds she hears are the plaintive purr of a cat - it is Snowflake, and a music box playing a lullaby.
A few hours later George comes in the room to check on his guest. He is armed with Peanut Butter Sandwiches for two and a can of Sprite.
You got sick on the Plane. I thought the Sprite would help. Try that first before you eat the Sandwich, He says. I got hungry and thought I would eat with you. I need to get some other food delivered this was all I had that was edible but I don t want Jade to know that. Beth s head is swimming with fear and confusion. She feels like she has been given some kind of drug. What does she know about him anyway? She seems to remember him giving her a shot when he caught her trying to call Uncle Roy. She wants to ask him so many questions but she can only form the question that is most important to her right now.
Where is my family? she asks WE arrived after the hospital ICU Visiting hours, but the only person I could get on the phone that spoke English said they were all stable. I ll take you to see them soon, He lies.
It is late, he says after they eat. Why don t I sleep on the day bed and let Snowflake sleep on the Bed with you? I will be here if you need me tonight, He says. As the child is drifting off, he climbs in her bed with him. Tommy Aka George attempts to undress Beth when he s assaulted By a white ball of fur. I should ve gotten her a new cat, he says. He finally grows tired of trying to loosen the cat of her iron grip and falls asleep. About 9:30, Tommy wakes up to Beth is gigging and saying Silly Kitty. She gently releases Snowflake s claws from his face.
I m Sorry, uh George, she says. It s ok. The scratches are not deep. I just need to clean them off. I do not think I ll Need to shave today. I guess she does not trust me yet He says. Snowflake hisses as if in Response. A few moments later Tommy Emerges from the bathroom with small bandages all over his face. My staff just got back. They are making Breakfast. Crepes, I think. Do you know what those are? If not, I can get my cook to make pancakes, He says.
Yes, I know what they are. My Mom makes them for after- Church brunch sometimes Just then, a man with reddish brown hair in a chief s outfit beckons Tommy into the kitchen. That child mentioned her family. I thought you and your friends stuck to children without families or distant -to-abusive parents who d be grateful for the attention. If you were bringing them here, there's less risk of getting caught the man says.
Not that it s any of your business Ronald, but her parents care more about position than her. She tends to make up stories of a better family life to console herself but she won t have to do that here. I really love this one, Tommy says. Sure, he mutters. Do you have the back corner behind the garden shed blacked off? With a high wall, there s no way she ll see unless she s trained by the Bat, he says.
Jade has done some gymnastics I think, but she is still a dainty little girl. She loves me. She wouldn t try to leave, he insists.
Still, I'd keep an eye on her, Ronald says After breakfast, George suggests they go out and play in his yard. Beth follows him out to the garden/play area, all the while watching her back. She s also looking for escape routes.
Something about George doesn t feel right, Beth thinks. Mom and Dad warned me about that man Tommy Land but they didn t show me a picture. This person's name is George, but still something is not right. I have to find out what s going on and find my family. She plays seemingly carefree on the slide and swings ; She just can t bring herself to let George push her which would involve touching her. She, Snowflake and Amigo run around exploring the vast land. The dog seems to be leading Beth somewhere. She sees a high Brick wall. She s about to try to climb it when she hears George. Don t try to climb that wall. There's a big patch of poison ivy and thorny plants there. The gardener can t seem to get rid of. Beth obeys But has a feeling there's more there, maybe the answer to why she feels so uncomfortable with this man or at least find a way off the property so she can try to find out if George is telling the truth.
They play until about noon when Ron says, Anyone wants Lunch? Hamburgers and French fries! They run to the main house and wash up. He lets her eat in the living room and watch a movie. This one seems to be the type he didn t let her Watch Back home. About five minutes into it, he notices she s uncomfortable.
I m sorry you aren t comfortable with this type of movie yet, he says and puts on a normal Movie. Want to go swimming later? Tommy/ George asks. Maybe, Beth replies.
He goes into the kitchen and returns with what looks like grape juice. Want to try grape juice the way adults drink it? He asks. Beth tries a sip, and then goes back to her cola. He can tell Beth does not like the wine and says, It's OK. Some adults don t like it. Secretly he thinks, That didn t work; if she doesn t accept my love right away I might have to use the drug again. I probably won t; she likes me and obeys well. Later, Beth asks, May I pretend to be your cat after I take a short nap? It's a little cool for a swim. He Smiles lecherously. Beth goes in the bedroom to take a nap and to think.
Something still doesn t feel right, Beth says to herself. I'll take a nap any way. I am leaving tonight; hopefully I can find my way home. George s Story never Made much sense, she says looking though The night gowns he bought for her. Most are cotton tee shirt like gowns. However, in one drawer she finds A Little Mermaid gown that almost looks like a wedding gown.
It s so cute but she thinks back on the other things she s seen since she woke up in the strange cabin, with holes in the both bathroom wall and the bedroom in the cabin. The weird cartoons in both houses. The Walled off Area. Finally, the wine here. The next things she sees really give her the shivers. She saw something like them before in her mom's drawer when she was looking for things to play with. When she showed her mom, mom blushed. If they mean what she thinks, she will have to leave sooner than she thought.
Beth thinks, I need to at least act like I m taking a nap. She closes the door and locks it from the inside. She decides, I ll need the Catacombs' combs Aunt Selena gave me for more than just decoration soon. She takes them out of the drawer and places them on her bed. She lies down for a little while, maybe even falling asleep.
An hour or so later, She wakes up and brushes her hair then puts the combs in her hair. Time for the best acting job of my life, She says as she walks in the living room.
She spies Tommy on the couch and begins her performance. Meow, I m Your Kitty! She hops into his lap and rubs up against him as Snowflake does.
There you are, Duchess. I think I ll call you that when you re playing Kitty. Do you like that Sweetie? Tommy asks.
Beth rubs up against him, not breaking character.
Tommy picks her up and strokes her as if he would a cat at first. He gets lower. Beth goes for her combs. The Sex offender doesn t seem to notice a threat. How cute, he says. HE keeps smiling until he tries to take off Beth s undies. Beth springs into action before he can get any further. She digs her combs into his neither regions. Snowflake follows her mistress s lead, digging her claws into his eyes. While he s incapacitated, Beth grabs her cat and the cell phone Tommy took from her and heads for the Door. Amigo just looks sad and pants. Do not worry Amigo, I will send someone to take care of you, Beth says as she runs out the door. She keeps running until she reaches the walled area. She knows she doesn t have much time but has a feeling she should see what s behind the wall.
She s surprised how quickly she climbs the wall. When she gets there, she sees stones with Years carved in them. They almost look like grave markers but with just a date on them. Did he kill all those people or are they relatives buried on the property like Grandpa Bruce s Parents and Dad s Real parents? She doesn t have time to think about that now but She takes a picture with her cell phone in case it s important and then Climb the wall again. Back on the mainland, the rescue party has a strategy to deal with Tommy.
Are you sure we can trust him? Roy asks. Do you think he s stable enough to be trusted to not use the chemicals On the Surrounding town? Nightwing asks.
He won t be administering it; one of us will Batman Says. His one Condition was he gets to see the results of his work somehow. He will be supervised. All we have to do is pick it up in its spray form. It should terrify him but not cloud his mind so much we can t question him. The Courier from Arkham should Be Dropping off the vial soon, then we ll go to the unmarked Jet Batman Says. Are there any volunteers to go to the private island? I, Roy says I, Catwoman says I, Donna and Diana say.
I, Wally says. I, Superman says.
I, a younger voice says. Harper, what s your daughter doing here? Batman Says.
She begged me when She found out what Happened to Beth, besides good practices Understood, but you look out for your Own kid, Batman says Understood, Roy says as if he s talking to an Army General Of course, all of the Bat Family chooses to go.
The rest of you are on standby unless there s another emergency, Robin Says. The slime ball won t know what hit him. Robin, even though this Case is personal we ll use the same code of ethics as always. Batman says sternly.
I have my own code, Roy says. Batman just looks at him and doesn t say anything.
I have my toys ready when the jet s ready, Roy adds. A half hour later, the bat-signal shines in the sky. A daytime rarity. I ve been summoned, Batman says. Hopefully it s what we need, Batgirl says.
It has to be. The commissioner wouldn t bother me right now, otherwise. The Batman climbs to the top of Wayne Towers at Noon.
It took all night for Crane to complete it, I m told. I was uneasy dealing with him; but if you say It ll help bring Beth home I d deal with the devil himself. Just bring her home. By the time James hands him the bottle and is though speaking, Batman is gone as usual. Twenty minutes later, the rescue team s on the plane heading to the island. Everyone is sitting down with The exception Of Dick and Roy who are pacing. Catwoman is seated but nearly shredding Wally s seat in Front of her. Oracle is downloading a blueprint of the vacation home.
OK guys, we need to go over the Print, Barbara tells them.
Everyone with exception of Batman, who is flying the jet, gather to go over plans for the Mission. Nightwing, you and Batman will search the west wing of the house. Robin, you and Cassandra will cover the east end. Superman, you cover the air, of course, Roy, you And Wally cover the grounds. Diana and Donna, you both cover the South end. Catwoman, you cover all points north including trees and towers. Batgirl, you cover the water and wooded area. Lian, you stay here! , Barbara says. Batman has divided the Fear gas into separate bottles for each of you. Report in when you find anything or anyone. Is the plan satisfactory with you, boss? Yes but if anyone finds clues suggesting Beth is elsewhere, head there and tell the rest on the way or when you arrive. Two more things: do not turn off your trackers. Do not Waste the fear gas on Land s staff, Batman says.
Beth keeps running until she finds a town with a store. She looks for her wallet in her side pack. I should probably buy some things like a toothbrush and Toothpaste, Beth Says. She goes into the store. Hi, I need a toothbrush, tooth paste and a hairbrush. She sees a travel Bag and Picks it up. Great, a hair travel kit. Don t need that one. I don t need Hairspray. There s the one I need. A dental kit. Great. If it takes a while to find help, I ll get hungry. She finds some trail Mix and couple of bottles of water. She pays for the things, then goes outside to pack her bag. Now, we have to look for an airport or Boat. I know you hate traveling, but I ll be there, Beth says to snowflake. Snow just purrs to soothe herself. Beth explores the rest of the town with one eye on the lookout for danger. She finds a small airport that supports small commuter airplanes and private jets. Most of the people there are business people and the occasional family on vacation. She looks around for any way to get home. She spies a group of children about her age with an adult guard. Boys are dressed in royal blue tee shirts and shorts Holding Coats in their arms; The Girls Dressed In soft Lavender tees and shorts. Beth looks at her clothes. She s dressed the same as the girls.
The teachers shirts say Gotham Prep. Great, I hope they re going home. They must be. They re carrying coats; it s warm there. I ll just blend in and get home that way. When I get there, if I don t find mom and dad I ll go to the police station. They can probably tell me if what George said is true. She joins the group of kids. Luckily, they re wearing nametags if she has to talk to them. At the Land compound, Roy interviews Ronald the Chef. Where s your Boss, Baker Boy? I, I can t remember seeing him since Lunch, Ronald says with a trembling voice.
Arsenal lifts him up higher. Does this clear your mind? Flash races over to his friend. You re being too rough on him. Too rough on him? He doesn t know rough. He s lucky I m not Batman or Nightwing. Roy says, Wally, Remember the code. It s his code, not mine. In addition, the code goes out the window when a kid s in danger. I doubt The Bat will follow the code if he gets a hold of him.
Point Taken, Wally says. We need to figure out to do with him. Can t let him go, he s most likely an accessory. Suddenly, an arrow flies in their direction and pins Ronald to a wall. Will that do? A voice says. Lia, I mean Speedy, Arsenal says to his daughter. Perfect Shot, Baby! As much as I respect Oracle, I couldn t stay in the plane and wait. She s my friend, the young hero in training says.
Ok, stay with us, Roy says.
Meanwhile, Batman and Nightwing meet Robin and Batgirl; in the woods, they follow a train of blood with fear in their hearts. There is also torn fabric. To their shock and relief, they find out it is Tommy s. He is covered with claw marks and Blood. Despite his injuries, he s able to wander around calling Jade. Batman shouts, You aren t going anywhere The heroes surround him. Bruce spays Him with the chemical. Despite the fact part of them would rather him bleed to death, they apply First aid and notice the wounds aren t life threatening. However, the ones to his crotch might limit his usage. Suddenly, the fear potion seems to kick in. Batman turns on the Cam. Tommy sees a vision of a little girl; the first child He attacked You ruined my life. You ruined Mommy s Life, She Says. She turns to a bloody Skeleton. As soon as she disappears, he sees his Parents. They Scream, We loved you. We did everything We could For you and betrayed us with your Monstrous acts ,then murdered us!
Next, a Group of children seems to rise from the makeshift graveyard. A little girl about 6 with Blue eyes And Red hair in a Bloody yellow dress says, you Swore you Wouldn t let him hurt me, But he killed me. I m sorry Gracie. I m really sorry, Tommy says to the vision.
A Young boy about seven says, You didn t kill me. You just let your Friend kill me. That makes you just as guilty. Choruses of ghost Children add their accusations to the voices in Tommy s head. He tries to block out their voices with Visions of Beth but Every time he thinks of touching her screams are added to the others. When the Heroes are finished bandaging him He curls up in a fetal position, whimpering. He s still in that condition when the local Police carry him away.
Oracle, we have some good news. Land has been carted away, Batman says.
Good, I think we re needed elsewhere. I tapped into his Security Cameras and saw Beth Leaving the house and the grounds. Batman types a coded message to the team: Prey caught. Assemble here two miles S.W. of the main house where the stone wall can be seen. It doesn t take long for the message to be received. Roy and Lian arrive first with The Flash s help, Then Diana and Donna follows. What s going on? We still have to finish searching the house, Roy says. Oracle, show them, Batman says. Barbara plays the security footage. Now what do we do? Robin asks.
There are two ways to leave this island; Airplane or boat. There are two boat services. One mostly carries cargo; the other, Passengers. I want you to interview someone at all of them. Nightwing, Oracle, and I will go to the one airport. Bruce Wayne will call for a service with Wheelchair accessible vans To Take his Son, Daughter In law, and himself to the airport. When Any Team Finds Beth, they will contact the rest. Remember to keep an Eye out in the town, also. She may not have reached a boat service or an airport. At the airport, Beth somehow manages to blend in with the kids from Gotham Prep. They announce that US AIR flight 19 to Gotham International is boarding in five minutes. She can hardly contain her excitement. Snow seems to feel it too. She almost leaps out of the bag Beth had to stick her into. Beth pours her some water in a shallow cup. I promise I ll find you some food soon or at least some milk, Beth says. Snowflake Purrs and licks Beth s hand.
The children start to board the last five rows of the flight. Beth manages to sneak into a Back Seat hoping no one notices that she s not a classmate. Meanwhile, the heroes notice the children. I think One of those Kids IS Beth, Dick says.
I think so too. I managed to take Pictures of the kids, Oracle says. She enlarges the picture.
That has to be her, Dick says.
Bruce examines the image and concurs. Batman sends a message to the others. We think we ve found Beth boarding a plane with some children from Gotham Prep returning from a field trip to the Island. We re taking the jet to check it out. If we re right, I ll send the jet back ASAP to collect the rest of you. If we re wrong, we will return and continue searching. In the meantime, I m booking you all rooms at an Inn on the island under your Civilian Ids. Everyone is to get a change of clothes in the jet. When she gets on the plane Beth keeps her promise and gives Snowflake a part of a chicken sandwich a sympathetic child gives Beth. She also gives Snowflake some milk.
Thank you. I lost My Lunch, Beth Claims to the girl.
I think I Recognize you, the child named Torry says. Of Course you do, Torry. I go to school with you, she says suitably looking at her nametag.
No. I think you re that missing girl. Mary Elizabeth Grayson, she says. I saw a report about you on the T. V. at the airport on the way to the island, Torry says.
OK you re right, Beth says. Please don t say anything to your teacher. I was kidnapped. I m trying to get home. I won t. Pinky Swear, Torry. I m glad you re ok, And nice to meet you. I bet your parents are looking for you. If anyone asks, you re my cousin Leann. My mom paid for an extra seat for the trip. I was supposed to meet my cousin there but she got sick; so you can be her. You look a lot like her, Torry says. Thanks, Beth says. BTW, this is my cat Snowflake. I can t explain how she got on the island. The last place I remember being before I woke up with that guy was a field trip at a museum. The two Girls become fast friends on the three-hour flight. They did girl talk and ate the whole time. They bonded over their love of Animals, mostly cats. When it s time to land, Torry helps her to evade detection again. They trade E-mail address And Hug. Beth sets about looking for her family or at Least a police officer.
I m starting to wonder if we were wrong, Babs says We haven t seen all the kids on the Plane yet, Dick reminds her.
A few minutes later, they hear a familiar voice behind them.
Mom, Dad, Grandpa! I m OK They turn around to see Beth standing there, alive and well. The Three embrace for what seems to be hours. They inspect her closely.
How did you get here on your own? Bruce asks. I used what you and what Aunt Selena taught me. She shows them the Catacombs. She then tells the whole story from the Van. Bruce records it For the Prosecution You behaved like a true Grayson and like a true hero! I think it is time to really begin your training with your parents permission. The end Epilogue: Amigo got a new home with Grandpa Jim. Tommy was transferred to Arkham temporarily. And Guess who was the cell Next to him! Hint: he s beginning to remember who his friend is and Tommy s In Double trouble. The evidence Beth Photographed Helped to close several missing child cases worldwide.
Author s note I m Sorry It took so long between Chapter I lost versions in hard drive crashes and got discouraged I hope anyone left enjoyed this.