a/N: Sorry folks, forgot to post the last part of this story.

The Devil's Sister

Two weeks later, after Tim and Samantha come back from a brief honeymoon, Tim and Dick go shopping for Christmas when both are kidnapped and taken to Chicago where they meet the devil's sister, Victoria Devlin.

Part 37: The Verdict Is Rendered

Everyone watched as the judge re-entered the courtroom with the papers in hand. He straightened his robe then sat down. Once everyone else was seated, he began his deliberation after looking around the courtroom. He wasn't sure if Gordon had placed his men in position yet, but he would have to risk it

"This case has been, quite a surprise," Judge Wilkins stated. "Never in my life on this bench have I had such a battle for custody. Usually it is between two parents in a divorce. Usually the issue of custody is very clear. On one hand we have a man seeking custody, offering a home to a teen who's records were destroyed in a fire. On the other hand, we have another who has come forward claiming to be the brother of that teen. I need to decide what is best for this teen."

The judge looked around once more and saw two plain clothed police officers move into place behind Nathan Devlin. His speech was to by some time, knowing what he already knew and the decision he was about to make. He looked over toward Timothy, and saw the pleading look in his face. He then knew his decision would be the right one. He could make it with confidence.

"This judge has decided to award custody to, Richard Grayson . . . "

The court exploded with cheers.

"No!" Nathan rose to his feet. "I was supposed to get custody!"

"You did it, Dick," Samantha said. "You saved my husband."

Tim was stunned and overjoyed. He covered his hands and wept with relief.

"Order!" The judge pounded his gavel on the bench. "Order, or I will have this court room cleared."

"We need to get out of here," Nathan said to his lawyer.

They tried to push through the crowd and the two officers blocked their path, one of them holding up his badge. "Nathan Devlin, you are under arrest."

"Timmy," Samantha rushed forward through the crowd and over to where Tim sat. She flung her arms around him.

"Order!"

Dick Grayson approached the bench. "I wouldn't worry about it Judge. "I'm just glad to have my brother back. You made the right choice."

"Well, to be honest, it was Batman who helped me to see that I would have been making a terrible mistake."

"Batman?"

"Yes, but that's over now. I just need you to sign some papers in my chamber."

"I'll be happy to," Dick replied. "There is one question. What about my brother's marriage. Is that going to affect him?"

"Does he have the original marriage certificate?"

"His wife does."

"Then there is no need for that to chance."

"Thank goodness," Dick replied with a broad smile. "He'll be glad to hear it."

"Now, everyone, settle down," the Judge said. "I may have rendered my verdict, but there's more to be said."

Dick moved back to where his lawyer sat, and the crowd in the courtroom settled. Samantha went back to sit in the gallery.

"Now, Mr. Grayson," the Judge began. "You know what your responsibilities will be?"

"Yes, your honor," Dick answered, as he turned to face his brother who still sat on the low bench. "I do."

"Then you may take your brother home."

Tim exploded off the bench and raced toward Dick. He leapt into his arms, squeezing him for all he was worth. Tears of joy were streaming down his face. He should have known that Dick wouldn't let him be adopted by the very man who kidnapped him, but now their secret was out.

"Easy, Timmy," Dick said, rubbing his brother's back.

"You told everyone," Tim said.

"I had to. You're my brother and it's time I acknowledge you to the world."

"But what about . . . "

"About what?"

"Never mind," Tim said. "I'm glad you came for me. You came when it counted."

"I've got one thing to do first, then we can go home, but you need to get down."

"Oh sorry." Tim climbed down and Dick led Tim to the Judge's chamber. Judge Wilkins was waiting for them. He had the papers on his desk. Dick walked over and took the pen and signed his name on the custody papers.

"You keep the originals. These will be scanned into the computer and sent to the appropriate offices for filing."

Dick held out his hand and the judge took it. "Thank you, Judge Wilkins. I don't know what to say."

"If you remember, I was the judge who resided on the bench when Bruce Wayne petitioned for your adoption some years before. Back then, a man who was single couldn't adopt, but there was a loophole."

"I became his ward," Dick answered. "I remember."

"How is Mr. Wayne?"

"Well, I can say with absolute certainty, after today, he's fine. And he's more than just my guardian, Bruce is also my father, too. He made it official by declaring me his son, and heir."

"I'm glad," the Judge replied.

"Okay, Timmy, you ready to go home?"

"I sure am," Tim replied.

Dick, placed his arm around Tim's shoulder and he led Tim out of the judge's chamber. Dick went over and shook the hand of the lawyer who represented them.

"I never caught your name," Dick said.

"Matt Murdock," the lawyer answered when he pulled a white rod out of his briefcase. It unfolded and revealed that it was a cane.

Dick was surprised to learn that the lawyer who represented him was actually blind.

"Don't look so surprised," Murdock stated. "I may be blind, but I'm not deaf."

"How did you . . . ?"

"You gave a small squeak. My hearing is quite sensitive. I've been to this court house before. I know my way around, and you needed someone who could help you as soon as possible."

"Well, I'm glad. You probably saved my brother's life. What do I owe you?"

"My fee has already been taken care of," Murdock stated. "Maybe we'll meet again."

'That phone call, Bruce made,' Dick thought. 'He knew I was going to need a lawyer. And he was there waiting in the office.'

Dick watched his lawyer leave the courtroom. He could see through the doors of the courtroom that there were several paparazzi waiting outside. Samantha fell into step with them and when they exited the courtroom they were suddenly surrounded. Dick handled the reporters with ease, smiling to the press, and to the cameras, holding onto his brother the whole time. Off to the side, a haggard woman stood watching them. Tim broke off to say something to her.

"Prudence."

The woman turned toward Tim.

"I know you did your best to take care of me, and I know it was out of fear from your husband. You don't have to stay with him."

"I know. My husband left. I figured it out. He never came back that night. And I'm sorry I didn't stop him from hurting you."

"It's all right," Tim said. "You were afraid."

"No, it's not all right. I could have done something, and I didn't. I'll be leaving Gotham, and going to live with my sister. Then I will be divorcing him."

"I'm glad," Tim said. "You deserve better."

"Thank you." Prudence walked away disappearing in the crowd.

Dick approached Tim and led him back to the car. Samantha was already in the car waiting for them.

"Who was that woman?" Dick asked.

"She took care of me," Tim said.

"I'm glad. Let's go home."

End

A/N: Next Story To Be Announced