A Matter of Life and Death, chapter 9
By Marcie Ann Gore. Rated PG
Story Summary: Bruce reacts to Gordon's revelation and they
plan the ransom drop. Will they reach Dick in time?
Bruce you don't have to hide from me anymore. I know you're Batman. I've suspected
it for sometime. Your behavior toward the man you suspect kidnapped Dick is the final
proof to me. You acted like an angry, protective father, not a crime fighter, who barely
knows Bruce Wayne or Dick Grayson, Jim says.
"Jim he seems to take every case personally. He got so angry when I showed him the
picture of Dick tied up in the closet. He got even worse when I showed him the video
they sent of him being beaten," Bruce tells him.
" I don't know maybe he's that kid, Nightwing's father. He and Dick seem the same age.
Maybe it just hit home for him. Till then it never hit me that Batman might have a
family. Of course till recently I thought he was just some kind of urban myth. I even
Wondered if you made him up" Bruce says, wondering if he sounds convincing
"Now Bruce, you can't fool me, we've known each other for years I started figuring out
your secret about the time you took Dick in. He was your first Robin, I'm almost sure. I
saw home videos of The Flying Graysons. Dick did things I only saw one other person
do, Robin. He was so strong and flexible to be so small. . I've heard Nightwing can do
those same things," Jim says sounding amazed. Another thing, Dick left town about the
same time Robin was shot. Did your fears finally get the best of you, so you let him go
for his own good?" Jim asks.
"How long did the boy stay mad at you? I know Dick can be stubborn but he does have
tender feelings. I had a feeling despite what the press said Robin didn't die THAT time.
Both of you seemed lonely without your shadow around. Then Jason came into your life
and Robin reappeared in Batman's. This version was not only younger but more
streetwise. Jason lived in Crime Alley until you adopted him, right? When Jason died, I
noticed that Robin also disappeared again. During that time. Batman didn't seem to care
what happened to himself anymore or about the unwritten rules of conduct he's held
almost sacred for most of the time I've know him. Do I need to bring up your parents? I
knew from the time I first met Batman some kind of trauma had to have molded him into
the man he is. I can only imagine how your parents' murder effected you; you were just
8. Did you blame yourself even though you just a child. You couldn't protect them, so
you dedicated your life to protecting other innocent people?'
"Yes, Jim everything you said is true. I am Batman, Bruce tells him. When I was injured
a protégé of mine took over for a short time. He didn't work out for reasons you know
well. Then I asked Dick to take over until I could get back in peak condition I was so
proud of him, I always have been, but did I tell him? I haven't told him enough. It's been
even longer since I've told him I loved him.'
"Bruce you have to believe you will have time to make it up to him when we find him,
Jim says. I will have plain clothed officers in the area of Robinson park tonight. They will
arrest them when the money changes hands. I think between you and me we can get them
to reveal where they're holding Dick. Mr. Johansson told my men about the house on
Carter drive where he maybe. If Dick isn't at the drop that is the first place we will look. I
won't tell anyone else what we just discussed. I will keep your secrets for the rest of my
life, I promise you that, my friend."
"I will have Bullock and Montoya put a tracer on the phone and monitor it in case they
call back with last minute instructions, Jim tells Bruce. I know you probably have a tracer
but we can't use yours. It would look strange for you to have one as Bruce Wayne."
" I agree Jim. You don't know how many times I thought about telling you my identity.
One reason I didn't before now is I didn't want you to risk your life to protect MY
identity. I also knew if I did tell you, you'd figure out Robin and then Nightwing's
identity from that. I wanted to protect his privacy, Bruce tells him.
"I know I work outside of the law and there are times I do things you have a hard time
trying to defend, even to yourself, but I will not do anything to betray your trust in me.
Most of all I will not do anything that would get Dick killed. I've put him in danger too
many times already."
" Bruce you know, I know what it's like to love a child who's not biologically yours.
You love Dick like he's your son. You would give your life for him; I'd give mine to
protect Barbara. I just don't want you to take unnecessary chances against these men.
During the ransom drop you won't have the reputation of Batman behind you as Bruce
Wayne. You can however defend yourself and Dick, of course. We will do all we can to
protect you too," Commissioner Gordon says.
"I understand that Jim. I'm willing to take any risk to protect my boy, and put those
Psychos behind bars. They've tortured Dick already and I want to get him away from
them before they do much worse. Johansson said they'd already dug two graves. That
sent shudders down my spaine when I heard it. Before I saw the tape and heard that, I tried
to tell myself they just wanted money. I deluded myself although I knew Joe wanted
revenge.' Bruce says.
The phone rings and Bullock hits the record button on the tracer. Bruce waits three rings
before he picks up. "Hello," Bruce says in a calm steady voice.
" Listen closely Wayne, I'll say this slowly so you can understand me. I'm sure your PI
told you that the drop was moved to Robinson Park, instead of the junkyard. Meet us by
the fountain in the center of the park, at exactly midnight it'll be my partner, your boy,
me and you. Come alone or you'll have a really good view of your boy's last minutes on
Earth, maybe even yours. Then again killing you might be too kind. I could make you
live with the memory of how you couldn't save another person you care about, for the
rest of your life." Joe laughs menacingly then hangs up the phone.
Jim announces they were able to trace the call. It originated from 308 Carter Drive. If
Dick isn't at the drop like he said he'd be that's the first place we'll look. At 11pm the
police officers return to help Bruce make last minute preparations for the drop. They all
put on bulletproof vests. They remind him, that they will be in unmarked cars behind
bushes just outside of the park. Then Bruce gets in his Porsche and goes to the drop.
He's at the park in 10 minutes, as soon as he reaches the fountain a voice behind him
tells him to drop the gym bags and kick them behind him. He does what he's told and
then demands to know where Dick is.
Joe and Tony unlock the back doors of a metallic blue van. They untie me and pull me
out of the van. Joe says, enjoy the time you have together, it might be short. I make my
way to Bruce slowly on my broken leg. I've never been so happy to see him. We are
about to hug when I hear a gun being cocked just behind Bruce. We both try desperately
to get the other out of the line of fire. Several shots are fired and we both hit the ground.
TBC
By Marcie Ann Gore. Rated PG
Story Summary: Bruce reacts to Gordon's revelation and they
plan the ransom drop. Will they reach Dick in time?
Bruce you don't have to hide from me anymore. I know you're Batman. I've suspected
it for sometime. Your behavior toward the man you suspect kidnapped Dick is the final
proof to me. You acted like an angry, protective father, not a crime fighter, who barely
knows Bruce Wayne or Dick Grayson, Jim says.
"Jim he seems to take every case personally. He got so angry when I showed him the
picture of Dick tied up in the closet. He got even worse when I showed him the video
they sent of him being beaten," Bruce tells him.
" I don't know maybe he's that kid, Nightwing's father. He and Dick seem the same age.
Maybe it just hit home for him. Till then it never hit me that Batman might have a
family. Of course till recently I thought he was just some kind of urban myth. I even
Wondered if you made him up" Bruce says, wondering if he sounds convincing
"Now Bruce, you can't fool me, we've known each other for years I started figuring out
your secret about the time you took Dick in. He was your first Robin, I'm almost sure. I
saw home videos of The Flying Graysons. Dick did things I only saw one other person
do, Robin. He was so strong and flexible to be so small. . I've heard Nightwing can do
those same things," Jim says sounding amazed. Another thing, Dick left town about the
same time Robin was shot. Did your fears finally get the best of you, so you let him go
for his own good?" Jim asks.
"How long did the boy stay mad at you? I know Dick can be stubborn but he does have
tender feelings. I had a feeling despite what the press said Robin didn't die THAT time.
Both of you seemed lonely without your shadow around. Then Jason came into your life
and Robin reappeared in Batman's. This version was not only younger but more
streetwise. Jason lived in Crime Alley until you adopted him, right? When Jason died, I
noticed that Robin also disappeared again. During that time. Batman didn't seem to care
what happened to himself anymore or about the unwritten rules of conduct he's held
almost sacred for most of the time I've know him. Do I need to bring up your parents? I
knew from the time I first met Batman some kind of trauma had to have molded him into
the man he is. I can only imagine how your parents' murder effected you; you were just
8. Did you blame yourself even though you just a child. You couldn't protect them, so
you dedicated your life to protecting other innocent people?'
"Yes, Jim everything you said is true. I am Batman, Bruce tells him. When I was injured
a protégé of mine took over for a short time. He didn't work out for reasons you know
well. Then I asked Dick to take over until I could get back in peak condition I was so
proud of him, I always have been, but did I tell him? I haven't told him enough. It's been
even longer since I've told him I loved him.'
"Bruce you have to believe you will have time to make it up to him when we find him,
Jim says. I will have plain clothed officers in the area of Robinson park tonight. They will
arrest them when the money changes hands. I think between you and me we can get them
to reveal where they're holding Dick. Mr. Johansson told my men about the house on
Carter drive where he maybe. If Dick isn't at the drop that is the first place we will look. I
won't tell anyone else what we just discussed. I will keep your secrets for the rest of my
life, I promise you that, my friend."
"I will have Bullock and Montoya put a tracer on the phone and monitor it in case they
call back with last minute instructions, Jim tells Bruce. I know you probably have a tracer
but we can't use yours. It would look strange for you to have one as Bruce Wayne."
" I agree Jim. You don't know how many times I thought about telling you my identity.
One reason I didn't before now is I didn't want you to risk your life to protect MY
identity. I also knew if I did tell you, you'd figure out Robin and then Nightwing's
identity from that. I wanted to protect his privacy, Bruce tells him.
"I know I work outside of the law and there are times I do things you have a hard time
trying to defend, even to yourself, but I will not do anything to betray your trust in me.
Most of all I will not do anything that would get Dick killed. I've put him in danger too
many times already."
" Bruce you know, I know what it's like to love a child who's not biologically yours.
You love Dick like he's your son. You would give your life for him; I'd give mine to
protect Barbara. I just don't want you to take unnecessary chances against these men.
During the ransom drop you won't have the reputation of Batman behind you as Bruce
Wayne. You can however defend yourself and Dick, of course. We will do all we can to
protect you too," Commissioner Gordon says.
"I understand that Jim. I'm willing to take any risk to protect my boy, and put those
Psychos behind bars. They've tortured Dick already and I want to get him away from
them before they do much worse. Johansson said they'd already dug two graves. That
sent shudders down my spaine when I heard it. Before I saw the tape and heard that, I tried
to tell myself they just wanted money. I deluded myself although I knew Joe wanted
revenge.' Bruce says.
The phone rings and Bullock hits the record button on the tracer. Bruce waits three rings
before he picks up. "Hello," Bruce says in a calm steady voice.
" Listen closely Wayne, I'll say this slowly so you can understand me. I'm sure your PI
told you that the drop was moved to Robinson Park, instead of the junkyard. Meet us by
the fountain in the center of the park, at exactly midnight it'll be my partner, your boy,
me and you. Come alone or you'll have a really good view of your boy's last minutes on
Earth, maybe even yours. Then again killing you might be too kind. I could make you
live with the memory of how you couldn't save another person you care about, for the
rest of your life." Joe laughs menacingly then hangs up the phone.
Jim announces they were able to trace the call. It originated from 308 Carter Drive. If
Dick isn't at the drop like he said he'd be that's the first place we'll look. At 11pm the
police officers return to help Bruce make last minute preparations for the drop. They all
put on bulletproof vests. They remind him, that they will be in unmarked cars behind
bushes just outside of the park. Then Bruce gets in his Porsche and goes to the drop.
He's at the park in 10 minutes, as soon as he reaches the fountain a voice behind him
tells him to drop the gym bags and kick them behind him. He does what he's told and
then demands to know where Dick is.
Joe and Tony unlock the back doors of a metallic blue van. They untie me and pull me
out of the van. Joe says, enjoy the time you have together, it might be short. I make my
way to Bruce slowly on my broken leg. I've never been so happy to see him. We are
about to hug when I hear a gun being cocked just behind Bruce. We both try desperately
to get the other out of the line of fire. Several shots are fired and we both hit the ground.
TBC