Clark went to work the next day and was confronted by Lois.

"So where were you yesterday?" asked Lois.

"I was with a friend," replied Clark.

"I knew it. While I was here working you were out having a rendez-vous with some pretty bimbo you met."

"It wasn't like that Lois."

"No, then what were you and you're "friend" (Lois made air quotes with her hands) doing."

"I took him to lunch and we talked, not that it's any of your business."

"Him? I didn't know Clark."

"Lois, go away. I really don't need this."

"Sorry Kent, I was just . . . what's wrong with you anyway?"

"I'm worried about my friend."

"What's wrong with him?"

"I don't know, and that's part of the problem."

"And people say I'm nosy."

"This isn't me being nosy, Lois. I wouldn't mind if he didn't tell me something if I knew he was okay or if I knew he was talking with someone else about it. But he never talks to anyone about anything, and that's not healthy. I know he's going through something. I just wish he'd let me help him."

"Hmmm."

"Any advice?" asked Clark.

"My advice, just stay on him. Treat it like a news story and don't give up. However, be prepared that you might not like the story you get." Having said that, Lois walked away from Clark's desk.

Clark took Lois' advice. He decided to interview some sources, so he called Alfred.

"Hello, Wayne Manor," answered an old British voice.

"Hello, Alfred? It's Clark Kent," said Clark.

"Hello Mr. Kent. I'm afraid Master Bruce isn't here."

"I actually wanted to talk with you, Alfred."

"Me, sir? Whatever for?"

"Well, it's about Bruce."

"What about Master Bruce?"

"Have you noticed any strange behavior from him recently?"

Alfred paused for a few seconds then answered, "Why do you ask Mr. Kent?"

"Well, I've been kind of worried about him recently. No one's seen him in a while and, well, it seems to me like something is bothering him. Of course, he won't tell me what it is, but I was hoping maybe you could shed some light on the situation. Have you noticed anything different in his behavior?"

"To be perfectly honest Mr. Kent, Master Bruce has been acting rather strangely. However, he hasn't confided anything in me."

"Well, could you tell me when you started to notice his strange behavior?"

"It was probably a month ago. I'd say it was around the time you all broke up that crime ring."

"Really, alright, thank you Alfred."

"I'm sorry I couldn't be any more help, Mr. Kent."

"Don't apologize Alfred, you've helped more than you know."

"Mr. Kent, might I ask what you think is bothering Master Bruce?"

"I really don't know Alfred, but I do intend to find out."

After Clark finished with Alfred he called Dick Grayson, formerly known as, Robin the Boy Wonder, now also known as Nightwing.

"Hello."

"Hello, may I please speak with Dick Grayson?" asked Clark.

"This is him."

"Hello Dick this is Clark Kent. Do you know me?" asked Clark. Clark wasn't sure what, if anything, Bruce had told Dick about him. There was no sense in blabbing his secret identity unnecessarily, so Clark decided to play it safe.

"Sort of. You report for the Daily Planet in Metropolis, right?"

"Right, but I'm actually calling on a personal matter."

"Personal?"

"It's about Bruce Wayne."

"Oh, what about Bruce?"

"Well, Bruce is a friend of mine and I've been concerned about him."

"Concerned? Why? Is he sick?"

"No, well he has some broken ribs that are healing, but that's not why I'm concerned. I'm convinced something important is bothering him but . . ."

"But he won't say a word about it."

"Exactly," said Clark. There was a long pause in the conversation. Clark was just about to ask if Dick was still on the line when Dick spoke.

"Mr. Kent?"

"Yes," said Clark, there was a very brief pause in the conversation.

"Red and blue, right?" asked Dick. This time it was Clark's turn to pause as he processed the hidden message.

"Yes."

"Mr. Kent . . ."

"You can call me Clark."

"Clark, I know better than anyone how tight lipped Bruce can be, and to be honest we haven't had much contact recently. Not enough for me to know what's going on with him. But I can give you some advice on how to deal with it."

"That would be great."

"Bruce doesn't respond well to direct questioning. You've got to let him know you understand something's wrong without saying it directly. He's a hard man to figure out, but if he wants you to understand, he'll let you."

"Thank you, Dick."

"No problem. Bye Mr. Ke . . . bye Clark."

"Goodbye Dick."

Clark hung up the phone and thought about what Dick said. Perhaps he had been going around this the wrong way. Clark was used to open communication. He had a great relationship with his parents and friends, but he understood that this was not the only way to communicate. Bruce was sometimes called the Detective. Maybe the secret to opening him up was deciphering what little clues he left. It wasn't going to be easy, but Clark knew it was worth it.

Meanwhile, Bruce was becoming even more distant. Not only had anyone not seen nor heard from Batman, but Bruce Wayne started missing days at the office. He spent most of his time locked up in his room. Now, more people were worried about him, but the billionaire remained silent and withdrawn when questioned. After weeks of investigating what might be upsetting Bruce, and more weeks of unreturned phone calls and e-mails, Clark paid Bruce a visit.