Chapter 3

As dawn's first lights were streaking across the sky, Dick Grayson lays quietly in bed. Hearing at last his mentor coming up from downstairs, Dick waits only a moment more before slipping out of bed and walking out of his bedroom. Glancing up and down the hall to make sure it is clear, Dick heads for the secret entrance for the Batcave.

Checking once again to make sure no one is watching him, Dick raises his hand to the clock. Setting the clock to the time that Bruce's parents were murdered, the clock opens up. Slipping a hand inside, Dick pushes the clock open and creeps into the passageway.

Walking quickly downstairs into the Batcave, Dick wastes no time. Striding over to the Batcomputer, Dick opens the most recent files that Bruce had been working on. By the third file, Dick finds the information he's looking for.

So, this is what Bruce and Gordan were talking about! Homework, my ass! Bruce wants me off this case because all the victims are my age.

Leaning back in the chair from the 'computer, Dick quickly thinks about what he should do with this new information.

Bruce didn't want me to know about this. But dammit! I'm tired of him thinking he has to protect me!

Reaching forward, Dick closes the file he was reading. Standing up, Dick leaves the Batcave and heads upstairs to get ready for school.

Slipping back into his room to change his clothing, Dick leans against his closed door for a moment.

I'll show Bruce. I'll catch this guy all on my own. Won't he be surprised!