AUTHOR'S NOTE: I got an email recently wondering about the age of Robin. I kinda gave a general age, when I placed him in the victim age range, but I guess I would label Robin in the story at the high end of the range, maybe 14 or 15. Hope that helps, in case anyone else wanted to know.
Chapter 10
It seems like days have gone by when, in fact, it had only been a couple of hours since Batman had found out that Robin had taken the Batcycle out. Concerned about the welfare of his partner, Batman has finally thought of a way to find Robin.
Sitting down in the Batcave with part of the tracking system on the table in front of him, Batman begins to recalibrate the system to a radio frequency. Hearing the sound of footsteps behind him, Batman waits for Alfred to join him at the table. Not turning to face the older man, Batman continues to alter the tracking device.
"Anything, Master Bruce?" asks Alfred, his voice worn with worry and fear.
"If I can alter this tracking device to detect the comm system in Robin's belt, I might be able to find him," says Batman, without looking up from his work.
"I pray that it will be in time," says Alfred, closing his eyes for a moment before reopening them.
So do I, thinks Batman, not allowing himself to think of what might happen if he does not arrive in time.
………………
Not able to keep his head up any more, Robin rests his chin on his chest. His eyes staring at the ground, Robin can't help but notice the pool of blood gathering under him. The more recent whipping had occurred only a few minutes ago. Still recovering, Robin feels his strength draining away with the blood the runs down his back.
A noise from behind draws Robin's attention. Raising his head from his chest, Robin tries to look around though he can't see a thing behind him.
"Still awake?"
The sound of footsteps follows the voice as Malory steps in front of him.
"You aren't so cocky now, are you?" sneers the thug.
"I still have enough strength to kick your ass," replies Robin quietly.
Raising something in his hand, Malory strikes Robin in the face. Feeling the sharp sting of leather, the Boy Wonder watches as Malory draws the riding crop away. As blood spills from his split lip, Robin says nothing to the man in front of him.
"You're no better than the other little fuckers he's killed," sneers Malory. "Soon your cold corpse will just be another victim for the statistics."
Striding away, Malory throws the riding crop to the ground.
Closing his eyes, Robin lowers his head once more. Only this time, it is to pray.
