Murder
The shower is a nice place to think.
…
…
…
Starfire had grown…
I wish too meet her more, catch up with proceedings…
Speedy… never saw that coming, eh, Dick?
…
And the dream…
It disturbs me.
I do not take my dreams lightly.
Maybe-
"Ah!"
Damm.
Cold water suddenly replaces the warmth. Much to my Body's protest.
I exit the shower.
…
I pull on a towel and exit the shower, heading for-
"There was a murder tonight."
I bit back a girly scream. Dick was standing at the doorway.
"Stop doing that, Nightwing." I drone. He raises an eyebrow at my lack of response.
Bastard.
"How's Starfire?"
"She's fine. What if I had strolled into my room nude?... wait a second… my room. You are sooo dead…"
He grinned and motioned towards the doorway. He wasn't in yet.
Damm technicalities.
"If you strolled in without the towel… I would be highly amused."
"You are annoying me, Nightwing. That is not good for your health."
"I'm sure it isn't."
"…… what's this about a murder?"
"Mmmm… yes, a girl was found in Central Park. Strangled. Clean and quick."
"… Do you know who she is?"
I head into the closet. To dress.
"No. not yet. She about your height, weight, age… skin and hair color."
My head jerks at him. My eyes narrow.
"And…?"
"She was wearing a blue cape and leopard."
Weelll… at least now, so am I…
"Damm……"
"Do you want to see the pictures?"
"No."
"Yes, you do."
"Dick, unlike you, my inner Sadist does not rule me."
"Funny." He takes out a photograph. "It's real interesting. Mark of Scath carved into the palms and all."
That gets my attention pretty good.
Bastard.
"Give me the Photo."
"I thought you weren't interested…?"
"Give. Me. The. Photo. Now."
He smirks and gives me the Photograph.
"Dear Azar…"
The mark of Scath was burned into her palms, Arms, Head… everywhere… She lay in a grassy patch, the park, wearing my costume, Arranged as though she was sleeping… arms folded behind the head…
"Anything?"
The mark of Scath…
"N-no… who did this?"
"If I knew, would I be asking you?"
"You must have an idea…"
"No. Neither do the police… Disgruntled Boyfriend?"
"… No smart ass-ness, Nightwing. Not now."
"She was chosen, Raven. Chosen for slaughter, she was strangled. Methodically dressed up… as you."
Pause.
"……"
"Rife with symbolism, this one. She was positioned in a sleeping position. The Marks were methodically burned in; it must have taken hours…"
He looks at me. Piercing.
"..."
I say nothing.
"Do you know what this is about?"
"No. Do you?"
Mocking.
"You're Parentage, of course."
He pauses.
Scrutinizes me.
I stare him down.
"Destiny catches up, Dick, Sooner or latter."
Silence.
Ring! Ring!
The phone. He answers it.
But he didn't answer me.
"What? Yes… Yes… I'll be there, ASAP."
Click.
"This guy is fast, State Street, another one."
He heads for the door.
I follow him.