"Looks like they found Marko and everyone else" Jason said watching the crime scene from a distant CCTV camera
"Marko didn't know where the shipment was, but he did offer us something else"
Marc then showed reports from the internet. From hero blogs to conspiracy theory sites, a scarce few matched what he was looking for.
"We won't learn anything from these" Marc said tapping a few keys
A list of contacts appeared, but Jason couldn't read them as it disappeared. A ring tone echoed as the computer attempted to make contact.
"Yes" a deep voice spoke
"I need your assistance"
"May inquire for what purpose?"
Jason assumed the two had worked before. Staying quiet waiting for the exchange to end.
"Black Mask, he has personal making drugs in large amounts I need to know who" Marc explained
The call went silent with not a word spoken. Soon reports, maps and criminal records popped up randomly.
"In the last 48 hours Mask has been sending his men out in search of your target, but the identity of this individual has not been spoken maybe one of your other contacts could help you narrow it down" he answered hanging up
The high pitch tone echoing as they finally hung up. Marc retreated to a changing room, but Jason trailed behind.
"Who the hell was that?" He asked
"A contact that worked for SHIELD" he answered
"So what now?"
"We go hunting"
Gotham
The gang war in New York seemed to have gotten worse. Days go by and not a single piece of good news. Word made it to him that his former protege had teamed up with the Crescent Crusader.
"Jason" Bruce whispered as he saw recent images of Redhood appeared on his terminal
"An interesting development I dare say" Alfred spoke standing by Bruce's side
"I've had Jason under watch, but to think he'd land in New York and fight alongside Moonknight" he explained worry evident in his voice
Alfred remembered the young man when as his time as Robin. Hot-headed, violent different than Dick Grayson in everyway. Glancing at the news reports, New York was getting weaker and weaker due to this gangland war.
"This Moonknight character needs to end this, before there's nothing left"
New York
In civilian attire the younger of the two was shocked to see the man under the mask. He seemed rather normal for a lethal vigilante. The wear and tear could be seen, he seemed much older as well. Walking down the street the two stopped at a red light.
"So who are we meeting now?"
"Someone who has a ear to the ground" he answered this time with a stronger New York accent
"Ok... where we going?"
"You'll see"
Gina's Diner
Outside Jakes popular food joint, sat an old man begging for coins. Clothes ratted, dirt covering his entire outfit, hair gleaming with dirt and grime.
"There he is" Jake whispered
Jason scanned the area unable to spot who he was speaking of. Approaching the old man who looked up.
"Well if it isn't Jake Lockley... haven't seen you come by in a few days" he spoke in a old and tired tone
"Hey Crowley" Jake spoke lighting a cigarette
Taking a drag soon after puffing out the smoke in sigh.
"Oh um Jay this is Crowley, Crowley this Jay" he introduced
"Jay, you a cabbie too?"
Jason glanced coughing due to second hand smoke.
"Yeah" he answered quietly
"So how bout instead of us freezing our asses our here like animals, and instead go in and have a bite" Jake suggested
Crowley wasting no time grabbed a muddy cardboard sign. Entering with the two sitting in a booth.
"Hey Jake, Crowley, and who might you be?" Gina greeted approaching with a notepad
"Oh I'm Jay"
"Well welcome to Gina's Diner, I'm Gina and what will you be having today" Gina asked clicking her pen
"I'll have coffee, eggs, bacon and hash browns" Crowley answered
"Just coffee and maybe some potatoes" Jake answered
"Same with eggs though" Jason agreed
"Alright, be back in a bit" she said leaving
Gina left as another waitress brought their coffee. Each one took a sip of the hot drink quietly enjoying it.
"So Crowley what brings this far so early?"
"I was kicked out of my usual spot at the park" he answered
At the same Gina came with their plates, setting down each carefully.
"Why?"
"Some those assholes with masks said if I didn't I wouldn't live to see 80" he answered digging into his meal
"Well they're right either if you keep on that got damn smoking" she suggested
Crowley waved her off while chewing on a piece of bacon.
"But besides that Crowleys right a lot of'em have hanging around there"
"What for?"
"No idea, but my son said he saw a few of them take someone down into the sewers" she explained leaving for another table
"She ain't wrong, I know a few folks who used the sewers as shelter, forced out" Crowley added
The two now knew where they would be going next. Jason just hoped that he wouldn't bring the smell with him later.
"Did you see who they took into the sewers?" Jason asked abruptly
"Don't know, but he sure was a skinny fella though kept a burlap bag over his head" he answered
Jason and Jake glanced at each nodding in agreement, scooting out the booth.
"Eat anything you want tell Gina to put it on my tab" Jake said patting Crowley's shoulder
"Thanks"
Outside the fall wind began to get chiller at the minute. Walking down the street they returned to their conversation.
"So you don't have contacts of spies or anything?"
"No"
"Why not if you're going to be doing this shouldn't you have the best helping?" Jason inquired
"No, the little people see more and who's going to give a diner owner and a homeless any mind" he retorted
Drug Lab
"Where am I?"
The man sat in a dank room that smelled of shit and piss. Struggling with his restraints, handcuffs police issue. Sudden sound of foot steps echoed as Black Mask and his two enforcers came out.
"Dr. Crane long time"
"Sionis an unexpected surprise"
Slowly approaching Black Mask threw a punch. Spitting out blood with a groan as he sat up.
"Listen here freak show-"
"Freak show? Ironic coming from you" he joked
Black Mask stared for a moment, snapping his fingers. Tombstone walked behind then gripped Crane by the neck. Struggling to get out the hold, unable to being restrained.
"Speak when spoken to, now here's the deal... I need you to start manufacturing my shit" he explained as he waved to let him go
"Why me?"
"Cause you're more efficient and your skills are favored to me, do your part and I'll make sure you have enough to work with" he explained
Crane smiled as the thoughts of enjoyment ran through him.
Base
Marc and Jason returned as gearing up for the night. The sewers were a large system of tunnels. It would take days before they found the lab. Though they needed to in order to stop Black Mask.
"You sure you're ready with that broken foot?" Marc asked tightening his gauntlet
"Don't worry, I'll do just fine" he answered putting a full clip I to his pistol
"Then let's go"