The Batcave
10:43pm
"Eduardo Gonzalez. Thirty seven. Former lieutenant of Black Mask who ran operations based in Latin America." Bruce Wayne, now the Batman announced to his costumed first ward, Dick Grayson, now Nightwing as the Batcomputer produced a picture of the middle aged man. "His body was found under the bridge in Gotham City Park five hours ago. However I know his body only surfaced there."
Batman typed in a few more keywords causing another screen to pop up.
"His autopsy reports lacerations on his fingers and face induced by shards of copper and aluminum." He paused " Dermatology reports his skin had been exposed to high concentrations of radioactive wastes..."
"So he was killed in the Industrial District?" Nightwing assumed as he ran a hand through his jet black hair.
"Specifically the docks," Batman replied "But the Steel Mill beside the site utilized uranium ore in the 1930s. Producing, K-65 residue which contaminated the nearby water. The same substance was found in his dermal layers."
"The Steel Mill is one of Black Mask's main bases." Nightwing commented. "Why would he kill his own lieutenant?"
"He usually eliminates his men when they don't follow orders," He said in his trademark baritone voice. "He has something planned."
"Dick, you and Tim are on patrol tonight. I need you two to keep an eye on the Docks and the Steel Mill. Investigate and report anything that comes up."
"You got it boss," Grayson snapped his fingers and pointed them in his direction. Bruce hated to admit that his typical, vigorous attitude always lightened the mood, even in his darkest days.
Nightwing was about to turn away from his mentor but a thought came to mind.
"Bruce…" He began. "What's going on? With Tim?"
Batman faced his ward, his ordinary and intimidating expression was still on his face. But to those who knew him, it changed to that of worry.
"He's distracted, Dick." He folded his arms "Him and Barbara are getting too close. Sooner or later, it's going to get in the way. He won't be making the right decisions. He'll become rebellious, erratic" He bowed his head. "He'll end up like…"
"Don't…"
"Sometimes I wonder if it was a mistake replacing him." Regret claimed the fatherly side of the legendary vigilante. "I don't want to watch another Robin die because of me."
Dick stared at the naked mannequin in the glass panel that should have held his successor's costume.
The costume of Jason Todd.
A strong sense of grief overwhelmed him. 'Whelmed' was just an understatement. He already lost his parents. Now he had to suffer the grief of losing a brother as well.
"We learn off of past experiences don't we, Bruce?" Grayson spoke "No matter what happened. No matter how much we hate what happened. No matter what we could've or should've done. We can only learn. Besides," he faced his mentor.
"A Batman will always need a Robin."
The Caped Crusader stood there, his expression still stone cold. He turned towards the Bat Speedboat as he pulled the cowl over his head.
"Where are you going?"
"Meeting. Justice League."
"Never knew the Watchtower moved underwater."
Batman didn't reply. He jumped into the vehicle, revved it to life and was gone.
