What We're Made Of

by Shortiethegiraffe

Richard doesn't come downstairs for breakfast before school one day. When Bruce checks on him, he finds an empty room with a note saying Dick had to keep Bruce safe. From what? That is what Bruce is determined to find out when he launches into an investigation to find his missing son. (Starts out as fluff, but pay attention it turns into plot.)

11. Part 1 Chapter 6

Chapter 6

9:58 PM January 16th 2011, Mount Justice

I swiftly make my way into the lounge area of the base. The Team is sitting around, tending to their minor injuries. Superman, Green Arrow and Flash are with the teens, wanting to make sure their protégés are fine after the battle. Aqualad is sitting on the floor, leaning against a couch inhabited by Kid Flash, Artemis and Green Arrow. Superboy and M'gann are resting on the couch across from the television with Clark sitting on the arm rest next to Superboy. Zatanna is laying on the third couch, having a cut on her leg looked at by Flash. Black Canary had some arm pain so she went to the med bay to get it checked on.

Storming up to the team, I grab Superboy by the shirt and force him to stand. Connor is too stunned to react when I slam him into the wall. I hear gasps behind me and Clark yell "Bruce!"

"You were the one to give Dick the code, weren't you" I growl at the boy.

Connor doesn't respond, he just stares with a shocked and fearful expression. I have my Kryptonite ring on, so his powers aren't going to be much help for him.

A strong hand grabs my shoulder, pulling me away from Superboy. Clark holds me back and angrily asks "What the hell are you doing?"

I knock the man off of me and snarl, "Did you know?"

"Know what?" Clark snaps.

"He" I point to Superboy "is the one who gave Dick the code."

Superman freezes. He slowly turns his head and asks in a gentle yet serious voice, "Connor, is that true?"

"I…I" the boy falters.

"Yes he did. He also knew Dick was at the motel." I turn and growl at Connor "You were going to meet him there, weren't you?"

Connor again doesn't respond. Instead he continues to stare, his eyes shifting between Clark and me. The expression on his face is stoic but I can see a hint of panic in his eyes.

"That's why you were so distracted during training" Wally says getting up from his seat, an angry expression covers his face.

"Connor, why?" Clark asks dismayed.

"They told me they had to leave" Connor says calmly.

"So you listened to them!" I yell. Clark holds me back from taking a threatening step towards the boy.

Connor holds up his hands in surrender, "They said the reason was important."

"You just let them leave without a real explanation!" I snarl.

"I trust them" he explains desperately. "I don't know why, but I do. I trust both of them. When I saw Dick trying to carry Jasmine to the zeta beam, something told me to help them. It was a feeling. It's…it's hard to explain."

"A feeling!" Wally yells. "You did all of this based on a feeling! You saw what shape they were in, and you let them just leave!"

Connor flinches at his teammate's angry remark. "I gave Robin the number to my cell phone in case they ever needed help. This afternoon he called me at school, we were going to meet up at the motel later to talk."

"Why didn't you tell us Connor" Superman asks sadly. "We would have helped Dick, you wouldn't have gotten into trouble."

Connor gives his mentor a skeptical look about the last statement and says "Robin made me promise not to tell anyone he was in Happy Harbor. Believe me, I tried to convince him into returning to the mountain with me."

Anger takes over every inch of my being. A thought pops into my head. I glare and ask "Why were you late for training?"

"What?" Superboy asks confused.

"Why. Were. You. Late?" Connor's face goes back to the slightly panicked look, but he keeps his mouth shut. I growl "You were with him, weren't you?"

He gulps and answers "Yes. We met up after school was out."

"Why?" Superman asks, trying to understand his clone.

Connor hesitates then answers, "Urien had just captured Jasmine a few days ago, I'm not sure how. But Dick was freaking out. That's why he came here to see me. He wanted my help to try and rescue her."

"Why would he ask just you?" Wally mumbles. Half angry, half hurt.

"I don't know. I tried to convince Robin that we should let the League or Team help, but he refused. He said I was probably going to be involved eventually, so it didn't matter if I he told me everything."

The room goes silent. My heart skips a beat at the explanation. "You know what is going on? You know why he left?" I ask hopefully.

Superboy gives me an apologetic look, "I'm sorry. Dick only told me a few things. My phone went off saying I had to get back to the cave for training. We didn't want you all to be suspicious, so I left before he could explain everything. That's why I was going to meet him later."

"What did he tell you?" I ask demandingly.

He looks between Clark and me, "I think you two already know."

My blood freezes, Superman tenses up next to me. The three of us exchange knowing looks. Clark has a pained expression on his face, not happy with finding out Connor was hiding a secret from him and Connor knowing he was keeping a secret from the League and Team.

I state, "We will discuss this more in private." I grab Connor and begin escorting him out of the room, Clark following right behind us.

"WAIT" Wally yells. He runs over and blocks the exit, making us stop in our tracks. "What is he talking about? You two are hiding something from us?"

"Move" I order. Wally stands firm. "Barry come get you partner, now."

Barry says in an irritated voice, "I'd actually like to know the answer to his questions."

"I agree" Oliver adds, crossing his arms. "And I'm sure the rest of the League will too."

The team gives us a mix of reactions. Artemis, like Wally and the two mentors, looks furious. Kaldur and Zatanna are shocked, not knowing how they feel. M'gann is giving Connor a heartbroken look, has been since Connor said he trusted both Dick and Jasmine.

I take in a deep breath, thinking about my next move. Before I can come up with a plan, Clark puts a hand on my shoulder and says "It's time to tell them Bruce."

Taking in another deep breath, I begin to accept the inevitable. He is right, the time to tell the League and Team was a long time ago. "Fine."

12:00 AM January 17th 2011, Watchtower

It took maybe half an hour to gather up everyone. The members of the Justice League who have been involved with this whole ordeal all came as quick as they could after receiving our message. At first they were happy to find out there was new information. But attitudes quickly changed when speaking to the Team, Barry and Oliver.

We all gather in the conference room. Diana, Clark, Connor and Selina join me at the front by the monitor. I can tell they are all a bit nervous and tense about telling everyone about the secrets we have kept. Connor seems to be very uncomfortable; his teammates aren't helping with their angry glares. I am still furious at the boy for what he has done, so for the moment I don't care how he is feeling. Although I do realize I am being a bit of a hypocrite. Clark is split between trying to comfort the boy and dealing with his own disappointment and hurt.

So far I have shown the League and Team footage from the mechanic shop when Jasmine first demonstrated her powers. I then continued to show small clips of Dick's drastic appearance change and explain how Clark, Diana and I personally saw Dick shape shift. To say the group was shocked would be an understatement.

"How long have you known about this?" Black Canary asks, still recovering from the shocking news.

"Since the incident at the garage" I answer.

The room stares at the monitor, trying to process all the information they were just told. I notice Zatanna in particular has a strange look on her face, like she is trying to recall something. Wally turns to Conner and asks.

"Is all this what Dick told you?"

Superboy answers "Yes."

I raise an eyebrow and add "Is this everything he explained to you?"

Conner hesitates, "No. He also told me that Joey and Urien both have some powers, not like Dick or Jasmine's though. Apparently theirs are mental, I'm not quite sure how though. Dick was kind of hysterical when he was explaining everything."

"Did Dick tell you where Joey is? Why hasn't he been around?" Selina asks.

"He didn't say." Connor begins to explain "I didn't get too much information, like I said earlier Dick was too freaked out. That's why he was going to stay at the motel until I got back, to calm down."

"How about Urien, did Dick say anything about him?" Superman asks.

"Not much. Like you thought, Urien is Dick, Jasmine, and Joey's father. They ran away when Dick was a baby. After everything that has happened, I can see why" Connor mumbles the last part.

The confirmation of Dick's biological father icily sinks in. I knew it was the truth before, but I didn't want to believe it. A part of me still hoped Dick was a Grayson and for some reason Jasmine and Joey weren't acknowledged by Mary and John. An unrealistic and complicated hope, but this entire ordeal has been strange.

"Do you know why Urien was after them?" Green Arrow asks.

Dinah gives Oliver an exasperated look, "Because they are his children" she hisses.

"Well" Oliver waivers, trying to find a way to explain. "Remember how he talked to Jasmine back in the garage footage? Urien doesn't seem to have any paternal care towards her and probably feels the same way towards Dick considering he referred to him as a 'brat' and not his son. If he hated the kids so much, don't you think he would have stopped trying to find them a long time ago? They must have done something to piss him off real bad. And remember, Urien had told his men that Jasmine wouldn't be 'much use' for a few days. He's got something planned."

"Or he's just a crazy bastard" Clark adds, glaring at the monitor presenting a picture of Urien from the garage. "He shot his own daughter for heaven's sake."

"I've dealt with crazy" I state. "Urien is a lot of things, but crazy isn't one. For a while I thought he was, but he is too determined. He isn't going around causing destruction for the fun of it while having somewhat of a plan to execute like the Joker or the Riddler. Everything he has done so far has been for a reason, capturing Jasmine and Dick."

"Whenever he shows up, his goons trash the place" Barry points out. "If all he wanted was the kids, why wouldn't he just grab them and leave? Why have his men cause a big commotion?"

"To distract anyone trying to help" Connor states, begin to understand where I'm going.

I nod, "Think about it. If it was just Urien at the auto shop trying to grab a couple of fighting teenagers, the workers would have probably stepped in to protect the kids. In Las Vegas Superman, Wonder Woman and I could have taken him on if we weren't busy fighting his henchmen and other distractions." Clark stiffens, knowing what I meant with my last word.

Connor adds "It took our team plus Black Canary to save everyone from the motel. Then you also took on some of his goons when fighting Urien. If they hadn't been there, we could have easily saved Dick."

Artemis speaks up "But Urien was causing trouble in Gotham before all of this. Why?"

"I don't know" I say.

She continues, "And why didn't he just grab Dick then? Why wait until he ran away with Jasmine?"

"I don't know" I answer more gruffly.

"If the last time Urien saw Dick was when he was a baby, Urien might not have recognized him. At least not until Jasmine and Joey started meeting up with Dick" Superman states.

"How did Dick end up with the Graysons anyway?" Oliver asks. "Did they know about all of this?"

"Doubt it" I state. "John Grayson's brother said the couple adopted Richard from an orphanage in Austria. I looked into it, apparently it was run by a bunch of nuns and burned down a couple years after the adoption."

"So Jasmine and Joey just left a superpowered baby with no idea how to control his powers in the hands of people who have no idea what he is or how to help him" Oliver declares peeved.

"What are you trying to say?" Superman glares.

Oliver frowns, realizing the comparison he has accidently made. "Your parents were trying to save you from a dying planet Supe. You didn't have some psycho villain after you. Jasmine and Joey didn't pop up in the circus until Dick was six. What if Urien had found him before that, Dick would have been defenseless."

Connor blurts out, "They probably had reasons."

Half the room raises an eyebrow at Superboy's outburst, confused by his defensiveness. M'gann grumbles just loud enough for everyone to hear "Jasmine always has a reason." Connor's face reddens at the comment.

Wally glares at Superboy, "I still don't get why Dick chose to tell you everything. No offense Connor, but some of us are a lot closer to him than you."

Superboy sighs, "I told you, I don't know why Dick decided to trust me with all this. Honestly, I didn't think he would ever call me after leaving the Watchtower."

"It's because you were the one to help them leave" Roy snarls. "If you didn't do that, Dick wouldn't have been captured by Urien. He'd be here in the medical bay, safe."

"You don't think I know that!" Connor snaps. "I don't know why I did what I did. I've been beating myself up trying to find a reason. Dick and Jasmine told me they had to leave and…I don't know…I…"

"Trusted them" Roy interrupts, rolling his eyes.

"I…I don't…I" Connor stutters, starting to look defeated. He sighs, "I wasn't thinking."

Superman tensely places a hand on Connors shoulder, "It's okay Connor."

"No it's not!" Roy angrily yells, standing up. "It is his fault Dick got captured."

"ROY!" Oliver yells, marching over to his son to calm him down.

Roy pushes away Oliver's attempts. He continues "Dick was obviously not in the right state of mind. How could you just let him leave? You saw how hurt he and Jasmine were, Jasmine had just woken up from a coma! No wonder she had gotten captured, we didn't even know if she could stand yet her back was so injured! You thought it was a good idea to let them both just walk out the door!"

Oliver pulls Roy back into his seat, stopping him from continuing his rant. Oliver hisses something at his son, quiet enough so nobody else can hear. Connor looks almost broken. He has suddenly taken an interest in the conference room's floor and can't tear his eyes away from it. Clark is rubbing Connor's back, trying to comfort the boy.

I sit back and watch this all unfold, not sure how to react. While I share many of the same feeling as Roy, I also feel sorry for Connor. No matter how much anger I have at the boy, a part of me understands his confusion. His explanation also sounds somewhat alike to Superman's about what happened in Las Vegas. By the look on Clark's face, he is thinking the same thing. Neither of them know why they acted the way they did and they were both convinced into it by someone with these mysterious powers. Deep down, I know there is more behind Connor's actions than poor judgment.

The others in the room sit in an awkward quiet. Nobody wants to be the one to intervene on Roy's fuming or Connor's inner breakdown. Wally was about to join Roy in his tantrum, but was held back by Barry and Artemis. M'gann is avoiding looking in Connor's direction while Zatanna can't stop staring at him. Everyone else are watching with shocked eyes at the uncomfortable episode.

Selina breaks the silence and asks Connor "Any idea where Urien is keeping Dick or the others?"

Connor shakes his head and whispers dejectedly "No."

'Well' I think to myself. 'Back to where I started, having no idea where to even start looking.'

7:17 PM January 18th 2011, Gotham Royal Hotel

I frown at all the socialites around me. Selina is beside me, joining in on my misery. We really shouldn't have come to this gala, but Lucius had emphasized the importance of the cause it's supporting and the fact that I haven't made a public appearance in quite a while, so Selina and I decided to go. A decision we are both regretting. Usually we can make it through these things with little difficulty, but today we are just not in the mood to be fake happy around these people.

For the most part, other guests have steered clear of us, sensing our bad mood. But every so often some idiot politician or businessman and their bubblehead of a wife make their way over and try to start a conversation. Selina and I plaster on some smiles to appease the couple, acting as if we are perfectly okay when underneath we are both going through turmoil. The conversation usually starts with an enthusiastic greeting from the couple followed by comments about Wayne Enterprises (something they heard on the news most of the time), next questions about when we will finally 'tie the knot' a question we are used to answering. 'We are waiting for the right time.' Finally the conversation reaches it's most difficult moment, when they ask about Dick. Selina and I again wear our fake smiles and say he is liking his new school and we talk to him every day on the phone. The entire time, it's killing me that I'm at this stupid event when I could be looking for Urien so I can bring my son home.

Dick loved these galas. Even after the first one went so horribly, Dick has always loved going to these events. He made friends with quite a few of the other teenagers who attend and has been accepted by most of the adults, especially after gaining his bit of fame. All night he would bounce around talking and laughing with the other guests, goof off with some friends or try to flirt with a girl. The memories only make my want to leave more prevalent.

"How much longer do we have to be here?" Selina drones.

"Too long. It's only been about forty-five minutes."

She groans. The whine intensifies when we hear a high pitched voice yell "Selina! Why didn't you tell me you were going to be here!?"

"Kill me" Selina whispers. I smirk as we turn to see Courtney Ellis walking over with an exaggeratedly fake smile on her face.

"Courtney!" Selina says pretending to be excited to see the woman. They exchange a hug, during which Selina rolls her eyes. "When did you get here?"

"Willy and I arrived an hour ago. It is so nice to see you. You too Bruce" she winks at me.

"Hello Courtney" I respond unenthusiastically. Last thing I want to do is encourage this woman.

Courtney returns her attention to Selina, "It is so boring at Gotham Academy functions without you there. When is Richard going to be returning so we can have you back?"

"When Dick's current school thinks it is able to live without him. They just don't seem to want to let him go" Selina smiles, hiding the venom in her voice.

"I don't know how you could let Richard go like that" Mrs. Ellis says with a fake sweetness. "It would kill me having Attyson so far away. But I guess it is easier for you since Richard is adopted, and if I'm not mistaken Selina you don't have any rights over him, do you?"

Both Selina and I glare at the woman. "We miss him very much Courtney and wish he were here with us now" I growl at Mrs. Ellis, the only thing I can do to stop myself from strangling her.

The woman gives me a skeptical look and continues "I'm just saying…"

"Go away Courtney" Selina snaps. Mrs. Ellis is about to argue, but quickly scurries away when she sees Selina's furious scowl. Selina looks over at me and says "Forgot how much I hated that woman."

"You should have seen her in high school" I respond.

Olivia Arnold appears next to me and adds "Yeah Selina. She was actually worse as a teenager."

Selina genuinely smiles at her friend and gives her a hug. Olivia laughs and says "Haven't seen you around lately stranger." Pulling away from the hug she greets me "Hey Bruce."

"Good evening Olivia" I nod. "Where is Jerry?"

"Jerk is home sick with the flu" she smirk. "I think it's just allergies, but Jerry is convinced he is dying. So he got to stay home with the kids while I had to come here solo."

"How is Tara and Johnny doing? I haven't seen them since them lately" Selina asks.

"They are fine, Tara is learning to drive much to Jerry's dismay. How about Dick? Is he liking his new school?"

"He is fine" I lie.

"That's good" Olivia smiles. She frowns "What was Courtney saying earlier that had you two in a twist?"

Selina scowls, "Just Courtney being herself. Except this time she added how we probably don't care about Richard being so far away for school since he's adopted."

Olivia's eyes angrily widen. She rolls her eyes "Don't let her get to you Selina. She only wants to get a rise out of you."

"I know" Selina mutters under her breath.

"Besides she has been on a high horse ever since Don made that big deal" Olivia adds.

I ask her "What deal?"

"You didn't hear? He bought a bunch of property downtown. Apparently some business moved out of Gotham and sold all their buildings for cheap. Mr. Ellis bought all of it and sold it for a high profit."

"What do you mean a business moved out of Gotham?" I inquire.

Olivia shrugs, "It was some foreign company. They had a branch here for a while run by some guy named Stormwell. Suddenly one day they just closed down shop and left, leaving only the buildings behind. But it wasn't until recently that they decided to sell all the property."

"No reason why?" Stormwell, where have I heard the name before?

Olivia leans in closer and says softly "The property is in Crime Alley." She looks around, making sure nobody is listening in and continues "Jerry has told me a few of the rumors floating around what exactly Stormwell did. The front was some bank, but apparently there was some other business going on in the back."

"Like mob business?" Selina asks. Olivia nods and Selina inquires "What family?"

"I'm not sure, nobody really knows. Jerry has heard a few names, Raco, Russello, Radice, Riccone, something like that. Apparently the Falcone family knows them. The building was owned by Stormwell but the family used it."

"Did you say Russello?" I say hurriedly. Selina's interest also peaks next to me. Suddenly Stormwell's name finally connects in my mind. He's took over Tony Zucco's job after Zucco was sent to jail. I couldn't track him down since he only appeared on paper, so eventually Gordon had written him off as a ghost.

Surprised by our sudden reaction Olivia answers "Yes. Why, have you heard of them?"

Selina and I exchange a knowing look. "Once" I answer Olivia. "It's been nice seeing you again Olivia, give my best to Jerry."

"You're leaving?" she asks confused. "It's only seven forty."

"We know" Selina hugs her friend goodbye. "I'll see you again soon."

We quickly make our way out of the party, leaving a puzzled Olivia in our wake. As we wait for the car to be pulled up by a valet, Selina whispers to me

"Any idea where Valcone is?"

"Shouldn't be too hard to track him down, he is probably at his mansion. Getting him to talk is another story, especially if he plans on being as cooperative as Zucco or Haly."

-A few hours later-

As I suspected, Carmine Falcone is sitting in his office. I easily slip past his guards and security system, making it into the house unnoticed. Falcone is looking over some paperwork at his desk, scowling at the document in front of him.

Soundlessly I drop onto the desk. Falcone shrieks from shock and pushes his chair away. After taking a second to recover, he sneers "What the hell do you want Bat."

"I'm looking for information" I growl.

"Why would I help you?"

Giving him my best glare I continue "Tell me what you know about the Russello family?"

Falcone's hateful expression drops as his eyes grow wide, "No way. I'm not getting on that boss's bad side."

"So you know him" I state.

"Every mob boss from Italy knows him. We all also know it would be crazy to cross him."

Grabbing Falcone by the shirt, I stand on the desk. Falcone's legs dangle in midair. I hiss, "I'm getting real sick of hearing that answer."

"Put me down!"

"Tell me what I want to know" I demand.

"Why does it even matter; Russello left. He's probably back in Italy already."

"When he kidnaps two children, it becomes of my interest."

Falcone's eyebrows raise a bit, "Black hair blue eyes?"

"What?" I sneer.

"The kids, they got black hair blue eyes?"

Glaring at the man, I slowly answer "Yes."

Falcone hesitates before sighing "Daniel."

"What was that" I growl.

"Daniel! Now for god's sake Bat, put me down!"

I give him one more glare before letting Falcone drop to the floor. Falcone pushes himself up and scowls at me as I jump off the desk. "What did you say" I sneer.

"Daniel Russello, that's who you are looking for. And he didn't kidnap children, they have to be grown adults by now. Plus they are his anyways."

"How do you know them?"

"I met them, first time was a long while ago, back in Italy. Daniel had invited me to his place for some wine, biggest mistake of my life going over there." Falcone explains as he pours himself a scotch.

"How so?"

"Look, I gave you the guy's name. Isn't that good enough?"

My eyes narrow, "No."

Falcone sighs and takes a big gulf of his drink. "Daniel runs his business in a funny way, but it works. There is practically no paper trail to his name, I'm surprised you even know about the man. The only ones who do run branches of his business or those who have worked in close proximity."

"You know him" I state.

"As an unwanted friend. I did do business with Russello years ago, got out of it as quickly as I could though." He takes another swig before continuing, "It isn't all that glorious being a partner with Russello. Basically he does whatever the hell he wants and you sign all the paperwork. That way if the police catch on, he won't get any of the trouble, yet has a network all over the world of illegal activity. Nearly got sent to prison twice because of that son of a bitch."

"Why would you go into business with him in the first place?"

Falcone shrugs, "Didn't want to. I had every intention of turning the offer down during my visit. When I arrived at his villa though, Russello somehow convinced me into it. He's very...well my wife would say charming, but I'll go with persuasive. That is when I met his kids, well more like saw one. Daniel and I were walking through a hallway and passed a small boy with black hair and blue eyes. Poor kid was just listening to a baby cry through a door when Russello yelled and smacked the boy. I was surprised, I had only pegged Daniel to be in his very early twenties, not old enough to father two children. Later I discovered his age doesn't quite match his appearance, one of the many strange things about the Russello family."

He waits for me to comment, but I don't. Instead I glare, indicating I am waiting for him to continue. After taking a sip of his drink, Falcone says

"After two years, I was able to break my bond with Russello. He moved onto another sucker who is in jail right now because of it. Imagine my surprise when in 99 my men find Russello's boy and a girl with the same black hair and blue eyes on one of my trains. I recognized the boy immediately, of course he was in his mid-teens at that point. I gave the kid a car, and never saw the two again."

"Why would you do that?" I ask.

Falcone takes a drink and hesitates before answering. "Some of my men originally worked under Russello. From what they told me and what I saw personally, there is something special about those kids, Daniel too. You'd think I'm crazy if I told you…or not. Judging by your interest in the two, you probably already know what I'm talking about."

He looks over to see my reaction. I give a small nod, knowing he is speaking of the family's powers. The boy he is talking about must be Joey since Dick would be too young to match the description. Falcone doesn't seem to be even aware of a third child's existence. I raise an eyebrow and ask skeptically

"Why are you telling me all this? A few minutes ago, you called anyone who spilled information crazy?"

"Because if Daniel has those two in his grasp, it is bad for everyone. Including me." Falcone snaps. After receiving another one of my glares, he explains "A couple years before I ran into the kids again, I met one of Russello's higher ranking guards. He had told me a story I didn't believe at first. Halfway through I brushed him away and didn't think about it again until I met the boy and girl. When I went back to hear the end of the story, I discovered the man was killed by Russello for spilling information."

My eyebrow raises as I ask, "What did the guard tell you."

Falcone shakes his head, "Wasn't paying enough attention to recall all of the details, thought the man was nuts. But I do remember the general outline. Apparently Daniel had taken the boy into a room one day. Nobody knows what Russello did, but the kid screamed for hours. The guard I talked to was in charge of cleaning up afterwards. When he walked into the room, the boy was tied to a chair sobbing; he had needle pricks bleeding all the way up his arm, no other injuries though. Nothing that would make a child scream like he did, no matter how afraid they are of needles. The next day Daniel convinced a dozen of his men to leave their wives, numerous to commit murders for no reason and five to rob a bank with not even a mask to guard their identity. People followed Russello's orders before, but this was different. When I sat down with Russello for our business meeting…it was the strangest conversation I ever had. He barely talked about business the entire time, he mostly stared at me, analyzing. We talked about my family, school, life in Italy; never anything about him though. Then before I knew it, I was signing every document Russello placed in front of me. He convinced me to be a partner with barely a word. But from the story of the strange event, Daniel's influence was almost instantaneous. He'd look at a person and they were off doing whatever he wanted them to do. No questions asked. I don't know what happened after that day. When I asked the boy, he didn't deny the tale and said Daniel was back to normal for the time being, a big relief. He also told me that Russello would kill me for even knowing about the event. So I helped the kids leave, hoping Daniel would never find them."

Falcone turns his head to face me, "If Russello has his hands on those two. You need to go get them. Russello can cause a lot of damage by himself. But with those kids…I don't know how, but he's ten times worse."

Hey everyone. Please send me some reviews. Thank you to all who have been. I promise, next chapter we will meet someone super important.