Chapter 7
After school that day, Piper, Dick, and Jason were on the basketball court with their friend Barbara Gordon. They were playing H.O.R.S.E. when a black car pulled up in front of the school. Alfred stepped out of the car and motioned for them. They said goodbye to Barbara and ran over to Alfred.
"What's up Alfred?" Dick asked. "Is everything ok?"
"Everything is just fine Master Dick. But Master Bruce has a bit of a surprise for you three. Hop in."
"Shotgun!" Piper yelled.
"What, no fair!" Dick protested.
"You got it last time! It's my turn."
"That means next time it's my turn," said Jason.
They climbed into the car and pulled away from the school.
"So what's this big surprise Alfred?" Dick asked.
"If I tell you Master Dick, it won't be a surprise."
"I bet it's a new training robot," Piper said.
"New gadgets maybe?" Jason suggested.
"Or maybe he finally got a music station in the Batmobile," Dick added.
"That would make the drive more enjoyable." Piper said. They laughed.
"Good job nabbing Philip this morning by the way," Dick said.
Piper grinned. "All part of the strategy."
"If I may Miss Piper, that is the exact reason Batman calls you Athena."
"I know that already Alfred. I love the outfit too. Bruce should be a designer."
"I'm sure in another life he was," Alfred said with a smile. They continued driving.
The car pulled into the driveway of Wayne Manor. Jason opened his door and stepped out. Dick jumped out of the car and opened the car door for Piper.
"Why thank you good sir," Piper said with a smile. "Piggy back? We can count it as training."
Dick turned his back to her. "Hop on."
Piper jumped onto his back and hung onto his shoulders. "Forward trusty steed!"
Dick started running on the lawn with Piper laughing on his back being chased by Jason. Alfred walked behind the three, carrying their backpacks. He smiled as he watched them run around the front yard.
"Ready Piper?" Dick yelled over his shoulder.
A wide grin spread across Piper's face. "Ready!"
"One, two, three!"
On three, Piper brought her feet up and put them on Dick's back. She climbed up onto his shoulders and launched herself from his shoulders. In the air, Piper did a flip. When she hit the ground, she went into a somersault and came up on her feet. She turned back and looked at Dick and Jason, who stared her in amazement.
"How was that?"
"Awesome!" Dick said. "I wasn't expecting the flip."
"Something I've been practicing."
"Dick! Piper! Jason!" Bruce was standing on the front porch. He was smiling at them. "Come on in! There's someone I want you to meet."
The three looked at each other and ran up to Bruce.
"Who is it?" Piper asked.
"Is it another business partner?" Jason whined.
"No, Jason. Not this time. Go on in." They started walking in. Bruce put his arm in front of Piper and stopped her. She looked up at him confused. "Piper, you need to be careful about what you show off. Someone might figure things out if they recognize one of your maneuvers."
"I'm sorry Bruce."
"Just be aware." Bruce leaned in closer to her face. "Nice move by the way. Athena." He winked at her.
Piper smiled. "Thank you Batman," she whispered. She walked into the house and saw Dick and Jason standing and staring into the living room. Piper walked up behind them and put her hand on Jason's shoulder. "Guys?"
She looked into the living room. Sitting on the couch, facing the fireplace, was a young boy. He was staring down into the fire. His black hair was messy, but he was wearing nice clothes. He looked about nine years old.
"Who is that?" Piper whispered to Dick.
Bruce walked up behind them. "Piper, Dick, Jason, this is Tim Drake."
The boy turned around. His green eyes were bloodshot, like he hadn't slept in days. He rubbed them and looked at the three kids.
"Tim, this is Piper. She's twelve." Piper waved at the boy. "This is Dick. He's thirteen. And this is Jason. He's eleven. Kids, Tim is going to be staying with us for a while."
"Wait, as in…live here?" Dick asked.
Piper turned excitedly to her brothers. "Do you realize what this means guys?"
"Of course we do," Jason said.
The three ran over to Tim and engulfed him in hugs.
"We've got a little brother!" they said together.
Tim looked at Bruce, who winked at him. Alfred walked into the room and whispered in Bruce's ear. His expression hardened.
"Dick, time to go."
The hug ended. Piper looked at Bruce and then at Dick. "Oh, it's one of those." Jason walked out and Piper turned to Tim. "Come on, I'll show you around." As Piper walked by, she leaned toward Dick.
"Good luck," she whispered.
Dick nodded and followed Bruce into the study.