Chapter 33
Eyes widen, focused on the blade that is coming down on his right wrist, Dick knows that no matter how he struggles, he has neither the strength nor the leverage to get the older man off of him. But even with that knowledge, it doesn't stop the boy from struggling.
"No!" cries out the boy, attempting to throw the older man off.
"This is going to hurt," whispers Yarsmith, grinning.
Just as the blade touches the boy's skin, the pressure of the older man sitting on top of him is no longer there. Turning his head, Dick sees that a dark shape has knocked the man off of him.
"Batman?" whispers the boy, as he gets to his feet.
Rolling to his feet, Yarsmith turns to face Gotham's Dark Knight. Seeing that the blade is still in his hand, Yarsmith adjusts his grip and waits for Batman to strike. And it doesn't take long. Moving in swiftly, Batman knocks the man to the ground and kicks the knife from the fallen man's hand.
Yarsmith, forgetting about the blade, quickly does a leg sweep to knock the hero to the ground. Getting to his feet, Yarsmith backs away from Batman. While his eyes stay focused on Batman, Yarsmith is also aware of the boy in his peripheral.
Getting to his feet, Batman turns to face this man who have been tormenting his ward for so long.
"While I do not think I rank with the Joker, I didn't realize that all it took was fucking a billionaire's ward to get your attention," says Yarsmith. "Or maybe you're mad. Does he remind you of your partner? Maybe you're pissed that I was in his ass before you?"
Growling, Batman goes after the man again. Attempting to make it look like he isn't trying to get closer to the boy, Yarsmith dodges to the left. Spinning around, the man moves behind the boy and grabs Dick by the arm and hauls the boy in front of him as a shield.
"I will kill this boy. If it means I have to snap his neck, instead of taking my time, then I will, hero," promises Yarsmith, as moves one hand to the boy chin and places his other hand on the top of the boy's head.
Getting ready to struggle out of Yarsmith's hands, Dick catches the eyes of Batman and calms his body. Keeping his eyes locked on his mentor, Dick waits to see what the Dark Knight will do.
"Let the boy go," growls Batman.
"I do not doubt that I could take you down, but I am not certain of this," replies Yarsmith, shifting one hand to move from Dick's chin to placing his forearm against the boy's neck. "Right now, this boy is my only insurance."
"If you kill that boy, nothing will save you," replies Batman, as he slowly moves a hand behind his back.
"Living, this boy will allow me to get out of here," replies Yarsmith, taking his other hand to grab the boy's arm. "Nothing says I can't kill him later."
"I will hunt you down," returns the Dark Knight, as he grabs a bat-a-rang from his belt and slowly pulls it forward, holding it just out of sight.
"Nothing says I will stay in Gotham when I am done."
"I'll make sure that you do," replies Batman, just before flicking his wrist and throwing the bat-a-rang at Yarsmith's head.
Caught off guard, Yarsmith is struck at the temple by the bat-a-rang. Releasing the boy, Yarsmith falls to the ground unconscious. Knocked off balance by the larger man's fall, Dick slips to his knees. Shifting his weight to stand up, the boy notices a gloved hand. Placing a hand in that dark hand, the boy is helped to his feet by the Dark Knight.
"I'll call Gordan," says Batman, then nods his head to a nearby bench. "I think it would be best if you are here and the police bring you home."
"Batman..."
"We'll discuss it later," replies Batman, turning away from the boy.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Stay tuned for the Epilogue. There is still a twist to read before the story is done!
