DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the Teen Titans characters, or the DC Comic Characters. Nor any of the brand names found in this story!

Summary: Kori Anders, news reporter, has seen a lot in her time. With the recent killing of civilians, Kori is putting away her papers, and testing out her investigation skills. Not only worrying about becoming the next target, she is worrying about her old flame Richard Grayson who seems to be appearing a lot more often, especially when she is with billionaire and rival to Bruce Wayne, Slade Wilson. Who is killing the people and will Kori be next? Oh, and who is Nightwing?

- - - - - - -

Three

"W-wh-w-who are you?" Kori stuttered on her words as the man approached closer. She found herself all the way back again the door, and she felt panicked. Her heart was going a mile a minute and she began to feel dizzy. She couldn't think straight.

The man was now in front of Kori, and she discovered the guy didn't seem much older than her. He was handsome, there was no doubt about it, but this wasn't the time to be judging killers. He seemed to reach for something in his pocket, and Kori couldn't help but think it was a knife or gun to kill her as well.

"Why did you kill him?" Kori scaled along the side of the wall, the man following her every footstep. He removed his hand from his utility belt, to bring out nothing.

"I didn't kill anyone." His voice was calm, and almost familiar. He looked at Kori and watched her horrified expression. He couldn't help but feel a little rotten that this beautiful girl believed he killed the innocent man dead before him.

Kori went to the desk, her heel almost slipping on blood. She steadied herself as she hung up the phone and then picked it up again. "Don't touch me." Her voice hissed as his hand reached out to help her. Tears were clouding her vision as she looked down at the phone and began to dial the number of 9-1-1.

"I'm a good guy…" His voice was almost pleading and we looked away from Kori, and then looked around again. "My name is Nightwing…I'm here to help!"

"Tell that to the cops!" Kori felt relief as she heard another voice answer her desperate phone call.

"9-1-1, what's your emergency?" A woman spoke. Kori looked at the guy once more to see him now walking away from her and out the door looking around. She had no time to evaluate his actions for she had to hurry this phone call, before he possibly killed her next.

"My boss has been murdered!" Kori cried into the phone. She heard the soothing voice of the woman on the other line telling Kori to remain calm.

"I have you located at the Jump City Post Building Miss, is this correct?"

"Top floor," Kori whispered quietly. She held onto to talking part of the phone as she peered out the door to see the "Nightwing" character not there.

"We have officers on their way Miss. Please stay on the phone…What's your name?" On the other line the newest emergency volunteer was Julia Heard. The brunette beauty tried to remain calm while assisting her first ever emergency phone call. She looked at the book, following instructions. She was just as nervous as the girl on the other side of the line; she didn't want her to get hurt.

"Kori…Kori Anders is my name." Came the breathy voice of the panicked Kori. She looked further out the door and then suddenly saw a figure running towards her. The scream terrified Julia as she called out for Kori, but it was no use. Kori had dropped the phone.

A shadow ran towards Kori, and it wasn't Nightwing, no, it was an entirely different person. It was another figure dressed in all black. No face could be seen behind a white skill mask with a red X in the middle. A gray cape and gray gloves swished past Kori as the figure jumped over Kori and to the window. She noticed the red X in the middle of his built chest, along with his high tech utility belt.

"Well cutie, I would have loved if you would have been next, but business calls." The figure jumped out the window, and Kori released yet another scream. She was beginning to panic even more, as was Julia, the new volunteer. The shards of glass scattered all over the floor as Kori ducked for cover, avoiding any of the pieces to hit her directly.

As the one man jumped out the window, Kori saw Nightwing follow him. Taking the same path, he jumped out the broken shards. Kori heard grunting and yelling but paid no attention to any of it as she crawled back over to the phone. Picking it up she heard the operator's panicked voice.

"Kori…are you still alive?" Julia held her breath waiting for an answer.

"Please…please just help me."

- - - - - - -

Police Commissioner James Gordon walked into the Jump City Post office building. Recently transferring from Gotham to Jump, he followed his new coworkers up to the top floor of the eleven story building. After receiving the call from a Kori Anders, his team rushed down to the sight wondering what had happened.

Pulling up his pants, and smoothing out his white mustache, James walked onto to the top floor. The sounds of his fellow officers talking, and sirens from all over the city led to no silence. He fixed his glasses as he walked to the back of the room where Mr. Mod's office was. He looked around quickly, observing everything.

The window was broken, letting cool air come into the rather warm floor. The shards of glass covered the floor, and the phone lay on the floor, still off the line. Papers were everywhere, and a bloody yellow folder on the desk stood out. Walking around avoiding the obstacles, Gordon saw dark red splotches on the floor beginning to dry.

"You say a girl was here and she called?" Commissioner Godon's gruff voice spoke, startling his new deputy, Ronald Todd.

"Yes, she is in the next room…her office," stuttered Ronald. He let out a nervous cough, clearing his throat. His new boss made him nervous, and when Ronald was nervous, his body reacted differently then some. Besides the nervous twitching, itchy throat, and sweaty palms, Ronald couldn't seem to stop blinking his eyes.

"Very well, I wish to talk to her…inform her I'm coming in."

The young deputy walked into the next room to see a disheveled looking woman sitting at the table. Her head was in her tan hands, and a blue blanket was wrapped around her body. An older gentleman sat next to her rubbing her back soothingly.

"Miss…" Ronald let out a cough and the girl looked up. The first thing he noticed was her green emerald eyes, the dark circles underneath told stories of her exhaustion, and fear. Her red hair was down and knotted. She wore a frown on her face, but upon seeing the officer her smile lifted slightly.

"Anders, Kori Anders," Kori's voice was soft as she looked up at the officer. She did her best to give him a smile, but had the feeling she had failed miserably. She was exhausted, and just wanted to go to sleep. It had been a long night that didn't seem to be ending anytime soon. Slade Wilson continued to rub her back, reminding her slightly that she wasn't alone, and someone was here for her.

"Ms. Anders, Commissioner Gordon is coming into question you." Ronald looked away from the pretty girl and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Thank you for informing me…" Kori squinted slightly to see his name tag. "Ronald." He felt his cheeks heat up as he left the room, taking off his cap he wiped his forehead dry of sweat. He took small steps as he went to the bathroom to cool off.

"Are you okay?" Slade spoke quietly, not to startle Kori. He couldn't help but feel happy he was this close to her right now, as bad as it sounded that they were in this situation, not that it sounded bad to him.

"It's been a long night. Why don't you go home? I can come get someone else to get me." She was careful with her words not to offend Slade. Right now she just wanted to go home, but not to her home…she would rather go anywhere then there. She didn't want to be alone now, but she didn't necessarily want to be with Slade. She would rather be with more familiar people, in more familiar surroundings.

"And leave you alone? Kori, I can take you home don't worry." Slade acted as a man usually wood. He was being stubborn right now when all he really needed to do was help Kori out, and that would be accomplished by listening to Kori.

"I wasn't planning on going home…I don't want to be alone tonight. I was going to go to Rachel's house. Slade, you've been through a lot as well as me tonight. It's fine…really. I'm a wreck right now, and I barley know you. I am not going to put you through anymore then you already have."

"I really don't mind." He sounded desperate in his words. Kori sighed lightly and rubbed her temples, she was beginning to get a headache.

"I do." She wasn't being mean, but Slade wasn't really helping her at all. He was letting his male pride get in the way of what Kori needed.

"I see then…" He stood up and pushed in his chair. He stood behind Kori's chair for a moment before bending down and kissing her forehead. "I'll get going. Call me tomorrow please, I wanted to make sure your okay. If you need anything…just call me whenever." He began walking to the door, putting on his coat.

"Thank you for everything tonight Slade. I don't know how to thank you." Kori gave him a warm smile as she heard voices outside the door.

"How about a date this Saturday with me?" He looked hopeful and Kori just groaned lightly. "Oh right…you must be thinking of other things at the moment. No matter then Kori. Just call…my offer will always stand."

He gave a small wave as he walked out of the room bumping into the Commissioner on his way out. Slade shot the man a dirty look before walking past the crime scene. He peeked inside and gave an approved nod, before walking away from the office, and out of the building all together.

- - - - - - -

"You must be Kori." Commissioner Gordon walked into the room and hung up his brown jacket on Kori's coat rack. He approached the desk with an outstretched arm and shook hands with Kori. He noticed the girl's expression and immediately felt grief. Having a daughter the same age around Kori made him think how he would of felt if it had been his daughter that went through this experience.

"Nice to meet you Commissioner, I've seen your work, and I'm impressed." Kori tried to lighten the mood with paying the older gentlemen a compliment. He gave her a warm smile and took a seat opposite of Kori.

Going through his pant pockets, James grabbed a notepad. He scaled the desk with his eyes looking for a pen, and grabbing the nearest one, a pink fuzzy pen with the word "love" written on it. Kori let a small giggle escape her lips, and the old man felt better hearing her lovely laugh. He opened the small blue notepad and looked back up at Kori. Both of their smiles disappeared because they knew it was time to get down to business.

"Kori, what time did you arrive here?"

"I want to day around one in the morning. I was at Bruce Wayne's party prior to coming here. Slade Wilson brought me here in his limo after I forgot some papers in my office. I believe I signed in around 1:04. Downstairs in the main lobby is the exact time when I signed in with the security guard."

"Well that answers my next two questions." His laugh was sweet and relaxed Kori as she slumped further down in her chair. She gave a weak smile as she watched him scribble down notes.

"What happened when you came into the building?" Gordon asked.

"Well, I signed in and let the security guard downstairs see my ID. After I checked in, I took the elevator to come up to the top floor, where my office is. It was completely dark, except for a light in the back of the room. I was kind of scared and called out wondering if someone was here. The light turned off when I spoke, and no one answered when I asked again if someone was here. I came back here and noticed it had been Mr. Mod's light that was on. I knocked, and then opened the door and flicked on the light to see a dead boss."

The tears began to flow down Kori's cheek, and the Commissioner noticed this. He wiped the sweat beads on his forehead, feeling the heat from the office. He finished writing up what Kori had said and set down the notebook.

"Ms. Anders. We believe that you didn't kill Mr. Mod. We are very sure the person who did is far gone by now. We don't do this often, but why don't you go home, and write down everything taking your own time. You can come in tomorrow and then tell us everything. It's been an emotional night and I don't think we are going to get much out of you when you're in a state like this."

Kori was thankful as James Gordon stood up and held out his hand for Kori to shake again. She gave him a nice firm handshake and he nodded at her. "Thank you very much. I do believe I need some sleep to refresh myself." Kori nodded in agreement and they released hands.

"Do you have someone you can stay with for the night?" Gordon's father side started to come out, the protectiveness. He didn't feel comfortable as a father, or a police officer watching someone who after a traumatic experience would go home alone, now was a time to be with family or friends.

"Yes…I do. Thank you once again." Kori said gratefully. The Commissioner walked out of the room grabbing his jacket. Kori watched as the door shut and he went to converse with his coworkers.

"Breath Kori…" Kori sighed as she picked up her office phone. She dialed the phone number she knew by heart, Rachel's number.

- - - - - - -

Rachel stirred in the arms of her lover Gar as she heard a ringing noise. Sitting up slightly she rubbed her tired eyes and pulled out of Gar's grasp. He as well sat up from the movement of Rae and sighed.

"What is it?" Gar groaned sleepily.

"Do you hear the phone?" Rachel yawned lightly and Gar sighed.

"Nope," with a roll of his forest eyes he laid back down, pulling the covers over his head.

"It is the phone…" Rachel rolled out of bed, annoyed at her boyfriend's behavior. Grabbing a robe she put it on while walking out of her bedroom and over to the only house line she had, that was out in the kitchen.

"Hello?" Rachel didn't know anyone who called at this time, and certainly didn't appreciate whoever it was.

"Rachel…" Kori's quiet voice came from the other line and Rachel could immediately sense something was wrong.

"Kori…are you okay? I knew I shouldn't have left you at the party. It was just that Gar and I…well you know." Rachel felt herself blush as she rambled on, completely unaware of Kori's trauma.

"That's not it…" Kori was careful to burst out crying on the phone. Her slow breaths indicated to Rachel that Kori was keeping something form her.

"What happened?" Rachel was now wide awake as she pulled the phone closer to her, and took a seat at the kitchen table. Hundreds of thoughts crossed her mind as to what could've happened to Kori, known of them the correct answers.

"Can you pick me up?" A sniff escaped the other line.

"Where are you?" Rachel immediately assumed she was at a bar or another man's house.

"I'm at work…"

"What are you doing at work?" Rachel asked confused. Hearing a creak Rachel looked up to see Gar in the doorway of their bedroom. The bedroom blanket covered Gar in his manly places. He gave puppy dog eyes to Rachel.

"Mr. Mod is dead," Kori closed her eyes waiting for Rachel's reaction.

"Is that why you're upset?" Rachel let out a slight laugh. Kori hated Mod.

"Rachel, are you coming back to bed?" Gar asked her. Rachel sighed as she looked at Gar.

"Gar, I'll go back in a minute or two, this is important." Rachel shooed Gar off and he rolled his eyes closing the bedroom door and crawling back into bed.

"If Gar is there…I can call someone else." Kori sighed and Rachel rolled her eyes.

"Just tell me what happened, Kori."

"I came in to get papers, and I discovered Mr. Mod's dead body. He was killed by that "S" killer, and I'm scared Rachel. There was this guy…and the police are here, and I don't want to go home!" Kori cracked over the phone and Rachel felt everything going slow as she finally realized what had happened.

"I'll be there as soon as possible Kori. Stay with the police for now please." Rachel hung up the phone as Kori had muttered something like an okay.

Rushing back to her bedroom Rachel flipped on the light, much to Garfield's dislike. She opened her closet doors and put on a pair of purple sweatpants, and an old gray sweatshirt. She slipped on her shoes as Gar stayed in bed, groaning at the light.

"What are you doing?" He blinked wildly as his eyes readjusted to the light. Sitting up in bed Gar's tone chest could be seen.

"I need to get Kori, she's at work. Mr. Mod is dead, and Kori found the body."

"What?" Gar exclaimed completely shocked. He was now wide awake and looked his girlfriend in pity. Her sad face made him upset.

"I know, I know I'm just as shocked as you. Kori is staying here for the night. You can stay here too, but you're sleeping on the couch then. In the meantime when I go to get her, I need you to change the sheets and begin to make some tea for me. Also run a hot bath…God knows Kori could use that."

"Okay, I'll stay here for the night. Don't worry I'll take care of everything here. Should I call the others?" Gar asked. He was now out of bed, and slipped on his purple cloud boxers.

"Yeah, that's a good idea. Just tell them what's going on, and that we will call them with new updates when we get them."

Rachel walked towards Gar, and he pulled her into his strong arms. He kissed her forehead as they embraced each other quietly. Their breathing was soft as Rachel pulled away, knowing she had to get Kori.

"Be safe…I love you." Gar smiled at Rachel as she began to walk out of the bedroom. She stopped at the door upon hearing his words and gave him a warm smile.

"I love you too Gar."

- - - - - - -

"Thank you so much Rachel." Kori whispered as Rachel brought Kori into her apartment. Kori had been silent the entire car ride, and the police had explained what little they know about what happened that night to Rachel.

"Kori, why don't we get you out of that dress, and into a nice hot bath? In the meantime I will get you a cup of tea. After you can go to sleep okay?" Rachel pushed Kori into the bathroom. She assisted Kori in pulling off her dress until she was left in her bra and thong. She left Kori to get into the tub naked while walking out into the kitchen.

Gar sat at the kitchen table. Three cups of steaming hot tea sat patiently waiting to be drunk. Rachel gave Gar a thankful look as she took one cup of tea and walked to the bathroom again.

"How is she?" Gar asked as Rachel walked out of the bathroom again with empty hands.

"She is a wreck. I mean she saw a dead body. It wasn't just a dead body, it was her dead boss. It could have been her Gar. I think she should stay here for awhile…if that's okay with you?"

Gar often stayed with Rachel at her house. Rachel preferred her clean house to the messy apartment of Gar's. She liked knowing where everything was, and where everything had been. Unlike at Gar's house, where anything you found was a mystery.

"That's fine Rachel."

"You are the best." Her lips touched his slowly as they pulled apart when Rachel heard Kori calling.

- - - - - - -

Slipping into Rachel's newly cleaned sheets, Kori settled into the king size bed. She wore Rachel's blue fluffy sweatpants, with an old tee shirt from their high school days. Her hair was brushed and dried thanks to Rachel's amazing friendship. She was exhausted and it felt nice to be able to go to sleep.

"Rachel…I'm so scared." Kori muttered after awhile of silence.

The two best friends lay in bed together. Gar had long ago fallen asleep on the couch watching old I Love Lucy reruns. His snores could be heard through the thing walls of Rachel's apartment. His snore was calming for both girls knew he was there. Kori lay in Rachel's arms where Rachel stroked Kori's hair quietly. Her friend shook every now and then with sobs as she relived the horrible memories from tonight.

"Everything is going to be fine Kori. Nothing is going to happen to you or anyone else okay?" Rachel bit her lip as she lied to her best friend. She didn't know if things were going to get better, she could only hope. That was the only thing that helped her Kori fall asleep that night…the hope that tomorrow would be a whole lot better.

- - - - - - -

AUTHOR'S COMMENT

*Thank you so much for all of the supportive reviews! I'm glad you're all enjoying the chapters. I will come out with a new chapter as soon as I can. Sorry this chapter was a bit dull, I thought it was a pretty good filler though…don't you think?