31. Betrayal
Stan Rutledge was busy getting ready for the charity performance for Wayne Charities in Gotham City. He was about to go into the big top when he felt someone grab his shoulder.
"Hey, you're the ringmaster, ain'tcha?" a voice asked.
"So what," he said, shrugging. The man behind him forced him to turn around.
"Name's Zucco, I've got a proposition for ya, one that you'd be wise not to refuse," Zucco said. "You might've heard of me and my brothers, we sell...protection to business here in Gotham City."
"You're one of those mobster types, buzz off, I'll have nothing to do with you!" Stan said angrily. He didn't want to get himself into trouble. He had enough problems with his drinking habit as it was.
Zucco grabbed Stan by his collar and shoved against the side of the big top.
"Now listen closely, I went to your manager, Mr. Grayson and he wasn't very accommodating. Your boss Mr. Haly needs to learn a "lesson" about the hazards of not paying for insurance from "accidents". Now tell me, what's the biggest attraction this circus has?"
"Why should I tell you anything?" Stan asked. Zucco gave him a black eye and punched him in the gut.
"Let me repeat that question, what's the biggest attraction in this circus?" Zucco asked.
"The Flying Graysons," Stan replied.
"Convenient," Zucco smirked. "You're going to sabotage the trapeze wire for me, that'll teach Mr. Haly a lesson."
"But the Graysons, they could all die!" Stan protested.
"I know, sad, isn't it?" Zucco said, he pulled out a wad of cash and placed in Stan's hands. It was $15,000.00.
"Just to make sure you'll cooperate, bring me the bolts to that trapeze and you'll get another $15,000.00. You don't bring the bolts and I'll have my brothers kill you and we'll dump your body in the Gotham Bay to prove our point."
"The bolts, I got it...I'll bring you those when I can," Stan said nervously.
"Good. Find me at the Ice Pick Club. Password's little pig. You don't show and we'll find you."
Stan said nothing and went into the tent, acting as if nothing had happened. Zucco crept out of the circus grounds, making sure he wasn't spotted by any of the performers or cirky, another term for circus employees.
Stan went about the day as if nothing had happened. He unbolted the screws and took them to Tony Zucco in the Ice Pick Club, and when evening came he went to the G-Top and got drunk.
"Stan! Stan! What are you doing?" Garrison Haly demanded as he stormed into the G-Top. "I need you to do the show tonight! How come you're so drunk?"
"None of your business Haly," Stan slurred. "Leave me alone."
"Just great, I guess I'll have to do it myself," Mr. Haly said, frustrated. He stormed out of the G-Top.
John Grayson stood outside. "What's wrong with him?"
"He's drunk again, don't know why, I guess I'll have to do the show tonight," Garrison said. "Still don't know what got into him."
"Stan, we're gonna get you some serious help after tonight okay?" John called out to him. "I'm not gonna let you drink yourself to death, ya hear me?"
Stan Rutledge felt too guilty to answer him.
Two days later, Stan Rutledge attended the Graysons' funeral. He hadn't told anyone about his involvement, he didn't want to go to jail and he was too afraid to say anything to the only surviving member of the Flying Graysons, young Dick. Gotham Cemetery was empty, all the mourners had left the burial site; even Dick Grayson had left. It was late and Haly Circus was moving onto the next performance in another city.
Stan Rutledge made his way toward the freshly dug graves. He shook uncontrollably as he moved closer to them. He fell to his knees and burst into tears.
"John...Mary...I'm so sorry," he sobbed. He would give Garrison Haly his resignation the next day and no one would ever know why he left the circus.
32. Game
"C'mon, son, give me your best shot!" John said, standing ready to stop his son at any cost.
"You'll never be able to stop me Dad," Dick said, equally determined.
"You're way too slow, you'll never get me," his son taunted.
Dick shifted his weight, ready to make his move.
"I'm going to win, you know," John told him.
"No you're not," Dick retorted. He had a split second to make his decision. This was going to change everything.
"Will you boys just play already?" Mary called. "We didn't come all this way to the park for you two to just stand around and not play basketball."
Dick moved quickly and dribbled the ball as he moved down the court. John followed in hot pursuit. Dick ran to the other side of the basket ball court and casually tossed the ball in. This was going to be a fun game after all.
33. Monster
People always told him, "Monsters, don't exist Dick, they're just in your imagination." Well, they'd never shook hands with one. June 27th Dick knew there was no doubt that this Zucco was a real life monster. When he threatened his father after he refused to pay him for "protection", Dick knew, and no one would ever persuade him otherwise: there were such things and monsters.
34. Silence
His mother didn't say a word to him. She just gave him a stern expression that he hated. She knew he'd not done his homework or finished his chores. She'd known because she'd checked to see if he was finished. He wasn't. She didn't yell at him; that was for John to do later when he found out.
"Well?" she asked, "Do you have anything to say?"
"No Mom, I'm sorry," Dick replied, hanging his head in shame. "I'll finish my homework and do my chores."
"I forgive you. Just because you've apologized doesn't mean you're not going to be punished. I'll have to discuss with your father how long you're going to be grounded from the TV."
Dick tried not to sigh, he knew that there was no way he could talk her out of it. She never needed to say much, her silence always spoke louder than words.
Sometimes, Robin would find himself staring out the window of Titans Tower, contemplating his decisions. Silence, he used it to gather his thoughts. That was why his mother was so quiet at times; she was deciding what she'd say. He always liked to leap headlong into things, but then he'd remember her, and do his best to think before making hasty decisions.
35. Word
"C'mon, Dick, say "Dadda," John cooed, letting his baby son reach out and grab his finger. "Say Dadda."
"Still trying to get him to talk John?" Mary asked, walking into the room.
"Yeah, he hasn't said anything yet," John ruffled his son's hair. "But he will; he's a smart one."
"Hey there, little Robin, come over here and see Mommy, huh?" she picked her son up out of his crib.
"Let's go outside, fresh air might do you some good Dick," Mary laughed. John followed her out and they stood on the steps of their trailer.
"Dickie, say "'Dadda'," John repeated.
"Knock it off, John, maybe he doesn't want to say anything."
"These rubes, they have no idea what they're doing," Danny Podeet sighed. "You tell them how to set up a circus and act like they know everything!" He looked over at the Graysons. "Oh, hello, brought the little fella out to see the world, huh?"
"Yeah, Danny, we did. John's still trying to get him to say "Dadda", but he seems set on not saying anything," Mary kissed Dick's forehead.
"Rube," a small voice piped up from nowhere.
"What?" John asked, staring down at his baby son in his wife's arms.
"Did he just say 'rube'?" Mary asked.
"I can't believe it, his first word and it doesn't even have to do with either of us!" John laughed. "He's got circus in his blood through and though."
"Well, I need to put him down for a nap," Mary said, going back inside.
"Rube, his first word," John shook his head. "Who'd believe it?"
36. Deadman
John, Mary and Dick Grayson made their way into the Norton Bros. Circus, taking in the sights and sounds of their competition. It was a day and date and both Haly and Norton Bros. Circus' were both playing in Metropolis. Garrison and Harrison Haly had sent the Graysons over to post opposition papers on top of the Norton Bros papers, posters, as they are more commonly known.
They made their way over to where the paper advertisements for the Norton Bros. Circus were. John glanced around stealthily. "Okay, Dick, you've got 30 seconds before anyone will notice. Now go!"
Dick hastily pulled out thumb tacks and began placing their opposition papers on top of the other advertisements. There were five papers and he had half a minute. He quickly placed four thumb tacks in their proper position as he put up the bills he had brought advertising for Haly Circus, and specifically, the Fearless Flying Graysons. He finished and scrambled back to where his father was standing.
John smiled down at his son proudly. "Twenty-five seconds. Well done."
"What are you talking about, John?" Mary asked. She saw the opposition papers Dick had put up. "John, you had him put up opposition papers?"
"Yeah, gets peoples' attention," John told her.
"But that's not just any advertisement you had him cover, you had him cover up Boston Brand's Deadman poster."
'Boston understands, we're good friends, it's a friendly competition," John gave Dick the thumb's up. He'd done a good job.
"I'd hardly call this competition between you and Boston 'friendly'. He hasn't come into Haly's Circus and put up bills of himself all over the place."
"It's just a competition, it's not personal," her husband protested.
"Why do I get the feeling this is payback for when he used to flirt with me before we were married?" Mary raised an eyebrow.
"Still flirts with you, honey," John reminded her. "Just because you've married me doesn't mean he's stopped flirting with you."
"I have the feeling when Haly told you go do this, you were more than happy to come," Mary said. "Can't you tell that Boston Brand flirts with every girl he lays eyes on?"
"Yeah, I know that, but he always comes back to you. If I'm not careful, he might steal you away from me," John told her in a pseudo-serious voice.
"You know that'll never happen," Mary placed her hand on John's chest, pulling him down to kiss him quickly.
"Mom, Dad, the show's about to start!" Dick called. They gave their tickets to the ducat grabber and walked through the circus grounds.
The Grayson family made their way inside the big top. Taking their seats, they watched the show with interest. Dick's favorite part was Boston Brand's Deadman routine. Even though, he was a little biased, and still viewed his family as the world's greatest acrobats, he didn't deny that Mr. Brand had real talent.
"Follow me," John beckoned them both. Mary followed. Where were they going?
They made their way to the G-Top, which, technically, they couldn't go into, because, well, Dick was a minor and they didn't work there.
"Excuse me," John called out. "Is Boston Brand in there?"
"Eh, you don't work here so why you askin'. This place is for personnel only," a voice said. Mr. Norton himself poked his head outside to see who it was.
"Oh my, well I don't believe it, the Flying Graysons themselves," he laughed. "You come to take me up on my offer to join my circus Johnny?"
"No, I just came to see Boston, is he busy?" he inquired.
"Hey Boston! Boston!" Mr. Norton called. "An old friend to see you. Johnny Grayson!"
"Well, as I live and breathe!" Boston exclaimed, clapping John on the back. "Johnny Grayson, the Angel Without Wings himself, and Mary Lloyd Grayson, so good to see you both. Since my old friend is no longer single, I've heard you changed the name of the act."
John laughed and returned Boson's embrace. It had been a long time since he'd seen his old friend. They had both worked at Haly's but when Boston created his Deadman act, John suggested that his friend go elsewhere. There wasn't room at Haly's for the both of them.
Boston gave a laugh. "The Flying Graysons, you guys come to see my show?"
"Uh, yes," Dick said hesitantly. "You were really good."
"This must be young Richard. I've heard lots about you little fella, a Boy Wonder, eh?" Boston smiled. Dick thought he looked strange in his make up but it didn't bother the man. Mr. Brand seemed to like the persona he'd created for himself.
"Thank you, Mr. Brand," Dick told him, shaking his hand.
"Name's Boston, nice to meetcha Boy Wonder," Boston laughed. "So how are you two? Still married I see."
"Yeah, we're fine," John smiled.
"Still unlucky in that department, Boston?" Mary asked.
"Yeah, unfortunately so, still haven't found the right girl. Thought I did once, but she got snatched up before I could do anything about it," Boston sighed, giving her a wink.
"Now careful, Boston, she's not single anymore," John said warningly.
"I know, I know, but you should consider yourself lucky John, she's got a body that could stop traffic," he laughed.
"Boston..." John warned.
"Okay, okay, Johnny, just cool your jets. A little harmless flirting isn't gonna break up your marriage," Boston gave him an appeasing gesture.
"Well, I must say Boson, it's been very nice to see you," Mary gave her old friend a hug. He blushed with embarrassment but smiled a little.
"It's nice to see you two again, you the one who put up Flying Graysons bills up on top of mine?" Boston asked. Dick felt a little guilty. Boston Brand was very nice to him and he knew it was wrong to lie.
"I put them up there, Boston," Dick said meekly.
"Who told you to do that?"
"My Dad."
Boston began to laugh. "So he put you up to this boy? John, you sly old fox, getting your boy to do your dirty work eh? Well, we'll just see who wins this little contest your old man's cooked up, huh Boy Wonder? I'll call ya next week Johnny and tell you how much bounce we earned."
"Deal and I'll be more than happy to gloat when I tell you that we've made more bounce than you," John chortled. "See you around, Boston."
"Same to you, Johnny. See you around."
The Graysons returned to Haly Circus and their trailer. "Hey Mom, Dad, can I go see Zitka?" Dick asked. Zitka was an elephant in the circus and he was very friendly. Dick had known him for a long time and had first met when they had brought the elephant to Haly's and Dick enjoyed spending time with him.
"Sure son, go ahead," John told him. Dick ran out the door. Mary looked puzzled as she watched him go. John had sent him out in a hurry.
"What was that for?" Mary inquired of her husband.
"We need to talk," John gazed at her, a gleam coming into his eyes. "Let's go to our room. This is a private conversation I need to have with you."
Mary followed John to their room.
She stepped through the door frame. John placed his hand on her shoulder and gently moved her toward the bed.
"What'd you want to talk to me about?" she asked.
"I hate to admit this," John sighed, "I noticed that Boston was flirting with you."
"John, you know that's how Boston is," Mary turned around to face him. "He'll always do that. He knows it'll never work on me."
"That's not it. What I was saying is that I hate to admit that what he said about you is right," John reached out and took his wife in his arms. He proceeded to kiss her breathless as his fingers worked to unbutton her shirt. "You do have a body that could stop traffic."
37. Never Forget
Dick Grayson stood expectantly watching as the animal trailer pulled up. Garrison Haly had bought some new elephants and he'd heard that one of them was a baby.
"Daddy look," Dick said excitedly. "The truck's back!"
Mr. Haly appeared and was coaxing all the elephants out of the back of the truck. "Come on little fella," Garrison said. "Poor little Zitka, he won't come out."
"Can I see him?" Dick asked. He moved forward.
He saw the small calf huddled in the corner of the trailer.
"Hey Zitka, come on out. It's okay, I'm not gonna hurt you," Dick said soothingly. "You're going to be fine."
Zitka stepped out and peered up at Dick. He trumpeted and moved forward.
"Good boy," Dick patted Zitka on the head. He pulled the elephant into a hug. Zitka trumpeted happily and wrapped his trunk around his hand.
"I think he likes you son," John laughed. "Garrison said he couldn't get him out of there for all the coaxing in the world."
"Come on Dick, he's not a pet that you can keep. The bull handler has to put him in his cage."
"Okay, do you think he'll forget me?" Dick asked his father.
"Nah, elephants never forget anything. Especially a nice boy like you."
"You can go see him later," Mary told him. "We've got to practice."
"Okay," Dick followed them into the big top. He'd go see Zitka later. He knew that the elephant was special, and indeed he was. Zitka would live through many of the tumultuous events of young Dick Graysons life. And indeed, as it was said, Zitka never forgot the Flying Graysons, or their young son who had been so nice to him. And when Dick returned to Haly Circus with his wife Kory and his daughter Mar'i, Zitka the elephant was there to greet them.
38. Sway Pole
"Richard John Grayson, GET OFF THAT SWAY POLE!" Mary Grayson shouted.
"Don't worry Mom, I'll be fine!" Dick shouted.
"Just because we do stunts fifty feet off the ground doesn't give you the right to TRY to fall off a pole on purpose!" she replied.
"Oh, don't worry, he'll be all right," John consoled. "He's just a little hyper."
"Well you're the one that gave him too much circus candy," Mary spat back. "This is all your fault."
John and Mary watched as Dick giddily swayed back and forth on the sway pole. John kept laughing and Mary kept scowling.
39. Mud puddle
Mary watched as Dick ran all around the soft lot as he splashed through various puddles. He was having a lot of fun out there.
"Don't stay out there too long. I don't want you to get sick," she called after him.
"Okay," Dick replied. He continued splashing through puddles.
John came up behind her. "He's having fun out there, huh?"
"Yeah, I just hope he doesn't get sick," Mary looked at him.
John laughed. "He's gonna be fine. I'll just have to make sure he takes a shower."
She nodded. "It'd be nice to be like that. Not having to worry about stress and bills and just go out and have some fun."
"Well, why don't we go out and have some fun?" John suggested. He grabbed her hand and pulled her out into the rain."You only live once."
"You're absolutely right," Mary replied. She promptly threw her husband into the nearest mud puddle.
40. Wedding Day
"Hey, hey, Johnny!" Boston Brand shouted. "Congratulations!"
"Thanks for coming Boston; I'm glad you could make it. Didn't think you'd have time to show up," John laughed.
"Are you kidding? Miss my best friend's wedding? Not for the world, Johnny," Boston smiled.
"One rule, no flirting with the bride," the groom warned humorously.
"Aw, you're no fun!" Boston pouted. "Can't I at least...have a dance with the bride?"
"I'd be disinclined to acquiesce to your request, but since my newly married wife would probably reprimand me, I'll have to say yes," John sighed.
"All right!" Boston boomed triumphantly, only to cut himself short at the sight of his friend's hard stare. They both made their way into the G-Top which they had decorated as their wedding reception area.
"Hey, hey! There's the lucky groom!" Harrison said, smiling. "Never knew this day would come. It took you long enough!"
"I know, Harry, but, she's worth it," John gave Harrison a hug.
Garrison "Pop" Haly walked up. "Nice work, John, we haven't had a wedding in this circus for quite some time. You even got the Norton Brothers to come."
"Boston dragged them down here just so he could get a dance with my bride," John chortled. "If anything ever happened to me, Boston Brand would be first in line to marry her."
"Oh stop it, Johnny. Nothing's gonna happen to you," Garrison laughed. "Now get back to that wife of yours. She's probably wondering where you are."
John made his way over to Mary, who looked stunning in her wedding dress. After all the preliminaries, and all the congratulations, Mr. Lloyd stood up.
"Many congratulations to my beautiful daughter, and her new husband. I hope you both will be very happy together and I think we should all get out of here so my Mary and her hubby can get busy and have lots of babies."
"Daddy!" Mary shouted, blushing.
"I'm not getting any younger, sweetie," Mr. Lloyd laughed. "And I want grandkids!"
All the other guest laughed. They cut the cake and John and Mary each took bites of their slice. John gave his wife another bite and suddenly grabbed her, pressing his lips to hers in an open mouthed kiss, stealing the cake out of her mouth as the others hooted and howled at their antics.
"You're gonna pay for that," Mary muttered. John laughed.
The dancing began and true to form, Boston Brand danced with Mary as John watched, impatiently waiting for the song to be over so he could get his wife back. Later, the garter and the flowers were tossed. Boston caught the garter and Felina caught the flowers.
The Graysons watched the guests go. Garrison Haly handed John a set of keys. "To your new home."
"Pop, thank you, I don't know what to say!" John exclaimed, speechless.
"Get on home you two, you both still have your wedding night!" Pop laughed. "Your new master bedroom is the first door on the left."
John and Mary made their way toward their new home. John carried his wife over the threshold and straight to their bedroom.
John kissed his wife and wrapped his arms around her. Mary pulled away and looked up at him. "You just can't wait for tonight, can you?"
"Who says I have to wait?" John laughed. "Besides, I'm doing exactly what you Dad wants. He wants grandkids, and I'm more than happy to give him what he wants."
"You just have no patience," she laughed. She kissed him and pulled off his suit coat. Her fingers began playing with the buttons on his shirt.
"That's a good thing because I'll go crazy if I have to wait all day too."
John laughed and held her tightly. This was the start of a long and happy life for both of them.