Fly Robin, Fly!

Charity (Part 3 of 3)

"KaldurKaldurKaldurKal-"

"Wally, what is it?" Aqualad asked, somewhat impatiently.  Wally's face was slightly pale, as though scared or nervous or anxious, and his tone also implied that.

Wally forced himself to calm down a little.  He wasn't supposed to know Dick afterall, he couldn't be seen as worried for him. 

"Y'know Bruce Wayne's ward? Di-...Er.. Richard Grayson?"

Kaldur nodded.  "Yes.  Is something the matter?"

"He's missing.  No one can find him anywhere.  Bru- Er.. Mr. Wayne think's he's been kidnapped, and he wants to know if you've seen anything suspicious."

Kaldur shook his head and frowned slightly.  "I cannot say that I have.  Are we needed to look for him?"

Wally nodded.  "Ask Conner if he's seen anything.  Then, meet me back over here.  I'll go get the others."

"But... Are we not supposed to stay to make sure the event is safe?  Do not misunderstand me, I want Richard to be found, but..."

Wally bit his lip.  "Urg.. You make a good point." He paused, thinking.  "I'll take Arty with me.  The rest of you can stay here."

Kaldur didn't like to see the idea of them splitting up like that, but he didn't argue.  "Then I wish you luck, my friend."

~*~

Bruce was waiting frantically around the auction room.  When was Dick's kidnapper going to contact him? Was Dick even safe?? Where was he??? He felt utterly useless as Wally informed the team. 

Bruce was starting to think that no one would ever call,  when he felt his phone buzz in his pocket.  Practically shaking with anticipation, Bruce answered his cell.  "Hello?" he said, managing to sound calm. 

"Ah, hello Mr. Wayne.  So nice to finally be talking to you.  In fact, there's someone here who wants to say hi!"

There was some noise in the background, like someone shuffling.  "B...Brss?" a small sounding voice said.  Bruce's heart thumped. 

"Dick!" he said with relief.  He sounded like he was drugged or something, but at least he was somewhat coherent.  "Are you okay? Are you hurt at all?"
"N-No..." Dick mustered.  Bruce sighed with relief. 

"Just hang tight kiddo, I'll get you out of there as quickly as possible."

"Well, there you go.  Proof that the little brat is alive and well," the kidnapper said again. "Now, if you ever want to see him again, you'll make $20 million in payment to this bank account-"

The man started saying the number, and Bruce quickly wrote it down. 

"Ya got that? Now, tic toc.  You only have two hours before lil' Richie is no more."

Bruce growled.  Was everyone in Gotham insane?  This man seriously acted like it.  He expected to get $2 million in two hours.... It wouldn't be easy, but for Dick, Bruce would find a way to do anything. 

"I'll call you back as soon as you pay up and give you the address to-"

Suddenly, Bruce heard Dick's voice again, this time sounding more coherent than before.  "Bruce, I know where we are! We're across from the old ice cream parlor- mmph!"

"YOU LITTLE BRAT!!! YOU HAVE ONE HOUR!!! YOU NOW HAVE ONE HOUR BEFORE I KILL HIM!!! YOU HEAR ME MR. WAYNE???"

Suddenly, the kidnapper hung up, sounding furiously mad. 

Bruce was confused.  Did Dick really just tell him where they were?  How did he figure it out?  Bruce shook his head worriedly.  It didn't matter.  He had no doubt that Dick was really in for it now...  Only the more reason to get to him quickly.