Silence

Chapter 37

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Dick's POV

Dick waited as the remaining Team members entered the mission room. When everyone was present, Batman presented the plan.

"WayneTech recently partnered with the police department to develop undetectable trackers for officers in the case of a hostage situation," he began, "The prototype was being tested on security guards at the museum where Willow was kidnapped. Gideon Sanchez was one of the volunteers, and was abducted the same day as Willow."

"If we find Sanchez, we find Willow," Dick added.

"How long will it take to track?" M'gann asked, her eyes bright.

"As soon as we get the prototype's serial number," Batman replied. "We'll be able to track it from anywhere on the globe in a matter of minutes. As soon as we have a read on their location, we'll form a plan to stop Joker and rescue the hostages."

The meeting ended and Batman left to finish tracking the prototype. Some of the Team wandered away from the mission, but Dick, M'gann, and Artemis remained.

"Three days," M'gann sighed. "I can't even imagine..."

"I know," Dick replied. "But like you said, Willow's tough. She'll make it."

Dick wasn't sure if he was reassuring M'gann or himself. Either way, he wasn't convinced. He wanted to believe Willow could survive anything, but surviving was just the first of many worries that flooded his head. He'd seen what Joker could do to even the strongest willed mind. He wouldn't wish that on his worst enemy, much less Willow.

"Nightwing," Artemis said. "We need to talk."

Dick sighed. He wasn't in the mood for another lecture, not when all he could think about was what would happen after they rescued Willow. And what he'd have to tell her.

Artemis closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I want to apologize for what I said the other day."

Dick blinked. Whatever he was expecting her to say, that wasn't it. He exchanged a glance with M'gann, who seemed equally confused.

"I shouldn't have judged you like that," Artemis continued. "We've all kept secrets from the Team because we thought it was the right thing to do, including me. You were trying to do right by Willow, and I respect that."

"Thanks," Dick replied. He meant it too. "I never meant to break your trust. I guess I knew I'd have to tell you all eventually, I was just trying to process it myself."

"I get it," Artemis said. Her face became firm again, but she still spoke softly. "I still think our vote should stand. I don't think Willow is ready for what's out there, but we have to put that behind us. Once you get your mind set on this life, it's hard to get your mind off it."

Dick and M'gann nodded.

"I don't know what I'm gonna tell her," Dick admitted after a moment. "I promised her I wouldn't tell anyone. I know I had to, but I still broke that promise."

"I just want to find her first," M'gann said, fidgeting with her hands. "Then we can worry about everything else. She'll find a way to forgive you."

"I hope so," Dick replied. He didn't know how he'd live with himself if she didn't.

___

I've long since forgotten where I am.

I could be in a Cadmus lab, or a warehouse, or a crashed car, and it would all seem as real. My entire body aches from shaking. The air reeks of vomit and sweat. My lips are cracked and my tongue feels like sandpaper. The only sign I have that I still exist is the occasional shooting pain in my neck. I can hear terrified screams mixed with cackling laughter.