Post by qpq on Mar 4, 2012 14:14:52 GMT -5
Synposis: Dick starts to adjust to life as Bruce Wayne's wards and begins to get resistance in the form of former classmates. He also continues to voice concerns to a select few over the entire matter of being invited into Bruce Wayne's life and family. Those concerns translate into investigation while coming to terms with the fact that the change in status will have a significant impact on his life.
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“Define unusual,” the woman asked across the phone while Dick looked at the watch. The driver would be here soon enough as he was going to be driven home. He didn’t like the sounds that his bike was making so he needed to pull it apart to see what the problem was. Unfortunately that meant that he had to get a ride to school. No slacking off there that was part of the deal wasn’t it?
“You know you can always come in if you want to discuss this, Dick,” Betty offered. “You sound a little worried.”
Worried? Perhaps, but it was too strong of a word. “Concerned that’s all. Curious. I mean I’m not saying that you have to check the guy out, because I’m pretty sure you’re going to tell me the same thing I heard all my life about Mr. Wayne.” He heard it all good and bad and bad wasn’t all that bad outside of the fact that he was an odd duck of sorts. Despite what had been said I the media, Dick didn’t link screw up with Bruce not that they called him a screw out right, but that was the media being generous. You hear things enough times and you gain an ability to hear what the reporters are trying to tell you, good, bad or whatever.
Plain and simple Bruce Wayne dallied in this and that and seemed to have a good head on his shoulders, but he often found himself in compromising or embarrassing situations. He had to be an intelligent individual, but people said it was the people that he surrounded himself around. Possible, but Dick met the man face to face and he wasn’t just some rich kid that had an endless vault of money and didn’t give a damn. There was something there something that told Dick that the man was on the level.
Perhaps it was the fact that they both lost their parents the way they did to violence, to crime. Perhaps that was what made him see past all the things the media was saying. Or perhaps it was the words struck a chord with him, but he couldn’t get over the fact that he wanted to help him, correction. Wayne wanted Dick to help Dick help himself by offering him the opportunity of the life time. It was amazing, but he couldn’t simply accept at face value if he did then Dick would be betraying himself and all the things that he learned over the last few years.
There was a part of him that wanted to let go of the past, but sadly it had him thoroughly in his grip and for Dick this was a good thing. It would keep him on his toes and prevent him from making mistakes that could land him right where he didn’t want to be. He was here to give him himself a fresh start, but also provide himself the stability that he needed that would remove all and any eyes from him when it came to his nightly activities.
That was the plan, but at the moment he had to make sure that those lingering thoughts were just that lingering thoughts. There was no truth to them. He wanted this to be what it was a chance, not something that he would live to regret.
“Dick? Dick,” Betty repeated thinking that she had lost him.
“Sorry. Had to deposit a few more coins. Pay phones. Rare as they are still cost you more than you would like,” he offered with a smile on his face.
“Nerves I guess. I mean you know my case. You know what’s happened. I just want to be prepared you know. I don’t want there to be some type of rude awakening that happens down the line. I want to be real. I want this chance, but I don’t want to wake up one day and find myself back where I started. I gave up on the fantasy a long time ago.” He couldn’t say that he wasn’t being honest. He didn’t want to let the walls down only to get blindsided so he had to be careful.
There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that Wayne was doing the same. It was going to take time to get used to being there. It was going to take time for Wayne and Alfred to get used to him being there. A period of adjustment and there was no time limit on that. There wasn’t going to be some set date in the future when it all just clicked. Nothing ever worked that way, they knew all that so he was entitled to a few questions, to a few answers that he could work with.
“It happens, but he seemed quite genuine when he asked about you. How did it seem when you met him?” Genuine? Yes. Puzzling? Yes.
“When I figure out the answer to that I’ll let you know, but I’ll tell you what. It gave me a good feeling. Made me feel hopeful if you can believe that,” he told her with a slight chuckle.
“I’ll take what I can get, Dick, but remember if you need someone to talk to I’m here. You’re not alone out there.”
Not anymore he thought, but he didn’t say it. He knew Betty tried but there were so many of them and none of them were getting the chance like he was so why should he so suspicious?
“I should go. My ride’s going to be here soon and I think Wayne’s working late or he’ll already be gone by the time I get home. Always on the go that one, but I guess he has people he has to keep happy. You know stock prices and fund raisers. Talk to you soon.” Hanging up the phone Dick turned to find his “ride” pulling up to the side of the walk.
Grabbing his backpack he slung it over his shoulder while walking over towards the car.
“Grayson tell me that’s not your ride?” Someone called out from behind him. He didn’t turn. He didn’t need to see who it was to know who it was. “Since when? Your people don’t have this type of cash to swing this. No, no. Telling me I’m dreaming.” It was a jab, because his “people” his foster parents had split a long time ago. It wasn’t a secret to anyone but the right people, that being social services, which was another reason why he took Wayne up on the offer.
It would alleviate the need for an investigation as to where he was living enough though some of them knew. They were just too backlogged to do anything about it.
“I don’t get it. You’re rolling in it now or at least that seems to be the case, but you’re still here. Consider my mind blown!”
His hand went up stop the driver from getting out of the car, but it was too late. Out the man popped and around he went behind the back of the car to the passenger side to open the back door.”
“Master Dick…” Alfred started to which Dick wondered if he should be on the road at his age whatever it may be.
“I assure you that I am quite capable of operating the vehicle,” Alfred stated which made Dick dubious. It was not the first time that the butler had done that.
“I can…” Dick started, but he was shut down before he could continue. With a motion of his hand he was told that it would not be acceptable for him to ride in the front with Alfred no matter how desperately he wanted to.
“Ya’ll check this out. Grayson’s got his own Jeeves and everything.”
Dick kept telling himself to ignore it, but he was ready to turn and shout something back, but there was a hand at his shoulder stopping him.
“It’s time to go home, Master Dick.” It was all that was said and instead of yelling something back at Mike Peters he slipped into the back seat of the car letting Alfred shut the door behind him while he fasten his seat belt. He could feel his jaw twitching just a bit, but he didn’t say anything he simply faced forward rather than looking around. It was better that way he did not want to see what they were doing, not at first, but when he turned his head he watched a group of people he knew doing what they do best mocking people, making fun of them even doing a bit of the old Grey Poupon commercials.
Sighing he let his head fall back telling himself that this is what he needed to do. School was almost over he could hack it.
“How you carry yourself is a direct reflection on Master Bruce, Master Dick. Even more it is a reflection upon yourself. Things of this nature will quickly be forgotten with the passing of a day perhaps two, but how you behave, how you react would remain longer than you would like. The decisions that you make will follow you for the remainder of your days. You may not be able to look back fondly upon all your days, but I would hope that you would be able look back and respect the decisions that you made on said days knowing that you made the best choice that you could.”
Unsure on how to respond Dick remained silent on the way home mulling the words over in his mind. What happened was exactly what he had been worried about, but it was going to be something he would have to deal with. He could chalk it up to jealousy, but that was him, well not exactly. He wouldn’t poke fun, but it was a bit of a shock to the system. He was going to get a lot of flak from people that wouldn’t want to understand what Wayne was attempting to do.
Sighing he looked out the window watching as the city changed before his eyes. It would from burnt out buildings and dilapidated homes to something resembling real neighborhoods. The citizens of Gotham weren’t migrating away like they were in other cities across the country, but they had real problems, problems that could not be fixed by any one person. People were still afraid, but not as afraid as they were before and if one person could learn from that and do more then perhaps it was worth taking a chance on right?
Funny that that should come to mind that The Bat had something to do with this, but it was possible anything was possible. It was something that he used to believe in when he was younger that there were miracles. There were miracles every day if you knew where to look. They didn’t have to be big or grand they could be as small as a mouse and maybe that was why they were always over looked. Shifting his eyes from the window towards Alfred he wanted to ask, but he didn’t want to seem like he was prying and he also wanted an unbiased view. He was still getting to know the man so he didn’t know if what he would get from him would be the God’s honest truth or his opinion that had been shaped over years of service to the family.
When they arrived at Wayne Manor Dick peered back out the window still amazed that this was his home, home strange word for a place that still felt so alien to him. He was still adjusting everyone knew that, but he needed to feel comfortable in his skin in the place where he laid his head down at night. Bruce had given him an entire wing to call his own, but he didn’t need that. What he needed, what he wanted was a room he could call his own, a place he could go when he didn’t want to be seen. He needed a refuge and he had that with a single room.
Besides an entire wing, that was a bit much it made it difficult to know who was coming and going or if there was anyone at home at all. He missed those days with his parents. They didn’t desire much because all they needed was right there. They didn’t need a sprawling mansion to keep them happy, not that he was judging Wayne, as this was his home. This is what he grew up with it was all he knew. It had been his family for generations as it had been explained to him, but no matter how many times he would see it still a sight to behold.
Passing through the gate he turned forward and moved towards the door once the vehicle came to a stop. Reaching for the door it was opened for him by Alfred. How he got there so quickly Dick would not know perhaps he had been lost in thought and the butler used it to his advantage. Stepping out of the car he looked around then back towards Alfred.
“Thank you, Alfred.”
“Whatever for, sir?”
“For everything.” It was the only appropriate response he could conjure at the moment. Slipping his back pack over one shoulder Dick headed towards the front door pausing to wait for Alfred, but the butler disappeared into the car and pulled it wards the garage. Turning his attention towards the manor again he knew it was the same story as it was before. The lights were on but no one was home, no one that probably wanted to talk to him at the moment.
Considering everything that happened over the last thirty minutes or so Dick knew that the feeling that he had was not going to go away until he answered a few questions for himself. He could let it rest, but he would not feel settled until he did. He couldn’t be faulted for his actions. There were just a few things that he wanted to find out and a little exploring wouldn’t hurt anyone. Besides he had already gotten turned around once. It was for everyone’s benefit before he started to use his phone to navigate his way through the mansion. Two birds, one stone, no peculiar thoughts to make him wonder if everything was on the level. Worst comes to worst Dick would blame it on a blend of youthful exuberance and an overactive imagination.
Opening the door after unlocking he stepped inside shutting the door after him heading straight for the stairs. He would wash up see what the meal of the day was get some studying done, eat dinner and wait for Alfred to retire for the evening and then, then he would see what he could find out.
---Several Days later. --
“You what?” Betty looked over at him while sipping on her drink. “Wait. Start over? I mean.”
Dick knew what she meant. He was looking a gift horse in the mouth. “I checked him out a little. Asked a few questions. That’s all. What’s wrong with that? I don’t see anything wrong with that. It’s not like I went to a reporter.” His shoulders rose and fell. “It’s not like I went up to his company and started asking questions,” he offered before taking a bite of his chicken sandwich.
“Because that would be rude.” There was a snort from the case worker. “I told you that I would help you as much as I can, but I can’t look into the man’s financial records. Dick what are you worried about.”
It was a fair question, but Betty already knew that he had concerns just like he was sure that Wayne had concerns about him. “Just want to check him out fully without him providing all the information you know. I mean he checked me out kept tabs on me, so why can’t I do the same and I need to find out a little more from Googling you know. I mean I know what the public knows and I’ve been all over the Gotham Gazette. I’ve been to the library and there are some things that are a matter of public record.” He shared with her.
“I’m going to be sharing a house with him for the next year or so even more so I would like to know more. I mean this is just more than roommates. I’m pretty sure he vetted me. Knows about all the things that I’ve been through juvie and everything. Surprised he didn’t have the record unsealed.”
“He…”
“Don’t even say it, Betty. We all know it’s possible. Talk to the right person and they’ll be able to get the information. I mean he knew how to track me down that should be saying enough so yeah I’ve been making inquiries here and there. I’m not saying that I’m doing anything illegal, but can’t I check him out? This is more than just roommates, he taking an active part in my life so I should know everything I need to know.” He reached out for his drink taking a sip.
“And you didn’t find anything.” She reminded him.
“He’s wealthy. You’re going to tell me that you don’t think he’s able to have things covered up?” He told her. “More than that, there were periods when he was out of the country.”
She arched his brow. “Before he took over the reins of the company. Finding himself. Yeah. I’m pretty sure that’s what it was.” He was still a little uncertain about the mixed martial arts bit. Perhaps that’s what it was he was out there learning it, but he wanted to know how far that went seriously.
“You’re being a little paranoid. Ok maybe more than a little paranoid. How did you find out some of these things,” Betty asked.
“Asked around. Getting an idea of what people thought of Wayne. I told you I’ve been all over the Gazette. Even the old copies that aren’t on microfiche or have been digitized. The city does have a more than decent library. It pays to use it and Wayne is news. I’m trying to figure a few things out before I start to be news. You know they’re going to be all over it. Wayne takes a ward and all that. That’s news not to mention the connections. His parents were murdered. My parents were murdered.” There was a slight pause between the last two statements.
“Dick it was never proven.”
He could already feel his head shaking, because it was an old story. “There was nothing conclusive, they said, but I know the truth. We all know the truth, but the less people believe it the less they have to consider the fact that Gotham has more of a poison pill than they would like. However that’s neither here or there, because I can discuss that with the therapist if I like and help me get past it.” He could only imagine who Wayne had to talk or didn’t have to talk to, because Dick knew what that was like. Not having anyone to talk with or reach out to, but there was the butler, but would that be enough?
“Dick it was different for the two of you…”
“Was it? Was it different? I know how I felt and who knows how he felt or what he was going through or what he might still be going through. It’s my life I have a right to be suspicious and I have a right to make the kind of inquiries that I’ve been making.” He didn’t say that he had been out to the hacker chat rooms to try and find someone that could do a little investigative work because Dick would admit that his skills were limited when it came to that type of work. It was not something that he could focus upon when he had limited resources in terms of computers and the sort. The fact that he was on the computer last night was a testament to that because he was attempting to get the right type of information.
“Talk to him.” Was Betty’s advice, it was the only advice that she could offer at this time that and she could check into a few things.
“I will.” When Bruce was around, because he was always on the go. There were things to be done. Business or some fundraiser or other event that he needed to attend. He was a busy man, Dick could understand that, he was pretty busy himself with homework and other activities that needed his attention.
“I just want to be prepared and the only way I can be prepared is to be informed, because this is a good thing, but if there is something that I don’t know about then it could be bad.” He was still dealing with the adjustment at school. “So will I be back on the net again looking up information into Wayne’s activities? Probably” He just wanted to feel comfortable and he wasn’t there yet. When he moved in with Ray in the garage he knew Ray for a good while and maybe that was the thing. He didn’t know Wayne. He wasn’t a little kid so there was a wall, there was a barrier that was there and Wayne well he had his own wall. He might not know it, but it was there.
“So, that’s your way of telling me that you’re going to do what you want no matter what?” She took a bite of her sandwich looking around. “Like coming down to the old neighborhood,” she queried.
“I still have people here that I care about, Betty. Ray’s still here. A few of my friends are here.” Few he could count on his hand how many people were his friends and they weren’t that close, because he was always busy with one thing for another.
“Dick you’re going to have to accept that things are going to change. Whether or not you want them to they’re going to change. You have to begin looking at where you want to be five, ten years from now and what type of impact that you want your life to have. It’s good to have roots, but you shouldn’t let it hold you back. This is your chance to get out and do something great. Things happen here that can hold you back. I know what happened to Trina and I know what’s happened in the past, but you’re going to have to start letting go.”
Looking up from his food Dick saw the slight frown upon her lips uncertain of what she was trying to say. “I heard from the guidance counselor about what’s been happening at school. If there wasn’t a divide before there’s going to be one now. You have to realize that. To put bluntly you’ve gone from being part of the 99 percent to the 1 percent. You may not think you have but you have and it’s not a bad thing, but different people will have different perspectives.”
Different perspectives he thought, but he didn’t speak yet he sighed.
“Had to be said. Just like you want to check Wayne out you have to face the facts, Dick. Not everyone is going to be appreciative of the opportunity you’ve been given. Some people will be jealous and resentful.” She was only attempting to be honest. It wasn’t good time in the world in terms of economics and Gotham always felt the strain.
“So, I’m slumming it? That’s what people are going to think,” he responded his sandwich in his hand, but he was already starting to lose his appetite. “I don’t care what people think, but I will do what I think is necessary to make sure…” He didn’t finish it, because he didn’t think he needed to finish the sentence. Betty knew more than most what he wanted to do.
“I should go. I need to get back. Homework. I need to work on the bike a bit. Work of the wicked never done.” He offered a smile and paid for the meal and left.
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“Define unusual,” the woman asked across the phone while Dick looked at the watch. The driver would be here soon enough as he was going to be driven home. He didn’t like the sounds that his bike was making so he needed to pull it apart to see what the problem was. Unfortunately that meant that he had to get a ride to school. No slacking off there that was part of the deal wasn’t it?
“You know you can always come in if you want to discuss this, Dick,” Betty offered. “You sound a little worried.”
Worried? Perhaps, but it was too strong of a word. “Concerned that’s all. Curious. I mean I’m not saying that you have to check the guy out, because I’m pretty sure you’re going to tell me the same thing I heard all my life about Mr. Wayne.” He heard it all good and bad and bad wasn’t all that bad outside of the fact that he was an odd duck of sorts. Despite what had been said I the media, Dick didn’t link screw up with Bruce not that they called him a screw out right, but that was the media being generous. You hear things enough times and you gain an ability to hear what the reporters are trying to tell you, good, bad or whatever.
Plain and simple Bruce Wayne dallied in this and that and seemed to have a good head on his shoulders, but he often found himself in compromising or embarrassing situations. He had to be an intelligent individual, but people said it was the people that he surrounded himself around. Possible, but Dick met the man face to face and he wasn’t just some rich kid that had an endless vault of money and didn’t give a damn. There was something there something that told Dick that the man was on the level.
Perhaps it was the fact that they both lost their parents the way they did to violence, to crime. Perhaps that was what made him see past all the things the media was saying. Or perhaps it was the words struck a chord with him, but he couldn’t get over the fact that he wanted to help him, correction. Wayne wanted Dick to help Dick help himself by offering him the opportunity of the life time. It was amazing, but he couldn’t simply accept at face value if he did then Dick would be betraying himself and all the things that he learned over the last few years.
There was a part of him that wanted to let go of the past, but sadly it had him thoroughly in his grip and for Dick this was a good thing. It would keep him on his toes and prevent him from making mistakes that could land him right where he didn’t want to be. He was here to give him himself a fresh start, but also provide himself the stability that he needed that would remove all and any eyes from him when it came to his nightly activities.
That was the plan, but at the moment he had to make sure that those lingering thoughts were just that lingering thoughts. There was no truth to them. He wanted this to be what it was a chance, not something that he would live to regret.
“Dick? Dick,” Betty repeated thinking that she had lost him.
“Sorry. Had to deposit a few more coins. Pay phones. Rare as they are still cost you more than you would like,” he offered with a smile on his face.
“Nerves I guess. I mean you know my case. You know what’s happened. I just want to be prepared you know. I don’t want there to be some type of rude awakening that happens down the line. I want to be real. I want this chance, but I don’t want to wake up one day and find myself back where I started. I gave up on the fantasy a long time ago.” He couldn’t say that he wasn’t being honest. He didn’t want to let the walls down only to get blindsided so he had to be careful.
There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that Wayne was doing the same. It was going to take time to get used to being there. It was going to take time for Wayne and Alfred to get used to him being there. A period of adjustment and there was no time limit on that. There wasn’t going to be some set date in the future when it all just clicked. Nothing ever worked that way, they knew all that so he was entitled to a few questions, to a few answers that he could work with.
“It happens, but he seemed quite genuine when he asked about you. How did it seem when you met him?” Genuine? Yes. Puzzling? Yes.
“When I figure out the answer to that I’ll let you know, but I’ll tell you what. It gave me a good feeling. Made me feel hopeful if you can believe that,” he told her with a slight chuckle.
“I’ll take what I can get, Dick, but remember if you need someone to talk to I’m here. You’re not alone out there.”
Not anymore he thought, but he didn’t say it. He knew Betty tried but there were so many of them and none of them were getting the chance like he was so why should he so suspicious?
“I should go. My ride’s going to be here soon and I think Wayne’s working late or he’ll already be gone by the time I get home. Always on the go that one, but I guess he has people he has to keep happy. You know stock prices and fund raisers. Talk to you soon.” Hanging up the phone Dick turned to find his “ride” pulling up to the side of the walk.
Grabbing his backpack he slung it over his shoulder while walking over towards the car.
“Grayson tell me that’s not your ride?” Someone called out from behind him. He didn’t turn. He didn’t need to see who it was to know who it was. “Since when? Your people don’t have this type of cash to swing this. No, no. Telling me I’m dreaming.” It was a jab, because his “people” his foster parents had split a long time ago. It wasn’t a secret to anyone but the right people, that being social services, which was another reason why he took Wayne up on the offer.
It would alleviate the need for an investigation as to where he was living enough though some of them knew. They were just too backlogged to do anything about it.
“I don’t get it. You’re rolling in it now or at least that seems to be the case, but you’re still here. Consider my mind blown!”
His hand went up stop the driver from getting out of the car, but it was too late. Out the man popped and around he went behind the back of the car to the passenger side to open the back door.”
“Master Dick…” Alfred started to which Dick wondered if he should be on the road at his age whatever it may be.
“I assure you that I am quite capable of operating the vehicle,” Alfred stated which made Dick dubious. It was not the first time that the butler had done that.
“I can…” Dick started, but he was shut down before he could continue. With a motion of his hand he was told that it would not be acceptable for him to ride in the front with Alfred no matter how desperately he wanted to.
“Ya’ll check this out. Grayson’s got his own Jeeves and everything.”
Dick kept telling himself to ignore it, but he was ready to turn and shout something back, but there was a hand at his shoulder stopping him.
“It’s time to go home, Master Dick.” It was all that was said and instead of yelling something back at Mike Peters he slipped into the back seat of the car letting Alfred shut the door behind him while he fasten his seat belt. He could feel his jaw twitching just a bit, but he didn’t say anything he simply faced forward rather than looking around. It was better that way he did not want to see what they were doing, not at first, but when he turned his head he watched a group of people he knew doing what they do best mocking people, making fun of them even doing a bit of the old Grey Poupon commercials.
Sighing he let his head fall back telling himself that this is what he needed to do. School was almost over he could hack it.
“How you carry yourself is a direct reflection on Master Bruce, Master Dick. Even more it is a reflection upon yourself. Things of this nature will quickly be forgotten with the passing of a day perhaps two, but how you behave, how you react would remain longer than you would like. The decisions that you make will follow you for the remainder of your days. You may not be able to look back fondly upon all your days, but I would hope that you would be able look back and respect the decisions that you made on said days knowing that you made the best choice that you could.”
Unsure on how to respond Dick remained silent on the way home mulling the words over in his mind. What happened was exactly what he had been worried about, but it was going to be something he would have to deal with. He could chalk it up to jealousy, but that was him, well not exactly. He wouldn’t poke fun, but it was a bit of a shock to the system. He was going to get a lot of flak from people that wouldn’t want to understand what Wayne was attempting to do.
Sighing he looked out the window watching as the city changed before his eyes. It would from burnt out buildings and dilapidated homes to something resembling real neighborhoods. The citizens of Gotham weren’t migrating away like they were in other cities across the country, but they had real problems, problems that could not be fixed by any one person. People were still afraid, but not as afraid as they were before and if one person could learn from that and do more then perhaps it was worth taking a chance on right?
Funny that that should come to mind that The Bat had something to do with this, but it was possible anything was possible. It was something that he used to believe in when he was younger that there were miracles. There were miracles every day if you knew where to look. They didn’t have to be big or grand they could be as small as a mouse and maybe that was why they were always over looked. Shifting his eyes from the window towards Alfred he wanted to ask, but he didn’t want to seem like he was prying and he also wanted an unbiased view. He was still getting to know the man so he didn’t know if what he would get from him would be the God’s honest truth or his opinion that had been shaped over years of service to the family.
When they arrived at Wayne Manor Dick peered back out the window still amazed that this was his home, home strange word for a place that still felt so alien to him. He was still adjusting everyone knew that, but he needed to feel comfortable in his skin in the place where he laid his head down at night. Bruce had given him an entire wing to call his own, but he didn’t need that. What he needed, what he wanted was a room he could call his own, a place he could go when he didn’t want to be seen. He needed a refuge and he had that with a single room.
Besides an entire wing, that was a bit much it made it difficult to know who was coming and going or if there was anyone at home at all. He missed those days with his parents. They didn’t desire much because all they needed was right there. They didn’t need a sprawling mansion to keep them happy, not that he was judging Wayne, as this was his home. This is what he grew up with it was all he knew. It had been his family for generations as it had been explained to him, but no matter how many times he would see it still a sight to behold.
Passing through the gate he turned forward and moved towards the door once the vehicle came to a stop. Reaching for the door it was opened for him by Alfred. How he got there so quickly Dick would not know perhaps he had been lost in thought and the butler used it to his advantage. Stepping out of the car he looked around then back towards Alfred.
“Thank you, Alfred.”
“Whatever for, sir?”
“For everything.” It was the only appropriate response he could conjure at the moment. Slipping his back pack over one shoulder Dick headed towards the front door pausing to wait for Alfred, but the butler disappeared into the car and pulled it wards the garage. Turning his attention towards the manor again he knew it was the same story as it was before. The lights were on but no one was home, no one that probably wanted to talk to him at the moment.
Considering everything that happened over the last thirty minutes or so Dick knew that the feeling that he had was not going to go away until he answered a few questions for himself. He could let it rest, but he would not feel settled until he did. He couldn’t be faulted for his actions. There were just a few things that he wanted to find out and a little exploring wouldn’t hurt anyone. Besides he had already gotten turned around once. It was for everyone’s benefit before he started to use his phone to navigate his way through the mansion. Two birds, one stone, no peculiar thoughts to make him wonder if everything was on the level. Worst comes to worst Dick would blame it on a blend of youthful exuberance and an overactive imagination.
Opening the door after unlocking he stepped inside shutting the door after him heading straight for the stairs. He would wash up see what the meal of the day was get some studying done, eat dinner and wait for Alfred to retire for the evening and then, then he would see what he could find out.
---Several Days later. --
“You what?” Betty looked over at him while sipping on her drink. “Wait. Start over? I mean.”
Dick knew what she meant. He was looking a gift horse in the mouth. “I checked him out a little. Asked a few questions. That’s all. What’s wrong with that? I don’t see anything wrong with that. It’s not like I went to a reporter.” His shoulders rose and fell. “It’s not like I went up to his company and started asking questions,” he offered before taking a bite of his chicken sandwich.
“Because that would be rude.” There was a snort from the case worker. “I told you that I would help you as much as I can, but I can’t look into the man’s financial records. Dick what are you worried about.”
It was a fair question, but Betty already knew that he had concerns just like he was sure that Wayne had concerns about him. “Just want to check him out fully without him providing all the information you know. I mean he checked me out kept tabs on me, so why can’t I do the same and I need to find out a little more from Googling you know. I mean I know what the public knows and I’ve been all over the Gotham Gazette. I’ve been to the library and there are some things that are a matter of public record.” He shared with her.
“I’m going to be sharing a house with him for the next year or so even more so I would like to know more. I mean this is just more than roommates. I’m pretty sure he vetted me. Knows about all the things that I’ve been through juvie and everything. Surprised he didn’t have the record unsealed.”
“He…”
“Don’t even say it, Betty. We all know it’s possible. Talk to the right person and they’ll be able to get the information. I mean he knew how to track me down that should be saying enough so yeah I’ve been making inquiries here and there. I’m not saying that I’m doing anything illegal, but can’t I check him out? This is more than just roommates, he taking an active part in my life so I should know everything I need to know.” He reached out for his drink taking a sip.
“And you didn’t find anything.” She reminded him.
“He’s wealthy. You’re going to tell me that you don’t think he’s able to have things covered up?” He told her. “More than that, there were periods when he was out of the country.”
She arched his brow. “Before he took over the reins of the company. Finding himself. Yeah. I’m pretty sure that’s what it was.” He was still a little uncertain about the mixed martial arts bit. Perhaps that’s what it was he was out there learning it, but he wanted to know how far that went seriously.
“You’re being a little paranoid. Ok maybe more than a little paranoid. How did you find out some of these things,” Betty asked.
“Asked around. Getting an idea of what people thought of Wayne. I told you I’ve been all over the Gazette. Even the old copies that aren’t on microfiche or have been digitized. The city does have a more than decent library. It pays to use it and Wayne is news. I’m trying to figure a few things out before I start to be news. You know they’re going to be all over it. Wayne takes a ward and all that. That’s news not to mention the connections. His parents were murdered. My parents were murdered.” There was a slight pause between the last two statements.
“Dick it was never proven.”
He could already feel his head shaking, because it was an old story. “There was nothing conclusive, they said, but I know the truth. We all know the truth, but the less people believe it the less they have to consider the fact that Gotham has more of a poison pill than they would like. However that’s neither here or there, because I can discuss that with the therapist if I like and help me get past it.” He could only imagine who Wayne had to talk or didn’t have to talk to, because Dick knew what that was like. Not having anyone to talk with or reach out to, but there was the butler, but would that be enough?
“Dick it was different for the two of you…”
“Was it? Was it different? I know how I felt and who knows how he felt or what he was going through or what he might still be going through. It’s my life I have a right to be suspicious and I have a right to make the kind of inquiries that I’ve been making.” He didn’t say that he had been out to the hacker chat rooms to try and find someone that could do a little investigative work because Dick would admit that his skills were limited when it came to that type of work. It was not something that he could focus upon when he had limited resources in terms of computers and the sort. The fact that he was on the computer last night was a testament to that because he was attempting to get the right type of information.
“Talk to him.” Was Betty’s advice, it was the only advice that she could offer at this time that and she could check into a few things.
“I will.” When Bruce was around, because he was always on the go. There were things to be done. Business or some fundraiser or other event that he needed to attend. He was a busy man, Dick could understand that, he was pretty busy himself with homework and other activities that needed his attention.
“I just want to be prepared and the only way I can be prepared is to be informed, because this is a good thing, but if there is something that I don’t know about then it could be bad.” He was still dealing with the adjustment at school. “So will I be back on the net again looking up information into Wayne’s activities? Probably” He just wanted to feel comfortable and he wasn’t there yet. When he moved in with Ray in the garage he knew Ray for a good while and maybe that was the thing. He didn’t know Wayne. He wasn’t a little kid so there was a wall, there was a barrier that was there and Wayne well he had his own wall. He might not know it, but it was there.
“So, that’s your way of telling me that you’re going to do what you want no matter what?” She took a bite of her sandwich looking around. “Like coming down to the old neighborhood,” she queried.
“I still have people here that I care about, Betty. Ray’s still here. A few of my friends are here.” Few he could count on his hand how many people were his friends and they weren’t that close, because he was always busy with one thing for another.
“Dick you’re going to have to accept that things are going to change. Whether or not you want them to they’re going to change. You have to begin looking at where you want to be five, ten years from now and what type of impact that you want your life to have. It’s good to have roots, but you shouldn’t let it hold you back. This is your chance to get out and do something great. Things happen here that can hold you back. I know what happened to Trina and I know what’s happened in the past, but you’re going to have to start letting go.”
Looking up from his food Dick saw the slight frown upon her lips uncertain of what she was trying to say. “I heard from the guidance counselor about what’s been happening at school. If there wasn’t a divide before there’s going to be one now. You have to realize that. To put bluntly you’ve gone from being part of the 99 percent to the 1 percent. You may not think you have but you have and it’s not a bad thing, but different people will have different perspectives.”
Different perspectives he thought, but he didn’t speak yet he sighed.
“Had to be said. Just like you want to check Wayne out you have to face the facts, Dick. Not everyone is going to be appreciative of the opportunity you’ve been given. Some people will be jealous and resentful.” She was only attempting to be honest. It wasn’t good time in the world in terms of economics and Gotham always felt the strain.
“So, I’m slumming it? That’s what people are going to think,” he responded his sandwich in his hand, but he was already starting to lose his appetite. “I don’t care what people think, but I will do what I think is necessary to make sure…” He didn’t finish it, because he didn’t think he needed to finish the sentence. Betty knew more than most what he wanted to do.
“I should go. I need to get back. Homework. I need to work on the bike a bit. Work of the wicked never done.” He offered a smile and paid for the meal and left.