Night Out on the Town [Rowdy]

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

For several weeks now, Dick has found himself commuting between Gotham and Bludhaven a lot. The Outsiders were picking up and the presence of Officer Grayson needed to continue in his town. Not to mention Nightwing in both cities. A lot of work had been piling up since he joined the force. Though the work needed to get done one way or another.

Though tonight...it was just a chance to unwind after traveling over from his day shift patrolling the streets in a squad car.

Dick remember Roy mentioning something about a new Nightclub opening up in the West end of Gotham. Due to the much-needed repairs and renovations of the Iceberg Lounge, it seemed like the perfect chance for any small business to make a fortune off the tired wealthy workers of Gotham.

This place in particular, Roy had said it had opened about six weeks ago. Roy would know because he often played at places like this with any band gig he could get. The nightclub was called Rowdy's.

After checking out the Wayne building several blocks away, Dick had walked to the near edge of the West to find this place. It wasn't late enough for Nightwing to take patrol and it wouldn't hurt to grab a bite to eat. Most of the smaller cafes in the area were closed after ten and it was eleven.

The Nightclub stood out with its large windows on its first and second floors. Bright colorful lights lit up the inside. As Dick walked closer, the sound of music could be heard from the front steps as he entered.

A passing waitress smiled at him as he walked by and looked him over. Dick Grayson was no stranger to Gotham. Walking into the large bar, off to his right caught his eye. The modern long white top and stool with backs to them looked rather inviting to anyone coming in for a good time. The sides were lit gently with a bluish color to them. And the wine was on display in several long-lit shelves.

Though the lounge area looked more inviting to Dick with the large black couches placed through out the area. Most were faced towards an open dance floor and a performance stage.

The place was not overly packed, it being a Wednesday night. Which made it all the more inviting for some down time as Dick took a seat not too far off from the entrance from the place.

[Deleted]

Across the room, James “Jimbo” Flemmons was standing behind the bar, wearing a nice black dress shirt with faded jeans and black sneakers.  He watched as his business partner, Rowdy Yates, emptied the cash register of big bllls.  He left some smaller denominations - - tens, fives, and ones - - so the bartender on duty, Jimbo, could make change for the late-night customers.

While Rowdy filled the blue moneybag, Jimbo took the time to stock and tidy up his work area.  He didn’t have a barback, and so keeping the bar prepared was one of his main responsibilities.  “It sure is a slow night,” he sighed, gathering empty straw wrappers and cocktail napkins from the countertop.  “Do you think I might be able to leave soon?  That redhead I was hitting on earlier tonight gave me her phone number, and I want to get laid!  C’mon, man.  Help a brother out.”

Rowdy laughed out loud, amused at his friend’s plight.  “Be it far from me to stand in the way of young love,” he said ceremoniously, with a hint of sarcasm thrown in.  “Go ahead.  I’ll pull Rudy from the kitchen to help me out here, should there be a mad rush at last call.”

Jimbo got so excited that he fumbled a half-empty beer mug, spilling the remainder of its contents.  Before the liquid could splatter all over the bar and Jimbo’s clothes, Rowdy triggered his telekinesis.  His eyes glowed fiery red as the invisible force captured the fluid and forced it back into the glass mug.

Jimbo sighed with relief, thinking he had stopped the mishap on his own.  Then, with a smile, he looked at Rowdy and noticed his red eyes.  “What’s wrong with your eyes?” he asked.  “You really need to go to a doctor and have them checked out.  That’s not normal.”

“They’re just bloodshot,” Rowdy replied, wiping his eyes while dismissing the concern.  “No worries though.  I have an appointment to see my doctor tomorrow afternoon about my eyes.  Hopefully, he’ll be able to help me with this red-eye crap.”

Unknown to Jimbo, the appointment was with Dr. Lowell Emerson, a behavioral research scientist at S.T.A.R. Labs in Metropolis.  Dr. Emerson was going to run a few tests on Rowdy’s tele-empathic powers, his telekinesis being the sole reason for his eye problem.

After he put on his coat, Jimbo checked out Rowdy’s eyes one last time.  “Okay, they’re back to normal now.  Everything’s cool.  Thanks for letting me go early.  I owe you one.”

As Rowdy and Jimbo said their good-byes, which included about three minutes of small-talk, Rowdy repeatedly looked Dick’s way.  Rowdy knew that Dick noticed when he was staring, because Rowdy felt Dick’s reaction every time with his empathy.  Rowdy had a way of looking that felt more like a hot, physical touch, and Dick Grayson’s princely features definitely caught Rowdy’s wandering eye.  When Jimbo finally left, Rowdy grabbed a menu and walked over to Dick’s table to introduce himself.

“Hello! Welcome to Rowdy’s!  I’m Rowdy,” he said, handing Dick the menu.  “What's your name?  Can I get you anything to drink this evening?  Perhaps something from the bar?”

Rowdy allowed himself a sentimental smile as he used his telepathy to connect with Dick’s mind.  For an isolated moment, they shared something that neither one of them was completely sure of.  The magnetism was undeniable, but at the same instant, it pierced Rowdy with its own dangers.  Sometimes telepathic impressions were too vague for interpretation, but Rowdy clicked with Dick.  Somehow he just knew that Dick was a good person - - someone that he’d really like to get to know and have for a friend.  His gut instincts told him to trust Dick, and Rowdy always followed his instincts.

“Um, . . . you don’t happen to sing or dance, do you?” he asked, trying not to sound like he was hitting on Dick.  “I’m always scouting for new talent. Heck, with your great looks, you could easily become one of my back-up dancers.  But you'd have to audition for me, of course . . . .”

Meanwhile, an older gentleman was standing outside the nightclub, wearing a long tan trench coat and a gray fedora.  He checked his coat pocket one final time before entering the establishment, making sure that his loaded pistol was still there.  Immediately, he scoped out the place, struggling with indecision and evaluating whether or not he should carry out the intended robbery or not.  Seeing that there were only seven people inside altogether, he inhaled sharply and took a seat at the bar, waiting for an employee to greet him so he could ask for the manager.

“Here’s my card,” Rowdy was telling Dick as the stranger walked past him.  “Give my offer some thought.  Being in The Rowdies is a great way to have fun and make money at the same time.”

Although he spoke softly, Rowdy was working hard to compose himself.  Suddenly, something was obviously pressuring him.  He was sensing uneasiness from the customer who had just entered.

When Dick asked if he was all right, Rowdy steadied himself by placing a hand on the table.  “I’ll be okay . . . .”  His thoughtful blue eyes narrowed beneath his drawn eyebrows.  He felt something.  “Thanks for the concern, Dick. I just have a weird feeling . . . .”

Backing up a step, Rowdy blinked, took a deep breath, and pretended to recover.  “Please excuse me, but I have some important business to attend to upstairs in my office,” he told Dick.  “I’ll have my associate Rudy come over and take your order shortly.  I hope you'll enjoy your dining experience and the rest of your evening.  Good-night.”

After retrieving Rudy from the kitchen, Rowdy collected the moneybag and made a quick and what he thought was a clumsy exit up the spiral staircase that led to the second floor.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

All the while Dick was seated as his table, he felt like someone was watching him. It was hard to say, without turning around to look. But all the while...it was an eerie feeling.

He didn't need to look. The sound approaching footsteps seemed to be the answer. A man a bit older than him walked up to where he sat. Greeting him and handing him a menu.

"Thanks. Name's Dick," he replied as he took the offered menu. "I'm good for now."

It was easy enough to know this was the owner. The man was very forward and confident in his actions in welcoming a guest. Though there was something else about the guy that drew more of his attention. As for the drink, Dick politely turned it down. One thing he never did before a night of patrolling was drink. Well, on most occasions if he wasn't around Roy.

With the continuing conversation, Dick was slightly caught off guard at first. Though as Rowdy continued to explain, he gained a better understanding.

"I'm not much of a dancer," Dick replied.

At the offer of the card, Dick took it any ways. Good way to stay in contact if needed. Though Dick wasn't about to give up his day job as an officer in Bludhaven any time soon to be the entertainment in Gotham.

If that were to happen, word would hit hard in Gotham over the ward of Bruce Wayne. Not exactly following the footsteps of his 'father', but it would be the perfect act to lead as a reckless rich young guy. If Roy were to ever hear about this, he'd have a field day. Though Dick might actually jump in on the laughs a bit as well with his friend.

The energy between them had changed from a friendly conversation to there being tension in the place. It was not between them though. Dick looked over at Rowdy. It was as if his energy was gone as that one fella walked in.

"You alright," he expressed some concern for the sudden change of the man's confident appearance.

Dick was not convinced at all by Rowdy's act. There was something off with this all. First the feeling he had gotten before Rowdy had approached him. Then the strange energy between them. And now the sudden waver in the guys confidence.

"No problem at all. Take it easy," Dick replied.

He kept an eye on the movements of Rowdy and the new guest at the bar. The sudden urge to run off to the office ending the conversation was a red flag. And so was the strange man at the bar. Dick had seen that in many people before.

Slightly looking back at the menu again, Dick's attention was alert to his surroundings. Observing every movement, every action.

When Rowdy disappeared suddenly, the man at the bar hesitated before he got up and headed toward where Dick was seated. The man took his time, and Dick knew he was coming.

Inviting himself over, the man in the trench coat sat down opposite of him. "Was that the manager you were speaking with," the man asked in a quiet hostile tone.

Dick set the menu down on the table and glanced at the man across from him. "Who wants to know," Dick asked. His mind already adjusting to the hostile tone.

"I want something from him," the man replied.

"And you are coming to me, why," Dick said.

"You two seem to be friends," he replied. Getting up from his seat, the man slide into the same side of the booth as Dick. Leaning slightly towards him, he pulls out a hand pistol and there is a click sound. Ready to be fired the gun is hidden between the two men. Dick could feel the barrel of the gun being pointed against his lower ribs. "Do exactly as I say. No questions or trying to be the hero. One wrong slip up and I'll take down everyone in this joint. Now get up."

The man moved away, the gun slightly hidden, but still point at Dick. Not wanting to take the risk of others getting hurt, Dick complied. Leaving his seat and now leading the way up the stairs in the direction Rowdy had taken.

Dick stumbled on the steps as the man was almost walking over top of him mid way up. Rushing him up the stairs. The crooks was set off by his nerves. Dick could sense this wasn't something this guy did for a payroll. The man grabbed him by the back of his shirt collar and leather jacket. "Get up. Keep moving," he said as he pointed the gun into Dick's back.

Dick kept walking, the man not letting up on his grip. At points almost shoving Dick down the hall as they walked. When they got to the office, Dick opened the door. His eyes catching Rowdy's right away.

[Deleted]

Meanwhile, upstairs, Rowdy sat in his private office, preparing a bank deposit. In the back of his mind, he was still contemplating his feelings about that man who had entered the nightclub a few minutes ago.  Erring on the side of caution, Rowdy had read the stranger’s mind while retrieving the moneybag from the bar’s cash register.  Now, Rowdy was questioning his own actions about that.  In this case, had it been right to do what he did?   He rationalized: What if the man was a potential threat in some way?   He had to find out, right?  After all, it was his responsibility to protect his customers and employees, wasn't it?

On the surface, Rowdy’s telepathy had revealed that the man was dealing with the loss of his job, meeting financial obligations, and providing for his hungry wife and three kids - - all red flags, yet nothing out of the ordinary for people in that situation in today’s challenging economy.  Rowdy had refused to delve any deeper with his telepathy, out of respect for the individual.  He was comfortable with using empathy to probe for an initial read, but nothing more.  It was his choice - - a personal conviction - - to treat people the way he wanted to be treated, and he believed people deserved privacy.  Rowdy had drawn a proverbial line in the sand that he had refused to cross in the past.  It just seemed so unethical to him to do a telepathic scan on others without getting permission first.

The question he was debating now was this: Had he gone too far with his telepathy, or not far enough?

Rowdy sighed heavily, the only other sound in the room, besides the calculator he was punching.  He hated struggling with situational ethics.

Suddenly, Rowdy felt a slight twinge in his spirit.  Frowning, he looked up and focused on the closed door across the room.  In that moment, his mind and heart reached out into a world of chaotic light and swirling colors, searching for the emotions of whoever was headed his way.

He picked up the feelings of two men walking up the spiral staircase, each one familiar, yet with totally opposite sets of emotions.  One of them was Dick - - confident, strong, and determined to act when the opportunity was right - - and the other man was the guy from the bar, who was nervous, anxious, and agitated.

As soon as the office door opened, Rowdy’s eyes were already locked with Dick’s.  Sensing Dick’s concern, he consoled him with a simple nod of the head.  He fell into Dick’s wide blue eyes, gazing thoughtfully and linking with him telepathically, trying to make him understand without verbally communicating with him.

Everything is going to be all right, his voice echoed inside Dick’s head.  Just do what I tell you, when I tell you, and we’ll live through this, okay?  Trust me.  I’ll explain later.

The other man was surprised that Rowdy wasn’t startled by the intrusion.  In fact, Rowdy was acting very calm, cool, and collected, like he had been expecting them to barge in unannounced.

“I had a feeling . . .,” Rowdy commented aloud, reading the man’s mind and answering his question before he could audibly ask it.  Rowdy forced himself not to say more, while he indulged in the presence of the would-be robber’s troubled eyes and probed with his telepathic talent to feel the emotions of the stranger and decipher his true intentions.  His perception was one of aggressive intent.  “May I help you . . . Carl?”

Carl’s eyes widened.  “H-How did you know my name?” he stammered nervously.

“Lucky guess?  Now why don’t you put the gun away?  There’s no need for violence.  I’ll give you whatever you want,” Rowdy cajoled, stepping around the desk, somehow managing to gather strength and courage from Dick’s presence.  He deliberately kept himself from showing concern, frustration, or anxiety.  He smiled softly at his own sincere effort.

Carl eyed the money on the desk and waved his gun at Rowdy.  “The money - - I want the money!  And whatever else you’ve got in the safe!”

Rowdy nodded.  Slowly, he turned his back on Carl and Dick, gathered the money on the desk, and put it into the money bag.  Neither one saw Rowdy’s eyes begin to glow like a red neon sign.

“C’mon!” Carl growled. “I ain’t got all night!”

As he zipped up the pouch, Rowdy’s eyes narrowed. He already knew Carl was planning on killing both him and Dick after he got the money.  It was time to act and put an end to this once and for all.

Someone was going to get hurt.  By Rowdy.

Rowdy prayed to God that Dick wouldn’t get caught in the fray.

Get ready, Dick.  Hit the floor in . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . NOW!

It was over in about five seconds.  When Rowdy turned around, his eyes flashed, and an invisible concussive force hit Carl spot-on, sending him reeling through the open door.  The impact of slamming against the wall in the hallway knocked him unconscious immediately.  With a groan, the man dropped his weapon and slumped to the floor.

Meanwhile, Rowdy’s eyes cooled.  A soothing smile replaced his stern look as he regained his composure.  “Sorry about that,” he apologized, walking over to Dick and offering him a helping hand to lift him to his feet.  “I hope it didn't freak you out too much.  You did great, by the way!  I’m all right.  Are you okay?”

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Rowdy seemed awful calm for someone about to be robbed. And at gun point. Dick just on with the act of the victim. He could risk much at the moment.

With them being in the office, he'd get the chance to strike and take out the armed robber. Though something else caught his attention now. Someone else's voice was now in his head.

And with the eye contact between Rowdy and him, it was easy to tell who it was. Things started to make more sense. With how he felt like someone was watching him and everything else since he stepped into this place.

Rowdy was telepathic. A meta-human or maybe an alien. This was a switch as Rowdy was taking full control of the situation.

Dick remained playing the victim part for now. Ready to take control if things went south.

The gunman seemed nervous and anxious to be committing this crime in the first place. Though there was determination behind it all. Something Dick had learned to sense long ago to make judgement calls on how to end a fight.

The gunman had his pistol pointed at Rowdy now. Yet, he maintained his grip on Dick's collar. He didn't need more trouble. At that point, Dick had to keep to the side and not react yet. His instincts telling him to act soon.

Though when Rowdy turned around to face them again, his voice was in Dick's head again. And between his words, the gunman had let his grip loosen on Dick's shirt. And at the time of three, Dick got down, but was ready to attack right away.

That was until a wave of force came out of nowhere. Well more like from Rowdy's direction.

The gunman was thrown back into the far wall outside the office. Dick look up toward Rowdy when he spoke, taking his helping hand.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Dick replied at first.

He wasn't all too surprise by the past actions after the voice that had been in his head. Though Dick was now more protective over his thoughts. Which meant as Dick Grayson, he had to play the part of the unknown civilian.

"So you have powers," Dick asked as he stood there and brushed off his jacket.

[Deleted]

Rowdy didn’t answer immediately.  Instead, his lips touched and parted as he studied Dick and tried to figure out what to say and find the right words.  Dick seemed to be a nice enough guy, but was he trustworthy?  Even now, he could sense Dick guarding his thoughts.  Rowdy didn’t blame him for that, though.  Dick had every right to take precautions, after the display he’d just witnessed.

Finally, Rowdy shuffled his feet, tipped his head, and cooly said, “That is correct.”  Although he hadn’t evaded the question, he deliberately chose to avoid mentioning specifics, fearing that any revelation on his part would sound creepy and give Dick the wrong impression of him.  “The long and the short of it is, there’s more to me than meets the eye.”

Taking a few steps toward the open door, Rowdy glanced at the unconscious man in the hallway and seared the stranger with a scathing look.  “Carl underestimated me.  He threatened our lives. I didn't like that.  He deserved what happened to him.”

There was an awkward silence between them, and then Rowdy collected himself, struggling for composure, steadying his voice.  "I guess I’d better call the police,” he said, nodding curtly as he retrieved his cel phone from the holster on his belt.  “Of course, they’re going to need a statement from us both.”

Fortunately, Rowdy had the Gotham City Police Department on speed dial and was talking with Chief Miles O’Hara a few seconds later.

“Chief O’Hara? . . . Hello! Rowdy Yates here. How are you? . . . . That’s great.  I’m doing well, thanks . . . Yes, business is pretty good . . . Listen, the reason I’m calling is I had an incident tonight. at the club . . Yes, someone tried to rob me . . . Yes, I have a description of the man.  He’s 6’1”, about 240 lbs., and lying unconscious on the floor in the hallway outside my office door . . . No, no one was hurt, except him . . . No, I don’t think he’ll be waking anytime soon . . . Yes, I’d like to press charges . . . Five minutes?  Okay . . . Thank you . . . All right . . . Good-bye.”

As he ended the call, Rowdy was still uncomfortable and decided to push the conversation with Dick into an area in which he had concerns.

“So, when the police arrive, what are you going to tell them happened here, Dick?  More importantly, what are you going to tell them about me?”

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

As Rowdy was talk, Dick just stood there and watched him. Receiving only half an answer to his question. Of course Rowdy was questioning whether to trust this man he had long met that evening.

There was nothing he could do about it. He couldn't turn back the clock. Dick had seen his powers and his mind had been invaded by him once. Rowdy was now on his radar for meta. Whether he could be dangerous in the future could only be seen through his actions of how he used his powers.

And from what it seems up til now, he has kept quiet, only using them if needed. Then again Dick could be wrong.

When the name of the crook was mentioned, Dick looked into the hall way. He could say how in ways the man got what he deserved, but what exactly had Rowdy done to the man? Was the man every going to be awake to the world again? Or was it a long lasting punishment?

Leaving most of the questions behind, Dick chose to continue the unknowing citizen. "So what exactly if going to happen to him after what you did? Besides the fact the cops with have a hold of him," Dick asked.

At the mention of the police and Rowdy already going over to make the call, Dick saw down at the chair in front of the desk. Resting his elbows on his knee with his hands supporting his chin. He sat there and thought about things for a moment.

With the ending of the call, Dick knew the attention would be turned back to him. He was a liability to Rowdy's secret how. He help the cards in his hands. And he knew it scared Rowdy in a way. Though that wasn't to say Rowdy wouldn't use his powers against Dick if he decided to out him.

Dick saw back when the questions were being asked. His eyes closed in thought for a moment, then his blue eyes focused on Rowdy. "The crook was clumsy with his attempt of robber and underestimated the situation," Dick started off.

"He made the wrong move and let his guard down over the money. And all I saw what him getting body slammed by you, sending him back into the hall way," Dick replied.

He looked back at Rowdy after looking over the room and a fitting quick storyline for it all. "That's all I saw," Dick finished off, a slight smile at the corner of his lips to show he would keep quiet over the event and what he had witnessed.

[Deleted]

Rowdy hadn’t meant to be rude, but he waved his right index finger at Dick, signaling for him to wait a minute when he got Chief O’Hara on the phone.  After the three-minute conversation, he picked up where Dick had left off, and resumed talking as if no time had elapsed at all.

“Mister Carl is going to wake up with one helluva headache,” he answered, a slight hint of humor in his voice as he tucked his cel phone back into its holster on his side.  “Other than that, he’ll be sore, but he’ll live.”

Noting the expression on Dick’s face, Rowdy stopped, took a deep breath, exhaled sharply, and got serious again.

“He’s going to be all right, Dick,” he stated solemnly.  “I didn’t kill him, if that’s what you want to know.  In fact, I’m monitoring his vital signs, even as we speak . . . with my empathic ability,” he added at the end.

Damn it.  He’d said too much.  Or he wasn’t saying enough.  He couldn’t tell and got mad with himself.

For that very reason, Rowdy tensed up again, cursing and scolding himself in his own mind.  His powers always complicated things, especially with people he wanted to get to know, like Dick.

After hearing Dick’s answer about the account he was going to tell the police, Rowdy’s entire demeanor changed.  His shoulders loosened, and he sighed with relief, realizing that his secret was safe with Dick . . . for now.  “Thank you,” he managed to say, noting Dick’s smile.  Then Rowdy began contemplating the future and a possible blackmail attempt.  Oh, well.  He decided to worry about that later, when - -and if - - he had to.

At twenty-nine, Rowdy was eight years older than Dick, but Dick exhibited a maturity beyond his years.  Rowdy was aware of how mature Dick was acting, but was it an act, or was he being real, sincere, and genuine?  To be honest, once the police arrived on the scene, Rowdy expected Dick to spill his guts about everything.  Did he just give Rowdy an answer Rowdy wanted to hear so he wouldn’t become the next victim?  Rowdy’s doubt and fear were eating him alive.

Before his imagination could get the best of him, Rowdy was distracted by Rudy approaching with the police in tow.  When they came into view, the two officers with Rudy stopped to examine Carl in the hallway.

“Here we go,” Rowdy muttered to Dick, deliberately keeping his gaze on the activity to avoid eye contact with him.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick listened to every word Rowdy had to say. Finding out that the man would not be in any form of coma was a positive note to him. He could easily tell the man was still breathing. But the force could have caused some brain damage. Though from Rowdy's explanation, he could tell the guy was telling the truth.

That was even more backed up by Rowdy admitting his power abilities and how he was using them. He could monitor the guy's physical body state and the systems functioning.

This was different on the line that they guy could not only read minds, but pretty much see someones reaction to the situation.

It was a good thing Dick was a good actor. He was as calm as could be, though he presented someone in a slight state of shock over something like this. Just getting caught up in a robbery and begin held at gun point. All of which, he had never been in any real danger considering he could have easily turned the tables at any moment.

The plus side for him had been not having to display any of his talents in the marshal-arts. One less lead for any one. Though Rowdy had blown his own cover.

And Dick could read his expressions and actions. Almost of regret over this. And a questioning over possibly trusting Dick with this information.

The room had gone deadly silent between the two of them. Dick could tell the reasons why. Rowdy was tension an easy sight of troubles and worries. Dick just stayed seated as they waited for the police to come.

It wasn't too much longer before the police arrived and were in the up stairs hall. Dick stood up to acknowledge the police that had come. He recognized a few faces, though they had aged and now were in the suit division rather than the uniform. At least the two had arrive up the stairs first to talk to the 'victims'. These two officers would not know Dick since he had long ago seen them when working with Batman as Robin all those years ago.

"Good evening, I'm officer Brian and this is detective Nelson," the first man introduced himself. "I'd like to ask you two some questions on the events that took place this evening to get a better understanding of the situation. If that would be alright?"

"Sure," Dick replied.

"Alright, Detective Nelson and I will ask you a few questions separately to get a better account of what when down," officer Brian said as he walked over toward Rowdy.

Detective Nelson was there as a field agent that night. Perhaps they had been coming back from another case. Two more officers in uniform came up and were helping the robber up to take him away. More than likely a hospital for now.

Detective Nelson motioned for Dick to step out in the hallway to answer some questions before they got the two in the same room to finish off the report for their records. They just were covering all the corners to make sure this wasn't some set up or even a revenge crime committed by the robber.

"May I ask you a few questions...," the Detective started.

"Grayson," Dick replied giving only his last name.

The Detective showed a hint of recognizing him from somewhere. "I remember you. You're Mr. Wayne's ward right? I was on the investigation team as a trainee back when we got your case. I am sorry for your loss," he made the connection and apologized for bring it up.

"Thank you. And yes I am. I'm glad to see you advanced it your field, can't say I remember you all that well," Dick replied.

"That's alright. Ok, well I'd like to ask what happened here besides the robbery. Did you know that man," he started.

"Tonight was the first time I've ever seen him. He seemed rather off to start with when he came in," Dick replied. He left out the name of the robber to show he knew nothing of him.

"I can see no one was really hurt in the starts of it. What happened for him to get knocked out," the detective asked.

"The guy was fumbling round with his gun when the manager was going toward the money to begin with. All I remember after being force to the ground by the man was the manager waiting for the crook to get closer. The guy lost his baring on the situation and hesitated. That's when the manager body slammed him," Dick replied.

[Deleted]

Rowdy remained calm, cool, and collected as Dick stood and met with Officer Brian and Detective Nelson.  Then, when Officer Brian left Dick to approach Rowdy, Rowdy reached out and shook his hand. “Welcome to my club, man,” he said in greeting.  “I wish it were under different circumstances.  I’m Rowdy Yates, the owner and manager on duty tonight.”

Officer Brian smiled and nodded, returning the strong grip with his own.  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. You’ve got a really nice place here.”

“Yes, and I want to keep it that way,” Rowdy grumbled, taking a seat on the desk behind him.  “I don’t like the idea of my nightclub being infiltrated by Gotham scum . . . unless they’re paying customers,” he added with a wink, trying to ease some of the tension and nervousness he was experiencing.  Then he noticed Dick leaving with Detective Nelson.  “Who’s he?” Rowdy asked, pointing to the detective.  “Where is Dick going?  He’s not leaving, is he?”

“That’s Detective Nelson,” Officer Brian answered.  “No, your friend isn’t leaving.  He’s just stepping out into the hallway to answer a few questions.  In the meantime, I’d like to ask you some questions about this evening, too, if you don’t mind.  You’ve been in the business a while, haven’t you?  I’m sure this isn’t your first rodeo.  You know the drill.”

“Unfortunately, I do,” Rowdy sighed.  “Ask away, officer.”

Unknowingly, Rowdy’s eyes twinkled as he locked on Dick, channeling his empathy and telepathy so he knew exactly what Dick was feeling, thinking, and saying to Detective Nelson.  It was the only way their stories would sync up.  He wondered if Dick could sense the connection.

In the first few seconds of the mind-link, Rowdy learned Dick’s full name and who he actually was: Dick Grayson, ward of billionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne.  Rowdy rolled his eyes.  He had been impressed with Dick beforehand.  Now he was even more impressed!

“Do you know the robber?” Officer Brian asked Rowdy.

“No, I don’t,” Rowdy replied.  “He let his first name slip.  It was ‘Carl’.  That’s all I know.  He came to my office and was holding Dick as a hostage at gunpoint.”

Officer Brian whipped out a pen and notepad from his coat pocket and started jotting notes on the paper.  “How did Carl get out into the hallway, if he was in here?  Was there some kind of altercation?”

Rowdy made sure his version of the story matched what Dick had told Detective Nelson.

“The first thing I noticed about Carl was that he seemed to be nervous and jittery when he entered the club.  The next thing I knew, he was up here waving a gun in my face, after he forced Dick down on the carpet.  The last thing I wanted was for anyone to get hurt, but I really thought the man was going to kill me.  When he stepped toward me and fumbled with his weapon, I saw the opportunity and went all ‘Hulk Hogan’ on him.  I pushed him out into the hallway, and the momentum slammed him into the wall, knocking the gun out of his hand on impact.  I guess I don’t know my own strength.  Blame it on the adrenaline rush coursing through my veins at the time.”

Officer Brian nodded.  “I don’t see any scratches, bruising, or bleeding on your person.  You weren’t hurt in the scuffle, were you?”

“Actually, it didn’t last but a few seconds, and then it was over,” Rowdy recalled.  “No, he didn’t lay a hand on me.  It was all me going ape-shit on him.  And, like I said, it was in self-defense.”

“Thank God you had a witness,” Officer Brian commented.  “I’d hate to think what would’ve happened if you two had been alone in here.  Most likely, we wouldn’t be having this conversation, and you would be the one going to the hospital right now.”

“Or the City Morgue,” Rowdy added with a frown.

A few minutes later, Rowdy was telling the same story again to Detective Nelson, as Officer Brian questioned Dick out in the hallway.  After that, Officer Brian and Dick rejoined Rowdy and Detective Nelson, and they all spoke with one another for a few minutes, collaborating their notes and stories.

“I think we’re pretty much finished here,” the detective finally told Dick and Rowdy.  "Thank you for your time, Mr. Grayson.  Thank you, too, Mr. Yates; we’ll get back in touch with you tomorrow.”

With that, Officer Brian and Detective Nelson shook hands with Dick and Rowdy and said their good-byes.  As they exited the office, Rowdy, who was still seated on top of the desk, folded his arms in front of his chest, looked at Dick, and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thanks for all your help tonight, Dick.  I’m indebted to you for not revealing my secret.  I owe you one.  Well, actually, I owe you several . . . .”

He stopped to collect his thoughts and to choose his next words carefully.

“Dick, I need you to - - Hmmm.  I want you to - -“

Rowdy sighed with frustration.  It was obvious that he was really struggling.

“Now that you’re one of a handful of people who know what I can do, I need you to promise me you won’t tell anyone.  If you can’t do that, then you’ll force me to take measures to make you forget what happened here.  I don’t want to do that, but I’ll do what is necessary in order to protect myself.  Look, I don’t want to be the bad guy here.  I’m giving you a choice: secrecy or a mind sweep.  What’s it gonna be?”

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

After the officer and Dick walked back into the room, everything seemed to be coming to an end. Dick was sure he played his cards right and kept the officer off course of the truth.

Everything had gone well between the detective and Rowdy it seemed from the detective wrapping up the investigation.

"My pleasure. Hopefully if there is a next time, it won't be circumstances such as they are," Dick replied.

He gave a slight nod as he shook hands with the officer and detective. As he was referring to the present situation of a robbery that had taken place. Not the most pleasant situation to have to deal with considering he had been a hostage and was lucky to have survived.

Not like he couldn't have gotten out of it on his own. He had just gone with it because the way things played out.

Once they were alone again, their previous conversations was to take place again. And He knew he had to face what Rowdy might have to say over all this.

"You owe me nothing," Dick replied.

He honestly was not going to hold it over his head. But he knew Rowdy did not know that. He held all the cards at the moment, but what Rowdy might say next said otherwise.

The way he was struggling with what he had to say, it was easy to let. The decision seemed to be up to Rowdy at that point. To see if he could trust him or wanted to.

By his words it was easy to tell he wanted to trust Dick. But he was thinking of his safety first. And by all means, Dick knew that feeling all two well.

"I'll keep your secret. I promise, not a work will be spoke on this. I'm not one to go about telling the world information it does not need to know. I understand you wanting to be protective over it and rightfully so," Dick said.

He had been looking straight into Rowdy's eyes when he had said this. To show every word he spoke was the truth.

[Deleted]

Rowdy and Dick locked eyes with one another for a moment, longer than expected by either of them.  Eventually, Rowdy relaxed, knowing Dick was telling him the truth.  “I don’t doubt you, Dick,” he confessed.  “And please don’t ever give me a reason to.”

Stretching his upper torso backwards, Rowdy reached behind himself and retrieved a pen from the middle drawer of the desk on which he was seated.  Then he took a business card from his shirt pocket and scribbled his digits on the blank side of it.

“This is my personal cel phone number,” he said once he was finished, handing the card to Dick.  “Don’t lose that.  The number is unlisted.  Call me whenever - - anytime, day or night - - if you ever need me, okay?  I’ll come running.”

Whether Dick knew it or not, he had just made a friend for life in Rowdy.

As Dick had acknowledged, Rowdy had his reasons for being protective of his powers.  Not everyone Rowdy was friends with could handle knowing about his abilities to feel emotions, read thoughts, and move objects with his mind.  The last thing he wanted to do was compromise those friendships.  Jimbo Flemmons and Vicki Vale were perfect examples.  As far as Rowdy was concerned, his secret was on an as-needed-to-know basis.  His decision to share it depended upon the circumstances of each individual case.  Sometimes Rowdy wondered if he was the one who couldn’t handle Jimbo and Vicki knowing.  He feared the unknown and didn’t waste his time contemplating what-ifs.

Rowdy was relieved that he didn’t have to perform a mind sweep on Dick.  Rowdy had only attempted one mind sweep in his life, and an accidental lobotomy had been the result of his actions.  Still guilt-ridden, he never wanted to hurt another person like that ever again.

Noting the time, Rowdy stood to his feet and offered his right hand to Dick in friendship.  “I’m sorry that your dinner was interrupted by all this excitement,” he apologized.  “If you’d still like a meal, it’s on the house.  And next time you come in, dinner is on me.  I insist.  It’s the least I could do for tonight's inconvenience.  Bring your friends with you, too.  The more, the merrier.”

Deep down, Rowdy didn’t want Dick to leave just yet.  He was enjoying channeling Dick and feeding on all of his emotions, like an empathic vampire.  He couldn’t help but wonder if Dick was getting used to the connection they now shared.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Thanks. And I won't. I'll text you my number later then," Dick replied.

The events of that evening were coming to an end. It had been a rather unexpected matter with the robber. Though the end result was better than he thought they would be.

He had no doubt the robber would be locked away. Yet, it was who had ended it all that surprised him the most. And now he had more knowledge on someone else who has now made it to his interest list in metas and possible vigilantes. And that list seemed to be growing.

"Thank you. I'll be sure to take you up on the offer another time," Dick replied as he headed for the stairs.

As he started to walk way, he stopped and turned to look at Rowdy. "Awesome job tonight. And I promise, you have nothing to worry about with your secret," Dick said. "I'll see ya around."

With that he made his way down the steps and headed out the front doors. He had work that night to pick up on. And Rowdy has just been added to that list.

~~~~

It wouldn't be long after Dick Grayson had driven off on his motorcycle that Nightwing was around in the area. Though he'd be waiting for the right chance to drop in and have a chat with Rowdy about a little situation. Besides it was known that Nightwing had been spotted quite a bit lately in Gotham. An Dick Grayson was long gone.

[Deleted]

Rowdy was a little sad when Dick bid him farewell and said good-night.  He still couldn’t believe he had met THE Dick Grayson!  Rowdy kicked himself for not getting an autograph.

The promise that Dick would later text him with his personal number gave Rowdy hope that he and Dick would stay in touch and become friends.  Rowdy loved meeting new people, but there were those individuals whom he took a great liking to.  Rowdy tried to surround himself with positive people who he wanted to aspire to and emulate.  Dick Grayson definitely fit into that category!

Rowdy watched from the front doors as Dick climbed on his motorcycle and sped away into the night.  Sighing, Rowdy wondered if the evening would’ve turned out much differently, had Dick not graced the establishment with his presence.  Probably not.  Rowdy would’ve still stopped Carl, and Carl would’ve still gone to the hospital.  Rowdy was just very thankful that no one else had gotten seriously injured, shot, or killed.

Looking around, Rowdy noticed that the nightclub was entirely empty.  He knew from past experience that police cars with flashing lights parked outside normally had that effect on a business, especially if the business had become a crime scene like his had that evening.  Rowdy shrugged his shoulders.  Oh, well.  It was closing time anyway.

As was his normal routine, Rowdy let all of his employees out when they were ready to go.  Then he locked the doors behind them and sauntered over to the bar.  He was always the last to leave.  He never left without having a nightcap, a cold bottle of beer to be exact.  He wasn’t scared about being in the building all by himself because he knew he could protect himself if he needed to.

As he sat at the bar and enjoyed his brew, he felt eyes staring at him.  Turning his head, he called over his right shoulder to no one in particular:

“Come out, come out, wherever you are!  I know you’re here.  Welcome to Rowdy’s.  I’d offer you a drink, but we’re closed.  Show yourself now, or I’ll come to you.  And, trust me, you won’t like it when I find you.”

With that, Rowdy sat quietly and took several slow draws of his beer, waiting patiently for whoever it was to make their presence known.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Nightwing would appear out of nowhere. After Rowdy had looked off, he had come up behind the bar. An easy feat for Nightwing to pull off.

The place had been empty when he had snuck in. And he had done so without setting off the alarms. He had actually hacked the system to by pass them. Yet, they all remained in tact.

"Thanks, but I don't drink when I'm on my shift," Nightwing said.

This would draw Rowdy's attention to before him. As Nightwing was leaning up on the back boards of the other side of the bar. His tone reflected his intentions were not hostile.

Nightwing had a reason for being here. After what he had seen that night, it was always best to see which side these metas would take. Then again, this one had been in hiding for a long time.

"No one finds me unless I want to be found, just to clarify that with you," Nightwing replied. His tone was even. He had business to discuss, but he was going about it in a some what friendly manner.