Blackbirds

PART 21

Dick sprawled across his bed, one arm flopped across his eyes, sheets kicked off in a fit of restlessness, trying to cool off and fall asleep. But Bludhaven's rare summer breeze was as evasive in the early morning hours as the answers he had been mentally chasing after all night.

He imagined the scene in every detail over and over in his mind. Donna getting Lian to safety. Then Mia. Something didn't fit.

People. Property. Perps.

Ollie was right. Dick rolled onto his side. Punched the pillow back into shape. Dammit, Ollie was right. Donna should have moved the fight. Should have neutralized the situation. Walked away from Sloder when he first approached.

He listened as his answering machine kicked in. His pulse quickened. Just for a second. Just long enough to reprimand himself. He wasn't expecting Ollie to call. He swiped a bead of sweat trickling down his back. Really, he wasn't.

He quickly recognized Roy's voice. Barely heard the first part of his message. Something about Lian being awake and able to answer questions. Unfortunately, his sign off as "--your favorite archer." was painfully clear. Damn. Ollie at Dinah's wedding flashed to mind. Emerald eyes curious, questioning. Lips quirked in amusement.

Dick swung his legs over the side of the bed. Hands tightened into fists against the mattress. He fought to keep his mind focused on the case.

Batman's words ran through his thoughts. "Or an element yet to be determined." What if, Dick wondered, Donna had followed her training? He went still, struck by a new thought. What if she had neutralized the threat first? Which would mean the real danger--

"Oh, God..."