Chapter Text
Tinkering away at the computer, Tim was doing some well needed investigating. Bruce was doing Justice League things, and it was just Tim’s luck that people were disappearing. Having Bruce around would have been great, but this was a chance to prove himself. If he could find the people before Bruce got back, it would be worth it.
“How’s it going Timmy?” Dick inquired, in full Nightwing attire.
“I’m not sure.” Tim admitted, rubbing his eyes. “Tips are sparse, but people can’t just up and disappear.”
“Any clues?”
“Mostly lawyers and business people. All from variously corrupt backgrounds. Anywhere from speeding tickets to fraud.”
“That’s a good start.”
“But I still don’t have a location.”
“You’ll find a lead.”
Dick looked around the Batcave. It was gloomy and devoid of life. Excluding them and the bats.
“You wanna go on patrol?” Dick inquired. “It might clear your head a little bit.”
Tim sighed. He wasn’t going to get too much father. And despite wanting to stay in, maybe he did need the fresh air to clear his head.
“Sure.”
~
Gotham’s cold night air smacked Red Robin’s face. Their first case, a simple robbery. Some of Penguin’s men were caught trying to steal from a local jewelry shop. What Penguin would do with all those diamonds was a mystery, though if Red Robin had to guess, profit.
From there, Nightwing and Red Robin would split up. Nightwing would handle Riddler while Red Robin would help investigate Two Face’s recent strike.
A scream would divert his attention. Disturbed by the scream, Red Robin decided to investigate. Two Face could wait, he gad to figure out what was going on. He the few other screams until Red Robin ended in the backside of an alley.
The screams ceased and he saw no one. Looking around, Red Robin saw no one, causing him to mentally curse himself for being too slow.
As he searched for clues, red caught his eye. A red A with a circle around it was graffitied on the side lf a building. In the center, a note.
You’re next Detective.
~
“So you think Anarky is doing the kidnapping?” Dick investigated.
“Yeah.” Tim confirmed. “I’m sure it has to do with changing Gotham in his own unusual way.” He looked at the note. “Dealing with the corrupt on his own terms. The question is, why go after Bruce?”
“It could just be a threat. That he’s coming for Batman to get him out of the way.”
“There has to be more to it.” Tim let out a yawn before standing up. “I’m going to hit the hay. I have to be up bright and early to join Bruce for tomorrow’s unveiling.”
~
The press conference was nothing new. Bruce was unveiling a new hospital expansion and his plans to help fund a new community center. As always, the crowd was in awe of Bruce’s presentation.
As the event came to a close, Vicki Vale made sure to get in a few question. What inspired the community center? How long did he think it would take to build the extension? The whole nine cards.
Eventually, it turned to the disappearing businessmen and women, to which Bruce did not have an answer for. He knew about Tim’s theory, but the public didn’t need to know it. All he told Vicki was that they would be found and that he had no worries about being a target.
An explosion interrupted his train of thought, causing the crowd to go into a panic. Shielding Tim from the blast, Bruce made it a point to make it to Alfred. The crowd would cause the duo to get separated, but so long as they got to Alfred and the car, that wouldn’t matter.
With the car, and Bruce in sight, Tim was ready to go. His sight went black as his eyes were covered with something. As he yelped out for Bruce, he felt himself picked up and being moved. The sound of Bruce calling his name was the last clear thing he heard.
~
“You’re not going to get away with this.” Tim fought as he was set down in a chair.
The blindfold was stripped from his face as he got a clearer view of where he was and who took him. Lo and behold, he was greeted by Anarky, who smugly smirked at him.
“Lonnie!” Tim recognized.
“In the flesh.” Anarky greeted. “Welcome to my humble abode. My apologies for not cleaning up, you started catching on quicker than I expected.”
If he was in Anarky’s base, so too were the hostages. Tim glared at him.
“Release the hostages.”
“Why would I do that? They’re all corrupt and deserve punishment.”
“That’s for the law to do.”
“And look how far that’s gotten them. The system is corrupt Tim.” A hand stopped on Tim’s head as he took a sharp pause. “Besides, I couldn’t get your attention any other way.”
A pause wedged between them as Tim processed the last proclamation.
“So this was all to get my attention?” Tim noted.
“Part of it, yes.” Anarky paused, as though contemplating something. “How about this? I release the hostages and drop them off at the GCPD with proof of their actions... if you agree to go to dinner with me.”
That was surprising. Wanting to get his attention wasn’t unheard of. Anarky wasn’t the first to try and steal it. But dinner? That was a first.
“What?” Tim processed.
“I admire you Tim,” Anarky stared, “and I’d be lying if I said you weren’t attractive. Why not live on the anarchical side tonight? Let me work that brain of yours over dinner and maybe a stroll through Gotham Central Park.”
A small blush spotted Tim’s face. It wasn’t exactly the most romantic way to go about it, but it was a unique one. While he knew he should be pissed at him, Tim was also impressed. Not to mention Lonnie wasn’t bad looking himself and would enjoy picking at his brain as well.
“Why not?” Tim accepted, standing up. “But next time, call me.”
Anarky took off his mask as an arm latched over his shoulders.
“Where’s the fun in that?” Lonnie mused, leading the way. “I love seeing you squirm.”