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IT WOULD ONLY MAKE SENSE THAT Jason had another reason for coming all the way to Chicago other than 'wanting to see his idols', and that reason came in the form of a manila envelope with a big, bold CLASSIFIED in red letters.
The three of them were seated on the low couches, the opened files and graphic photographs scattered across the expanse of the coffee table in front of them. Estela frowned, stomach already churning with whatever information Jason was telling them.
Dick was no different. It was like a tidal wave had filled his lungs and made it burst when he saw the photographs, barely recognizing the people—the corpses—that were displayed to him.
He clenched his jaw. "How did you get these?"
"They were sent to the Gotham PD addressed to 'Robin'," said Jason. "Whoever sent them thinks you're still Robin."
Estela and him looked at Dick expectantly, curiosity growing and fingers drumming against their knees. Finally, he said, "I know these people."
Estela's frown deepened. She recognized the look in his eyes immediately: the longing and pain. Her hand sought out his, and she was thankful that he squeezed back just as much.
"I worked with them at Haly's Circus," he continued.
"Just before your parents were. . ." Estela shot Jason a warning look. ". . .Yeah. That must've sucked," the teen trailed away awkwardly, mustering as much genuine sympathy as he could without making it seem like he was faking it. Estela's lips almost quirked up.
"He burns them with acid," Jason continued.
"Hydrofluoric," Dick interjected.
"Calling card of the Maroni family. Harvey Dent, your parents. . ."
"I know. Tony Zucco worked for the Maroni's when he killed my parents. But they were put away years ago."
"Why'd he do it?" Jason asked.
"Haly owed the Maronis protection money. Couldn't come up with the cash. So my parents paid the debt with their lives."
Her hand squeezed his in reassurance.
"The papers call this guy 'The Melting Man', because he melts the flesh right off their bones," said Jason, pointing at the individual details on the pictures. "Creepy as shit, huh?"
