Whisper to a Scream (Book One of the Dark Whispers Universe)

FOUR

FOUR
SUPERMAN
The tip that came next was the last thing he expected. His source was a young sorceress who had nothing to do with their realm, but so far, everything she'd told him seemed to be true. This last bit was news he refused to accept without proof, but Clark knew they would have to look into it.

On the advice of the sorceress, Clark had called in Aqualad. Kaldur'ahn was now leading the interviews of females who'd been on the Young Justice team over the years. He was gentle enough that they might not be too intimidated to speak to him.

"Clark..." Kaldur said softly from the door, causing him to look up. The expression on his face told Clark he needed to prepare for bad news.

"Kaldur, what did you find out?" Clark asked.

"I have spoken with Artemis and Raven so far," Kaldur began. "Artemis punched Ollie for asking her such a thing and called me. I had just finished speaking to Raven, so I explained to Artemis why Ollie would ask her something like this and told her what I must now unfortunately tell you... I have had a confirmation."

Clark's eyes widened in horror. "Raven? His own son's girlfriend?" He asked.

"Yes. I didn't want to believe any of this could be true, but Raven's reluctance to admit it and the fact that her father nearly overwhelmed her as we discussed it made it clear this is the absolute truth."

Clark took a deep breath as he struggled to remain calm. "I need you to speak to the others, Kaldur."

"Artemis is going to M'Gann for me. She feels M'Gann will lie if something did happen and she knows she's the only one who might get the truth out of her. Given my... complicated history with M'Gann, Artemis felt it was best I not even attempt to ask M'Gann myself."

During a deep undercover mission, M'Gann and everyone except Dick and Wally had come to believe Kaldur murdered Artemis and was working with the villains, including his father, Black Manta. M'Gann had attacked him using her telepathic abilities, shattering his mind and leaving him a drooling, incoherent shell of a person. Upon learning that Artemis was actually working undercover with Kaldur while hiding under the identity of Tigress, M'Gann had been horrified by what she'd done and had worked with Artemis to fix Kaldur's mind. It had taken a lot of effort, but they'd succeeded. Kaldur had forgiven M'Gann, but the young Martian had never forgiven herself. She'd been afraid to use her telepathic gift ever since and no longer trusted herself.

"I think that's for the best," Clark agreed. "Kaldur... I hate to ask this of you, but considering we now know Raven was a target..." He hesitated.

"You're worried about Barbara," Kaldur guessed.

"She spent more time alone with him than any of the others," Clark replied. "I think you need to talk to her next."

"Of course." Kaldur paused. "Clark, if I find out this goes beyond Raven, I think you should call in Canary. She was our mentor and counselor when we were young, and she still provides comfort and advice when any of us need it. She may be able to comfort them better than I can."

"You're right. Dinah's always had a way with all of you. I'll call her and see if she can help."

"I'll go to Barbara now."

"Thank you, Kaldur."

Kaldur bowed his head respectfully before leaving the room. Clark stared at the file in front of him and shook his head.

"I never knew you at all, did I, Bruce?" He asked aloud. It was becoming clear that the generous, beloved Bruce Wayne was just another cover identity for this monster who'd been hiding in plain sight for far too long.