Veil of Shadows ๋࣭⭑⚝ Dick Grayson

1 ๋࣭⭑⚝ There is a difference

"Extremely spacious and multifunctional! There are areas for lounging, playing games, and spending time together. It’s so versatile—you can have multiple activities happening simultaneously while still keeping an eye on everyone," the brunette said, laughing as she spun around with her arms outstretched, clearly trying to sell the extensive space.

The couple exchanged a grin, chuckling briefly before one of them spoke. "I think we might just take it."

"Really? That’s fantastic—"

"Sure is."

The trio froze as a voice cut through the room. Turning toward the sound, they saw a man step inside. He was dressed in a crisp white button-down shirt, black khakis, and a black tie.

"What are—"

"Detective Grayson," he interrupted, offering the couple a tight-lipped smile. "Sorry to barge in."

The brunette cleared her throat, regaining her composure. "I’ll contact you about the paperwork. Thank you for today!" she said brightly, ushering them toward the door with practiced ease.

Once the couple was gone, her demeanor shifted, and she spun around to glare at him. "What the hell do you think you’re doing here, Grayson?"

He hesitated, avoiding her gaze. "I heard you were good with kids."

Silence settled over the room as they stared at each other, tension thick in the air. Finally, she sighed, the fight draining from her voice. "What did you get yourself into now…?"

---

.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.

"Espresso Romano for Juliette."

She grabbed her cup, giving the barista a polite nod before hurrying back to her seat.

"Real estate agent? Not exactly where I thought an art degree would take you," Dick said, leaning back casually in his chair.

Juliette shot him an annoyed look. "It’s just a side job. And for your information, I’m not a real estate agent. I’m a realtor."

"Is there a difference?"

"Oh, there’s definitely a difference," she replied, her exaggerated smile dripping with sarcasm. Then, her tone shifted, growing sharper. "Now, back to why you drove forty-four miles from Detroit to tell me about a little girl."

"She’s probably a preteen," he muttered, almost to himself.

"...Who somehow knows you, knows your past, and came to you for help?"

"Exactly. But I can’t give you more details—even if I wanted to. She was vague about everything, and..."

"And you decided I was the one to help?" She took a slow sip of her drink, her expression skeptical.

"I think we can help her," he said firmly.

Juliette scoffed loudly, shaking her head. "We?"

"Listen—"

"Help her? With what, exactly?"

"Jules—"

"The only connection I see is that she’s apparently a mind reader." She laughed, incredulous.

Dick leaned forward, his voice lowering. "She reminds me of you."

Juliette raised a brow. "You lost me at pale skin and short dark hair."

He sighed. "I meant that she’s a scared little girl with powers she doesn’t understand. Powers that terrify her."

She leaned back, folding her arms. "And still, why me? Why now, after almost four years? What makes her different from any other kid you’ve tried to save?"

"Her aura," he said quietly. "It’s different. Jules, I felt it."

Her laugh was sharp and humorless. "Aura? Do you even hear yourself right now, Grayson?"

Before he could respond, his phone buzzed. He pulled it out, answering with a curt "Yeah?"

Juliette watched his expression shift. He muttered a quick "Thanks," hung up, and began furiously typing on his phone.

"Her mother was just found. Gunshot to the head," he said bluntly, slipping his phone into his pocket before pulling it out again to make another call. "I need someone in the interrogation room right now—"

Then he froze.

"Grayson, what’s going on?"

His face hardened. "We need to go. Rachel’s gone. Someone took her."

"What? No—wait. I can’t just—what are you talking about?" Panic crept into her voice as she stood.

"Please, Jules." He stepped closer, gripping her shoulders, his gaze desperate. "She’s different. I can’t do this alone. I need you."

Juliette bit her cheek, her mind racing. After a long pause, she nodded.

Dick exhaled in relief, grabbing her wrist and pulling her toward the door. "Let’s go."