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. Very versatile. It can accommodate different activities happening simultaneously, yet it allows you to still keep a close eye on everyone!"

Laughed the brunette as she did a little spin with her arms outstretched to really sell the extensive space she rambled on about.

A wide grin formed on the couple's faces as they chuckled, glancing at each other briefly before turning back to her. "I think we might just take it."

Yes! Another one sold.

"Really? That's fantastic-"

"Sure is."

Their heads snapped around to see a man walking into the room. He was wearing a white button-down shirt, black khakis, and a black tie.

"What are-"

"Detective Grayson, sorry to barge in." He cut her off, sending the couple a curt smile.

She cleared her throat, hiding her shock and turning back to her clients. "I'll contact you regarding the paperwork. Thank you for today!" She put on a bright smile before leading them out the door.

"Didn't mean to scare off your clients."

She sharply turned around and glared at him. "What the hell do you think you're doing here, Grayson?"

He paused momentarily, eyes wandering everywhere except her own. "I heard you were good with kids."

Silence filled the air for about a minute, the two adults were now just standing, staring at each other. Until she was able to breathe out, "What did you get yourself into now..?"

.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.

"Espresso Romano for Juliette."

She walked over and grabbed her cup, giving the barista a quick nod before hurrying back to her seat.

"Real estate agent? Not what I would have guessed you'd be doing with an art degree."

She offered him an annoyed look. "It's just a side job. Plus, I'm not a real estate agent, I'm a realtor."

"Is there a difference?"

"Oh, there is a difference." Sarcasm dripped from her wide, exaggerated smile. "Back to the topic of you driving forty-four miles from Detroit to tell me about a little girl."

"She's probably a preteen," he mumbled in addition.

"...Who knew you, knew your past, and she came to you asking for help?"

"Listen, I can't give you any more details even if I wanted to. She was extremely vague about this whole thing. I..."

"And why did you decide to find me?" she asked, slowly sipping her hot drink.

"I think we can help her."

Jules couldn't help but let out a loud scoff. "We?"

"Listen-"

"And help her? Help her with what exactly?"

"Jules-"

"The only thing connecting us is the fact that she's apparently a mind reader." She shook her head and chuckled incredulously.

"She reminds me a lot of you."

"You described her as having very pale skin and short dark hair. You lost me there already." She raised an eyebrow at him skeptically.

"I meant that I saw a little girl with unexplainable powers who's scared. Really, really scared." Dick leaned forward a bit, gripping his cup with both hands.

"Again. Why me? Huh? After, like, three and a half years. Why me? Why now? Hm? What is it about her that makes her different from any other little girl who needs help?"

"Her aura was different. Jules, I can feel it."

"Aura." She scoffed louder than before, shoulders falling back as she stifled a laugh. Feeling absolutely repulsed yet humored. "Do you even hear yourself right now, Grayson?"

Just as he was about to open his mouth, a buzzing noise rang out from the man's pocket.

Dick sighed, pulling out his phone and placing it by his ear.

She watched as his demeanor shifted slightly, before he mumbled a quick 'thank you' and hung up.

"Her mother was just found. Gunshot to the head," he swiftly explained, barely giving her time to react before furiously typing on his phone and putting it back to his ear. "Listen, I need someone to go to the interrogation room and..."

She saw his eyes widen before he practically shoved his phone back into his pockets.

"Grayson, what's going on?"

"We need to go. Rachel's gone; someone took her."

"What? No-wait, I can't go. What are you talking about?" She furrowed her eyebrows, suddenly feeling panicked.

"Please, Jules, she's different-and I can't handle her alone. I need you. Please." He gently grabbed her shoulders, breathing unevenly as he stared into her eyes, desperation evident.

You didn't need me for four years.

The brunette bit her cheek and nodded slightly. He let out a small sigh of relief before grabbing her wrist and practically dragging her out the door.