Phantom Justice

13: Dishonesty

The above artwork does not belong to me.

The Dark Knight knew that something was wrong.

When Dick got home, it was late. He seemed exhausted and frustrated. That wouldn't have been strange if he'd gone on a mission that day, but he hadn't. All he'd done was spend time with the team.

Richard threw his bag, which contained things he might need at the cave, on the ground and flopped on to the couch. He immediately began scrolling through TV channels.

"Long day?" Bruce asked. He was about to go on patrol, but he wasn't sure whether Dick was coming.

"I guess." Dick continued to switch channels with boredom. His eyes were glued to the screen.

Bruce opened the fridge, seeking a glass of milk. "Do you want to tell me about it?"

The Grayson sighed. "Not really."

Only Barbara and Bruce knew it, but Dick had a tell for when he was lying or being dishonest. "Are you sure that there's nothing I should know?"

"Mm-mm," Dick said, but when he still didn't look at his guardian's face, Bruce took the remote from him.

"Richard," Bruce said sternly.

Dick reluctantly dragged his gaze to Bruce's face. "Yes?"

"Do you really have nothing to tell me?"

There it was; his tell. When he wore a jacket, he would play with its zipper, or if not, the collar of his shirt. Currently, his fingers were picking at his t-shirt collar. He was definitely being dishonest.

Bruce folded his arms, causing Dick to realize that he'd given himself away. "Richard, what's going on?"

Dick smiled nervously. "Look, Bruce, it's fine. The team and I just got into a few arguments today."

That part was true, Bruce could tell, but there was something more than that. He didn't bother trying to scare Dick into telling him. Sighing, Bruce walked back into the kitchen to retrieve his milk. "I'll find out eventually, Dick. You might as well tell me now."

"Maybe," Dick answered, gazing at the TV again mildly before turning it off and getting up. Apparently he was coming on patrol.

◇◆◇◆

Dick rubbed his eyes under his sunglasses as he entered the cave. Last night had been long and boring. Nothing had happened but a few muggings, and there had been an uncomfortable tension between him and his mentor.

He was dressed in civies to avoid suspicion from Bruce, but he walked into the bathroom to change immediately. Except for Zatanna, Conner, Kaldur, and M'gann, he was the first one there. Well, the only others who weren't there were Atremis and Wally, but they didn't live there.

Miss Martian was in the kitchen, attempting to cook something that Dick assumed was bacon. Zatanna and Aqualad were at the counter, but Conner was nowhere to be found.

"Is Supey on guard duty?" Dick asked.

Zatanna massaged her temples. "Yeah, he's in the surveillance room. My shift just ended."

Robin was still a little angry at Zatanna for trying to read Phantom's mind after they'd agreed not to, but he shoved his feelings aside. "Have there been any new developments?"

Aqualad shook his head. "Phantom just sits in his cell. He has refused to go to sleep, or even lay down. I believe he is worried about something."

"Well, no duh. The guy's stuck behind bars," said Wally, speeding in. He carried Artemis in his arms.