The Knight Hawk

My Brother's Keeper

At Smith Estates, an elated and jubilant Brenda and Brandon celebrated a victorious effort in the apprehension of the notorious Frank Whyte.  The battle with the Yu Shang and Whyte only a week ago was still on their minds.  They felt that they had proven themselves to the Knight Hawk and hopefully to anyone else who had any doubts that they were capable of tackling crime at such a young age.  They did have someone who didn’t agree with Tony allowing them to assist him, however.  Vivica was opposed to Tony being the Knight Hawk.  She had learned to tolerate his aspirations and desire to fulfill the debt that he felt he owed to his father and society.  She couldn’t, however, find it in her heart to condone Tony allowing the twins to help him.  She was starting to think that maybe the whole idea of a dark protector for the city was absurd.

            “Tony,” Vivica started, “I just have one question. Why?”

            “I told you Viv, it was out of my hands.” Tony answered. 

Tony had decided to have dinner over Vivica’s house and take the night off.  He allowed the twins to make his rounds of the city for the night.  He figured it would be slow so he wasn’t worried.  They had done well in their training simulations, and had proven themselves in the field.  So he decided to take a break for the night.  He didn’t expect to get into another debate with Vivica about his alter ego, however.

            “Putting yourself in danger is one thing Tony, but endangering the lives of those children is wrong.” Vivica scorned.

            “Viv,” Tony began, “I understand your concern.  I feel the same way.  I think I did the right thing by helping them along though.  The powers that they got from those stones allow them to do some spectacular things.  I had nothing to do with that.  With those powers they would have gone out and done something on their own anyway.  I simply feel that with a little guidance from me, they’ll be a lot safer.”

            “Well,” she said solemnly, “I still don’t like it, but I guess you are right.” 

She brought out the dinner she had prepared for them.  She had put together a delicious meal for them.  She had made shrimp and angel hair pasta in a garlic and butter sauce, which was one of Tony’s favorite dishes.  She placed the entrées on the dining table and then brought out some cinnamon scented candles.  She lit them and sat down across the table from Tony. 

            “Well, I hope you like your appetizer,” she said smiling.

            “What do you mean?” asked Tony.

            “Well, I’m going to want you to enjoy the main course.”  She winked and they both smiled and started their dinner.

            Damian and Jobe had been going through the files that Sparrow had given them on Frank Whyte at the Metro City Police department.  It had taken them days to actually get through the files.  They were disappointed when they did, however.  The files would allow them to track down and at least incriminate several of Whyte’s associates.  It wouldn’t, however, allow them to arrest Frank Whyte.  Damian was infuriated and decided to leave home from work early.  Jobe, worried about his brother, decided to leave early also.  The chief, understanding of Damian’s grief, allowed them to leave.  Damian decided to go and visit his good friend Tony.  He figured that seeing Tony would probably cheer him up.  At least he hoped so.

            The next day Damian and Jobe went over to Smith Estates to see Tony.  Tony introduced Brenda and Brandon to Damian and Jobe.  Brenda couldn’t help but smile a little because Damian and Jobe had no idea that they had already met the twins as Sparrow and Black Bird.  Tony noticed Brenda’s amusement and asked the two kids to give him some time alone with his friend.  Tony escorted Damian and Jobe to his study and asked Jeffrey to bring them out some drinks.  As they sat down, Tony noticed a look of despair on Damian’s face.