Genosha-Quintin University

Chapter 70

One day before class, Dick gets a letter from Haly's daughter Bethan. It reads:
'Dear Dick Grayson, I hate having to inform you but Ole Jack is dead. He died last week peacefully in his sleep. I just thought you should know. The funeral is this weekend and you know he'd want you to attend. I'd also love if you'd say a few words at the funeral. Yours truly, Bethan Haly-Bale'

That Thursday, Dick flies out to Haly's childhood home for the funeral. Dick can't believe Jack is dead. Dick rents a car and goes and meets up with Bethan and her brother Jack Jr. Together, the three prepare for tomorrow's funeral.

That night, Dick stays over for dinner and the three talk.
"So you knew our father, you were close to him, all the years before he retired?" Asks Junior.
"Yes," replies Dick. "Haly was a family friend even before I joined his circus alongside my mother, father, and brothers. After they died and for a year before I was taken in by Batman, Jack raised me for one year as his own son. He was a father to me although for a short time. See." He hands the two a picture.
"It's you and dad," say Junior and Bethan in unison.
"Yeah," replies Dick, "I was his diamond in the rough. When the Parasite put him in the crosshairs, I saved him and his circus alongside my friends. See, here's a picture of me in my Danger costume on the trapeze."
"Yeah, the costume suits you," says Bethan with a faint smile on her face. She hands the pictures back to Dick.
"When Batman took me in, I continued to write to Haly. He didn't care. He knew how close we were-your father and I. Every summer, I spent with Jack. Batman let me. He didn't care. Batman and Jack were my fathers and I couldn't be happier. Bethan, when you told me Jack had died, it struck me to the core and pained my heart. I couldn't help but come. He may not be related to me by blood but he's still family, just like Ole Bats. That'll never change."
They continue to talk and enjoy dinner together recalling old memories and sharing laughs and tears.

The next day at noon, the funeral begins. Dick shares a few stories and words about Jack Haly Sr. He then leads the procession alongside Bethan and Jack Jr. Dick sheds a tear. He can't believe Jack Haly is dead.

Meanwhile, back at Genosha Quintin U, the students attend the weekend concert played by the school's band and local singers. They're all having a blast. They also can all agree that Dick is missing out. Alas, they all know Jack is more to him than any silly old concert. They also know, he's not one for loud noise and parties, so they're going to let it slide. After all, a dear friend's funeral is much more important.