"You haven't changed at all, Alfred," Vicki said warmly. "Is Bruce here as well?"
There was genuine familiarity in her expression, the kind that only came from knowing someone for many years.
Alfred gave a gentle shake of his head.
"Unfortunately not. Master Bruce is occupied with important matters and was unable to attend."
"I see…"
Vicki nodded, then slowly shifted her gaze toward Dick.
She studied him for a few seconds, disbelief creeping into her eyes.
"This young man…" she said, tilting her head slightly. "You wouldn't happen to be Richard Grayson, would you? You've grown so tall I almost didn't recognize you. When was the last time we met? Three years ago? Or four?"
"It's been almost six years, Miss Vale," Dick replied with a polite smile.
Vicki froze for a moment.
"Six years already?" she murmured. "Time really does fly…"
For a brief instant, her thoughts drifted backward.
Years ago, she had been more than just an acquaintance of Bruce Wayne. Their relationship had been real—at least, as real as anything in Bruce's life ever became.
On the night tragedy struck the Flying Graysons, Bruce had been sitting beside her in the audience. She had seen the horror unfold, and she had witnessed Bruce's decision to adopt Dick almost immediately afterward.
Their romance hadn't lasted long—none of Bruce's ever did—but even after it ended, Bruce and Vicki remained loosely connected, crossing paths from time to time.
"Have you already had dinner, Miss Vale?" Alfred asked politely. "If you don't mind, you're welcome to sit with us."
"That's very kind of you," Vicki replied with a smile, "but I've already eaten. I actually came to the restaurant looking for Grayle Tartard Ethan."
Dick's curiosity sparked immediately.
"The head of Ethan International Shipping?" he asked. "I heard the Pink Dream diamond belongs to him."
"Yes," Vicki confirmed. "I have a few questions I'd like to ask him—preferably face to face."
"What kind of questions?" Dick pressed. "Are they related to Kaito Kid? Or the rumors involving Penguin?"
Vicki raised an eyebrow, then laughed softly.
"Just like Bruce," she said. "Your curiosity is just as dangerous."
She shook her head lightly.
"I'm afraid I have to give you the same answer I always give him. A journalist's sources and intentions are trade secrets. I can't share them."
"I understand," Dick said, a little disappointed. "Sorry if I overstepped."
"No harm done."
Vicki glanced at her watch.
"The auction begins in half an hour. I should hurry—hopefully I can find Mr. Ethan before it starts."
"Good luck, Miss Vale," Alfred said sincerely.
Dick nodded. "I hope the interview goes well."
With that, Vicki turned and disappeared into the crowd.
---
The Card
As Alfred and Dick prepared to return to their seats, Dick suddenly stopped.
"Hmm?"
Something felt… off.
He looked down and noticed an object beneath the table.
Bending down, he realized it was the empty plate the waiter had dropped earlier. Because it had slid directly under the table, neither he nor Alfred had noticed it while speaking with Vicki.
The waiter had left in such a hurry that the plate had been forgotten entirely.
Dick reached out to pick it up.
So nervous just from bumping into someone, Dick thought irritably. That's how badly these people treat service staff…
But the moment he lifted the plate—
Dick's expression changed completely.
On the floor beneath it lay a white card, placed deliberately.
His heartbeat skipped.
"Is there something under the table, Master Richard?" Alfred asked, noticing Dick hadn't stood up.
Dick rose slowly, the card clenched in his hand.
His face was serious—too serious.
"Alfred," he said quietly, "we just encountered Kaito Kid."
Alfred stiffened.
"What did you say?"
"It's just unclear," Dick continued, lowering his voice, "whether the waiter or Miss Vale was Kaito Kid."
Alfred's calm cracked instantly.
Dick glanced around. The nearby tables were occupied, but no one was paying attention. The waiter and Vicki were both gone.
He placed the card on the table.
The words were written neatly and confidently.
---
"Dear Robin,
At this time and place, I am among you.
Come find me, little bird beside the Bat.
If you can find me before the bell rings, I will give you a surprise.
Sincerely,
Kaito Kid."
---
Alfred inhaled sharply and stood up, instinctively shielding the card with his body.
"Master Richard—this is extremely dangerous," he whispered urgently, his eyes darting around.
"Don't panic," Dick said calmly. "I already checked. No one is watching us."
Alfred's voice trembled slightly.
"He knows who you are."
Dick closed his eyes briefly, then nodded.
"I don't want to believe it either," he admitted. "But there's no denying it anymore. Kaito Kid knows I'm Robin."
"That's impossible," Alfred said, shaken. "He's only seen Robin once. How could he possibly identify you?"
"I don't know," Dick replied honestly. "Aside from Bruce, you, and Barbara, only Justice League members should know my identity."
His fists clenched.
"There's no logical way he should know."
Alfred swiftly slipped the card into his coat, his face pale.
"If Kaito Kid knows who you are," he said gravely, "then Master Bruce's identity may also be exposed."
He leaned closer.
"It's too dangerous. We must leave immediately."
"No."
Dick shook his head firmly.
"If we leave now, we do exactly what Kaito Kid wants."
Alfred stared at him.
"This card is a challenge," Dick continued. "A provocation. He's testing whether I'll retreat once I know he's uncovered my identity."
"If I stay, I accept the game."
"If I run… I lose before it even begins."
Alfred's gaze was heavy.
"Have you truly thought this through?" he asked. "Do you understand what will happen if your identity is revealed to Gotham's criminals?"
"Yes," Dick replied without hesitation. "And I'm certain Kaito Kid won't expose it—not yet."
"Why are you so sure?"
"Because if he had any intention of doing so," Dick said calmly, "every criminal in Gotham would already be hunting me."
He looked Alfred straight in the eye.
"Kaito Kid wants a game."
"And I'll play it—to the very end."
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