บท 132: Chapter 132

I rushed to the station in just two minutes. Near the entrance with the already elderly, I would even say the oldest member of the Gotham police, who was on duty today, sat a little girl, Artemis Kroc. She was tear-stained, dressed clearly not in a festive way, but in children's pajamas with bunnies, slippers and in an embrace with a teddy bear.

The girl was already chilled from the cold. In principle, it was not so cold outside. But this is for me, and the little girl had enough street temperature. So I wrapped her up in my jacket without a word and carried her to my table, sitting her in my chair. And put the kettle on.

"Artemis," I turned to her in the most gentle voice and smile. - Tell me what happened? Do you need my help?

She nodded.

"Okay, I'll help, only you have to tell me what happened.

- Jade left us.

- From U.S? Where did you go?

- When mom was put in prison, dad began to beat us much more often. - freak! - Especially Jade, she looks a lot like her mother, and they often fought. Jade, she… hmm, also fought with her father. And a couple of days ago they had a big fight. Jade got offended and decided to run away from home. She wanted to take me with her, but I refused, I think that dad is good, he is just sad that mom was imprisoned.

Artemis is a sweet and trusting girl, she is only ten years old and thinks that her dad can still be called a good father. Only today I have already noticed the flyers of the man in the hockey mask. And he bore the nickname "Sportmaster". So he has already signed a verdict for himself. In addition, murders are already on his account, and not simple robberies.

- Was that two days ago?

- Yes. She did not say where she would go. I hoped that she had just gone out for a walk, and was joking about running away. But she has been gone for two days, and I'm worried, what if something happened to her?

"Don't worry, I think she's okay." This is your older sister. She will not be lost. But I will definitely find it and return it to you.

- Thanks. - and this kawayka climbed to hug me.

- And here the kettle has boiled. Now you will have your tea, and I will go away for a couple of minutes, I need to do something.

- Yes.

Moving as far as she could, so that she could see me visually and not be afraid of loneliness. And at the same time, I could calmly call Rene and also the social service. After all, I do not intend to leave Artemis and Jade with their stupid father. Although to give to the shelter too. Therefore, I will take custody of them. Although, to be honest, this thought scares me a little. And Pam, I will present this spontaneous idea later upon completion.

A few calls and you're done. Rene will drive up to the address of the Croc family, and so will the social services. And I decided to leave the baby with the attendant. Besides, he is such a person that he loves children. He and his wife have never had children, so let him indulge a little. And he is happy, and Artemis will distract from unnecessary thoughts.

***

- Ur-rod! - spat Lawrence Kroc blood already on the street near his house.

My luck played a trick on him. No sooner had the Social Service arrived than this moron managed to burn himself in front of us, wounded and "in parade" - that is, in his "villainous" suit of the Sportsmaster. Well, we didn't wait for him to enter the house and rushed to knit him.

He tried to resist, but my speed, two bullets in the kneecaps and a powerful blow to the jaw knocked him down. And Rene has already handcuffed him. Then the social service arrived and she saw who the girls' father was, so when the decree on the deprivation of his parental rights comes out, it will be a matter of days, if not hours. Then Harvey drove up to us with Detective Raymond King. Harvey was not happy at first with being dragged out of bed. But then when I found out who we caught, he cheered up and promised me a beer. King gave me a strange look, and then I received a message that my relationship with him and Bullock had risen by 200, and with Rene, for some reason, by 100. And experience was also given for his capture and + 1 to Charisma and + 1 to Paphos.

Then there was a search of the apartment, and we found some stolen jewelry, as well as equipment, apparently spare.

We then interrogated him while an ambulance pulled up to patch his legs. He did not see any reason to deny it told everything and will receive a small reduction in the term for this. Then I made an appointment with the social service about the custody of the girls.

And only after that I went back to the station for Artemis. And from there I took her already sleepy to my home.

We entered the house closer to one in the morning, under the surprised eyes of Pamela and Harley, who were drinking tea in the living room. I gestured that they should not make noise and carried the girl upstairs. And then I went down to them and explained the situation, I had already picked up a bunch of options for the development of a conversation with Pam, but she took a bang with Artemis' appearance in the house. Apparently, a really strong maternal instinct awoke in her. And considering what kind of kawaii we have Artemis, then Pam will first squeeze her as the mistress of this house, and then Harley, as a family friend. Although the blonde was already eager to sit next to her and admire the girl's pretty face. In general, my fears were not confirmed. And there was no scandal.

So I immediately started looking for Jade and the first thing I did was use the Death card. And it gave me the following data:

Jade Kroc. Nande Parbat. Coordinates…

I cursed and grimaced. I didn't want to get into the League of Assassins now. Although deep down, I understood that sooner or later this would happen. Well, Ras Al Ghul can't just forget about me or Batman so easily.

So I should have figured out how to handle Jade's return home. And after a little thought, I took the first step in this matter and, putting on a nice "negotiation" ring, contacted her on my hand.

"- Jade! This is Isaac Dicklade. Don't worry, you haven't lost your mind. This is really me, I need to talk. "

" - What the hell?! How did you do that?"

"- It doesn't matter how, but what is important is that the family should be together. And do not worry about your father in the coming years, he will not bother you, if you are about it. He sat down for a long time. Therefore, I will arrange custody of you for myself. "

"- Even if this is so, then I will not return to Gotham. I'm tired of this city. He who is weak and poor will never achieve anything there. Therefore, in this place where I am now, I have a future. "

"The League of Assassins is not your future. If you want strength, then I can give it to you. Become your coach. You shouldn't go ... "

" - No! Out of my head!"

I had to disconnect. Since she was screaming so that my head was splitting, and the blood from my nose was already pouring out in a stream. She is not in the mood to talk, so I will have to act against her will.

And I have to show up for the League in a more ... noisy way. Thus showing my capabilities to Jade. So that she understands that she does not need to go somewhere in search of strength. I don't need a second Sasuke Uchiha in a skirt. And besides, I can even get a profit and not a small one from this sortie, it remains only to think over the plan and implement it in the near future. I hope the future Cheshire will not surrender me to her "bosses". But just in case, you will have to come up with plans for such a case.

Eh! Hour by hour is not easier!