Dick knocked on the door. Heavy footsteps sounded inside, then the door opened, Ben Turner's burly frame almost filling the doorway.
"Robin."
Turner looked down at him, his deep voice rumbling. "Need something?"
"Uh... Mr. Turner," Dick said, trying to stand straighter, "I'd like to invite you to join my team."
"Not interested."
The door slammed shut. Dick froze on the doorstep, his hand still raised. It took him a few moments to process what had happened.
That was it? He wouldn't even let me inside?
He stared at the closed door for a while, swallowed, then worked up the courage to knock again.
"Mr. Turner, at least hear me out..."
"No."
"I can offer..."
"Don't want it."
"We can negotiate whatever terms you'd like..."
The door opened again. Turner looked down at him, his eyes expressionless, but for some reason, Dick felt as though a wild beast had fixed its gaze on him. Chills ran down his back.
"Robin," Turner said, his voice as deep as ever, "let me ask you something."
Dick nodded hastily. "Go ahead, Mr. Turner."
"How many people have you killed?"
"Huh?" Dick stepped back, shaking his head frantically. "No, we shouldn't just take people's lives."
"Ridiculous rules."
Turner sneered. "Little bird, there's something you should know. I've killed more people than you've seen dead bodies. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gone to Amanda Waller to get my record wiped clean. As far as I'm concerned, fighting means going all out. No mercy. So... are you still sure you want me on your team?"
"Uh... well..."
Dick hesitated. What if he ended up being a bad influence on the kids on the team...
Wait, what kids?! I'm the youngest one on the team!
An image of bodies strewn everywhere and rivers of blood flashed through his