Joey was stepping out of the shower. Gotham Knights patrols were few and far in between as the City had been unusually quiet in the past few weeks. He was currently on rotation with the Justice League, so this was as close to a long weekend as he had ever had.

He was awaiting news from Shayera, who was currently away on mission with Superman, Stargirl and Martian Manhunter. He decided to have a stiff workout in the mean time, to take the edge off. Shayera had promised she would join him for dinner as soon as she was back.

"I’ll be back before you know it, just keep your communicator handy, just in case." She had told him.

His Gotham City loft apartment had become their inner sanctum, the place they went to for privacy. She had been crystal clear to the other Justice Leaguers: "If you page me while I’m at Joey’s place, it had better be an emergency!"

He though he’d order in. He felt too drained to cook and Shayera was not fussy whether dinner was home cooked or not, just as long as they ate together, in privacy. And she did have a soft spot for Chinese food, so he knew where he’d be ordering in from.

With the familiar buzz of the transport, Shayera materialized in the living room. Still dressed in her Hawkgirl uniform, she looked equally tired, her mace dangling from her right hand.

He smiled and walked up to her.

"Tired my Angel?"

She gave him a tired smile as she removed her helmet, putting it on the couch. Her mace was dropped right next to it. She turned to him and held his face in one hand, but to his relief she did not squeeze.

"You have no idea Joey!"

He put his arms around her and they kissed.

"Hot shower and a massage?" he asked her, with a smirk.

"You’re my angel! That would be wonderful Joey!" She said, kissing him again, holding him.

He did not mind showering again; showering together had become their little private ritual. Besides, the shower in his apartment had much more space than the ones in either of their Watchtower quarters.

A relaxing shower and a soothing massage later, she was lying on her stomach in his bed, feeling fine, with a blissful smile on her face. She turned her head and looked at Joey.

"Joey, get my special belt please?" She asked.

He pulled her molecular belt from the bedroom dresser. She did not want to risk having it broken during combat, so she had left it at Joey’s place, where she knew it was safe. He slipped it around her waist, buckling it.

"Hungry yet for dinner Shy?" he asked, kissing the nape of her neck.

.

"Not yet…Wings in!" She said, as her wings shrunk to sub molecular size.

"Lie here next to me, hold me!" She said, rolling on her side.

"I’ve turned you into a spooning addict, haven’t I?" he said, chuckling.

"Less talking, more spooning!" she said, smiling

.

"Yes m'am!" He said, smiling, lying in bed next to her.

He put his arms around her, holding her close, smelling her hair. He kissed her shoulder.

She folded her arms on top of his, revelling in the sensations: his chest pressing against her shoulder blades, his warm skin touching that spot where her wings usually were, his breath on her skin, her feet touching his, warming them up.

"I’ve been looking forward to this all day…a bit of tenderness after all the fighting!" she said, smiling.

She turned around to face him, and gently touched his face.

"I used to go to Taverns in remote Galaxies and get into fights just for fun." She said.

"Yeah, Green Lantern mentioned that to me over Beer and Tequilas." Joey said, smiling at her. "Hell of a way to spend Christmas!"

She snickered and gave him a gentle kiss.

"The life of a Warrior grows tedious at times, Joey. Oh, I still enjoy the action, but I find myself longing more and more for a bit of peace and TLC. I find myself longing for you." She said.

He held her closer. "Same with me, you know I can’t wait until the next time I hold you in my arms Shy; I love you!" He said, and kissed her. They were about to make love when the familiar chime of an incoming email from Joey's laptop got their attention.

He groaned. "Shall I ignore it?" He said, looking annoyed.

She smiled, "Check if it’s urgent first. If it isn’t, you get right back here!" She said.

He kissed her again and walked to his laptop. He read the email…and turned pasty white.

"Joey? What’s wrong?" she said, sitting up.

"My brother…in trouble…deep trouble…I – I got to help him!" He said, breathless.

"Joey, slow down, what kind of trouble?" she said.

He didn’t reply. He grabbed some underwear from his dresser and a pair of jeans from the closet. He erratically got dressed, looking whiter than the bed sheet.

"Joey?" she said, becoming concerned. Joey remained silent, sitting on the edge of the bed, struggling with a stubborn knot in his sneakers laces. She reached for him but he stood up before she could touch him.

"Joey, hold on a minute, will you? Just slow down!" She said, as he walked past her and out of the bedroom. She stood up and deployed her wings, reaching for her Hawkgirl suit. She dressed in a hurry, and then returned the molecular belt to its dresser drawer for safekeeping.

"I’ll have to ask Bruce for a more shock-proof casing, it's not practical to always leave the Molecular belt at home!" She thought absent-mindedly, going after Joey.

He had distractedly slipped on a t-shirt backwards and was walking towards his apartment's Justice League emergency transport pad, as if he were sleepwalking. She caught up with him, grabbed him by the arms and pinned him against the wall.

"Joseph Luca, tell me what kind of trouble your brother is in!" she scolded.

He gasped; an expression of shock on his face, as if he had just then realized she had been there with him all along. Her physical strength never ceased to amaze him.

He swallowed and answered, sounding short of breath, "Local mob Shy, they’ve been harassing him and my parents…Shy, they’re in danger, I must help, either as Joey Luca or as Reverend Justice, I must do something!" He said, looking on the verge of an anxiety attack.

She let go of his arms and put her arms around him, hugging him. "Shh, I'm here baby." she said, trying to soothe him. He hugged her back, taking comfort her embrace. Had she called him "baby" at any other time, he would have teased her over it, but not this time.

"Do you seriously think I’d let you face this alone? I’m your guardian angel remember? I’ll call an emergency Founding Members meeting. We’ll determine the best course of action. You’re not alone Preacher!" Shayera said, looking him in the eyes, never releasing her embrace.

"Shy I’m sorry… I’m so worried I’m not thinking straight." He said.

She replied by kissing him.

"We’ll see this through, I promise. Your family’s my family now. What ever trouble they’re in, we’ll help them." She said.

He nodded, composing himself. She smiled and released her embrace. He changed into his Reverend Justice suit. She grabbed her helmet and mace from the couch. They transported to Watchtower 1.

"Now follow me and don't even think of arguing mister, I'm not letting you out of my sight!" she said, as they materialized in Watchtower 1, grabbing Reverend Justice by the arm.

He nodded, smiling in spite of himself. "You're amazing Shayera!" he said.

She smirked. Holding onto his arm, she activated her communicator, "Hawkgirl calling all available Founding Members, come in? Emergency meeting requested at earliest possible time in Boardroom 2 of Watchtower 1. Possible domestic situation, please acknowledge." She said.

"Wonder Woman here, I’m on my way." Wonder Woman replied.

"Superman here, I’m on my way." Superman replied.

"Martian Manhunter here, give me 10 minutes, I will attend." Martian Manhunter replied.

"Flash here, I’m there already!" Flash replied.

"Green Lantern here, I’m on my way!" Green Lantern replied.

"Batman here, I’ll be there in 20 minutes tops." Batman replied.

Hawkgirl led Reverend Justice to Boardroom 2. Flash was already there to greet them. They sat down.

"Are you okay Preacher?" she asked. Joey had nearly had an anxiety attack and that worried her.

"I’ll be fine Angel… as soon as we’re on our way to help my folks." He said, looking sombre.

She gave his gloved hand a gentle squeeze, trying to be comforting. He gave her a grateful smile.

"Care to fill me in?" Flash said.

"We will Flash, as soon as the other founding members show up." Hawkgirl said.

"But suffice it to say some people near and dear to me are in danger." Reverend Justice added. The unusually dark expression on his face made Flash's skin crawl.

Superman was next to show up. A few moments later, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and finally Batman were also present.

"Thank you all for showing up so quickly. I needed to call upon you all before our good friend Reverend Justice jumped into a heap of trouble without looking, or without asking for our help." Hawkgirl said.

"What’s up RJ?" Green Lantern asked, "Hawkgirl mentioned domestic problems!"

Reverend Justice sighed and nodded. "It all stems from an email I received around dinner time from my younger brother Marc. He’s been getting threatening phone calls from thugs working for the local Mob." He said.

He stopped to swallow. He felt like he had no saliva in his mouth.

Flash nodded pensively. "Poor guy, he wasn't kidding: people near and dear to him in danger...what would the local mob want with his folks anyway?" Flash thought.

"They threatened to burn his house down, poison his dog, sever his car’s brakes, sever my dad’s car’s brakes…you get the picture; if he didn’t keep his mouth shut. The only problem is: he hasn’t a clue what he’s supposed to keep his mouth shut about. The local police are understaffed and easy enough to buy off if you have the funds." He said.

"Damn!" Green Lantern said.

"I couldn't have put it better myself!" Flash said, looking at Green Lantern.

"You mean to tell me that innocent people are being threatened for no apparent reason? May Hera help them!" Wonder Woman said, shaking her head, giving Batman a sideways glance.

Batman looked pensive for a few moments, and then looked at Reverend Justice and Hawkgirl.

"The Justice League is fully deputised in the US only, we can only operate in other countries upon official governmental request…it doesn’t mean we can’t do anything, just that we’ll have to finesse our way through this case RJ. We need to figure out who’s pulling those thugs’ strings and what link they have to your brother. You’re originally from Montreal?" Batman said.

"Actually, I’m from Saint François - a small town a few kilometres south east of Montreal. To my knowledge, the local Mob only operates petty protection rackets, sometimes dealing drugs, running Nightclubs as cover for prostitution, sometimes gun smuggling…okay so they’re pretty big even in small towns!" Reverend Justice said, blushing.

Batman nodded "I’ll do a full survey of small time mobsters operating in or near Montreal and Saint-François, and ask Oracle and Question if they can find any relevant leads. I’ll even tap into the RCMP and SQ databases, see what I can find." He said.

Reverend Justice nodded.

"It is a shame I have never met your brother: it would make it easier for me to locate him, and tell you if he’s all right. I am getting random emotions of fear and anxiety, but it is difficult for me to see if it is from him per se." Martian Manhunter said.

All eyes turned to Superman who had let out a frustrated sigh. Seeing innocent people being threatened made his blood boil.

"It seems the local police can’t be trusted to protect your brother or parents. I propose it would be prudent to send a small covert team to watch over them until the culprit is found. Said team would have to proceed with extreme care though, but I'm sure we of the Justice League are professional enough to avoid any diplomatic incidents. I am currently on active duty as are Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter, but I'm sure we could get volunteers if we asked around." Superman said.

"I wouldn’t want to deplete the Justice League forces over a personal affair!" Reverend Justice said.

"Are you kidding? We have Leaguers on rotation twiddling their thumbs right now! And just try to talk me out of helping you out RJ! I can bet you Vixen would be glad to join us!" Green Lantern said.

"Ditto for me," Flash said. "I can only imagine how I’d feel if someone threatened my relatives, count me in!"

"What did I tell you Reverend? You already have volunteers to join you on this mission! This one's your baby!" Superman said, giving his friend a comforting smile.

"Thanks; thank you all! Batman keeps repeating to me that I’m one of you …only now it’s beginning to sink in." Reverend Justice said, with a relieved smile.

"And where you go, I go, don't you even think of taking on the St-François mob without me!" Hawkgirl said, once again giving Reverend Justice’s hand a gentle squeeze, smiling at him. He nearly blurted out "Yes dear!" but caught himself at the last second.

"I guess we can adjourn. Thank you all!" Hawkgirl said.

They all got up to leave. Batman took Reverend Justice aside before he could step out of Boardroom 2. "Do you mind if I borrow him for a second Hawkgirl?" he said.

"Just as long as you bring him back!" she said, smirking.

"I have your new belt." Batman said, handing Reverend Justice a metal reinforced belt with cross-shaped compartment. "It was your idea, so you get the first prototype, complete with your crest."

"Why Brother Batman I thank you kindly!" Reverend Justice said, strapping the belt around his waist. Batman nodded, with a satisfied smile.

"Simple enough: press the cross-shaped button to engage, press again to disengage. Like I was saying, n’th metal is scarce, so this might be the only prototype, something unique to you." Batman said.

Reverend Justice nodded thankfully at Batman, and shook his hand. He then went to join Hawkgirl outside the boardroom.

"What was that all about?" she asked.

"I was just given my latest gadget. Suffice it to say it could save my life." He said and smiled cryptically.

She gave him a quizzical glance but elected not to pry. As they headed towards the Javelin bay, she once more discreetly put a wing around his back, pulling him closer.

"Dang, I just realized that of the whole team, I’m the only one who speaks French!" he said, feeling flustered. "But I think I have an idea!" he activated his communicator. "Reverend Justice calling Titan Tower, come in!" He said.

Flash, Green Lantern, and Vixen had joined Hawkgirl and Reverend Justice at the Javelin bay, near one of the Javelins. Also present were Starfire and Captain Marvel.

"All right my friends, I called in a big favour from our friend Starfire. Nightwing told me she can absorb a person’s language by physical contact. I asked her if it was possible to transfer the language absorption to others and she told me it was. Seeing that it would help matters a great deal if you all spoke French like me, I asked for her help." Reverend Justice said.

"It will be my pleasure! I would love to join youin your Quest, but I too have pressing matters to attend with the Titans." Starfire said.

"We appreciate you taking the time to come help us out Starfire! Now I’m a bit surprised Captain Marvel decided to join us… don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you’re here, but how did you find out?" Reverend Justice said.

"The Elders told me. They advised me to put my personal feelings about the Justice League aside; that you could use my services. And that somehow, something missing from my life would be fulfilled if I helped you." Captain Marvel said.

Reverend Justice smiled.

"Well, thank you for joining us Captain, and welcome to our team!" Reverend Justice said, shaking his hand. Captain Marvel smiled. "Friendly chap, I like him!" He thought.

He turned to Starfire "Okay Star, so how do we proceed?" Reverend Justice asked.

"Those of you who wear gloves must remove them. It will take a few seconds for me to absorb Reverend Justice’s language. Then we will all join hands and your language will be shared." Starfire said.

"Sure beats the hell out of High School!" Flash said, as he was removing his gloves. Reverend Justice chuckled as Hawkgirl cast Flash a dirty look. "Smart Alec!" She said.

Everybody who wore gloves removed them.

"Form a big circle and hold hands." Starfire told the team. She held both of Reverend Justice’s hands and gasped. She then let go of his left hand and they completed the circle. All gasped… and all could speak French.

"Beraj klaar!" Reverend Justice exclaimed. Starfire laughed.

"It would seem some of my Tamaranian slipped into you Reverend!" she said, with a wide smile on her face.

"What did I just say Starfire?" He asked, looking confused.

"Loosely translated it means…" she blushed. She stepped closer to Reverend Justice to whisper it in his ear: "Holy shit!" she said, giggling.

"Remind me to learn Tamaranian properly so I don’t embarrass myself in the future! Thanks a million Starfire!" he said with a smirk.

"I must go now mes amis, bonne chance!" Starfire said, in her newly acquired French. She flew back to Titan Tower.

"Now that felt weird!" Vixen said, looking a bit overwhelmed. Green Lantern put a hand on her shoulder.

They all boarded the Javelin. Hawkgirl sat behind the pilot’s chair.

"You are my navigator, you know the area better than I do, so you get to ride shotgun!" Shayera told Reverend Justice.

She switched the Javelin to stealth mode. Because of the legalities, they could not risk detection.

"I’m sure the telephone lines will be tapped…is there a way for us to communicate with them without any unwanted attention?" Reverend Justice asked.

"I can create a scrambler wave." Green Lantern said. "Your brother and parents will hear you crystal clear, but any snoop will get nothing but static."

"That’s perfect GL, thanks!" Reverend Justice said. He pulled a cell phone from one of his trench coat pockets. "Prepaid account can’t be traced back to me."

Green Lantern’s power ring generated the scrambler wave. Reverend Justice first dialled his brother.

"Hello Marc, Joseph here, I got your email. Don’t ask questions, we have limited time, just listen: I’m sending friends over to watch your back. Don’t worry; you’ll recognise them when you see them. Just let them in and follow instructions until we sort things out. Love you too brother. Bye." Reverend Justice said.

His teammates looked at him, smiling sympathetically, other than Hawkgirl, who was busy piloting. She also was smiling though, glad that her boyfriend’s family was getting some heavy-duty help.

Reverend Justice then dialled his parents, but could only get their answering machine.

"Mom, Dad, it’s Joseph. I got Marc’s email. I’m sending some of my friends over to protect you. Don’t worry; you’ll recognise them when you see them. Just let them in and follow instructions until we sort things out. Love you. Bye." Reverend Justice said.

"Thanks GL! Good God I hope they were just screening calls!" Reverend Justice said, worried.

"They might be out shopping or something!" Flash said.

Reverend Justice gave Flash a thankful smile, as did Hawkgirl. As much as Flash could get on her nerves, he always came through. He was like a little brother to her: annoying at times, but always there when you needed him.

They flew across the border, towards Reverend Justice’s hometown.

Batman was sitting at the Bat Computer, going over several RCMP and SQ files, cross referencing them with Interpol records. His first lead was an investigation on police corruption in Reverend Justice’s home town of Saint François, led by SQ investigator Jean Cartier.

Most pay-offs seemed to originate from the same source: a nightclub owner named Réjean Gamache. While no formal charges had ever been laid, Gamache seemed to operate under various aliases, his name pulled several different files, some related to drug smuggling, most related to illegal weapons trade, and prostitution.

The man was wise enough to cover his tracks. Lack of solid evidence against him kept him in the clear, while those who could testify were conveniently bought off. Those who wouldn’t be bought off would disappear without leaving a trace.

Batman made a search on Reverend Justice’s brother, Marc Luca. He smiled. Young Marc’s band had played Gamache’s night club "Zone Neutre" several times. The club so named as it was literally a neutral zone, where criminals, dirty cops and corrupt officials alike gathered for booze and T&A.

"We have a link now." Batman thought. "Still doesn’t tell me what a piece of trash like Gamache would want with an unsuspecting hired hand such as Joey’s brother."

"Still glued to the Bat Computer Sir?" Alfred asked.

"I’m doing some background research for Reverend Justice." Batman said. "He was recently advised his brother and parents had received death threats from thugs linked to the local Mob."

"Oh dear, are Mr. Luca’s family safe?" Alfred asked.

"They still were as of a few hours ago. Reverend Justice is leading a small covert task force to his home town to protect his loved ones and try and bring down the people threatening them. I’m trying to get the information he’ll need. I’ve already established who’s pulling the strings: local Mob boss Réjean Gamache. What I need to do now is figure out why he’s threatening Reverend Justice’s brother. I’ve found no debts due; young Marc has no history of gambling…" Batman said.

"Perhaps communicating with Inspector Cartier would provide you with more insight Sir?" Alfred said, looking at the Bat Computer’s screen.

Batman looked pensively at Alfred.

"Yes, and I might actually try and negotiate a deputising arrangement for our task force with Inspector Cartier. Alfred, where would I be without you?" Batman said, smiling.

"Getting into mischief?" Alfred replied. "By the way, will Miss Diana be coming for dinner Sir?"

"Unless she has an emergency to attend to, she is supposed to." Batman said. "And now, time for me to practice my French!" He dialled out Inspector Cartier’s office, as Alfred took his leave.

"Jean Cartier here, how may I help you?" Inspector Cartier said.

"Inspector, this is Bruce Wayne CEO of Wayne Enterprises." Batman said, using his normal voice.

"Yes, Mr. Wayne, what can I do for you? Montreal’s a bit far from Gotham City! Nice French by the way!" Inspector Cartier said.

"Why thank you Inspector! One of my Employees, Joseph Luca is originally from Saint-François. He has just taken an extended leave of absence due to a family emergency. Joseph also happens to be a friend. I asked him what the emergency was, and he told me death threats had been made to his brother and parents." Batman said.

Batman heard Cartier sigh "And in the tattered state of the Saint François police force, the poor souls are dead in the water. I can’t disclose any information Mr. Wayne, but suffice it to say it’s a file 2 foot thick. I need more people on the job, but this department’s already severely over budget and the Mob seems to have deeper pockets if you get my meaning." Inspector Cartier said.

"Inspector, I may have a proposal for you." Batman said.

"I’m listening Mr. Wayne." Inspector Cartier said.

"Wayne Enterprises has a long standing arrangement with the Justice League. If you could arrange for a deputizing agreement, I could have a Justice League task force on its way." Batman said.

"Mr Wayne, their help will be welcome. I will need to get a Court order officially deputizing the Justice League team, but it should pose no problem since the Supreme Court realizes we need all the help we can get." Inspector Cartier said.

"That’s wonderful Inspector Cartier; please call me at this number once the agreement is official: 866-555-2287. Batman said.

"I don’t know any more than I originally did, but at least there’s a deputizing agreement in the works." Batman said to himself.

He did not hear Wonder Woman transporting in the Bat-Cave.

"Talking to yourself my love?" she said.

Batman jumped. "You nearly made me swallow my tongue!" he said. "You’re early Princess. Aren’t you on active duty?"

She kissed him.

"I swapped shifts with Black Canary," she said with a smile. "Shayera’s like my sister, and Joey’s the man she loves. I didn’t feel right not helping out."

He kissed her back and turned to the Bat Computer; displaying his findings to her.

"I’ve identified the Mob boss as Réjean Gamache, who operates out of Night Club the ‘Zone Neutre’. I have a link, though a very thin one, to Reverend Justice’s brother: Marc’s band has played at the ‘Zone Neutre’ several times. What I don’t know yet is why Gamache is putting pressure on Marc or on RJ’s parents." He said.

Wonder Woman put her arms around Batman as she looked at the computer screen.

"The World’s Greatest Detective strikes again!" she said, smiling proudly.

"I’ve communicated with a Provincial police inspector who is investigating the police corruption in Saint François. I haven’t gotten much information from him, but a deputizing agreement is in the works." He said.

"I’d say you’ve accomplished a lot Bruce!" she said.

"I’m still looking for Gamache’s motive; give our team all the facts. The last thing we need is for our Justice League task force to go ballistic in search for facts and cause a diplomatic incident." He said.

"They know to lay low. Shayera may have been a loose cannon in the past, but she has been rather level-headed since she started seeing Joey." She said.

"I hope you’re right Princess." Batman said.

The phone, patched through the Bat Computer rang.

"Mr. Wayne, Inspector Cartier here, the deputising agreement has been ratified. A bulletin is being faxed to all Police Headquarters as we speak. As we discussed earlier, we need all the help we can get. The Judge who authorised the agreement has been trying to clean up the police force for years now. He jumped at the opportunity of having the Justice League lend a hand." Inspector Cartier said.

"That’s great news Inspector. I will get in touch with the Justice League; a task force will be dispatched shortly. Thank you for your help!" Batman said.

Batman turned to Wonder Woman, smiling.

"Our team has been deputized!" He said, activating his communicator. "Batman to Javelin, come in?"

"Javelin here," Hawkgirl answered.

"I’ve pulled some strings: your team has been fully deputised on a Provincial level. Your contact with the SQ is Inspector Cartier. I will upload all of the data to the Javelin’s onboard computer." Batman said.

"I know someone who will be very happy with this!" Hawkgirl said looking at Reverend Justice. "We’ll review the data as soon as we land. Thanks Batman!"

"I’ll keep you posted if I find out any more information, Batman out." He said.

He looked at Wonder Woman.

"I just wish I had the missing piece of the puzzle: the motive. Marc Luca was nothing more than a hired hand at the ‘Zone Neutre’. Why on earth would a scum bag like Gamache threaten him, or the people he cares most for?" Batman said.

She put her hands on his shoulders.

"Usually, the reason would be because he can. I understand you want to crack the case and make it easy for Reverend Justice and his team, but have faith in them. You have already pointed them in the right direction." Wonder Woman said.

He nodded, then got up and stretched.

She smiled and said, "And now Mr. Wayne, take a break. You have a bad tendency to forget to eat when you get deep into an investigation!"

He pulled his cowl back and smiled at her.

"Yes Ma’am! Alfred probably has dinner ready as we speak!" Batman said.

"Do you mind if I join the task force after dinner? I really feel my place is over there, helping out." Wonder Woman said.

"I’m sure they’ll appreciate the help Princess!" Batman said, putting his right arm around her waist.

"Won’t you join?" she asked.

"I’ll help from here Princess. I’m still hopeful of getting them that extra piece of information to our team. Besides, I’ll be in constant contact with you, interpreting! That constant voice in your ear!" he said.

"Oh you better, Mr. Wayne!" She said, giving him a loving look. He kissed her.

They walked upstairs to Wayne Manor for dinner.

Fully cloaked, the Javelin had landed in a clearing in a small patch of woods near an abandoned factory. The team of Reverend Justice, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, Vixen, Flash and Captain Marvel were going over the information sent by Batman.

Reverend Justice sighed, with a furious look on his face, clenching his fists. So there was the man behind the death threats towards his brother, Mother and Father. He could feel his temper rise. Hawkgirl saw it, and put a hand on his right arm.

He looked at her and gave her a discreet nod, as if to say "You’re right, I’m calming down."

"All right my friends, we have the background information. Here’s a map of Saint François" he said, pointing at the Javelin’s computer screen. "We are here, in the woods behind the old fabric factory. We aren’t exactly next door to my brother’s or my parents’ houses. Marc lives here," he said, pointing at the lower left quadrant of the map, and my parents live here." He pointed at the lower right quadrant.

"The ‘Zone Neutre’ is closer to the downtown core, right there." He said.

"I suggest we split up in teams of two. Green Lantern and Vixen, you go to my brother’s house – he’s expecting you – and setup a perimeter. Captain Marvel and Flash, you go to my parents’ house and do the same thing. They’ll recognise you both – hopefully they’ve already gotten the answering machine message. Please keep communicators on at all times. Any suspect characters show up, apprehend and get in touch with Inspector Cartier." Reverend Justice said.

"Straight forward enough" Captain Marvel said, nodding.

"What will Hawkgirl and you do?" Vixen asked, smirking in spite of herself.

"We’ll go to the ‘Zone Neutre’ and seek out Réjean Gamache. Then we’ll take him to Church!" Reverend Justice said with a dark look on his face that left Vixen feeling uneasy.

"I hope his anger doesn’t make him cross the line, he’s such a nice guy…anger can bring out the monster within." Vixen thought.

"With a bit of luck we can get enough on tape to incriminate him," Reverend Justice said.

Hawkgirl smiled. Joey had really learned a lot from Batman.

"Sounds like a plan." Green Lantern said. He and Vixen went on their way, using a beam from his power ring.

"Race you the Rev’s parents’ place Captain!" Flash said.

"Remember Flash, no tongue slips!" Hawkgirl warned.

"You’re no fun Shy!" Flash said, as Captain Marvel giggled. They went on their way.

"Well laid out plan Reverend! I’m very proud of you!" she said, putting her arms around him.

"You’re my strength, Angel. I would have been in over my head if you hadn’t stopped me." He said.

She kissed him. "I’m your guardian Angel, that’s my job! And I’m getting the feeling Reverend Justice is about to give a sermon!" she said.

"And take confession," he said with a smirk. "This mask also has a micro camcorder built in. I said I’d get enough evidence to incriminate the bastard, I wasn’t kidding!"

They stepped out of the Javelin. She locked it up. She put her helmet on and slipped her mace’s strap around her wrist.

"Care to fly with the Angels Reverend?" She asked with a big bright smile.

"I’d be much obliged ma’am!" he said. She stepped behind him wrapping her arms around his waist.

"More spooning?" he asked with a smirk.

She laughed. "Now, now behave yourself you big, bad, naughty boy! You might as well remove your hat: I might accidentally tip it off." He took his hat off, holding it in his hands. They flew.

Green Lantern and Vixen flew towards the house of their friend Joey’s brother.

"Do you think he’ll cross the line John?" Vixen asked.

"What do you mean?" Green Lantern replied.

"It’s Joey; I’ve never seen him this upset. I know he’s been trained to keep personal issues at bay when on duty, but…put it to you this way, if it were my family being threatened, I’m not so sure I’d remain professional. That mobster’s head would be in my trophy case pretty fast." She said, looking worried.

"I see what you mean; no amount of training can help keep a cool head when the people closest to you are threatened. Fortunately, Joey had the common sense to keep us in pairs. Shy will keep him honest." Green Lantern said.

Vixen nodded. They landed on Marc Luca’s front lawn. They noticed a minivan parked across the street. Using the power of her Amulet, Vixen heightened her sense of sight to the level of the Hawk. She could see two armed men sitting in that van.

"Police surveillance John?" she asked.

"In a small town with an understaffed Police Force, I seriously doubt it, Mari." He said.

"Then perhaps we should say hello to the nice men in the van before we see Marc Luca?" she said with a smirk.

"You read my mind Vix!" he said. Once again using the power of her amulet, Vixen summoned the strength and agility of the lion, and leaped onto the top of the minivan.

The man behind the steering wheel said, "What the hell? How’d she do that?"

The man in the passenger replied, "Never mind, I’ll handle her!" He grabbed the shotgun with sawed-off barrel from between his legs. A green energy fist punched him in the face.

"We will have none of that, gentlemen!" Green Lantern said, "And I do use the term loosely!"

"Why Lantern, I don’t think they’re happy to see us!" Vixen said, pulling the driver from the window like a rag doll.

"It seems to me they need to be taught some manners!" Green Lantern said, ripping the door from its hinges using an energy bolt from his power ring and then pulling the gunman from the passenger seat.

"What the hell’s going on here? And since when do those guys speak French?" The driver said, looking terrified.

"We took lessons, and had a very good teacher!" Vixen said, as Green Lantern cuffed both men with energy handcuffs from his power ring.

"Green Lantern to Justice League Task force, we’ve bagged two thugs who were hanging out near Marc Luca’s house armed with shotguns with sawed-off barrels. Request patch-through to Inspector Cartier’s cell phone." Green Lantern said.

"Green Lantern and Vixen; that was good, fast work! Thank you!" Reverend Justice replied.

"Watchtower, to Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter here, patch-through to inspector Cartier’s cell phone…now!" Martian Manhunter said.

"Hello, Inspector Cartier, this is Green Lantern. Vixen and I have apprehended two thugs armed with shotguns with sawed-off barrels near Marc Luca’s place. They’re ready for pickup!" Green Lantern said.

"Wow, Mr Wayne wasn’t kidding – this is quick work! Thank you both! I’ll have a phantom car pick them up within the hour!" Inspector Cartier said.

Green Lantern smiled at Vixen, "I guess we can go in and establish a perimeter. Hopefully this will be the only thugs sent this way, but we can’t be too careful." Green Lantern said.

Marc Luca stepped out on his front porch "Green Lantern and Vixen! So you’re the reinforcements my brother sent? Wow! Please come in!" He said.

"Thanks Mr. Luca that is if you don’t mind those two thugs coming in with us while we wait for the Provincial Police to pick them up!" Vixen said, smiling.

Marc tilted his head and shrugged: "You came here to help me. I can’t let you wait outside on the front lawn. Please come in! Babette will help keep an eye on them." He said.

Vixen and Green Lantern smiled.

"Now Mr. Luca is nice enough to let you in his home, I trust you’ll behave yourselves?" Green Lantern told the thugs.

The thug who drove the minivan said,"Like we have a choice?"

Green Lantern said "No." a very stern look on his face.

Vixen giggled. They entered Marc’s home. Babette, a Bouvier puppy the size of a calf, walked to them, sniffing. Taking a liking to Vixen, Babette began licking her hand.

"I think she likes you Vixen!" Marc said.

"Well hello there sweetie! Aren’t you the loving one?" Vixen said, scratching Babette’s ears.

"Please sit," Marc said. "Can I get you a drink?"

They sat down on the couch, letting the two thugs sit on the floor. Babette sat down at Vixen’s feet, resting her chin on Vixen’s lap.

"Anything with no alcohol, we’re on duty Mr. Luca!" Green Lantern said, smiling.

"Please, call me Marc. Any friend of my brother’s is my friend! Lemonade? Iced Tea? Soda?" Marc said.

"I’ll have a diet Cola if you have some!" Vixen said.

"Same here Marc!" Green Lantern said.

"Diet Cola it is!" Marc said.

Vixen was petting Babette’s head.

"Aren’t you sweet, did those bad men threaten to hurt you?" She said. She and Green Lantern cast the thugs a dirty look.

The thugs looked pale and sweaty.

"It takes a real tough guy to threaten to hurt an innocent animal." Green Lantern said; a disgusted look on his face.

Marc came with the diet Colas for Green Lantern and Vixen. He sat on the easy chair next to the couch. The doorbell rang. Inspector Cartier’s men had arrived and picked up the thugs.

"Green Lantern, Vixen, it’s an honour! Those two men have outstanding charges a mile long; Inspector Cartier has been trying for months to collar them! He’ll be pleased! Thank you both!" The officer in charge said.

They took their leave. Marc locked up.

"What comes next my friends?" He asked.

"Now we set a perimeter to be sure your premises are secure. Then we’ll advise our team leader, and then Vixen and I will take turns keeping watch." Green Lantern said.

A green beam from his power ring swept the house, garage and Marc’s car. Green Lantern smiled.

"Everything’s clean. No booby traps, no hidden explosives, no snipers or traces of sabotage. You can sleep easy Marc. Vixen, I’ll take the first watch, you get some rest, I’ll advise Reverend Justice." He said.

"Vixen, you can use my bedroom if you like, Babette will keep you company." Marc said, smiling.

"Sounds good to me," Vixen said with a smile. She kissed Green Lantern and headed towards the bedroom. "Come Babette, come keep me company sweetie!" Vixen said, Babette following her, her stubby little tail wagging.

"You don’t mind if I snooze on the couch watching TV, do you Green Lantern?" Marc asked.

"It’s your house Marc, do as you please! You don’t mind if I keep you company?" Green Lantern asked.

"No, not at all!" Marc said.

Green Lantern activated his communicator.

"Green Lantern to Reverend Justice, perpetrators have been taken in custody, perimeter secure." Green Lantern said.

"Great news Green Lantern, thanks again!" Reverend Justice replied.

Marc had fallen asleep watching some repeat of the Three Stooges. Green Lantern marvelled on how much Marc looked like his good friend Joey, if a bit shorter and not as muscular.

"I won’t let anything happen to him Joey. I swear it!" he thought.

Green Lantern sat back on the easy chair. At least the Stooges would help him stay awake until Vixen took the next watch.

Flash and Captain Marvel raced to Mr. & Mrs. Luca’s home and made it there at the same time. They arrived there a few minutes before Green Lantern and Vixen had reached Marc Luca’s place.

"I believe they’ve made it home safe Flash." Captain Marvel said, noticing the car in the car port.

"Joey, I mean, Reverend Justice will be pleased! Let me give the house a look around make sure the perimeter’s secure before we go in and advise RJ." Flash said.

Going in hyper speed, Flash surveyed the house, its surroundings, the car port, the car itself and returned to Captain Marvel’s side within seconds.

"All clean, I think the thugs only threatened to hurt them to put pressure on RJ’s brother. They must have felt a weird breeze as I surveyed the house, but it was worth it: I’ve found no bugs, no booby traps, no surveillance cameras, no snipers, and no sabotage on the furnace or on the car." Flash said.

"How did you manage to go through the house undetected?" Captain Marvel asked.

"I can vibrate my body at hyper-speed. It allows me to go through solid objects." Flash said.

Just then they received the communication from Green Lantern that he and Vixen had apprehended a pair of thugs near Marc’s house.

"Looks like we got here just in time, Flash," Captain Marvel said, "Perhaps they would have made their way here after dealing with RJ’s brother if Green Lantern and Vixen hadn’t stopped them!"

"You said it!" Flash replied. He activated his communicator, at about the same time Green Lantern was being patched through to Inspector Cartier. "Flash to Reverend Justice, do you copy?"

"Reverend Justice here Flash, what’s up?" he replied.

"We just heard Green Lantern’s news, looks like we made it here just in time! Your parents’ place is clean: I just surveyed the perimeter. All is safe here. Captain Marvel and I are going to introduce ourselves." Flash said.

"Flash, you don’t know how relieved I feel right now! Hawkgirl and I are almost at the ‘Zone Neutre’ nightclub. Buzz us if anything weird pops up." Reverend Justice said.

Captain Marvel stepped towards the front door, Flash on his heels. He rang the bell. Emile Luca answered the door. He recognised them both and smiled out of astonishment.

"So you’re the friends my son sent to watch over us? Good Lord, he wasn’t kidding: he sent in the big guns! Come in, come in!" Emile Luca said.

They came in. Mrs Luca walked towards them.

"I am very happy and proud of my son: he’s made some good friends! Thank you so much for coming to our aid!" She said.

"We feel privileged to count your son as our friend Ma’am!" Flash replied.

"He’s a kind hearted man; I can see where he takes it from!" Captain Marvel added with a smile. "Something missing from my life would be fulfilled if I help; the Elders said…could it be?" Captain Marvel thought.

As Billy and Molly Badson, he and his sister lived most of their lives in an orphanage save for a few failed foster home experiences in which they went to separate families. What they were truly missing was parental figures, as their foster parents never seemed to care much.

"But what about the angel who saved my Joey’s life, I would like so much to meet her thank her; and what about my Marc?" Marie Luca asked.

Flash smiled, "Two of our Colleagues are at your son Marc’s house as we speak. And Hawkgirl is with us, on an errand with our newest recruit: Reverend Justice. I’m sure she would love to meet you both very much." He said.

"And we will be your personal bodyguards until Reverend Justice and Hawkgirl apprehend the man behind your woes. You will be safe. I swear it." Captain Marvel said, feeling a bond with the elderly couple.

"We both swear it." Flash said.

"Would you care for some dinner? When was the last time you ate?" Marie asked.

Flash began, "Really we’re here on busin…" but stopped in mid sentence, smelling the home cooked meal: pork roast with sweet potatoes and gravy. "…I really can’t say no to a home cooked meal!" Flash said with a sheepish smile on his face.

"I’ll second that!" Captain Marvel said, smiling.

"Then join us for dinner!" Emile said with a smile. "There’s plenty of roast for everyone!"

"I like those people!" Flash whispered in Captain Marvel’s ear.

"Me too, the thought of someone wanting to hurt them makes me angry…I’ll break the neck of the thug who even tries." Captain Marvel whispered back at Flash.

"Only if I don’t get to that bastard first, Captain. They’re good, decent people. They don’t deserve this." Flash whispered back.

Captain Marvel nodded. While he and his sister were growing too old for adoption…what if the Luca’s became close friends, surrogate parental figures of sort. Is that not what was truly missing in Billy Badson and his sister Molly’s lives?

"Now, now, my friends, there must be no secrets at the dinner table!" Emile said with a wink.

"We were just commenting on how wonderful dinner smells!" Captain Marvel said, smiling in earnest.

Dinner was served. Between bites, Flash said, "I’ve already surveyed the perimeter of your house: no danger in sight, everything is clean. You can both sleep soundly tonight. Captain Marvel and I will take turns standing guard. Any danger happens we have a direct line to the Provincial Police."

"So they can pick up what’s left of any thug meaning you any harm." Captain Marvel added, wiping his lips with a napkin.

"If you don’t mind my asking, how did you boys learn French so well?" Marie asked.

"Let’s say we had good teachers," Captain Marvel said, "Your son was one of them."

"And he said he had no patience for teaching!" Emile said. "That boy missed his calling! Though I must admit he’s done well for himself: he has a good job, a nice apartment - we visited his loft in Gotham City, very nice, clean place. And he’s made some good friends he can rely on." He concluded, smiling at Flash and Captain Marvel. "Makes his Mom & Dad proud!"

Flash’s communicator beeped.

"If you’ll excuse me one moment?" he said. Then he smiled. "You will be happy to know that our colleagues Green Lantern and Vixen have apprehended two hired thugs who were hanging around your son Marc’s house. They are now in the custody of the Provincial Police, and your son’s house is now secure, Green Lantern and Vixen will be your son’s bodyguards."

"Oh thank God!" Marie Luca cried tears of relief.

"Thank your friends for us Flash, will you? You don’t realize how much of a weight that is off our shoulders!" Emile said.

"And thank you both for being here: we were constantly worried something bad would happen!" Marie said.

Flashed smiled, "Your son Joseph deserves part of your thanks: he was the one who came to the Justice League asking for help!" He said.

Emile reached for Marie’s hand.

"Oh we are very grateful, be assured of that. It’s the best feeling as a parent to know we all pull together in times of crisis. Joseph really came through for us!" Marie said.

Captain Marvel smiled, thinking, "Mr and Mrs Luca, you can’t begin to realize to which level your son has come through for you. Once this sordid business is over, I’ll come visit you often, with my sister…I’m sure Reverend Justice won’t mind a new little brother and little sister in his family!"

Reverend Justice and Hawkgirl landed in front of the Zone Neutre’s entrance. Knowing his brother and parents were safe had given Reverend Justice a great sense of relief. He put his hat back on.

"Flying with the Angels is a blast Hawkgirl!" he said.

"Glad you liked it!" she replied. Their communicators beeped.

"Batman to task force, come in?" Batman said.

"Reverend Justice here Batman, what’s up?" He replied.

"Wonder Woman pulled a shift swap, she felt bad for not joining the team. She should be joining you momentarily." Batman said.

"The team’s split up in pairs, the Javelin’s ‘parked’ in a clearing in the woods near an abandoned factory, fully cloaked. Will Wonder Woman know how to find us?" Reverend Justice said.

"Trust me, she will," Batman said. "Shayera’s like a sister to her; she feels her place is by her side."

"Copy that Batman," Reverend Justice said, "Hawkgirl and I are located near the entrance of the ‘Zone Neutre’ nightclub. We can wait for her here."

"Understood, I’ll transmit your coordinates to Wonder Woman’s Invisible Jet. She’ll be there in a few minutes." Batman said.

"Looks like we’ll have to be Wonder Woman’s interpreters: she wasn’t part of the language transference!" Reverend Justice said.

"I’m glad she’s coming," Hawkgirl said. "Our relationship had been strained after the Thanagarian invasion…"

"Which you helped foil, don’t forget that." Reverend Justice said.

She smiled. "All the same, I was a spy for Thanagar. It took The Justice League a while to forgive me, but Wonder Woman took it the hardest it seems. She felt she could never trust me again, we weren’t on speaking terms." She said.

"Forgiveness is a wonderful thing," Reverend Justice said, wanting to hold her but mindful of on looking patrons. "The invasion failed thanks to you, the League gave you the second chance you deserved, and Wonder Woman made her peace with you. You are like sisters again." He smiled at her.

"Are you preaching to me?" she said, looking at him flirtatiously.

"Is it working my Angel?" he asked with a smile.

"Yes!" she whispered at him.

"Hawkgirl, Reverend!" Wonder Woman said, landing near them.

"Did you find the Javelin’s coordinates all right?" Hawkgirl asked.

"Yes, I landed the Invisible Jet right next to the Javelin. Thanks to the good Reverend’s directions I found the ‘Zone Neutre’ with relative ease." She smiled at them both.

"Well then, shall we bring religion to Mr Gamache?" Reverend Justice asked, with a grin.

"Lead the way Reverend!" Hawkgirl said. They proceeded towards the entrance. Wonder Woman smiled – Shayera looked so happy.

One of the patrons waiting in the line-up exclaimed, "Wow! Halloween came early this year!" with several on-lookers laughing. Hawkgirl gave them an angry glare, but said nothing.

Another patron exclaimed, "If those two babes are new strippers I’m in!" more laughter from the line up of drunken men.

Hawkgirl was raising her mace; looking angry.

"That punk thinks we’re strippers!" Hawkgirl said to Wonder Woman, whose expression turned to a mixture of shock and anger.

"Allow me." Reverend Justice said, walking up to the wise cracking patron.

"You really should keep your brain out of your pants brother, and treat my friends with respect!" He said, with a stern look on his face.

"Or else what costume boy?" the patron said, giggling.

Reverend Justice stared him in the eyes, gave him a cold grin, and in a swift move, grabbed him by the collar, bringing him to his knees, thumb jammed in his throat.

"We haven’t been properly introduced. I’m Reverend Justice, this is my left hand. I’m right handed. Those two nice young women back there are near and dear to me. Disrespect them; you disrespect me. I have no respect for people who disrespect my friends." He said, and then shoved the patron aside like a drunken rag doll. The bouncers looked on, an amused look on their faces.

"Now everybody take a hike! We have business to conduct!" Reverend Justice screamed.

The line up scattered, Hawkgirl and Wonder Woman looked on with big smiles.

"I told you he’d learn a lot from Batman!" Wonder Woman said.

"I never doubted it!" Hawkgirl said, snickering.

The bouncers no longer looked amused.

"Hey! Who the hell do you think you are?" The bouncers yelled, taking steps towards Reverend Justice who looked at them with a smirk. Hawkgirl and Wonder Woman stopped the bouncers, pinning them to the ground.

"Now you did it brothers! You went and pissed the nice ladies off!" Reverend Justice said, with a chuckle.

"Who we think we are? We know I’m Hawkgirl, she’s Wonder Woman, and he’s Reverend Justice. And we know we’re here on official business for the police, so stay out of our way." Hawkgirl said.

Reverend Justice produced two pairs of handcuffs from the many pockets of his trench coat and helped Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl restrain the bouncers.

With the Bouncers cuffed back to back, they entered the "Zone Neutre" club.

They walked through the Club virtually unnoticed, the patron’s attention fully taken by table dancers, couch dancers and lap dancers.

Hawkgirl shook her head; the lengths of male depravation seemed to know no bounds. She recalled a discussion she had had with Joey while he was still in training; she had asked him what motivates men to attend such places.

His answer intrigued her: "Some men go to strip clubs to escape their everyday life of either loneliness or of a loveless marriage. Other men are plain swines. And there are Ladies clubs as well, where women watch men strip." The thought made her smirk.

Wonder Woman was also shaking her head in disgust-how sisters could degrade themselves in such a fashion. She then saw the money being exchanged. Her disgust turned to pity. She had seen a lengthy TV special on Strip clubs and strippers. Many of them were run-away teens, with no education, relying on their looks to make a living. Others were students struggling to make ends meet: paying student loans, tuition, food and rent.

Others yet were women with addictions to drugs or alcohol, stripping was the easiest way to get both. She sighed, feeling sad for these women. This was no perfect world, and there were no easy solutions to their predicament.

Reverend Justice approached a waitress, who was clad in a leather mini-skirt and fishnet stockings, "Excuse me, management Office?" he said.

"Take that door, up the stairs, you can’t miss it!" She replied, yelling to be heard over the music.

Reverend Justice nodded at her. They proceeded to the door.

They climbed up the dimly lit staircase, leading to a hallway. One tall burly man was guarding the office door.

"It would seem we have a welcoming committee Rev!" Wonder Woman said.

"Want me to handle him?" Hawkgirl asked.

"Wait a minute… I know that guy!" Reverend Justice said.

"Good evening big brother, would it be possible to get an audience with your boss?" Reverend Justice said, disguising his voice with his Cajun accent.

"Halloween come in early this year?" The guard said. "The boss isn’t seeing anybody."

"How does it feel, big man, to do all the dirty work for a piece of trash like Gamache?" Reverend Justice asked.

"Now wait a minute!" The guard said.

"He sits pretty in his office, raking in the money, knowing that men like you are the likeliest to do time while he lives the big life. All along, ruining the lives of good, decent people like the Luca’s" Reverend Justice said.

"He pays the bills real good…what did you say about the Luca’s?" The Guard asked.

Reverend Justice smirked, knowing he had hit a nerve. The guard was the son of Emile Luca’s second cousin.

"You heard me- Marc Luca has been getting death threats form your boss’s goons. They also threatened to hurt his parents." Reverend Justice said, face quite stern.

"How do you know all this, who are you people?" The guard asked.

"Justice League special task force, as requested by SQ Inspector Jean Cartier. You probably already recognized Hawkgirl and Wonder Woman, I’m Reverend Justice." He said.

Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl looked on as the guard turned beet red with anger.

He turned to face the office door and screamed "That son of a bitch!" kicking the door open.

Reverend Justice smiled. He switched on the micro camcorder from his mask. This was going to be good. They followed the guard – Serge Dumas - in the office.

"Dumas, what the hell do you think you’re doing?" Gamache screamed.

"Ladies and gentleman, allow me to present you the biggest scumbag of the area." Dumas said, with both fists on Gamache’s desk.

"What the hell is the matter with you?" Gamache said looking shocked.

"It would seem that brother Dumas has had a conscience attack." Reverend Justice said.

"I know I’m no altar boy, I have plenty of dirt on my hands, but I draw the line at my relatives getting death threats. Emile Luca is my Mother’s cousin you bastard!" Dumas said.

Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl exchanged a sideways smile. The security guard was a relative, albeit a distant one, of Reverend Justice’s. Things were indeed getting interesting.

Reverend Justice’s micro camcorder was getting every moment on mini DVD.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about!" Gamache said, trying to keep a straight face.

"Oh you don’t do you?" Dumas said, "It wouldn’t have anything to do with Marc getting intimate with one of the girls in the stock room now would it?"

"What the girls do on their own time is none of my business." Gamache said, lighting up a cigar.

"Shall I tell the Justice League task force what you hide in that stock room?" Dumas said.

"You watch your mouth or I’ll sue you for slander Dumas." Gamache said, leaning back in his chair.

Dumas continued, looking at the Justice League team,

"Dozens of unlabelled crates of turbo-G; a highly concentrated and cured genetically engineered marijuana. One whiff of pure turbo-G would send you in a coma for 3 months. The turbo-G is usually mixed with regular tobacco and packaged as normal cigarettes. Those cigarette packs are sold on the black market, undetectable. The effect however, is far stronger than tobacco," Dumas said, still red with anger.

Dumas knew he might do time for his involvement, but his confession could send Gamache to prison and get him early parole for cooperating.

"A nice tale of science fiction," Gamache said, "But you would find no evidence of such a thing as Ultra-G or such crates in my warehouse."

"Slippery indeed," Wonder Woman thought the entire conversation interpreted via her communicator by Batman himself. "The evidence has likely already been moved and the Ultra-G is likely already being blended to tobacco."

"There’s only one problem with your version of the facts brother Gamache: brother Dumas referred to the drug as Turbo-G. You have called it Ultra-G. If the drug doesn’t exist, how on earth do you know what it’s called?" Reverend Justice said, with a grin.

Boss Gamache looked flustered for the first time. Dumas continued,

"Marc makes out in the stockroom with one of the dancers, a stockroom full of unlabeled crates. He didn’t have a clue of what was in them. Next thing you know, Stephanie takes an impromptu vacation without giving any notice and Marc and his folks get death threats. Let me guess boss, has Steph taken a scuba-diving vacation without the oxygen tank? They knew nothing! Marc’s Mom & Dad know even less!" Dumas, said, almost screaming.

Gamache blew up, veins popping out from his forehead.

"Luca and that slut were liabilities! No loose ends! I couldn’t take any chances on a multi-million dollar deal!" He yelled, but stopped his rant, panting.

It was just beginning to sink in he had just incriminated himself. Part of him didn’t care: he owned the local Police and most of the local Judges. But that Justice League task force was bad news. He pulled open a desk drawer and grabbed a .44 Magnum, pointing it at Dumas.

"You squealing son of a bitch! You sold me out!" Gamache screamed.

Before he could squeeze the trigger, Wonder Woman’s tiara had knocked the gun out of his hand, like a boomerang. Reverend Justice tipped his hat at her, smiling.

"Incriminating admission and attempted murder: I’d say I have enough evidence! Reverend Justice to Watchtower, and Bat-Cave do you copy?" Reverend Justice said.

"Batman here, Reverend." Batman said.

"Martian Manhunter here as well, Reverend." Martian Manhunter said.

"Incoming upload from my micro camcorder, I have enough evidence here to send Boss Gamache to prison for a long, long time!" Reverend Justice said.

"Got it RJ, I will patch it through to Inspector Cartier right away." Batman said.

"And I shall archive the footage and send copies to Interpol, the RCMP and the CIA. That man has outstanding charges from several different countries. He is in a heap of trouble." Martian Manhunter said.

"That’s great my friends, I have one last loose end to tie up here before we wrap up, Reverend Justice out." He said.

"Brothers and Sisters, could you give me some privacy with this lost soul?" Reverend Justice asked.

Serge Dumas nodded and walked out "I’ll stick around; make sure he’s here when the SQ shows up." Dumas said.

"You sure you’ll be okay?" Hawkgirl asked, looking concerned.

"I’ll be fine Angel. I’ll be brief." Reverend Justice said.

"We’ll be right here in the Hallway if you need us" Wonder Woman said, with a wink.

Reverend Justice turned to face Boss Gamache, staring a hole right through him.

"Now pay good attention ‘cause I hate to repeat myself. Big Serge Dumas, Inspector Cartier’s men and prison are the least of your worries now. If anything happens to Marc Luca or to his parents, hell; they get as much as a flat tire or catch a cold, I’ll find out about it. And I’ll personally take it out of your hide, no matter where you are, even prison!" Reverend Justice growled.

"What are they to you anyway?" Gamache said.

Reverend Justice looked livid.

"Shut the hell up! The slightest thing happens to them, hell the dog catches as much as a flea and I will find out. And mark my words you scumbag, prison won’t be enough to protect you from me. If Dumas hasn’t already broken your legs and if your cell mates haven’t already given you multiple prostate exams, you’ll find all of that to be like a trip to Club Med compared to what I’ll do to you if I lay my hands on you. Got me? My pals will watch over the Luca. And I’ll be watching you, personally." He said.

Boss Gamache looked pale and sweaty. Reverend Justice turned to leave. He could see through the Office Door’s window that Wonder Woman had been following the conversation with her heightened sense of hearing, likely updating Hawkgirl. He grinned…then he heard the shot.

It felt as if someone had hit him full force on the left shoulder blade with a sledge hammer.

"Great Hera!" Wonder Woman exclaimed.

Hawkgirl opened the door, a mix of fear, concern and anger on her face.

"Preacher, are you okay?" she yelled.

Dumas looked on from the back, a shocked expression on his face.

To everyone’s surprise, Reverend Justice steadied himself. Straightening himself up, the expression of pain on his face turned to a freakish smile. "Never let them know you’re in pain" Batman had told him during one of the training sessions,

He faced Gamache, who was still holding the smoking gun. Thank God for Kevlar: the bullet had deflected off his shoulder, though the padding was thinnest at that spot.

"A bullet in the wrong spot could break a rib in the best case scenario." Batman had said. "You forgot ‘or bruise a shoulder blade’, Brother Batman." Reverend Justice thought, clenching his jaws against the pain.

"You just made a hole in my favourite trench coat, you bastard!" Giving himself a push with his feet, Reverend Justice activated his prototype n’th metal belt. He floated towards Gamache, like something out of a horror movie.

"Don’t you get it yet scumbag? I can’t be killed! I’m what you can see from the corner of your eye in dark corners! I’m the reason why you always have to look over your shoulder! I’m the anxious feeling you get that keeps you from falling asleep at night!" Reverend Justice said, with a cold grin.

In a fast, fluid movement, Reverend Justice pulled his Quarterstaff from his sleeve, and energised it, knocking the gun out of Gamache’s hand, delivering a shock. He deactivated his belt, landing gently right on Gamache’s desk.

"I told you: prison is the least of your worries now. I’m watching you!" Reverend Justice said.

"We all are!" Hawkgirl said. Police car sirens could be heard from the parking lot.

"Might want to change your pants before the SQ men get here boss: you wouldn’t want to be seen wearing urine stained pants now would you?" Reverend Justice said, grinning in spite of his sore shoulder.

They walked out, going down the stairs.

"Care to explain that levitation act?" Hawkgirl asked.

"I will, I promise…as soon as I get an ice pack on my left shoulder, damn it, it hurts!" Reverend Justice said.

"Wildcat and Batman have taught you well," Wonder Woman said "You showed no sign of being hurt and put fear in that awful man’s heart."

The Provincial policed had arrived. They evacuated the Club. Reverend Justice walked up to the investigator in charge.

"Inspector Cartier I presume?" he said.

Cartier smiled and shook his hand, as well as Hawkgirl’s and Wonder Woman’s.

"That was dynamite footage you took there Reverend! We have enough to put Gamache and his cronies away for a long, long time!" Cartier said.

"You’ll find Mr. Dumas will be quite cooperative in your investigation Inspector. He has enlightened us on designer drug Ultra-G. He is privy to key information you’ll find quite useful." Reverend Justice said.

They walked out to the parking lot. Reverend Justice turned to Hawkgirl and Wonder Woman.

"The belt is a prototype, a life-saving gadget I suggested to Batman. I’m not carrying enough n’th metal for me to fly like either one of you, but enough to act as a parachute should I need to bail out of a crashing airplane or if I fell off the top of a building. Since n’th metal is hard to find, Batman made me promise I’d keep things under my hat." Reverend Justice said.

"I feel a bit disappointed we were left out of the loop, but I can understand why…you were going to tell me now weren’t you?" Hawkgirl said.

"Cross my heart Shy, as soon as Batman said it was okay to tell I would have told you. I mean, ever tried to go against Batman’s wishes?" Reverend Justice said.

Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl exchanged a knowing look.

"Oh yes, you make one heck of a point there!" Wonder Woman said. "Don’t worry Rev’ we will keep your secret safe."

He smiled at them sheepishly.

"Care to fly with the Angels again Reverend?" Hawkgirl asked, with a smile.

"I’d love to…easy on the left shoulder though!" He took his hat off.

She put her mace’s strap around her wrist and wrapped her arms around his waist, giving him a discreet kiss in the neck. He smiled. Wonder Woman could not repress a smile of her own looking at them. They flew back to the clearing where the Javelin and the Invisible Jet were parked.

"Wonder Woman to task force, Reverend Justice’s shoulder has been injured. We are taking him to the Javelin for treatment. We will keep you posted. Wonder Woman out." She said.

They sat down in the Javelin; Reverend Justice had removed his Trench coat and the top of his uniform.

"The Kevlar suit deflected the bullet, I detect no broken bones with the portable Med-Kit’s X-Ray machine, but you still should go to sickbay once we’re in the Watchtower." Hawkgirl said, putting an instant cold pack on the bruise growing on Reverend Justice’s shoulder.

He winced, and then forced a smile.

"It dawns on me you were just back from an off-world mission, and we never did have dinner!" Reverend Justice said. "We’ve been running on adrenaline since then …I’m sorry I dragged you into this Shy!"

"Oh shut up!" she said, forcefully kissing him.

"You didn’t drag anyone into this," Wonder Woman said, "we volunteered to join you. Here, hardly a romantic dinner, but it will tie you over." She said, pulling emergency rations from the Javelin’s storage compartment.

They looked at her with thanks and ate.

In the Javelin, Joey was waking up. The ice pack taped to his shoulder was now lukewarm. He sat up with a groan. The anti inflammatory Shayera gave him helped keep the swelling down, but his left shoulder still throbbed, and his left buttock was sore.

Wonder Woman was gone.

Shayera was sleeping in the next bunk, her mace and helmet on the floor.

He looked at her and smiled. He knelt next to her bunk, stroked her hair and kissed her cheek. She moaned, and began to stir.

"Good morning Angel! That was a dirty trick you and Diana pulled on me last night!" he said, smiling.

She sat up and stretched, smiling.

"It was for your own good you stubborn mule!" She said, and kissed him. "You were insistent not to take the anti-inflammatory or the anti-histamine shots…"

"You’d think the Javelin’s med-kit would carry it in pill form, you know how much I hate needles!" Joey said.

She giggled. "Intra muscular injection is the quickest and most effective method of delivery!" She said.

"Yeah, so now my entire left side is sore instead of just the shoulder! And Wonder Woman got to see my butt!" Joey said, mock exasperation on his face.

Shayera squeezed his face in one hand, "Aww, shall I kiss it and make it all better?" She said, teasingly.

He tilted his head, "Hey if it helps…" he said, and smirked.

Shayera laughed. "You’re such a bad boy!" She said.

"Where did Wonder Woman go?" he asked.

"I asked a favour of her…promise me you won’t get mad?" she said, looking sheepish.

"What did you ask her?" He asked, eyes closed, but unable to repress a grin.

"I gave her the transport codes to your apartment. I asked her to bring us some civilian clothes and my special belt! I figured I’d take advantage of the rest of my time off and meet your parents," she said, "and they did invite the task force for dinner as thanks for all our help."

"They want to meet the Angel who saved my life, and the woman who is the love of my life, how are going to pull that off?" He said, looking at her quizzically.

"Well, with the belt I can do both…I’ll figure something out!" She said, seeing the flaw in her plan – she could not be both at once.

"We’ll figure something out." He hugged her with his right arm.

She stood up. "Sit Joey, I’ll change your ice pack." She said, as he sat on her bunk.

She grabbed another instant ice pack from the med kit and smiled.

"How did I miss that before? Joey will want to kill me!" She thought with a chuckle.

"What’s so funny Shy?" Joey said.

"You were raising such a raucous last night about the shots that I missed this can of anaesthetic spray, the same stuff Batman used when he stitched your knuckles last year!" She said.

"Said spray would have made the needles painless…Shy!" Joey said, shaking his head.

"I’m sorry! You weren’t exactly being cooperative!" She said.

"I know, I know, I can be a big baby. I’m lucky to have you Angel!" He said.

"You got that right, Reverend!" She said. She brought the can of spray, a fresh instant cold pack and some surgical tape. She sat behind Joey, peeling the surgical tape off his shoulder, discarding the old pack in the refuse.

"You have one nasty bruise there Joey; you can thank Batman for the Kevlar suit: it saved your life. Raise your arms?" She said.

Joey complied. The left shoulder hurt but he did have full mobility. Shayera smiled.

"The X-Ray reading was accurate: you have no broken bones. And in spite of your protestations, the shot has kept the swelling down and will help you heal." She said.

"Angel knows best!" Joey said.

"Better believe it Preacher!" She said, smirking.

"Now stand up and drop your shorts, I’ll spray some of this anaesthetic on your left cheek too!" She said.

"You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? I can just see Wonder Woman returning while my briefs are down!" He said, as he stood and dropped his briefs.

"She saw your butt last night; I don’t think she’ll be shocked today, besides, you have a nice butt!" Shayera said with an amused smirk on her lips. He gasped as the cold mist touched his skin.

The pain subsided. "That is potent stuff!" Joey said, pulling his briefs back up.

"Here, sit back down, I’ll do your shoulder next." She said.

He sat down on her bunk. She sprayed the cold mist on his bruised shoulder blade. The throb ended almost immediately. She applied the fresh cold pack on the bruise, holding it in place with surgical tape.

"Thanks Angel, it feels much better!" he said.

"Not as nice as your soothing massages…but there’s still time for that!" She said in a near whisper.

They were about to kiss when Wonder Woman returned. She cleared her throat to get their attention.

"Feeling better Joey?" She asked with a smirk.

"I’ll say: after the two of you had to wrestle me down last night to give me the anti-inflammatory and antihistamine shots and then give me a sedative-I felt like a darned pin-cushion- Shayera finds a can of anaesthetic spray in the Med-Kit a few minutes ago…" he said.

"No! You mean…" Wonder Woman said, repressing an urge to giggle.

"Yes," Shayera said, "We could have avoided this whole fuss had we seen the can in the first place!" She was looking at Diana, and also felt the urge to giggle.

Joey shrugged "Okay, let’s all share a laugh at ole’ Joey’s expense!" He said.

"Joey, please don’t be upset!" Wonder Woman said, still giggling.

"I’m not upset," he said, now also giggling, "Just terribly, terribly embarrassed!"

They all laughed. Shayera gave him a gentle hug.

"I have the things you asked for Shy!" Wonder Woman said, holding one of Joey’s duffle bags. She unzipped it open.

"Your Molecular belt, the pants, sneakers and top you asked for and your prop glasses. For Joey, Black jeans, a black t-shirt and sneakers, and clean underwear for the both of you." She said.

"Thanks Diana, you’re the best!" Shayera said.

"Yes, thanks for everything," Joey said, "I’m sorry I acted like a brat." He said.

"No problem," Wonder Woman replied, "I’ve dealt with a few brooding sessions myself with Bruce!" she said, with a smirk.

Joey and Shayera got dressed. Wonder Woman still couldn’t get over how happy Shayera was with Joseph. She was so happy for them.

Then again, is it such a surprise? Weren’t she and Bruce much happier since they had taken Aphrodite’s gift and Bruce had become her mate? "Indirectly, Aphrodite has struck again." She thought with a smile.

She looked on as Shayera was assisting Joey with slipping his t-shirt on without pulling off his cold pack. They were good for each other. "Thank you Aphrodite!" she said in a silent prayer.

"It’s simple really," Joey said, putting his Reverend Justice outfit in the empty duffle bag, along with Shayera’s Hawkgirl suit.

"Hawkgirl and Reverend Justice were called away on an urgent mission. Joey and the love of his life showed up in them mean time. We can always come back later in uniform so my parents can meet the Angel who saved their son’s life." He said with a smile.

"Sounds like a plan Monsieur Luca!" Shayera said, grinning and retracting her wings. Her top looked like a modern sleeveless top, with a low cut back, originally meant to accommodate her wings. She kissed Joey and hugged him tightly.

"Any chance of Batman joining us? Joey asked Wonder Woman. "We never would have found out Boss Gamache without his help."

"He’s been quoting urgent business with Wayne Enterprises…my hunch is family reunions make him feel uncomfortable, being that he lost his parents when he was a boy." Wonder Woman said.

"Let me have a word with him!" Joey said with a grin.

He dialled Bruce’s direct line, the same one Inspector Cartier had been given, the one that patches through the Bat-Computer.

"If he really is at his desk at Wayne Enterprises, this call will go straight to voicemail." He said with a wink.

"Hello? Who is this?" Bruce’s voice answered.

"A-ha, I knew it! Urgent Wayne Enterprises business huh?" Joey said with a big smile.

"What do you want Luca?" Bruce sighed.

"2 minutes of your time, Groucho! Just hear me out: you were instrumental in nabbing Boss Gamache and his cronies. My family wants to thank the Justice League task force for pulling it off. We wouldn’t have pulled it off without you. I can’t twist your arm to come, but you’re as deserving as all of us here. If you decide to come along, there will be a place for you at the dinner table." Joey said.

Wonder Woman looked on with a wide smile; Shayera whispered to her "He should be a negotiator!"

"What time?" Bruce said.

Wonder Woman chuckled. "Our Reverend’s good!" she whispered back to Shayera.

"7 pm, you have the coordinates. You can even show up as my boss Bruce Wayne, accompanying his fiancée Diana, it’s up to you!" Joey said.

"I’ll be there, as Batman. He’s the one they’d expect to see." Bruce said.

"See you later Bruce!" Joey concluded.

Wonder Woman laughed good-heartedly. "That was well done Joey!" She said.

He nodded. "This is going to be quite the crowd for dinner…" He said, pensively.

He dialled again. "Ma? Yes, it’s Joseph! You’re welcome, it was a team effort! Now look…yes, she’s with me!" he said, looking at Shayera, smiling.

"Now Ma, listen: Flash has advised me you’re having the task force over for dinner. Well he is one of my pals isn’t he? Look, Batman’s joining us too…yes, I talked him into it! I’m driving into town right now, how about I stop at the butcher shop and grab some steaks and then at the Grocery store for vegetarian food for the vegetarians on the task force?" He said looking at Wonder Woman. She smiled at him for remembering.

"Yes Ma, I can afford it don’t worry!" he rolled his eyes. "Yeah, that’s what I was thinking; make a barbeque out of it! Love you too; see you later this after-noon!"

"While you two go grocery shopping, I’ll go to Joey’s parents’ house, keep Flash and Captain Marvel company until the rest of the guests arrive." Wonder Woman said, and then stopped in her tracks.

"I might be a it underdressed for a family dinner though," she said, and spun a few turns, magically changing outfits, now wearing her traditional Themiscyran ceremonial dress. She smiled at her friends.

"Good idea Diana, that dress looks great on you! See you later!" Shayera said as Wonder Woman waved at them, and flew away towards the Luca’s house.

"Now where were we? Oh yes!" Shayera said, putting her arms around Joey, kissing him.

He gasped for air. "Passionate there aren’t you Angel?" he said with a smile.

"We keep getting interrupted!" she said, lips pursed in a playful pout.

"I guess I’ll have to rent a car…" he said pensively.

"No need!" she said, with a sheepish grin. She took Joey to the back of the Javelin, to the Cargo Hold. "You weren’t the only one keeping a secret for Batman!" She said.

She turned on the lights.

"The Chariot, it’s ready!" he said excitedly. "It was here the whole time and you didn’t tell me?" he said.

"And have you miss flying in my arms? Not a chance!" she said, smiling.

"Yeah, that was a blast!" He said, giving her a loving look.

"It was no coincidence we used this Javelin in particular. Batman knew it was only a matter of time until you went on a mission using one of the Javelins. He had left specific instructions that when it happened, we’d use this one: the one with your Chariot!" She said.

She moved towards the Chariot.

"Batman will have to give you the specifics, but the broad lines are: it uses a hybrid engine which runs on little fuel and uses high powered electrical cells. It rivals the Batmobile in speed, has bullet-proof panels and windows, and uses stealth technology similar to the Javelin’s." She said.

She opened the door, pointing at a compartment concealed on top of the dashboard. She opened it showing a series of buttons.

"This button activates the stealth mode. The Chariot features some new holographic projection technology which Batman said he’d add to his Batmobile as well: this button for instance will make the Chariot look like your car. This button will make the Chariot look like a Police car. This one here releases a force field if you’re arresting suspects, separating the back seats from the front seats. This last one…" she said, smiling, pressing the switch.

The Chariot looked like it was on fire. "How’s this for theatrics?" she asked with a wide grin.

"The good Reverend riding his Chariot of Fire, Bruce was right: I love it!" Joey said, laughing.

"Care to take it for a spin?" She said, tossing him the keys.

"Let me get my wallet from my trench coat pocket! I’m taking you shopping!" He said with a smile.

He had engaged the hologram that matched his car from Gotham City – this was after all the car his parents were expecting to see.

Shayera opened the cargo hold’s door. They drove off.

"That is one sweet ride!" Joey said. Shayera smiled and put a hand on his lap.

"Before we go shopping I’m treating you to breakfast – there’s this place I know that makes the best stuffed pancakes this side of the planet!" He said.

"That sounds delicious!" She said, as she moved her hand from his lap to his right hand.

He held her hand.

"You’ve become quite proficient at driving single handed! Tell me when you need both hands though!" She said, with her smile widening.

"Shy? Thanks. Thanks for talking sense into me, thanks for getting the task force together, thanks for being here with me when this should be your time off" Joey said.

"Anytime Joey." She said seductively. "I was going to spend my time off with you anyway, and after all, I am your guardian angel!"

They were at a red light; she gently turned his face towards her and kissed him.

As quiet life was restored in the small town of Saint François, eleven special people had become good friends. A son was reunited with his parents and brother, and the woman he loves –Sheryl Hull was the name Shayera had come up with- was finally introduced to her new family.

Marie Luca was happy. You see, you could not fool a mother’s eyes. She had recognized her Joey’s face under the Reverend Justice mask. While he had let Hawkgirl do the talking so his family would not recognise his voice, when they had returned as Joey and Sheryl, there was no mistaking her voice.

Marie had thus figured out that the love of her son’s life Sheryl Hull and Hawkgirl, the angel who had saved his life, was indeed the same person. The names Sheryl Hull and Shayera Hol sounded much too close to her ears anyway. No, you can’t fool a mother’s eyes or her ears.

"I promise I will keep your secret safe my son. And I’m happy you have finally found a good woman in your life, loving you. I can see in Sheryl’s eyes just how much she loves you – no matter what name she uses." Marie Luca thought, smiling. "You are now helping make the world a safer place to live in. As long as that elaborate armour you wear keeps you safe, and as long as you have your powerful friends at your side, I promise I won’t worry."

Captain Marvel had introduced his sister Molly to the Luca family. They would eventually visit the town of St-François quite often. While Billy and Molly Badson would remain unknown to the Lucas’, Captain Marvel and Molly Marvel would become good, close friends.

Captain Marvel went as far as telling Joey and Marc that he and his sister would gladly refer to them as "brother".

Joey and Shayera spent the rest of her time off in St-François. While Joey was worried she might get bored, she rather enjoyed the quiet, the fresh air, the peaceful sunrises and the warm, friendly relatives of Joey’s.

Unbeknownst to Shy and Joey, Batman had pulled some strings to allow them to spend that time together and undisturbed, by pulling Reverend Justice’s name from the Justice League rotation. This way, Shy and Joey’s schedules matched. Wonder Woman approved.

Several weeks later, in a parking lot near the now closed Zone Neutre, former employees – dancers and waitresses gathered. Sadie Stevens, who used to perform as Sinful Sadie was rallying the troupes.

A general "Yeah!" erupted. Thus was born Sinful Sadie’s on the outskirts of Saint François. But that is another story.

The End