>>5463480“Just a sec, big guy; there’s just one last thing that’s eating me.
His client list doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, no matter how you look at it. Even though we all have our own theories about the guy, we can all agree that he’s no pushover, right?”
Everyone except for Connor nods.
“So then why hasn’t he branched out? It says here that he’s only been seen working for Bane and some D-lister named Gentleman Ghost. A guy like this, I would expect to see him on the payroll for Black Mask or Penguin, maybe even Deathstroke or Lex Luthor. That’s gotta be where the real money is.”
You can see Hawkman’s eyes narrow and fists clench at the mention of Gentleman Ghost. Perhaps there’s some kind of bad blood there?
“Where are you going with this?” Cassie questions.
“C’mon work with me here! In my mind, that leaves 3 distinct possibilities; none of them good.” He holds a finger to punctuate each prong of his theory.
“First, he’s been operating under our radar and we only have a fraction of his contact list.
Second, he’s incredibly cautious in regards to his employers and isn’t willing to associate with anyone reckless enough to leave a traceable connection.
Thirdly, and arguably worst of all; he may be pulling these jobs in pursuit of some kind of larger goal, be it physical or emotional.”
Wally flushes a bit when everyone looks at him.
“You don’t need to look so surprised, you know. I can have good ideas sometimes!”
“Why is the last option the worst one?” Hawkman asks, in a manner that suggests he knows the answer and is simply looking to test him.
“Cowards and opportunists can be predicted, but fanatics? They’ll burn the world down rather than let their visions fall by the wayside. Gunsmoke has hit S.T.A.R. Labs a couple of times now, what if these things are all connected by something other than just profit?”
There’s an awkward silence as everyone ponders Wally’s final theory.
You try valiantly to shift the mood back in a more positive direction, but the atmosphere is well and truly shot once people start making excuses to head out.
An ugly part of you whispers that you must not be much of a mind-reader if you couldn’t see this coming.
For once, you’re inclined to agree with it.
