"Calling all cars, calling all cars. Shots have been fired on Everton rd."
A police car zoomed, and a siren blared. The sound echoed down the empty street and flashes of red reflected off of the freshly fallen snow.
Gordon rounded the corner, and he cruised by the ice covered mailboxes. He wanted to be the first one there. His heart was racing, and he felt a little excited. His day had been long and boring. He wondered if he could get to the scene of the crime before anyone else. It was first come first serve. It was one of those unspoken rules. His instincts kicked in and his ears tuned into the silence, he listened closely but no other police cars approached. Unconsciously his foot pressed on the gas pedal. His wheels squealed as he sped up and he began to slide across the road. It took a few honks from the passing cars to snap him out of his daze and he swerved back to his lane. Gordon's foot eased off the gas and the wheel jerked as he regained control.
Blaring lights flashed from the oncoming side of the street and he grabbed the visor and flipped it down. A black car was approaching. It crept down the road towards him. He briefly saw the driver but the man in the back caught his eye. The man was decked out in a white suit and hat. He rested his hand on top of a cane and his finger clinched it like he was holding a ball. He muttered something to the men in front and the man in the passenger seat turned and struck a match. He held the match out for the man in white. That man then leaned in. His cigar festered in the flame, and he took in a big draw. The end of it ambered and it lit up his face. The smoke eased out of his lips and his eyes made contact. The man casted a smug smile across his face. Gordon understood it and recognized it. In an instant he sized the man up. That's because sometimes, the quality of a man's smile can reflect one's true character. Gordon had honed this skill over the years. So, he knew that this man was scum. He saw it, and he could feel it, call it intuition. The two men watched each other as they drove away. The car sped up and six other cars behind it followed. Something about that man's smile bothered him. Was it the bad feeling he got or was it how carefree the man seemed. The man exuded confidence, and command. Gordon just knew that this man had something to do with the shooting, but he also knew that if he pursued this man, he would no longer be safe.
BOOM, his heart jumped. There was a big explosion. It reflected in his eyes. A cloud of smoke and fire rose up and engulfed the car that was smashed into the big oak tree. Gordon pressed hard on his brakes. The gravel crunched and it stopped him from sliding. His fingers wrapped tightly around the steering wheel, and he pulled up behind the vehicle and parked. Gordon grabbed the receiver of his radio. He clicked the button and called the station.
"This is officer Gordon, to Gotham Central."
"This is Gotham Central. What is your location officer Gordon?"
"I'm here on the Westside of Everton rd. where the shots were fired. There's a black car smashed into a tree that's currently ablaze. I saw seven black cars fleeing from the scene and I wasn't able to pursue them. I'm about to investigate."
"Okay Officer Gordon, please proceed with caution. A fire truck will be sent to your location. Officer Berk says he'll be leaving soon and he will be there in a bit."
"Roger that."
Gordon placed the receiver back on its holder. The cord twisted up. A strong gust shook his car. He buttoned his coat and grabbed his badge. The police car door squeaked as he opened it and then it slammed shut. His car lights beamed on the vehicle in front of him. He could barely keep balanced due to the strong winds and snow blowing in his face. His shadow danced across the tree as he walked through the lights. Gordon could hear the crackle of the fire and he could feel the heat of the blaze on his face as he drew closer.
The driver door was open and no one was inside when he came around to check. He took his flashlight out looking for clues and aimed it toward the ground. Gordon could see foot impressions leading away from the car, they led around the tree toward the house. He stopped and scratched his head because now there were multiple footprints in the snow. They seemed to be coming from different directions. He started to wonder if the person in the car was chased inside the house or did they arrive earlier. Gordon couldn't tell.
He reached into his holster and pulled out his gun. He held it parallel to his flashlight. He crept up the stairs slowly and the stairs creaked. Gordon could feel his heart rapping in his chest. The door was kicked in and the screen door was tossed to the side. That meant someone forced their way in. Therefore the owner probably didn't have a chance to react.
Gordon's cogs started turning. Because it now came down to the why. Why would someone kick the door in at this time of night? Did they have a vendetta with the owner? Was it a jealous lover? He went up a few more steps and he glazed over the exterior of the house. He noticed it was dark and there was only a hint of light coming from one of the windows. He wondered if the light was from a lamp or maybe even a TV. He wasn't certain. Gordon turned his head back and looked forward. His gun was drawn, his flashlight was out, he stared into the abyss of the dark room. His eyes took a bit to adjust and he could only see a little past the door. He flashed his light into the house but he still couldn't see anything and he knew this was dangerous. It wasn't a preferred situation considering what could be lingering in the darkness.
The wind picked up again. It began moaning and whistling. Gordon's coat started to flap. The air traveled up his back, and it gave him a chill. He could hear the tree limbs rattling, the chimes chiming, and barks bouncing off the surrounding area. Gordon walked through the doorway. He saw a large radio and a phone to his left. His nerves trickled down his spine and he felt a bit uneasy. It felt like breathing underwater. Gordon found himself holding his breath, clenching his gun, and his finger was caressing the trigger. There was a noise coming from the right of him. It was scratchy and loud. He whipped his head around and his eyebrows lifted. He saw Jack sitting on the couch. His light shines in the boy's face but there was no reaction. Gordon crept closer and he looked side to side.
"Hey, kid!" Gordon yelled.
He hoped to alert him of his presence but Jack didn't notice him. The boy was shivering. His breath was visible. Gordon approached him slowly. His foot slipped on the floor because it was wet. Gordon became more cautious and he resumed moving toward Jack.
"Hey, what happened here? Why was your door kicked in? Are you alright?
Jack wasn't completely coherent. His thoughts were fuzzy. He didn't hear anything being said to him. Gordon got closer and closer. He now stood next to Jack. He noticed the boy's hair was wet. His skin was pale. The whole scene was odd and somewhat spooky. He wondered how old the boy was. He figured that he was no older than ten or maybe even twelve. The noise that he heard earlier was getting louder. He finally pinpointed its origin. It was coming from the television. He thought that it sounded like a lot of people rubbing sandpaper together. White and black speckles danced across Jack's face. His eyes were fixated on something. Like there was something beyond the TV. Gordon looked where Jack's eyes gazed but there was nothing there. So, he wondered.
"Hey kid, what are you looking at?"
Jack could see his old man standing before him. His fathers skin had the absence of life. It was gray and pale. Frank's head and body still bore the wounds that were inflicted on them. His eyes glared with aggression towards Gordon. He didn't like officers, he didn't like the law.
"Go on and tell him, boy. Tell him you see ghosts. You know what they do to people that can see ghosts. They take them down and lock them up in Arkham. So, go on, go on and tell him." His father encouraged.
Jack had know intention of doing so. He knew what he needed to say.
"I'm not looking at anything." Jack said in a stern voice.
Something about his voice sounded dark and hateful. As if he was possessed. It was his tone that made Gordon shiver. Gordon walked to the back of the couch and he looked around the room. He took out a pad and wrote down some notes.
"Hey kid, what's your name?"
He shined his light up the stairs.
"Jack."
Gordon took a mental note. He had learned in the past if you use a person's name, they would be more likely to open up to you.
"Jack, I'm Gordon."
"I'm here because I was told there were shots fired here. Was there a gun fired here and is anyone hurt?"
Jack was silent. Gordon started to assume the worst.
"Where's your parents?"
"My mom is dead and my father is in the kitchen."
"So, your father is here?"
"Yes."
"Is he hurt?"
Jack was silent once again. Gordon saw a light coming from a room in the back. The light was shining from underneath the door.
"Is the Kitchen back here , Jack?"
"Yes."
Gordon pulled up his gun again and started walking.
"What's your father's name?"
"Frank."
"Frank, it's officer Gordon. Are you hurt sir? Have you been shot?"
Frank said nothing. Gordon's other hand extended to the door and he slowly twisted the nob. The door was barely ajar, and he could see a body lying sprawled out on the floor.
"This must be Frank." He said to himself.
The door swung back as he lunged his gun around it. Frank seemed to be the only one there. The poor man was lying with his face to the side in his own blood. His face had a big gash in it and a bullet between the eyes. The kitchen looked like the rest of the house. It looked like it had been thoroughly searched. Whoever did this left the back door wide open.
"Jack, your father is dead!"
"Yes. I know."
Did the kid not care? Usually, hardened criminals can shrug off death but he is a child he should be innocent. Gordon didn't expect this coldness to come from this boy's mouth.
"Jack, did you hear me? I said your father's dead? "
"I heard you, officer. I know my father's dead and I'm glad he's dead."
Gordon frowned. He thought that it almost sounded like Jack was happy.
"Did you not love your father, son?"
"No, sir."
"Do you know who killed your father?"
Jack was silent for a bit.
"You tell him it was Richard Hands, boy. Tell him that is the man who killed your father."
"No." Jack responded. His eyes leered at Frank.
"You. You're going to disobey me? The father that clothed you. The father that fed you."
"Yeah, and do you know why dad? You're dead and you can't hurt me anymore."
"So, that's it, huh."
Jack nodded his head. His father drew back his fist and rushed him. Jack flinched. Frank passes through his body. Stumbled back to the kitchen and passed through Gordon. He fell out the back door. Gordon felt a chill and rubbed his arms.
"It's really cold in here." He thought to himself.
He shut the back door. Frank got up and he found himself in a room of shadows. He noticed he couldn't move around freely as he once did. Every part of him felt heavy. At first he thought his eyes were fooling him but the shadows seemed to be moving closer to him. They had red glowing eyes. All he could hear was whispers. Then he saw something bright moving through them. Its voice was different from the others, it was female. The voice was soft and gentle. It started to sound really familiar but he couldn't believe his ears. He knew it couldn't be true.
"Mirah." he whispered.
Her eyes were red as well. She had a cold smile. Her skin was porcelain white and her head was slightly cocked. She now hovered above him.
"Mirah, is that you?" He said a little scared.
Her mouth opened and it looked like gum was stuck in between her lips. Then she screamed. The shadows reacted to her voice and they grabbed his arms. Suddenly he found himself surrounded. Frank couldn't break free. This reminded him of his nightmares. Fear rushed over him.
"Mirah, please, I'm sorry." he begged.
"Franky, do you remember our vows?"
"For better or worse. To death. Do - we…" She whispered.
Then she shrills. "PART!"
"No please don't. No, please stop."
Frank starts to scream. He never knew there could be pain after death. He wondered if this was hell. The shadows' teeth started sinking into his soul. He could feel himself being devoured. Frank screamed again and again. It was more agonizing than the dreams he had. It was 100 times worse. He felt like he was being ripped apart. Then the shadows retreated, he was reduced to just a bit of the eye and the eyebrow. Mirah drew closer. His eye shook in its socket. It shook in fear. She grabbed it and brought it up to her mouth.
"This is where we part my dear."
She swallowed the last piece of him and he was no more.
*
Gordon studied the room carefully. There was a lamp turned over on the table and there was a chair facing outwardly near the stove. It had a round burn mark signed into the wood and the floor was covered in bullets. They were by the refrigerator and under the table. Gordon was finding shell casings everywhere. The room smelled of gas and gunpowder. They both lingered in the air. Gordon walked over to the stove and turned off the pilot. He cased the area and he spotted a smashed cigar soaking in the blood. There was a mark on the back of the man's neck, it was a small R and H burned into the flesh. Gordon felt this case was mob related but he wasn't sure. If so, why was the boy left alive? Something doesn't add up. Gordon could hear a siren approaching. He wasn't sure if it was a police car or a firetruck. Gordon hoped it was Berk. Berk parked his car and got out. He saw that Gordon had left his lights on. Berk went over and turned them off.
"Gordon would lose his head if it wasn't already screwed on." Berk thought.
Berk closed Gordon's car door and approached the house.
"What the heck happened here." He said out loud.
He flashed his light on the busted door and he noticed the muddy footprint on it. Berk walked in looking for Gordon. He scanned the area and he saw Jack on the couch. Jack was rocking and laughing. He looked around for Gordon. Gordon was crouched over Frank's body. He was looking at the entry wounds and the exit wounds. Berk walked over to the kitchen. He whistles.
"Wow, what a mess."
"What."
"I said, what a mess. Look at this place. They smashed in the door, ransacked the house, and shot up the kitchen. Not to mention this dead gentleman right here."
"Yeah, you're right about that. So far I've found 20 shell casings by the body and at least 10 more everywhere else."
"Isn't this a bit excessive?"
"Yeah a bit. Whoever did this wanted to make a point, send a message, or something."
"True but the question Gordon, is who." Berk said, scratching his head.
There was a knock on the broken door. A slew of men came in with equipment and cameras. It was the crime scene investigators. Berk saw them and then looked over to where Jack sat. Jack was giggling. Berk thought this was strange. Could this event be the snapping point for this boy?
"So, what's with the kid, Gordy? Why is he watching a blank screen over there, and why is he laughing?"
"I don't know. He was like that when I got here but the laughing that's new. I know I would be in shock or at the cusp of insanity if this happened to me as a kid."
"He's definitely on that borderline. They've put people in Arkham for less than that."
Gordon nods his head. Berk squatted down next to him.
He lifted the man's head and studied his face. Then laid the head back in the pool of blood.
"Who's this fellow?"
Gordon gets back out his notepad and flips the page.
"Well it says here his name is Frank."
"Frank, who?"
Gordon reaches into the man's pocket and grabs Frank's wallet. He opens it up and pulls out the driver's license.
"Frank Napier." Gordon read.
"Frank Napier you say."
"Yeah, why?"
"When I was working in the Bottoms a few weeks ago. I heard that a man by that same name was responsible for shaking down the shops in little Gotham. The word on the street is, he got greedy and he started pocketing Mr. Ricky's money."
"Ricky? You mean Richard Hands?"
"Yes."
"RH. That makes sense now."
"What makes sense?"
"The burn marks on the back of his neck. Look here."
Gordon pulls back Frank's collar and shows Berk the marks.
"If it's Richard Hands, it's mob related."
"You know that means he personally killed him, right? I bet that shot in his head was from Ricky's gun. A man that dies by his hands probably deserved it and I know for sure that Frank was one of those low down worthless thugs."
"Burke, the son is right there. Can't you be a little more sensitive about the subject matter?"
"No, why should I censor myself? That boy is mental. He doesn't shed a tear for his father laying here on the floor. If you ask me, that's creepy."
"Yeah, there's no denying that but Berk he's a kid. come on."
Berk sighs.
"Hey, look at this."
It was a cut out article about Frank's dead wife sitting on the kitchen table.
"Do you remember a few weeks ago, there was a case where a woman committed suicide?"
"Yeah, come to think of it, I do remember a case like that. They said that she leapt from the second story window of a house."
"Yeah, that's the one. Look and see who the husband was."
Gordon points to the name in the article.
"Frank Napier. Wow!"
"Man, to lose two parents within a month's time, is some rotten luck."
They look towards Jack.
"No wonder he's losing it."
"Yeah."
Berk hands the paper to one of the crime scene investigators. They snapped a few pictures of it. Gordon looked at the time and realized it was time to call Anne.
"Hey Berk."
"What Gord?"
"Can you call Anne?"
Anne is a social worker who handles most of the child cases in Gotham.
"Are you sure you want to wake her? You know she's not going to be happy."
"And that's why you're calling her, not me."
"The escape goat once again." Berk laughs.
"Yeah, yeah."
Berk starts to look around. Gordon could see his confusion.
"Berk what are you looking for?"
"The phone."
"Oh, that's by the front door above the radio."
It was now 3 o'clock a.m. and Berk dials Annes' number. The phone rang six times before she answered.
"Hello. Who's this?"
"It's officer Berk, ma'am."
Anne grabbed her spectacles from her nightstand. She stumbled to put them on. Then she looked at her clock. It read 3 a.m.
"Do you know what time it is, officer?"
"Yes, ma'am sorry about that."
"So, what do you want at this ungodly hour?"
"We need your help. A few hours ago there was a shooting at the Napier house and his kid is now without a place to go."
"Napier, do you mean Frank Napier?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Oh, my goodness."
"Did you know him, Anne?"
"Yes, a long time ago. So, what happened?"
"He was shot."
"Poor, poor man but I can't say that I'm surprised. What about his wife? I heard he was married."
"She died a few weeks ago. I heard that she threw herself out a second story window."
"Oh my, that is unfortunate."
"So, Can you come out and meet us at the house? The boy is in shock and maybe you can be the helping hand he needs."
"Yes, alright, what's that address?" She yawns.
"It's 1102 W Elverton road."
She writes down the number on a scrap piece of paper. The phone still hung between her ear and shoulder.
"Just give me a bit to get ready and I'll be right over."
"Okay."
Berk hangs up the phone.
"Hey Gordy, Anne says she will be here in a bit."
"Alright, so let's finish processing this scene, so we can get out of here."
Anne reaches into the drawer in her nightstand and pulls out a little address book. She turns a few pages in and finds the person she is looking for. Alice Righton, St. Mary's Wayward school for Orphans. Her finger slips into the circular crevices of the phone and she rotates it around to the first number. She repeats this action 9 more times. Alices' phone rings loudly.
"Hello." Alice says in a grouchy voice.
"Sorry to wake you, Alice."
"Anne? What is it?"
"I have some bad news. Frank Napier has passed."
"Frank." She said like the wind passed out of her.
Alice felt her heart drop a bit. She had raised Frank most of his childhood. A lot of conflicting emotions overwhelmed her. She felt tears falling down her face.
"Alice, are you okay?"
She took in a deep breath and gathered herself.
"Yes."
"I'm getting ready to go over to his house right now."
"At 3:05 in the morning Anne?"
"Yes, apparently he had a son with his late wife."
"I didn't even know he had a kid."
"Neither did I until I got the call. That brings me to why I called. I need you to meet me at the police station in an hour."
"Sure, of course."
"Thank you, Alice."
"You're welcome, Anne, I'll see you there."
"Thanks again for meeting me there so early."
"You're welcome. Bye."
Alice went down the hall and knocked on Sharon's and Mr. Lyles' door. Lyle came out first.
"Mr. Lyle, I'm going to need you to drive me to the police station. So, please get ready."
"Yes' ma'am."
Sharon came out in her nightgown.
"What's the emergency?"
"We have a new kid coming later this morning. I'm going to need you to monitor the floors until I get back."
"Yes, ma'am."
*
At 3:32 a.m. a Raymond Tensley Azure Blue Sky car pulled up into the driveway. The top part of the car was covered in a blue cloud design. A chrome strip swooshed across the sides of the vehicle. The front and back fenders were white and the main body was blue. Everything else was in chrome. This was Annes pride and joy. She loved fancy cars and she loved showing them off.
Through the windshield she could see the firemen dousing the flames. The black car was now smoking and the frame was the only thing left. The tree had taken the most damage. It's structure was compromised. The trunk at the base of the tree was severely burnt. It started to make a cracking sound. Anne restarted her car and pulled it back several feet and a large limb came crashing down. One of the men approached Annes car. She rolled down her window.
"Ma'am I would hate for your Raymond Tensley to get crushed. Could you please move it over there?"
He pointed to where the police cars were parked.
"Yes, that's not a problem."
She parked behind Gordon's car and she reached into her purse and pulled out a white cloth. Anne wiped down her steering wheel and her dash. Then she placed the cloth back into her purse and she opened her door. Her blue shoes pressed into the snow and she felt the cold sting of the ice. Anne starts to regret not wearing her boots. She briskly treaded through the powdered snow. It kept kicking up in the air and falling on her skin as she walked. Her toes were starting to feel numb. Anne was glad when she made it to the base of the steps. She slipped and barely held her composure while ascending to the top. Anne walked through the front door and she stepped into the living room. She took off her coat and her fancy blue hat. Then she hung them on the coat rack near the door. Annes' hair was pulled back into a bun. Her clothes were clean and pressed. She walked in with prestige and she demanded attention. The two men were standing in the doorway of the kitchen having a conversation. They didn't notice Anne walking in. Gordon held his cigarette in between his fingers, he puffed out a little smoke from the side of his mouth. There were even more men in the kitchen. They were wrapping up Frank's body in a sheet of linen. Flashes of light streamed from their cameras as they took measurements. Anne cleared her throat. The men stopped talking. Jack even through a wide-eyed glance at her. She didn't smile, but Jack knew he should listen.
"Gentlemen."
"Anne."
She looked around the room with her lips pursed. Anne took off her white gloves while pacing and she put them in her purse. She tried turning on a few light switches but nothing happened. Then she walked towards the couch and clicked on the light on the coffee table. Anne had a better look at the room. It was trashed. The furniture was tossed on its side and papers were everywhere.
"It looks like a twister came through this place, Gordon." Anne said.
"Yeah, they did a number on this room, upstairs, and everywhere."
Anne points at the light switches.
"I also noticed that half of the lights won't turn on."
"We noticed that too. I'm guessing Frank really liked his privacy."
"Yes, don't we all?" she said.
She then turned to Jack.
"So, you're Jack?"
"Yes."
"Wow, you look so much like your father."
"You knew my father?"
"Yes, it was a long time ago."
Anne gazed off for a bit. She seemed a little sad. Then she gave Jack a gentle smile.
"I'm sorry about that. Sometimes the past can be troublesome but that shouldn't excuse me for not introducing myself. My name is Mrs. Anne."
She smiled, her hand patted his shoulder from behind. Jack's teeth started to chatter and his body shivered. He couldn't stop shaking.
"Jack, can you come over here please?"
Jack got up and walked around to her, his blanket fell off of him.
"No wonder you're cold. Where are your clothes?"
"My father had me take them off."
Jack looked toward the dead man in the other room. Anne stepped closer and looked Jack over. She put her hand on his wet hair and he looked very sick. He had very little color in his skin and his underwear were soaked as well.
"Why are you so wet?"
"After my father had me take off my clothes, he threw me outside. He poured a bucket of water on me. Then he shut the back door."
"Why would he do that?" She asked.
"He was angry and drunk. My father started screaming how it is all my fault. He watched me freeze outside. My father stared at me through the little window in the door. He kept on sipping his whisky."
"And he didn't let you in, did he?"
"No."
"You poor child."
Anne picked up the blanket from the floor and wrapped him up tightly. She then sat down on the couch next to him and wrapped her arms around him. Anne was hoping that the extra body heat would make him warmer. Jack no longer felt cold, he was surrounded by her warmth. Something about her reminded him of his mom.
"So, you were outside?" Gordon asked.
"Yes, sir."
Anne touches her cheek against his forehead.
"Child your head is burning hot. You're going to catch the death of cold if you don't put some clothes on. Let's go to your room and change your clothes. After that we need to pack a bag."
"Anne, I still have questions for him."
"Your questions are going to have to wait until we get to the station. Do you want him to catch pneumonia? You two had plenty of time to ask him questions. What were you doing the whole time you were here? Didn't you see that this kid is freezing. It's just like men to stand around and notice nothing."
"But..." Berk said.
Anne gives Berk a serious glare. Berk knew not to cross Anne. So, he agreed to her terms.
"Why don't one of you gentlemen make yourself useful and get me a cup of water."
Gordon grabbed a cup and filled it with water. Anne reached into her purse and pulled out a little tin with small white pills in it. She took one and handed it to Jack.
"Here take this. Make sure to drink some water with it. It might taste bitter but it will get your fever down."
"Okay."
"Let's go upstairs and get your clothes on and your stuff packed."
Jack headed up the stairs and Anne followed behind.
"Gordon and Berk, we will meet you at the station."
"Alright, we're taking off."
Jack looked out his window. He could see the two police officers heading to their cars. The firetruck had left and the tree was still smoking a little. He heard their doors close and their motors start. Soon they were both out of sight. Anne was going through his clothes. She picked out the necessities. Anne folded and rolled his pants, his shirts, underwear, and socks. She places all of his clothes into a large suitcase.
"So, I believe I got everything you need. Is there something else you want to take with you? Like a toy or a memento. Take your time, think about it for a bit. We are not in a rush."
Jack grabbed his favorite pack of cards. He pondered for a bit. Then he remembered there was something he was forgetting. He went over to his dresser and opened his sock drawer. Jack dug through the socks and he finally found it. It was a picture of his mom. He placed it on top of all his clothes and he closed the suitcase.
"I'm ready."
"Are you sure you got everything?"
"Yes."
"Good, let's go."
Jack grabbed his suitcase. He used two hands to pull it off the bed. Anne offered to help him but he wanted to do it. In his heart it gave him freedom. Jack dragged it out of his room. He almost lost his grip several times. As he passed his parents room he had flashes of the bad memories. He shook it off. He looked at the window at the end of the hallway one last time. Tears ran down his cheeks. Mrs. Anne placed her hand on his shoulder.
"I know. It will be okay."
They began to walk down the steps. Jack saw the big radio and innately he started to walk slower. He thought that someone was going to yell at him for being loud.
"Why did you slow down? Are you alright?"
"Yes."
Anne could tell something was bothering him but she thought it was because he was struggling with the bag.
"If you need help with the bag, I can take it."
"I can do it." Jack said.
Jack did well, he made it to the door. His hands were burning red. Jack placed the bag on the floor. Anne handed him his coat and hat and then she grabbed hers. They were now ready to leave. Jack looked around the house one more time. A feeling of happiness bubbled in his chest. He knew that he would no longer come back here. Anne grabbed the bag. She looked back and stepped outside.
"Come Jack. Watch your step. Be careful the stairs are a little slippery."
Even though she said this, she wasn't paying any attention to her own footing. Anne whirled around the steps. The suitcase went flying in the air and she landed on her bottom on the snow cover ground. Jack snickered.
"Don't laugh." She said embarrassingly.
Jack helped her up and she dusted off her bottom. The suitcase seemed to be fine and Jack helped her place it in the back of the car. Tucked away in the back of her trunk there was a large brown folded towel. Anne reached around the suitcase to grab it. She tucked the towel under her arm and shut the trunk gently. Anne went around to the back passenger door. She opened it and told Jack to wait. She took the towel that she had shoved under her arm and spread it across the top and bottom part of the seat. Anne felt that it was a reward to let kids ride in her luxurious car but she wasn't going to let them damage the interior. Jack didn't mind. He had never seen a car like this. The seats were made of blue and white leather. He thought that this was cool. The door closed. Anne came around to the driver's side and she got in. She opened her little white purse and took out her keys. Anne placed the key in the ignition and turned the car on. The motor roared and Jack jumped.
"Did Samson scare you?"
Jack nodded his head. He figured that Samson was the name of her car. Anne took off her hat and placed it in the passenger seat. The car backed up, it curved to its side and then it whipped around towards the street. From the back window Jack looked at his house for the very last time. Then he smiled. He was finally free.
*
Sharon walked to each floor of the orphanage with a flashlight in hand. A few of the kids were awake on each floor but for the most part everyone was asleep. In total there were seven floors and only four of them were for the kids. There were two girl floors and two boy floors. Each floor had twenty beds. Sharon used to be an orphan at this orphanage but now she works for Alice. She helps her manage the kids. Sharon at times takes on a role as a big sister or a mother. Her dream is to one day find the right man. The one who would take her away from this lifestyle. She also dreams of starting a family and living on a farm away from the city. But those are just dreams. Now she waits for Alice and Mr. Lyle to return. She hopes they get back soon so she can go back to sleep.
*
The streets were a little icy and Lyle flew down them with no care at all. His eyes barely peered over the steering wheel. He acted like he owned the road. Rules didn't matter to him. If it wasn't for Alice's fear of driving, she wouldn't ask him to drive.
"Mr. Lyle, can you slow down a bit? The roads are slippery, and I don't want to die tonight."
"Ice, smice. A road is a road."
"Mr. Lyle!"
"Fine, fine."
"Make sure to drop me off in front of the police station when we arrive."
"Yes ma'am."
He slowed down the car. The visibility was bad but at least they were only a few blocks away from Gotham Central. The hand on the gas gauge started to freeze up. Mr. Lyle tapped on the glass. He was hoping it would unstick.
"Darn this thing is broken again." He whined in a grouchy voice.
"It's okay Mr. Lyle, we will be just fine." She said smiling.
The station was coming up on the right. Mr. Lyle took a sharp turn and hopped the curve. He was now on the brim of it. The front wheel slammed back down and they bounced in their seats. Alice embraced the seat in front of her and her hat almost came off.
"Mr. Lyle, when are you going to get your glasses?"
"I don't need any stupid glasses."
"If you're driving for me you do."
"Fine, fine."
Lyle hated the idea of relying on something to help him see but he knew he couldn't put it off for much longer. He pulled up in front of the station.
"Mr. Lyle, let me out right here."
Lyle parked and turned off the engine. He got out and opened the back passenger door. Alice grabbed a plate from the seat next to her, she secured her dress, and stepped onto the sidewalk. Lyle closed the door behind her.
"Mr. Lyle please park on the west side of the building so you can swing around to the front when it's time to go.."
"Yes ma'am."
Lyle got back in the car and he parked it on the west side of the building. He got out and locked the door. Alice headed towards the steps. She placed one hand on the rail and then ascended. Alice made it to the top. She was breathing heavily. An officer rushed over and opened the door for her.
"Thank you young man." She said gladly.
The policeman nodded his head as she passed. Gotham Central was quiet tonight. Most officers were home asleep in their beds. Their desks were empty and stacks of cases sat on top. Alice approached the captain's secretary's desk. Mary was sitting there reading a book. She could hear Alice's shoes clank and she looked up.
"Alice, I haven't seen you in a while."
"Yes, I know, I usually don't come out this late but I was told a kid was just made an orphan tonight."
"I heard about that too. Poor child. So, what's on the plate?"
"You know my world famous chocolate chip cookies."
"Those cookies are so good. When are you going to give me the recipe?"
"Here, I already wrote it down for you. Make sure to hand these out to the boys."
"Of course. You are a dear. mmm. Thank you."
"Is Captain Montgomery in tonight?"
"Yes, he sure is. Do you want me to let him know that you are here?"
"Yes please."
Mr. Lyle then walked in and he sat down on the bench. Alice was in front of him standing and waiting at Mary's desk. Mary knocks on the Captains door and sticks her head in.
"What is it, Mary?"
"Alice is here. Can she come in?"
"Yes, go ahead."
The Captain straightened his tie and swiped his fingers across his mustache.
"The Captain says you can go ahead and go in."
"Thank you, Mary."
"No problem."
Alice opens the door.
"Hello."
"Hi Alice. Come in, come in.
She walked in and had a seat in front of the Captains desk.
"Are these new chairs?"
"Yes, I had a little money in the budget, and I got them."
"I like the wood and the black leather, fancy."
The Captain smiled.
"Oh Ben, I brought cookies today. Don't forget to grab one."
"I'm grabbing one right now. Mary!" He yells.
She opened the door and peeked her head in.
"Yes Captain."
"Can you get me one of Alices' cookies?"
"Of course, Sir."
Alice and Mary laughed. Mary closes the door and grabs a cup of coffee for Mr. Lyle. He is very happy to receive a warm drink. The Captain reached into his right side drawer and pulled out a new case file.
"So, who dragged you out of your bed this early, Alice?"
"Anne of course."
"I see."
Mary opens the door and walks over to his desk.
"Here you go Captain."
Ben grabs the cookie and shoves it in his mouth.
"Thank You Mary."
"You are welcome."
Mary leaves the room again.
"Mmm. These are really good cookies, Alice."
"Thanks."
Alice yawns.
"Would you like some coffee?"
"Sure, if you have some."
The Captain walks over to the table on the left side of his office. He pours a cup of coffee.
"Alice, do you want sugar or milk in your coffee?"
"Both please."
"Here. Can I get you anything else while we wait?"
"No but thank you."
*
Gordon and Berk finally arrived. Gordon places his coat on the back of his seat. He sits at his desk and pulls out his notepad. Gordon starts going over his notes. He started to piece together the clues he had acquired. From what he could gather, he believes that the man he saw in the car was most likely Richard hands. The cigar burn mark on the chair and the cigar he found in the blood also probably belonged to him as well. If Berk was correct about Franky not being able to pay his debt. It could lead to why he was killed. But all this was speculation without hard evidence. So far he had none. Gordon put his thumb to his forehead and he started to rub. Berk could see that Gordon was in his zone But Berk was finding it hard to concentrate. He started to prepare himself, he knew that they needed to go with the head of caution when interrogating the boy. Berk could feel that Jack was hiding something but he wasn't sure that he would be willing to give it up. Right now he needs a clear mind and clear thoughts. Berk thinks coffee might help.
"Hey Gord, Do you want a cup of joe?"
"Sure, just make mine black."
"Okay, say no more."
Berk grabbed a new reel for the recorder and two cups of coffee. He sat Gordons on his desk. Berk took a few sips. The caffeine rushed to his head. He felt better.
"Man, I really needed that."
"Yeah, I hear you. Something about a good cup of Joe just wakes you up."
"I agree."
"I think I'm going to go back to that neighborhood tomorrow and ask around. I bet there are a few witnesses that would be willing to talk."
"Well if you do go back, count me in."
Berk picked up the newspaper on his desk, he flipped through a few pages, and started reading.
*
Anne didn't like this weather. The snow collected so fast that the wipers were almost useless. This made her feel nervous. Jack had fallen asleep against the door and he had started to drool. The snow on the road was piling up. Anne saw a few cars pulled off to the side. She was barely cruising because there was no way she was going to hurt her car. Anne couldn't see any of the road signs. None of them were visible. She could only see a few landmarks. There was an old church that sat on the corner near Gotham Central. She could barely see the top of it in the distance. That meant that they were only a few miles away from the station. The wind whipped and wailed around her car. She felt that she was going to blow off the road. There was a thump. Anne had hit a pothole. Jack got jarred by the impact so he jumped.
"Stop hitting my mom!" He yelled.
Anne looked into her rear view mirror and Jack's eyes were wide. He was filled with fear, anger, and confusion. His fists were clenched and he looked farrell.
"Jack, sweetie, you are in the car with Mrs. Anne. You are safe here. No one is hitting your mom."
He calmed down and fell back asleep. She began to wonder what traumatized him so much that a meer bump set him off. Anne finally reached the church and she headed straight to the station. She then drove around to the west side of the building and parked next to Alice's vehicle.
"Jack, wake up. We're here."
Anne turned off the motor and switched off the lights. She got out and turned her back to the wind. Then she shuffled around to the back of her car. Anne fought a little with the keyhole of the trunk. She couldn't keep from shaking. The trunk popped open and she grabbed Jack's suitcase. It was heavy and she dragged it out. The suitcase jerked against her shoulder and it hit the ground. Jack felt the back of the car lift a bit. He could hear Anne coming around to his door. The handle clicked and opened. Anne's nose was red and the snow was stuck to her lashes. She grabbed the sides of Jack's hat and pulled it over his ears.
"Let's go."
They walked quickly around the corner. The suitcase was slapping against Annes' leg. Anne approached the steps carefully and Jack felt like he was going to fly like a kite. He gripped the rail tightly and they both ascended. They finally made it to the door. Jack opens the door for Anne. She walks in and sets down the suitcase. Anne's feet are covered in snow. She stumps the snow off and she picks up the suitcase again. Then she starts walking. Jack came in and he was shivering. He wiped the snow off of his pants and he wiped his feet on the black rug they had on the floor. Right in front of Anne was Mr. Lyle. He was sitting on the bench. It looked like he was fast asleep. If he was here, Alice was here. She passed him and headed to Mary's desk. Lyle woke up and Jack looked into Lyles' eyes. Mr. Lyle freaked out a little. Jack had similar eyes to someone he knew in the past. It brought back a bad memory and Lyle rubbed his head. Anne set the suitcase next to Mary's desk. The thud made Mary aware of her presence.
"Hi Mary!"
"Hi Anne!"
Mary could see that Anne wasn't alone.
"So, who do we have here?"
Anne moved to the side.
"Well, Introduce yourself."
"I'm Jack, ma'am."
"Nice to meet you Jack. People around here call me Mary."
Mary had a big smile on her face.
"Anne, the Captain and Alice are waiting for you in the office. I'll let them know that you're here."
"Alright."
Mary knocks on the Captain's door and he invites her in.
"Anne and Jack are here Sir."
"Good, send Anne in. The three of us need to talk first."
"Okay Sir."
Mary closed the door and told Anne to go in by herself.
"Jack, dear, you're going to have to wait out here with me. So, have a seat over by my desk while the grownups talk."
"Okay."
"Do you like hot chocolate?"
"Sure, I guess."
"You got to sound more excited than that. It's hot chocolate!"
Jack smiled. He thought Mary was funny.
"Wait here and I'll go get you a cup."
Gordon spotted Jack in front of Mary's desk. He snapped his fingers and pointed. Berk looked up from his newspaper.
"Look over there."
"Where am I looking?"
"Over there by Mary's desk."
"Oh, Jacks here. That means Anne's here."
Berks grabs the tape reel for the recording device. He slides it in his pocket and puts his hands down on his armrest. Berk knew that the Captain would call them in soon. Captain Montgomery walked over and opened the door.
"Gordon, Berk, come to my office!"
"Yes Sir." They said.
The men went into the office and the door closed. Jack felt like it took them hours, but it had only been twenty minutes. The doorknob began to jiggle and then the door opened.
"Jack, come in." Anne beckoned.
Jack walked into the office and he closed the door behind him. Gordon got up and Jack had a seat in front of the Captain. He was right next to Alice.
"Hi Jack. My name is Captain Montgomery."
"Hello Sir."
"No need to be formal son. We've all been talking and we have decided that the best place for you right now is the orphanage. Miss. Alice here will be in charge of you from this point on."
"Hi Jack, I'm Miss. Alice."
"Hi."
"So, after you make your statement to Mr. Gordon and Mr. Berk, you will go with Miss Alice to the orphanage. Now Mrs. Anne will call Miss Alice when the funeral for your father has been arranged. I leave that for them to delegate."
"Sir, I don't want to go to my dad's funeral."
"Why not son?"
"I didn't like my dad."
"Jack, I know you have every right to not want to go but it is always best to get some closer. I promise we won't stay long. We'll stay long enough for you to say good-bye." Anne said.
"I guess I can do that."
"Good." She smiles.
"Now that's settled, Jack. I want you to follow Gordon and Berk to the interrogation room."
Jack got up and followed the men down a long hallway to a room in the very back.
"This way." Gordon said.
Berk, Gordon, and Jack walked into the interrogation room. Berk took out the reel from his pocket and spooled it on the recorder. He adjusted it a bit and then pressed record.
"Jack we are going to ask you a few questions about your dad's murder and we need you to answer truthfully to the best of your ability. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir." He answered.
For an hour and a half Jack answered questions. He told them about the things that happened that night. Jack told them about how he heard a lot of car doors shutting and his father begging for his life. They kept asking about Richard Hands but he didn't have anything to say. Jack told them he heard multiple shots and that he didn't see anything because he was outside. It was 4:01 a.m. when Jack finished giving a statement. Jack went back around to the front. Alice and Anne were waiting for him. Gordon and Berk stepped out of the room.
"I think he's hiding something." Berk said.
"Yeah, he avoided direct answers and eye contact."
"I wonder who he is trying to protect."
"That is the million-dollar question."
"But at least we got some answers."
Gordon and Berk went back to their desk and started drafting their reports. Anne got up from her chair and yawned.
"Well Jack I must be going." Anne said.
"Okay."
"See you Anne." Alice said.
"See you Alice."
Anne walked over to the front door and opened it. A draft came in and gave her the chills. She buttoned up her coat and headed home.
"Alright Jack, it's time for us to leave as well."
Mr. Lyle was asleep. He was snoring.
"Poor Mr. Lyle." Mary said.
"He just fell asleep."
Alice walked over and stood in front of him.
"Mr. Lyle!" Alice yelled.
He rolled his head to the side.
"Mr. Lyle!" She screamed louder.
"Why are you screaming at me Alice? I'm awake."
"If you were awake, then why were you snoring?"
Jack laughed. Mr. Lyle said something under his breath.
"What was that Mr. Lyle?"
"Nothing."
"Come, get Jack's bag and let's get going."
"Yes ma'am."
Mr. Lyle grabs the bag and he almost hurts his back.
"What do you have in this suitcase boy? Rocks!"
"No."
"Don't mind Mr. Lyle, he's always grumpy."
Lyle rolls his eyes. Then he takes the bag to the car. Alice stops Jack from going outside.
"Mr. Lyle is going to pull the car around and then we will get in."
"Okay."
The car pulls to the front of Gotham Central. Mr. Lyle gets out and opens the back passenger door. Alice and Jack descend the stairs and she tells Jack to get in first. The snow had finally stopped and it was almost five in the morning when Lyle arrived at the orphanage. The building had a sign on it that read St. Mary's Wayward School for Orphans. The vehicle jerked as it came to a stop. Alice looked down and Jack was still asleep in her lap.
"Hey Jack, we are here."
Jack got up and stretched his arms. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. He had never seen a tall building up close and Jack liked the concrete lions on each side of the steps.
"Where are we?"
"The orphanage."
Mr. Lyle came around and opened the door. Alice got out first. Then Jack.
"Well Jack, I'm going to head to my room. Lyle will get you situated on your floor and let you pick out a bed. Before I forget, welcome to St. Mary Wayward School for Orphans.