4 years passed and Jack was no longer a bottom feeder. He was someone of influence, someone who could implement change.
-*-
All morning Alice was in court. She found the whole process tiring and she was happy that it was finally over. Mr. Lyle pulls up in front of the orphanage and Alice steps out. The man on the radio said it was going to be another scorcher and Alice could feel the heat bearing down on her. She stood at the bottom of the stairs dreading the ascent. Her legs felt heavier with each step she took. Mr. Lyle ran up and twisted the iron lion head on the door. The metal was hot. He quickly opened it and it flung back. Sharon walked past the door to handle a certain situation. It was because a spunky little redhead had someone in her grasp.
"Pamela Li! Let go of that girl's hair right now!" Sharon screamed.
"She called me a ginger! Nobody calls me a ginger! Not my Momma, not my Pappy, and especially no blonde headed Susie Q!"
"Pamela Li, please let go. I'm sorry."
"Pamela Li, she said she's sorry. Let her go."
"Fine. Don't you ever, call me a ginger again!"
Pamela lets go of the girl's hair and stumps off. Frustration was clearly written on Sharon's face.
"Well it seems you have your hands full this morning."
Sharon jumped after seeing Alice from the corner of her eye.
"Alice, you scared me. I didn't hear you come in."
"Sorry about that."
Alice looked like she could pass out at any moment. Her hand braced the door frame and she started feeling dizzy. Alice knew then that she was going to blackout. Her eyes rolled back and Mr. Lyle ran over and caught her. His arm braced her back and Sharon took out her fan. A light breeze emits onto Alice's face.
"Alice, Miss. Alice. Are you okay Miss.?" Sharon screamed.
Alice's eyes started to flutter. She could see a blurry image of Sharon's face. Sharon went into the laundry room and grabbed a chair. Mr. Lyle helped her into her seat. The kids looked frightened.
"Mr. Lyle, go get her a glass of water please."
"Got it."
"Don't, don't. Mr. Lyle I'm fine. I'm just a little exhausted."
"Alice, you just passed out."
"I know but I just need to go to my office and rest."
Mr. Lyle still grabbed the water and handed it to her.
"Thank you Mr. Lyle."
"You're welcome Miss."
Lyle started to walk away.
"Mr. Lyle, there was an accident in the boys bathroom while you were gone. The floor is a mess in there." Sharon said.
"Stupid kids." He whispered under his breath.
Alice was starting to look better.
"Here."
She hands her glass to Sharon.
"I'm so tired. It was so boring hearing a bunch of old men talk all morning.
"Where's Jack?"
"He is with officer Gordon. Gordon said he was going to talk to him."
"Well that's a waste of time. You know he's not going to listen."
"I know." Alice sighs.
Mr.Lyle grabbed his mop bucket and headed down the hall. Sharon was comforting the little girl who had her hair pulled. Alice went to her office and shut the door. She sat down and kicked off her shoes. Her big toe was poking through the nylons. Alice threw her leg up and placed her heel on her desk. Her thumb caressed the top of her foot while her fingers massaged the bottom. Alice put her foot down and then she grabbed her small black metal fan from under her desk. Her overloaded sockets started to spark as she plugged it in. She sat it on the desk and flipped the switch. It started to clank as it spun. It was so hot that the fan was only moving around the hot air. She still felt a bit overheated in her thick dress suit. Alice grabbed a piece of paper and started fanning herself. She pulled off her jacket and then folded it. Alice placed it on the back of her seat. Then she threw her hat on top of her plant sitting next to her desk. Alice could hear Mr. Lyle's feet drag across the wooden floor. He was getting closer to the door. Alice got up and walked slowly to the filing cabinet. She pulls out Jack's folder and throws it on the desk. Then she plops back down in her chair. She slouches a bit and hangs her arms off the sides.
"So, how was court?" Mr. Lyle asked.
He was now standing in the doorway.
"It was odd, It was like watching a bunch of sea lions barking. If you ask me, they are all idiots."
"And what about Jack?"
"They let him off with a warning."
"Ha, a warning. That boy has some luck."
"Yeah, he has a way with words." She said.
She grabbed the letter opener out of the top left drawer and opened a bill sitting on her desk. A frown came over her brow.
"Where did I go wrong Mr. Lyle?" She sighed.
"If you ask me. It was when you let that boy stay here. I would have turned him over to the police and been done with it. He's a thug just like his dad, rotten to the core. He's been nothing but a thorn in your side. I'm telling you Alice, he's a lost cause."
Miss. Alice lightly chuckled and then sighed again.
"I'm not talking about the boy. I can handle him. I was talking about our bills."
"Why's that?"
"It's just we don't have enough money. From what we get from the state we can barely afford the electric and the food bills. Look at this." She hands him a bill.
"How can this be? I thought that we were still receiving money from Mr. Ricky."
"We were and that was keeping us afloat but without his contribution we might not have enough to keep the orphanage open."
"I see?" He said in a sadder lower tone.
He handed the paper back to her.
"You know why he stopped giving us money?" She paused.
"No, why?"
"He said, he doesn't owe us anything and that we are a reminder of his past. He says he doesn't need any reminders and that we are nothing more than weeds in his garden. So, he won't help us anymore. He threw us away, Mr. Lyle. He threw us away like trash. I thought we were more to him than that."
"I'm not surprised Miss. Richard has always been like that."
"True."
" So, what are we going to do now?"
"Well, we can't cry over spilled milk. The money is gone."
"Good riddance I say."
"Why's that Mr. Lyle?"
"The money is probably dirty anyway, we don't really need that type of association."
"Good point."
Something clicked in her head. Her eyes got big and her eyebrow lifted. She shook her right pointer finger.
"I know what I need to do!" She yelled.
"What?"
"I'm going to make a few calls. Maybe I can get help from someone as prestigious as the Wayne's. Who knows, I gotta at least try. Thank you, Mr. Lyle."
"Your welcome ma'am."
Mr. Lyle closed the office door and pulled out his flask. He took two big swigs of bourbon and slowly exhaled. Lyle could feel the burn of the alcohol in the back of his throat. He sat on the bench outside her office and he hunched over. His fingers rubbed against the scruff of his chin.
-*-
Gordon and Jack were taking the long way back to the orphanage. Jack was looking out his window and Gordon turned off his radio.
"Do you ever get tired of this?"
"Of what?"
"This routine we have. I thought you wanted something more for yourself. I thought you wanted to be better than your father."
"I do, but these are the cards that I've been dealt. I'm an orphan. Who's going to take me seriously? This society is made so I can fail no matter what."
Gordon knew he wasn't completely wrong but he knew this road always ends the same way.
"I hear what you're saying but you gotta want more for yourself. You know we are here to help you if you need help."
"Yeah, I know."
"Well we are here. I just want you to think about what I said. Okay."
"Okay."
The car stopped and Jack got out. The door slammed. Gordon leaned over.
"Take these words to heart Jack. You won't always be as lucky as you were today."
Jack just wanted Gordon to shut up. He had no intention of reforming. He smiled and waved. Gordon did the same and then he drove away. Jack went inside and Mike was patiently waiting by the door.
"So, did you get the stuff?"
"Yes, Boss."
"Good. We will hit old man Winters' store tonight. Don't forget Mikey."
"Yes, Boss."
In the main hall the grandfather clock chimes twelve times. Mike and Jack grabbed their bags from underneath their beds. Jack took out his flash light and they walked slowly to the window. The floor creaked with the slightest touch. Jack puts his arm in front of Mike and turns off the flashlight. One of the boys woke up. He sat up and looked around. Mike's heart was racing. The boy then laid back down. They crept closer to the window. Jack stumbled and kicked something. It rolled under a bed. Then there was a small clanging sound that repeated and repeated.
"We have to find where that noise is coming from. It's probably under one of these beds."
"Okay Boss."
Jack turned on his flashlight and Mike and him peeked under the beds. The kids in the room started to stir. If they didn't hurry, all the kids could wake up. Mike was the first to spot it. It was a monkey with a yellow and red button vest on. The monkey had slid all the way under the bed. It was clanging its cymbals, it had a creepy glare. Mike's arm was longer than Jack's so he grabbed it and held the cymbals with his hand. The monkey squirmed and it finally stopped moving. They placed it on the floor and made it to the window. Mike dug into his bag and pulled out a rope made of sheets and he tied it to the white radiator. Some of the paint fell off. Jack threw the wad of sheets out the window and he was the first to descend it. Then Mike followed. They were now on the roof of the Bakery. Mike headed to the fire scape and Jack went to get Harley.
-*-
What are you doing?"
"Nothing Pamela, go back to sleep."
"You're going out tonight aren't you?"
"Yes, just keep your voice down."
"Can I go?"
"You're too young. Just go back to sleep."
"I'm nine, almost ten. I can help."
"No, If you get caught Miss Anne will send me to the room of solitude. I'm not going back there again."
The room of solitude is a room built in the attic that has a large metal door. At night it's fine but in the morning it feels like you're cooking.
"J will be here soon. Please Pamela Li."
"Alright, one condition."
"What's the condition?"
"Bring me back ten Johnny crunch bars and I promise I won't rat you out."
"Two bars."
"Eight."
"Seven bars."
"Okay seven. Yes!"
"So you promise to go back to bed."
"Yeah sure."
"We should be back in an hour or so. Can you hold down the fort?"
"Yes. So, where are you going tonight? "
"Well I can't tell you that but I can tell you that we're doing this to help the family."
"You're doing this for us?"
"Of course. we only have each other. Jack says in order for us to survive we must stick together."
Harley takes out her sheet rope and ties it to the radiator as well.
"Psst. Psst."
"That's J. Wish me luck."
"Good luck."
Pamela smiled.
"Harley!" Jack shouts.
She looked over the window seal down to the roof.
"I'm coming down.'' She said in a low voice.
She climbed out the window and scaled down the sheet rope. Harley jumped the last few feet landing into Jack's arms.
"Did you miss me Pudding?"
"Of course. What is a King without his Queen." Harley smiles.
Pamela gets back into bed and goes back to sleep.
Jack and Harley stayed close to the shadows of the rooftop. They finally made it to the fire escape. Jack puts his bag down and takes out three sheet ropes. Harley was curious.
"What are those for?"
"Well I came up with this idea last night. It should make things a little easier. We are going to use these three ropes to pull up our bags instead of carrying them up. "
"Oh, I was wondering how we were going to get our stuff on the roof."
Jack tied three sheet ropes to the chimney shoots and he threw the slack over the edge. Mike was keeping watch in the alley. Jack jumped off the ladder first and Harley almost fell but Jack caught her. The Alley was dark. One single light flickered over the back door of Moe's shop. Jack's plan was now in motion. They were finally ready to rob Mr. Winters' General Store. They all took out their burlap sacks. Jack ran and peeked around the corner.
"Cops!" He yelled.
They scrambled back to the wall. A cop car was approaching. The cop drove slowly down the street, flashing his light into the alleyway. Jack, Mike and Harley quickly planked themselves against the wall. Him and Harley were looking eye to eye. He could see the fear in her eyes and he grabbed her hand. She calmed down. Mike could easily see over their heads and he turned his face to the side. The light shined on the trashcan behind them. The officer's arm went back into the vehicle and then he sped off. Jack, Mike, and Harley were sprinting for several blocks. Mike's weight soon became a factor. He was completely out of breath.
"Mike, come on we are almost there."
"But Boss, I can barely breathe. Can I please catch my breath?"
They stopped for a minute and Mike bent over heaving. The air was slow to enter his lungs. He stood up straight with his eyes closed and took a small breath.
It only took a few minutes more for them to reach their destination after he recovered. They now stood in front of the general store. Mike looked up to see if the second floor lights were on.
"I don't see any lights Jack."
"Good let's go."
All the lights were off and they headed to the back. The alley was pretty dark and creepy. Harley was afraid. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Something crazed her arm. She couldn't quite make out the shape of it so she turned on her flashlight. There was a large rat sitting in the trash can. She flinched and grabbed Jack's arm firmly. He didn't mind. It made him feel manly. Mike was squeamish too but he dared not to grab Jack's arm. They approached the door. It was dimly lit and Jack needed to get closer. He could now make out the hands on his watch. Harley just noticed it on his arm.
"Nice watch."
"You like it? I just got it yesterday. I held up a man at knife point. He saw my knife and he practically begged me to take his watch, his money and his wedding ring. Isn't that right Mike?"
"Yes Boss."
"Well that watch makes you look like some type of Mista. Now you can be a Mista J."
"Mista J." He smiled.
"Yeah, I think I like that."
"So, why do you need a watch anyway?"
"It's because I want to know when the ten o'clock train is coming. You hear that whistle? It should be here in the next five minutes."
"Why's that Important, Boss?"
"Let's make this simple. If I time the break in with the noise of the train we can use this crobar on the door over there without alarming Mr. Winters."
"I get it. The noise from the train will be so loud he won't hear a thing."
"Precisely."
Jack counted down the last minutes and he handed the crobar to Mike. Mike snugly put the crobar into the door jam and he tore the lock off. The train rumbled and shook the building. He opened the door and they entered. Mr. Winters was not alerted by the sound. The floor creaked a bit and Harley looked toward the doorway and Mike looked toward the stairs.
"Harley, Mike." Jack whispered.
He waved them to come over.
"Here."
He handed them a flashlight and one list each.
"Each of you look at your list and only grab the things on this list. Don't make trouble for anybody else. Let's keep quiet and get done as fast as we can"
"Harley, Mike be careful."
"Okay J."
"Yes Boss."
They all filled their burlap sacks with food and items. Jack filled another sack with random things. Then they met back in the last aisle.
"Did you get everything on your list?" Jack asked.
"Yes. Boy is this sack heavy." Mike complained.
"Mine as well." Harley added.
"So Boss, why do you have another sack?"
"It's just in case."
"Just in case what, J?"
"Just in case something goes wrong. I will be the decoy and you two will get the stuff back to the orphanage."
"But why would anything go wrong?"
"We are not out of the woods yet. So, don't let your guard down."
Mr. Winters' cat crept along the top of the shelf. Its eyes followed Harley's bouncing flashlight and its eyes glared red. It pounced from above. Harley jumped, she flung the flashlight out of her hand and it went crashing into a big jar of pickles. The cat ran over to the contents and started licking the juices off the floor. Then there came a sound from above. It sounded like stomping and the cocking of a shotgun.
"Who's down there! You better leave now, before I fill you with holes." Mr. Winters shouted down the stairs.
He came down with his nightcap and striped pjs. Jack, Mike, and Harley ran to the end of the aisle dodging detection.
"I know you're in here."
He jumps around the corner and they are nowhere in sight. The light shone into the cat's eye and it hissed.
"Get you!" He shouted. The cat ran off.
The floor creaked at the other end of the aisle and Harley and Jack ran for it. Mike followed closely behind. The old man shot the gun twice toward the doorway. It barely missed them. They made it outside. Jack handed Mike his bag.
"Head back to the Orphanage, I'll be there soon."
"Boss, you don't have to do this."
"I do. Don't worry they can't catch me."
"Promise me you'll come back J."
"I promise."
Harley leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.
Harley and Mike ran back to the orphanage and Jack ran in a different direction. Harley turned to look back. Her eyes seemed to be glossed over.
"Go!"
Mr. Winters shot a second shot down the alleyway.
"Get back here you little punk!" He grabbed his chest and started coughing.
Mr. Winters only saw Jack running away. He headed back inside and he started dialing. An operator answered.
"Who are you trying to reach?"
"The Police!"
"One minute please while we connect you."
He could hear a few clicks and the phone started to ring. Someone at the station picked up.
"Hello, this is Gotham Central. My name is Mary. What's your emergency?"
"I just got robbed!"
"Please tell me your name and location."
"I'm Mr. Winters. I'm the owner of Mr. Winters' General Store at 1110 Gotham Heights.
"Thank you sir. Let me have you talk to the officer we have on duty."
"Thank you."
"Hello sir. This is officer Gordon speaking. How can I help you?"
"Well, a punk just broke into my store and ran off. He busted my door and I saw him hauling a sack on his back. He was heading west."
"Sir, do you have a description?"
"Yes, he looked tall and slender with slicked back dark hair. If I was to guess, he looked like a teenager."
"Slicked, back, dark, hair." Gordon was writing it down.
"Looks, like a, teen age girr."
"Jack." He whispered to himself.
"What's that?"
"Nothing sir. I'm leaving right now and I will be there in a minute."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Mr. Winters hung up the phone. Then Gordon grabbed his keys, his badge and hisgun.
"Who was that?" His partner asked.
"It's Mr. Winters."
"What's wrong with him?"
"His store just got robbed and I got an Idea who did it."
"Need any help?"
"Nope, I'll be back."
Officer Gordon heads to his car and turns on his siren.
-*-
Harley and Mike made it back to the Orphanage. They headed to the alley and three ropes hung from the side of Moe's Bakery. Harley tied her bag to the first rope and climbed up to the top. Then Mike did the same. They pulled up their bags to the roof and made it back over to the windows. Mike went into the boys window and she climbed up to the girls window. Harley looked toward the street and she wondered where Jack was. She wanted to know if he escaped.
-*-
Jack was still running. He could hear the sirens wailing behind him.
"Now!" A voice shouted.
It rang in his ears.
The Monitor decided to make his move. All of Jack's motions became slow. A leaf falling from a tree was stuck in midair. He could hear his own heart beating. His body felt numb. Something came from behind and shoved him. He felt disoriented, and his site was blurry. Voices were echoing. A sharp pain rushed through his temple. He staggered even more. His bag fell out of his hand. Jack ran into a man with a big chest. He fell on his bottom. He couldn't see the person in front of him.
"Son, are you okay?" The man asked.
The voice sounded so familiar.
"I'm not your son!" Jack said, confused.
"I understand,'' The man said and stepped forward.
His voice was really deep. Jack panicked and pulled out his knife.
"Get back. I don't know you and you don't know me."
"I'm stepping back. It was my fault anyways. Let me help you up."
"No,no, stay away."
"Thomas, the boy is scared. Why don't we just let him be?" The woman said.
"Who's that?"
"That's my wife. Can you not see?"
"No sir. Everything seems a little blurry."
"It's okay."
-*-
Gordon was about to leave the station when he heard his name being called.
"Gordon!" The voice shouted.
His head almost felt like it was going to explode.
He stepped on his breaks and his car came to a halt. Gordon looked over and there was Jack sitting on the ground. A man and a woman were next to him. Thomas waved Gordon over.
"It seems that you have good luck." The man said.
"Why's that?"
"Someone just pulled up that can help you."
"What are you talking about?"
Jack was starting to feel cornered.
"Hi Jack."
"Oh no."
"You two know each other?"
"Of course we do. Isn't that right Jack."
"Yes, sir."
The man finally recognized the officer.
"Oh, It's you Gordy."
"Hi Gordon." The woman said.
"Hi Mr. and Mrs. Wayne. Is Jack bothering you guys?"
"No, I accidently ran into him. I was just trying to help him out."
"I would be careful helping this one Thomas. He just robbed a general store. I'm surprised he didn't try to rob you."
"I see."
"Let's just go Thomas." His wife said.
Jack couldn't run while they were having a conversation. He still couldn't see but now he knew who the man was.
"You're Thomas Wayne, right?"
"Yes, do I know you?"
"I'm Jack. Franky's son. I met you at my fathers funeral."
"Yes, I remember you."
"I'm sorry I pulled a knife on you sir."
"It's okay. I understand."
"Sorry, I have to ruin your heartfelt reunion but I have to take him down to the station to process him.
Thomas stepped back.
"Jack, you know the routine."
He stood up to the best of his abilities. Gordon slapped cuffs on his wrist.
"Jack Napier, you have the right to remain silent."
"Gordy."
"What Thomas, I'm in the middle of reading his rights."
"Nothing, nothing. Sorry."
"Darling we got to go."
Gordy finished reading Jack his rights and Jack got in the back of the cop car.
"Gordon, where is this boy going?"
" He's going to the station and then to the orphanage."
"Hmm."
Gordon put Jack in the back of his police car. Then he jumped into the front. Then his car took off.
"Husband, I know that look. We already have a young child. You can't save everyone Thomas. I know you regret not helping before because he's your old friend's son but you don't know him."
"Everyone deserves a chance, Martha."
He can see the worry in her eyes. She took a big breath and exhaled.
"Okay we will give him a chance but if he hurts my baby, he's out."
"I understand."
The Wayne's' car pulls up.
"Hello sir." The man said in a distinguished voice.
"Hello Alfred."
Alfred got out of the car and opened the doors. The Waynes got in and he closed the doors behind them.
"Alfred, can you get me to Gotham Central as fast as possible."
"Yes sir."
Alfred stepped on the gas and drove away.
-*-
"Jack, Jack, Jack." Gordy sighs.
"You and me. I was hoping we got past this. I just spoke to you this morning. Why?"
"What did you expect?"
"I just want you to at least try. You're putting so much stress on Miss. Alice. She's trying her hardest to keep you guys safe. Think about that. You're truly letting me down Jack."
Jack became silent.
"How did you end up in uptown Jack?"
"I don't know. I was downtown just a few minutes ago."
Gordon didn't know how he got to the uptown either. He just left the station and there is no way he can travel that far so fast.
-*-
The Monitor smiled. He felt everything was on track and he knew with this minor change in history things would turn out better.
-*-
Harley pulled her bag away from the window and something came rolling out. It made a loud noise. No one woke up except for Pamela. She sat straight up.
"So!"
"So, what?"
"Did you grab my Johnny crunch bars"
"Yes, I have your Johnny crunch bars. Can you wait?"
"No, I can't."
Harley reached into the bag and pulled out seven crunch bars. Pamela snatched them from her hands. She ran over to her bed and stuffed them in her pillow case. She ran back over to Harley and gave her a big hug.
Harley took the rest of the stuff and dragged it over to her bed. She squeezed it to fit underneath. Pamela laid back down. There was a slam coming from the bottom of the stairwell. A light bounced off the walls. Mr. Lyle's grumbling could be heard. He went past the girl's floor. She wondered if Mike had caught his attention but she couldn't check and see. Harley could hear the sound of metal scooting from above. She could hear Mr. Lyles heavy feet. The sound from above stops. Then there came stomping again. Mr. Lyle was grumbling in the stairwell. He ran down the stairs and closed the door. Harley ran to the window. She still couldn't see Jack.
"Where are you Pudding?" She whispered to herself.
-*-
Gordy pulled up to the station in his black and white police car. His siren was silent. Jack's face was plastered against the window. He was looking up at the moon. Officer Gordon grabbed a burlap bag out of his passenger seat and he walked around to Jack's door.
"Move your face!" Gordy yelled.
The door opened and Jack stepped out. His hands were still cuffed. Gordon put his hand on his shoulder and led him up the stairs to the door. He pulled the door open.
"When are you going to get your life together Jack?"
"What life, I'm a fifteen year old orphan. No one wants a fifteen year old orphan, I'm practically a man."
"You know in a few years the courts will try you as an adult. Then there is nothing I can do to help you. We're talking about serving hard time. Is that what you want Jack?
"No but I'm the son of a known criminal. Who would give me a chance."
"The chances are right in front of you Jack! They're just waiting for you to take them! The path you're on right now will either make you a criminal psychopath or dead. I hope you can finally choose another path. Have a seat."
Gordon sits him next to his desk.
"Why am I not surprised?"
"Berk back off."
"Didn't I just see you kid?"
"Didn't I just see your wife with the milk man."
Berk stands up.
"Sit down."
"Jack stop."
Berk grabs his jacket and leaves. Gordon starts doing paperwork. Jack turns toward the front of the station and he sees two people. A man and a woman. Gordon sees them as well. He gets up and walks over to them. Jack stays in his seat.
"Thomas, what are you doing here?" Gordon asked.
"I'm here for that young man over there."
Gordon Looked confused.
"Yeah, he already made bail for him and all the charges have been dropped." Marry said.
"How, we just got here."
Thomas walks over to Jack.
"Well I already made the calls. I paid for all the damages done to Mr. Winters' store and for all the missing things. He promised to drop all the charges. So, you young man, are free to go."
Gordon takes off his cuffs and throws his hands up in the air and walks away.
"Why would you do that sir."
"Let's just call it a favor owed to an old friend."
"Thanks."
"Would you like a ride back to the orphanage? It's starting to rain out there."
"No thank you."
"Okay."
Jack heads out the door running down the street. The rain started to pour down.
"Is it okay just to let him go?" Martha asked.
"It will be fine, Martha. Let's go."
Jack was still running. His mind was feeling so jumbled. He wondered why Thomas Wayne would help him that much. Did his father mean that much to that man? Was Mr. Gordy right? Did he need to choose a better path? Jack's shoes were all sloshy. He was soaked from head to toe. He got out his lock pick and opened the door gently and closed it back. The door made a light clicking sound.
"Where have you been?"
Jack jumped.
Mr. Lyle was sitting in a chair in front of the door and he shined the flashlight in his face. Water was dripping off his hair.
"I was just out."
"Yeah, out getting into trouble. I bet we will hear about it in the morning."
Head up stairs and dry off. Change your clothes. Then come back down here and clean up this water mess.
Jack heads upstairs. He changed his clothes and Harley was waiting for him outside the door.
"Hey you."
"Hey.
She gave him a hug.
"I'm so glad you're safe."
"I'm sorry I made you worry. See, like I told you. I'm back."
"What happened to you?"
"I don't know if you will believe me but I'll tell you anyway."
"What?"
"So, I got arrested and Thomas Wayne got my charges dropped."
"Why would he do that?"
"He said it was a favor owed to an old friend."
"That's strange."
"Yeah, tell me about it."
The door opened at the bottom of the stairs.
"Napier, you coming. I don't got all night."
"Yes, sir."
He smiles.
"Well."
"Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow." She kissed him on the forehead.
Jack exited the stairwell. A mop and bucket was waiting for him.
"Once you finish cleaning your big old mess, go straight to sleep."
"Sure."
-*-
Morning came and all the kids seemed to be excited.
"Wake up Jack!" A kid yelled.
"Look at that fancy car!" another one said.
"Ooh, he has a shofar!"
"He's tall!
Jack walked over to the window and saw Thomas Wayne. He was looking at the building.
He ascended the steps and walked into the building. All the kids headed towards the stairwell but Sharon was waiting at the bottom.
"All of you return to your rooms. Our esteemed guest doesn't need you smothering him. Please stay put or be punished."
She closed the door and locked it. Jack wondered why Wayne was here.
"Thomas." Alice said in a soft voice.
She grasped his hand with a kind smile.
"Mrs. Alice, long time no see."
"Yes."
"I see the place hasn't changed much in the past 20 years. Is Mr. Lyle still here?"
"What do you mean still here? I'm not dead, Wayne."
"No sir, I see you are not."
"You look good, Wayne."
"And you as well Mr. Lyle. I see your hair grew back."
"Yeah, no thanks to you, Franky, and Ricky."
"We were a little ruff back in the day."
"A little! You and those hooligans set my head on fire!" Lyle said in rage.
"Calm down Mr. Lyle, that was a long time ago. Thomas is no longer like that."
Lyle grumbled under his voice and walked away.
"Thomas, come have a seat in my office."
They both sat down.
"So, what brings you here Thomas?"
"I'm here looking for one of your orphans."
"One of our orphans? Which one?"
"Jack Napier."
"Yes, I guessed you would say him."
"I know about his past and I want to help him."
"I understand but shouldn't feel guilty about his father. It wasn't your fault that he followed the wrong path."
"I know but I wish I was there for him."
"Thomas, you got the opportunity of a lifetime. You were lucky your grandmother found you. You helped her out in her time of need."
"But I let Ricky and Frank down. They were the ones I called brother."
"Thomas, you shouldn't feel sorry for Ricky. He wasn't truly your friend. He was jealous of you."
"What do you mean?"
"He was using you. You and Frank were his protection. He wanted what you had."
"What's that?"
"Your money and your power."
"But he still got that."
"Yeah he did but not the right way. You, Thomas, are the one I always imagined that my son would have been like."
Thomas Smiled. His eyes fell upon the papers scattered on her desk. He saw a lot of final notices.
"Is everything alright Mrs. Alice?"
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"I can see the bills on your desk."
"Oh, those. Don't pay them any mind."
"I thought Ricky was helping you guys out."
"He was but not anymore."
"Why's that?"
"He said that we are something he wants to forget."
She had a half smile on her face. Thomas got angry.
"That coward!"
"Thomas, I can't completely be angry at him. He did help us out for a while."
"I know but there is a tasteful way of doing things."
"Yes, there is but that's not Ricky."
"You know my offer is still out there Alice. If you need my help, just say it and it will be done."
"Thomas, I do need your help. I don't know how much longer we can stay afloat."
"No problem Miss. Alice."
"Thank You. I'm sorry I have been wasting your time."
"It's no problem."
"So you want to help Jack?"
"Yes, I want to offer him a real home."
"You want to adopt a 15 year old."
"Yes."
"Hmmm. Okay. Let's see what he wants to do."
Miss. Alice had Mr. Lyle to fetch Jack.
"Miss. Alice wants to see you?"
"Why does she want to see me?"
"Who knows, maybe she knows what you did last night."
Mr. Lyle had a grimace on his face. Lyle knocked on her office door.
"Come in."
"Well, go in boy."
"Whatever it is, I didn't do it."
"What are you talking about?"
"Nothing." He shook his head.
"Have a seat. This is Mr. Thomas Wayne."
"Yes we've met."
"Oh, yes I remember. Mr. Wayne is wanting to adopt you."
"Me?"
"Yes."
"But I'm 15 years old."
"I know that." Thomas said.
"Would I have to call you father or Daddy?"
"Only if you want to but I'm okay with Thomas."
"What about my last name? Would I have to change that to?"
"Only if you want to."
"Is this real?"
"Yes."
Thomas laughed.
"My wife is ready to accept you as well. I want you to be part of our family. So, what do you say?"
Jack pondered with no hesitation.
"Okay."
"Okay what?" Miss. Alice asked.
"I'll do it."
"Very well, Mr. Wayne, we have papers to fill out."
"Yes, of course."
"Mr. Wayne." Jack said.
"Yes."
"I want to get rid of my old name. It only brings me hurt, anger, and pain. Maybe with a new name I can get a new start and that would be nice. Thank you Mr. Wayne."
"You're welcome Jack. From now on you will no longer be Jack Napier. You will be called Jack Wayne."
"Let's make this official Thomas." she smiled.
"Yes. Yes ma'am."