"Hello Mr. Wayne."
"Who's this?" Thomas said angrily.
"My name is Morgan. I am the prosecutor appointed to the Jonathan Crane case."
"Oh, sorry about that Mr. Morgan. We have been getting calls from an unknown caller and I was just frustrated. Sorry for being so rude."
"It's fine, I understand. I would react the same way."
"So, what is this call concerning?"
"I called because I wanted to know if Mrs. Wayne could testify in court against Jonathan Crane."
"Testify? Couldn't she just give you a written statement?" Thomas asked.
"No, we need her testimony. It would be more compelling if the judge could hear her point of view from her mouth. A statement wouldn't be as personal. It wouldn't make the same emotional impact."
Martha could hear Thomas saying her name and she came closer.
"Who's on the phone dear?"
Thomas put his hand on the receiver.
"It's the prosecutor over the Jonathan Crane case."
"What does he want?"
"He wants to know if you'd be willing to testify against the doctor."
"Let me have the phone. What's his name again?"
"Mr. Morgan."
Martha grabs the phone from Thomas.
"Hello Mr. Morgan, this is Martha Wayne."
"Hello Ma'am."
"My husband said that you wanted me to testify against Jonathan Crane."
"Yes, ma'am. At this time, we only have a few women that are willing to testify but I believe more would come forward if you were to lead the charge."
Martha paused for a bit and then contemplated. She could feel it growing in her heart and she knew it was the right thing to do.
"So, will you do it?"
"Yes, I'll do it!"
"Thank you, ma'am. I'll call you with more details."
Martha hung up the phone and Thomas looked worried.
"Thomas, before you say anything. Hear me out. I want to testify. I know you're worried but this is the right thing to do."
"What are you thinking, I thought you didn't want anybody to know. We went through so much to keep this quiet. Why…
"Why? You mean why won't I be a good wife, why won't I shut up and stop embarrassing you? Is that what you were going to say? You can be such a jerk sometimes. You should know better than anyone. I'm not going to stand still; I'm not going to let it go and I am not going to let you or anyone else do this to me again."
"That's not what I was going to say. I just…"
"Stop talking and listen!"
Thomas froze. He had never heard Martha talk this way.
"Thomas, I don't care about how they will look at me. What I do care about is that you are on my side. Don't you know that man tortured me. He took me away from my family and he held me prisoner in that facility. This is the first time in a long time, I'm thinking clearly. That man will not control me and he will not control anybody else. I'm going to testify and put that man away for the rest of his life."
Thomas knew she was right. How could he not love this woman? He was proud of her.
"Martha, I am sorry. If this is what you really want to do. I will stand beside you."
-*-
Gordon woke up and his hands were tied behind him. There were several goons standing near him and they were holding guns. He looked around and he knew that they were no longer outside. He figured that Ricky's men must have dragged them into the building while they were unconscious. That's Probably why he's lying on the ground.
Gordon's head was throbbing. The pain was so intense he wanted to put his hands on his head but he knew that was impossible because his hands were still restrained behind him. He reflected on the moment right before they were captured and Gordon couldn't believe that the unconscious fool next to him was the reason they got caught. Just looking at Bullock's face made Gordon's blood boil. Something about that stupid mug made him want to hit it. Bullock burped and the air drifted up his nostrils. Disgusting wasn't even the word to describe how terrible it smelled. Gordon's efforts to get away from the stench alerted the guard that he was awake.
"Hey Boss!"
"What?"
"Gordon is awake!"
"Good, wake the other one too!"
Ricky's henchman kicked Bullock in his side. The sharp pain sent his eyes fluttering.
"Ouch! Did you really have to kick me?"
The man smiled.
"What now!"
"Stand them up!"
Gordon was easy to lift but Bullock took at least three men to stand him on his feet. Ricky and Cobblepot were now in front of them. Gordon didn't realize how short Cobblepot was until he stood next to him. The clock on the wall read 8pm and he knew his back up would be arriving at any minute.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?" Ricky said.
"Yeah, I can't say I'm happy to see you. I'm a little tied up at the moment. Why don't you be a big boy and untie me?" Gordon said.
Ricky chuckled angrily.
"You have some nerve talking to me like that cop. You sneak around my property! You interfere with my business and you disrespect me to my FACE!"
"What if I did? You're nothing but a two-bit hustler anyways. You should know it's all over for you."
"Nothing's over yet."
"You're completely delusional. Ricky, we have enough evidence to put you away for a long time."
"Gord, you got a lot to say for a man that's tied up."
Ricky didn't recognize the man next to Gordon. He didn't look like anyone from Gotham. He wondered who he was and why he was here?
"What's your name chubs?"
"Your mother."
Bullock got angry. He didn't like it when people poked at his weight. His first reaction was to spit in Ricky's face. Ricky wiped his cheek and punched him square in the nose. Bullock almost fell back to the ground. Oswald walks over to Bullock and he blows smoke in his face.
"I know this man. This scum right here is Harvey Bullock."
Oswald smiles.
"So, you know him?"
"Yeah, his brother and I used to run the streets. That was until you know, I shot him."
Cobblepot laughed.
"You murderer, you filthy crook."
"I'm not a crook. It was your idiot brother who was the real crook. He wanted to give my money back to those people! The community that scorned me, looked down on me. I never understood that. That weak punk pretended to be some type of Robin Hood. He never had vision for power or any ambitions. That made me sick."
Harvey lunged at him. The men held him back. Cobblepot took off his glove and slapped him in the face. Then he smirked.
"Cobblepot you penguin looking bastard. If I had my gun right now…"
"You would do what? Kill me. You would never pull the trigger. You're just as weak as your brother."
One of Oswald's men stepped in front of Bullock and punched him in the stomach. The air was knocked out of him. Bullock went down to a knee. Gordon knew it was wrong but he sort of enjoyed seeing Bullock getting punched in the stomach.
"Ricky, what do you think the both of you are going to achieve here? Like it or not we are cops and at any time all our little cop friends will be at your door." Gordon said.
"That's big talk for someone in your current predicament. You act like you're going to leave here alive. When we're through with you, they won't be able to recognize you."
Ricky hits Gordon in his face and Gordon smiles.
"Why are you smiling? I just hit you in the face."
"Yeah, you just assaulted an officer. That's a whole other set of charges."
"Do you think I care?
"A smart man would."
Gordon looks at the big clock again.
"Hey Bullock."
"What?"
"It's about that time?"
Bullock looks at the clock as well.
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
Several police cars pulled up in front of the warehouse. They opened their doors, squatted down, and they pointed their guns. The men outside spotted them and rushed over to their location. Gunshots rang in the air. It was coming from all around. Ricky and Oswald and their men became nervous. A few of the men headed to the double doors. A voice yelled into a bullhorn.
"Come out with your hands up!"
"Look, they are right on time. It looks like the calvary is here." Gordon said.
"Shut up!" Ricky screamed.
Ricky looked nervous and Oswald was nowhere to be seen. He had retreated to the sewers when no one was looking. The one thing that Cobblepot learned was to always watch your own back and nobody else's.
"Where did that round looking bastard go!" Richard yelled.
No one knew. Ricky was frustrated.
"Forget him for now. Everybody get ready to shoot."
"Trouble in paradise?" Gordon asked.
"Shut up!"
Oswald's men looked bewildered and Ricky's men were jumpy.
"Get me out of here."
They didn't hear him. No one knew what to do. Their scared eyes widened and it suddenly got quiet. A window was smashed and a muzzle peered through the hole. Three shots rang in the air and three men fell to the ground. Ricky threw down his cane and he pulled a big gun from one of the crates next to him. The sound of car wheels squealed. It was coming from outside. The car came ramming through the big double doors. The men that were in front of it flew back and only a few remained standing. Ricky ran to the back door and when he opened it a gun clicked. It was drawn point blank to his forehead. Ricky dropped his gun and raised his hands. He looked behind him and saw that all his men were apprehended. Oswald's men were arrested as well. One of the officers went over and untied Gordon and Bullock. Bullock rubbed his wrist and shook them. He then grabbed an officer with a camera.
"Open those crates and take pictures." Bullock yelled.
Gordon headed over to Ricky and he had a cop hand him a pair of cuffs.
"So, this day has finally come. I've waited so long for this."
"You think you've won but know prison can hold me."
"We'll see about that."
Gordon grabs Rick's hands and he puts them behind his back. Then he slaps the cuffs around his wrist.
"Ricky Hands, you are under arrest. You have the right to remain silent."
Gordon continued to read him his rights. Bullock searched for Oswald and he discovered an escape hatch. It led into the sewers. Bullock and a few of his men swept the area for Cobblepot but they had no luck in finding him. Ricky bent down and he was shoved into the car. Gordon got out his celebratory cigar. He rubbed it against his nose, clipped off the end, and lit it up.
-*-
It was time, Berk knew he had to return to work. He woke up at 7 in the morning, he shaved, and he bathed. His tie and shirt laid on the bed and he put them on. He walked out the door and he took a big breath. The grass was high and there was a trail leading to his vehicle. Berk jumped into his truck and headed to the station. The station was only a few miles away from his home. He felt nervous going back but he knew that he had to run interference for Ricky. Because he knew he couldn't fail again.
Inside there were reporters everywhere. Cameras were flashing and it was really noisy in the station.
"Hey stranger, long time no see." A woman's voice said from the side of him.
Berk looked and it was Mary. She wasn't in her usual spot. That was because she was trying to avoid the cameras.
"Hey, what's going on? Why are all these reporters here? Berk asked.
"Did you not hear?"
"Hear what?"
"They caught Ricky Hands."
Berk didn't know how to react to this news. On one hand he was happy that this man had finally been caught but on the other hand he knew not to relax so soon. So, he decided to just observe and follow the flow.
"Everyone, please be quiet. I will answer your questions, one at a time." Montgomery said to the crowd. Hands started flailing up and the captain pointed to a reporter.
"Is it true you have apprehended Ricky Hands."
"Yes, it is."
Another hand went up.
"Who arrested him?"
"That would be Detective Gordon and Detective Bullock."
The cameras turned to Gordon and Bullock who were standing beside him.
"Jim!" A reporter shouted.
"What charges are going to be brought against the criminals?"
"So far, we have arms dealing and drug trafficking. We will know more as the case develops."
"Mr. Botluck what was your role in this event."
"First off, it's Bullock not Botluck. Second, don't call me Mr. I'm not your old man. I am a detective of the Morland PD. I have been working with GPD to stop the trafficking of guns and drugs between the two cities."
"How did you find out about this corruption?" Someone asked.
"We were following a hunch given to us by an informant. With that information we were able to apprehend the criminals."
"Gordon, did everyone get apprehended?"
"We weren't able to apprehend everyone. One key player was able to escape. He is still at large." Gordon answered.
The captain stepped in front of the press and told them that there won't be any more questions. Montgomery spotted Berk from the corner of his eye. He walked over to his desk.
"It's good to see you're back. How's your wife doing?"
"She's responding to the medicine but she still has a long road to recovery. Thank you for letting me take that time off.
"Don't worry about it."
"Berk!" Gordon yelled.
He walked over with his big bushy grin.
"Hey Gord."
"When did you get here? I didn't see you come in."
"I didn't want to bother you. You seemed busy."
"I was. Did you hear? We caught Richard Hands."
"Yeah, congratulations."
"Thanks."
-*-
Ricky was decked out in a white suit. He was now standing in front of the reverse window and he was straightening his tie and shaping his mustache. He took his comb out and slicked back his black hair. Ricky looked straight into the glass and winked. He had a cocky smile.
"Sometimes it feels like they can see us." Gordon said to the officer next to him.
"You know he is just toying with you Gordon. With all the evidence you and Bullock found. Richard Hands will be sent away for a long time."
"You're right."
Gordon took a deep breath and went into the interrogation room. He looked confident and he knew he had the upper hand.
"I might not have gotten you for the charges that I wanted but this will do."
Ricky turned to see him.
"Don't be full of yourself Detective. You might have caught me but you can't stop me."
"I've already stopped you. That's why we are here right now. All we need from you is the location of Oswald Cobblepot. So, where is he, Ricky?"
Ricky tapped the floor and looked at his watch.
"Who?"
"You know who I'm talking about. Where is Oswald Cobblepot?"
"Sorry Detective, I don't know what you're talking about."
There was a knock at the door and a tall man entered.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?"
"Stop talking Richard. The less they know, the less you're accountable for. I'm Christopher Dent, attorney at law. I am the lawyer representing Mr. Richard Hands."
"Now wait a minute. I'm in the middle of an interrogation."
"Before you started asking any questions did you ask him if he had an attorney? Did you offer those services? Do you want me to charge this department with negligence?"
"Now look here."
"Gordon!" The captain yelled.
"What?"
"Leave the room now."
"You see what's happening here, right?"
"Leave!"
Gordon throws the chair to the floor and storms out of the room. Ricky smiles.
"Sir, I am glad I got here quickly. What do you need me to do?" Dent whispered.
"Find Oswald, and have him take care of the business until I get out. Tell him we have to find another way to transport things."
"Yes Sir."
"And one more thing, Dent."
"What's that?"
"Have Berk find the mole."
Richard Hands' lawyer left. They threw him into a separate cell from his men. The lawyer walked up to Berk and handed him a piece of paper. Then he walked away. Berk unfolded it and it read "Find me the mole".
-*-
Vera started coughing and her chest hurt. Mrs. Mayweather handed her a handkerchief and within seconds blood had stained the cloth. Vera's body felt weak and she was finding it hard to breathe.
"I'm calling the doctor." Thomas said with a worried voice.
Thomas called Dr. Green. He explained what was happening.
"I'll be right there." Dr. Green said.
Thomas hung up her phone.
The coughing started again and it sounded like she was choking.
"Why are you just standing there? Pat her back! Can't you see that she's choking? Here, give her some water!" Thomas yelled.
Mrs. Mayweather was very nervous. Mr. Wayne never yelled at her before. She quickly handed her the glass.
"Apologize to that poor woman. I taught you better than that." Vera said sternly.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Mayweather."
"It's alright Sir. We are all a little on edge."
Vera could see the frown on Thomas's brow. She knew that this was troubling him.
"Thomas, stop worrying. It's just a spell. It will pass."
Thomas found no comfort in those words.
The doorbell rang and the bells chimed. Alfred went to greet the doctor at the door.
"Hello Alfred."
"Hello Dr. Green."
"How's the patient?"
"She's been coughing for a few hours and she's lost a lot of blood."
"I see."
The doctor went up the stairs and headed to the right. He approached her room. The door was open. He walked in and placed his bag on the seat next to the bed. Green had Mrs. Mayweather to help sit her up. He reached into his bag and pulled out a stethoscope. Dr. Green checked her out from head to toe. He did not seem happy.
"Thomas, can I speak to you in private?"
"Yes. Mrs. Mayweather, please make sure she's comfortable."
"Yes, Sir."
Dr. Green grabbed his bag and they walked to Thomas' study. Thomas poured the doctor a drink and they both had a seat.
"Just give it to me straight doc, from the look on your face I can tell it's not going to be good news."
"Sorry, I really wish it was but things aren't going to get better from here. She is going to get worse. I hate to tell you this but she's dying."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure. The amount of blood she's losing and her breathing. She might have a week or month at most. If you're going to say your goodbyes to her, you need to say them now. I'm sorry, Thomas.
After that Dr. Green left. Thomas returned to Vera's room. He had a sad look in his eyes.
"So, what is the news kiddo?" Vera asked. (Cough, cough)
Thomas was silent. He didn't know how to tell her.
"That bad, huh? Just be honest with me. What did he say?"
"Grandmother."
"Grandmother! Wow, you never call me that. What's wrong Dear?"
"You don't want to know."
"Please Thomas."
Thomas took a deep breath. It was hard for him to say the words out loud. He knew he had to tell her and he paused again. Then he told her she was dying.
Vera took the news hard. Her body froze and her eyes filled with hopelessness. She wasn't ready. How could she be? Her coughing resumed. Then it stopped.
"How long do I have?"
"You might have a week or even a month to live. The doctor said your condition is going to get a whole lot worse."
"Only a week or a month?" She whispered to herself.
Vera started thinking about all the things she hadn't prepared for, all the things she hadn't finished, and all the things she regretted. Her biggest regret was she wouldn't be able to see Bruce or Jack become men. Time didn't care, time didn't want to wait.
"Thomas, can you call Willbur Solomon for me?"
"Sure, of course."
Thomas opened a panel in the wall. He pulled out her room phone and called Wilbur. Wilbur answered and he handed her the receiver.
"Hello." Willbur said.
Thomas and Mrs. Mayweather stepped out of the room.
"Hi Willbur."
"Vera Wayne is that you."
"Yes."
"To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I need to write my last will and testament."
Vera told him what was happening and he was shocked to hear the news. He now knew the urgency.
"I'll be right over."
Vera hangs up the phone, she puts her face into her hands, and she weeps.
Within an hour an old man with glasses and a briefcase showed up at the front door.
"Hello Mr. Solomon."
"Hello Thomas. Where is Vera?"
"She's upstairs in the first room to the right."
"Thank you."
He slowly walks up the steps and then he knocks on the door.
"Come in." Vera said softly.
"Hi Vera. How are you holding up."
"Well, the coughing has stopped for now."
"Sorry."
"Don't be. I lived a long and wonderful life. I've achieved more than I thought a woman could and I have a loving family that supports me."
She looks around at the pictures. Each and every one of them were her achievements. There was one that she was very proud of. It was the picture of her and Thomas, it was the first day he came to live with her.
Mr. Solomon pulled out a will.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes, let's start."
"Who will inherit your land and fortune?"
"That will be Thomas and Martha."
"Who gets your priceless collection of artifacts?"
"I leave those to Jack."
"And what about Bruce?"
"I am leaving him my shares in The Wayne's corporation.
"Are there any charities or organizations that you would like to donate to?"
"I would like to give money to the newspaper and the orphanage. "
"Is there anything else ma'am."
"No, that will do."
"Okay, sign and date here and here."
Vera signs the document.
"I am going to get this notarized and I will get you a copy."
"Thank you, Solomon."
"You're welcome."
Solomon gathered the papers and put them in his briefcase. Vera started coughing again. Mrs. Mayweather came over to help her and Solomon left.
-*-
As the days and weeks progressed. Vera got worse. Sometimes the staff thought that she wasn't going to make it but she was a fighter. Vera was determined to live as long as she could. She could feel death at her doorstep.
Vera rang her bell and Sarah came running.
"Go get Thomas, tell him I need to speak to him."
"Yes, ma'am."
Thomas came and Sarah left. Vera had a coughing fit. He went to comfort her but she raised her hand.
"Sit, I'm fine. This is just a small episode. It will pass." She coughed again.
"The maid said you needed me?"
"Yes, I want to talk to everyone individually."
"Okay."
Thomas informed everyone of Vera's plans. She told him that she wanted to speak to Martha first.
Martha came and knocked on Vera's door. She asked to come in and sit down.
"Thank you for coming dear."
"I'm just glad you want to see me."
"Are you still thinking about what happened then? Don't. I'm already past that and you should be as well."
"I know."
"So, what I want to talk about is what your position in this house will be."
"What do you mean?"
"When I'm gone, it will be your job to keep everything in order. That means staff, family, and especially Thomas. I've known that boy since he was little and the one thing, I'm sure of. Is that he will need help managing his finances. You and him stand to inherit a massive wealth. I want to know that things are going to be taken care of. Can I depend on you?"
"Yes, ma'am you can."
"Good." Vera sighed.
After that Vera talked to Jack, Bruce, and the rest of the staff. In each person she instilled her gratitude and her respect. She knew that everything was going to be alright. Thomas was the last one to visit her door. She was sitting up. There was a gentle smile on her face. She waved him in.
"Have a seat." She said.
Thomas sat down. He wondered what she wanted to say.
"My dear boy, I am so glad I found you when you were younger. Together we grieved and built a home of love. I thought I would never be the same after your father and mother passed. Thomas, you filled my emptiness with joy. Thank you for taking the journey with me."
Vera leaned over and grabbed his hand. Thomas smiles.
"Thank you, grandmother, for your guidance. I don't know where I would be right now if it wasn't for you. I'm not ready to say goodbye."
Thomas leans over and she pats his head.
"I know, I know."
Four days passed in a flash. The house was awakened by violent spats of coughing. Sarah and Mrs. Maryweather rushed to assist Vera. Blood was splattered everywhere. They could hear her gasping for air. Vera was looking very pale. Her breathing finally slowed. Jack made sure that Bruce stayed in his room and Thomas gave Doctor Green a late-night call.
"Dr. Green, she's not looking good."
"I'll be right there."
Twenty-five minutes had passed and the doctor pulled up to the mansion in his small car. Alfred was already downstairs. He greeted him as he approached. Green quickly ascended the steps. He could hear her coughing loudly. Green entered the room and she looked like she had aged overnight. Her wiry gray hair was everywhere. There were several blood-soaked handkerchiefs sprawled around. He placed the stethoscope on her back and he could hear the liquid in her lungs. He looked up at Thomas and shook his head. Thomas knew this was it, she was dying. Her hands felt so cold and fragile. She was gripping his hand tightly as she struggled for her next breath. The doctor and the maids left the room. Thomas wanted to be there for her to her dying breath. Vera coughed again and again.
"I am so sorry you have to see me like this my dear boy."
"Please don't talk."
"It doesn't matter if I talk or not. I don't have much time."
Vera's breathing became more of a struggle and it became raspy. It was so hard for her to breathe. She was just gasping for air. Thomas felt the grip of her hand loosen and he knew she had passed. Vera looked at peace. He hoped that wherever she went she was happy. Thomas laid his head on her chest and cried. Soon everyone in the house knew that she had passed. Alfred called Everton Funeral Home to come and retrieve Vera's body. Thomas made sure they were quiet when they entered the house. He wasn't ready to explain a dead body to Bruce. The two men lifted Vera to the side and placed down the linen sheet. They wrapped the sheet around her, they carried her to the vehicle, and placed her inside. Martha and Thomas watched as they drove away.
-*-
The funeral was set for the weekend on a Saturday morning. Vera had already arranged everything. She wanted to be buried in the family mausoleum. Thomas and Martha had to explain to Bruce that his great grandmother wasn't coming back. Bruce took it better than they thought. His aspect on life was different after his near death experience. He wasn't quite the same.
Thomas worried about Jack. Ever since the cave incident he became more withdrawn. Most nights he didn't come down for dinner. He took Vera's death really hard. Jack felt that everyone in his life just dies.
The Joker was reveling in their grief. He loved seeing people in pain. He really didn't like that old lady. The Joker hated how kind and gentle she was. To him those were weaknesses and he didn't like to associate with those types of people.
-*-
The Waynes' arrived at the church before everyone. Saint Catherine church was ten times bigger than the one Jack used to attend. Inside felt even bigger. He understood that this is what a rich family's church looked like.
-*-
Thomas walked them past ten pews before they reached the center aisle. That's when Jack saw the black and gold coffin at the end. It was still closed and the organist began to practice. She stumbled a few times but she progressively got better. Thomas and the kids sat down in the front. Jack looked back and he saw other people wandering in. The church quickly filled up and it was starting to feel way too familiar. Jack felt a slight panic but he pushed it back. There were familiar faces everywhere. He saw Captain Montgomery and Mary, Anne and Alice, and Gordon and Berk. For the most part there were a lot of women here. Some old and some young. Jack never knew how many people she had influenced in her life until Martha had told him about how she was the first woman editor in Gotham and the first ever woman Mayor as well. She led the women's revolution. Her fame had spread far and wide in her youth. Vera was stern but honest. Her words carried a lot of weight. As he looks around, he sees all the faces of the women and men she had touched. There wasn't one seat empty.
The noise of the crowd settled and the pastor gazed above his spectacles. He couldn't help but smile.
"This morning, we are here to celebrate a most wonderful life. I look around this room and I see so many familiar faces. I see friends, I see relatives and I see people that not only knew her but their lives were changed for the better.
I remember when I was young, she asked me why I was so angry. Why did I always cause problems? You know for the first time in my life I didn't know. She helped me to let go of that anger and I did. I wouldn't be the man I am right now if I didn't meet her then. I bet many of you have similar stories and understand how great this woman was.
If anyone else has a story to tell, please come up."
One by one they aligned the wall. The line stretched all the way to the back of the church. They all had something great to say about Vera. Jack had only been to two funerals in his life but they made him feel sad and angry. This one was different. Everyone seemed positive and happy. From the stories Vera was painted as this amazing woman. The Joker didn't care much about this. So, he stayed quiet. The rest of the funeral came with the expected sadness. The Waynes were coping with it the best they could and young Bruce could be heard welling.
It was an hour and a half later when they arrived at the Waynes mausoleum. Three men lifted her body up and placed her in the tomb facing her late husband. Vera had requested that her hands were to be wrapped around her husband's hands. Once the men were finished, they let everyone in. Chairs were set up for a certain few. Thomas waited for everyone who attended to settle and he walked around to the top of the tomb and he took out a chain from his pocket. It had a purple heart shaped jewel on it.
"My grandmother loved everyone like family. She always made that special bond with everyone she met. There wasn't a time where she wouldn't give you the shirt off of her back. These were the virtues she instilled in me. I never knew my grandfather but she said they were inseparable. This chain in my hand represents their bond."
Thomas wraps the chain around her wrist and his grandfather's wrist. He made sure the heart was centered between them and facing up.
"Even though they were bonded in life, now they are bonded in death. We will miss you grandmother."
Tears started pouring out of his eyes and the three men lifted the lid and closed the tomb.
-*-
Weeks had passed since Vera's death and things were starting to get back to normal. Jack started going to the orphanage every day. He wanted to catch a glimpse of Harley. His heart longed for her but he knew he couldn't face her. The Joker was the reason he couldn't approach her. Jack could feel the hatred inside him. He could tell that the Joker would try to do something to hurt her and he couldn't risk the Joker taking over again.
Harley looked sad. Not once did he see her smile. One time he thought she saw him but he noticed that she was only staring at something else.
"Someone would think you were a stalker."
"What?"
Jack whipped around. Mrs. Alice was standing behind him. He didn't hear her approach. Jack wondered how long she was standing there.
"I don't know what you are talking about."
Alice smiled.
"I know it's you Jack."
Jack had been found out. Now what was he going to do?
"Mrs. Alice, how did you know it was me?"
"Your disguise can't fool me child. I can't ever forget the face of someone that was once in my care."
"When did you see me?"
"A week ago, to be honest."
"How, when, where?"
"You know I can see everything from my window."
"Did you tell anyone?"
"Of course not. I 'm sure you have your reasons for not talking to her."
"You knew?"
"Of course. Why haven't you eased her heart. She talks about you all the time. The poor child is heartbroken."
"She is?"
"Yes. She regrets that night."
"So, do I. It's not that I don't want to talk to her, it's just that the situation is complicated."
"My goodness, what is it about boys and their complications? Whenever you figure it out, go see her. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive her. It was nice seeing you, Jack Wayne."
Alice crosses the street and enters the orphanage. Jack left that day confused and a little happier.
-*-
"Mrs. Wayne, is it true that you were one of Jonathan Crane's victims?"
Martha leaned into her mike.
"Yes." She said quietly.
"Martha, are you going to testify against him today in court?"
The light from the news crew and the flash of the cameras made her flinch. She couldn't find her words. Her mind went blank. The prosecutor leaned in and he answered for her.
"The answer is yes; Mrs. Wayne will be testifying against Crane later today. We are hoping that her testimony will lead to a swift justice."
"Mr. Morgan, how many counts do you have against Jonathan Crane?"
"At the moment we have twenty. That's including Martha Wayne's."
A police paddy wagon pulled up to the court house.
The armed guard got out and they surrounded a man in handcuffs. The reporters and the news casters turned their attention to the man. It was Jonathan Crane. The cameras started flashing again.
"Dr. Crane, why did you do it?"
"Because everyone has their breaking point. You just need to know their triggers. You must understand their minds. Then you will get to the true monster inside. Isn't that right Martha?"
He winks. She cringes.
"Mrs. Wayne, what is he talking about?" A reporter asked.
"No more questions ladies and gentlemen."
The prosecutor ushered her into the building. Martha looked shaken.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't know if I can testify."
-*-
An under-dressed Cobblepot arrived at the gates of the prison. He rolled down his window.
"Who are you here to see?"
"My brother."
"And who is that?"
"Richard Hands."
The security guard was a little shocked. He didn't know that the most dangerous crime boss in Gotham had a brother.
"Go on through."
Cobblepot nods and proceeds to park. He couldn't help but to feel a little scared. Most of the time he avoided coming anywhere near here but with Ricky in jail he had no other choice. Oswald trekked across the gravel until he reached the entrance. Another Guard stood there and his arms were crossed. Oswald couldn't help but feel trapped. He thought he was going to get caught but the guard let him through the door. Once he was finished checking in, he headed to the visitor's room. He sat down in the booth and the guards brought in Ricky. Ricky looked calm, and almost cocky. His smug smile caused the guard to hit him on the back of the head. Ricky wanted to shoot him but he calmed down and sat in his seat. Cobblepot was nervous, he looked even paler. They picked up their phones and began to talk.
"You know I really wanted to kill you at first but then I realized that this could possibly be a chance to lay low for a few years. The reason why I called you here is because I want to offer you an opportunity. Let's say an olive branch."
"Like what?"
"I want you to take over my operations for a few years. My lawyer said with a plea deal I would only see three years of jail time. So, I need you to be me for those three years."
"I guess I can do that."
"Good. My lawyer will do the paperwork in the morning. Don't let me down. Now did he give you an envelope?"
"Yes."
Oswald pulled the envelope from his pant leg and he sat it in front of him.
"Open it."
Inside there were three smaller envelopes. There was a different name on each one. The names were Berk, Carlo, and Oswald.
"I would like you to deliver the other letters to the people named on them. In your envelope, you will find the plans for the moment when I leave this joint. With your help I will be able to take Gotham by storm."
-*-
"I know you're scared but we really need your testimony Mrs. Wayne. Without it that monster will go free. I'm glad you told me what happened when you were under his influence but we know what to prepare for now. We can still win this. So, what do you say?"
"Okay, I'll testify."
"Good. Now I need you to stay close to me. Mr. Wayne, you can sit with her."
"Okay."
"Mrs. Wayne, there will be cameras and reporters. Don't answer any of their questions and don't let them distract you. Let's go in and sit down quickly. This judge does not like a circus."
"Okay."
"Here we go."
"Mrs. Wayne, Mrs. Wayne. Did you try to kill Vera Wayne?" A reporter asked.
"Pay no attention to them."
"How did they find out about that?" She asked.
"His lawyer must have leaked the information. Just keep moving forward.
"Don't worry about it. They're just trying to shake you."
"Okay."
Thomas took her hand and she felt calmer. They finally made it inside the courtroom and they had a seat behind the prosecution. Crane was already sitting, his stare felt unsettling as he looked straight at her. Then the bailiff and the judge walked in.
"Stand for the honorable Judge Watkins. She will be presiding over the case of The People vs Jonathan Crane. The court is now in session and you may now be seated."
"Good evening, everyone, my name is Judge Elanor Watkins. Counsel, please introduce yourselves."
"Hello honor, my name is Edward T. Morgan I am Gotham's prosecutor."
"Hello honor, my name is Richard Biggs. I am representing the defendant."
The judge tilted her glasses and felt disgusted with the man in front of her.
"Counsels, are you ready and prepared to start the trial?"
"Yes, your honor." Morgan answered.
"Yes, your honor." Biggs replied.
"Bailiff, could you please read the charges against Dr. Jonathan Crane."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Mr. Crane you are here by charged with kidnapping, torture, and assault. How do you plead?"
"Not guilty."
"Defense, do you want to start with your opening statement?"
"Yes, your honor."
"Proceed."
"Your honor, my client truly felt that he was helping these women conquer their innermost demons. He sacrificed his time and knowledge to solve their problems. I believe he was wrongly accused of these crimes and misunderstood. What you have to ask yourself is why. Why would my client want to separate these women from their families? Unless he truly believed that they were unsafe and dangerous. Should he be punished for doing his job? If that is true then why don't we let out all the criminals. Because they must not be sick right? Your honor, what we are going to do is prove that my client was just doing his job."
"Prosecution's your opening statement."
"Time, it seems so fleeting. Until it's stolen from you. Jonathan Crane stole such things from these families. He ripped mothers, wives, and sisters away from their families. He made them unrecognizable and irrational. He tortured these poor innocent victims. They became nothing more than lab rats to this mad scientist. Your honor I will prove today that this psychopathic scarecrow should be punished to the full extent of the law."
After the opening statements the defense brought out their first witness. His name was Jerry Finkle. He's a middle-aged orderly from the Arkham Asylum. The bailiff walked him over to the stand and he sweared him in.
"Do you swear to uphold the law and abided by the rules of this court?"
"I do."
"Please state your name and spell your last name."
"Jerry Finkle. F-I-N-K-L-E."
The defender steps up to him.
"Mr. Finkle where do you work?"
"I work at the Arkham Asylum." He answered in a nasally voice.
"How long have you worked there, Sir?"
"A little more than 15 years."
"How would you describe your work environment there?"
"Never boring." he chuckles.
"Who hired you may I ask?"
"Dr. Crane over there."
"Would you say he is a bad boss; would you say he treats everyone fairly?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"Would you say he treats the female patients worse than the male patients? Would you say he was helping them?"
"Leading."
"Counsel, keep your questions to the point." The judge said.
"Yes, your honor. Let me restate that. How did he treat the female patients?"
"Like any other dame that can in that place. They were all a little coo coo if you ask me."
"Did he torture them?"
"No, never. He would administer drugs and every once in a while, electro shock therapy."
"No other questions, your honor."
"Prosecution would you like to cross."
"Yes, your honor."
Jerry's eyes started shifting. He looked a little nervous after making eye contact with Crane.
"Mr. Finkle. You said you worked for Crane for 15 years. Is that correct."
"Yes."
"Mr. Finkle, do you go to church?"
"I object, where are we going with this?"
"Mr. Morgan, where is this going?"
"I do have a reason for asking this question."
"Okay I hope this leads somewhere. I will allow it."
"Go ahead and answer the question Mr. Finkle."
"What was the question again?"
"Do you go to church?"
"Yes Sir, every Sunday with the Mrs."
"So, would you call yourself a Christian?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"Have you ever done anything un-Christian like for the doctor? Remember you're under oath."
"Well sometimes he would change out their medicines."
"I object."
"Overruled. Continue."
"What were these different medicines?"
"I think they are sinad and mercury."
"Do you mean cyanide?"
"Yeah."
"So, you mean to tell me he gave his patients cyanide and mercury pills?"
"Yeah, that's them."
The crowd gasped.
"Sir, do you realize those are both poisons."
"No."
"No further questions."
"You may step down now."
The defense brought out at least four more witnesses. Each as dumb as the first. It was finally Martha's turn to approach the stand. She was sworn in.
"State your name and spell your last."
"Martha Wayne. W-A-Y-N-E."
"Mrs. Wayne, were you a victim of Dr. Crane?"
"Yes."
Her eyes turned watery and red. Tears started running down her face.
"Could you tell me in your own words what happened to you?"
"I can. When I was first admitted I had attacked my husband after going to a play called Batty."
"Do you remember why you attacked your husband?"
"I don't know why I attacked him. I just felt rage, uncontrollable rage. He just happened to be there."
"So, what happened after that?"
"I was sent away for the first time. I felt fuzzy and I found it hard to come back to a stable state of mind. I just remember taking these weird pills."
"What did they look like?"
"One was white and the other was metallic."
"How did you feel after taking them?"
"I felt lucid and I found myself lashing out at everything."
"Mrs. Wayne, how long were you there?"
"At least 3 weeks."
"When you came back home for the first time. Were you better?"
"Some days but I still felt angry and I started feeling paranoid. I started seeing things."
"What type of things did you see?"
"I saw shadow-like creatures and one looked like a demented clown."
"At that time were you still on the same medicine?"
"Yes, Dr. Crane gave me more of the silver pills."
"What effect did the silver pill have on you?"
"I started feeling that Vera Wayne was my enemy. I felt the need to eliminate her. I couldn't control that feeling."
"So, that's when you attacked her?
"Yes. That evil clown wanted me to do it. He wanted me to push her down the stairs. It was almost like I didn't have control over my own body."
Martha burst into tears again. The people in the court were surprised.
"At this point what was your state of mind?"
"I can't remember clearly but I was overwhelmed with rage."
"Do you feel the medicine Dr. Crane gave you, helped you?"
"No, if anything it made me worse."
"At this time the people will like to submit evidence A. These are the pills that Crane had given her."
The judge waived for him to bring it to her.
"Mrs. Wayne, are these your pills?"
The silver liquid swished around as she moved it.
"Yes, your honor."
"Continue Counsel."
"Mrs. Wayne, what were you told about these pills?"
"I was told that this was an experimental drug."
"Now your honor I had this tested. The findings say that this is pure mercury. Did you know the side effects of mercury poisoning are mood swings, memory loss, and mental disturbance. Just to name a few."
"So, what happened after that?"
"Crane personally came to get me. He had them administer a shot. I don't remember what was in it but I was again under his control. That's when the true torture began. I was off my meds for two days. I was finally able to think. That was the moment he started electroshock therapy. The pain was above imagination. I prayed every day that he would stop experimenting on me and torturing me. He had me lie to my husband. I had to tell him I was okay."
"But you weren't, right?"
"I wasn't alright. I was finding it hard to hold on."
"No further questions."
"Defense, would you like to cross?"
"Yes, your honor.
"Mrs. Wayne, when this all began. Did you see yourself as dangerous? "
"What do you mean?"
"Did you feel that you were a danger to yourself and others?"
"Yes but…"
"Did you feel that you belonged in a place that could help you?"
"Yes but…"
"Whose idea was it to go away from your family?"
"Mine but…"
"To me Mrs. Wayne, you don't look like a victim. It sounds like you willingly went to Mr. Crane."
"No, there was no part of me that wanted to go with him."
"I object."
"On what grounds?"
"Badgering the witness. Let her answer an actual question. "
"I'm only stating the facts."
"Overruled. Continue. "
"Please tell me what he actually did to you."
"He retained me when I was not even fighting. He drugged me when I was calm. He sent volts of electricity through my body. He stripped me down and humiliated me and drilled a hole in my head."
"Mrs. Wayne, that's all in his rights to cure you. He was your doctor. Tell the truth, you hated Vera. You wanted her dead. That's why you pushed her. The doctor's prescription was your way to explain your violent tendencies. Why are you trying to make my defendant your villain? "
"Objection!"
"Defense watch it. Strike that last statement from the record."
Martha was shaking. The judge thought it was a good time to call a brief recess. Martha felt frustrated and angry. Thomas wanted to punch the defense.
A few minutes passed and the trial started again.
The prosecution brought up several women and they all said similar things. It was finally time the prosecutor called their last witness. Her name was Margaret Winner. She was the one that saw him slipping drugs into her friend's cup.
"State your name and spell your last name."
"Margaret Winner. W-I-N-N-E-R."
"Tell the court what you witnessed."
"That man right there was sitting in the same booth with us. We were at an opera called Sweet Summery. I just happened to glance back and I saw him slipping a white powdery substance into my friend's drink."
"Then what did you do?"
I reported him to security and they apprehended him. When they searched him, they tore off his fake mustache and found a bag of pixie dust."
After her statement they excused her from the stand.
"I have over 20 sightings of him at similar venues. Everyone said they didn't recognize him as Dr. Crane when they brought their family members to the asylum. It wasn't until we ran pictures of him in the news with a fake mustache picture and his shaven face that the families finally put it together. Each family said they saw him wearing that mustache and they remember him acting strangely. To prove that this isn't hearsay I would like to present peoples evidence B. These are the ticket stubs that Crane had for each show and here are the stubs that each family had."
The bailiff walked over and grabbed them. Then he handed them to judge Watkins."
"Prosecution, what am I looking at?"
"If you look you can see that his tickets and their tickets are not only for the same night they are also for the same time. They were sharing the same booth. Now this is where it gets interesting. Each family said their sister or their mother went crazy the night of these shows. Ask yourself, is that a coincidence?"
"The prosecution rests your honor."
"Defense."
"We have one more witness your honor."
"Proceed."
Crane got up and walked over to the stand and the people gasped. The bailiff followed.
"Do you swear to uphold the law and abided by the rules of this court?"
"Of course."
"That's a yes or no Dr. Crane."
"Then yes." He smiles and nods.
"Please state your full name and spell your last."
"Jonathan Crane. C-R-A-N-E."
"Have a seat."
"Dr. Crane, how long have you been a doctor at Arkham Asylum?"
"Let me see. I'll say about 20 or so years."
"In those twenty years did anyone think you were. Mistreating your patients? "
"No, not one."
"So, you are saying you have a perfect record."
"If I haven't helped those women then I'm not perfect. How could I feel right claiming to be something I'm not. My life's work has been rehabilitating people who need help. What type of doctor would I be if I couldn't do that? "
"You sound like a real standup guy. From all the employees that sat here on the stand they say you're the greatest boss. Now just because you enjoy the arts and would like a little privacy. Doesn't make you a bad guy. It was just coincidental that you were there and those families were there at the same time. Any man would look weird with a fake mustache on their face but that doesn't mean that you are giving them your medicine. Now does it?"
"No, Sir., I would never do anything like that."
"That's all your honor."
"Prosecution would you like to cross?"
"Yes, your honor."
"Mr. Crane."
"Doctor."
"Oh, I'm sorry, Doctor."
Crane started getting jittery.
"Doctor Crane, it's very easy to say, Doctor Crane. I went to school for eight years to earn the title. Please respect my name."
"So, sorry Dr. Crane. I'll try not to make that mistake again. Now as I was saying Doctor Crane. You claimed that nobody had any complaints over the past twenty years but I have at least ten families that have tried to sue your asylum for the treatment of their family members. I'm just wondering. Do you not remember them?"
"But of course I do. All the charges were dropped."
"Mr. Crane, you mean after you paid them off."
"It's Dr. Crane!" He yelled.
The judge jumped.
"Sorry, your honor."
"Just answer the question and Dr. Crane, if you have one more outburst like that, I will hold you in contempt."
"I understand. To answer your question. I was able to settle out of court."
"I see."
"Dr. Crane earlier in front of cameras. You talked about monsters. Were you talking about the scary furry type in kids' books or are you talking about people?"
"Of course I mean people. If you create the right environment people will become monsters."
"Yes, people will become monsters if you create the right environment Dr. Crane. Is that what you did to your patients? Is that what you did to Martha Wayne? Did you put her in such an environment? You gave her a drug that not only disoriented her but drove her to pure madness. You know she almost killed someone. That would have made you not able to achieve your life goal of helping your patient. Why would you risk it, Dr. Crane?"
"I didn't risk anything. Mrs. Wayne was the perfect specimen. A pure masterpiece. She proved that all men have monsters inside them. What a glory that was."
"I object!"
"On what grounds."
"Insanity."
"Counsels approach the bench."
"You know I don't want any circus in my courtroom. Defense, I'm about to hold Dr. Crane in contempt of court. We will have a 15-minute recess. I hope you can keep your client under control."
"Yes, your honor."
"We are going to take a 15-minute recess." The judge said to the courtroom.
Crane left the stand and headed back to the table.
"What was that? Are you trying to lose? Do you really want her to hold you in contempt?"
"They're not going to assault my life's work."
"I don't care. Your craziness is going to lose us this case. Our best bet is if they are done with their questioning. Please keep it together until then.
The judge re-entered the courtroom.
"All stand for the honorable Judge Watkins."
"Please be seated."
"Prosecution did you want to continue questioning the defendant."
"No, your honor. "
Time keeper, how much time does the prosecution and defense have for their closing statements?"
"The prosecution has 5 mins. and the defense has 6."
"Good. Prosecution you may begin your closing statements."
"Yes, your honor.
"A sane man wouldn't do half the things this man has done. I have shown you evidence of this man's misdeeds. He himself couldn't even stop from lashing out in court. Dr. Crane gave his patience pixie dust, arsenic, and mercury. He himself called Martha Wayne a specimen. How can someone say they care about the well-being of a patient if they only prescribe poisons. Poison that corrupted innocent minds, poison that made women attack their families, and poison that took away that woman's security. We are asking the court to find justice for his victims. We are asking for a punishment befitting his crime."
The prosecutor sat down.
"Defense."
"Here we have a devoted, hardworking man. A well-loved boss. A person who puts other well-being before his own. Was he willing to try something different? Yes. Was he looking for the cure using unconventional ways? Of course. But should he be punished for just doing his job? No, not at all. I am asking for you to look into your heart and see that he meant no harm. Just give him a chance to do something better.
"Thank you, counsel men I will take everything, you say into consideration. We will reconvene tomorrow at noon. When I will pass my verdict. Court is adjourned."
Noon felt like a long time away for the families and the attorneys. Thomas could see the hope in his wife's eyes. Dr. Crane didn't care either way. Everyone arrived at the courthouse at around 11:30 AM. Morgan was talking to the families about the possibilities and Crane was staring at Martha. The judge and the bailiff walked into the court. The room fell silent.
"Please rise for the honorable Judge Watkins."
"Have a seat please."
"I have gone over the case and I have taken everything into consideration. Dr. Crane by the city of Gotham I find you guilty of kidnapping, torture, and assault."
The courtroom cheered. Cranes attorneys hung their heads low.
"I don't know why someone would do the things you did but I will not let this continue. You will hereby be stripped of your licenses. You will suffer the same fate as your patients but you will be in the prison ward. Where you will serve twenty consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole. Bailiff."
Crane was handcuffed and taken away. Martha was happy the nightmare was finally over.