Panic Cord
(A Gotham Fanfiction)
Chapter 1: The New Annex Records Keeper
My first day starting at GCPD and I'm already suffocating in paperwork. Ever since their last Records Keeper bailed without so much a word the files were not their rightful place. I had to organize them from top to bottom, A to Z, and side to side in each cabinet. What made it difficult was organizing the dates. I had to make sure I'm not misplacing anything or else the whole organizing system is messed up.
From what I've been told, their last Records Keeper, Kristen Kringle became very sick. As for the information it came from a man named Edward Nygma. I've never met him yet, but a lot of people have warned me about him. Kept on saying that he's too weird and creepy. Also that he would throw everyone these impossible riddles that annoys the heck out of everyone. Last time I've checked weird and creepy are in this year. Hell, I'm creepy myself so I really don't see why they're complaining so much.
In the middle of organizing the files Detective James Gordon came in. I'm not so sure if his first name is James or Jim. From what I've heard he's fine with everybody calling him either way. It's like the name Jim and James are tomato, tomato to him. He gave me a smile as he said, "I see they've got you working on the files already."
I chuckle a little as I said, "Yeah, they sure have. I can't believe how disorganized it got after Ms. Kringle became ill."
"Yup, so what's your name?"
"Vital Eryx."
"Well Vital I'm here to get a file on the Winstein murder case. Think you can get it to my desk by 5 when you're done organizing this place?"
"Actually, I can give it to you now. I've just put that in its place not too long ago."
I dug through the third cabinet, second drawer and brought out the file for him. Once I hand it to him I said, "Don't forget to sign the checkout form on my desk."
"Right."
He walks over to my desk real quick and sign the checkout form. "Thanks, Vital. I'll see ya around."
"Have a good day Detective." I said as I gave him a cheerful smile, and he left the Annex Records room.
It practically took me all day to organize the files. When I was down to my last one I heard someone enter the room. I look over my shoulder as I see a 6'0 tall thin man. With dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, wears black frame Ray-Ban glasses, a light gray forensics jacket, white collar shirt, dark green tie with a silver tie clip, light brown dress pants, and light gray dress shoes. I wonder who's this man?
I stand up from my knees as I brush off the dirt from my black dress pants. I then walk up to him and said, "How can I help you?"
He smiles at me and said, "Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?"
"Oh, so you're Edward Nygma." I said as I smiled, "Well the answer to your riddle Mr. Nygma is Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow."
He seemed surprised that I answer correctly, but more surprised about me knowing his name. He said, "That is correct. Though you've heard of me before?"
"Yes from the other staff members and officers. They told me about the last Records Keeper and that they were informed by you that she became very sick. Are you a friend of Ms. Kringle's, and that's why she told you?"
He was silent for a moment as his smile faded. He then changed the subject by saying, "I need the recent file from today's murder about Robert King."
"Oh sure, I know exactly where that is."
I went to the 7th cabinet, pulling out the file for him from the third drawer. When I handed it to him I said, "Don't forget to sign the checkout form for it."
"I rarely do since I come here all the time."
He walks to my desk to sign the form. I said, "Right since you're a forensic scientist am I correct?"
"You are. Good evening then."
Without another word he left the room pretty quickly. Was it something I said that made him upset? I recap our conversation in my mind as I've finally figured out what might have changed his attitude. It was when I asked him if he was a friend of Ms. Kringle's. He must have been close to her to act upset like that. I should apologize to him once I get the chance.
...
The next day I've done a little research on Mr. Nygma. By that I mean I followed him around the precinct during his lunch time. I wanted to give him an apologetic present, but I didn't know what exactly to give him. So far what I've found out is that he likes blueberry muffins for a snack and a bottle of Coca-Cola. During his break he would play a Sudoku book.
The moment I got on my lunch break, I went out real quick to buy him two blueberry muffins, a bottle of Coca-Cola, and a small book of Sudoku. I rush back to the precinct even though I was already caught in Gotham's rain. As long as the items are protected in the plastic bag they should be okay to give to him. Of course I hid the plastic bag inside my jacket while I hug it to my chest. Once I was inside the precinct I fixed myself up a bit and went upstairs to go to Mr. Nygma's office.
I stop myself, though from going up the second level of the stairs when I heard Mr. Nygma and Dr. Thompkins talking. Dr. Thompkins was asking him about Ms. Kringle. She said, "Was that Kristen you were just talking to?"
"What?" He said.
"I'm sorry. It sounded like you were talking to somebody in your apartment and who besides-,"
"I was talking to my plumber." He interrupted.
"Oh, well have you heard from Kristen? I know she said she was sick, I was thinking stopping by-"
"As it happens she's not sick. She lied. To all of us. I've just found out, Ms. Kringle left town with Officer Dougherty."
"She left Gotham with Dougherty?"
"Mm-Hmm."
"But he was abusive."
"Hmph, love."
"Wow, I-I'm stunned."
Suddenly a phone rang. Dr. Thompkins asked, "Do you need to get that?"
"No, I don't think so."
They were silent for a moment until I heard Mr. Nygma started crying.
"Oh Ed," said Dr. Thompkins, "You must be devastated."
"Right now I'm just trying to focus on the job." said Mr. Nygma trying to collect himself.
"Well, let me know if you ever wanted to talk."
"Thank you that means a lot."
When I heard the clacking heels coming this way, I immediately jump over the side of the railing real quick so she wouldn't see me. I don't want her to give me away so Mr. Nygma could figure out that I was eavesdropping. That's a bad habit of mine and I need to keep it under control or else I would get in trouble for it. It's bad enough I upset him about Ms. Kringle yesterday. I don't want to make it worse.
Once I made sure Dr. Thompkins was gone, I climb back over as I heard Nygma picked up the phone as he sharply said, "Yes?" There was a slight pause and he hangs up the phone as I heard it tossed aside on his desk. I hesitated to go up there, but I have to give him these gifts. Besides, it sounded like he stopped crying right away when Dr. Thompkins left. Was that all an act or does he just recover faster?
No, no, don't do that Vital. Remember the last time you played detective. It's gotten you nothing but trouble, so stop that! I have to apologize and give him these gifts. It's not much, but I hope it counts for something.
I took a deep breath to gain back my courage as I walk the steps to his office. When he looks at me he didn't seem to be in the mood for any more visitors. So I decided to make this plain, simple, and quick. I place the bag on his desk and said, "Please accept these gifts as an apology from our yesterday encounter. Enjoy the rest of your day, Mr. Nygma."
Without another word I quickly turn around and rush down the stairs. I sighed a great breath of relief as I walk back to the Annex Records. I hope he likes them. I know it was quick and I didn't give him a time to respond, but I like it that way. It's bad enough the people here considered him as a freak, I don't want to be labeled as a creep to him.
Well it looks like this temporary job turned into a permanent one. Might as well start it off on good terms with everyone here.