Author's Note; I dedicate this fic to Phoebe2 since she's done such a fine job with her Gordon/Barbara fics :-) This is set post-TDK and I've posted a relatively short chapter to start. Cuddles to all who stop by xxx
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Chapter One
Jim Gordon briskly made his way up the steps of the Gotham City Police Station, ignoring the pursuing entourage of cameras and reporters behind him. Their unfounded speculations and questions were the least of his concerns as he and his men stepped inside.
"Send out a memo; 'nobody talk to the press'!" Lieutenant Stephens called to the front desk as they walked by. The newly appointed Commissioner didn't concern himself and his Police Department with Gotham's media as the late Gillian Loeb had. "Don't worry Sir, they'll have left by evening..." Stevens assured, trying to keep up with his superior's speedy pace.
"Yeah, just in time to have the reports up for the 6 o'clock news!" Gordon replied, obviously still sickened with their wasted morning. It was the third wild goose-chase since Sunday. This new mob boss made both his predecessors, Falcone and Maroni, look like boy scouts! His approach was perhaps best described as 'Batman' inspired.
"I want units down on 8th all day," Jim announced, turning to the loyal crew behind him, "and I want squads on the school for the rest of the week."
Diligently disbanding with a 'Yes Sir', the officers immediately set off in carrying out the order.
"I dunno Boss," Stephens said discreetly, pushing the button to open the elevator, "This 'Penguin' guy.....I think we need to start fightin' fire with fire here..."
"I'm going to my Office right now and checking every lead," Gordon offered, "The paperwork is there waiting for me."
His colleague lowered his voice before, "You're not expecting anyone when you get there, are you?"
Jim's response was to look to him out over this trademark glasses with a confused gaze.
"Pointy ears, black cape....," Stephens continued, widening his eyes and raising his brows, "Sleeps upside down!"
"Gerry, I don't......"
"C'mon Jimmy, don't try and tell me he doesn't still call by your window for a midnight meeting..."
Stepping inside the elevator, Gordon dismissed his friend's theory, "Sure he does – but it's only for a nightcap after all his running away....and general gossiping about his life in exile," the Commissioner smirked, finding the button for the top floor. Stephens definitely wasn't wrong, but given the exposed corruption in his force even after Harvey Dent's Internal Affairs examinations, Gordon was adamant to play everything close to his chest.
"I'm tellin' ya now Jimmy, we're all behind ya down here," Stephens pledged, following his boss down the corridor, "Just say the word and we'll have that signal back up there...give him a badge for Christ's sakes, anything to get him back!"
Acknowledging the passing officers, Gordon lowered his voice, "Personally I don't see him trading in for our uniform!"
"You gotta get him back boss, this 'Penguin' wacko won't be the last! He's only gon...."
"He's not the first either," Gordon reminded, stopping at his secretary's desk. "I'm dealing with it, okay!?" In order to silence his most trusted aide, he did want to cave and tell him that 'dealing with it' did involve Batman....but he decided to honour his and Batman's 'on a need-to-know basis' partnership and say nothing.
So he is in your office!?" Stephens replied excitedly, beyond caring for discretion. He knew Jimmy G too well. "I knew it!"
Remaining loyal to the caped crusader in spite of Stevens' partially accurate intuition, Gordon rolled his eyes, "He's nocturnal Gerry, remember..."
"Fine, when you see him tonight, you tell him I'll do his laundry for a month if it'll get him back!"
The amused Commissioner simply diverted his attention to his ever-efficient secretary. "Good afternoon Celia, what have you got in store for me for the rest of the day?" he politely greeted.
The young brunette placed his brimming appointment folder on the counter-top. "Your next meeting is at 2 o' clock, Dr. Quinzel is calling down with her latest evaluations in Arkham. You've got the PTA at 3.15 and a conference with the new recruits at 4. Mr. Fox from 'Wayne Enterprises' has yet to confirm his 5.30, and here's your list of callbacks...," she offered the busy sheet, fluttering her lashes, "The Mayor wants you to get back to him as soon as possible."
"That'll be next week then..." Gordon wryly said to himself as he studied the list. "I'm gonna get some paperwork done until Dr. Quinzel arrives, so I'll let the calls keep coming to you," he decided, offering Celia a thankful nod. Edging towards his office door, he turned to Stephens with a subtle smile. "So now you know why our meetings are at midnight!
"Oh Sir, I also forgot," Celia suddenly exclaimed, spinning in her revolving chair, "You had a 1 o'clock lunch with your wife in 'The Marian' today...."
The colour left Gordon's gaunt cheeks as his face fell. Amid all the earlier excitement, he'd completely forgot. "Did she call?" he asked, pulling his cell out of his jacket pocket. There were no messages.
"No," was all the secretary could reply before Jim released a relieved sigh. Maybe she'd caught his busy morning on the midday bulletin and figured he wouldn't have been able to make it. "...but she's in your office," Celia then finished.
Gordon swallowed hard.
It was now Stevens turn to wear a simpered smirk. "Bet you wish it was the Bat in there now, huh?" he winked, backing away and leaving his now sombre boss to face interrogation.