Chapter 2: Nygma's Parents

The house of Nygma's Parents was quite average. It's well kept just like the apartment of Ed's. I've noticed though there's nothing eccentric around the house. By that I mean they don't have any item that stands out or is interesting. Back at Ed's apartment, there's this old Zelda game machine that reminds me of Zoltar Speaks from that movie Big with Tom Hanks.

Before we came here when I was looking for Ed's parents. I've noticed that they don't have the same last name. Edward's real last name is Nashton. I wonder why he changed it to Nygma? Well, Harvey and I are going to find out.

Mr. and Mrs. Nashton was sitting on the couch in front of us while Harvey and I are sitting in chairs. Mr. Nashton asked us, "So what is this about, Detectives?"

"We want to know more about your son, Edward Nashton."

"What do you want to know about?"

"What was his childhood like for starters." said Harvey.

"Well, from what I remember he was very hyper. He had a hard time communicating to the other children in a normal manner."

"How come?" I asked.

"He kept on asking everybody riddles. He asked too many questions, and never once got into school activities like sports."

The way how Mr. Nashton said it was like if he was very disappointed in Ed. No not was, more like still disappointed in him.

"When we took him to a doctor one day," said Mr. Nashton, "He diagnosed Edward to have, OCD, NPD, DPD, and ASD."

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Dependent Personality Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. It makes sense but damn Ed. I never knew you were troubled that bad.

"We tried our best to cope with his strange behaviors," said Mr. Nashton, "His disorders were so overwhelming it was hard to stay patient with him until after high school."

"What happened after high school?" I asked.

"He ran away. Took off without leaving a note or even a goodbye."

He sure doesn't sound heartbroken. Mrs. Nashton though, on the other hand, has a sad look in her eyes. Why isn't she speaking? "And you two never went to the police to have him found?" asked Harvey.

"There was no need," said Mr. Nashton, "He was already 18 at the time and decided to just leave."

"Do you still have his old room here?" I asked.

"No, we got rid of his stuff long ago, and made it into an office."

Were they even heartbroken at the time he ran away? Or do they just don't care? "Was there any particular reason why he ran away?

"No, he just took off. Exactly why are you asking all these questions about Ed?" asked Mr. Nashton.

"He's a friend of ours," I said.

Suddenly Mrs. Nashton's eyes lighten up when I said that, and Mr. Nashton's face just looked like he couldn't believe it. Mr. Nashton said, "You two are his friends?"

"Why are you freaking out about it?" said Harvey.

"Sorry, but Ed never really made friends so much. Except for that kid, oh what was her name?"

"Velika Navras," Finally spoke, Mrs. Nashton, "She became friends with our son at age 13, but she died from a stab wound to the stomach. Since she was a Hemophiliac they couldn't save her in time."

"Why was she stabbed?" I asked.

"She was attacked by another teenager from Edward's school. She died in the woods that's not far from here."

"Who attacked her and why?"

"His name was Brendan Kain. I don't know why he killed her."

"From what we were told," said Mr. Nashton, "Ed saw the whole thing."

The one friend that Edward had in his childhood, and she was snuffed out like that. I'm going to have to visit Velika's parents some other time.

"So how come you couldn't ask these questions to our son?" asked Mr. Nashton.

"It's more complicated than that." said Harvey.

"He doesn't open up," I said.

"I see," said Mr. Nashton, "If you do see him again, tell him I said hi."

Why do I have a feeling that 'hi' isn't a heartfelt welcoming one? "Thank you for your time, Mr. and Mrs. Nashton," I said as Harvey and I stand up to take our leave. Just when we went outside though Mrs. Nashton rushed after us. "Detective Gordon," She said, "If you do see him. Please give him this."

She handed me a dark green book that says Riddles on the front cover. "It was his favorite when he was a kid."

I smiled as I said, "I'll make sure I give it to him."

"Thank you, have a good day detectives."

She went back inside the house and we got into Harvey's car. Before Harvey started the car he said to me, "Is it me or does it seem like the Nashtons don't give a shit about Ed?"

"Well, I wouldn't exactly say that," I said, "The mother seemed to care more than the father. Even though she didn't say much she didn't give us two people to visit."

"Two? We're not just going to visit Velika Navras?"

"We have to see Brendan Kain. I think there's more to this murder of Velika, than just Edward witnessing it."

"Even so, but do you think Nygma's parents are hiding something?"

"You're getting that feeling too?"

"Are you kidding? That feeling has been breathing down my neck that whole time we were talking to them. Especially Nygma's father."

He started up the car as he started driving on the road, "You wanna go check out the Navras family now once we get the address?"

"Not right now. We'll visit them tomorrow."

I look at the book that Mrs. Nashton gave to me. Between the cover and the first page was a note stuck in there. I took it out as I unfold it and read it.

I know I'm the last person you want to hear. But I want to say that I'm sorry. I'm sorry I've never protected you from your father all those years ago. I'm sorry I was never around. If you'll let me, I want to make it up to you. If you wish not to ever see me again, I'll respect your choice.

Your mother, Anastasia

"What's that?" asked Harvey.

"It's an apology letter from Mrs. Nashton." I said, "She wants to see him again. She mentioned about his father. Said that she's sorry she never protected him from his father."

"I knew they were hiding something."

Even though it only gives us a hint what his father did to him. It must be something bad if Mrs. Nashton is apologizing for it. So Ed got a hard time from his family as well. Enough to drive him to run away without saying so much of a goodbye to his parents. He must have really hated them.

Not to mention about Ed's disorders. It's no wonder why people would stay away from him. I believe it's mostly because people don't know how do deal with those disorders when they come across it. They would either get freaked out and overwhelmed when they get a demonstration from those disorders. With me, I've dealt with all kinds of people with different types of disorders.

I sometimes have to be gentle with them but at the same time, I can't. Because people who have a disorder don't really want the special treatment. They want to be treated normally like everyone else. It makes them feel not much out of the ordinary, and that comfort that they can be around people without scaring them off. Ed never got that kind of treatment in his entire life.

I'm just disappointed in myself that it took Ed framing me to realize that he needed help. I only I noticed it sooner. None of this wouldn't even have to happen. I tuck the note back into the book and held in my right hand that's placed over my right leg. I looked out the window watching the buildings passed by while I think how Ed is holding up in Arkham.