Author's Notes- Hey guys, here's the next chapter, enjoy.
Disclaimer- I do not own Gotham.
Chapter 17- At Your Service
Jim stayed in the ICU for a week before he was moved to another room. During that time both Barbara, and Barbara Lee had stopped by to visit him. Harvey definitely came by to update Jim on the case against Penguin, and namely to just check on his friend. Even Selina had stopped by once although it was just to support Barbara, who hated seeing Jim in the condition that he was in. As for the man who shot Jim, he'd apparently skipped town, and as a result there was no way to connect Penguin to the shooting. Which only made everyone even more determined to see him put away for killing Harvey's CI.
Another week went by before Jim was discharged from the hospital. Under the doctor's orders he was to stay in bed, and not exert himself until further notice. Easier said than done when it came to Jim.
Barbara, with Harvey's help, held Jim up as they walked through the doorway to the penthouse. "Easy, easy", Barbara said as they walked inside. Jim squeezed his eyes shut, and yelled out in pain as he moved. His breathing was heavy, and there was sweat on his forehead as he leaned forward. "We're almost there partner", Harvey said in a soft voice as they made their way to the bedroom. Jim didn't say anything as he gasped for air.
At that moment Stacy hurried into the room. "Do you need any help?" Stacy asked them. Barbara looked at her as she continued to support Jim. "No, we got it Stacy, thank you", Barbara said. Stacy nodded then walked back into the nursery, where she'd been before.
Jim, Barbara, and Harvey made it a few more feet before they gave up. Harvey, and Barbara gently laid Jim on the couch. Harvey wiped the sweat off his forehead, "Maybe we should just leave him here", he suggested. Jim had his eyes squeezed shut, "No...I can make it", he gasped in pain as he held his side.
Harvey looked at him as he raised one of his eyebrows, "Are you sure?" He asked in skepticism. Jim still had his eyes squeezed shut, "Yeah", he said. Harvey sighed then with Barbara's help they both grabbed Jim's arms, and supported him upwards. They slowly made their way to the bedroom.
"There we are", Harvey said when they got to the bed. Barbara, and Harvey then helped Jim get into the bed. "Finally", Jim said as he leaned his head back into the pillow. His breathing slowed, and he didn't move. He just laid there.
"Do you need anything?" Harvey asked. Jim slowly shook his head, "No", he said in a quiet voice. Barbara touched his arm, "Try to get some sleep", she said. Jim didn't say anything, his eyes were still closed, and Barbara suspected that he'd already fallen asleep.
Harvey, and Barbara stared at him for a few seconds then they left the room. "Maybe you should hire a nurse", Harvey suggested when they'd reached the living room. Barbara had her arms crossed as she shook her head, "No, I got this", she said. Harvey looked at her in disbelief, "Barbara you don't possibly think that you can take care of him on your own, do you?" He asked. Barbara glared at him, "Yes I do", she said.
"What about Barbara Lee? She needs to be taken care of too. You're telling me that you can take care of them both on your own?" He asked. Barbara's face softened, "I won't be alone, Selina said she'd help, and I have Stacy to help with Barbara Lee", she said. Harvey sighed in defeat, Barbara seemed determined that she could do it, so he knew that there was no point in trying to change her mind. "Well you have me too", he said.
Barbara raised one of her eyebrows, "Really?" She asked. Harvey nodded, "Yeah, I'll stop by to help with Jim, and the little rugrat", he said. "You may have to change some diapers", she said. Harvey shrugged, "I'll do it for Jim", he said.
Barbara stared at him, "Thank you", she said in a quiet voice. "You're welcome", Harvey said as he looked at her. He then turned around to leave. "Harvey", she called out after him. Harvey stopped, and turned around to look back at her. "Yeah?" He asked. "Get Penguin," she said with a glare. A look of determination crossed Harvey's face as he looked at her. "I'll do everything I can to see him put away", he said before he left.
After Harvey left Stacy came back into the living room. "I'm heading out, or do you need me to stay a little later?" Stacy asked. Barbara wiped her face with her hands before she looked at the younger woman, "No, you can go. I got it from here", she said. Stacy looked at her, "Are you sure?" She asked. Barbara nodded, "Yeah", she said softly.
Stacy nodded then she grabbed her coat, and put it on. She walked over to the door but she didn't leave. Stacy looked at her, "I'm glad Commissioner Gordon is out of the hospital", she said. "So, am I", Barbara said. "You think they'll catch whoever was responsible for him getting shot?" Stacy asked. "I don't know but they're doing everything they can to put away Penguin", Barbara said softly.
Stacy left the penthouse, and Barbara sat down on the couch. She put her face in her hands before she sighed then she leaned back. "Barbara", Jim called from the bedroom. Barbara sighed again before she got up, and went to the bedroom.
"Here I am", she said as she walked over to the bed. Jim had his eyes closed but he was still awake, "I need my pills", he said as he referred to his painkillers. "It's not time yet", she said as she adjusted his pillow.
"Damn, well can you help me get under the covers?" He asked. She could hear the pain in his voice. Barbara nodded, "Sure", she said. "Thanks", he said. She didn't say anything back instead helped him sit up then she gently moved him to the side as she pulled back the covers. After that she helped him get under them, Jim yelled out in pain as he moved.
"I'm sorry", she said quickly as she placed the covers over him. Jim's eyes were now open as he laid under the covers, "It's not your fault", he muttered. That was true, it wasn't her fault, it was Penguin's, and it was a shame that Jim couldn't get his hands on him because if he could then he'd wring his neck.
Barbara looked at him, "Do you need anything else?" She asked. Jim gently shook his head, "Where's Barbara Lee at?" He asked. "In the nursery", Barbara said. "I wanna hold her so bad but I don't have the energy", he said in pain. Barbara rubbed his arm, "I understand, maybe later if you're up for it I'll bring her in here to see you", she said. "I'd like that", Jim said in a tired voice. Barbara smiled at him then she left the room.
The next morning Barbara was woken up by the sound of Jim calling her name. "Barbara", he called from the bedroom. "Coming", she called back. She sat up straight, and rubbed her eyes before she looked at the couch. She hadn't meant to fall asleep there but she'd just been so exhausted. After helping Jim she had to tend to Barbara Lee such as holding her when she cried, feeding her, and later bathing her on her own. All the while catering to Jim's every need; Such as bringing him water, making sure he got his painkillers at the right hour, and begging him to eat something which was hard since he had no appetite due to the pain meds. After all that she had no energy, and she just crashed on the couch.
"Barbara", Jim called out again in pain. Barbara sighed as she got up then headed to the bedroom, "I'm here", she said when she got there. Jim looked at her, "I have to go to the bathroom", he told her. "Okay", she said before she walked over to the bed.
Jim wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and she helped him to stand up. They walked to the bathroom. A few minutes later they walked back out, and headed back to the bed.
Barbara gently helped him sit on the bed but before she could help him lay down he started yelling out in pain. He fell forward but Barbara quickly caught him before he could fall off the bed. They stared at each other. "I'm ok", he said after a few seconds. Barbara didn't say anything as she nodded her head then she helped him lay back, and pulled the covers over him.
Jim looked at her, "Did you sleep on the couch?" He asked in confusion. When he'd woken up he didn't see her, and when he looked over at her side of the bed he couldn't help but notice that it didn't look like anybody had slept there. Barbara nodded, "Yeah", she confirmed.
"You shouldn't have done that", he said. "I know but don't worry about me, how are you feeling?" She asked as she changed the subject. Jim sighed as he shifted his gaze towards the covers, "I'm still in pain", he told her. The painkillers helped a little but it still hurt to move.
Barbara smoothed the wrinkles out of the covers, "I'll go get your pills, are you hungry?" She asked as she looked at him. Jim shook his head, "No", he said. Barbara sighed, "Jim, you really have to eat something", she said.
Jim looked at her, "I'll take some water", he said. Barbara glared at him, "You need more than water", she said. "I really need my pills", he said.
"Jim…", she said in a warning tone before he interrupted her. "Barbara I…", he said as he sat up before he stopped then he yelled out in pain. Barbara quickly but gently helped him lay back down on the bed as she shushed him, "It's ok", she whispered. Jim had his eyes squeezed shut, "Pills...Please", he gasped out in pain. "Okay, I'll go get them", she said softly as she gave him a look of concern then she left the room.
Barbara went over to the counter, and opened up the cabinet that contained the painkillers. She grabbed the bottle, and looked at it before she let out a sigh. Maybe she should hire a nurse, after all it'd help make things easier on her, and she wouldn't feel like she was causing him more pain whenever she was helping him to move.
Barbara continued to look at the bottle as she thought about it some more before she decided against it. She couldn't risk letting somebody, who she didn't know, into the penthouse to help take care of Jim. A part of her was paranoid that Penguin would hire somebody to pose as a nurse to finish Jim off, and even though that scenario was highly unlikely Barbara still couldn't risk it. So, she'd continued to take care of Jim, without the help from a nurse, no matter how hard it was on her.
She took two pills, poured some water in a glass, and went back to the bedroom where Jim was waiting. He looked at her as she walked over to the bed. She handed him the pills, and the glass of water. "Thanks", he said before he popped the pills in his mouth then he washed them down with the water.
Barbara took the glass, and put it on the nightstand. "I'm gonna go make you some breakfast, what do you want to eat?" She asked as she looked at him. "I'm not hungry", he said as he stared at the ceiling.
Barbara glared at him, "Jim, I am not having you starve to death, now what do you want to eat?" She asked him in frustration. Jim sighed, there was no use in arguing with this woman. "I don't know, just make sure it isn't anything solid", he said.
"Will do", she said. At that moment Barbara Lee started to cry. Barbara looked towards the door, she took one last look at Jim, who looked at her, and nodded at her to go then she left.
Barbara hurried to the nursery. She went to the crib, and picked up Barbara Lee. Barbara shushed her, "It's okay sweetie", she cooed. Barbara Lee settled down, and looked around the room as she cooed in her mother's arms.
Barbara smiled at her then planted a kiss on her head. They left the room, and headed to the kitchen. Barbara placed Barbara Lee in the highchair then she went to go make Jim's breakfast.
Barbara Lee looked around the kitchen before she started to whimper. Barbara quickly turned around, and Barbara Lee saw about to pitch a fit. Barbara shushed her as she hurried over to the highchair but Barbara Lee continued to whimper before she just started crying. Tears ran down her scrunched up face as she clenched her fists while kicking her legs.
Barbara scooped her up in her arms, "What's wrong?" She asked as she cooed. Obviously Barbara Lee didn't answer. Barbara bounced her in her arms, "Do you miss daddy?" She asked as she continued to cooed. Barbara Lee just cried so Barbara took that as a yes. "Tell you what, we'll go see him in just a minute", Barbara said. Barbara Lee still cried.
She continued to bounce the baby in her arms before she eventually stopped crying. Barbara smiled then placed her back into the highchair. Barbara Lee cooed, and looked around as her mother finished making breakfast.
Barbara brought a bottle over to Barbara Lee, she picked her up, and held the bottle near her lips. Barbara Lee moved her mouth out of the way as she jerked her head back. Barbara looked at her, "Come on sweetie, I have to feed you first so that I can feed daddy", she cooed. She continued to try to get Barbara Lee to take the bottle but Barbara Lee continued to move her head out of the way.
Barbara glared at her, great, now she had two people that didn't wanna eat. Why was everyone being so difficult? Barbara Lee started to whimper again as she clenched her fists. Barbara started to bounce her in her arms as she shushed her.
Still holding Barbara Lee, Barbara grabbed the oatmeal that she'd made for Jim, placed it on a tray then headed out of the kitchen. As she walked back to the bedroom she made a mental note to get her daughter to eat breakfast after she got Jim to eat. Barbara walked into the room where she found Jim waiting for her. Jim's face lit up when he saw Barbara Lee. "Hi sweetie", he said. Barbara Lee smiled at him.
"How are you feeling?" Barbara asked. "I'm a little sore but the painkillers are kicking in", he said. "Good", Barbara said as she handed him the oatmeal. Jim just stared at it, "Do I have to eat?" He asked as he stirred it with his spoon. "Yeah, and I'm not leaving until you finish it", Barbara said. She hated that she had to treat him like a child but he was leaving her no choice.
Jim sighed as he just stared at the oatmeal. Barbara Lee looked at father, and whimpered as she reached out for him. Jim looked up, and smiled at Barbara Lee. "May I?" He asked as he held out his own hands. Barbara looked at their daughter then back at him, a smirk formed on her face. "Only if you finish your food", Barbara said. Jim's smile faded, "You serious?" He asked her. Barbara kept the smirk on her face, "Yeah", she said.
"That's low", he said. "But effective", Barbara countered. Jim looked at his bowl, he took small bites, and did his best to force it down until he eventually finished. "There, now can I hold her?" He asked as he looked back at her. "Are you sure you have the strength?" Barbara asked. Jim held out his arms, "Yeah", he said quickly.
Barbara didn't say anything else as she handed him Barbara Lee. Jim smiled once she was in his arms, "Hi sweetie", he cooed. Barbara Lee cooed then a big smile formed on his face as Jim gently bounced her in his arms.
Barbara couldn't help but smile at the scene. Jim was such a good, no, he was a great father. It made her sick to think that if her, and Harvey hadn't found him in time then he could've died. But she wasn't gonna think about that right now, Jim was alive, her daughter had her father, and that's all that really mattered.
Barbara Lee started to whimper again. Jim looked at Barbara in concern. "She's hungry", Barbara said. She left then returned a minute later with a bottle, she handed it to Jim. "There you go baby girl", he said with a smile as he started to feed her.
Jim chuckled but stopped when he looked down at his shirt. "What is it?" Barbara asked in concern. Jim looked at her, "My bandages need changing", he answered.
Barbara sighed, "Right, I'll be right back", she said. She took Barbara Lee, when she was done eating then went to grab some bandages. When she came back a few minutes later she was alone. Jim looked at Barbara as she walked over to the bed with the supplies. "I'm glad you took Barbara Lee out of here, she doesn't need to see this", he said as she lifted up his shirt.
Barbara carefully removed the gaze which revealed the bloody stitch area underneath. She dipped the cloth, in a bowl, filled with warm water. Jim winced, and sucked in a deep breath when Barbara started to clean the wound. Barbara looked at him in concern, "Are you ok?" She asked. Jim didn't look at her instead he just stared straight ahead, "Yeah, it just stings", he said. "I'll be more careful", she said. Jim just nodded.
When Barbara was done with the abdomen she moved to the arm then the leg. As she looked at his last bullet wound she thought about all of the times that she'd been shot, and the scars that had developed afterwards. She still had them. They were reminders of the past, reminders of when she was a criminal, of her life of crime. A life that she couldn't go back to, that she had to stay away from, for herself, and her daughter.
Jim noticed that she was in deep thought, "Do they bother you?" He asked as he referred to his own gunshot wounds. His voice snapped her back to reality. She scoffed as she started to gather the supplies. "No, we both know that I've seen worse", she said. Jim nodded in agreement, if anything, after everything she's been through over the last few years, Barbara was anything but squeamish when it came to gunshot wounds.
Barbara finished changing the bandage on his leg. Jim looked at her as she gathered up the supplies. He reached out, and gently grabbed her arm as she turned to leave. She looked at him. "If this is hard on you then just say so", he said with a glare. Barbara glared back, "No, I got this", she said. Why did everybody think that she couldn't handle this? Jim could hear the determination in her voice, and he knew that there was no point in trying to talk her into hiring a nurse. If she wanted to take care of him on her own then she was gonna do it, no matter what.
"Okay", he said as he let go of her arm. "Do you need anything else before I go?" She asked. Jim shook his head as he looked at the ceiling, something he was becoming accustomed to doing. "No, I think I'm gonna take a nap", he said. Barbara just nodded then she left the room.
That afternoon Harvey stopped by to see Jim. He'd spent the first half of his visit talking to Jim, and updating him on the case against Penguin. Apparently the DA was gonna get the trial going sometime at the beginning of the next year but no date was set.
Barbara was happy to hear the news that Penguin was set to go to trial, even though it wasn't for shooting Jim she still felt it was better than nothing. As long as Penguin was in prison. Although, personally she'd rather someone (meaning herself) just kill him. But she knew Jim wanted to take down Penguin the right way, and that meant locking him up.
Barbara sat on the couch as she watched Harvey bounce Barbara Lee in his arms. It was nice to be off her feet. Before Harvey came over she was stretching herself thin trying to take care of both Jim, and their daughter. So, she was grateful for finally getting the chance to rest.
"Thanks for doing this Harvey", she said. A huge smile was spread across Harvey's face as he looked at Barbara Lee then at Barbara. "Are you kidding me? I love spending time with this kid", he said as he kept a huge smile on his face.
Barbara smiled at the scene in front of her; Harvey continued to bounce Barbara Lee in his arms as he tickled her underneath her chin, Barbara Lee giggled. "Kid's looking more, and more like Jim everyday", Harvey said as he looked at the baby. Barbara looked at her daughter, "You're right", she replied in a soft voice. Her daughter did look like Jim; As Barbara continued to look at her she began to wonder if Barbara Lee would act like Jim too when she was older. Would she be brave? Most likely, and that's a trait that Barbara wanted her to have. But what about Jim's other traits? What else would she take after from her father? Would Barbara Lee feel the need to take on so many responsibilities all at once? Would she feel like she needed to be the hero all of the time? Would she throw herself in the middle of danger if it meant not only keeping her loved ones safe but strangers too? All of those things scared Barbara because she wanted her daughter to have as safe a life as possible. One where she wouldn't be scarred for life. A life where she could grow up, and be normal. Go to school, go through typical teenage angst, get a boyfriend, eventually go to college, get married, and have kids. That was the life that Barbara wanted for her daughter. Not a life of crime, or violence but a normal life.
Barbara Lee's giggle broke Barbara out of her thoughts. At that moment there was a knock at the door, Barbara went to go answer it. She opened the door, and saw Selina on the other side.
"Hey Selina", Barbara said. Selina walked inside as Barbara closed the door. "Hey, I thought I'd stop by to see how you guys were doing...Wait, what's he doing here?" Selina asked. Harvey looked at her, "I thought come over, and help with the kid. Give Barbara a break", he answered.
"Yeah, well I'm here to take over", Selina said as she held out her arms. Harvey handed over Barbara Lee. "There you go", he said. Selina smiled at her, "Hey squirt, did you miss me?" She asked. Barbara Lee just smiled, and giggled at her. Selina rubbed their noses together, and Barbara Lee giggled some more.
Harvey looked at them, "Never took you as a person who likes kids", he said. Selina smiled as she held Barbara Lee. "Well Barbara Lee is an exception, aren't you squirt?" Selina asked as she looked at the baby. Harvey smiled as he held out his arms, "Come to Uncle Harvey", he said. Selina kept Barbara Lee out his reach as she glared at him. "No way, I'm playing with her", Selina said. "Well now it's my turn to hold her", Harvey argued as he glared back.
"You've been with her all day, and I just got here so therefore it's my turn", Selina said as she continued to glare at the older man. Harvey growled, "I have not had her all day", he said. "Yes you have", Selina argued. "No I haven't", Harvey argued back.
As Selina, and Harvey argued Barbara Lee looked at the two of them in amusement. She laughed, and clapped her hands as she watched them. Barbara chuckled as she looked at them.
"Barbara", Jim's weak voice called out from the bedroom. Barbara got up, and left the room to go see what was wrong. Meanwhile Harvey, and Selina continued their argument.
Barbara walked into the room, "What's wrong?" She asked. Jim turned his head, and looked at her. "What's going on out there?" Jim asked in a weak voice. "Harvey, and Selina are fighting about who's turn it is to hold Barbara Lee", Barbara said as she gestured her head at the door.
Despite being sore Jim couldn't help but chuckle, Barbara chuckled as well. "How's Barbara Lee handling all that attention?" Jim asked. Barbara smiled, "Honestly, she's loving it", she said. "Of course she does", Jim said.
They two chuckled some more. "Do you need anything?" Barbara asked. "Some water", Jim said. "On it", Barbara said as she grabbed his glass that was on the nightstand.
"Thanks", Jim said. Barbara looked at the clock on the nightstand, and saw that it'd been a while since Jim had eaten. Barbara looked back at him, "What do you want for lunch?" She asked. Jim closed his eyes, and sighed. "Some soup", Jim answered. Barbara raised an eyebrow at him, "No arguing this time?" She asked. Jim opened his eyes, and looked at her. "There's no point in arguing with you", he said. Barbara smirked, "That's right", she said before she left the room.
As days passed, Barbara was finding herself losing sleep. One minute Barbara Lee wanted her attention the next she had to go tend to Jim. She just never seemed to get a full night's sleep. Even trying to get a nap in seemed impossible. At the most she only got five hours of sleep at night, and she was exhausted because of it.
Harvey, and Selina continued to come around along with Stacy who would come over to help which helped to take the load off. But whenever they'd leave it would just be Barbara again, and as a result she barely got any sleep. Which only made her job as a caregiver all the more harder.
Barbara sighed in frustration after she almost tripped over one of Barbara Lee's toys. She picked it up; She was about to throw it at the wall in anger but stopped herself. Instead she picked up the rest of the toys that were on the floor, and put them on the couch as she sat down.
She placed her face in her hands, and sighed again then she leaned her head back. Sleep, she needed sleep, just for a few minutes. Barbara felt her eyelids droop, and she was about to go to sleep when Jim called her name. "Barbara", he called out. Annoyed, Barbara stood up, and headed to the bedroom. Five minutes of sleep, that's all she asked for, just five minutes.
Barbara walked into the room, "Yes?" She asked. "Pills", was all Jim said. "Right", she breathed out as she grabbed his glass from the nightstand. She left then she returned a short time later. Jim took the pills then he looked at her, and noticed the dark circles under her eyes. "You're tired", he noted. "That's an understatement", she said as she took his glass then placed it back on the nightstand.
"I'm sorry", he said as he stared at the ceiling. Barbara sighed as she rubbed her forehead, "Don't be…", she said before he cut her off. Jim looked at her, "I really don't mean to be a burden", he said quickly.
Barbara stared at Jim, and noticed that he had a look of remorse on his face. He was actually blaming himself for getting shot, and being bedridden. "Hey, it is not your fault that you need my help", Barbara said with glare as she hurried to his side. She placed a hand on his shoulder; Jim looked at her hand then at her. "You shouldn't have to take care of me", he said. "But am I, and I want to", she said. Jim narrowed his eyes at her, "Really?" He asked. There was a hint of disbelief in his voice. Barbara nodded, "Yeah, besides you're not gonna find a better nurse than me", she said with a smirk. Jim chuckled at her remark.
The next afternoon Barbara was in the living room when there was a knock at the door. She went to go answer it; Harvey stood on the other side. "Harvey", Barbara greeted. Harvey didn't move instead he gave her a look of sadness. A look that told Barbara that something bad had happened.
"I need to talk to Jim", Harvey said. "He's sleeping", Barbara said. "Barbara, please, it's important, and it's better that he hears it from me than from the news", Harvey said. Barbara didn't say anything else as she stepped out of the way, Harvey walked into the penthouse then he headed into the bedroom.
"Harvey", she called out. Harvey stopped, and turned around to look at her. "Yeah?" Harvey asked. "Be careful when you tell him, he's already been through enough", she said. Harvey nodded in agreement then he continued to head to the bedroom. Barbara followed him but she stopped outside the door. She leaned against the wall so that they wouldn't see her, and listened. Harvey didn't have to tell her what he needed to talk to Jim about, she already knew just based on his tone.
She peered into the room, and saw Harvey gently shake Jim awake. "Jim, hey, wake up", Harvey said quietly. "Harvey, what are you doing here?" Jim asked. Barbara could tell by his voice that Jim wasn't fully awake yet but he would be once Harvey gave him the news. She saw Jim rub his eyes as he stared at his friend. Harvey sighed, "Look Jim I have to tell you something", Harvey said. "What is it?" Jim asked. Harvey sighed again, "It's about Penguin…", he began to say before he was cut off. "What happened? Did he do something else? Did he hurt somebody else?" Jim asked quickly. Barbara shifted her gaze to the floor in sadness, that was just like Jim to worry about others even though he was still recovering from being shot multiple times. "No Jim...Look just listen please", Harvey said. "What is it? Tell me," Jim said. It was obvious that he was getting annoyed that Harvey was leaving him in suspense.
"That DA has dropped the charges against Penguin", Harvey told him. "What?" Jim asked in confusion. "Something happened to the evidence…", Harvey said before he was cut off again. "What happened to it?" Jim asked quickly. "It disappeared Jim, where to, I don't know but without it the DA can't prosecute. I'm sorry partner but Penguin's not going anywhere, at least for now he's not", Harvey said sadly.
Barbara could hear Jim start to breathe heavily. Harvey walked out, and headed towards the door. Barbara followed after him, "Harvey, how did this happen?" She asked with a glare. Harvey turned around, and looked at her. His expression was grim. "The tape showing Penguin killing my CI disappeared from the evidence room, if I had to guess somebody, a cop possibly, on Penguin's payroll, must've stuck in, and stolen it", Harvey explained.
Barbara still had a glare on her face as she looked at him, "How? I thought the GCPD got rid of all the dirty cops", she said. "Some cockroaches are hard to kill, I'm sorry Barbara. Look I'll come by tomorrow, and check on Jim. But if you need anything then call me, I'll be right over", he said then he left the penthouse.
Barbara looked at the floor, and sighed in sadness as she touched the door. She looked back towards the bedroom. As much as she wanted to go in there she knew Jim probably wanted to be alone because he was disappointed. Knowing him he probably felt like a failure, and that this was somehow his fault. Which it wasn't but Jim wouldn't see it that way.
Barbara continued to look towards the bedroom, and against her better judgement she walked in there. She saw him lying in the bed, his face was turned away from the door. If Barbara had to guess, he probably had a sad look on his face.
She walked over to the bed, and stared at his backside. What was she supposed to say? 'Hey Harvey told me what happened, I'm sorry?' That, or how about; ''Don't worry about it Jim, you'll get him next time', Whatever she said, she knew that it wouldn't comfort him because no words could comfort him at that moment. Barbara continued to look at him, "Do you need anything?" She asked in a soft voice. Jim clenched the pillow, "No", he choked out in a whisper.
Barbara gave him a sad look, what was she supposed to do? How could she help fix this situation? She felt useless, and she hated it. Without a word she climbed into the bed, and laid next to him. Jim didn't say anything as she wrapped her arms around him.
Barbara held him close; If he asked for her help then she'd give it to him. Whatever he needed, she'd give it to him. She'd help in any way she could.
Author's Note- So, how'd you like it? Did you love it? Did you like how Barbara took on being Jim's caregiver until he got better? Were you surprised that Penguin got away with it? You can tell me what you think, and thanks for reading.