Disclaimer:

I do not own the characters in the story. DC Comics owns them. I am making no profit from this story. It is written simply to enjoy. Thanks!

Chapter 19

Bruce came home shortly after 1am. The nagging feeling that something wasn't right still lingered in his being, but there was no solid reason for it to. Bruce ran his fingers through his wet hair and continued to wash himself. The shower felt so good upon his strained muscles. Barbara used to give me a massage when I would come back from patrolling, he thought. Actually, he thought with a smile we used to give one to each other. The thought caused him to feel aroused. God, how long has it been since he had been with a woman? Over a year at least, he thought. Even Barbara had moved on. Bruce growled at the thought of someone else touching her. It was not his decision. He had relinquished her love long ago. But maybe…maybe there was still time to win her back.

Bruce emerged from the shower a changed man. Not just physically but emotionally as well. He had resigned in his soul to stop being the Bat. He could do it. He had done it before. The Joker was a ruthless man, but not unlike any other the police had dealt with before. Let someone like Dick Grayson handle it. Bruce had better things to do. He had a family now. Bruce bounded up the steps quite resolved with this issue when he saw Alfred standing at the top of the master staircase. Bruce pulled his maroon robe tighter around his body protecting it from the sudden chill that passed through him.

"What is it, Alfred."

Alfred held out a tuxedo, freshly pressed for Bruce to see.

"It is your dry-cleaning sir."

Bruce gave an amused smile.

"Don't tell me you stayed up until 2am to give me my dry-cleaning?"

Alfred shook his head ignoring the sarcastic comment.

"It was what was in the pocket of the jacket."

Bruce looked confused.

"Alfred didn't' we wash that before and there was nothing in it last time?"

Alfred shook his head.

"I am afraid, sir that in all of the "commotion "of last year, the jacket was put away but, never cleaned until now, after the police gala from the other night."

Alfred reached over to hand Bruce what looked like a letter. Bruce stretched out a tentative hand to grasp it. Alfred bowed his head.

"I am sorry that it wasn't found sooner, sir."

Bruce watched Alfred walk away. Bruce looked down and saw the letter. Although, it was never opened, even Alfred could tell the handwriting on it: it was James Gordon's.

Bruce sat down in the study and began to read.

Dear Bruce:

I am hoping that you will never read this because if you are that means I wasn't around to tell you personally. I know who the Joker is: it's Jared Prentz. It might not mean anything to you now since the Batman is retired, but I still rely heavily on your confidence and opinion. I met with him not too long ago. He told me that I was to retire. He said that he needed the police force to become corrupt the way it was a few years ago. When you and I came around, it wasn't like that anymore. I of course scoffed at the idea until he told me that he knew something. He said he knew who you were.

I told him I would never give him the satisfaction of retiring for that. I knew that you wouldn't' want me to. I thought if I could get to you before he told the world and that we could figure something out. That's when he threw another curve and threatened Barbara. I knew that I couldn't take a chance with that even though I know how strong she is and that you and I would do our best to protect her. The paternal instinct kicked in, you know? I decided to retire. That's why I kept making up excuses when everyone asked me why. I could never tell them the real reason. After the gala, I planned on telling you the truth, but just in case Jared changed his mind about our agreement, I slipped you this letter. Now you know, Bruce. I am sorry to have to bring you back, but I don't' know who else to trust with this. Keep yourself safe and protect my daughter and future grandchild.

Love,

Jim

Bruce looked up from the letter. Jared knows who I am. He is waiting just waiting, but for what? God, if only he had gotten this sooner. So much could have been different. Then Bruce reread the last line. …."Protect my daughter and grandchild…." He knew. How did Jim know? Then it hit Bruce what the feeling he had been getting was for Barbara. Barbara needed help.