Thank you; thank you all who are still reading my story! This is kinda long, I just had the urge to keep writing so I did, there is some with Helena in it, I know she's a tool, but she may be gone soon! I really hope you enjoy this chapter; the next one will hopefully be out sooner than this one.
Chapter Six:Why Am I So Blind With My Eyes Wide Open?
Bad luck; it can happen so many times in a lifetime we begin to think we're cursed. Lightening they say doesn't strike in the same place twice. It's apparently a once in a lifetime thing; we all know that's not the case. It can feel like all that's happening to you is shock; over and over, you start to feel frazzled. Eventually the pain will go away, the shock will wear off. And you start to heal yourself. To recover from something you never saw coming. But, sometimes the odds are in your favour. If you're in just the right place at just the right time you can take a hell of a hit. And still have a shot at surviving. Shock and bad luck it all means the same thing; how are we supposed to handle life if all we get is shocked?
Helena's POV
The worst thing about drink is the morning after; the pain that follows is never a good things, it almost makes you want to give up drink- almost. James' presentation for his medal will be today; it's about time too, no one deserves this more than James. Baby Mathew at one month is still lighter than James ever was but he is still her boy. Madeline... she is still a question mark; the ripped picture is still a question mark. She must be going crazy, that's it; all she had growing up was an old man looking after her what good can that cause someone? The baby cries in the next room and she waits for Rose to go to him; it was hard enough to actually get Maddie to agree he could stay over here.
"Miss Helena? There's a young man at the door for you," it must be Bruce naturally Maddie must have got him to pick up the baby; like she couldn't have made the effort herself.
The young man in the living room is definitely not Bruce Wayne; in fact she's never seen this man before. He stands up and offers her his hand; "Mrs Dawson it's a pleasure to finally meet you, your son told me so much about you."
"James you knew my son?" She gestures for him to sit back down; he does so with ease, looking like he belongs there.
"I knew James and ma'am please believe me when I tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I was one of James work friends, I was at the funeral but I don't think you were there to see me, I did talk to Maddie though."
"Thank you...I'm sorry I didn't catch your name?"
"Oh Brandon my name is Brandon. I just wanted to let you know they assigned James' case to me."
She takes a gulp of 'plain' orange juice; "Case, what case?"
He sighs deeply, showing her the folder he held in his hand; "What case? James was murdered by the Joker, it made a lot of press, important people want answers."
Rose appears in the living room. Holding the gurgling baby; "Oh should I leave you and come back?"
"No, come here, give me Mathew" the maid crosses over the threshold of the door, lowering the baby into her boss's unsteady arms.
"This must be...James' son?" He reaches forward to look at the baby, petting the baby's hand.
"Yes the last memory of my son I have left, such a happy little boy he's one month old now you know. May I ask you what you have regarding James' case?"
He opens the folder; "Commissioner Gordon hasn't really been pro-active in this case, he has yet to properly interview Miss Wayne so I have some questions that need to be filled. Can you tell me anything? Did Madeline speak of the Joker anything that happened with him?"
She struggles with the squirming baby; beckoning Rose over; "She's barely said anything, we've all asked her and nothing. Why would she not say anything about that madman?"
"I don't know ma'am, maybe some things aren't so clear until we work them out." She leans forward now, enjoying the attention "Do you know I even found a photo of James ripped up in her bag? Can you imagine that, my poor boy?"
The man opposite tuts and shakes his head; she likes him more than ever now.
"Perhaps Miss Wayne would benefit from some help? It's clear she may not be capable of looking after your grandson and James' son..."
Now to anyone else this would have seemed crazy, but Helena Dawson has never really been 'all there'.
"You could be right but she has so much power behind her you see... I'm sorry what else do you have to tell me?"
"I have reason to believe that Miss Wayne and the Joker were..." He moves away from the sofa near the photos on the wall. "I'm sorry I could be wrong... but then again I could be so right." Ah that got her attention more, she turns round to face the maid; "Rose go and get Mathew ready for Bruce to pick him up."
Helena speaks up when the maid disappears around the corner; "What, what do you think happened?"
Brandon speaks grimly now, "I haven't spoken of this to anyone, I mean I don't want to drag Miss Wayne's name through the mud, these kind of accusations could get me fired also. I think that they had a consensual relationship if you get what I mean..."
"How can you think this?" Helena demands, "What is it in that freak that would have driven her to that? How could she do that to my son? His son?"
Brandon's eyes side-look to the photo of Mathew on the table, Helena's eyes follow, "No, no not my grandson! He's James' through and through you can tell...you can..."
She collapses onto the chair; "What should I do Mister Brandon? If you can find proof of this then what? She'll take my baby away from me, I can't let people find out he isn't my son's."
He steps forward, the plan working so well; "I have an idea that could put both the Joker away and allow you to keep your grandson. I'm close to finding the Joker and when I do I've been ordered to kill on the spot, as for Maddie if it could be proved she wasn't stable..."
For once she catches on quick; she has to do this for her grandson, "I'll do anything you tell me to."
Sam's POV
That was way too easy she was eating out of the palm of his hand, so easy to lead astray and manipulate. The love she has for her grandson and drugs were twisting the truth; she would be so valuable to him. Dumb bitch didn't even check to see if he was an actual cop; even if she did tell people he visited they wouldn't believe her. Wayne's car sped by him, ah out in time, maybe the Joker will even turn up at the award presentation today; make the old lady even more madder than before. Now he had her on his side and her thinking Maddie was going insane...oh boy this was gonna be damn good. There's so much more to it than meets the eye; they're all hiding something and he wants to find out; that bitch ruined his life and now he has to fear the Joker's wrath. This is no way to live hell he didn't even get all the money off the cop she owes him that; the other money is long gone, spent on drugs, drink and women. Who knows he may even turn up to see some of Gotham's finest himself.
Maddie's POV
Today is gonna be hard; personally I've been praying constantly that Jack will turn up and ensure the ceremony won't go ahead, or I could easily make out that Mat's not settling and high tail it outta there quick. Both pretty damn good options, I know using the baby as an excuse what a cliché etc but hell he's my son! I've never really been to one of these things before so I've just dressed simply in a black dress; I mean it's a sad occasion right? He's dead so I can't exactly turn up in bright colours like Jack and expect everyone to be cool. Mat spent the night at Helena's last night in all honesty the only reason I said was a- she caught me when I had just woken up and b- she wouldn't actually look after him Rose would and considering she's raised eight kids I know I'm leaving my son in good hands. Afterwards I'm gonna try and see the Chief; I'm being driven crazy by staying inside all the time, don't get me wrong I love Mat but this stay at home mom thing is so not me; I want to work I always have done and always will want to.
"Maddie guess whose back?" I can't help the smile on my face as I rush downstairs to see them; god one night away from me and already I miss being away from him. Right now said baby is frowning furiously at the toy attached to his carrier; it's purple and green (trust me the irony was not lost on me) and he's obsessed with it, seriously.
"Hey baby how was spending the night at grandma's? She tried to feed you vodka yet?" He glances at me and pouts, more focused on his game.
"Look not even a year old and already ignoring me" Bruce laughs and pushes a bag towards me, I frown thinking it's some kind of present; "You buying me presents now Bruce?"
He rolls his eyes and mutters something about 'magpie' "No, this is your son's blanket which he apparently threw up all over and refused to settle much afterwards."
I laugh, I can't help it, at least people know I'm not making his tempers up; "What did I tell you? I actually feel bad as we all know it was Rose cleaning him up," I grab Jack's shirt off the chair and place it near Mat, for the moment he is distracted, almost smiling at the familiar shirt.
"He really likes that shirt huh?" Bruce nods towards it and I smile; I'm trying to get him used to Jack's scent incase he ever comes visiting again.
"I told you he did, it's the only thing that he really settles with now, I think it's comforting to him." He yawns and his hand curls around the fabric; pulling it close to him.
"How about Alfred stays here with him and just you, me and Helena go to get James' award? I mean he's practically asleep," Ok fine my idea of an exit goes but as long a Bruce is there... "Yeah that's fine as long as Alfred doesn't mind."
"Doesn't mind what Miss Madeline?" We all turn round at the sound of his voice; he has the knack of just appearing out of nowhere.
"If you could look after Mat while we go to the presentation, I don't think it's really any place for a baby," while he says this Bruce throws the changing bag at me, I luckily catch it, rolling my eyes at yet more vitamin tablets inside that Helena insists I should take.
"Of course Miss Madeline, I would be honoured to do so, he's so well behaved, nothing like Master Wayne he was," Bruce about chokes at the sly look Alfred give us both, "I was behaved, I was..charming!"
"Sure you were charming Bruce that's exactly why you always got yelled at and not me," Bruce sticks his tongue out at me, child I think as he turns his attention to Mat who has followed the exchange from person to person with a turn of his head.
"We should get going anyways, Helena will freak if we're late and I have to get back on time." None of us ask why; he's going back out again as Batman; I'm still scared for him, if Jack knew he was my brother I'm now pretty sure he wouldn't hurt Bruce anymore.
"Stephen said he would meet us there and that he'd save us some seats or whatever," I try to say it casually but I can see the glint in Bruce's eyes.
"What?" I ask defensively, "He's just a friend ok he was James' partner for the last couple of years, I've known him a lot longer than that."
Bruce holds his hand up, "Did I say anything? FYI though I like Stephen."
"Oh yeah? Well if you like him so much you sit with him," I just miss the cushion he throws at my head.
Joker's POV
It's useful having Bozo's brother on the force; useful like when you need to 'borrow' a few uniforms to melt in with the others. For once though he's not playing dress up; as soon as he gets the signal...Boom! He does love fireworks and so will everyone else, especially Maddie, he doubts she'd take Mathew to this so he won't get to see him again, once again he had to go to Jane for updates. The van pulled up; Bozo's out of control driving getting them there in record time, he gestures towards the sets of men, "You lot go into the back of the room, make sure no one can get out, Speed and Bozo you're with me, everyone knows what they're doing...don't screw it up." The threat was heard loud and clear, the boss was not in a good mood, he hasn't since he heard about the Cop. He doesn't get the chance to see Maddie, she's probably already in there, not for long doll you may think you belong there but I know exactly where you belong.
"Boss, we got the signal," he turns round to see Bozo dangling his phone in the air, he licks his lips it's...delicious really. He presses the button and the small explosion sounds in the alley way; it's enough to cause panic but not enough to sadly kill anyone. He strolls over to the front door; kicking it open and inhaling the people's fear inside.
"Ladies and Gentlemen I'd calm down if I were you," the room has almost emptied bar a few people; Maddie stands side by side with Wayne and... he curls his lip in disgust another cop.
He walks towards her, ignoring everyone around them; she's put on weight, good the last picture he saw of her she'd gotten worryingly thin he doesn't want her hurting anymore.
"Well, well this is my lucky day what's say you boys?" Maddie looks completely calm, the other cop and Wayne look pissed.
He reaches for her, intent on stealing her away for a few moments; he's soon stopped by a hit to the jaw from Wayne; who knew the playboy could punch so well? Speed steps forward, behind Wayne and delivers a well aimed hit to the jaw; the playboy yelps in pain, his eyes narrow at the injuries he has... injuries the bat has...
"Now look what you've gone and done... Bruce, I wasn't gonna hurt her! Can't have anyone hurting what's mine, can't take her away from her kid now can I?" Maddie looks torn between them both; yet she still stands and holds Wayne's jaw in her hands.
"I er told you I'd be back," he directs this at Maddie who almost nods in understanding.
He turns around to the Commissioner, "Well, well Gordon I hear your best buds with the bat so share this with him, have er fun." He throws the envelope at Gordon's feet, kneeling down to pick up the Cop's award from where it fell, he eyes it, it disgust him, this whole thing does. Looks breakable, he muses he drops it back on the floor, feeling satisfaction when it crunches beneath him.
"Can't you leave people alone for once? We're celebrating a good cop today, what's wrong with you?" Gordon's outburst stops him in his tracks, he turns slowly Maddie shakes her head 'no' at him, relax doll.
"Good cop huh? I don't think you'll be talking like that much longer, Jimmy boy. Just do as you're told and we'll get along just great!"
He looks at Maddie again, so beautiful, she belongs to him, he always holds onto what's his. Titling his head in farewell at her he leaves, the rest of his men will give him a moment before they follow. He needs to start seeing her more; for two months they were inseparable nothing can change that now.
Maddie's POV
Seeing him in action, like for the first time ever was interesting; on one hand I wanted to scream at him for what he did to Bruce but on the other hand the way he talks and acts...so charismatic, so in control, yeah I'm practically drooling here. Gordon wouldn't reveal to us what Jack had given him, Bruce may tell me later though I highly doubt it, anything to do with the Joker and he wraps me up in cotton wool. The hospital car park still creeps me out, I stay in my car for a few moments more; breathing deeply, there's nothing to be scared of it's stupid. Who is out there to hurt me now? I look out of my window and my breath catches as someone walks by me; it's James. I undo my seat belt and run, he goes around the corner to the lifts and I follow, I round the corner and he's gone. There's no way he could have gotten into the lift in that time. He died, it couldn't have been him, he died. Even repeating that it doesn't settle me; it was him I swear it was, it could have been no one else.
"Maddie..."
I whip around; almost losing balance; once again no one is there, I'm so tired that must be it, I've not slept properly since before Mat was born. I walk back to my car, my bag poised should anyone come up behind me. My car has been left alone thank god I did run away without locking it, I check the ignition for my keys; they're not there. I look around, they must have fallen out, they have my house keys everything attached to them. I try to calm myself down; I must have taken them with me without knowing and dropped them, Bruce will flip. I pull out my cell phone; I can't just leave my car here forever on its own. I text Bruce, I'm not having him yell at me it's not like I've written the car off. The security guards hut is thankfully on this level; I know Brian well he'll look after the car.
I knock on the door, looking down at my phone when it goes off, "Hi Brain, I lost my car keys before I could lock the door can you watch it for me before Bruce gets here?"
"Sure thing Maddie, you er miss me?"
I look up and stumble back; James' hand reaches towards me, "No!"
"Maddie you ok darling?" I look at him again, this time I actually see Brain's face.
"Yeah...yeah I'm fine sorry I was just..." I trail off, what the hell is going on?
Thankfully he smiles at me instead of whipping out his stun gun, "I bet you're tired huh? My wife was the same when she had our daughter, it gets better Maddie. I'll wait here for Bruce ok? You take care." He grips my hand and I clench onto it; I'm freaking out right now.
"You say Hi to Katie and the kids for me ok?"
"I will do darling you carry on doing great with that little man of yours ok?"
I smile and walk off, my heart hammering, I could have sworn I saw James, I heard him and I saw him. I even smelt his cologne that he always insisted on wearing; everything I've ever known about him I felt today.
I push the button to go down turning to ask the man next to me what floor he wanted, "I think we're both going to the same place."
His hand goes to my much smaller one and twists the wrist; he forces me to look at him, I can feel the hot tears welling up in my eyes, "Maddie, Maddie what am I gonna do with you? You deserve this."
"Leave me alone!" I cry throwing James away from me; I open my eyes and the old man next to me runs off. I slid down the wall; this isn't me, why do I keep seeing him?
Guilt is a cruel mistress...
Oh my, don't worry I have much going on with this story; it's hopefully gonna be all kinds of good. Any questions etc will be answered, reviews are as always welcome! I hope you're all still enjoying my story thank you to all of you!
Feels-Like-Paradise.