Forgot to say I welcome feedback. (I won't bore people with endless comments at the beginning of chapters unless needed.) This is a "what if", most of my stuff is.Alternate Universe if you prefer, just to see what I can come up with.I give random last names where I can find no definitive ones.And, no, I own nothing.

2

Jasmine Richards reached up to the left side of her face and rubbed the long scar that ran just in front of her ear. It was a habit she'd developed when thinking, but few of the people in her new department knew what she was touching.

Her plans for college had fallen though along with her relationship with her sister, Zoe. Jasmine had gone to school, intending to become an exclusive designer for Zoe, as soon as Zoe became a model. Zoe's hopes came true, but her increasing behavioral issues drove Jasmine away. Her family had drifted apart over the years, so having a heart to heart or begging help and advice from them was out. Money became an issue, so she sat down and took a hard look at herself, what she really was. She found a few surprises in the soul search, but made her decision. She applied to the Police academe.

Graduating top of her class, she worked her way up to detective. That was when her personal tragedy occurred. Her trust was never given so freely again. She dug a short, hard nail into the puckered line along her face and shoved the thought away.

The move to Gotham had been during this troubled time in her life, and her employment in the police force had been largely due to Bruce Wayne. He had seen some of her old art in an online article about her college. Intrigued and with money to blow, he'd found her in the hospital and made her an offer. If she would create any piece of art he requested, no questions asked or answered, he would see she had a job and home for a year. After that, she should be well enough established to make it without his name to back her.

Jasmine wondered sometimes if it had been the pain killers talking, but she'd agreed. Having Bruce as a personal friend had its advantages, she was forced to admit. He was gradually earning her trust, and even respect, despite the party habits he displayed.

Leaning her forehead against the glass, she watched the interrogation. Another peon; another dime-a-dozen kid trying to make a few bucks and a name with a crime boss. For all his clichés, he had a name and soul. It hurt to understand that. But it would hurt worse to let him go.

Gordon walked in, and stood beside her, his hand in his pockets. For his mousy appearance, he had the spirit of a lion and the courage of a Roman legion. To say Jasmine admired her boss was an understatement. He nodded towards the kid and her current partner Mitchell inside the room. "How's it going?"

"Mitchell's getting ready to lose his temper. The kid's scared, and I don't blame him. Most people who roll over on this particular man don't see their next meal." Jasmine sighed. "Nothing you can't tell, though."

"I have faith in you." He smiled behind his mustache. "You're known for being the daredevil around her. In your last post too, if I read your file correctly, and I'm sure I did. Tell me, what does that stellar instinct say?"

"That he really doesn't know much. He knows one fact, and that is all that's keeping him valuable to us and his silence in all that's keeping him alive." She dropped her hand from her face to the badge on her belt. "He saw something happen, he told me that much. It had nothing to do with his drug deliveries, but it scared the tar out of him. He started crying in the backseat."

"Crying?" Gordon gazed in confusion at the black boy cuffed to the table. "It must have been something horrible."

"I sent some patrol cars to check out the area it could have happened in. Maybe they'll find something."

They watched in silence for a while. Gordon cleared his throat. "Mitchell has asked for another partner. Last week…you scared the heck out of him."

"Yep." Jasmine reached up to her scar again.

"He's the third partner I've assigned you since you were placed under me."

"Yep."

"The fifth you've had since you've arrived."

"Yep."

"Can't you say anything else?"

She turned her green eyes on him and crossed her arms. "What do you want me to say?"

"My officers aren't used to your style. I'm frankly surprised you've been allowed to work this long. Your last psych analysis was barely a pass. I'm not surprised, not many survive an attack like that, let alone come out functional."

Jasmine smiled, knowing what he was angling at. "I'm willing to take another psych evaluation if that would help. I don't expect Bruce Wayne's name to create a career for me. But, I have no intention of explaining myself to partners. Ever."

Gordon frowned in concern. He liked Detective Richards, but he often wondered if she had the stability to handle law enforcement. He drew in a sharp breath.

"When you wrap this up, you're getting a new assignment. I'm putting you on guard detail at Wayne Enterprises. There've been a few…incidents. Lucius Fox can read you in when you get there. And I promise, if you're needed here, I will call you back."

She grinned widely, amused at his attempt at decorum. "You mean I'm a publicity problem. I need to be relocated as a lone wolf or removed entirely from the force."

He shifted uncomfortably. "There are people after your hide, it's the only choice I have that lets me kept you. I mean it, stop laughing. It's not funny, Richards."

She walked over and patted him on the back. "Oh it is, I promise."