I'm done with my physical therapy but my knee is still sore and I still have a bit of a limp to it, so I scheduled an appointment with the orthopedist to ask him what he suggests. I've also been sick with Covid-19, which really affected my asthma. Ugh, I feel like I can't catch a break

The First Steps

When Leo and Sofia got back to the mansion Sofia then knelt down in front of Leo and said, "Leo, do you like Martin?"

Leo smiled and said, "Yes, I do, he's really nice."

"That's good," Sofia said and then touched his cheek, "But remember what I've always told you about friends?"

"That they can hurt you," Leo answers with a frown.

"Yes. Martin may seem like your friend now, but it won't always be that way," Sofia said.

"But Mama..." Leo tried to speak, but Sofia interrupted.

"Leo, what do I always say?" Sofia asks in a firm voice.

"Mother always knows best and I must listen to you," Leo answers.

"That's right," Sofia said cupping Leo's face in her hands, "I know you're still too young to understand this, but I'm only trying to protect you."

"Yes, Mama," Leo said softly.

"Good. Now I'm going to get ready to go to lunch with Penguin and I trust you'll be working on your homework your tutor gave you?" Sofia said with a knowing look. Leo nods. Sofia smiled and then kissed her son, "Good boy. Also the cook will be making you grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch." Then she left to get ready to go to lunch with Penguin.

A few days later, Leo was reading one of his math books while his mom was talking with Penguin. They just came back from dinner and Leo went with them too.

"I was raised to be a gentleman," Oswald said to Sofia.

"But you're also practical," Sofia replied, "We were seen at dinner, as we have been the past three nights. All of Gotham knows you have the support of the Falcone family. And I'm fairly certain no one's watching us now."

When Leo looked up from his math book, he saw Jim Gordon was there, hiding behind the wall and listening to them. Leo then looked back at his mom and Mr. Cobblepot, he wanted to tell his mom, but he wasn't sure if he should with Oswald with them. What if he got mad?

"I...I just... I just like to know where I stand," Sofia said.

"This isn't easy for me," Oswald admits, "To have someone I can trust. A real friend."

Sofia smiled, "You can trust me. Let's have lunch tomorrow, just us," Sofia suggests, "I'll have someone watch Leo."

"Till then," Oswald said and then left.

"Mommy, the detective is here," Leo informed Sofia.

"Hmm." Sofia mused.

Jim then made his presence known and said, "Hi."

Leo got closer to Sofia and Sofia hugged her and said "Leo, baby, it's okay."

Then Jim said, "Hi Leo."

Leo held onto Sofia more tightly and let out a little whimper.

Sofia smiled at Leo and said gently, "Oh honey it's okay." She then ran her fingers through Leo's blond hair.

Jim then knelt down in front of Leo and said, "Do you mind if you could give me a couple minutes alone with your mommy?"

Leo looked up at Sofia and she smiled at him and said, "It's okay little lion, Mommy will be okay. Why don't you go upstairs and put your pajamas on?"

Leo was hesitant to leave his mom alone with the police detective, but he did what he was told and walked upstairs to his bedroom.

After Leo was gone, Sofia said, "Go ahead."

"So how was the dinner?" Jim asks.

"How long have you been here?" Sofia counters.

Jim responded, "Long enough. It's time you tell me what you're planning."

"This again?" Sofia frowned.

"Ever since you've come to Gotham, all you've done is make Oswald stronger," Jim said to her, "It's time I know your end game and if you're involving that little boy."

"And if I refuse?" Sofia asks calmly.

"I'll put you both on a train home," Jim responds.

"Oh Jim, what kind of mother do you think I am?" Sofia responds, "My son is six years old, he's not involved but I want to make you a promise. In a matter of days, I'll have Cobblepot in the palm of my hand. If I fail, I'll stay, I'll go whatever you want."

Then Jim looked hesitant and Sofia said, "Now is that all?"

"Yes," Jim answers, he then walked out.

Sofia then went upstairs to her son's room and found him already in his pajamas and had his stuffed lion.

"How would you feel about coming with Mommy to the orphanage tomorrow my little lion?" Sofia asked.

Leo nodded eagerly, "Yeah."

"Okay, come on let's finish getting you ready for bed," Sofia said. Leo grabbed his mommy's hand making Sofia smile.