Author’s Note; Hi guys, further Jim Gordon dribble....since it’s Gary Oldman’s birthday today (March 21^st), I’ve decided that it’s Gordon’s birthday too!! This was written in a careless sit-down, so corrections are probably needed!! Big thank you and cuddles to all who stop by! xxx)

-

The Birthday Knight

“SURPRISE!”

Jim Gordon stood back as the choir of voices filled the initially dead office. As the fluorescent camera flashes blinded him, Gordon composed himself and dramatically raised his brows in a bid to appear appropriately shocked.

“Happy birthday Daddy!” came the chimes of two particularly young guests emerging from the crowd that now filled his office.

Jim scooped up Babs with one hand and embraced Jimmy with the other. “Thank you guys....have you two detectives been sneaking behind my back?”

“Yeah!” Babs coyly smiled and shyly buried into his chest. She was delighted at having saw her Daddy getting a super big fright when he came in!

“Do you like it?” Jimmy’s eagerly asked, staring up at him with big blue eyes.

Jim scanned his once-drab office to see a colourful array of balloons and banners adorn the walls. They made a nice change from the bland certificates and official documents which hung behind the decorations! Upon closer inspection, he saw that some were drawn by his children’s small hands. “I love it guys!” he assured

 “Happy Birthday sweetheart,” his wife grinned, making her way towards him. She looked particularly lovely donned in a little black number to celebrate the landmark occasion.

“Did you do all this?” he asked once her red lips left his cheek.  Not only had his children been busy, but Barbara too had utilised her talents and put her culinary expertise to good use. The Commissioner’s busy desk had now become one of a few tables which boasted a variety of chicken, fish, ham, pasta, curries, breads and salads.

“Well, I can’t take all the credit, the kids and I had a little help,” Barbara smiled, standing back to reveal the beaming duo of Detective Stephens and Officer Montoya. “You’re right, they are a good team!”

The Commissioner’s eyes narrowed. So that was who he’d heard his wife whispering the party plans to on the phone! “Really?” he answered, making sure the pair could hear him. “I’ll make sure to remember that!” he issued the promise with a dangerous smirk.

 “C’mon Sir, we couldn’t let the big 5-0 pass without telling everybody!” Montoya insisted. She had come to Gotham after Officer Ramirez’s dismissal and Jim considered her to be a formidable contribution to his ‘Major Crimes’ Unit.

Stephens, on the other hand, didn’t feel the need to defend himself. “I told you I’d get you back for sending me to deal with Mrs. McMahon all the time!”

Gordon couldn’t help but laugh at his friend’s straight face – the thoughts of Gerry constantly having to wrestle the elderly lady’s newspaper from the neighbour’s dog amused him to no end! As of late, Gordon 'had her calls sent straight through to Gerry’s desk every time!

“Jimmy!” came Mayor Garcia’s bright greeting from afar, interrupting any reply the Commissioner was going to offer. “There’s some people here from the Board I want you to meet!”

Placing his daughter’s small feet back down on the floor, he readied himself for what would be a long evening.

-

Taking the final gulp of cold beer, Gordon guessed it was time he headed back inside. Though the numerous guests had been entertaining each other thus far, it wouldn’t be long before someone would come looking for him, wanting to introduce him to another member of the ‘City Arts Council’ or something akin to it.

It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate the party and his guests, because he truly did. He was touched. It was just that he never was one for attention....or surprises. Thankfully, he’d suspected something was being planned a while back. His detective skills were not limited to work, and considering the children’s suspicious questions, Barbara’s suspicious phone calls and his colleagues whispering all week, he’d correctly guessed they were throwing him a party.

He hadn’t, however, counted on there being such a turn out. Among the city officials and high flyers, his relatives, in-laws, neighbours and even some old friends from Chicago all came to celebrate with him. Perhaps he came up to the rooftop to take a breath and let the excitement of below sink in. Or maybe he needed to realise the fact that he was now half a century old!

A wave of guilt then swept him as he considered at having spent at least half of his lifetime as a police officer, and what had he to show for it? Being hailed Gotham’s ‘top cop’ wasn’t quite the compliment it would seem considering the sickening level of corruption still within the GCPD. The mob was quickly reviving under their new boss, christened ‘The Penguin’ by the media and the MCU, ‘The Joker’ had escaped from Arkham once already and Batman was still a wrongly condemned vigilante... and here he was looking forward for a slice of birthday cake!

Tightening up his necktie, he turned from his view of Gotham and began his bid to make a stealthy return to the party. He felt like having another chilled brew.

“Taking a minute, Commissioner?”

Gordon jumped at the sudden realisation of having company. “I really need to get you a new signal...” he said, perhaps more to himself. “Maybe then we can go back to me knowing when to expect you.” Again, he was never one for surprises.

“I was downtown....’The Penguin’ had a few interesting guests at his club,” the dark figure divulged from his perch.

“Anyone we know?” Gordon asked, curiously looking out over his trademark glasses.

“He’s got new friends within the city’s economic scene.”

“Bruce Wayne?” the Commissioner blurted, his tone suggesting it couldn’t be likely. That man was a notorious playboy and far from being a corrupt, power hungry tycoon.

“Roman Sionis,” came the hasty husky reply. “He was negotiating the prospect of ‘The Penguin’ investing in ‘Janus Cosmetics’.”

“Why would he want to let ‘The Penguin’s’ mob in on his business?” Gordon questioned. Since Sionis’ father died a few years back, the young man proved to make the family’s company even more successful. The company had been doing so well that Sionis publicly pledged to surpass the success of ‘Wayne Enterprises’ within the next twelve months.

“We’ll find out.”

The Batman’s pledge allowed Gordon’s concerns to ease. After all, he could afford a few hours off in the event of his birthday when his trusted aide kept things in check. “Don’t suppose you wanna come downstairs?” Jim half smiled, motioning towards the door.

He said nothing for a moment as his cape billowed in the cold March wind. “Why, what’s down there?” came the eventual cautious enquiry.

Gordon slightly shook his head, “Nothing. ...there’s some beer inside if you want one.”

If only he had a little more than the moonlight to aid him, the Commissioner could be sure that he saw the smallest of smiles creep across his ally’s exposed mouth.

The sound of the heavy door opening behind them caused Gordon to turn around to investigate. Checking back on his companion, he saw the new guest had also caused Batman to leave.

“Here you are!” she exclaimed, carefully stepping across the wires and random debris in her heels. “I was wondering where you’d got to!”

Moving towards her, Jim met his wife with open arms. “How is everybody managing downstairs?”

“Well, your daughter entertained your guests with her ‘Polly had a Dolly’ song, your Uncle Martin is in the middle of his usual medley and Vicki Vale has been gathering everyone for photos, so, at the minute, there’s a search party going on for you!”

“I’m sorry honey, I just needed a minute. It’s a lot to take in down there, I got a big shock.”

“Liar!” she accused softly, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You knew all along....”

He made an attempt to protest, but her slender finger against his lips and ‘tashe hindered him. “Jim...” was all she needed to say. For the life of him, the man just couldn't lie.

“Yeah, I knew,” he confessed, unable to stop a sigh and a grin.

“Damnit!” she cursed playfully as her suspicions were realised.

“It’s okay honey,” he teased, shifting to remove his jacket. “After all, you are married to the city’s Commissioner!"

“We really wanted to get you this time!”

“Thank you,” he whispered, kissing her forehead and throwing his jacket around her bared shoulders. “How did you know where to find me?”

“Well, you don’t stay married to the city’s Commissioner and learn nothing!” she jibed, evaluating the area around her. “I can’t believe you trade up evenings with us for standing out here....”

“Hey, I told you....I just lose track of time when I’m working, okay!?” he recited for the umpteenth time. Simple as it sounded, it was genuinely the case.

Barbara rubbed a soft hand against his cheek. “I know honey,” she said sincerely, locking eyes with him before stepping back and opening her purse. “That’s why I got you this!” she said, producing a hand-sized gift and tucking it into his palm.

“What is it?” Jim asked with honest surprise this time.

“Open it....” she excitedly compelled him.

Carefully, he undid the glittering wrapping and pulled out a sturdy box. He then proceeded to slowly lift the hinged lid and look inside. “Barb....Barb its fabulous...,” he struggled.

Barbara wordlessly took the box from him and removed the watch. The back of the clock was engraved, addressed to him and referencing his birthday. Further below was a delicate ‘Love B’. “Now you have no excuse to miss dinner in the evenings!” she smiled, fastening the gold straps around his wrist.

Adjusting his sleeve, Jim held out his hand and stared at the weighty, eloquent piece. “You really shouldn't have Barb...”

She didn’t answer at first, but just gazed into his crystal blue eyes. “I love you James Gordon....” she proclaimed softly, edging forward until their lips were engaged. “Happy Birthday,” she breathed mid-kiss.

 “I love you Barbara,” he simply replied. He could never have wanted any other to share the majority of his 50 years of life, especially when they kissed like this.

“Ahem....,” she pulled back, “you’ll get the rest of your present when we get home.... unwrapped, of course!”

 Gordon tightened his fitted jacket around her slender frame. “So I won’t need to make that wish when I blow out the 50 candles!” he smirked, pressing his forehead against hers.

As their fingers interlocked, the Gordons then moved to return to the party.

“Oh, we might wanna hurry....Bruce Wayne is gonna be arriving soon,” Barbara told as he held the door open for her.

“I didn’t realise you had friends in such high places...” Jim remarked at the unexpected news.

Barbara shrugged. “I don’t, he called me up yesterday and sweetly asked if he could come.”

Before following her back inside, Gordon took a last look across the Police Department rooftop....what if Batman had come back for that beer?

Alas, no shadows stirred in the dark.

Still, the notion of Batman attending his birthday was a curious one.... Maybe next year!

-

A Just Dessert

It had been an eventful evening to say the least. Commissioner Gordon returned to the Gotham City Police Station well-worn after the chase downtown....he and his officers had finally managed to come upon the difficult cat-burglar in the act. The city's latest adversary had attempted to steal the Central Museum’s newest jewel, a ruby-studded Heart which was put on display to coincide with Valentine’s Day.

Though the feline-clad female had managed to escape arrest yet again, it was thanks to the Batman’s arrival that she didn’t take off with the priceless piece.

As Jim Gordon stood in the elevator, sorrowed at the thoughts of arriving back to his busy desk, he couldn’t help but wonder if the Batman was alone on the holiday as he was. Was it wrong that he found comfort in not being the only one bound to work instead of celebrating?

Hastily stepping out of the cubed space and walking down the corridor, the Commissioner only stopped once he reached his secretary’s desk.

“You’re still here?” he greeted in surprise, “I thought you have a dinner with your boyfriend or something?” Just because he had to miss out on the pointless day didn’t mean his staff had to be deprived as well!

The petite brunette didn’t need to be reminded. Snapping shut her make-up mirror, she stood. “I’ve got dinner at 8!” she chirped, putting on her coat. She had gotten ready for her date at work, correctly guessing that her boss would be arriving back to the station usually late. “I’ve left everything marked in your folder, Sir,” she told, pushing it in his direction. “I’ve confirmed your tickets for the Wayne fundraiser, your meeting with the Mayor is put back to Tuesday and if you wa....”

“Thank you Celia,” he stopped her with a grateful nod, putting the blue binder under his arm, “Now go have fun!”

“Okay,” she giggled, reaching for her purse, “Happy Valentine’s Day Sir!”

He paused before replying with much less enthusiasm. “Happy Valentine’s Day Celia.” God, he could just about remember being as young, frivolous and in love on this very day many moons ago. Well, he could be doing worse than still possessing one characteristic out of the three. He was still very much in love with his wife, but life had since taught him to be a little more realistic in his approach....Throughout his marital trials and tribulations, he learned long ago that 'love’ certainly did not mean hearts and flowers!

“Oh, and Sir....” Celia called from afar, causing him to look back. “Your wife adored the bouquet and chocolates!”

Desperately trying not to blush at her very public announcement, he gave an awkward smile before turning back to open his office door. Despite many officers having clocked out, there were some on the computers nearby. Given their wide grins, he supposed they’d heard.

“Alright,” he dismissed, causing them to get back to work. Okay, love didn’t mean hearts and flowers, but they were allowed. ....and, he was a traditional man after all! He was just glad he had the time to place the order with the florist yesterday.

Sighing as he unlocked his office door, he lamented the probability of Stevens and the crew getting wind of his romantic gesture – they wound him up enough as it was.

-

Before he could flip the switch of his grim office light and settle into the mountain of overdue paperwork, Jim opened the door to find a warm candlelight display laid out on his now draped floor.

Advancing inside, he furrowed his brow as he tried to make sense of the surprise, but he was only further confounded at the sound of the door shutting behind him, followed by it being locked. A soft pair of delicate hands then slipped up under his glasses and covered his eyes from behind.

“Hold it right there Officer,” breathed the assailant’s husky voice in his ears.

He instantly eased at recognising the familiar creamy tone. “You do know breaking and entering is a punishable crime, Madame?”

“Don’t worry Commissioner, I’ve got keys.....," she purred, "would you like to frisk me and find them?”

His thin lips curled into a smile under his peppery ‘tashe. “Well, it is official procedure....”

“I suppose you’ll have to ‘cuff me as well?” she continued hopefully, obviously proud of managing to catch the city’s ‘top cop’ off guard.

“That depends on your co-operation ma’am....” he played along earnestly, still renderded blind.

He listened to the silence before her hands travelled from covering his eyes to craftily undoing his restricting tie.

He let her take it off before easing around to face her. “I’m sorry I had to cancel our dinner,” he began sincerely, looking out over his signature glasses to meet her emerald eyes. “I was all set to finish up in here when the call came in. Stevens had already taken the weekend off, and Montoya worked through last night until this afternoon, so I had no one senior enough to deal with the ‘Catwoman’. I had to go down there, but I’ll make it u.....”

“Ssshhh,” she silenced, placing a single finger upon his dry lips. “You can stop with the routine. Its fine, I understand....I figured, given our record, that maybe it was my turn to initiate.”

“What about the kids?”

“Well, since you’ve spent the past three Valentine’s working, I’ve spent the past three Valentine’s minding my sister’s children....I thought she was due to return the favour...”

Satisfied with justice being done, he took a step closer to her and leant forward to kiss.

Though at first she was going to respond, Barbara pulled back and opted to tease him further. She left her husband lingering as she slowly walked over to the culinary display in her heels. “Hungry?” she asked, arching a suggestive brow.

He paused, eyeing her from head to toe. She wore a simple red dress which hugged her shapely curves, and it cut off just slightly above the knee, allowing her long, slender legs to be exposed. “Starving!”

She sat herself down upon the picnic blanket and wordlessly motioned for him to join her. He awkwardly obliged, suddenly becoming conscious of the work load he had brought in with him. Most of his folder contained official files to be processed for the morning.

Prioritising the tempting display of both the dinner and his wife, he placed the paperwork on top of the nearby filing cabinet. He supposed he could come in an hour earlier tomorrow morning...

Thankful of his choosing her, Barbara took him into her arms with a warm smile. Her hands crept inside his tailored dark suit jacket and slid it off his shoulders.

Sitting to dine with her, he unbuttoned his collar and made himself as comfortable as possible.

-

As he tried to pour them both another glass of the Pinot Noir, Barbara giggled as she stuffed the last battered shrimp into her husband’s mouth. The distraction, much to her amusement, caused him to spill some of the red wine on his sleeve.

“Hey hey hey!” he unsuccessfully protested after swallowing. Holding up the stained area, he examined his now damaged favourite shirt. “You wanna spend the night in the MCU cells?” he threatened in a bid to stop her laughing.

“I’m sorry Jim, you’re right. I’ll be good,” she managed to temporarily compose herself, “I guess, its just that...I mean, I guess that I wear my heart on my sleeve!!” she cracked up again.

“Thats it!” he caved, kneeling back down beside her and playfully laying her on the floor under him. God, it was so good to see her like this....for them to have time like this. It had become increasingly rare since his promotion. Seeing her so secure and happy was a primary reason for his working so hard. He didn't want his family to suffer Gotham's troubles.....again.

“Ooh, what’s this... the ol’ good cop bad cop routine?” she persisted, barely able to speak amid her fit of giggles.

It was only when he laced his fingers with hers and silenced her with a kiss that the room fell quiet again.

“Not exactly....” he whispered, reluctantly pulling back from her pillowed lips.

Barbara responded by wrapping her legs around his waist. Her chiselled features softened as she locked with his crystal gaze. “I love you Jim,” she said sombrely.

His response was a heavy sigh before moulding his mouth with hers. “I love you too Barbara....”

Those were the only words she ever needed to hear. Those were the words that gave her the strength to cope on the nights that he didn’t come home.

She reached up and ran her fingers through his thick hair before placing her palm at the back of his neck and pulling him down for a greedy kiss.

His eyes darkened as he became a little aggressive in his style. It wasn’t uncommon for him to grow serious in their lovemaking and it appeared he was becoming adamant to take things heavy tonight. Considering the fact that he was a dedicated man in every sense of the word, it was fair to say James W. Gordon never undertook a significant job half-heartedly.

She shut her eyes in a bid to savour every sensation as his warm mouth trailed along her neck. She managed to unbuckle and remove his belt in her heated impatience.

He placed his arms at the small of her back and pressed her tightly against him, hip to hip. It had been nearly two months since their last interlude, and he was now eager to make up for the lost time.

Suddenly, their laboured breathing was drowned by the shrill ringing of the Commissioner’s phone.

Holding back from swearing, he sat up before rubbing a rough hand down his face. “I have to take it honey,” he apologised.

She simply nodded, propping herself up and trying to tame her mussed red hair as he stumbled over to the desk.

“Gordon....” he answered once he’d cleared his throat. “Noted Officer....can you explain the situation at hand.....”

Knowing better than to eaves-drop in on his formal conversation with one of his crew, Barbara rolled her eyes as she saw him sit into his seat. Oh well, she had him for the hour, it was more than she'd expected.

“Unit five is already out, I suggest you try their radio again...” he ordered, “But I’ll have seven on standby, ready to dispatch when you call them...”

Bored, she sat herself up on the desk on front of him, propping her legs each side of his chair as she indulged in a strawberry from her Valentine’s spread.

As she dipped another in chocolate, however, she noticed Jim’s face suddenly shift. He began to stir in the seat and hastily ended his call. “Okay Officer....thats fine, they’ll be right there....”

He hung up before taking a second glance to the sight before him.

“You have to go?” Barbara asked flatly, already resigned to the fact that he’d been called away.

Jim scratched the back of his neck. “Actually no....one of the squad cars broke down....” he explained matter-of-factly. “They just wanted to be picked up.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it!” he echoed, before standing. He briefly turned to look out at the colourful view from his window, obviously mulling something over in his mind before quickly turning back to her again. “So, let me get this straight.....you’ve not been wearing underwear all evening?”

Barbara suddenly stopped eating. “Well, yeah....” she answered, beginning to blush.

"All evening?"

She nodded gently, reaching out to take his hands into hers. "Well, I thought it would be best if I left it until we'd finished.....we couldn't have you skipping dinner for desert!"

Jim only smirked in response. He never had any doubts about having married a wise woman.

Without any further hesitation or interruptions, the Gordons’ then proceeded to indulge in their very Just Dessert.
 

-

Author’s Note; Thank you SO much to my darling reviewers!! You’ve encouraged me to get working!! LOL!! Cuddles to all who stop by xxx

__________________________________________________________________

Chapter 2

“Barbara, I’m sorry,” he immediately began, hastily closing the door behind him and walking across the space.

She didn’t say anything at first. She simply stood, keeping her arms folded whilst avoiding looking at him.

“I got held up, I had to be there....we were downtown after getting word that the mob had set up shop in one of Gotham High’s old sheds, so we had to search the school and the grounds, but it turned ou.....”


“Jim,” she then interrupted, somewhat quietly. “Its fine, I know.”


“You do?”


“Yes,” she nodded slightly, “Celia told me that you were busy when I came down here. She said something happened in the school and you were out taking care of it.”

Appreciating her understanding, he dropped his files on the desk, “Yeah, we got a supposed leak this morning and we were out until now,” he informed, unsure of where to place himself. He’d expected her to feel the wrath of her red-headed temper and have another argument about his ‘questionable priorities’, but he hadn’t expected her to stand before him like this.... She was actually more upset than angry. Despite all she’d been through the past while, she managed to stay strong for the children’s sake....they’d been shaken up too. But even when she did break down in his arms, Jim had never seen his wife so fragile as she was standing here before him. “I thought maybe you might have caught it on the news,” he continued again, trying for an answer.

She shook her bowed head. “No, I was cleaning out upstairs for the garage sale before I came in to town.”

Another pause. Jim bit his thin lip and lifted a hand to the back of his stiff neck. “Honey, is there something you want to tell me? Are the kids okay?” he suddenly guessed, panicking at the thoughts.

“No, no,” she replied, shaking her head vigorously this time. “They’re fine.”

“Well then please tell me what’s the matter Barb, you’re about to give me a heart attack!” he exclaimed. It should have been obvious why she was so off, he’d stood her up yet again. “I wouldn’t blame you if you were mad at me...,” he said, moving closer to her, “I know, I should have called. I should have told you I wasn’t able to make it.”

Barbara finally lifted her head and met him. She’d been crying. “No, I should have known better.”

“Honey, what are you talking about?” he asked, somewhat stirred by her swollen red eyes.

“I should have known you weren’t going to be there,” she shrugged, still not getting particularly angry. “You’d think after seventeen years of marriage that I’d have learned.”

Here we go. “Barbara, please....,” he began to reason, keeping his voice soft in response to her emotional state, “The only thing you could learn is that I’m a cop and I have to work long hours, I do the best I ca....”

“No Jim, you don’t have to work long hours,” she corrected.

There was no way they were starting up this routine yet again! He sighed before replying, having a brief moment to remain composed. “Well, it’s not because I want to. I didn’t miss lunch on purpose....”

“This isn’t about lunch,” Barbara affirmed, beginning to fidget with the neat pearl necklace cradling around her neck. It had belonged to his mother.

“Honey, talk to me...” he encouraged, “tell me what this is about.”

Barbara released a held breath from rouged lips. She was momentarily silent, wondering how she could best put it. The words had been played through her mind for so long, but she couldn’t have comprehended just how difficult this was.

“The timing is horrible, I know,” she finally began, shutting her eyes. “But I guess the only place I get to see you is here, and I want this to be away from the kids...”

Jim furrowed his brow, “What away from the kids?”

“We’ve tried Jim....I’ve tried, and I’ve been putting this conversation off and putting it off, but I can’t....” she paused, trying her best to talk with her quivering voice. “I can’t do this anymore Jim. We can’t....we can’t keep living the way we’ve been living....”

“This ‘Penguin’ hunt has been exhausting, I know,” he agreed, slicing a hand across the air, “But it’ll be over soon honey, we nearly have him,” he promised, his blue eyes widening in confidence.

Barbara began to take some aimless steps. Her husband was a man of his word when it came to his job, and she believed him. He would make sure that he did catch ‘The Penguin’. “But then there’ll be someone else!” she said, telling his something he already knew. “This won’t all go away Jim, you’ve seen what’s happened this past year....,” she paused, alluding to the horrors with The Joker and Harvey Dent. “You’ll be after someone even worse next time. It’s not going the other way Jim, it’s expanding.”

Before he could muster an answer using his argument of ‘Batman’, she finished.

“I think we need to separate for a while.”

His throat went dry. “Separate?” he repeated coarsely, wincing in utter disbelief. Given all their marital problems and counselling, their fights about moving back to Chicago and even when she took the kids and stayed over at her sisters on occasion, she’d never once threatened to break up. “Barbara, this isn’t the first lunch I’ve missed, but I don....”

“This isn’t about you missing lunch!” she bit in desperation, wishing he’d understand. “It’s about everything you’ve missed.....and today, with a scare in a school.....what if it was Jimmy and Babs’ school, huh?”

He’d already thought of that. It was the first question on his mind when the calls came in earlier.

“I’m losing myself Jim,” she continued, “If I don’t get some normality to sort myself out....”

“Barbara...” he walked forward, placing his hands on her arms, “Barbara, don’t do this....I’ve seen couples separate, they don’t work it out, they...they just grow further apart.”

“I don’t know any other way...,” she choked, a fresh veil of glassy tears forming over her olive eyes, “Please don’t make this harder than it already is Jim, it’s taken everything I have left to do this!”

“Barbara, I love you,” he whispered, his voice failing with the lump that was forming in this throat.

“And I love you, but that’s not what this is about.”

“Then what’s it about?”


“It’s about not having a life. We live in a fishbowl,” she explained, breaking his physical contact, “and maybe you can deal with that, but I can’t, and neither can the kids. We can’t keep living in this fear.”

Jim’s brows fell at her revelation. He didn’t answer right away. Placing his hands in his pockets, he slowly paced a path to behind his desk, trying to register the past few moments.

He had to admit she made a somewhat valid point. Despite his efforts in making Gotham a safe place for his wife and two young kids, it still wasn’t. Even after a year since his family were held at gun point by the city’s once adored District Attorney, they were still limited as to when and where they could go....and what if it was Jimmy and Babs’ school today!? As the Commissioner’s family, they were always going to be a liability. There were only so many times he could fake his death or hope Batman would save the day before something might....

Stopping at the huge window and briefly scanning the city, he turned to meet her again. Unable to speak at first, he gave a gentle nod. “I’ll call by tomorrow when the kids are at school and pick up my things...”

“I didn’t come here to push you out the door, I’m not talking to a lawyer....,” she struggled, now moving closer to him. “I just need to find my centre while I still have one.” She truly didn’t want to hurt him, but she felt this was for the good of the whole family, her husband included.

Doing his best to appear strong and support her decision, he just about managed to force a smile under his salt-and-peppery brown ‘tashe. “Okay, then you do...”

“Yes, I do.....I do,” she trailed off, suddenly turning for the door. Amid the tears that now flowed down her cheeks as she finally broke down, she turned for a last look back before walking through the opened door, “I’m sorry.”

Fighting every urge to stop her, hold her, kiss her, apologise in a desperate bid to keep her, he let her go. After causing and denying them so much, he had to prove he put them first.

Only fit to stand silent in his office after her departure, he lifted a hand to slide under his glasses and pinch the bridge of his nose, catching the stinging tears that were fighting to fall.

-

Chapter One

Jim Gordon briskly made his way up the steps of the Gotham City Police Station, ignoring the pursuing entourage of cameras and reporters behind him. Their unfounded speculations and questions were the least of his concerns as he and his men stepped inside.

"Send out a memo; 'nobody talk to the press'!" Lieutenant Stephens called to the front desk as they walked by. The newly appointed Commissioner didn’t concern himself and his Police Department with Gotham’s media as the late Gillian Loeb had. "Don't worry Sir, they’ll have left by evening..." Stevens assured, trying to keep up with his superior’s speedy pace.

"Yeah, just in time to have the reports up for the 6 o’clock news!" Gordon replied, obviously still sickened with their wasted morning. It was the third wild goose-chase since Sunday. This new mob boss made both his predecessors, Falcone and Maroni, look like boy scouts! His approach was perhaps best described as 'Batman' inspired.

"I want units down on 8th all day," Jim announced, turning to the loyal crew behind him, "and I want squads on the school for the rest of the week."

Diligently disbanding with a 'Yes Sir', the officers immediately set off in carrying out the order.

"I dunno Boss," Stephens said discreetly, pushing the button to open the elevator, "This 'Penguin' guy.....I think we need to start fightin' fire with fire here..."

"I'm going to my Office right now and checking every lead," Gordon offered, "The paperwork is there waiting for me."

His colleague lowered his voice before, "You're not expecting anyone when you get there, are you?"

Jim's response was to look to him out over this trademark glasses with a confused gaze.

"Pointy ears, black cape....," Stephens continued, widening his eyes and raising his brows, "Sleeps upside down!"

"Gerry, I don't......"

"C'mon Jimmy, don't try and tell me he doesn't still call by your window for a midnight meeting..."

Stepping inside the elevator, Gordon dismissed his friend's theory, "Sure he does – but it's only for a nightcap after all his running away....and general gossiping about his life in exile," the Commissioner smirked, finding the button for the top floor. Stephens definitely wasn’t wrong, but given the exposed corruption in his force even after Harvey Dent’s Internal Affairs examinations, Gordon was adamant to play everything close to his chest.

"I'm tellin' ya now Jimmy, we're all behind ya down here," Stephens pledged, following his boss down the corridor, "Just say the word and we'll have that signal back up there...give him a badge for Christ's sakes, anything to get him back!"

Acknowledging the passing officers, Gordon lowered his voice, "Personally I don't see him trading in for our uniform!"

"You gotta get him back boss, this ‘Penguin’ wacko won't be the last! He’s only gon...."

"He's not the first either," Gordon reminded, stopping at his secretary's desk. "I'm dealing with it, okay!?" In order to silence his most trusted aide, he did want to cave and tell him that ‘dealing with it’ did involve Batman....but he decided to honour his and Batman’s ‘on a need-to-know basis’ partnership and say nothing.

So he is in your office!?" Stephens replied excitedly, beyond caring for discretion. He knew Jimmy G too well. “I knew it!”

Remaining loyal to the caped crusader in spite of Stevens’ partially accurate intuition, Gordon rolled his eyes, “He’s nocturnal Gerry, remember...”

“Fine, when you see him tonight, you tell him I’ll do his laundry for a month if it’ll get him back!”

The amused Commissioner simply diverted his attention to his ever-efficient secretary. "Good afternoon Celia, what have you got in store for me for the rest of the day?" he politely greeted.

The young brunette placed his brimming appointment folder on the counter-top. "Your next meeting is at 2 o' clock, Dr. Quinzel is calling down with her latest evaluations in Arkham. You've got the PTA at 3.15 and a conference with the new recruits at 4. Mr. Fox from ‘Wayne Enterprises’ has yet to confirm his 5.30, and here's your list of callbacks...,” she offered the busy sheet, fluttering her lashes, "The Mayor wants you to get back to him as soon as possible."

"That'll be next week then..." Gordon wryly said to himself as he studied the list. “I’m gonna get some paperwork done until Dr. Quinzel arrives, so I’ll let the calls keep coming to you,” he decided, offering Celia a thankful nod. Edging towards his office door, he turned to Stephens with a subtle smile. "So now you know why our meetings are at midnight!

“Oh Sir, I also forgot,” Celia suddenly exclaimed, spinning in her revolving chair, “You had a 1 o’clock lunch with your wife in ‘The Marian’ today....”

The colour left Gordon’s gaunt cheeks as his face fell. Amid all the earlier excitement, he’d completely forgot. “Did she call?” he asked, pulling his cell out of his jacket pocket. There were no messages.

“No,” was all the secretary could reply before Jim released a relieved sigh. Maybe she’d caught his busy morning on the midday bulletin and figured he wouldn’t have been able to make it. “...but she’s in your office,” Celia then finished.

Gordon swallowed hard.

It was now Stevens turn to wear a simpered smirk. “Bet you wish it was the Bat in there now, huh?” he winked, backing away and leaving his now sombre boss to face interrogation.

Author's Note; Hi guys, as promised, I have started a second Jimbo fic. I took the idea for the basic storyline from the 1997 film 'Face/Off' with John Travolta & Nicolas Cage. I'll add my own ideas and make all the relevant changes, but I figured it'd be interesting to swap around the characters and storyline and have Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent for the two leading roles. (God, I'd love to see Gary in a film like that - actually, I'd love to see him in anything and everything - LOL!) So, anyway, the first step is to rewrite the final scene from 'The Dark Knight' in order to establish the deep nature and pivotal point of Gordon and Dent's relationship. Thanks to all who stop by; I am interested to know what you reckon!! Here we go...

Cuddles,

Sheila xxx