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The next day at work I am being questioned by Bullock about where James was when Barbra came walking up to the two of us.
“Thank god I found you. Have either of you heard from James?” She asked.
“No, why is something wrong?” I asked her as I was starting to wonder what the hell Fish did to him.
“James went for a walk last night, and he never came back.” She told us, and I had to hold back my frustration with Fish and pretend to be concerned. “Have you heard from him? I’m really worried about him.” She continued.
“He’s on a stake-out.” Bullock liked to her. “Yeah, his phone probably ran out of juice, it all.” He told her.
“Oh.” She responded as if she believed what he had told her.
There was no way he would spend all night out on a stake-out and not tell Barbra. He was always so considerate of her. I hoped they would hurry up and get married so I could officially call her my sister.
“Right, well, that’s a relief.” She said as she released the breath, she seemed to be holding in. “Thank you.”
“No problem.” He answered, and she quickly hurried out.
“Why would you lie to her. James is not on a stake-out?” I asked him.
“There's no need to worry her until we know where James is.” He answered.
“About that, I may nowhere he is,” I told him.
“Where, what do you know?” He asked me.
“Well, last night we went to see Fish. There was an altercation.” I told him.
“What kind of altercation?” He asked.
“He threatened her, and she hit him over the head with a lamp,” I answered.
“And you're just telling me this now?” He yelled at me.
“I’m sorry, I was scared. She threatened me, told me she would kill us both if I said anything to anyone. Its Jim, you know him. I just figured he would handle it, and I would not have to worry but if he's not home yet it’s time to worry. That’s why I'm telling you now. If I thought he would be in real danger, I would have never left.” I told him as I started to cry and shake slightly.
“Okay enough. Shut up. Let's go get your idiotic brother.” He said as he grabbed his hat.
As he hurried towards the door, I followed him and at this moment realized Fish was going to be a problem. Befriending her was not going to be enough to keep her in line. I would have to find a way to get rid of her. Luckily, I already knew where to start, with a young unappropriated boy named Oswald.
“Where are we going?” I asked him as we drove around.
“If Fish has him, I know where he is. That’s all that matters.” He answered.
“Do I get a gun?” I asked.
“No, why would you think I would give you a gun?” He asked.
“You might need back up, and my good looks aren't going to keep you alive,” I answered.
“Don’t you mean us?” He asked.
“Isn't that what I said?” I asked catching my mistake.
“No.” He answered as he continued to stare at the road.
About twenty minutes later we pulled up in front of an old building. From the outside, there was no way to tell what this building was. The second we walked in through the front door. I had a good idea. The stench hit me before I could see anything. It smelt like pure death. We walked in, and I realized we were in some sort of butcher shop. Dead animals were hanging from every inch of the building. And in the middle of them, all was James. He was strung up by his ankle. Slowly spinning around completely helpless. Butch and some others stood near him. Another man was recording this. It was apparent they were going to kill him and send a message to the G.C.P.D. about butting into Fish’s business. My blood started to boil at the thought of someone thinking they can get away with hurting my brother. He was my blood, my family and to hurt him would be the same as hurting me.
“Hey, Butch,” Bullock called out stopping everyone in their tracks as they turned to see the two of us standing there.
“Harvey, Kylie.” He said with his hands on his hips as we walked over to him.
“Who told you we’d be here?” He asked.
“Everybody knows this is where you take your problems.” He answered.
“Which is disgusting, people eat these,” I said pointing to the animals. “Cross contamination is no joke,” I told him causing Bullock to roll his eyes.
“Okay,” He said as he looked away from me and pointed to James. “That’s my partner you got there.”
“Ex-partner.” Butch corrected him.
“Over my dead body,” I said as I took a step forward only to be stopped by Bullock.
“Calm down, what is wrong with you Gordons. Do you all have a death wish or just you two?” He asked.
“I would say its genetic considering where the only two left,” I answered.
“God, you're both going to get me killed.” He said to me before turning back to Butch. “Let me talk to Fish.” He told him.
Butch did not look happy, but he did what Bullock said and dialed Fish.
“Bullock and Kylie showed up at the plant.” He told her. “Wants to talk to you.”
A few seconds later Butch handed Bullock the phone.
“Don’t be like that.” He responded to whatever she said.
If I had to guess I would say she is not happy to hear his voice.
“Listen, you gotta let my boy go.” He told her. “How long we been friends?” He asked her.
“The kid’s not your problem. He was shipped to the frame by Major Crimes, they’ll be coming after you.” He told her then there was a pause as she answered him.
“The usual way, I guess. Somebody talked.” He told her as he looked to Butch.
“That’s what everybody says.” He said to him as she probably was in denial about someone ratting on her.
“Listen, you gotta let my boy go.” He said again.
“You kill my partner. I gotta come after you.” He told her, and I wanted to slap him. James threatening her was what started this mess.
“I don’t wanna do it, but how am I gonna look…you kill my partner. I don’t make a move?” He asked her.
“I promise.” He answered her a few seconds later.
He then walked over and handed Butch the phone.
“You got it,” Butch said before hanging up.
I could tell by the happy look in his face that whatever was about to happen no good.
“How you doing?” James asked us.
“I’m good. We’re going home.” Bullock told him.
“I doubt that,” I told them as I looked to Butch.
Before Bullock could even turn around Butch smacked him over the head with something knocking him unconscious. Butch then turned and looked to me.
“Don’t you touch her.” James as he struggled to try and get free to protect me.
“If you hit me, I will cut off the hand that touched me,” I told him.
“Just following the bosses orders.” He answered. “Tie her to the chair!” He yelled to the other goon.
“She wants her to watch,” Butch told him.
The man reached for me grabbing my arm. I quickly twisted out of his grasp. I was always fast on my feet. Quicker, faster, just gently more nimble than most.
“What the fuck, grab her,” Butch said as he started to string up Bullock by his feet as well.
It took two of them to grab me and force me into the chair. Once I was sitting there, Butch held me down as the other men tied me up.
“If you're going to kill him, you might as well kill me, or I will come for you,” I told Butch.
“Kylie shut up!” James yelled at me.
“You may want to listen to your brother little girl,” Butch told me.
“Are we rolling?” Bullock asked as he started to come to. “How you doing?” He asked James.
“Been better,” James answered. “Thanks for trying to help.”
“Wish I hadn’t,” Butch told him as he looked around the room, his eyes stopping on me only momentarily.
“Did you just slap my hand?” One of the guys yelled at Butch as the two of them fought over the camera.
“Hey, Butch!” Bullock yelled.
“Save your breath. If it was up to me, you’d get a bullet in the dead and a decent funeral. But Fish has her ways.” He told Bullock.
“Yo, Franky! Showtime.” Butch yelled out as he looked off into the other side of the room.
We looked in that direction as a man in a chain meal gown, and a black leather mask turned the corner. He was genuinely intimidating, like a crazy executioner. He walked over to the table and moved his hand over all the weapons that lay on top of it. He grabbed a meat cleaver and quickened his pace towards them. Before he could reach the two of them, the loading dock door started opening. Four men hurried in. The headlights from the car behind them blinded us all. Before anyone had any time to react the four of them opened fire. The others raised their guns but were not quick enough. They easily gunned down our captors. Everyone except Butch who stood there with his hands raised above his head. I could not help but smile at him. Hoping that he was next.
Once the shooting stopped an old man who just oozed power walked into the room. He walked right up to Butch who was scared beyond belief.
“Don Falcone,” Butch said as he lowered his arms slowly.
I could not believe that this was Don Falcone. He was here, and he was helping us. The real question was why?
“Forgive me, young man, I forget what your name is,” Falcone said to him. “Or perhaps I never knew it.”
“Gilzean, sir,” Butch answered.
I could not control the weird noise that came out of my mouth as I rolled my eyes at him.
Falcone looked over Butches shoulder to me who was still tied to the chair.
“Do you have something to say?” He asked me.
“He goes by Butch. Tells everyone to call him but now he's scared shitless, and he gets all formal. Gilzean my ass.” I answered getting a what the hell look from James.
Falcone grinned slightly before turning his attention back to Butch.
“Butch. Tell Miss Mooney she’s too impetuous. If she wants to kill policemen, she has to ask permission.” Falcone told him.
“Yes, sir,” Butch answered him.
Falcone walked over and crouched down in front of James, and Bullock looking them in the eyes as he continued.
“There are rules.” He told James before getting up and walking away.
“Cut them down and untie the girl.” He told his men as he walked by them.
“My names Kylie!” I yelled out after him.
He stopped walking for a split second as he registered what I said. He did not say anything or turn around; he just continued as if I had said nothing.
“That’s right; there are rules,” Bullock yelled out at Butch like an idiot.
The men cut them down and then told James and I that Falcone wanted to speak with us. Not like we had a choice. The man runs this town, and he just saved our lives.
“It’s good to meet you, at last, James, and you Kylie unexpected but a pleasant surprise. I knew your father very well.” He told the two of us. “The best DA this city ever had.” He told us, and I could not help but wonder what kind of relationship he had with our father.
“He and I understood each other. There was respect. Friendship, even.” He told us.
“Are you telling us our perfect father was crooked?” I asked him hoping he would say yes, and ruin James’s perfect image of our dad.
“Crooked no,” Falcone answered.
“Friendship?” James asked.
“Trust me, that’s the only reason you’re alive now.” He answered James. “Blood doesn’t lie. I know that when you leave here, you’ll do the right thing.” Falcone told him.
“I will,” James responded. “I’ll tell what I know.”
“Shut up Jim,” I told him, it was my time to tell him to hold his tongue.
“No, it’s all right Kylie. Which is what James?” He said to the two of us.
“I know that you own the police department, probably the mayor too,” James told him. “And I was sure that you had the Wayne’s killed. But if you did, you wouldn’t risk letting me live, would you?”
“You need to learn when to stop talking James,” I whispered to him as I leaned in closer to him.
“I’m not done.” He told me before turning back to Falcone.
“Then again, how did Fish Mooney come to have Martha Wayne’s necklace? A replica?” James asked.
“But if you didn’t have them killed, why frame Mario Pepper?” I asked him.
“Or are you covering up for somebody else?” James asked him.
“Who knows who killed the Wayne’s. Some lowlifes. We needed a culprit before the funeral. Pepper was sacrificed so that the people of Gotham would see swift justice done. So, they can feel safe and secure.” He told us.
“And that matters so much to you,” James said to him.
“Of course,” Falcone answered.
“I’m a businessman. You can’t have organized crime without law and order. I love this city, and I see it going to hell. But I won't let it fall apart without a fight.” He told James.
“You make a life of crime sound very noble,” James answered him.
“You have a hard head, James, just like your father.” He said to James before turning to me. “I have a feeling you take after your mother.” He said to me.
“I’m nothing like my mother,” I responded.
“No, strong, independent, free-spirited and can't be controlled.” He said to me.
He was right, I knew it, but I was not going to admit that I was anything like that ice queen.
“Don’t be self-righteous. Don’t be arrogant.” Falcone told the two of us.
“You want us to keep quiet about all this,” James said.
“I have no problem keeping quiet,” I told him getting the stink eye from James.
“Gotham is on a knife edge. What do you suppose bringing down city hall and the police force will do? Even if you could. Would it make things better?” He asked before placing his hand on James' face and speaking in Italian before walking away.
“Well, that was interesting,” I said to James once we were left alone.
“Where were you?” He asked me.
“Getting back up.” I reminded him that I showed up with Bullock.
“She told me to go home, and that’s what I did. If I disobeyed Fish, I would have been tied up next to you, and no one would have told Bullock you needed to be saved.” I told him.
“Let's go.” He replied as he walked off to find Bullock.
We found Bullock and got into his car. He was supposed to bring us back to the station, but it only took a few minutes for the two of us to realize we were heading somewhere else. It only took a few minutes after that to recognize where we were going. The three of us came to a stop at the Gotham City Docks.
“Look it, Jim,” Bullock said after he parked.
“I’m listening,” James answered.
“I wasn’t being honest with you. But you weren’t ready for the truth. And unfortunately, you have dragged your sister down with you.” He told him.
“You didn’t tell me because you were ashamed,” James responded causing Bullock to get out of the car.
“If he kills us, I will make your afterlife hell,” I informed James before following Bullock out of the car.
“Why are we stopping here?” James asked Bullock as he followed the two of us.
Bullock walked around the car and opened the trunk. Once we opened it a scared and bloody Oswald appeared.
“No, please. Please, I beg of you.” Oswald begged the second he saw the light of day.
“What the fuck is he doing here?” I asked getting Oswald's attention.
“Kylie help me. Please don’t let them hurt me.” He begged.
“Shut up!” Bullock yelled causing Oswald to jump back into the trunk.
It looked like he was going to cry, and I was at my breaking point. I had enough with this day.
“This is the fool that snitched to Montoya and Allen. Falcone wants you to walk him to the end of the pier and put a bullet in his head. And he wants you to watch.” He told the two of us.
“It's incredibly sexist that Falcone wants the man to do the killing and have the woman do nothing but watch,” I told Bullock.
“DO you want to kill him?” Bullock asked confused.
“NO, but the point is I was not even asked,” I told him.
“Well once Jim does this everybody knows you’re with the program,” Bullock told James.
Oswald looked over to me fear in his eyes before looking to James who looked like he was about to explode.
“And if I don’t?” He asked Bullock.
“Then I’m supposed to take you out, your sister and him too.” He answered.
James looked from Bullock to me then to Oswald who was still cowering in fear.
“Here’s the thing, Jim, I like you. I might not have the stomach to do it, but I’ll try. Because if I don’t someone will get to you quick enough. Then they’re gonna get to me, probably Barbara as well. Who knows what you told her?” Bullock said to him.
“I told her nothing,” James said frantically.
“You think Falcone cares?” I told James. “We're so going to die; you’re not killing anyone.”
“Come on; you’ve killed people before,” Bullock said to James.
“That was war!” James yelled as if killing people overseas is any different then killing them here in Gotham.
“This is war! We’re at war with scumbags like him.” Bullock yelled back.
“Well out of all the scumbags I have met Oswald is not one worth dying for,” I told James. Oswald looked hurt by my words.
“Listen to your sister,” Bullock told him. “Sometimes in war, you gotta do a bad thing to do good, right? So, do you do this bad thing, or do you and your sister die and maybe your girl dies?” Bullock said trying to reason with James. “I might be lackadaisical, hmmm? But that’s not a tough call.” Bullock said as he handed James something red causing Oswald to start whimpering.
James reached into the trunk and grabbed hold of Oswald's shirt and pulled him out of the trunk. Pulling him to his feet before he grabbed the red cloth from Bullock.
“Walk,” James told Oswald as he pushed him towards the dock.
Oswald started limping a little more than he usually does towards the end of the dock. James followed closely behind him, and I was only a step behind him. Bullock waited by the car.
“Please, Mr. Gordon, just let me live.” Oswald pleaded. “I’ll do whatever you say, I’ll be your slave for life. Listen to me, there’s a war coming, a terrible war. Falcone is losing his grip, and his rivals are hungry.” Oswald told him as he continued to walk backward. “There will be chaos, rivers of blood in the streets, I know it. I can see it coming. I’m clever that way. And I can help you. I can be a spy.” He said as he tried to reason with James.
“Kylie please, haven’t I been kind to you. Please don’t let your brother kill me. I’m sure he will listen to you if you” He tried, but James cut him off again.
“Don’t talk to her! Shut up!” He yelled at him again.
“Turn around.” He told Oswald.
When he did not listen, James forced him around and placed the gun at the back of his skull. I stepped up next to him, close enough that I could whisper to him and not be heard by Bullock but far enough away to know that it would not look like I was talking to him.
“For God’s sake, have mercy,” Oswald said.
“James don’t do this. This is not you, and there's no coming back from this, not for you.” I told him.
He looked at me for a second before turning back to Oswald.
“They’ll kill you.” He answered.
“No, they won't. You don’t have to kill him. You just have to make Bullock think you did.” I told him before taking a few steps back with my hand to my mouth pretending like I was scared and upset as to what was happening in front of me.
“Don’t ever come back to Gotham,” James whispered in Oswald's ear.
James took a step back and then shot his gun off right near Oswald's head as he pushed him into the water. I made sure to let out a little scream as if I was terrified as to what was happening. Oswald swam under the dock as James looked past my crying face to Bullock.
The three of us got back into the car. No one said a single word all the way to the station. Once we were there, I quickly tried to get out of the car, but Bullock stopped me.
“Are we good?” He asked me.
“What are you talking about?” I asked him.
“Are you going to be able to keep this between us?” He asked, and James looked back at me to see my answer.
“Of course. I’m not an idiot. If I say anything to anyone, James will go to jail. I don’t want that.” I answered before stepping out of the car and then made my way inside.
Once I was inside Edward hurried over to me.
“Where have you been all day?” He asked as he looked over my appearance his eyes settled on the marks on my wrists from the ropes that had me tied.
“Are you okay? What happened?” He asked as he reached for my hand.
I quickly pulled it away and looked around the bullpen.
“Not hear,” I told him as I made sure no one was listing.
“I’m going to gather my things, and you can drive me home. I'll tell you all about my day on the way.” I told him.
“Yes, ma’am.” He answered as the two of us hurried off to get our stuff.
