“Good evening Gotham, tonight’s top story: Jack and Janet Drake have once again increased the reward for any information leading to the return of their son, Timothy. The seventeen year old was last seen nearly a month ago now buying a drink from a corner store. If you see or know anything please contact the GCPD, all calls will remain anonymous!”
Jason shifted the duffle bag on his shoulder as he stood behind two nuns who whispered while they shook their heads at the tv screen. He cleared his throat causing them both to jump.
The younger of the two scurried away while the older woman looked him up and down. “Can I help you, son? Bit old to be an alter boy.”
Chucking Jason just smiled, “No, I mean yes. My name is Jason Todd. Someone must have called about my arrival, I’m the new priest.”
“Sister Sue.” Sue held out her hand shaking Jason’s with a firm grip he didn’t expect of someone her age. “You’re too young to be a priest. Follow me.”
Jason stayed a step behind her. “So I’ve been told. We all start somewhere though.” She led him up a hidden stair case behind an old wall up to an apartment behind the church.
Sue unlocked the door, setting the key on the small dining table. “Well, it’s bare bones but surely you’ll find a way to make it feel like home.” Jason set his bag down on the coffee table and inspected the apartment. Bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living space, all small but doable for a single man. “Don’t loose the key! It’s the only one we’ve got.”
Jason nodded the tv catching his eye, his reflection distorted in the black frame. “Sister!” Sue poked her head around the door she was in the middle of closing. “The missing boy you were watching when I first arrived. Should we say a prayer for him? The family?”
Sue shook her head as she strolled up to pat Jason on the shoulder. “I’ll say my penance later tonight, God forgive me. Father, let’s not be naive now. Not everyone deserves a prayer in this city. You’ll learn that quick.”
“I was born and raised in this city, sister.” Jason said coldly. “I may have tired to run but God has brought me back for a reason.”
With a short hum Sue pursed her lips. “Then you know the rich would never do the same for anyone like us.” With that she turned on her heel, the door roughly clicked shut leaving Jason in the middle of the apartment blinking at the cracked paint on the walls.
