A Storm Rising

Chapter 3

Nygma

I turned before leaving Oswald at the door.

"Look, if Jim doesn't show up for work, every cop will be out there looking for him, so you will need to take care of that."

With that said, I turned and headed down the alley. I lifted the collar of his shirt as I walked and breathed in the scent for a moment.

I shook my head and headed to my apartment, I had lied about going into work. In fact, I didn't start work until a few hours from now. I entered my apartment which was modestly decorated, everything had a place, everything was dust free, and organized. It made me seem neurotic; which wasn't far off from the truth. I enjoyed clean spaces, what could I say?

I dropped my tool bag by the door and just sunk to my knees in the middle of my living room. I then sat down and wrapped my arms around my knees staring into space as I began to rock back and forth. Soon after I clutched patches of hair on my head with my hands and closed my eyes and continued to rock.

After my small episode, I drug myself into the shower and scrubbed myself clean. After the shower, I pulled on a new clean shirt and slacks for work. I was going to miss the green shirt I left behind for Oswald; it was going to be so big on him. I was taller, long armed, where he was not. His shirt looked strange on my form. I put on my tie and fixed my glasses on my face before heading out to the subway.

Cobblepot's shirt lay on the end of my bed.

Oswald

My head drooped and I snapped back awake. I sat straight up in the chair and looked around left and right quickly. No one but me and Jim Gordon lying on the table in front of me. I stood up and hobbled up to the table and stared down at Jim.

His breathing had eased and his face looked so at peace considering the ordeal he had been through in the past 24 hours. His eyelids fluttered. He sat up abruptly eyes wide open. He sucked in a large breath and then held his left side. "Ow, I feel like I was hit by a car." He rubbed the back of his neck with his right hand.

I had jumped back from the table when Jim shot up. I rushed back to him to stop him of moving too quickly. I blocked him with my outstretched arms.

"Jim, my dear friend, we are in a safe place. No need to fear. Please rest here for just a few more minutes. Nygma just stitched you up."

"Nygma did what, Cobblepot?" He asked still adjusting to where he was.

"Jim, you called me last evening. When I arrived, you were in bad shape. You were already passed out. I brought you back here and snuck Nygma here to help fix you up." I replied.

"I need to go." Jim said slow pushing himself off the table grimacing with every moment. He slowly began gathering his effects from the other small side table.

"Goddamn it, Jim! Please listen to me! Fish or someone connected to her nearly killed you last night! You are no fit state to return to the station!" I yelled out in frustration. I stood in front of him attempting to block his path.

"Move, Cobblepot!" He said through gritted teeth, his face in front of mine.

I stepped aside,"Jim at least let walk you out. This is a maze to keep unwanted persons out." I grabbed his arm and lead him to the front door. "Take care, Jim. Please do take it easy out there until you are back to full health."

"I will." He replied looking over his shoulder as he pushed the door open. As I watched Jim fade into the horizon, I pulled out my cellphone,"Hey Neg, it's me..."

Nygma 

I was sitting in my office analyzing blood samples but my mind kept wandering thinking about last night and early this morning.