Gotham: Jerome's Story

Chapter One

As the foggy mist passed over the temporary camp site, the Ringmaster gently knocked on the caravan door as he waited with the Police Officer. You could hear the sound of the keys turning in the lock before the caravan's door barely opened, a curious red headed teen peeping his head round.  

"GCPD." Jim Gordon, The Detective spoke, "I need to speak with Lila."

"She's not here," the boy responded, grabbing his coat before stepping out the caravan, "Why? What's happened?" He questioned with a worried frown upon his face.

The Detective was quick to ask, "Where is she?"

The redhead stumbled as he wrapped up in his coat, "Uh, I don't know... She was supposed to be home ages ago."

"You a relative?" Detective Gordon questioned, watching the boy with a suspicious intent.

"I'm her Son," He nodded, "Jerome."

"Jerome," Gordon repeated, "When did you last see her?" he asked, referring to the whereabouts of Lila Valeska; Jerome's Mother.

Jerome thought for a moment, his hands getting fidgety as he turned back to the Detective and stammered, "This morning... She was here when I left for the library."

"Relax, Jerome," the familiar Ringmaster spoke up in his calm, humble voice, "This gentleman is just here because Owen and Al had a disagreement." he explained to Jerome, attempting to comfort the boy, "Your Mother's fine - gone on a spree, no doubt. You know how she is."

Jim's girlfriend Lee, whom had been standing quietly as the drama unfolds, watched Jerome as he counter-pointed "A spree? Without her hat? Her coat? Her purse?!"

Jim glared between the two of them; he knew something was happening.

"Look at Sheba," Jerome said, his attention being turned to his Mothers' snake which had been held captive in her cage outside of their caravan, "She's distraught - she knows something's wrong." he insisted.

Taking a breath, the Detective agreed, "The snake does seem to be agitated..." 

"Sir," 

Jerome twitched his lip, his gaze turning away as the Ringmaster leaned in closer to Detective Gordon.

"She's what you call a 'party girl'; back in the morning with her knickers in her handbag, sure as eggs!" The Ringmaster said, his whispers clearly agitating Jerome.

Looking away from the emotions expressing themselves on Jerome's face, Jim lifted his lip at the Ringmaster, "But she didn't take her handbag, did she?!"

Feeling as if his voice box had been shut up, the Ringmaster took a step back from the heat.

"How fast does an animal like that move?" Detective Jim Gordon wondered, his eyes wandering over the reptile.

Jerome took notice of the sudden interest, before carefully replying, "Uh, fast walking pace... They rely on surprise mainly."

"Let her out." The Detective demanded, playing on Jerome's words.

Taken aback, Jerome responded with hidden annoyance, "I... I'm sorry?"

Plastering a makeshift smile on his face, Gordon repeated, "Let her out." as Lee wondered what he was doing.