Burned Bridges

Damian

As they were leaving, Jason said "If it's all the same with you, since Damian clearly doesn't have school, I could take him back to my house now. Just call when you want me to bring him back."

Alfred smiled "That sounds like a wonderful plan."

Jason led Damian to his SUV and Selina took the passenger seat as they climbed in. "Y'know we're technically brothers, Damian."

"I am aware."

"Just checking."

Jason drove them into Gotham's worst neighborhood, stopping besides a seemingly safe building "Selina?"

"Yes, Tiger?"

"If you ever hear anything, anyway I could help, call. I hate seeing this place so stagnant as the others improve."

"I know, Jason. It's just- you know how it is."

"You can't make people want to change." He sighed "I know. Think, maybe, I could get some people to fix up the public structures? Or is that a bad idea?"

"I don't know. It's hard to ask around."

"I know. How're those kids I sent your way a couple nights ago?"

"They're doing well, I think a few will actually be willing to stay on long-term if you can spare some of your odd jobs."

"I'll see who's willing to take a few kids in my stead. Mrs. Castro liked Blake, once I taught him her shelving system."

"I think Cass and Steph might want to come over to one of the other houses, where there's more girls."

"Yeah. I'm thinking about checking in with Harper and Cullen, see where they think we should go."

"You do that."

"Do you need to get back to work?"

"I'm all set to work from home."

"Okay. Bye, I guess."

"Maybe you should take Damian to one of your odd jobs, let him help if he wants."

Jason looked into the backseat to see his brother watching him as Selina climbed out, "What do you say? Wanna go to the house or help out around town?"

"I'd like to work with you." Jason nodded and started back up. They pulled into an empty lot, still in a bad part of town. As they climbed out, Damian asked "Aren't you afraid someone's gonna mess with your car?"

"Like I messed with B's, nah. People in these places like me. Besides, I got a friend who runs a local shop, Alan Santo. Come on," he held out his hand and Damian took it as they ran across the street to a corner store. "What's the good word?"

The shopkeep looked at Jason "Not so good, seems the church isn't safe anymore."

"I'll call Jeremy, he cleaned up one precinct. Good man, got protect and serve burned into his soul."

"That'd be much appreciated, Jason." He saw Damian "Shouldn't he be in school?"

"Nah, he was with me at a lunch meeting. I don't see any point in him going back."

The clerk asked Damian "How'd the meeting go?"

Damian shrugged, Jason had his phone at his ear "Hey, Jeremy. You still got connections in the other precincts?... Good. Listen, I don't know what the deal is but Mr. Khan mentioned the church isn't safe, you hear anything about that?" He listened for a minute "How sure are you about that? Mr. Khan isn't one to yank me around." He listened as the other man cursed before assuring him, he'd look into. Hanging up, Jason told Mr. Khan "Jeremy's looking into it. Can you tell me what employment's like around here? I'm looking to start a community project to stop the stagnation."