CHAOS - JEROME VALESKA GOTHAM

Chapter 6

When we got back to the G.C.P.D, the place was packet with circus people. We have been up all night, and now it was nine in the morning.

I saw Harvey getting up from his desk, and come down the stairs. He looked at the circus people in shock as they were still in costume. Every officer was asking questions. It was going to be a long day.

"Morning, partner." Jim greeted Harvey.

"Gonna need a little help here?" I said.

"No kidding." Harvey said, still looking around. He gave me a small sideways hug.

"I mean, your kidding, right? This isn't an elaborate prank or...?" he continued.

I haughted at Harvey. "it's no prank." I told him.

"I didn't know you be back so soon. I thought you would of taken a couple of weeks  off. How you feeling?" he asked.

"Same, I thought I would be chilling out with Dad and Bruce, but things get in the way. I'm a Pennyworth, we get back up. I'm fine, tired... But a fight broke out and a murder." I told him.

"I'm glad your back Maze. So are the others. Edward has been sulking since you got attacked. He's doing everything to try and catch the bastard who hurt you. So, what have we got?" Harvey asked.

I smiled. "Lila Velaska. Age 57. Snake dancer at the circus. Found dead in a truck. Body had been moved from the crime scene. She was attacked near Arkham Bridge field. She was found my the owner... Multiple wounds from a sharp object, I guess a knife or axe."

"Anything else?" Harvey asked.

"She has two sons. One moved at the age of six. Unknown name. Other son, is Jerome Velaska, age eighteen. He said he was at the local library. He said, he hasn't seen her since yesterday morning. Her, coat, hat, purse are still in the trailer."

Harvey looked impressed." You're hotting good at this. What about the father?"

" Unknown."

"Maze!" Jim called, coming from the commissioners office.

"Yeah."

"Comissioner Essen would like to see you."

Harvey gave me a pat on the back, and took my notes for me. I walked passed Jim who gave me a small smile, and Lee gave me a wink. Frowning with confusion and mixed messages, I knocked on the door. I heard her say, come in.

Taking a couple of deep breaths, I opened the door.

"Commissioner, you wanted to see me." I asked in a small voice.

She smiled at me, and nodded her head to the chair that was in front of her. Sitting down, I swollowed the lump in my throat.

"How are you feeling Maze?"

"I'm good. A little tired, but I'm doing okay." I replied.

"Jim and Lee has told me you were excellent last night. You have upped your game, and you've grown more confidence. I'm so proud of you, and so are the others."

"Thankyou. I was only doing what I've learned from my training and Harvey."

"I can tell. That is why am going to let you interview Jerome... If you do well, and get everything right, you will join the force in no time, sometime this year. The board are impressed with your work."

I stared at her in shock. "Wow, I. I don't know what to say. I mean I thought I had another year of training left."

"From what I see, and the rest of our force, you won't need to wait. Harvey and Jim think your ready for your badge." the comissioner paused. "Jim will be in the room with you, writing everything down, what you say and do. Myself, Harvey, Lee and Edward will be watching outside... Good luck.

I came out of her office and I stood still. Every officer stopped what they were doing and cheered and clapped.

****

"Tell me about your mother, Jerome." I asked, sitting across from him. Jim sat by my side.

"She's my mother. What can I say? I loved her. She's perfect. Not a very good cook. Heh. Except for that."

"Did she have any enemies? Someone with a grudge?"

"No."

"Boyfriends?"

"No."

I raised my eyebrow at him. "No?"

"She had lovers. Sex partners, really. But not boyfriends." jerome spoke in a calm, sad voice.

I wanted to laugh at Jim's reaction. I could tell he was a little uncomfortable talking about sex in an interview. He tried to keep a straight face, but continued writing.

" She didn't want the commitment. "

" Alphonse Grays on?" I asked, looking at him dead in the eye. He didn't break out of character, but I could see something flash in his eyes. Anger and amused.

"Yes, he was one of them."

"Owen Lloyd?"

"Yes."

"Any others?"

"Uh, not that I could put a name to."

"How did you feel about your mother's love life?" I asked, I wanted to push Jerome a little.

His left eye twitched, he joined his hands together.

"I feel fine about it... If not for my mother's love life, I wouldn't be here, would I? Sex is a healthy, human activity, Miss Pennyworth."

My eyes widened. Shit. How the fuck would I know, I'm a virgin. I cleared my throat. "Yes, it is." I paused. "Do you have any other family, part from your brother and uncle?"

Jerome shifted in his seat uncomfortable. "No, my brother moved away from the circus at the age of six. He didn't like the circus life, so my uncle moved him away. I chose to stay with my mother. I didn't want to leave her alone. The circus is my family."

I smiled at Jerome. "Thankyou, Jerome. If sorry I had to re-open old wounds. Me and Detective Gordon will give you a call as soon as we find something. You have to stay I Gotham. Here's mine and Detective Gordon's number, if you think of anything about your mother or killer, don't hesitate to call us. "