Chapter 1 : Dark Redemption

A great man once said. "Chances are right in front of you. They're just waiting for you to take them! The path you're on will either make you a criminal psychopath or dead. I hope you can finally choose another way." James Gordon

-*-

During Crisis the Monitor picked up a man from a pile of bodies. It was strange to see a man with green hair and white skin. Even the man's plastered smile gave him the chills.

The Monitor could feel that something was different about this man. He wondered what could it be? What made him so mysterious?

So, he took a look inside and he peered into the man's soul. He found it, he knew exactly what it was.

"Hmm, I see. You're the one I've been looking for. If I give you the tools you need, and the push you need. I can finally find the future I desire."

He knew that this version of the man was useless to him. So, he tossed the body. It slumped across the mounds of people. He was sadden that the man could only smile. Even in death he knew the man never found peace.

The Monitor phased back to the past and he arrived in the 1950's. He was now in Gotham. A place swarming in crime. The person he was looking for was Jack Napier. He was a scared little boy who desired help. Jack was abandoned by society and forced to take on the worries of life. He wished for a simple life, a place where he could be happy and a place that he could call home.

Now that the Monitor was here in the past. He was going to give Jack that chance for a new life, a new dream, and a new hope.

-*-

Jack's walls were thin as paper. The nights his father were away, were peaceful. His mothers muffled singing was soothing at times but sometimes her screams filled his nightmares.

Rage and anger can be poisonous and destructive. It can unearth something in your psyche, causing a monster to emerge.

Frank was a monster. He was a man filled with hatred and frustrations. He physically projected this on his family. Which made most days chaotic.

At night Jack could hear his father fighting with his mother but their arguments were usually one sided. He could hear Frank's hand hit the wall. It made a booming sound. He knew his father had his mom pinned. Her weeping and his yelling kept him up most nights. Jack had heard this several times. He wished it would stop. One night Jack got tired of it. He wasn't going to let his father hurt her anymore. Jack ran into his parents' bedroom and he yelled.

"GET AWAY FROM HER!"

His eyes bulged and his nostrils flared. Jack stood in front of her. His fists were raised and he couldn't stop shaking.

"You little bastard." His father said with a slur.

"Move out of my way!"

"NO!" His voice fumed.

"I said move!" His father shoved him.

He stumbled a bit and regained his stance.

"I'M NOT MOVING!"

"You dare raise your fist to your FATHER! The FATHER, that put food in your mouth! The FATHER, that put clothes on your back!"

Jack stepped forward and he raised his fist higher. His glare peered over the top of his knuckles. Jack was no longer afraid. He lowered the tone in his voice.

"I will not let you HURT HER!" He yelled.

"Oh, I see. You think you are a big man now. Come little boy, let me show you how a real man fights!"

Mirah grabbed Frank's arm. It was already drawn back and his fist was clenched.

"Please, he doesn't know what he's saying, he is just a little boy."

"Shut up!"

He flings her off his arm and she fell back to the floor. Jack places himself between his mother and father. He once again stood his ground. Jack peered into his father's blood shot eyes. There was no longer a human inside. His father wailed and kicked him. Jack stumbled back. It felt like his soul was separating from his body. Jack staggered and he blindly swung. His fist clipped his father's chin. Frank was jarred a little and he shook it off. His father spat out blood. Jack's eyes got big. He just realized what he did. There was no going back now.

"Good, I see you're not completely weak. You might have gotten in a lucky hit but you're going to regret that."

Jack began to swing aimlessly. He hoped that he could land another punch but his father was too fast. He didn't have a chance.

"You have a lot of gall boy. I'll give you that, but you should know when to be afraid? I am a man. You are a child. When I look at you, I see a flea. Something I can flick out of my way."

Jack's feet gave way. He stumbled to the floor. Frank hovered over him. Jack crawled and his father bared down. Frank's fist connected and Jack realized his father was right. He felt helpless and hopeless. His right eye was now swollen. His legs were bruised. Jack's mom got in front of him and cradled her body around him. Some of Frank's blows cracked her ribs. She told Jack to get out of the room once she created a diversion. Mirah got up and grabbed Frank's hands and they wrestled for a bit. Her sides started to ache. Frank overpowered her and threw her on the bed.

"Run!" She yelled.

Jack fled the room. His father took off his belt and wrapped it around his fist. The door slammed shut."

"He's only a child." She pleaded.

"Shut up! You dare stand up to me!"

She raised her arm. Mirah was powerless against his assault.

"Please Frank, stop!" She screamed.

Jack ran and jumped under his covers. He repeatedly heard fist against flesh. Her weeping tore him up inside. He hated himself for not being able to help her and he hated that he was so weak.

-*-

Mirah woke up, her head laid against the wall. Her face was sore to the touch and her head was throbbing. She was struggling to come up with a clear thought. Something inside her told her that this can't continue. She had enough, she was done. The time had come for her to act. Mirah loved her son but she couldn't do it anymore and she saw only one way out. Mirah's face looked frantic and scared. Her eyes were wide, her forehead wrinkled. She squeezed her fist tightly. Mirah ran down the steps.

"Stop running in my house!" Frank screamed.

She stomped her feet even louder and she ran into the kitchen where Jack was eating breakfast. Jack's spoon was knocked out of his hand. She hugged him tightly. He couldn't breathe.

"Jackie, I'm sorry. I wish I could have been a better mother to you."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm sorry." She said again.

Her hands now rested on his shoulders. Mirah's eyes and nose were red. Tears stained her cheeks.

"Do you remember the hills. You know the ones that are beautiful during the Spring?" She asked.

"Are you talking about the ones behind Mr. Mills farm?

"Yes, that's it."

His mom smiled because she had great memories there.

" I used to take you there whenever your father went out of town. It was the only place I knew that brought you happiness. You loved running through the flowers. We would look at the clouds and you would tell me what you could see."

"Yeah, there were thousands of butterflies sitting on top of the flowers. I liked when they all flew up at the same time. It was magic."

"Yeah, that was magical wasn't it? Those moments always made me feel like we had all the time in the world." She smiled.

"Mom you're acting weird. What's wrong?" Jack asked.

"It's nothing."

She looked at him with sad eyes.

"Now baby. I need you to promise me something."

"What is it, mom?"

"I want you to always remember those days. When things feel low, when you feeling sad. No matter what it is I want you to be happy."

"Mom you're freaking me out."

"It's okay." She whispered.

Her eyes darted over him.

"It's okay." She said once again and her hands went over the contours of his face.

These words were mostly meant for herself. Mirah's body was trembling. Inside she was telling herself to let go.

"Are you okay mom?"

She put her head against his.

"I'll see you on the other side."

"What."

Mirah kissed his forehead and ran toward the stairs.

"Mom, where are you going?"

She didn't respond. He followed closely behind her.

"I said stop running in my house!" Frank yelled.

Frank was hunched over on his knees. He was oblivious to the scene unfolding behind him. His radio show was coming on.

"Welcome friends to another episode of The Butler Lies. As we left off, Fred noticed that items around his house were starting to disappear. His maid had a secret to tell him and she had left it in a note."

There came a dramatic organ sound.

"Fred grabs the letter and rips it open. He unfolded the paper and it said that the butler is stealing from you." (Dun-Dun-Dun)

"What did I tell you, Mirah! It was the butler!"

Mirah was now on the top step. Frank was the last thing on her mind. Jack sensed something was wrong. His mother ran to the end of the hallway and stopped. She opened the window and a strong gust of cold air whipped through his hair. Mirah looked out and saw the snow was coming down heavily. She straddled her leg across the window seal. Mirah looked back and Jack stepped closer. She pushed him back. Mirah had a soft smile on her face and she turned toward the window again. Then she leapt like an angel. His eyes met hers once more. Tears streamed from her eyes. The young boy reached frantically for her hand but he was too late. The snow poofed. Her body laid motionless on the ground.

"No!" Jack screamed.

His body was barely hanging over the ledge of the window. Jack briefly thought about letting go but he knew his mother wouldn't want that. He pulled himself up. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"Mom!"

Usually when you're dying you see flashes of your whole life but Mirah's whole life wasn't great. She preferred the good memories. So that is what she saw. Her mind started to fade to black. She passed with a smile on her face. At last, she found peace. Frank ran out the front door after hearing Jack's cries. The screen door slammed back. He saw his wife sprawled out on the ground.

"Mirah!" He said, his voice cracked through the cold air.

"WHY?" He screamed like a wild animal.

The flakes of snow were sticking to his lashes and his hair. Jack saw something he never thought he would see. He saw his father being human for the first time. Frank scooped his wife up in his arms. He lifted her hand and it slumped quickly to the ground. Frank squirmed so much trying to wake her. Her eyes never opened, blood caked in the back of her head and it stained his T-shirt. Frank looked up to where she fell and he saw Jack standing there.

"Boy, it was you! YOU DID THIS!"

"No, you are the one that drove her to this!"

Tears now poured out his eyes. His father looked down in shame.

-*-

Three days have passed since the incident. The funeral was being held at St. Jude's Cathedral. It was a small gathering. Frank didn't trust his wife around many people when she was alive. So, she didn't have many friends. Her family cut all ties with her. Because she chose him over them and none of them came to say goodbye. Father McGee got up to deliver a message of kindness and faithfulness. He pulled out his round spectacles and gathered his notes.

"Kindness. What do we think of when we hear those words? Do you feel angry? No. Do you feel worried or upset? You do not. That is because it is a gift, given to each and every one of you." He points at them.

Here lies such a creature of habit. She gave her heart to everyone she met. Sacrifice and faithfulness. This is something you cannot demand from anyone. They must freely give it of themselves. That's why our sister Mirah was loved. She left a loving husband and child. Who not only loved her but admired her."

Someone placed their hand on Frank's shoulder.

"We are sorry for your loss."

He turned, placed his hand on top of theirs and thanked them. Jack thought, if they only knew the truth. They wouldn't be comforting him; they would be arresting him. The mortician did a great job with her makeup. His mom looked like she was sleeping and the bruises weren't even visible. Jack really wanted to expose his father for the villain he was but he couldn't take the chance that they didn't believe him. His anger started to rise again and his heart was aching. He wondered why she left him and why everyone believed his father cared. Jack wanted to scream, it's all an act. He zoned out for a bit, until his father told him to get ready to go up.

"At this time, we ask her family to give their last respects."

Jack approached his moms' casket. They had dressed her in a black dress. In her hands was a single white lily. This reminded him of a conversation he had with her.

"Mom, why do you love lilies?" She smiles.

"You see son, a lily stands for devotion and purity. Each petal is perfect in its own right. Its beauty has no equal." His mom twirls the flower in her hand and takes a big sniff.

"One day mom I will plant you a lot of lilies. So, you will always be happy."

"But I don't need lilies Jack. I have you."

Jack grabbed his mom's cold hand. He felt something running down his cheek.

"Let go of her hand and have a seat, boy." His father said under his breath.

"You're making me look like a fool."

Jack for the first time wished that his father was lying in the casket instead of his mother. They returned to their seats. Once the service was over, they transported the coffin to the burial site. A pile of dirt sat by a tree with a shovel in it. Jack's father pretended to comfort him but Jack pushed him away. His arms sprawled across the casket. An old woman came from behind and patted his back.

"There, there child. Your mom is in a better place." She said.

He couldn't hold it back anymore; his tears wouldn't stop flowing.

-*-

Weeks passed since the funeral. Frank sometimes saw his son in passing but he never knew what to say. Most times he avoided him. A few words were shared between them but even then, he was too drunk or too tired to remember. Frank never truly played a major role in Jack's upbringing. He didn't know how to be a father or a parent. Mirah was the one who took care of Jack and Jack was the only person that she loved. Frank was exhausted. Mirah haunted his dreams every night. It was always the same. Her body laid across his lap and her blood was oozing out the back of her head. Mirah's eyes would open and they were empty. She grabs him by the shirt and pulls him close. Mirah whispered in his ear.

"The life you lead, you'll pay indeed."

She repeated it over and over. Her cackle echoed everywhere. He looked back at her and her eyes were glowing red. Mirah's skin turned into smoke and the smoke was now everywhere. There are now more red glowing eyes in the darkness. He could now hear their voices. The voices belonged to all the people he killed. They began to chant.

"The life you lead, you'll pay indeed."

Frank could hear them growling. Then the shadows swooped over him and he could feel their teeth gnashing his skin. He wakes up screaming and he grabs his whiskey bottle and chugs it down.

-*-

Frank worked for a mob boss named Mr. Ricky. His job was to shake down the shops in little Gotham. He collected the money and Dukes was his muscle. They had been partners for several years and they drove around in a shiny black car. It had that classy mob feel to it and It reminded Frank of the cars of old. Frank and Dukes were on their way to the Bottoms. A freezing fog hovered in the air. Sunlight peeked through the clouds. Reflecting off the broken windows they passed. The closer they got to their destination. The clearer it became. This part of town looked abandoned. The paint on the buildings were chipped and faded. Even the streets weren't paved. They were covered with gravel. You could hear it crunching under his wheels. Frank stopped the car and his brakes screeched. He dipped his head down to look up to see what was in front of him. On top of the building stood a big painted sign. It was a picture of a red colored lobster's claw. The sign read Papa Jo's Seafood shack. Jo was late on his payment and it was time to collect. Frank turned off the engine. Dukes loaded his gun. A match struck against the rough side of the matchbox. It quickly flared up. Frank covered it and lit his cigarette. He rolled down the window to blow out a puff. Dukes coughed when the smoke drafted back in his face. His nose cringed to the stench in the air. He hated how the cigarette smelled.

"Franky, roll up your window. That stinks."

"Stop being a baby about it. it's only the smell of my smokes."

Frank and Dukes got out of the car and their doors shut simultaneously. Dukes was cold and he buttoned up his jacket. The two men entered Papa Jo's Seafood shack. Frank took off his hat and hung it on the stand near the door. Dukes scanned the area for Jo. He pointed when he spotted him. A waitress approached them.

"Hi gentlemen, my name is Jane. How many people are in your party?" She asked.

Frank leaned towards her and said, "Sweety, I'm here to talk to your boss. Let him know, Franky's here."

"What do you want to talk to Jo for?"

"Just mind your business and get him."

In her high heels she walked across the floor to a man wearing a white three-piece suit. He was standing by the swinging doors and he had slicked back hair and a pencil mustache. The girl told him about the men by the door and he glanced over. Jo seemed a bit nervous. He straightened his tie and he swiftly moved towards the entrance.

"Go deal with your customers."

"Okay Jo."

"Greetings, gentlemen."

"Jo."

"Come, let's speak in the back." Jo said in a shaky voice.

Jane watched the men follow Jo to the back. Tension was in the air. They entered the office and Dukes closed the door behind them. He locked the door and Jo took a hard swallow and sat down.

"So, how can I help you guys?"

"Jo. Jo. Jo. You know what I hate the most?"

"What's that?"

"It's people like you. You try to play like, you don't know why we're here."

"No Mr. Frank, It's not like that."

"Then you tell me, why I am here."

"Because my payment is late."

"Bingo. Why is it late Jo?"

" Mr. Frank, about the money. I just need a little more time. My business is struggling right now and I just don't have the funds."

"You don't have the funds. This place is packed Jo and you expect me to believe that you don't have the funds."

"Yeah, but this is our Monday lunch rush. We are always busy on Monday, Mr. Frank."

"No, I don't think you understood. I don't care about your Mondays. What I do care about is Mr. Ricky's money and if I don't see Mr. Ricky's money. You and your establishment might not see tomorrow."

Dukes' steps closer and cracks his knuckles.

"But."

"Shhh. I'm still talking. The boss said Monday, right Dukes?"

"That is what he said."

"So, I want you to tell me what happens if I don't have the money for my boss."

"I don't know, sir." his voice shook.

"I'll tell you what happens, I get the snot beat out of me. That's what happens. Do you want this pretty face of mine to be beaten?" Dukes' smiles.

"No Mr. Frank."

"Neither do I, Jo."

Frank waved his hand in the air and Dukes punched Jo in the stomach. He cripples over in pain.

"So, where is his money?"

Jo reaches under the center part of his desk. Dukes lifts his jacket to show his gun. Jo assures him he's not pulling a gun. He untaped a wad of money and then he slapped it on the surface of the desk."

Frank picks it up and tosses it to Dukes.

"It better be all here Jo. Dukes count it."

Dukes scrolls his thumb across the bills.

"So, is it all there?"

Dukes nods.

"Good. Now was that so hard Jo?"

"Please Mr. Frank, can't you show us a little mercy. This is all we have. Without this money we won't be able to stay open."

"And that is not my problem. My job is to collect the boss's money. If you have a problem with that Jo, why don't you tell Mr. Ricky yourself. I'm sure he'll understand."

"I can't do that."

"I see. If you are late with Mr. Ricky's money again. You and your employees will be floating in the Gotham River. So, don't be late next time."

"Yes, sir."

Dukes unlocks and opens the door to the office. They head to the front. Frank grabs his hat and walks out of the building. Jane rushes over to Jo's office and finds him crying.

"Are you alright Jo?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine." He wipes his tears.

"Okay." She says.

"Jane."

"Yes, Sir."

"Tell the girls we're closing early."

"Okay Jo."

It was starting to get dark and a light layer of sleet had fallen on their car. Frank took out the money and with his back to Dukes. He pulled a hundred from the top of the stack and pocketed it. He was sure Dukes didn't see.

"What are you doing Franky?"

"I'm adjusting my belt. Why?"

"You know you can only take so much from Mr. Ricky before he finds out."

"You saw that, huh."

"Of course I did. Nothing escapes my view. Being the muscle isn't my only job. Just know this, Mr. Ricky might be like a brother to you but friendship is thinner than money."

"So, are you going to snitch on me, Dukes?"

"I'm no snitch. You can trust me, Frank. I'm just saying, don't get caught. He doesn't just get rid of you; he gets rid of your family and he gets rid of your friends."

"Don't worry I'm not going to get caught, Okay." Frank said.

"Alright."

By the end of the week, they had hit every business in Little Gotham. Frank heard on the news that Jo was found dead in his office on Tuesday morning. His gun was found on the floor under his dangling fingers. His waitresses said they never saw it coming. They say that Jo seemed to be a very happy guy.

-*-

It was late Friday afternoon. The first warm day in November. It was about 50 degrees outside and Frank was inside listening to his favorite show. Jack was outside sweeping the porch. When a black car pulls up. There were three guys sitting inside and a window rolled down. Jack looked up.

The man waves Jack over and Jack goes up to the car.

"You're Jack, right?"

"Yes sir."

"Can you go get your father?"

"Okay."

Jack runs inside and the screen door closes behind him. His dad was starting to nod off. He turns down the radio and stands right in front of him. Jack cups his hands and yells real loud.

"Dad!"

Frank jumps. HIs elbow slips off his knee and he jerked his body back up. He grunts, scratches, and smacks his lips.

"What do you want?" He yawns.

"There's a guy in a black car wanting to speak to you."

Frank gets to his feet. He buttons up his shirt and puts on his suspenders. He stumbled toward the door and grabbed his jacket off the coat rack. Frank closed the front door and it closed on his jacket. He jerked it out and stepped back a bit. The screen smacked back. Jack noticed his father was really nervous.

"You need to go in." He said.

Jack didn't hesitate, he went right inside. He knew what his father did for a living and if he says get in. You get in. Frank approached the car.

"Nice kid Frank."

"Yeah, he's a chip off the old block." He nervously chuckles.

"Get in." The man says in a serious tone.

He opens the back door and there's a man he doesn't recognize sitting in the other seat.

"So, what's happening guys?"

Frank gets in and closes the door. The guy in the front seat turns around.

"The boss wants to see you."

"Me?"

"Yeah, you. Who else would I be talking to?"

"Do you hear this guy?" They laugh.

Frank Started to sweat. The car pulled up to an elegant looking restaurant called R H. The building had big glass windows. The exterior was white with gold trim. Over the entrance there was a golden logo with a capital R and H overlapping each other. The four guys got out of the car and the driver handed his keys to the valet. He shook his hand and passed something to him.

"I want to tell you that you are doing a nice job and here's a little reward for you."

"Thank you, sir."

The young man smiles and jumps in the car and he drives it away.

"You know you are just spoiling them."

"Hey, it's my money."

"Yeah, yeah."

They walked in and there were tables with glass tops. White chairs with gold inlay and a crystal chandelier hung from above. A jazz singer was standing in the middle of the room. She was wearing a beautiful silver sequence dress. A full band played behind her. The lights were dim and the spot light made her sparkle. Mr. Rick was sitting in a crescent moon shaped booth. It also was white with gold trim. A goldleaf R and H was in the center. He was surrounded by his harem of women. He saw the four men approaching. Ricky got up and so did two of his men. He tipped his hat.

"Excuse me ladies." They giggled.

He walked over to a waiter and put his hand on his shoulder. Then he slipped some money in his top pocket.

"Hey, make sure to take care of my girls. Get them what they want."

"Yes sir, Mr. Rick."

He winked an eye.

"Ladies." They giggled once again.

Ricky headed to the back. Franky and the other men joined him. Frank was starting to get worried. The men piled into the room. They all stood except for Mr. Ricky. He sat in his big executive chair and placed his feet on his desk.

"Have a seat, Frank."

He went to sit in the second seat but there was something in it covered up with a black sheet.

"I was going over my books and I noticed the money was a little short."

A man locked the door. Frank's eyes got big and he looked behind him. It was almost like he was admitting to something wrong.

"Short? What do you mean short, Sir."

"What I mean is. All the shops were short by a hundred dollars! Not just one but all of them! Now you're telling me that's not suspicious! When the only shops with the problem were the ones, you hit!"

He slammed his hand on the desk and his whole demeanor had changed. Ricky looked feral. He was enraged. His hair hung in his face. He slicked it back and calmed down. Franky almost pissed himself.

"Franky, haven't I been kind. Haven't I been good to you. After Thomas left the orphanage, didn't I take care of you?"

"Yes, like a brother."

"And here you spit in my face and you take my money. You're lucky we are like brothers or you would be like this punk over here."

A man pulls off the black sheet and uncovers Dukes' badly beaten body.

"Dukes!" Frank screamed.

"Sit down."

Someone pushed him back in his seat. His sweat was now beading pouring down his face.

"So, your partner and I had a conversation earlier. We discussed finances. At first, he was unwilling to talk but after some persuasion, he started singing like a canary. Do you know what he told me?"

Frank shook his head.

"He said Frank has been stealing money from me this whole week. Then I said Franky? He said yeah it was Franky. I have to say I was a little disappointed."

Frank felt a hand on his. It was Dukes' bloody hand.

"Franky I'm sorry." He said gaspingly.

Mr. Ricky stood up, pulled out a gun and shot Dukes in the head. Frank jumped. Dukes' hand slumped to the side of the chair. Ricky's face was red.

"See what you made me do. You made me kill him and he was a better employee than you."

Ricky sat down and slicked back his hair again and took a drink from the glass sitting on his desk. He points to the three men standing behind Frank.

"You three take his body and dump it somewhere."

"Yes sir."

The three men pulled Dukes body out of the chair and out of the room. Then he turned back to Frank.

"YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE LIKE A BROTHER TO ME AND YOU STEAL MY MONEY!!!"

Drool is hanging from his mouth like a dog. He wipes his mouth with his sleeve.

"I so want to shoot you right now but I'm going to give you another chance."

He wipes off the gun.

"If you pay back my money by the end of this week all will be forgiven. If you don't, you, your boy, and your friends will be found in the Gotham River."

"I understand. I'll have your money by the end of the week."

Ricky looks toward the man to his right and signals for him to come closer. The man leans over. Ricky looked straight at Franky. He was saying something to the other man. Frank's heart was beating faster.

"Get him out of here and ruff him up a bit." He whispered.

The man walked over to Frank and so did the other guy.

"What's happening fellas."

The two men grabbed him by each arm and lifted him out of his seat and Frank was afraid. They dragged him out of the room. The door slammed. Then he turns to the man on his left.

"Get someone to clean this mess up."

Frank's screams could be heard outside his door. Ricky's men were still hitting Frank when he left his office. He returned to his booth and sat down. Ricky turns to the women and smiles.

"I hope I didn't keep you ladies waiting."

-*-

It is night time. Jack could hear brakes screeching. A car door opens and slams. A body tumbled out onto the hard ground. Jack ran out and his father was laying on the dirt.

"Help me boy." Frank whispers.

Jack propped his father's arm on his shoulder. He brings him to the kitchen table and sits him in a seat next to it.

"Boy, get my kit and grab the tape and the gauze. Hey, go get me the whiskey too."

"Yes sir."

Frank found it harder to collect money without Dukes. Mr. Ricky didn't give him another muscle man. He only was able to collect half the money. This meant trouble. A week had already passed and he only had half of Mr. Ricky's money. Frank was stressed. Jack got beaten because of it. His father saw only one possible way to get the rest of the money. Frank would have to gamble. If he could double his money, everything would be fine.

The casino was north of Little Gotham, it was built on the water. It had a big neon sign that blinked the words Hands on Casino. Lights on top of it were streaming across the sky. Frank told Jack he would be home late that night. The snow was really falling. He could barely see the road and he stuck to the lines already embedded in the snow. The parking lot was blanketed in white. He pulled into the first empty spot he could find. Frank parked his car and turned off his lights. He grabbed his hat from his seat and put it on. The wind was very strong coming off the water. His coat started fluttering. Frank walked up to the entrance and two bouncers were standing there.

"Whoa."

They both put their hands in front of him.

"Hey guys, how are you doing?"

"Franky, you know, you shouldn't be doing this." One guy said.

"Yeah, you have the worst luck." The other guy said.

"Come on guys, it's me."

"I'm just trying to help you out. You owe the boss a lot of money."

"Yeah, do you really think you should be taking chances?"

"I feel lucky." Frank said.

They finally let him through the doors. The men kept on talking.

"He's an idiot."

He lights the other guy's cigarette.

"What can we do?"

Frank takes off his coat and an attendant puts it away for him. He was dressed in a nice pinstriped suit. The slots were ringing everywhere and Frank steps up to the counter and buys some chips. He sits down at the poker table. A waitress approaches him.

"What can I start you with Franky?"

"I'll take two shots of whiskey, sweetie."

He flips over his card and he has a pair of kings and a three of a kind. On the draw he gets two more kings and he wins the first hand. The waitress comes back with his drinks. He shoots back the first shot and doubles down his bet. He doesn't have anything. He drinks the next shot. The dealer begins a conversation.

"Frank, maybe you should hold off on drinking."

"Are you saying that I can't hold my liquor?"

"I'm not saying that. I just don't want you to lose all your money, that's all."

"It's my money. So, mind your own business. Just deal." He taps the table.

"Okay Franky. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Frank was mad. He didn't want to listen and he was taking shot after shot. The more he drank, the more he lost. He began rambling and he was speaking to anyone near him.

"Hey pal, do you have kids?"

"What?"

"Kids, do you have them?"

"Well, my wife and I were thinking of having some, why?"

"Don't. You'll regret it I'm telling you."

"Why's that?"

"When I was your age. My wife and I were happy. We were young and in love. There was no one else for me. Our lives were simple and easy and one day she got pregnant and she didn't want me near her. She was all about the kid. There was no time for us. That little bastard ruined my life. It first started with crying. Then the long nights. She only cared about him. Not only did I have to clothe him, I had to feed him. Now my money burns before I can even touch it. So, don't ruin your life."

"I see."

The guy looked at Frank like he was crazy. He got up and moved to the blackjack table. Frank got louder. He drew the attention of Carlo the casino manager. Carlo was surprised to see Frank there and he called Mr. Ricky.

"Who's this?"

"It's me Carlo."

"Hey Carlo what's going on?"

"Guess who's here at the casino?"

"I don't know. Who?"

"Franky."

"Ah, that stupid idiot. What is he doing now?"

"He's sitting at the poker table."

"Good. I Want you to shadow him, okay. Put someone at his table. Have them ask questions."

"Yes sir."

Carlo hung up the phone and sent a woman to Frank's table. She sat down beside him. He couldn't help but stare.

"You look beautiful."

"Thank you." She said.

"It's always nice when a man compliments a woman."

"Ma'am you're a woman deserving of such a complement." She smiles.

"Hi, I'm Lila."

She shakes his hand.

"Hi Lila, I'm Frank."

"So, what does a girl have to do to get a drink around here?"

"What's your poison, darling?"

"I'll take a martini?"

Frank snaps his fingers and the waitress walked over.

"Hey sweetie I'll take a martini and another whiskey."

"Okay Frank."

Frank and Lila have several more drinks. He starts to tell her about how he got only half of the money needed to pay Mr. Ricky. Frank also told her that he had already lost the money he collected. Then he told her that he was indulging himself one last time. Frank finally passed out at the bar. He didn't realize that Lila wasn't drinking alcohol. She quietly snuck away and told Carlo everything. Carlo, called Mr. Ricky and Mr. Ricky was furious. Ricky demanded that Carlo toss Frank out of his casino. So, he carried out his orders with due diligence. The two bouncers came to throw Franky out. One of the men tapped him on the face. Frank stares up.

"It's time to go buddy."

"What?"

He fell back asleep.

"This bum is making us drag him out of here. Get his other arm."

Frank was heavy, it was like dead weight. He woke up and his feet were dragging on the ground.

"What's going on guys?" He said in a grumbly voice.

"You Franky. The boss wants you gone, so we gotta throw you out. We tried to warn you and now you pissed off the viper."

"The Viper?"

"The viper, the snake, the head cheese. You know our boss."

"Where's Lila?"

"The girl, she works for Carlo. She played you Frank and she told him everything."

"Put me down, I can walk."

"Man, I thought we would have to drag you all the way to the door."

The men let him get his footing.

"So, that broad got me. It figures."

"Frank, as a friend, let me give you some friendly advice. Go home, settle your affairs. Make peace with God but beware the snake will strike tonight."

He jumped into his car and headed home. Frank was angry and drunk. He was sliding across the road and he hit patches of ice here and there. Then Frank saw a woman standing in the middle of the street. She was wearing a summer dress. Her face looked like Mirah's and her hair covered her eyes. The woman started moving closer. Her finger pointed straight at him and she started screaming.

"The life you lead, you'll pay indeed!"

Frank saw a red glow coming from her eyes. He swerved to miss her and then he looked back but she was no longer there. His heart was racing. Frank turned back around and his black car wrapped around a tree in front of his house. A limb came crashing through his car window and his head whacked against the steering wheel. Frank felt a little dizzy and he didn't have that many injuries. Blood was running his keys. The keys fumbled around his fingers and he was trying to find the right one. Frank dropped the keys and they fell into the snow. He picked them up and they were ice cold. Frank finally found the right one and he opened the front door. He slammed it shut and went into the kitchen. He turned on the lamp on the table and he lit the pilot on the stove. Frank reached into the cabinet above the sink and grabbed the expensive alcohol. Then he poured himself a glass.

"Settle my affairs." He mumbled to himself.

"If it wasn't for the boy my life would be perfect."

Frank looked around the room. He thought he saw the shadows moving across the walls. Frank felt his eyes were playing a trick on him and he took another sip.

"The snake, ooh, the snake is coming. "He mocked.

He began pacing the floor. Frank stepped on a marble and almost fail. It was one of Jack's smashers.

"Stupid toy. I'm going to get him."

Frank marched up the stairs to Jack's room and he yanked Jack out of his bed. He stood confused; his father stripped him down to his underwear.

"Why are you doing this to me?" he asked.

"Because you were born and you took everything from me." Frank slurred.

"You're crazy!"

"Crazy! I'll show you crazy!"

He threw Jack out the back door and poured a bucket of water over his half naked body. Jack was cold, his breath misted the air. His body wanted to shiver but he couldn't let that monster see him break. Frank stared at him through the back window, taking a sip now from the bottle. The lamp on the kitchen table made his father's face look grim. There was a screeching sound coming from the front of the house. A lot of car doors slammed. He heard the front door burst open. Then he saw his father look away from the window. He was now looking left. Jack's father was begging and yelling.

"Just give me one more Chance Mr. Rick." He whined.

"One more chance. I gave you a chance."

"I know, I know but I promise."

"But your promises are empty Frank. Look at you, you're drunk, pathetic and broke. I know you don't have my money. The card dealer says you spent it all. They say you must be the unluckiest man ever. She tried to stop you, Frank, everybody did. I see now that you are a waste of my time. Enough is enough. Maybe now you can be with your lovely wife once again. As for your boy, he will be joining you soon. I'll make sure to pay my respects at your funeral."

"No, mister Ricky!"

"Shoot him, boys."

Shots sprayed everywhere. They lit up the room like a Christmas tree. Jack's father fell to the ground.

"Find the boy."

Jack walked quickly away from the door. He started laughing uncontrollably. His right hand partially covered his face as his eyes narrowed and his laughter roared.

"What was that!" A man shouted.

"Maybe it's the boy boss."

"Then check on it."

"Yes sir."

He opened the backdoor and looked around but there wasn't anyone there. A raccoon eating an apple core was sitting in the grass. Jack was now hiding behind the outhouse. He squatted down and kept very quiet. The man opened the back door. Him and two other guys started searching the backyard. Jack snuck into the shed from a loose panel in the back. The cold concrete floor was against his butt and his feet. He couldn't stop shivering. One guy searched the outhouse and the other searched behind the pile of wood. Then all three of them approached the shed. One of them opened the door and shined a light inside. Jack's eyes were wide and the light shone in his face. They grabbed him and brought him into the house. Frank was on the ground and Rick was still standing there.

"Look who we found, boss."

"You must be Jack."

"Yes."

"Can I put him down, boss? He's soaking wet."

Ricky nodded his head. He had a confused look on his face.

"Boy why are you wet?"

"Because my father did this to me."

"Why would Franky put you outside half naked in the cold."

"My father hated me. He blames me for all his troubles."

"Don't you feel sad that your father is now dead, boy."

"No, I feel nothing for that monster. I hate him as well!"

Rick could see the pure hatred in his eyes. He once felt that towards a friend once.

"So, do you hate me for killing him?"

"Why would I hate my savior?"

"You know I'm going to have to shoot you."

"I'm ready, sir. Maybe I can finally see my mom again."

Ricky cocked his gun.

"Close your eyes son."

Jack shut his eyes. Ricky slowly walked away. He signaled his men to follow and they walked out the door.

"Sir, are you still there?

Jack opened his eyes and everyone was gone.

"Boss, why did you let the kid go?"

"Did you see his eyes? He's already been through hell. What more could I do to him? Let's get out of here before the cops come."

"Aren't you worried he's going to snitch on us?"

"Nope, not one bit."

The Police sirens could be heard in the distance and the men scrambled and left. The lamp in the kitchen lay broken on the table. A middle-aged balding man lay flat on his face on the cold linoleum floor. He stepped over his father's body and walked into the living room. The house was completely trashed and a cold breeze ran through it. Jack went up the stairs to his room and grabbed a blanket. He dragged it behind him as he went slowly down stairs to sit on the couch. Jack was still wet and cold. His hair stuck to his face. He wrapped the blanket around him. The TV was on and he was sitting watching the white noise.