VECTOR IN DC

[Tom Hendricks POV ]

After a week at the hospital, I was finally getting discharged and the commissioner came to see me off with a couple of officers since the front of the hospital was swarming with reporters who were totally itching for a word from me.

While Jason signed off some documents for me since I didn’t have any family in Gotham, and he was my housemate.

“I heard, you have relatives over at Star City. Why didn’t anyone come to visit you at the hospital? Or you aren’t In good terms?” Gordon questioned, taking off his glasses as he used his handkerchief to clean the lenses before putting it back on.

“I won’t say that. Yes I’ve spent an holiday with my grandparents and get to speak with them over the phone a couple times in a month, but I don’t really know them.” I replied, since my amnesia I’ve lived life just as it was presented to me, alone.

“You seem to have it rough kid, nothing beats the love of family.” He replied. “Have you ever been betrayed by a family member you loved and trusted?” I asked.

“Huh, no. Where’d that come from?” 

“I believe betrayal beats the love of family because the people who actually hurt us the most, are those we let ourselves care for and love.” I replied as I dressed up, putting on a black leather jacket over a white inner shirt.

“That’s deep.” He replied with slow nods as he mused on it for a second. “I don’t know why you are so adamant on getting discharged so soon, no one actually stays in the hospital for just a week after a fatal bullet wound.”

“I’ve had a lot of time to think this past week. I’ve never really liked hospitals, being admitted at an hospital again just reminded me of the first day I woke up from the accident which had led to the death of my parents and brother, also resulting in my complete loss of memory.” I casually said, without showing the slightest bit of emotions like a person would normally do.

Before I could get to my point of bringing that up, Jason came into the room. “We are all set and ready to go, although we have to deal with the mob of reporters outside.” He said as he picked up my bag and gestured for us to head out.

“Don’t worry about the reporters, Gotham PD would ensure you get out without too much of a hassle.” The commissioner assured me as he got on his feet.

Upon stepping out of the hospital, we were bombarded by multiple flashing cameras as the officers tried holding back the reporters from getting past them and to us.

“Commissioner,  Mr. Hendricks, a word!” Vicki Vale yelled, stretching her mic forward as her cameraman kept rolling. 

“A word Mr. Hendricks...” Other reporters yelled.

“Do you feel safe Mr. Hendricks?” Another yelled, leaving the commissioner no choice but to address the public before unwanted speculations began to spread across the media and the city. Gotham PD might loss face if that were to happen.

“Go on ahead, I need to have a few words with the media people so they don’t go on ahead reporting using their own words.” He said as he headed towards the barricade of officers.

“I have a few words of my own which I would like to share with the public.” I said to him, but only got a jaded sigh in response. “Okay kid.” He replied, as I walked behind him while Jason waited behind us, still vigilant in case of another assassination attempt was to occur.

Although he wasn’t particularly worried about me but of the people who were present at the scene. If a bullet was to be shot at me and it gets deflected, there’s a very high chance of it finding it’s way into someone else.

Like before, the commissioner walked over to Vicki to give a brief statement regarding the Incident and how the police intend on improving the security and safety of the people. All while bringing down those responsible for the terrorist attack and of the attempt on my life.

“Mr. Hendricks, how are you feeling about all this?” She asked as I stepped forward, approaching her just like Gordon had done earlier. Taking a closer look at her, she was rather hot for a reporter, I could say the same for Lois Lane. 

“About what in particular?” I replied, urging her to be more specific with her questions than beat around the bush or proceed with  roundabout questioning. 

“I mean in general, about getting wrongfully accused  and attempt on your life from  people who maybe holds a grudge against you for the incident and do not believe you are innocent of the charges like the police has confirmed.”

“Honestly it sucks, if they do not agree with the police on my innocence, then it’s their own headache and they could go suck a dick for all I care. In my life I’ve had a couple of close run-ins with death and I can say I no longer fear it.”

“That’s quite a bold statement.” She replied. “So you’re not scared of getting murdered?” She pressed on, other reporters at the scene quiet down and awaited my response with their pen, booklet, and mics in hand.

“Life is a fleeting thing and very fragile, it could be snuffed out in the most unpredictable way. If I remain scared of a threat upon my life, then I wouldn’t be able to live life to its fullest.” I said, taking in a deep breath as I continued.

“If I die then that’s it, that’s the end. Nothing to think about, maybe the feeling of regret from not being able to achieve my current or long term goals.” I said, shifting her focus to questions concerning my agenda as the saint the country would soon get to know and love.

“Could you elaborate on a few of those goals of yours? The people would be curious as to what’s next for you after all this.” She questioned one more time.

“Sure.” The short answer I gave in response before going into the details. “Gotham is a city well known for its bad reputation and its habitation of crazies. For the past year I’ve wondered how a city ended up to be this way, and when I finally became a victim of this hazardous craziness, I got to grasp a little bit of understanding as to the questions I ask myself.”

“What would those questions be? And what do you intend on doing about them.” She pressed on.

“I’m afraid that is a bit personal. But after my encounters with the dangers of this city twice in a row, I came to a decision.” Looking straight into the camera, Tom continued. 

“I’ve decided that  am going to invest the rest of my days in building a better world for the next generation, not just the people of this city but I will do my part in ensuring a safer world.” He said with a bit of passion in his voice, almost sounding like a politician who was actually speaking from experience and not just some bullshit manifesto they wouldn’t even pay mind to once they are appointed into office.

“That is indeed admirable, but how are you going to do such? You do not have the funds for that, just the inheritance you got from your parents and family’s wealth.” Vicki said as an almost sinister-looking smirk creeped to the side of her lips, expecting him to somehow choke on his own words since he wouldn’t be able to back up the promise he was making.

“Seems your encounter with death has left you a bit delusional. Scratch that, completely delusional.” She added.

“If you had done a proper research on me, you would have known I made some good investments with my inheritance. So never question my wealth if you haven’t done your homework.” Tom coldly replied, having a neutral expression on his voice as the passion heard earlier in his voice completely made a disappearing act, sending slight shivers done Vicki’s spine, leaving Vicki with questions about his personality.

Tom’s statement left the commissioner in a state of bewilderment because when his team did an investigation on Tom, they found nothing about investments or anything on him apart from his inheritance.

“Could you kindly name a few?” She urged, wanting a hint on where to start her assignment on digging up falsehood to his claims.

“I am not inclined to answering that. I would like you all to stop focusing on the past but rather on the present and my workings towards the future.” Tom declined without any rudeness but with an assuring tone.

“Where do you intend to start?” A reporter asked from the side. “With the children of course, they are the future of humanity. Their upbringing and environment has a big role in how they end up later on in society.” This statement earned him an applaud from the small crowd. 

With that, Tom was immediately escorted towards a police vehicle. He had already spent too much time talking with the media, and there was no guarantee of him not getting another attempt on his life.