Redemption(110)

He pointed inside. “His uncle’s just turned up. I’m letting him have a few moments.”

I nodded. “Okay. What about you, Jimmy? Why don’t you go back, get something to eat, and rest. Jeremy misses you.” I smiled at him as he beamed back.

“Does he?”

I nodded with a laugh. “That’s what he told me.”

Jimmy ran his hands through his blonde hair. “I suppose I better get back and see to the little fella then.” He winked at me.

“Don’t let him hear you say that, Jimmy. You know how he gets when someone calls him little.”

He laughed. “How is he?”

I sighed. “He’s doing surprisingly well, considering. He wouldn’t stop bugging me about bringing him to the hospital. He’s desperate to see Dean.”

Jimmy gave me a small smile. “I guess he must be very confused at the moment. Has he said anything?”

I shook my head. “No, not a thing. He hasn’t mentioned the fact that he now knows Dean is his father. He hasn’t mentioned it at all. He just keeps saying he wants to see D.D. He still won’t tell me what that means.” I shook my head again, baffled.

Jimmy laughed. “I’m sure he’ll reveal it one day. If not, I think Dean and I will just have to tickle it out of him.”

I chuckled. “The problem is that I think Jeremy would love that.”

Jimmy smiled. “Well, you know, they say that tickling is a form of torture. I’m sure we’ll get it out of him eventually.” He saw me wince and he gritted his teeth. “Fuck. I’m sorry. I just wasn’t thinking.”

I placed my hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay, Jimmy. Really. I’m fine.”

He shook his head. “Shit. Maybe I should go before I stick yet another extra large foot in my mouth.”

I patted his back. “Don’t worry about it, Jimmy. Seriously. Go. Get some rest.”

He looked at me eagerly. “If there is any more news—”

“I promise to call. Don’t worry about anything here. I have it covered now.” Jimmy gave me a kiss on the cheek and walked off. “Oh, Jimmy?” He turned around. “I know I keep telling Tara this, but let her know how grateful I am for her looking after Jeremy for me, would you?”

Jimmy smiled. “I will, but I doubt very much she’ll accept that, Tyler. We’re all family now, and family looks out for each other. Family sticks together.” He winked, saluted with his fingers, and walked off.

Once Jimmy was out of sight, I sat down, giving Humphrey enough time to be with his nephew. I didn’t know what to expect once he came out of the door. Would he recognize me? Would he be okay with me?

He emerged, looking every bit the same as I remembered with his silver hair and pointy moustache. He was looking very smart, but casual in his beige trousers and white open-necked shirt.

The minute his eyes landed on me, I blurted “So, we finally meet, Alfred Pennyworth.” Why did I just blurt that out? I wondered if he would shout at me, flip me off, something. Instead, his moustache curved up at the edges with a big smile.

“Yes. It would seem Master Wayne is unable to perform his Batman duties at the moment.”

I let out the breath I was holding and smiled at him.

Humphrey put out his hand. “Humphrey Scozzari, at your service, my lady.”

I lifted my hand and Humphrey delicately took my fingers. Bending down, he placed a kiss on the back of my hand. “No wonder Dean gets his boxing gloves in a twist over you.” He winked and I found myself blushing. “Ah, and I’ve now met Rosey. Nice to meet you, as well.”

I laughed. “Does Dean know you’re an outrageous flirt?”

Humphrey laughed. “Yes, but that’s just the way the Scozzari family is. We always appreciate a beautiful woman.”

I raised my eyebrow. “Hmm… Don’t you think Dean would be a little bit pissed at you appreciating his woman?”

Humphrey smiled widely. “Yes. I wonder how he would react if he knew.” Humphrey winked at me again and I gathered the kind of relationship Dean and his uncle had.

“So, Miss O’Shea, you are now classing yourself as Dean’s woman?” He raised his eyebrow at me.

I felt myself blush a little. “Have I ever been anything but?” I gathered Humphrey knew about our history.

Humphrey smiled. “No. I guess not.”

I sighed. “Well, it’s nice to finally meet you. Although I would have preferred it under different circumstances.”

Humphrey nodded and looked a little sad. “Yes. It isn’t the best of circumstances at all.” He looked at the ICU room and pointed. “Do you want to go inside? I’m sure you want to see him and, to be honest, I would like to speak with you some more.”