New Years Tradition
Auld Lang Syne is still being sung by a group of early morning stragglers, those unwilling to relinquish the New Years Eve euphoria. They're leaning against the jukebox at 1:55 A.M. when Joe rounds them up to kick them out. No party lasts forever. Before switching off the neon open sign illuminating the window and locking the door, he allows one more customer to slip through. Unlike the others, this one is on his way in.
Jim Gordon deposits his spent pipe in a pocket and reaches out to take the outstretched hand. "Happy New Year, Joe," he says to the owner of the little nowhere diner.
A lopsided smile returns. "Hey Commish. Happy New Year. It's been awhile."
"It sure has. And it's just Jim these days, Joe." It's the exact same thing he said last year. It's a tradition in itself.
"Sure, Commish. Whatever you say. I got a philly keepin' warm for you. Whenever you're ready." He turns over two coffee cups at the back corner table and fills them to the rim before unceremoniously disappearing into the kitchen.
Gordon slides in and immediately fishes out a handful of bills. There's one particular tradition he'd like to break this year.
Jim Gordon deposits his spent pipe in a pocket and reaches out to take the outstretched hand. "Happy New Year, Joe," he says to the owner of the little nowhere diner.
A lopsided smile returns. "Hey Commish. Happy New Year. It's been awhile."
"It sure has. And it's just Jim these days, Joe." It's the exact same thing he said last year. It's a tradition in itself.
"Sure, Commish. Whatever you say. I got a philly keepin' warm for you. Whenever you're ready." He turns over two coffee cups at the back corner table and fills them to the rim before unceremoniously disappearing into the kitchen.
Gordon slides in and immediately fishes out a handful of bills. There's one particular tradition he'd like to break this year.