Those were Ellen's first words when he'd told her about the promotion and transfer to GCPD. To say the move had put a strain on their marriage would be an understatement. The first few months were difficult, but gradually she'd established roots, made new friends, warmed to life in the city. Commissioner Gordon had even promised to use his influence to secure their son Tyler a place at McCallum Academy. Life was good.
Then Arkham City happened. Ellen's doubts resurfaced. The honeymoon period was over.
He'd convinced her to stick it out for another year. If things didn't improve, they'd move back to her family in Keystone. The promise was a gamble - he hated Keystone as much as he hated the in-laws - and at the time Gotham looked like it was spiralling into the abyss. But now, nine months on, as he stood with his family among a throng of tourists on the Lady of Gotham's viewing platform, he was satisfied that the gamble had paid off.
There was a different feel about Gotham these days. Joker was dead, the nightmare of Arkham City was a distant memory, and crime continued to fall.
Across the water, amid the glittering lanterns of Chinatown, Halloween decorations were being hoisted high above the street.
"Dad, are you gonna take me to the parade ?"
"Sorry kiddo, Daddy has to work. But your mother will take you. Right, honey ?"
Ellen jabbed him in the ribs, smiling.
"Whatever you say, Officer Owens."
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