“So they’re gone?” Clarence asked hopefully. “All of them?”

“From what I can tell, yes.”

“And… you got Freddie G, right? My old boss?”

“I didn’t keep track of who I killed, but I went to your old gang’s hideout. The building is gone now and I didn’t leave any survivors. The gang leader was likely among the dead.”

Clarence felt a twinge of shame as Clarke used the words “your old gang”, but there was also a hint of safety. Clarence’s greatest concern was that someone from his gang would come back to kill him, or maybe drag him back. Now, Clarence felt like he could study in peace and live an honest life.

“So, what are you going to do now?” Chloe asked. “You said you came in to town just to get rid of the gangs.”

Clarke had to stop and think. He had been living in the moment for so many decades, making rapid changes on the fly, that he wasn’t sure what to do. There were other gangs, other criminals, and other monsters in other cities. Surely, they would need his help. He could move in and clear them out easily enough. He had managed to clear Detroit of all its gangs in just two weeks. His powers were better used elsewhere.

However, he realized that there would always be another gang. There would always be more criminals. There would always be more monsters. He was just going in circles, extinguishing what little he could. He was tired of leaving place after place, reestablishing himself in each new city. World War II had ruined him, and he had been killing ever since. Maybe now, he could settle down and heal. Maybe, he could stay and remain as a doctor.

With Chloe.

“Richard?” Chloe asked. “Is everything alright?”

“Huh? Oh, yes,” Clarke said after a moment. “I was just lost in thought.”

Clarke looked between Chloe and Clarence. In their short time together, they had grown on him. Clarence was weak, but becoming stronger. Clarke looked at him the same way he had looked at his sons. Chloe herself was dedicated, strong and even more stubborn than Clarke himself. She didn’t run in fear of him or his powers. He had to admit, he was more than a little attracted to her. She was beautiful, with a personality to match.

Clarke leaned against the nearest counter, turning away from Chloe and Clarence. His head hung heavily, and his messy hair sprawled across his face.

“Richard?” Chloe said, gripping his arm out of concern.

“I’m fine,” he answered. “Just tired. I haven’t had a real home since the end of World War II. I’ve forgotten what it was like to stay in one place.”

“So are you saying you’ll stay here?” Clarence asked.

“Perhaps I can find a place,” Clarke said. “The on call room is a little small, so I’ll probably just find a hotel for the time being.”