Batman #407

James Gordon and Sarah Essen have dinner together. Jim feels guilty over their recent affair, but doesn't have the will to call it off. He even gives Sarah a bracelet – a present that should have gone to his pregnant wife. Finally, Sarah decides to end it. She puts in a transfer to New York City.

A few days later, Gordon arrests notorious drug dealer Jefferson Skeevers. Skeevers is a key figure who can link Detective Flass to organized crime, but he won't reveal any information. Assistant District Attorney Harvey Dent allows the court to grant him bail.

Batman sneaks into Skeevers' hotel room and accosts him. That same night, Skeevers approaches Lt. Gordon, offering to reveal everything he knows concerning Detective Flass and his illegal conduct. After taking Jefferson's statement, Gordon bypasses Commissioner Loeb and goes straight to Internal Affairs.

Loeb does not appreciate Gordon going over his head. To further illustrate his displeasure, he shows him a surveillance photo of Jim and Sarah kissing. Loeb is more than ready to expose Gordon's tryst if he continues pursuing an indictment against Flass.

Later, Gordon and his wife Barbara visit Wayne Manor. Jim interviews Bruce Wayne about his suspicious actions, but Bruce dismisses any notion that he could be Batman. As the two leave the estate, Jim confides in Barbara and tells her of the affair.

A few nights later, Gordon and a few loyal officers interrogate Flass at length. At first, he refuses to cooperate, but before long, he agrees to detail everything he knows – including dirt on Commissioner Loeb.

Meanwhile, Barbara Gordon gives birth to her son – James Gordon, Jr.

A few nights later, Catwoman raids the home of Carmine Falcone. She believes that making a strike against Falcone will help to forge her own legendary status. The Batman arrives and attacks Falcone's men. The Catwoman escapes capture, but not before raking her claws across Falcone's face. The media learns of the incident and reports that Batman and this mysterious new Catwoman are colluding.

Commissioner Loeb makes a telephone call to Falcone. He instructs him to take measures against Gordon. Falcone sends his men to Gordon's apartment, where they abduct his wife and infant son. Jim manages to shoot a few of the kidnappers, but Johnny Viti takes off in his car with the baby.

Fortunately for Gordon, Bruce Wayne is present incognito. He follows Jim, who takes off on a motorcycle after Falcone. While Gordon deals with Johnny, Bruce rescues baby Jim Gordon.

Days later, news of Commissioner Loeb's corrupt regime hits the media wire. Loeb announces his possible resignation. The incident puts Gordon back in the spotlight, and he is soon promoted to Captain. With Sarah Essen gone to New York, Gordon starts working on his marriage to save it. Around this time, a maniac calling himself the Joker has threatened to poison the Gotham Water Reservoir. Still, Gordon has already contacted Batman, marking the beginning of their long-time collaboration.