Small rays of light peaked through the windows blinds. A large and bulky police officer looks out through the gaps, getting a quick view of the outside environment. He sighs and turns back around to look at his daughter, who was currently busy doodling on her notepad. "Pauline," he says her name in a low and stern tone, trying to get her attention.
Her reaction was quick as lightening, she slammed her book shut and instantly straightened herself in her father's presence. He can't help but smile at his daughter's quirkiness. "I didn't call you here just for you to mess around, sweetheart. I need to speak with you on something."
She nods, crossing her legs and sticking out her bottom lip, "if it's about my gun, then yes, I'm still carrying it around and keeping safe, dad." Her dad pauses for a moment, "good girl."
"Is that all you wanted to discuss? I need to get ready for work." He raised his hands in a surrender kind of way, "hey, calm down, it's not just about that. This is far more important."
She leans in, waiting for his explanation, "I don't know if you've heard yet, but-" he opened his drawer and pulled out a folded up newspaper and throws it onto his coffee stained desk. "I'll just let the headline do the talking."
Pauline frowns and hops off her chair, strolling closer to the desk and leaning onto it. Her eyes move across the page, reading the title. She frowns with a look of disgust. "The Joker got out again?" she grimaced. Her father nodded and she huffed. "Ugh, how the hell does the creep keep on escaping? The security surely can't be that shit, can it?" Her father's expression says it all and she shakes her head.
"It's the Joker, he tends to always find his way out," he grunts, slumping back into his old chair. She rubs her eyes in frustration before puffing out through her nose. "Anyway, is that all you needed to let me know?" Her father's brows furrowed, "you seem to be taking this quite lightly, Pauline, it's a serious issue."
She turns away from him to look at his shelf, she runs her fingers over a few of his items, "I'm not taking it lightly, dad, I'm just not surprised anymore. Like you said, he tends to always find his way out."
Her father takes off his cap and runs his hands through his short, dark hair. "Honey, you get distracted too easily," he mumbles, gently leading her away from the shelf and towards his desk by her shoulders.
She takes a seat on the chair and plays with a strand of her long ashy brown hair. "Did you also want to tell me to be more careful now that the Jokers out?" Her dad gives his head one last scratch before placing his police cap back on, "well, yes, now that you've moved out on your own, I want to make sure you're doing okay and staying safe." She can't help but giggle at her father, it was just so cute, seeing this huge and intimidating dude act so protective and soft. She really appreciated the fact he always cared so much.
"Dad, I know you're looking out for me, but honestly. What's the chance of me running into the Joker?" She chuckles, embracing her tall dad in a tight hug. He leans down slightly and hugs her back. "I know, but I worry a lot. Especially when this place is crawling with criminals and freaks."
She pulls away and pecks him on the cheek, "you don't have to worry about me, I'm a tough girl, and you should worry about yourself a bit more." Her dads face softens as she starts peaking again. "Criminals are probably more interested in going after you, you're a cop, they hate you."
He nods in agreement before moving back behind his desk and taking a long sip of his warm coffee. "Thanks sweetheart, but your old man's tough as well, I can handle myself." She gives him a sweet smile and grabs her bag from the ground. "I'm sure you can, dad. Anyway, I gotta get going or I'll be late for work."
"Okay honey, you gonna come over for dinner tonight with Finn? Your mother is cooking spaghetti." She shakes her head, "I don't think I can tonight, too busy with studying, but I'll let you know if I can make it." Her father sighs and nods in disappointment.
"Well, I'll see you later, sweetheart, take care of yourself and stay safe," she gives him a thumbs up while heaving her bag strap onto her small shoulder. "I will, daddio. Don't worry, love you."
She gives one last wave goodbye before making her way out of the office and into a long hallway.
Her footsteps echo against the walls as she rushes towards the main entrance. A few officers in the hallway give her nods or waves, knowing that she was the daughter of one of the police.
"Where are you rushing off to?" A familiar voice grasps her attention. "Finn, I'm in a rush," she mumbles to her brother who was leaning in the hallway with a coffee. He rolls his hazel eyes and grins, ruffling her hair as she walks past him. "You going to Mom and dad's tonight?" He asks. She quickly spins around and shakes her head, "I don't think I can, sorry."
Finn's eyes suddenly widen and he snaps his fingers, running after Pauline. "I forgot to tell you, I finally made it out of training, I'm officially part of the police force now." She stops and turns to him with a smirk, "see? I knew you'd get in." He gives a large and proud grin, straightening his brand new badge.
She quickly checks her watch and curses under her breath, "I gotta get going, dude, I'm gonna be super late."
"Ah, okay. See ya!"
Pauline jogs out of the hallway and finds the exit, she speeds her way out, trying to avoid any conversations that would hold her back.
She finds her car parked out on the street and jumps in, she fumbles with her keys and quickly starts up the vehicle. She knew if she was late, her boss would kick her ass. With that thought in mind, she drives from her parking spot and into the heavy traffic ahead.
"I'm so sorry I didn't get here earlier, Mrs Stacey," she apologises genuinely to her manager. She was an older woman, probably late forties. She had sharp features and a long face, making her look somewhat intimidating and scary.
The woman rubs her pointy chin and mumbles something Pauline couldn't pick up. "I'll let you off this time, just make sure it doesn't happen again," Pauline's face brightens and she thanks the manager before dashing for the change rooms.
After changing into her simple waitress outfit, she moves to the front of the café, waiting for any new customers.
"Fuckin' ridiculous, isn't it?" A rough voice says behind her, Pauline raises one brow and makes her way over to Jenna, her foul-mouthed co-worker.
Pauline stands next to her and looks in the direction she's facing. The News reporters were talking about the Joker's escape. Pauline felt shivers on her skin as a photo of him popped up on the screen. "Hm, yeah I heard about it this morning," Pauline starts, "They really need to do some work on their shitty security job. It's so stupid how easy it is for these big criminals to escape."
Jenna was about to reply until a sharp voice hissed at them, "ladies, no chatting, get back to work!" Mrs Stacy snapped lowly at them before going into the back. Jenna cracks her knuckles with a snarl, "nasty old cow…" she grumbles.
Pauline shrugs and spots a few customers making their way in. She nudges Jenna, "I'll talk in a second, just let me get their order," Jenna dips her head and makes her way to the counter. Pauline moves to serve the new customers, with the Joker still on her mind.