A million apologies to those who are reading. School sucks but my writing shall not die! It just takes a nap. This will have to keep you occupied till summer vacation starts, but anyways, enjoy...

It was about three o'clock when Angelica slammed the door to her condo shut and slid down it to sit on the floor. Loki came over to her and he went to lick her face but she brushed him away. He sat down next to her as she stared off into space with concern marred on her face. Throughout all of the aspects of her current predicament, the one thing that was really getting under her skin was the fact that she had absolutely no control over the situation. Damien, one of the few people she trusted, had sold her out to this mystery criminal who had an eerie desire to know what she did for the mob. However the worst thing that crossed her jumbled mind was the fact that she didn't know what to possibly expect when she finally met this stranger. Angelica buried her face in her hands and groaned.

"Oh suck it up will ya?" She thought to herself. Angelica got up off the floor and pushed a loose curl behind her ear. Even though she had eaten when she was with Damien, her stomach let out a muffled growl. She went to the kitchen and rummaged in the fridge for materials to make a grilled cheese. Soon the sandwich was toasting in a pan while Angelica changed from her uniform to a pair of tight jeans and a black tank top. As she flipped her grilled cheese, she looked at her reflection in the microwave, so she could see the bruise more clearly. It now was a dark blue shade with an ugly yellow outline, and she began contemplating a way to get him back. Putting a hold on one of his bank accounts wouldn't be enough. He had humiliated her and to get proper vengeance she would have to get creative. She noticed that as she had begun plotting against mob leaders, her grilled cheese had begun to burn. She was too lazy to make another but she ate it anyway

She realized that all she wanted to do was relax and forget about Gamble, and the fact that she would be having company over for dinner. She looked over at Loki who was chewing on a stuffed animal with malicious intent, and she chuckled as she went into her bedroom. She opened the drawer to the bedside table and pulled out a plastic bag and glass pipe. She loaded the pipe with the sticky, green weed, and she went back into the living room to hunt down a lighter.

Angelica flicked her lighter and inhaled deeply. As she exhaled, she leaned her head back a sigh in relief. She walked over to a table in the living room and knelt down to skim the shelves below. She flipped through the extensive vinyl collection, pulling out several records to listen to. She placed one on the turn table and set the needle on it and she even enjoyed the scratching sound it made. The smooth, eerie voice of Jim Morrison came through the speaker and Angelica lay back on the carpet to continue smoke. Loki came around the corner panting heavily as he lay next to her and Angelica put down the pipe feeling the effects of the high already. With one hand she scratched Loki behind the ears and she held the album cover with the other as each of them played. Led Zeppelin, The Velvet Underground, Bob Dylan, they had been some of her father's favorites and getting stoned and listening to these albums made her think of him. It was a ritual she had used to relax ever since he had died. She was half way through Sargent Peppers when her phone went off alerting her she had a new message. She groaned as she got out of her comfortable position on the floor moving Loki who has his head resting on her stomach. She picked her phone up off the table and read the text from Damien.

Want me 2 text U when we r comin

Angelica didn't reply but she tossed her phone carelessly back on the table, and walked over to the fridge. She searched for something to relieve her cotton mouth as she hummed along to Lovely Rita. Cracking open soda, she picked up her phone and returned to her spot on the floor. She then cracked her neck and typed a reply.

Yes… know that I'm mad at you

He replied about 30 seconds later

Ur overreacting chill

Angelica noticed the time and decided to change into her uniform. After doing so, she walked into the bathroom and opened the medicine cabinet with a sigh. She popped another pill from a different bottle and stared at herself in the mirror. Her makeup had worn off and her bruise was now overly apparent. She applied more concealer and touched up her eyeliner, the she went into the kitchen where Loki was sitting waiting for her to feed him. She did so and filled up his water dish, as she did so she began to wonder if she should put him in the laundry room when the stranger came for his visit. It wasn't more than a small square closet which she felt was cruel to do to poor Loki. Perhaps the idea only made her uncomfortable.

She picked up her phone and purse as she left her condo. She had a message waiting from Maroni.

Did you fire Nicco?

Angelica cursed as she got off the elevator and entered the lobby.

Tomorrow boss. I promise

"Another day at the office?" A voice said to her. She looked up to see the building manager Daniel standing behind the reception desk.

"Oh you know Daniel, I'm a workaholic." She joked as she leaned on the counter in front of him.

"I won't ask as usual, but come back in one piece." Daniel was middle aged and lived with his wife in the building. Ever since Angelica moved in, he had gotten into the habit of telling her to be careful every night she went out. Angelica liked him for this fact.

"How's the Misses?" She asked.

"Much better, the doctors said therapy is going well. A whole month without nightmares is a good thing."

"The effects from the toxin must be waning then."

"I don't care to understand the technical aspect, all I know is she'll be home soon." Angelica smiled sincerely and said.

"That's good to hear. I wish I could chat but I have business to attend to." As she went to leave she had a thought run through her mind and she turned to say.

"You have my cell number right?"

"I think so, why?" He asked looking over his reading glasses.

"You remember Damien?"

"That kid you took in a while back?"

"Yeah him. If he comes around and I'm not back can yo let me know?" Daniel looked confused and said.

"Sure… anything I should worry about?" He knew her line of business well enough to ask.

"Most likely not." Daniel nodded and Angelica left to pick up Maroni.

The entire time she drove, Maroni and his two best guys, Pete and a guy who went by Matches talked endlessly about some job that had just been pulled off, while she remained silent. Her nerves had calmed slightly thanks to the weed and the pills, however she still hoped Damien wouldn't text her until she got home. She dropped the three off at Martins which was a high end restaurant Maroni owned in the middle of the city. Maroni had her walk to the door with him.

"Something bothering you? You look like somebody killed your dog."

"Not really boss I just uh… I need to get home asap."

"You mind telling me whats more important than your job?" he could tell he wasn't happy with her statement but it didn't stop her from thinking.

How about my life?

"I've been working on accessing the Gotham police archives. There is a possibility I can clear any information on you about being head of the Falcone crime family." This was surprisingly to her, not entirely a lie.

"Really?' He said suddenly interested.

"Yeah I had a decryption system running when I left so I kind of wanted to finish the hack." Maroni smiled as if he approved.

"Okay, can you get someone else to get us in two hours?"

"I'll make some calls." She replied feeling w wave of relief. She whipped out her phone and searched through her contacts. She selected one and hit send. Two rings sounded, followed by a loud.

"Yeah?"

"Hey TJ it's Marilyn."

"Hey kid what's up?"

"Not much, just calling in on that favor you owe me." He chuckled on the other end of the line and said.

"I'm kinda busy right now Mar…"

"In two hours will you be?" She said sounding a little more desperate than she anticipated. She lit a cigarette as she got back into the BMW.

"Actually I should be free, what do you need?"

"I need you to pick up Maroni and two of his boys at Martin's." there was a pause on the other end.

"That's the favor? Hell Marilyn, I figured you wanted more Xani or something."

"TJ, just say you can do it and let me go, Ive got a situation to deal with." She blew out a cloud of smoke angrily and he replied.

"Woah woah, are you in trouble? Look I'll get Maroni but, Marilyn did you mouth off…"

"Oh spare me the concerned father complex and don't worry!" They were both silent while she pulled onto lower fifth.

"I'm handling it TJ."

"Oh no doubt, but if you end up missing, I'm gonna come save you then kick your blonde ass."

"TJ shut the fuck up!" She could hear him laughing on the other line.

"I promise I won't get killed and kidnapped."

"I hoped not because whoever kidnaps you would be outta their minds."

"Thanks TJ."

"Whatever kid." Her phone buzzed in her hand and she saw a text from Damien.

10 min

Angelica gasped and said.

"Hey thanks a bunch, I'll talk to you later." She threw he phone on the seat next to her and hit the gas pedal. There was no time to get her car; she hoped she would beat her uninvited guests.

Angelica ran into her condo with two minutes to spare. Loki was her first priority. She apologized out loud as she turned on the little light as she lead him in to the laundry room and shut the door. She bounded to her room to change, but just as she wrenched the door to the closet, the doorbell rang. Her heart slammed against her ribs rapidly as she stood there with adrenalin flooding through her body. Immediately she thought about grabbing anything to defend herself and she moved quickly to the bedside table to grab her switch blade. As she tucked it between her breasts, she heard the door open and immediately cursed herself for not locking it.

"Honey, I'm home!" The same eerie voice that she had heard on the phone said, and the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. She took one slow breath and walked into the living room.

A man stood in the entry way clad in a purple suit and smudged grease paint that made him looks like a bad attempt at an evil clown. His greasy hair was a faded acid green and two thick scars stretched across his white painted face in a horrid Glasgow smile. Damien was closing the door as Angelica stared at the man. She was trying to convince herself that he wasn't a terrifying figure, and she fought the urge to run. Angelica imagined him pinning her to the ground if she tried, he was slender but he most likely had the muscle to overpower her. None of these thoughts however were helping her from fidgeting where she stood, which must have looked utterly pitiful.

"You know you should lock your doors at night, ya never know who might come in uninvited-duh." Angelica shook her head and said.

"Is this some kind of Joke?"

"I could be if that's what you'd like, I know I would." He said as the grin on his face continued to grow, and Angelica felt a chill crawl down her spine.

"Never mind, who are you?" She asked. He bared a set of yelling teeth which made her cringe.

"Psh as far as I'm concerned…" He said as he moved to circle her like a vulture.

"You can call me whatever you want, god your picture doesn't do you justice." He said talking too fast for her to reply. She was tall for a girl that always made her feel powerful, but he seemed to tower over her with broad shoulders and a dark presence.

"I…wouldn't know where to start with a name for…"

"Stick to Joker and you're GOLDEN!" He said, barking the last word like a mad dog.

"Joker huh? Why do I feel like I've heard of you before?"

"Probably GCN Marilyn, he's been…"

"Wait downstairs." The joker ordered. Damien nodded and looked at Angelica before he left. Angelica began to work on impulse alone. If she was going to figure this guy out, she would have to play his game. However that didn't prevent her fight or flight response that was causing her to keep looking at the door.

As if running would do any good, she thought.

"So do you always greet guests with such a cold shoulder?" She inhaled deeply and said.

"No but I feel awkward offering you a drink."

"Don't be nervous Angel face, this is just business." She couldn't help but doubt that. He was awfully fidgety and even when he was standing still his foot was taping.

"Do I get a tour?" He asked in a clowny voice.

"I supposed you…"Before she had finished he was walking through her apartment heading for her vinyl collection.

"Looky looky." He said bending down to pick up one of the records she had left on the floor.

"So we know you work for Maaaaaroni… but I gotta ask what a pretty little thing like you is doing working for the mob?" She was hesitant to answer because she didn't understand why he wanted to know about her. She realized any answer from him would take work to get.

"My old man used to work for Maroni."

"Let me guess, due to his choice of profession he died on the job, hence you're use of past tense.

"You say that like you already knew." He stood up and walked over to the window brushing past her roughly and on purpose as he did. She scoffed and went to block him as if he were going to throw a punch at her.

"Damn what a view, I bet if you tossed a guy over the side he'd look like ground beef when he got to the bottom." He laughed at his own joke and a muffled bark could be heard in the next room. He looked in the direction of the bark with dark eyes painted so black they looked like a skeleton, empty and lifeless.

"I was wondering about the pooch." He brushed past her knocking into her again, as he walked to the back of the apartment. Angelicas was getting agitated with his rudeness and she followed him while saying,

"You really shouldn't he doesn't like strangers." The Joker laughed and said

"Ah is it trained to kill?"

"No he just…" The Joker opened the door and Loki burst out, smelling the Jokers feet and beginning barking. The Joker smacked his lips together then said in a rough booming voice.

"Down boy!" Loki whined and stopped barking then he sat by Joker who was smirking at the dog. Angelica stood watching the scene in slight awe. If he could give that sort of instant fear into her dog, she didn't want to imagine what he would do if her tried.

"That's so strange. He only ever listens to me." She said looking from the dog to the Joker. He chuckled and said,

"Dogs like most humans are easy to control, plus I have a way with worrrrds." Angelica nodded in agreement and she watched the Joker pet Loki a few times. His friendly encounter with the dog confused her, but she could only assume it was an act.

"Dogs aren't my first choice for pets though." Loki walked off to his bed in the kitchen and remained quite which was so bizarre for Angelica to see. The Joker edged towards her and she said,

"What would you prefer, hyenas?" She let out an uncomfortable laugh. His grin widened and he replied.

"You're funny too… Laughter is an important thing." He said nodding his head with each word. His dark eyes glanced over her several times and she stood there in a very tense stance. There was something unsettling behind his gaze like a wolf staring at an innocent sheep waiting for the right moment to attack. She let out a shaky breath and took a step back from him.

"Well that's the laundry room, that's the bathroom and that's my room." She said pointing at each as she said them. He brushed past her and went into the bedroom which felt like such a violation. However he wasn't a man to challenge or say no to, that was obvious.

"You're too clean." He said as he looked at all the perfumes, lotions and jewelry lying on her dresser.

"You're too clean; you techy people are usually disorganized as hell."

"Did you see my desk?"

"No but good Segway." He said grabbing her by the arm and leading her to her work station. She tried to struggle which only made him hold her tighter. She let out a little squeak and he laughed.

"Chill Angel face." He let go of her and hit a few keys on the keyboard while humming some unknown tune. Angelica instinctively batted his hand away which caused his to glare at her automatically. Despite the crudely carved grin, his red painted lips were pursed and his dark eyes seemed to get even darker. She quickly looked down at her feet and said,

"Sorry, I'm protective of my equipment."

"Sit down." He ordered as he pulled the chair to the desk out for her. She herd him laugh behind her, and then pushed her and the chair closer to the desk. Angelica winced and gasped as her ribs were crushed against the wooden desk. The joker placed his leather gloved hand on her shoulders causing her to tense up.

"So I hear you're a wiz at this stuff." She cleared her throat and replied.

"I guess." He laughed and leaned against the wall next to the desk.

"Let me ask you something, do you like answering to mob leaders?"

"Not really."

"Then why do you do it?" She couldn't help but keep watching the way that he kept running his tongue over the corners of his mouth. And the way he kept looking at her like he was trying to read her thoughts. She pushed her chair back to a comfortable position and said.

"Because I'm not cut out for the real world."

"Is that riiiigh-tah?" He said in a gruff voice with a smirk. She again tried not to stare at his scars.

"So do you want to tell me what I can do for you or are we gonna keep playing keeping up with the Joneses?" He laughed and said.

"You're not afraid of me are you?"

"I'm trying not to be?" Her rouse had worked apparently. Angelica had tried to figure him out since he walked in. His appearance and the way he kept laughing at everything she said implied he was mad but something about him was far more disturbing than just being insane.

"Oh pretty Angelicaaaa…You ain't seen nothin' yet." She swallowed harshly and said.

"That's nothing I haven't heard before." He let out a laugh like a hyena and said.

"Good, now that I know you're not some hooker with half a brain… Let's do business." Angelica raised her eyebrows as he went into the kitchen to grab himself a chair and sat uncomfortably close to her. He had a harsh smell of gasoline and cologne which made her nostrils twitch. However the cologne almost smelled familiar.

"So Angel face, I've got…" He trailed off as he began searching through his pockets, eventually pulling out a crumpled piece of paper.

"I've got plans for this city, and it's gonna take work and people like you."

"And what can I do for you Mister Joker?" He made a quick snarl like an excited dog and replied.

"Ya see I need people on the inside, and who better than a mobsters little doggy." She scoffed and said.

"I get your point but can you stop referring to me as a dog."

"Oh even though that's what you are?' He said waving his hand in her face.

"Because I'm willing to bet you come-muh when you're called…Like a little doggy." He said ruffling her hair which made her jump.

"Ha and to further my point look at what you're wearing. Business sexy but still I bet Maroni parades you around like some prize hound." Angelica huffed trying not lash out like she normally would with any other scum bag, but he was right she was petrified in his presence.

"Great now that you've insulted me, how about you tell me what you want me to do." He grinned and said.

"I need some names of the banks that the mob does business with." She laughed

"You want the names of Maroni's banks?"

" No no no no, I want the whole mob. Russians, Italians, all that jazz-zuh." Angelica looked at him in disbelief and she turned to face him.

"You want the banks of the entire Gotham mafia? Well there aren't that many but…"

"Good because I'm only gonna need one most likely but the more blue prints I can get my hands on the better." He said rubbing his hands together.

"If you don't mind me asking, what are you planning on doing with this information?" She asked him even though she knew the answer.

"All in good time Angel face." He said with a sneer. Angelica took a moment again to take in this strange man. The way he was sitting with his coat draped behind him allowed her to see he didn't have a gun on him.

"So is that all you need? I thought you'd have a challenge for me."

"That's all I need now." He said as he leaned forward, his knee bouncing restlessly as he sat.

"You realize you're asking me to forsake my job and more importantly my life… Like they will kill me when they find out I gave you the information against them."

"I missed the part where that's my problem." He let out another unnerving laugh. She ran a slightly shaking hand through her hair and replied.

"And you said this is all for now… Do you have further requirements?"

"B-I-N-G-O baby." This time Angelica was the one who laughed.

"Do you expect me to do this as a favor? Because the minuet I give you this information I'll have to start planning my escape from Gotham."

"Again how is that my problem?" Angelica cracked her knuckles and began clicking away on her computer, muttering to herself while she worked which made a satisfied grin stretch across the Jokers face. A few awkward moments later, she hit print. She reached for the sheet of paper in the printer and handed it to him.

"Bank names for the mob."

"Excellent."

"I included account numbers, address, and a list of phone numbers for guys who don't have any loyalties and do jobs for cheap." She said pointing at each with a manicured finger. He reached out and ruffled her hair again and she rolled her eyes.

"You're good kid, verrrrry good. That's a lot more than a cautious person would give."

"Oh I know, my point is this…" She pulled the paper out of his hand and folded it neatly. She crossed her legs and leaned her head on her hand. She tapped the envelope on the desk and said. Even as she did this she was scared of his reaction. She had challenged him already she didn't want to know what he would do if she kept pushing her luck.

"What are you offering me for this?"

"How about I don't kill you." He said getting obviously irritated.

"I knew you were gonna say that."

"Really? Because I've been thinking about it since I came here." She instinctively reached for the knife she was concealing, but she stopped and made it look like she was playing with her necklace. Even if she had managed to obtain the knife, she had a feeling he would react too quickly. Her cocktail of drugs was keeping her heart from pounding away in her chest but she still trembled slightly with nervous energy. This man had such an ominous presence that she didn't understand based on his colorful appearance. Angelica again began to wonder if her pride was overpowering her instinct to run, and for a moment she eyed the path to the door. He was too close for comfort and she wouldn't make it two feet if she tried to run.

"Fair enough Joker." She said reaching for the drawer to get an envelope. She had a moment of panic and triumph when she saw her pistol sitting on top of the contents of the drawer. She looked up at him like a deer in the head lights and he was grinning ear to ear once again.

"Ohhhh Angelica… Don't even think about it." He said tapping her lightly on the nose. If she had remembered putting it there she could have the upper hand in the situation about now, and she couldn't help but groan in disappointment. The Joker grabbed the paper out of her hand and said.

" You can stop shaking like that any time by the way, you're giving yourself away with that tough chick shit Angel face." He pocketed the paper and Angelica leaned back in her chair with a sigh.

"Now, I'm going to have further use for you and like I said, it's gonna take time. So don't worry your pretty little head about anything just yet." He said as he got up from his seat.

Please tell me he's leaving, She thought. He searched in his pockets again and pulled out a playing card.

"I'll be in touch but here's my card if you need to reach me." He said as he slipped the card under the strap of her vest. He suddenly made a face that made her uneasy with the malicious look in his cold eyes. The leather on his gloved hand cracked as he reached between her breasts, feeling her up a little more than necessary. She gasped and tried to move back but he grabbed her around the waist and pulled the hidden knife out.

"Look at that kitty has claws." He said with a sneer.

"It was just a…"

"Shut up, now next time I see you, try to be a little nicer." He flicked out the switch blade and held it against her cheek.

"Say you promise."

"I promise." She tried to push away feeling the powerful muscles beneath his coat.

"Ah tah tah tah, don't struggle, that just makes me more eager." He growled. She couldn't tell what he was hinting at but she did as he said. The aroma that engulfed him made her nauseous as he overpowered her. She was like a rabbit in a trap, and she had never felt so helpless. He pressed his thumb against her cheek and rubbed off her make up to reveal the bruise.

"You shouldn't cover that up Angel face, it gives you character."

"A…ar..are you saying I'm boring." He laughed and let go over her. She fell to the floor at his feet and he walked backwards towards the door.

"I have a feeling you are very interesting-guh." With that he tossed the knife and it landed inches away from her hand. She let out a small scream and covered her mouth with her hand. He let out one last maniacal laugh and slammed the door behind him. Angelica sat there for a moment trying to catch her breath and process what had just happened. She pulled her knife out of the floor and turned it over in her hand. She looked on the floor by the knife and noticed a single green hair lying on the spotless carpet. She picked it up cautiously and stumbled into the kitchen because her legs were still trembling. She rummaged in the drawers for a plastic bag and she placed the hair in it, and then slammed it onto the counter letting out a cry of distress. Loki came over to her as she slid down to the floor where she buried her face in her hands. A buzz in her pocket sounded a text message. She pulled out her phone to see a message from an unknown number.

Sorry I didn't say bye.

Your face was priceless.

Save this number

J

She groaned and knew her next move was necessary. She searched for a number and dialed.

"Marilyn, long time no talk'

"Hey Doc, what's happening?"

"Not much I'm just at home, you okay you sound…"

"I'm fine, but I do have a favor to ask of you."

Give me some love people, love it hate it whatever.

Please R&R