Chapter Two

In my entire life I have not once broken into a friend or family's store, house, or privacy. However, William Tart was now an official exception. He and I knew each other when we were kids; we grew up on the same street and played hide-and-go-seek constantly. Our parents were even friends. When we started high school, we drifted for one simple reason: William's adopted sister, Katrina.

Katrina was the 'ideal daughter.' She made honor roll every semester with a GPA of 4.0 and was captain of the cheer squad. She was tall, blonde and fair skinned with bright blue eyes. I guess all the confidence in her drove her to picking on me- and Will wouldn't do anything about it. He couldn't help but be in the lime light… couldn't help but want her popularity. I hated William Tart for that.

But then again I am a softie. That's why he became Scooter Tate once he got caught street racing.

Jack kicked open the door to our temporary apartment. I looked up from my work as he did so. In his hands he held a cardboard box. I frowned as he dropped the box carelessly on top of my work. "What the hell is this?" I asked agitated.

"Food," he said with a smile and started pulling out cans and boxes to put away in the cabinets.

"Really?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. I stood and walked over to Jack and took a can out of his hand. I looked at the label only to see Green Giant Peas plastered across it. I looked up at him for a second and back down to the can. I proceeded to jolt the can up and down, waiting to hear the contents jiggle. All I heard was a deep clunk. I now raised both eyebrows and looked up at Jack. "Open it," I said to him, handing back the can.

He sighed and unscrewed the top of the can. Inside, a small black device stood straight up. I smirked and looked up.

"You really thought this out didn't you?"

Jack gave a weak smile, "Yup… she's really helpin too." I smiled back and set the can down on the counter.

**

**

Harley Quinn sat in the middle of her bed. Her room, dark and cold, was now her only sanctuary. This was the only place where she could think freely and not be threatened with death. A notepad and pen sat in front of her patiently.

She now contemplated the question Scooter Tate had asked her just a week before. 'Why Bugs? Why'd we do all this?' Why did they do all of this? The Joker did nothing for them but keep them out of Arkham. He used and abused Harley every chance he got. She knew, deep in her heart, that he was not her true love. Her love was on Gotham's defending team- and she was constantly playing offence.

In the end, she knew what she had to do. Harley Quinn grabbed the pen and began to write.

**

**

I sighed and pressed my cheek against Jack's bare chest. It heaved up and down steadily as he ran his fingers through my hair. So I knew this guy only a week or two. I couldn't help myself. He was sweet, charming and bad.

"You—Are—Amazing…" Jack muttered and caressed my shoulder now.

I looked up and rested my chin on him. "I know dear," I smiled cheekily. Jack smiled back and leaned his face down to mine. I lifted my head and my lips met his. We sighed simultaneously as we pulled away. I lay my head back down and he turned on our T.V.

A blonde anchorwoman sat behind the blue news desk. "Breaking news: Scarlet Rose and her latest accomplice, Jack Marks, have been found! S.W.A.T. members are on their way to the apartment as we speak. Let's look in!"

By now Jack and I had gotten up and were already putting on clothes and throwing supplies in our bags. I stopped as I heard a male voice come in from the T.V. "Here we are Sue! We're in front of apartment 310 on Front Street where the alleged Scarlet Rose and Jack Marks is said to live!"

Laughter rang out from my mouth. 310 was a floor below us. We were in 410. "Come on Jack let's get our stuff and get outta here while they're still snoopin in old Mrs. Jenks room."

As we finished packing our necessary bags, we threw them out onto the fire escape. Once done, we ran into the kitchen and proceeded to take all of the 'can goods' out and set them on the floor in the center.

Jack put the last can good in the stack and said, "Alright Scarlet, you head down to the truck and put all the things in. I'll be right behind you." I nodded and did exactly what he said. I ran back to the room and out to the fire escape. A white van lay still below and the sun roof on top was open. I threw each bag down into the sun roof; and just as I threw the last one, Jack ran up behind me. "C'mon Scar!" he hurried me down the fire escape. Once down, Jack jumped into the driver's side and I got in on the passenger's.

As he hit the gas pedal, the first explosion went off; and the building collapsed behind us.