Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from the Batman series.
Chapter 6: Truth or Dare?
There are moments in life where it is okay to tell a white lie. Sometimes we need to make sure our professors think we care about their lectures outside of class. Sometimes we need to handle things delicately for insecure friends. Sometimes we boost our resumes before an interview. None of these little fibs are harmful. They just help us portray the truth in a better light. One could even argue that the world runs on our white lies. Are we polite to strangers because we generally like them or is it a forced habit? Do we listen to certain music because the song resonates with us on a deeper level…or is it just the current pop culture favorite?
What makes a lie? When does it become the right moment to lie?
"How did you get the tie back?"
Layla felt her mouth go dry, but her face didn't betray her. She was a trained detective. She knew how to keep a straight expression and let words come out that didn't match her heart. She got good at it when her mother passed away. She got better after completing the academy. It seemed like now would be the moment where she could exhibit mastery in the skill.
.
.
.
No.
She wasn't even sure whom she was trying to protect. Her special skill would come in handy another day. Right now it was time to come clean.
"He left it for me."
Layla gave a heavy look to Batman and slowly brought her gaze down to the floor. She was confused…maybe she really could use some help.
Batman didn't make a sound. Instead, he slowly approached Layla and handed her the note The Joker left for her earlier. Layla glanced at it and looked back up to the dark knight, while hugging herself.
"He hasn't come back…yet. I think…I may know who he is. I don't know for sure yet…"
Batman nodded.
"Detective, I know what its like to work alone. I prefer it. Sometimes, we need to depend on others. Let the Commissioner and I help you take him down."
"Take him down?" Layla thought.
Layla was shaken from her thoughts as Batman gently took his gloved hand under her chin, tilting her head up to meet his gaze.
"You're stubborn, I understand that."
He came closer to her face.
"Put that aside like you did at the hospital. Let's work together."
He left a strange emphasis on that last word.
.
.
.
The next day Layla underwent her normal routine, save for her usual attire. Today, she had on a pair of medium shade skinny jeans with below the knee combat boots. Additionally, she wore a black forearm length shirt. Her hair was tied back in a long ponytail. She gave Harley her breakfast, sitting on he floor watching her gulp up some stray kibbles. Her knees were pulled close to her chest and she hugged them with her head hanging low.
"I can do this. I belong here. I can do this." Her usual mantra.
She noticed Harley wobble over to her favorite couch spot. It was a calm beige color that contrasted the brick walls of her living room. A giant window made for the perfect sunspot in the middle of the couch. Harley loved to sit there and snuggle up to the cozy woolen blanket lying over the area. The cat had been getting older and more lethargic each day. Meanwhile, Layla seemed to be getting stronger. She felt a slight pain in her chest, thinking about the inequalities of growing up.
Once Harley had settled into sleep, Layla left the apartment making her way to the Gotham Police Department.
.
.
.
Everything was ready. The small device Batman had given her earlier was shrunken and concealed within the wristband of a black watch. The side dial could be pressed down to disclose Layla's location and immediately call for help. Commissioner Gordon still felt uneasy about the plan, but he trusted Batman and Layla with the hopes that they could finally end the clown prince's reign over Gotham.
"-And make sure that you check on Harley tomorrow. Don't forget to change her water too."
"Do you really think he'll come tonight?" The commissioner questioned.
"Once he sees that the police are handling things on the other side of town with the new hospital relocation, he might feel more comfortable paying me a visit." Layla reasoned.
"Besides, Batman won't be too far if things go bad. I'll make it work Commissioner." Layla gave him a shy smile, feeling confident and tense at the same time.
Gordon still couldn't shake his worry, but gave in to Layla's belief.
"Remember detective…when you find out who he is or if there is a threat, press the dial."
Layla swallowed, feeling the weight of her heavy responsibility.
"I've got it."
.
.
.
It was 8:00 and Layla waited patiently in her room. The window was left open and the Gotham police force was holding a conference at the new hospital that the patients from last week's bombing relocated to. Layla began to feel the exhaustion from the past few days pile up on her and slowly dozed off to a light slumber.
Thud
Torn from the first easy sleep she had in days, Layla whipped her head, hair flapping, to the source of the sound. It seemed to be coming from the bedroom window. Layla opened her side drawer and pulled out a small gun. With grace, she got up from the bed and crept to the spot.
But there was no one there. Only a closed window. Layla lowered her gun.
She turned around to further check the room, but there was no need. He was sitting on her bed, petting Harley.
"What a purrrrrfect pussy!" He laughed at his own joke, sending chills down Layla's spine. He stood up with his back faced towards Layla, letting the cat hop down and scurry away.
Layla wasn't scared. She just studied his appearance. He was tall… at least 2 feet taller than herself. He had broad shoulders concealed in a deep purple trench coat. His hair had been tinged green, but in a messy fashion. There wasn't any skill applied. She could almost make out a few blonde spots he missed.
The Joker turned around to face the quiet girl.
"Hello, b-e-a-u-tiful." He said this in a sing song voice.
"I think you have something that belongs to me."
Layla reached into her jeans and pulled out the purple tie. The Joker crept closer to reach for the garment, licking his lips as he neared the small girl.
Just as he was about to snatch the tie, Layla held it back, causing the Joker to let out an amused chuckle.
"You can have it…if you take me with you."
For a while there was just silence. The Joker studied this defiant girl…looking fearless. Little did she know that he was fear itself. He'd make her learn that. She never had a choice to go with him. He was coming for her tonight anyway. After a few more moments, he spoke while shrugging his shoulders.
"You drive a hard bargain kid, but I'll take it."