Arsenal New Beginnings Chapter 9: The Rescue
There was stillness in the air, like something big was in the works. In the distance you could see the flickers of police and Emergency services heading to the area where the building had collapsed. On the roof of Malcolm Merlyn's building the sounds of a helicopter were getting louder. The cackles of his voice could be heard outside the helicopter as it flew over the city. Billy could see the helicopter in the distance. He hoped that everything his boss had asked of him was ready. In the helicopter, the Joker turned his head to look at Harley, who had been flying it. She looked at the Joker and said, "Is everything going according to how you planned?"
"Does it look like we won dear? It hasn't gone exactly how I planned it, but when does it ever Harley? I have big plans for this city and no one will stop them least of all Amanda Waller. Since the day you broke me out of Arkham, you've been at my side and we've brought chaos to all those who have been in our way." The Joker replied with an angry look on his face.
"I am not scared of Ms. Waller, she may be in charge of projects, like the suicide squad, but in the end she will fail." Harley replied looking down at the men awaiting them to land.
The Joker listened to what Harley was saying and looked out his window and could see Billy waiting for him and with a stern tone in his voice said, "You know that arrangement we have with the her, I think it's time we change the arrangements. Don't you think?"
"What if Amanda Waller doesn't give us what we want? Can I kill her then?" Harley asked.
He looked back at her, giving her a huge grin on his face and chuckled a little then pulled the door open and said, "Yes of course you can. Only thing I asked if you don't get your hands dirty."
"Don't worry Mr.J. I plan on using other means like Laurel Lance to do my dirty work if she doesn't I'll cut her in little pieces." Harley smirked as she replied to Joker's question?
Having one leg out of the door the Joker turned to look back at Harley and said, "Having her do all the work and you get the credit is a perfect thing to do. I see my teaching hasn't gone to waste. But if your plan fails kill the girl."
Malcolm Merlyn's helicopter hovered over the building. Harley was getting the helicopter into position, so that the Joker could get out and speak to Billy. She brought the helicopter in for a landing landed the chopper without any problems. Harley pressed a button on her right top side and shut the engine of the helicopter. The propeller gradually slowed down. Not before grabbing the Briefcase that was on her right side on the ground and pulled her door open. Joker got out of the helicopter and could see Billy waiting his arrival. Billy had awaiting their arrival for about 20 minutes while Bob and the others finished their tasks. The Joker got out of the chopper and processed towards where he had been standing. He gave Billy a huge grin on his face and said, "Sorry we're late, traffic was hectic."
Billy stood there and put his hand out to greet the Joker and Harley. He looked at the Joker and Harley and says "It's alright, it happens. And welcome back Boss."
Walking to where the Joker and Billy were standing, Harley held the briefcase in her hand and waited to be asked when to show it. She stood there behind the Joker and listened to their conversation and thought of a way of using Laurel Lance who was waiting in Malcolm Merlyn's office.
"Isn't this a surprise, I wasn't expecting you to be here when I landed on the roof Billy. Is everything prepared as planned?" The Joker asked looking at Billy.
"Everything is ready as requested. Now I'd like my money as we agreed upon." Billy replied, giving the Joker a stern look. Joker turned to Harley, who was carrying a briefcase and put the briefcase on the ground. It was placed on the ground in front of Billy. Billy watched and was about to pick it up, when the Joker opened his mouth and said, "How'd you like to make double the money?"
"What's the catch Joker?" Billy asked looking at him.
Harley looked at the Joker and he looked back and said, "Harley be a dear and explain to him the catch."
The Joker chuckled as he finished his sentence. Harley stepped forward and said, "All you need to do his kill Nightwing or Roy Harper."
"And if I don't?" Billy asked.
"If you don't agree to do the job, then there will be consequences to your choice. Isn't that right Harley?" Joker asked looking at both Billy and Harley.
Harley stepped forward and gave Joker a kiss on his cheek and pulled out a knife that had been attached on her leg and says "That's correct Mr. J."
The knife made him uneasy, but before he could react, she stuck it into Billy's chest. She made sure the knife went into his heart, she smiled at the thrill of her actions. Billy clutched his chest and fell to the ground. The Joker couldn't stand the wait and pulled out his .44 and shot Billy, ensuring he died quickly. A puddle of blood flowed out of his body as he laid there lifeless.
Joker laughed and then turned his attention to Harley and said "Now why did you go and do that my dear. I'm so proud of you and apparently I don't give you enough credit darling. We both have twisted minds, don't you think."
"Yes I do. Now what do we do Mr.J. Do we use the money as an insensitive on Jim and have him do our dirty work." Harley asked, looking at the Joker who was smirking and proud.
"Yes I like that idea a lot." Joker replied laughing hysterically.
Jim ran towards Billy and saw him lying there on the ground. He felt for a pulse, but there wasn't one. He looked at the Joker and pointed his .44 at the Joker's face and says "Why is Billy dead? I want some answers Joker."
"You want answers. Look at that Harley." Joker titled his head pushing the.44 out of his face then turned to look at Harley. "I guess we better give him an answer."
"I guess we should." Harley replied in a sarcastic tone.
"When we agreed to work for you, you promised us that we'd be paid and that you wouldn't kill any of us. So then why do it." Jim asked in a distraught tone.
"You're not seriously asking me to give you a reason. What makes you think you could pull the trigger, hmm if the Batman couldn't kill me what makes you think you can?" The Joker mockingly replied to his question, as Harley stepped forward, toward Jim.
"I killed him and I got your money right here in this brief case. All we are asking is that you kill Nightwing or Roy Harper. Plus your money will be double now that you get Billy's share." Harley said with a giggle. So all I need to do is kill either of them to get my money." Jim replied and walked off and just as he pulled the door to go inside he stopped and turned to view Harley and says "When this is over, I want my money that rightfully mine and your head."
Harley tossed the briefcase to Jim "The first installment is in here it's yours." She said smiling, Harley leaned over to the Joker and whispered, "Boy will he be surprised when he opens the briefcase." The Joker chuckled at what she said and walked past Jim and headed in the direction of the elevator as he waited for the door of the elevator to open, he rested the briefcase against it. As he waited for the door of the elevator to open, he rested the briefcase against it.
He walked inside the elevator and pressed the floor he wanted to set the trap for Nightwing or Roy Harper. Once the trap had been set he headed back to the floor where Malcolm Meryln's office was. He relieved a guy that was watching them and pointed his gun at the prisoners. Joker watched him leave the area then turned to look at Harley and says "I should kill him for saying that to the women I love."
"Don't worry Mr.J. He'll get what's coming to him." Harley replied heading inside first, followed by the Joker. He headed for an elevator and waited for the door to open.
Once there, the two of them waited for the door to open. It closed behind them and the Joker pushed the 3rd floor on the panel. Sometime later the doors to the elevator opened and chimed. They both got off the elevator. Harley was quiet the whole trip to the floor of the security room. There had been a lot was on her mind, she knew a choice was needed to be made. The opportunity presented itself and she took it. Walking past the Joker, she continued walking and felt her pocket vibrate. It wasn't the first time, the cell had gone off.
He scratched his head, confused by her decision to leave. It wasn't like Harley to leave his side especially now with Nightwing and the others inside. He walked in the opposite direction towards the security room. Once at the door the Joker turned the handle and walked inside and saw two sets of televisions in the office and it was both touch screen televisions. He left the door open that way Harley could enter the security room and watch the chaos unfold.
Tommy happened to be in the building and hiding in a room. He had gone inside to hide when the men came inside the building. The room he had gone into just happens to be the floor where the Joker and Harley had gotten off. He pulled the door slightly open and saw them get off the elevator. Tommy saw Harley walked passed him. Closing the door and waiting for her to pass by. Peeking underneath the door and looking to see if her shadow was still in front of his door. He was making sure there wasn't a shadow wasn't there.
Seeing that it was now safe, he opened the door and saw the Joker go into the security room and saw he had kept the door open. He rushed inside, and got spotted by the Joker. He reached in his pocket and pulled out his buzzer ring. It shocked Tommy and caused him to scream and fall to the ground. The Joker stood in front of Tommy and said, "Well, Well. Isn't it Tommy Meryln?"
A guard arrived in the security room and said, "What happened here?"
"He thought he could sneak in and not be seen. But he thought wrong." The Joker replied.
"What so you want me to do with him?" The guard asked.
He walked to stand in front of the door and looked down the hall for Harley, but didn't see her and said, "Take him somewhere and tie him up. Don't forget to add explosive to the mix. He'll be my second act."
He chuckled at the thought of an explosion for his second act. The guard carried Tommy on his shoulder and headed up. Using the elevator, the guard decided he would head for the floor below Malcolm's office. He tied Tommy to a chair and make sure that he could speak. Not before leaving a camera, so that the Joker can watch what was going on in the room. He set the camera pointing at Tommy and connected it. You could see the red light on top of the camera; it meant that the camera was running. Checking his pockets for some explosives, he had had found some and placed them around them room. Picking up the trigger he placed it on a timer. It was set to go off in 3 hours unless you pressed the trigger. The guard return to the security room and handed the trigger. The Joker smiled and chuckled and said, "So will it make the boom I want."
"It will make a big enough boom that it takes out half the city." The guard replied.
The Joker noticed the camera and saw Nightwing and the others in the building and said, "Give them a warm welcome and by the end of tonight half this city will not exist."
The guard nodded and took off for the elevator. While on the elevator he clocked his gun. The gun he carried was a glock .38 and knew that he'd take care of Night wing personally. He headed for the floor for Nightwing and waited for him to make an entrance. He was on the fifth floor and it was where they'd be entering the building. Sitting at the edge of the table, he sat there waiting. Time would tell if he could kill Nightwing. It wasn't the first time, the cell had gone off. Harley knew if the Joker found out about the calls, he'd want to know who it was. She couldn't tell him about the offer to join the Suicide Squad.
She caught sight of a room, and made sure that the Joker wasn't watching as she went inside. Seeing a room, she decided to walk inside and close the door. The question was would he handle what she was hiding from him. He would wait for the right time to ask what was going on. This time she decided to deal with the call. She pulled out her cell phone and went into her missed call list. Seeing the caller id, she cringed at the thought of having another conversation with Amanda Waller.
Harley wondered why she would be calling her; she hadn't given her an answer. She had told Amanda that she'd think about what they had discussed privately. She pressed dial and waited for the phone to answer. The familiar tone of Amanda Waller answered the phone, "Harley...So nice of you to return my call, considering you've been ignoring me."
"I'm sorry, I couldn't let the Joker know about our conversations." Harley replied.
She could hear papers rustling and voices mumbling in the background, though she could not make out what they said. Amanda answers someone then came back on the phone and says "Did you make a decision about joining Suicide Squad?"
"Yes I made my choice." Harley replied looking out the window.
Amanda could tell by the tone of her voice that her choice wasn't the choice she wanted.
"What was the choice you made?" Amanda Waller asked.
"Wouldn't you like to know Ms. Waller let's just say I'd rather work side by side with the Joker?" Harley replied.
"You're making the biggest mistake of your life. In the end Harley you'll have no choice. I can wait. Question is can you." Waller said as she slammed her hand on her desk.
"Am I Ms. Waller? Is that a threat? Aren't you just full of threats for someone behind a desk?" Harley replied angrily.
Harley pulled the door open and throws her cell phone against the wall of the building and it shattered breaking the cell into pieces. She walked off and headed in the direction of the security room and see how things were going. The line went dead and Amanda knew she did exactly what she expected from her. Now all she had to do was sit back and watch. All of her projects were going forward no matter what or who was in her way.
Her office had 2 filing cabinets against her wall. On her desk she had a phone and files all over her desk and a computer screen and keyboard for her to work. On the wall you could see awards and commendation given to her for her work. Sitting at her desk, Amanda looked at someone who entered her office. George Thomason had been with A.R.G.U.S, and had been since its creation. He was her boss and ran the other projects on the base. He was a general in the military who had been working on classified projects since the late 90s. Amanda had been placed in charge of A.R.G.U.S. George pulled the chair forward and faced across her and said, "Did she agree to joining?"
"No she refused me and then cut me off. I think it's time we force our point to them." Amanda replied.
George looked back and moved his hands as he spoke and said, "You know if she doesn't join there will be issues raised about your abilities as head of these projects."
"They have nothing to worry about. I have everything under control and besides in the end everyone says yes." Amanda replied in a stern tone and rolled her eyes in reaction to his question. She wasn't surprised by his response and knew that all good things happen to those who wait.
"Do they know? I'll inform them of your progress and I expect no more failures. Is that clear?" George replied walking out of her office.
Amanda whispered to herself and said, "Perfectly. By the end of the week everything I planned will be mine. That includes your job."
Harley took a deep breath and turned to look at the door. She knew the Joker had seen her walk into the room. Avoiding the issue was no longer possible. How would he react to hearing about the conversation with her? Considering he was going to make changes to the agreement they had.
Harley walked out the door and headed down the hall to where the security room. Once at the room, she could see that the Joker wasn't happy at what he was seeing. Harley hopped that he wouldn't bring up why she had walked off.
Roy and the Green Vigilante leave Nightwing and Starfire standing outside Meryln Industries and head inside. Roy opened the door and allowed the Green Vigilante to go first inside. From memory Roy got his bearings and was en route for the stairwell. He pulled the handle of the door and it was unlocked and walked up the stairs. Once on the second floor, Roy just stopped and was deep in thought. He rested his arms on the stairwell looking down. The Green Vigilante entered the stairwell, he could tell Roy was upset, so he followed him. He placed his hand on Roy's right shoulder and said "I know how you feel, Roy.
Roy was still reeling the loss of Jade and you could see the emotion on his face. He was starting to crack. He looked back at the Green Vigilante and shrugged him off his shoulder and pointed his left hand at him and said, "How can you know how I feel, you weren't there when Jade fell to her death."
The Green Vigilante looked back at him taking a step down, pulling his mask and hood off and said, "This is the reason why I understand."
Roy saw him pulling his hood off and mask and realized who was standing in front of him and is surprised at who was the Green Vigilante and says in a surprised tone "Y..You're Oliver Queen the Billionaire."
"Yes I'm Oliver Queen and I'm trusting you with my secret." Oliver replied putting back on his mask and hood.
"Why are you telling me who you are?" His eyes gazed back at Oliver and wondered why he told him about his secret identity and asked him why.
Taking a step forward, he looked back at Roy and said, "You've heard that I was on an alone for 5 years, well what no one knows was that I wasn't alone on this island there were others. Others who had become my friends and I had to make a choice and lost someone dear to me. Someone I loved and every day that goes by I don't reply what had happened in my head. Could I have done more or taken her place. I've learned to live with my choices, but in this case it wasn't your fault Roy."
"Not my fault, I held her in my arms and watched as she fell from my grasps. She's the mother of my child, who hasn't heard that her mom is dead. Joker took someone I loved and can't forgive him for what he did."
"Revenge won't bring her back Roy and it's never the answer. You're plan of leaving Starcity as planned right and Starfire is joining you to help you through what happened." Oliver replied pulling an arrow from his back.
It had explosive residue on the tip of the arrow that explodes on touch. He placed it on the door then continued walking up to the next floor. Roy knew what he had told him to be exactly what he needed to hear right now and snapped himself out of how he was feeling. Revenge wasn't the answer, just as it wasn't his fault for Jade's death. Still deep in his heart he would have felt her passing, but he didn't have that feeling. He looked up at the Green Vigilante and said, "I won't kill or seek revenge...But I'm leaving. Tibet, maybe. I just, I need a change of scenery."
A voice could be heard coming out of a speaker, they both look around and see a camera on each floor. The Joker was speaking to them and had been watching them since they entered the stairwell. The lens moved and he said, "So the Green Vigilante has joined this fight now this could get interesting."
An arrow was released and hit the camera and hit the camera that had been on the same floor as Roy and he took out the camera on his floor as well. The Green Vigilante didn't like to be watched and felt it was one way for them to move easily without being scene. Back in Security room the Joker watched the camera feeds of the building. He could see where everyone was and what they were doing. Using his left hand he slammed his hand on the desk after witnessing the cameras going off and seeing the arrows coming. He wasn't happy at all and grabbed the chair he had been sitting on and angrily threw it on one of the televisions. It caused the television to break and spark.
"What's with the chair Mr. J?" Harley said as she arrived on the scene and saw the chair in one of the televisions.
"I see that my fun has been ruined by this Vigilante." He said, as he turned his head toward her and gave her an angry look.
She pointed to the screen and wondered which of the guys was the person in question. She had never seen the guy on the scene before accept on the news when they talked about the Green Vigilante.
On the fifth floor of the building, Roy and the Green Vigilante had made it through the traps and men that had been waiting. Two voices could be heard coming out of Oliver's ear. He pressed the ear piece and said, "Now's not the best time Diggle. Can I call you back?"
"I managed to hack my way into the security feed and can see everything that's going on and I know where Laurel and the little girl is." Felicity said, on the other end.
Roy punched some criminals when he heard the female on the other end of the earpiece say that she could see a little girl. At first he felt it was strange that Oliver was talking to himself, then realized he was talking to his friends. The Green Vigilante then pulled an arrow out and fired it as it hit its mark, a net appeared and it electrified the criminals. He touched the ear piece again, he said, "Are there any other ways to get into Meryln's office?"
"I'm guess your friends are on the other end, right?" Roy said, as he looked back at Oliver.
"As a matter of fact it was." The Green Vigilante replied walking off and Roy just stood there as he expected a little more warning about them moving.
He stood where the fight had been taking place and saw the Green Vigilante taking off without saying where he was going.
"Hey!" Roy shouted. He ran after him, and when he finally caught up to Oliver, he punched him in the arm. "That's for leaving me over there."
"Sorry was in a hurry, and I'm not used to working with other on missions." The Green Vigilante replied.
Back outside Meryln Industries, Nightwing stood there deep in thought of how to get up to the tenth floor.
"I was a little surprised to hear that you decided to go with Roy when this is over." He said as he looked over at Kori.
Kori was surprised to hear the comment coming from Nightwing's mouth.
"Richard Grayson, who would have thought you'd be jealous of Roy." She said in response.
"I'm not. I'm just glad that he has someone to go with him. I'd go with him, but I've got responsibilities with Young Justice and the Titans." Nightwing replied looking at Kori.
Kori floated off the floor and was about to fly upward but suddenly paused and looked back at Nightwing.
"I figured that you wouldn't be able to considering that your training Tim and I don't think you'd want to be there to help with his daughter." She said.
"Tim's training is going well, what worries me is Raven." Nightwing replied.
"What about her?" Kori asked.
Nightwing pulled out his grappling hook and pointed it up. He was getting ready to fire when he heard Kori's question.
"For now we think we have her inner demons locked but me and Tim believe it's only a matter of time." He said in response.
"I'd like to be there if that time comes." Kori replied then flew up.
Nightwing followed using his grappling hook. Once in the air the headed up to the 10 floor and noticed some men getting ready to attack. Nightwing looked up to Kori and said, "Looks like this is our stop."
"You're just itching for a fight." Kori said, as she looked through the window of the building.
"I'm game to put an end to this. Would you care to join me?" Nightwing replied as he pushed himself backward off the building, and he tried to get some momentum.
It took him quite a few pushes backward to get the right velocity, which caused him to come in fast break the glass. It made the glass shatter and fall into the ground, but he landed on his feet inside the building, he crouched slightly. He wanted to stay out of sight while Starfire entered after him. Flipping a desk over, he watched and pulled out his bat-a-rang and fired it out at the men that were there. He watched as a guard was sitting on the table for them. The facial expression of the guard was that of anger, as he called in at least a dozen more men for support.
"Welcome to your final resting Nightwing." He said as he stood up and faced the masked hero.
Starfire zapped the ones without their weapons which caused them to fell to the ground. They were knocked unconscious. She got to the ground and noticed Nightwing had come out with his Eskrima Sticks and rushed the remaining guys and knocked each of them with each blow he took.
"Really you'd think that's how this fight will turn out. Boy for a Joker goon, you have a lot to learn about me. Because for one thing I never lose." Nightwing replied pulling out his Eskrima Sticks and got ready.
The guard left his gun on the desk and pulled out a knife and got into a ready stance. He made his move against Nightwing and missed. Nightwing had dodged his strike with the knife and hit him with his left Eskrima Sticks, which knocked him in the jaw and caused him to lose some teeth. The knife he held on slipped out of his hand and disappeared.
He was military trained, so taking him down would take longer than they had anticipated. He looked around and saw that the dozen men who had been easily taken down. He smirked and angrily said, "Is that the best you got. Here I thought the great Nightwing was trained by the Batman."
Starfire got angry and flew at him; he caught her by the throat and tossed her like a rag doll. She crashed into Nightwing and knocked him down.
He got himself up and helped Starfire up and looked back at him and said, "That's no way to treat a lady."
"Aww, did I hurt your feelings." The guard mocked as he looked back at Nightwing.
Starfire watched and noticed the guard was attempting to leave the floor that they were on and grabbed him by the shirt then brought him to the window where it was broken and knocked him down. She then grabbed him by the ankles.
"Where are the women and child?" She said in a stern tone.
Nightwing knocked out the last goon and walked to where Kori stood and noticed that she was doing his style of getting answers. The one person who taught him was Batman. Who still does that to get answers from those who refuse to talk?
"You've hang out with me too long Starfire." Nightwing said.
Starfire turned her head and looked at Nightwing then back at the criminal she was holding and said, "Am I doing this right?"
"Yes you're doing fine. Just don't drop him." Nightwing replied going to sit at the edge of the desk.
"Please don't drop me!" The guard shrieked.
"I think my arm is getting tired. I'll ask again and this time I expect an answer. Where are they?" Kori asked.
There on the first floor, Malcolm Meryln's office. Did what you asked, now bring me up?" The scared guy replied.
Nightwing looked around the area where he stood and noticed a camera was watching them.
"Looks like big brother is watching us." He said as he looked back at Kori.
Kori pulled the guy up then punched the guy hard on the face knocking him out. She then looked at the camera and zapped it with her ability. It caused the camera to explode and fall to the ground. She looked at Nightwing and said, "That takes care of that. Now what's our next move?"
"Now we continue and hopefully there aren't any more traps for us. But knowing Joker I wouldn't put anything past him." Nightwing replied heading to the stairs.
The Joker stood there standing and was watching the screen and wasn't happen and knew that think will be getting complicated soon. He continued to watch as Nightwing and Starfire took care of his first trap. He turned to look at Harley and says "It looks like the Bat's taught Nightwing well. When you need something done right, you have to do it yourself."
"Want me to take care of it Mr.J." Harley asked looking at the Joker.
"No I'll take care of it personally. Tell Jim to kill the woman and girl. Joker replied walking off to meet Nightwing and Starfire.
Harley walked off and headed back to Malcolm Meryln's office to give Jim the Joker's orders.
Harley looked back at the Joker, she gave him a smirk of gratitude and walked off. She had learned a lot from working with him. Considering she had been working as a psychologist at Arkham long before meeting the Joker and befriending him. She walked in the direction of Malcolm's office.
Laurel had been standing next to the couch, with her arms crossed. She wondered what was going on and why the Joker's men seem nervous. There were three other men in the room with Jim. Laurel watched how Jim interacted with the others. Instead of talking with them and keeping an eye on her, Lian and Malcolm. He showed no interest and had walked off and stared out the window. She started to realize that Jim might be the one ticket to freedom. Walking up to him, she noticed how his demeanor.
He seemed distracted and upset about something that had transpired and kept quiet and isolated from the other three. Standing next to him, she looked directing at him. He turned his body to face Laurel who was standing on his left. Jim who had his arms crossed wasn't expecting a prisoner walk up to him. In all the years he had done a job. He had always killed whoever his target had been since he was a hired mercenary. Drawing his .44 gun at her then placing it under his front shirt.
She pulled back a bit and saw the other guards pointed their guns at her. Jim signaled them to stand-down and let him deal with Laurel. In the back of her mind she hoped that maybe deep down he'd help her and Lian.
"You seem distracted and in your own little world. Is everything alright between you and Billy?" She looked at him and said.
"Billy is dead. They killed him." Jim replied.
"Are you saying the Joker and his companion killed Billy?" Laurel asked looking at Jim.
"See before this job we were doing jobs for the highest bidders until one day Malcolm Meryln came to Billy saying he had a job for us." Jim said as he turned to face Laurel.
"So you were a mercenary and hired to do jobs. Why are you working for the Joker? You could be doing other things then this kind of work." She asked.
"You're asking me why I'm working for the Joker. I have my reasons why and I'm not going to share those reasons. My only interest was the money. It helped to support the needs of my family. Was overseas in Italy at the time doing a job, when I received a call from this guy who called himself the Joker. At the time I had no idea what this job was. Once I was in the city, I found out what the job was. The target was to kill the Green Vigilante and rid the city of him." Jim replied.
She listened to his explanation and how he had gotten involved with the Joker. He explained was hired to kill the Green Vigilante made her feel unsettled and wanted to know more.
"So he hired you to kill the Green Vigilante? I just figured something out from just hearing your story and it makes perfect sense." Laurel asked looking at Jim.
Looking away from her, he turned his body and slammed his hand on the wall of the building then looked back as he heard the question and said, "What makes perfect sense?"
"We're bait for the Green Vigilante and the others with him. It doesn't bother you that there's a child here that can very well die and for what?" Laurel asked with an angry tone in her voice.
"Of course it bothers me. But I have no choice in the matter." Jim replied with a tear rolling down his face.
"We all have a choice. What hold does the Joker have on you?" Laurel said, she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
She then turned her body after she heard a sound coming from Lian. It was her mumbling in her sleep, then the girl suddenly woke up, and sweat dripped down her forehead. Laurel looked at Jim then walked back to the couch, where Lian had awoken from her nap.
"There, there. It was just a dream Lian. No one will hurt you." Laurel said.
"The dream felt so real." Lian said as she looked back at Laurel, scratching her eyes.
"What was the dream about?" Laurel asked.
"The dream was about my parents. I want my mom and dad. Where are they? "Lian said as she went in and hugged Laurel tight.
"I don't know sweetie, but I'm sure both your parents are doing everything they can to save us ok." Laurel replied reassuring Lian.
"Ok. Can I have some water?" Lian asked.
"Yes you may." Jim replied walking to where there was water and poured her a glass and return to hand it to her. He then looked back at Laurel and said, "See I'm a good man. Where I'm from I have my old daughter her age."
"Do they know what you do for a living? You do realize once the Joker gets what he wants you'll be dead next. Meaning you won't be able to spend the money he offered you." Laurel replied, while sitting she looked in the direction of where Jim was standing.
Harley got off the elevator and walked towards Jim.
"Jim may I speak to you in private please." She said.
Jim looked at Harley and nodded then walked up to where Harley was standing and they both walked off. There went near the elevator and whispered to each other so that Laurel and Malcolm couldn't hear.
"What do you want? "Jim said to Harley in a low tone.
"The Joker wants all three of them dead, but I want the bitch. I'll kill her myself. It will be nice and slow." Harley replied.
"You can't be serious. It's wrong to kill a child." Jim replied angrily, he stepped in front of Lian and Laurel. "I won't let you go through with it."
"Don't make me have to kill you as well. "Harley said as she looked at Jim and pulled out a knife.
A ding was heard coming behind them. The Joker got off the elevator.
"What's the holdup Harley?" He asked.
"Jim refused to let me kill them." Harley replied turning herself around to look at the Joker.
He pulled out a gun out of his pocket and shot Jim in the chest. Jim grabbed his chest and fell to his knees. Blood could be seen coming out of where the bullet had gone through.
Everyone there gasped in shock and Lian covered her ears as the sound of the gunshot was heard. Joker walked toward where Laurel had been sitting and said, "This must be the late Laurel Lance, so good of you to join us. I'm sure your father the detective knows you're here?"
"How do you know about my father?" Laurel asked looking back at the Joker.
"Aww isn't that cute. That must be Roy Harper's daughter." The Joker replied, standing over Lian while she watched him looking at her.
"You still haven't answered my question Joker." Laurel asked in a stern voice.
He slapped her in the face on her left side.
"A phone call was made telling him and besides by now you've made the news. Plus I had plans for you, but now I've changed those plans." He said.
She grabbed her face holding the left side where he had slapped.
"I'd watch yourself Joker." She said as she rubbed the side of her face.
"Watch myself, you have no idea who I am. Do you?" Joker asked.
"I know you're a lunatic who's just looking for attention. I guess daddy never gave it to you when you were small." Laurel replied giving the Joker in a way a shot.
"They didn't tell me you had quite the potty mouth." He chuckled.
"Well then there's a lot they haven't told you Joker." Laurel replied and started to think of a way to save her and Lian.
"I thought we had an agreement." Malcolm said as he approached them.
Joker turned his attention from Laurel to Malcolm Merlyn and said, "I've decided to change our agreement to suit me. Oh if any of you think of trying anything, I wouldn't recommend it."