A/N: So it's been quite a while since I last updated my story. I've had a few things that have kept me from doing so: Family, school, holidays, & even a new dog. I appreciate those who have left a review on my last few chapters. It keeps me motivated to write the story & it puts a smile on my face. Without those reviews/alerts I don't know what would happen to this story. I'm not sure about this chapter - it's shorter than my most recent ones. I hope you like it! Boy, has it been a while. R & R!!

Closer

The man that the Joker referred to entered the room and made his place against the door. He remained at the door after he was instructed to come inside. He stood roughly five feet eight inches with a pale complection. He had a large healthy muscular build. His brown shaggy hair hung just above his matching set of brown eyes.

"My friend has brought me some new," he paused diverting his eyes to the back of the room as if he was searching for the correct words. "…toys. I was hoping to try them out later. But-t, I want to play one last game. Time is running out so we better get things going. This one," he nodded in agreement, "this one, you're going to really love."

Beside the man, was a table covered with a dingy white bed sheet. The Joker followed her gaze to the table. "Tsk. Tsk. No peeking. We'll get to the fun in a minute."

Alexis looked back up at the Joker who was returning his infamous yellow-stained grin. She arched her back off the ground and lunged her body forward propelling spit onto his left cheek. With an almost breathless energy she declared, "I. Hate. You."

"Feisty." The Joker's eyes twitched in response as he let out a deep chuckle. He lifted his hand from his knee ready to strike her. A groan escaped her lips as she recoiled quickly. Her head tilted to the side as she prepared herself for the blow. But he didn't hit her. Instead he lowered his hand to her chin and positioned it back to look up at him. "Open those beautiful eyes." He corrected himself, "Open them before I carve them out."

Alexis's tearful eyes fluttered open and returned their gaze back to the man above her.

The Joker slapped her lightly across the face with the back of his hand. "Good girl." With a tap of the tip of her nose he dropped her back down on to the floor while getting back up onto his feet.

He pulled a handkerchief out of his pants pocket and dapped away the spit from his face. "Now where was I?" He turned back around to face his minion. He strode over and tucked the handkerchief into his shirt pocket. Giving it a brief pat.

"Trust me, I don't take hostages. I don't like anything I have to worry about. I'm a popular guy." He adjusted his vest. "Gott-da keep my options open." He licked his lips, "Anyway, you're just a distraction from the real thing that's in motion. Our Commissioner friend is trying to find you as we speak. But, all he'll find is your lifeless body." He clinched his fist tightly, "Gotham will have already fell to it's knees. There's not a thing he can do to stop it."

"He'll stop you." Tears began to weld over the brim of her lashes.

"You're so sure?" He licked his lips, "Hmm? If you have not noticed, Lexi. The police in this city are in-credibly stupid. Even after everything you've seen these past few days you still believe in that people will do the right thing. Especially when it means their own life is in danger." He shook his head, "People are cowards you've give them too much credit."

It took him a moment to realize who she was really talking about, "Ah, if you're counting on Bats saving the city you're out. Of. Luck." He tilted his head back in a fit of laughter, "He has his precious rules to keep. He won't kill me. No, no, we're destined-d to play this game of cat and mouse for ever."

"Doesn't mean someone else can't stop you," she corrected him.

"Change is coming." He tilted his head from side to side as he waltzed over to the table. He pinched the edge of the sheet and yanked it to reveal various serrated knives. "Sit her up."

The Joker turned around with a serrated hunting knife dancing in his hand. His eyes glistening as he tilted the knife to catch the light.

"Please, I can help you - just help me." The lackey picked her up and placed her on her knees in front of the Joker. She doubled over on to the floor struggling to keep her balance. "Please, you-you don't have to do this."

"Lexi, there's no sense in bargaining with him. He's the one that's going to keep you awake." His grin appeared once more before he swiped his tongue across his lips. "My friend here used to be a doctor." He motioned with the tip of his blade. "So he knows just the right concoction to keep you awake the entire time."