***Authors note***
Yes you beautiful humans, another update. And so soon. It is because I have no life ha-ha. I work, I make dragon eggs on e-bay ( . /usr/katies_dragon_egg_hatchery and yes I like the name Katie lol) and I write fanfiction. That is my life and there is nothing else I do, so lucky for you, constant updates! But yes, here is another chapter, 4000+ words. This is to make up for the fact, Joker does not make an appearance for another three chapters. I'm sorry! But when he does, I hope you'll agree, it's worth the wait.
At 8'clock, my alarm decided to sing me the song of it's people. Loudly. I batted away at the night stand trying to hit the offending sound. After many initial misfires, I finally got it and thumped the cogs of it. I sat up, resigning myself to the fact I did have to wake up. Wouldn't want to waste this job opportunity by showing up late. I went over the curtain of my bedroom and threw them open.
Which was a terrible idea.
"Holy fuck, that's bright!" Getting a sudden shock from the bright light streaming in through my window I fell back and landed on my ass.
I groaned as my poor tailbone.
I'm so happy that you're so smart, like really, wow.
Aha, but now I'm fully awake.
Normal people drink coffee to wake themselves up, not momentarily blind themselves. Asshat.
That's beautiful, is that Shakespeare?
Hey, there's only room for one sarcastic bitch in this head of yours. And the position is filled.
Refusing to let myself get myself down. I made my way to my closet. Hoping I had something that looked half way professional. Even remotely would do until I could actually buy myself a new wardrobe. And with the money I was going to be making, that wasn't going to be a problem. I picked out a pencil skirt and a black shirt. Pretty sure the last time I wore this was for a job interview after college. Let's hope they still fit. After some squeezing I managed to fit myself into the old outfit, it would do but little tight for my liking.
I got my new makeup and sitting at my vanity, I managed to cover up the bruise until it was only slightly visible. This foundation was amazing. I finished the rest of my face and tamed my wild hair into a ponytail. I never wore make up at Antonio's but that's because I only managed to dress myself and get there without throwing myself into traffic. I wanted to make a good impression at this new place.
As I finished I suddenly remembered last night. The whiskey, the floor, the joker card, the thump. I wasn't as scared now as I was night, but I still felt uneasy. Thinking rationally, I could explain it all way. I probably moved my whiskey when I was drunk, therefore couldn't remember. The noise could have been from the apartment below or above me. The Joker card though, that was a little more sinister. Was it a sick joke from Todd, or was it from someone I dreaded even more.
I went over to my bedside table and picked it up to examine it. It looked old and battered, so not from a new pack. I lifted it to my nose and it stank of gasoline and something else I couldn't place. Todd as far as I'm aware isn't an arsonist, and only one person smelled like this, but it couldn't be. I took another look at the card and it was blacked around some of the edges, as if it had been burnt a little. All signs were pointing where I didn't want them to. I went to pick up Gordon's card to give him a ring, just to be safe. And he did say I could call him anytime.
Flipping over his card to get the number, I couldn't see it from the black note that was written over the card.
'Don't tell.'
All it took was two words to fill my entire body with dread. He had been here, in my apartment. How the hell did he even find me? Was he the noise? Did he move my whiskey and leave the Joker card in my bags? I let Gordons card fall from my hands. Was that bastard taunting me, telling me he knew where I was. Trying to fuck with my head and scare me.
It's working, I for one, am fucking terrified.
No, you're not, we are fine. We are going to go to work and get donuts.
Now normally the mere thought of donuts fills me with inexplicable joy, but is this really the time for sugary treats? He was here, he knows where we are!
You know I might get one with chocolate icing, oh and sprinkles.
You can't pretend this isn't happening.
But the again, I'm feeling a little frisky, I might get popping candy.
You're hopeless and we're both going to die.
There was a knock at my door and shoving my feet into my shoes, I jogged to open it.
I opened the door to reveal my new boss starting today. "George! What are you doing here?" I stepped back and let him in. I grabbed my handbag and began to shove what I needed in there.
"Truthfully? I came to check you were awake and remembered today was your first day." He smiled at my dressed and mostly ready form. "But I see you're more than ready. I brought some coffee, and donuts."
"That's so kind of you, and thoughtful." I smiled back as he handed me a hot cup of coffee and a bag with some donuts in. I immediately shoved one in my mouth, sugary goodness taking over my taste buds.
"But should I be bringing you coffee and donuts?" I asked, my mouth still full. My mother would slap me if she could see my awful manners.
But George shrugged. "You're really helping me out, don't worry I'll let you make me coffee while at work."
"Can do boss man." I began to shoo him out of the apartment.
"We have time, work doesn't start till nine." He told me as I continued to shoo, I wanted out of the apartment and my mind busy as quickly as possible.
"No George, we must get to work, much to do." I shut the door behind us and locked it, checking it just to be sure.
"I didn't take you for such an eager assistant."
"Oh, I just love, work." I said lamely. We began to walk down the stairs and I began to relax the further away from the Joker's taunting message I could get. I tried to pay attention to George talking about the company, but all I could think about was calling Gordon. I refused to be scared by the Joker, I was going to be calling Gordon, that clown wouldn't bully me.
As we reached lobby I could see Georges yellow mini parked outside. We quickly got in and settled in to leave. When he started the car though, the radio came on, scaring the living hell out of me.
"Fucking hell!" I yelled, clutching my chest.
"Oh shit." George began to push buttons trying to turn it down or shut it off. "I didn't realise it was so loud. Sorry." He laughed nervously.
"It's ok, I'm just jumpy. Everything that happened, just set me on edge." I waved off the other apology I could see George about to give. "Not your fault. Let's get to work, I'm armed with coffee and donuts, I can handle anything!" I smiled even though my heart was still pounding like couple of skeletons on a tin roof.
But I could not handle anything. The building was humungous. I expected King Kong to be chilling up there, plane in hand. How big does one building really need to be, was Richard compensating for something? I smiled to myself, that was one joke I don't think he would appreciate.
As we made our way inside, the lobby was swarming with people, all of the bustling around. In their own worlds as they talked on the phone, shuffled through papers, coming and going through doors. It was a beehive of activity.
"I thought you said work opened at nine?" I glanced at my watch. "It's only 8:40."
"Well, technically that's when business hours start, but the building is open all night. A lot of people stay and finish work or come in ridiculously early to get a head start. It's kind of a cut throat in the business world." George stared with me, wide eyed at the hustle and bustle.
"Do I have to cut anyone's throat?" I asked, curiously.
"No, you're safe don't worry." George assured me.
"It's not me I'm worried about." I mumbled, I'll cut a bitch.
"George that reminds me, what is Taylor industries?" Maybe I should have done some research, but I don't have WiFi.
"Well our main business and biggest source of revenue is computer and technological work, but we also have branches in medical and pharmaceutical research, various business models and most recently science related work." He told me this as we made our way to the elevators. Damn magic boxes.
"What about the stairs?" I tried but George looked at me sceptically.
"You want to walk up 40 flights of stairs?" He asked, I hung my head in defeat, my legs were not made for more than 5 flights of stairs max. I pushed the button in defeat and waited for the ding.
"You ever watched 'What floor'?" I asked as we made our way into the overcrowded elevator.
"No, what's it about?" As the door closed I started to describe the movie to him.
"Well it's these 5 people who get trapped in an elevator, which weirdly looks exactly like this one. And they hear all these weird scratching noises coming from the top and suddenly this raptor drops in and eats them all, none of them can even try to fight back. It's horrifying, there's blood and guts everywhere and when the doors finally do open there are all his raptor buddies and they go off and kill all the people in the building." When I finished I realised the whole elevator was very quiet. As the door dinged stopping at the next floor nearly everybody left after hesitantly stepping out and checking the hallways.
"That movie sounds, delightful?" He said when the doors closed again.
I smirked as we had the elevator to ourselves. "Thanks, I totally made it up."
He shook his head at my which only made me laugh. "I don't like crowded elevators." I sipped on my coffee innocently. If they weren't all such nosy Nancy's they would have been fine.
"So, what do you do around here?" I asked as we waited for the elevator to get to our floor.
"Mainly I'm managing the small science sector. It's still in the baby stages, my dad only just green lit it. So, we're building it up, hopefully it'll be one of the most successful sectors. It's the most interesting for me. Charles handles the big money accounts and the computer sector. And my other elder brother Fred manages the medical sector; it basically manages itself though, so he was more time to spend with his family."
Fred must be the one with the child then, the little girl, Adrianna.
"But we mainly oversee what everyone in our sector does, except me. I really enjoy the projects we've started, so I like to stay updated on everything." We stepped out of the elevator, the floor was a slightly calmer version of the lobby. Except more people were talking with one another, not just zooming past like their ass was on fire. George waved at a few people as we passed but soon we were secluded in his office. As he shut the door I was pleased for the peace, it was a lot of activity for so early in the morning.
We were in a large spacious office, one wall was floor to ceiling windows, which was a bold choice to make. One word. Snipers. But the windows did overlook some of the city, I was drawn to the view and stood by the window. George came up beside me and smiled.
"Great view isn't it?"
"One of the prettiest in Gotham." I mumbled, I hadn't seen many views from so high up of Gotham, but this had to the best I had seen.
"This was my dads old office. Since the building was built higher, his office was moved. Pretty sweet deal on my end." George sighed as he looked out on the sight with me.
"Not interrupting anything am I?" A voice sounded from the door, ruining our peaceful moment. Darkening the doorway was the eldest child. Charles.
"Yes, you are, but you're here now." I mumbled, turning around fully.
"I was just showing Katie the office." George turned and walked away from the window, over to his desk.
Charles looked slightly surprised at me. "Ravishing without the bruises." He gestured to my face and I had the sudden urge to scrub my face clean of the foundation.
He was smirking at me, before he turned his attention to his younger brother.
"Oh, little brother, forgot to mention." His smirk grew. "Bruce Wayne is coming this morning, he was interested in the new science sector and was interested in knowing more."
Georges eyes grew wide as his mouth dropped open.
"Bruce Wayne?! Here?! Why didn't you tell me earlier? I have nothing prepared!" George was beginning to spiral, he began riffling through the papers on his desk.
"It slipped my mind." He shrugged before looking at his watch. "Better get moving quickly, he'll be here in about half an hour. Bye for now George. Katie." He racked his eyes up and down me once more before leaving, making me want to gag.
What a snake.
"Katie, I have nothing to show Mr. Wayne, if he decided to sponsor some of my projects, it would be huge!" George scraped a hand through his hair.
"Can you not just wing it?" I offered, but George looked at me as if I had grown two head.
"Multi-billionaire Bruce Wayne, and you want me to wing it?" George asked in disbelief. "I need charts, I need diagrams, I need to show him I'm not a five-year-old."
Note to self. George doesn't work well under pressure. He cracks like a sugar nest under a hammer.
"George, George look at me." I forced his eyes off the now chaotic desk and into my eyes. "What do you need me to do?" I asked calmly.
I put my hands on his cheeks to stop his babbling about charts. "Tell me what you need." I asked, hoping to end his meltdown.
"I need more time, I need to find all my data, come up with a speech." He threw up his hand's, but I refocused him.
"I can buy you time, how much do you need?" I could see his head going through a mental list of what he needed to prepare.
"At least another half an hour." He finally said, and I shrugged.
"Easy. I'll show him around the building." George gave me a sad small smile.
"You don't even know your way around the building." He informed me.
"I can wing it, I'm a professional time waster. I'm your assistant, I got this. In the meantime, we have time before he arrives, what can I do until then?"
"Katie, I never knew how much I needed you." He smiled, his face not looking so depressed anymore.
"Very sweet but focus." I mock saluted George and stood to attention. "Instruct me captain."
"Ok, I need Dale." George began to organise the papers on his desk again.
"Search and retrieve Dale. Got it." I left the office and walked into the main office.
"Guys!" I yelled which made everyone quiet. "I need a Dale. Is anyone a Dale?"
I scanned the room and a hand nervously crept up from a desk. "I'm a Dale." He said meekly.
"I need you to come with me Dale." He got up quickly, but I stopped him. "Bring your laptop." I assumed he might need it.
He quickly came over, laptop under his arm. "I'm not being fired am i?" He asked anxiously.
"No, George does however need your help. I have been sent to retrieve you"
"Are you his assistant?" He asked a little more relaxed.
"Yep, just started today. I'm Katie." I stuck out my hand as we walked, shaking his awkwardly.
"I'm Dale." He introduced, little pointless since I knew that already. I did call out his name. I just hoped he was the only Dale, therefore the one George wanted.
As we arrived back in the office, George was furiously typing at his computer. He looked up when I entered, and Dale walked straight over when he seen Georges stressed face. Apparently in sync with one another, Dale set his laptop next to Georges and they both began to type and talk quietly back and forth, neither of their eyes leaving their screens. I quietly looked at the clock. There was another 15 minutes before Bruce arrived, but I thought I should go down. He seemed the type to be early.
"I'm going to the lobby, catch Mr Wayne before he gets up here." George nodded, but he wasn't paying attention, he was way too absorbed in working on something to present.
This was to help George, but also served my own agenda. I wanted to ask him just what the fuck was going on yesterday. I would of course be reasonable, this is a professional setting and not my personal boxing ring. I'll try to keep the cursing to a minimum but being real, that doesn't mean shit.
As I made it down into the lobby I waited near the front doors ready to ambush Bruce, like a lion waiting for a wounded antelope. I didn't have to wait long as a chauffeur car parked in front. As he stepped out of the car I was glad he was alone. Hello wounded antelope. When he entered I intersected him, giving him no chance to escape.
"Mr Wayne." I greeted icily. He looked surprised to see me but quickly recovered.
"Katie? What a pleasant surprise." He smiled at me, to which I replied with an up and down stare.
"We need to talk." I turned around and began walking out of the lobby, Bruce was already attracting attention from the busy bee's and I wanted to talk to him more privately. I turned down a quiet hallway and picked a room at random that didn't look occupied. I walked in and leaned against the desk that sat against the wall.
I didn't fill the silence that followed, I just glared at Mr. Wayne, waiting for him.
"I just want you to know, I am genuinely sorry. I think you misunderstood my intentions."
"Then clarify." I offered, schooling my features.
"I have nothing but contempt for the Joker, my intention was not to 'pump' you for information for self-interest, but because I want to protect you." Bruce was giving me his puppy dog eyes, but he would need more than that to make me feel pity for him.
"I'm a big girl Bruce, I can take care of myself. Have been for a while now." I said that almost confidently, like my life wasn't beginning to crumble at the thought of the Joker.
"Katie, this man is a psychopath. I have no interest in him, other than protecting people from him." He took a step closer to me and I fixed him with a glare.
"Is that why you put a tracker in my bag?" I asked, which is when Bruce's gaze went to the floor, guilt all over his face.
"You found that then." He asked, and I nodded. "That was only so if the Joker took you, the authorities would be able to track you down." Bruce said after a minute.
"It's still creepy as fuck." I told him, making him sigh.
"I know." He admitted. He looked so guilt ridden it was really starting to pull at my heart strings.
"These past few days have been chaos for me Bruce. I lost my home and my job. I was kidnapped by a mad man, had to jump out of a car, ended up in the hospital. It's been a wild ride and I'm still reeling. But you were genuinely trying to help me, and I appreciate that. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did. I'm sorry."
I pushed myself off the desk and held my hand out to him. "How about we start over. I'm Katie Jones."
Bruce took my hand with a smile and shook it.
"I'm Bruce Wayne, prize idiot." I smiled, not disagreeing with him.
"I believe your late for a meeting." He looked a little surprised that I knew he was here for a meeting. Why else would I be waiting in the lobby though?
"How…"
"I'm Georges new assistant, I was sent to distract you. For full transparency, Charles only told him you were coming this morning. So, if his presentation isn't convincing it might be due to the fact he put it all together in half an hour." I didn't see the point in lying to Bruce, he should know George was sabotaged, but I had full faith in my donut bringer.
"I see, well George is in good hands with you. He seems lacking in confidence, I think you can help him. You might even be good for the poor boy. Although, if I knew you were in the job market, I would have offered you one." Bruce smiled at me and I shrugged.
"I wasn't. But I'm good with George, he brings me coffee and donuts."
"I would bring you coffee and donuts." Bruce mumbled making us both laugh.
"Well you have your work cut out for you; someone's got to put that Charles in his place." He laughed. "I think you could handle that."
I groaned "Don't remind me. That pompous ass, he makes my skin crawl. He actually reminds me of someone." I cut my eyes to Bruce.
"I do hope you don't mean me." He raised an eyebrow, I gave Bruce a look of mock offense.
"Mr. Wayne I'm hurt you think that. But you're right I totally meant you." We laughed again, and I nodded to the door. "We should go get a coffee and then head up."
Bruce nodded, and we headed out, back into the lobby.
"Where can we get coffee?" He asked, and I realised I had no idea. After asking a slightly starstruck receptionist, we finally found the café and were heading towards the elevators. As we stepped into the elevator it was empty, I didn't even need to pull out my raptor story this time.
"Don't let the fact that George is my boss sway your decision. But if you hurt his feelings, I will punch you." I smiled sweetly as we stepped off the elevator.
"I'll… I'll keep that in mind." Bruce chuckled as he followed me.
"Mr. Wayne, wonderful to see you." He stuck his hand out and shook Bruce's enthusiastically. "I see you have met my assistant Katie."
"Ah yes she greeted me in the lobby, she showed me around, delightful lady." Bruce smiled and gave me a discreet wink. As he left my side to walk with George I decided to stay behind, let the boys talk business, George quickly turned around and I stuck up both of my thumbs up as he walked off.
My little baby, sweet talking investors with his science. I'm so proud.
Now what do we do?
I don't actually know. Play solitaire?
Want to ring Gordon?
We were having such a lovely day and you ruined it by mentioning that
Well excuse me for wanting to see tomorrow.
What's so great about tomorrow. Anyway, I don't even have his number anymore
That's what Google is for honey.
You think?
Google has everything
Maybe I should Google how to get you out of my head.
All you will get are psychology sites, you crazy bitch. Maybe a nice straight jacket.
Maybe I'll just keep you then.
I'm not a stray cat you found on the street!
I don't know that.
Just find his number, you're hopeless, you know that right? I'm shocked we have survived into adulthood, I really am.