***Authors note***
Back in Katie's p.o.v

"Now, no little tricks like last time." The Joker told me as I eyed the door handle.
"I'm not stupid enough to do it twice." I replied, even though I most definitely would if I got the chance. There were no limits to my stupidity.
"I think you are, you're gutsy." He whispered in my ear, I recoiled but he yanked me back with his arm around my shoulder.

"Now, now. Don't be shy." He laughed as a chill crept up my spine.
I really was considering saying 'fuck it' while tucking and rolling out again.
Just as I was thinking that the car slowed down. I looked around puzzled, this wasn't the narrows. Not even close. This was still Gotham, we pulled down an alley and the Joker smirked at my confused face.

"Not what you were expecting?" He asked as I looked around. I looked at the building we were next to it. And it looked normal, nice even. What the ever-loving fuck?
"I would think you would be more into abandoned, condemned places." I told him honestly.

But he shrugged with a grin.
"We have someone paying the bills." Before I had the chance to question him further about this mysterious benefactor, and maybe ask who the fuck would pay his bills? He grabbed my arm not too gently and dragged me out of the car.

I thought about ripping my arm out of his grasp, but I didn't really like the idea of a bullet in my temple or a knife in my jugular. So, I let him drag me around like a rag doll, for now at least. He better hope, I don't get my hands on a weapon. Or anything I can fashion into a shiv.

I let him pull me along behind him and into the building, trying to make a mental map in case I got the chance to run. But I was in shock, this was a really nice apartment building. Like, fuck. It was even nicer than my new apartment. And to me that was the Ritz.
This was more like the Plaza. Fucking fancy.

I was in awe as he rushed me through the lobby. But the interior was slightly dimmed by the contents. The lobby was filled with men meandering about, with huge guns on their backs, strapped to her thighs, hanging from their belts. Why was everyone packing like they're off to a war zone? You're in uptown Gotham, act like it.

All of their eyes focused on the Joker and me. But the Joker didn't seem to care, he just made his way to wherever we were going, tugging me behind.

Which I sincerely hoped wasn't a cage like he had mentioned before. I hope that was a joke, a weird joke. Which held no ground in reality? It better fucking not be a cage or I'm going to lose my shit. Before we left the lobby, I could see table's overflowing with weapons, blue prints, ammo.

Was he beginning a war? Or did he just like to be prepared? Maybe everyone was dressed for a war zone because that's exactly what the Joker was intending to turn Gotham into?

As I looked around the place, I couldn't help but think how expensive it all must have been. And having the whole apartment building to himself? He must have bought it, I couldn't imagine any realter, no matter how scummy, would rent to the Joker.

But who would sell to him? I knew I sure as hell wouldn't.
Maybe just for the right amount of money? Because judging from the Joker's digs, crime does pay.

And where did Joker get the money? Sure, he robbed a bank, but those men in the lobby didn't arm themselves. The Joker must have other avenues of cash flow, cause ammo ain't cheap, and neither are apartment complexes in the middle of uptown Gotham. As I was admiring a hallways art work, I realized we were going further and further into the complex.

My plan for a mental map was FUCKED. I had been too distracted. Fuck it, I'll just jump out of a window and pray if it comes to it.

You ain't never prayed a day in your life.
Exactly, great day to start.
We should see if he is renting out rooms.
You want to move in?

I like our place, but I'm just saying. No ones going to break into here. You don't break into a lion's den, do you?
I don't know, people can be pretty stupid.
I sincerely hope you included yourself on that list.
Rude.

Before I knew it, we were at a room. It looked exactly like every other door, except for the padlock on the front. The Joker pulled a key from one of his many pockets and unlocked it, shoving me in first. I nearly tripped and fell face first, before I righted myself. Only to be blinded by the light turning on a second later.

When my eyesight returned to normal, I could see we were in an apartment, not entirely unlike my own. Except it was clear no one was cleaning this one. He really needed to hire a maid, and I hope that wasn't me. I hate cleaning. Nearly as much as I hate this situation.

"What? No tour?" I asked sourly. The Joker chuckled as he bolted the door shut. That wasn't inspiring any confidence in me. Maybe I was in his murder room, or I guess murder flat.

"You'll get pretty acquainted with it yourself, this is where you'll be staying." The Joker began to walk towards me, but slowly. Like a wolf stalking his prey, and I was the poor lone sheep away from the flock.

"That's sweet, but I already have a place." I really wanted to look around, but my eyes were firmly fixed to the joker. Not only did I not know where I was, but I was also defenceless without my gun. So, if he decided to do another surprise attack, I'm pretty sure I'll be dead. I just hoped passing his 'test' once was enough. No pop quizzes from professor Joker. F for Fail and D for die.

"But here I can keep an eye on you, decide what's going to happen to you. No pesky police or Batman to stop me." He was closer now, beginning to circle me. I was beginning to wish he would just kill me, get it over with. And before I could stop myself, my mouth decided to voice my thoughts.

"If you're going to kill me Joker, just get it over with." My eyes widened at my stupid mouth going rogue and saying whatever it liked.
"Why are you in such a rush to die?" He asked.

"I'm not, I just don't this suspenseful shit." I sighed, maybe I was speeding up the inevitable. But I was glad Jessie was safe, at least she didn't have to be put through this. The one good thing I had ever done, saving her from this fate. Knowing she was ok put my mind at ease.

"But that's the fun bit." Lost in my thoughts I didn't realise the Joker was behind me, he chuckled in my ear and I whipped around. Not liking not having him in my eye line. Dangerous game not keeping your sights on him.

Suddenly the Joker stepped forward and put his hands on my hips.
"Little bit of foreplay before the big—" He was interrupted with a knock at the door. He sighed as his eyes narrowed at the door.

I was momentarily shocked by the contact when I stepped back out of his hands. But he kept a tight hold, but I moved again, more forcefully this time. And he let me go, finally turning to the door, with a face like thunder. Guess he didn't like interruptions, but I was thanking whatever gods were out there. Thanks G owe you one big guy.

"WHAT?!" He yelled, making me jump.
Someone stepped into the room, not opening the door fully but slinking in through a small gap.
"He's here boss. Say's he needs to speak to you." The man said simply.

He looked like most of the other men that had been in the lobby, except less strapped up. With a pair of guns on his thighs, and a bullet proof vest. He was virtually underdressed for the occasion.
"I did tell him you were…" The man looked to me briefly. "Busy... But he said it was important."

Going to be busy if I get my hands on something sharp.

"Bring him up." Joker replied annoyed. He made his way over to a desk where a sofa would be, if this was a normal flat, and fell into a chair. Leaving me in the middle of the room, I didn't know where to put myself, I was like a fish out of water.

So, not knowing where else to stand I walked over to the Joker, but still keeping a fair amount of distance between us. The man had slinked back out, apparently fetching this mystery man.

"This the guy footing the bill?" I asked as we waited for this 'he'. The Joker didn't answer me but did flash a smile before turning back to the door. Oh, so now he decides he is done being a chatty Cathy? Fan-fucking-tastic.

We could hear him before we could see him. Thumping shoes and an impatient voice echoing in the hallways.
"I've been waiting for 5 minutes?! Do you even know who I am?!" I looked over to the Joker who looked more amused than anything. Especially at my confusion.

I faintly recognised that voice. That pompous, arrogant, nails on a chalkboard to me voice.
You have to be fucking kidding me. No way.

The door opened revealing who I thought it couldn't possibly be. But there he was…
The one and only…

***Authors note***

That seems like a good place to end? On a good old cliffhanger!

I'm sure you can guess who it is, but still. Your suspicion's won't be confirmed until my next update, which knowing me won't be long.
Also please let me know who you think it is, I want to know whether people know or have any other interesting guesses.

And yes, short chapter but the next few are going to be so packed full of action! You'll be hanging onto your hats and pants as we take a wild ride through the final few.

Also updates may be a little slower. My laptop has been playing up, so i might have to take it somewhere to get fixed.
Which is a real bitch but, what can you do?

Love you guys xoxo