Chapter Forty-Four

It had all come down to this. This was to be the defining moment. Rocco, under Joker's advisement, had been able to round up 200 former henchmen to initiate the plan. Armed with SIM-3 ARK Rifles, each man knew his part of the job. Joker had figured everything to the 'Nth' degree, and he had planned for all contingencies.

All, except one.

Harley Quinn watched as crate after crate of improved Joker Gas were being loaded into re-routed Gotham SCU vans. His big plan was to gas all major cities in the US: Gotham, Metropolis, Center, Gateway, Star, Coast, Opal and Midway. She finally realized that Joker was completely insane, and was glad she was the one who Batman trusted to take him down.

Harley pressed her temple. "Hey Lover," she said softly. "It's a go…there's 12 vans, each loaded with tha gas. I don't know how many bozos Mistah J has. They all wearin' Gotham PD uniforms."

"Where are they taking the gas, Harley?" She heard Batman ask.

"Gotham International Airport. He's gonna load 'em on these great big planes." Harley swallowed. "He said somethin' about a gas dispersal system."

"That's new information." Batman paused. "Are you sure?"

"That was tha part Mistah J kept to himself," Harley said. "Every major city from Gotham to Midway. He always plays his cards close ta his vest."

Gravel crunched behind her. She whirled around to see Rocco standing before her. "Who ya talkin' to, toots?" he asked. He was big, and intimidating.

"Think of something, quick!" The voice on the COM-link intoned.

"I was just tellin' myself what a brilliant man my Mistah J is," she said. "He's tha smartest in tha biz!"

"Well…let's not go overboard."

Rocco smiled. "Yeah, right up there with the best of 'em," he agreed. "I bet even smarter'n Batman."

'No, Batman is smarter, ya bozo,' Harley said to herself.

Rocco stared at her. Harley was dressed in her classic Harlequin outfit. It was skin tight and left nothing to the imagination. Her nipples were hard, and she wasn't wearing any panties. Rocco was becoming aroused.

"Ya know, Harley…" Rocco said loud enough for Batman to hear. He licked his lips. "The other boys and I really enjoyed ourselves that night. You were one great piece."

Harley looked at Rocco dumbfounded. "You bastards raped me!" She snarled. "It wasn't pleasant, asshole. I've just been waitin' fer tha chance ta cut yer dicks off!"

She produced a baton, from where Rocco had no clue. There was no way she could have hidden it on her. He moved toward her. "One step closer'n I'll bash yer damn brains out." She coughed.

Batman was listening intently. "I'm on my way," Harley heard him say.

Rocco was on her like a rabid dog on prey. He slapped the baton out of her hand, and grabbed her tight. "Listen here, bitch," he said. "I'm not as stupid as you give me credit for. I know yer up to somethin' and I think the boss does too. So why don't we just cut to the chase. I'll keep my mouth shut, and you do as I say." He planted a deep, rough kiss on her mouth.

Harley wanted to gag. He was trying to force his tongue down her throat. She felt the bile rising as well as his manhood.

After what seemed like an eternity, Rocco let go of her. "We understand each other?"

Harley didn't say anything, just looked at him.

"Good."