I had left Malik in a daycare near our apartment because Mrs. Weller is not available to take care of him. I had prepared my breast milk in three bottles, some diapers and clothes change before sending Malik over. The sky was a bit gray and cloudy. I hoped it won't rain because it would be difficult when I picked up Malik later. I had received the news that Jervis Tetch escaped again before reaching Arkham. The news made me shiver. I didn't stay at home when Hassan went to his campus.
It was a relief to know that two nights ago hundreds of people, including my husband, were liberated from Jervis Tetch's hypnosis. The moment I met Hassan in the precinct, I jumped into his arms in happiness, feeling relieved. Today, I knew he would be safe in campus, though he was worried about me and Malik but I forced him to go study because I'll be going to the GCPD to request for protective custody.
However the fact that Malik was with me made me anxious. What if Jervis knew that I'm still alive and he came back to find me? I couldn't fight him and protect Malik at the same time. So I made a decision to leave him in the daycare and gave five contact numbers to the staffs: mine, Hassan's, Mrs. Weller's, Lee's and Bullock's. I had to awkwardly laugh it off when the nannies raised their eyebrows at the numbers of phone numbers I gave.
After I was sure Malik would be safe, I hurried to the GCPD for the protective custody request. 11.01am. I check the time before switching the car engine off and exited my car. A car suddenly pulled over next to me and made me startled, jumping away. I got annoyed and wanted to scold the driver, but then the car was familiar. Jim and Bullock got out of the said car simultaneously.
"Screw you, Jim. I was just there," I barked.
"I know the car wouldn't hit you," he curtly responded, earning a glower from me. Then he opened up the back door for someone. Once the person in the back seat appeared, I blinked my eyes many times and then rubbed them. My mind was trying to understand the math in this. In front of me was a person who looks like the exact copy of Jerome Valeska. This reminded me of when I saw Isabella the first time.
I felt a rough hand tapped my chin up to close my mouth. "Not a pretty sight, Muffin," Bullock teased.
"Hi. You must be not Jerome Valeska," I confounded to the unnamed man. He nodded timidly. Suddenly I recalled when Jerome's attitude before I knew he was a wicked person: a shy scared young man. I was afraid that the same thing would happen again so I didn't trust the Jerome look-a-like completely. Jim held the man's arm and walked away from the vehicle as well as Bullock and I.
"What are you doing here, Muffin?" Bullock asked.
"I want to request for protective custody. Why didn't you tell me Jervis Tetch escaped? Knowing his obsession with Dinah, I'm the first person you should tell." I gave him a hard stare, narrowing my eyes slightly.
"We sent some patrols outside your apartment," Jim answered.
"Yeah. I noticed. But I still need to know and be prepared. So I'm applying for protective custody. And if possible, I want to know any updates on the three Js."
The three Js are of course, Jerome Valeska, Jervis Tetch and Jonathan Crane.
Jim and Bullock appeared to be having telepathic dialogue with themselves, leaving me out of their discussion. It made me annoyed so I averted my eyes from them and glanced at the other man, who was looking down at the ground. He was wearing spectacles and neatly dressed.
"What's up with you?" I shot a question, rasing an eyebrow. He was not cuffed – even though he was fiddling with his hands - so he's not a criminal, but why is he coming to the station with Jim and Bullock?
"I'm Jerome's twin, Jeremiah Valeska," he politely answered. Damn, I thought. I hoped they didn't have the same personality and philosophy. "Are you a cop?"
I shuddered slightly at his question because Jerome asked me almost the same question first time but I quickly regained my composure. "No."
"You look like one."
The corner of my lips lifted a bit at that, feeling unnecessarily proud. "Thanks. I'll take that."
It was funny because Jim left us to the seat where Jerome and I sat years ago. I even sat on the same seat while Jeremiah sat on Jerome's. So apparently he was given protective custody because Jerome has a grandmaster plan to kill him. I drummed my fingers on the table in boredom while watching the Jeremiah fidget in his seat. He didn't really show that he was afraid but his jaws kept on clenched and unclenched.
"I'm not going to lie to you and say that everything's gonna be fine," I started and he instantly looked at me. "But Jim is trustworthy." I didn't fail to see the gulp he took. "And Jerome is an asshat, a lonely asshat."
"You intimately know him?" he pushed his glasses up.
"Oh, we have very personal things between us. He's the reason why I lost a hand, but I got pass that. I don't hold grudges for what he did to me."
"W-what did he do?"
I pulled my sleeve up to reveal my right wrist. "Smashed my hand to bits."
He gulped the second time. I cocked my head to the side. He really acted different from his brother. Without warning, I hold his jaw and turned his head to different angles, examining his face. He ducked his head to his shoulders in response, trying to stop me from moving his head. He cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"Forgive me. Just making sure you're not Jerome. He acted like the way you do when I first met him," I bashfully reasoned, letting his chin go and then muttered an apology again.
"Apology accepted," he said, clenching his jaws again. "Jerome was always different since we were little. Long story short, our mother send me away from him and I've always hide ever since."
I didn't want to probe at what actually happened between the two of them but Jeremiah appeared to be terrified of his brother.
"My condolences…" I slowly said. His brows pressed together in a quizzical expression. "Your mother. I'm sorry."
Jeremiah's eyes flickered and then closed before tears managed to come out of his eyes. He took a deep breath to calm himself and then reopened his eyes. "Thank you."
The three Js had laid low for the past few days. Knowing Jerome and his passion with grand shows, he must have something big planned ahead. I wasn't sure if Jervis know I'm still alive or not so I hope he didn't check that fact.
During the day, Hassan attended his campus as usual with two cops accompanying him. Meanwhile Malik and I either stayed at home or went to my old apartment to bake. Even though Malik just watch me do my things but to me he's helping me out. We have officers guarding us outside the apartment, but Mrs. Weller insisted on staying close to us with her rifle in hand. I mean no one messes with Mrs. Weller. She's a tough cookie.
One way or another, I'm gonna find ya
I'm gonna get ya, get ya, get ya, get ya
One way or another, I'm gonna win ya
I'm gonna get ya, get ya, get ya, get ya
One way or…
Feeling scared, I stopped the radio tape after I heard the song lyric. At this time, the song sounded like a song of terror. I did not wish for the three Js to find and get me. Malik was lying on his baby mattress, holding his caterpillar plush and at the right time, he turned his head to look at me.
"I don't feel like listening to music today," I told him. His response was opening and closing his mouth. I tried not to baby talk him so he would get used to normal conversation.
The bells at the door jingled for the nth time today. I felt happy that my neighbors missed my baking goods, so hearing the jingles made me smile and forgot about Jervis for a moment.
"Hello, hello," someone sang.
Moving out of the kitchen, I walked to the living room and greeted the person. "Hi Felix."
"Hi Sarah. Hi Mrs. Weller," he waved.
Mrs. Weller just grunted her response and continued writing her worn-out red book. She always kept that book and I always saw it with her all the time. I never knew what's inside. Rumors said that she noted down every single detail she found about her tenants. All the nasty bits. But I don't know; it never really bothered me so I never want to find out what's actually inside.
"I have prepared a box of vegan tarts and a box of cinnamon rolls for you," I grinned, taking a paper bag that was placed on my coffee table and passing it to him.
He smelled the food from the paper bag and sighed in content. "Thank you." He paid for the pastries and was about to left the place, but halted himself. "Oh," he just remembered something. "I will be performing later, by the way, at the Gotham Music Festival in Paisley Square. Is it possible that you'll come and support me?" He appeared hesitant to ask and peek a glance at Malik.
"Sure. I'll send Malik to the day care for a few hours."
"That's great. The more the merrier. Thanks." He placed a hand at my arm as a warm gesture and then left apartment.
"Just a minute ago, you said you ain't listening to music no more today," she teased, closing her book.
I twirled around to face her and placed my arms behind my back. "Meh," I shrugged. "It's been a long time since I attended a concert and I won't be long because I don't want to leave Malik too long in the daycare."
"Just leave him here. I'll take care of him. But only for two hours, top."
A wide smiled slowly stretched across my face. I really appreciate that. It felt more comfortable leaving Malik to people I know instead of strangers.
"Thank you, Mrs. Wellers."
"So it's his turn after this?" I shouted to Lucas, Felix's boyfriend. I had forgotten how boisterous a concert is as I recoiled when a person beside me suddenly screamed in excitement. Lucas nodded his head eagerly while grooving his body to the beat of the music.
"Hit it, Robbie!" He screeched to the stage. I presumed that the vocalist of the band currently singing is named Robbie. Then he gazed at me "Dance to the beat, Sarah! Come on!"
"How do you dance to a rock song, Luke?" I said, just nodding my head to the beat, following the rhythm.
"Look at the dancers on stage. Flaunt your sexiness. I know you have it in you. Let it be free."
I ignored him and continued watching the performance. I've been here for about half an hour already, after I saw Felix's performance, then I'll go home. The cops who were guarding us stayed by the apartment because I told them that Malik's live is their priority so I had come to this concert without the company of police officers.
Time has come today
Young hearts can go their way
Hey
Can't put it off ano…
There wasn't any sound coming from his singing after that. The singer – I mean, Robbie – suddenly stopped singing after a while and appearing to be confused. He tapped his mic and still no sound came out, but the music was still playing. Even the dancers were still dancing enthusiastically, giving their all to their performance. Robbie appeared to be quite angry at the situation so I looked at my friend.
"There seems to be a bit of a problem there," I pointed out.
"A huge problem," he then replied with horror on his face.
What?
I returned my gaze to the stage and widened my eyes in alarm. Everyone in the city know his face. He's famous. He has fans. He's Jerome Valeska. The Jerome Valeska. I immediately crouched down; afraid that he would notice my face. Then as quick as I can, I sneaked out among the crowd and quickly dialed Jim.
I failed to run away after calling Jim because some henchmen found me and pushed me back to the crowd before the stage. At least, I know that Jim and Bullock were on their way here. On the stage, the criminals had brought a few important figures of Gotham. There were some sorts of contraption around their necks.
For the first time, I like that I have a short height. I could hide my face from Jerome in the crowd. I don't know what he will do if he saw me. If he did, I hoped that he'll ignore me. Lucas was terrified and he was worried about Felix at the backstage. We didn't know what had happened behind the stage but I was hoping that the musicians were unharmed.
There were six chairs on stage. Four were seated by four elites and two chairs in the middle were left empty.
"Now as you can see, we're still waiting for two guests of honor," Jerome announced using a microphone, gesturing at the empty chairs. "But in the meantime, let's go over the rules of tonight's entertainment, shall we?" He scanned the crowd so I sunk myself further down. "Dynamite." He pointed at the contraption around the elites' necks. Next, he raised his hand, showing some sort of remote control. "Trigger."
"Shit," I cursed out. He's going to blow their heads off.
"I don't get what I want? Boom. Headless people," he casually explained. The crowd gasped and yelped, in shock at what is going to be witness before their eyes. "And if any of you are thinking of going anywhere, you'll die, too."
So we're hostages, I thought.
"Now, the one man who can give me what I want…" He strode towards a cameraman who was supposed to broadcast live about the music festival, but instead this occasion became a tragedy. "Come over here." He forcefully jerked the cameraman closer to him. "Calling Gordon. Calling Captain James Gordon."
He laughed out loud while the people cowered in fear. I prayed for Jim and Bullock to come down faster as he forced a few musicians to come onstage and played some songs for him.
The sounds of police sirens made me sighed in ease. I pushed amongst the crowd to get closer but I didn't approach Jim as he made his way at us. People spread to give him way. The music that Jerome requested stopped. I never wanted to watch Jerome dance again. He's a worse dancer than me!
"Ladies and gentlemen, as I live and breathe, James Gordon is in the house," Jerome chirped.
Jim scanned the crowd for a while and then his eyes landed on me. He dipped his head slightly when he noticed me as if saying 'I'm here and I'll save all of you.' Then he watched the captives who were on the stage with Jerome.
"I'm not talking to you until I can get up there and check on the well-being of your hostages," the captain of Gotham Central hollered.
"First of all, Jim, you're late. Secondly, I think I'm the one who should be making demands. Don't you?" said Jerome conceitedly.
"What you're doing is an act of terror, Valeska. Ask our mayor what this city's policy is on negotiating with terrorists."
"Terrorist?" Jerome snickered. "Frankly, I'm offended."
Jim made an attempt to step forward but Jerome prohibited his movement, pointing his index finger to Jim. "No, no, no! That's close enough, Gordon."
I had a thought that Jerome actually felt threatened around Jim. Suddenly, Firefly, who has been standing on stage in cahoots with Jerome, fired up her flamethrower, causing the crowd to duck and yelp at the strong heat.
"And none of you go anywhere, either." He leered in anticipation and gestured to the drummer to start a drum roll. He showed the remote control in his hand again. "Dead man's trigger. This falls out of my hand for any reason and… bang!" Together with the crash cymbal, it added to the suspense and people cried in surprised.
He really wanted to see this until the end. He might really get what he wanted. I hoped Jim got plans to subdue Jerome and his group.
"I got two empty chairs here. You haven't even asked me who they're for yet."
"All right. I'll bite. Who are they for?"
"Come on, James. You're a detective. Do some detecting," jeered the escaped Arkham inmate.
I worked my brain, thinking who Jerome could possibly want to be on the stage and murdered. His brother? Jim himself?
"Jeremiah, your brother," Jim answered. Jerome approved his answer. "And the other?" Jim appeared to be clueless on who the second person is.
"Well, the only other irksome do-gooder who's ever spoiled my fun in this town. Bruce Wayne!"
What? I gawked inwardly.
Then I recalled when Jerome first came back to live. He took Bruce and tried to kill him with a cannon blast.
The muscle in Jim's jaw twitched. "No," he sternly pressed. "You can take me. I'll sit up there with one of those things around my neck, but I won't let you have him."
His answer ticked Jerome off as he glowered at him. I gulped. This negotiation is not going well, I shakily thought.
"Oh, I don't want you, Jim. I want my brother and I want Bruce. I want them now," the former Arkham inmate lowly said.
Jim then agreed but he tried to settle down by releasing the crowd audience. The thing is Jim was not playing by Jerome's rules. So, of course, he would be upset and did something that we would all refused to watch. He knocked the buttons of the remote control against the microphone. After a second briefly, the police commissioner's head was blown to bits. Everyone watched in terror as the blood splattered towards the front row of the crowd.
I gritted my teeth in frustration.
"Bring me my brother. Bring me Wayne. Bring 'em now."
It had been more than an hour after Jim had left Paisley Square. We had been watching Jerome's dance again for another hour, but he was becoming impatient, waiting for his two guests of honor. He started talking again to the camera to communicate with Jim. Someone needs to stall him before more lives are taken away.
"You know what? I don't think you're taking me seriously enough," he threatened. "Well… all right. Let's see. Eeny meeny miny moe…" He raised the remote control again. I have had it.
"Jerome!" I interrupted, waving my hand in the air. Lucas was looking at me in alarm, while I heard Bullock called me from the back. "Hey. I'm here. I'm short, so please make space for me." I scrambled to the front of the stage, revealing myself. I felt a glare at the side and turned my head. Firefly was glowering at me and I awkwardly waved my hand at her. She must have kept grudges for what happened back in the Narrows.
"Lookie, lookie. Didn't expect you to be here. Were you here the whole time?" he amusingly questioned.
He raised his hand with the remote up when Bullock and a few officers attempted to approach the stage.
"Let's just say, you need to practice your dance moves," I responded.
Smirking, he marched towards the edge of the stage, closer to me and crouched down. "Stalling me is not stopping me, dear Sweet Sarah."
I hated that term. Ever since he used it, I have hated the term. I suppressed my anger and calmly talked to him. "Jim is bringing you your favorite people, so you don't have to press any more buttons."
"Isn't it obvious? Things will go down my way." He chortled. "You silly girl." Swiftly he knocked the remote control against my head and then, the archbishop's neck contraption let out a soft ping and his head was exploded right in front of me. A few splatter of his blood attacked my face and clothes as I stared at the dead man in terror.
"S-Stop this. I'm begging you," I shakily said, wiping the blood from my face. I cringed as the smell of blood reached my nose.
"What were you thinking when you come up here, showing yourself? Don't tell me you don't have any plans?"
Actually he was right. I don't have any plans. I was just jumping into action. It was like knocking the door of death, baring myself to my own doom.
"You're a bad joke, Jerome. A really bad joke," I spat.
"Remember when I told you about dear Kyle. The father of your baby. I lied," he faked a guilty look. The tension of my facial muscles loosened as I stared at him warily.
Then someone from the stage said something that made me tense but trembled in fear.
"Why didn't you ever reply to my letters?"
My babe-a-licious,
How are you? I've been counting. This is my 217th letter for you but you never sent a response. Oh, Jerome says hi. He really likes to hear the story of our hanky panky time back in the Narrows. Said that it was one of his favorite bedtimes. You know what his comment about you? A pain in the ass. (I would like to note here that you have a nice piece of ass. And it's all mine.)
I also heard from him that you were a crybaby. HAHAHAHAHAHA. I would have killed you if we meet years ago. Isn't it great that Jerome changed you? You alive and we're together? Jerome is planning something with Jervis and Jonathan. A way out. They planned something big for Gotham. Something very very special.
If my source is telling the truth, our baby will come out in three weeks. When I get out, I'll hunt and kill that husband of yours who didn't deserve you and we'll live happily together with our baby!
Oh, I couldn't wait to get out. To touch you. To feel you. To taste you. You belong to me and I belong to you. We cannot be separable. Wait for me, Sarah. Just two more months.
Fucks and kisses,
Kyle L.