Flashback (2 years after Reunification)

A military van sped past my car as I stopped at the red light. The GCPD and US Military Force had fought hand in hand to capture all major criminals in Gotham to secure the city for the rebuilding of the bridges. Two years ago, Oswald Cobblepot and Edward Nygma were arrested. Following after, more and more criminals were captured. And depending on the trial, their sentence is either to Blackgate or Arkham.

After the reunification, I have seen familiar faces in the news: Ivy Pepper, Victor Zsasz, Jervis Tetch, Hugo Strange, Victor Fries, Jonathan Crane and Bridgit Pike. They were successfully captured by the military.

Blackgate and Arkham Asylum were both remodeled to accommodate more inmates and to have higher securities than before. Since the federal executives were involved, it means that civilians such as me, myself, and I are forbidden to help. I was even barred from entering the GCPD for my busybody-ness.

By end of this month, the military will withdraw from Gotham and let the GCPD get their full power back. At first they were here for six months, but dangerous criminals were still walking around the city, so they extended to a year. After another attack by Jervis Tetch, they extended another year. I peered at the rear mirror to check on Malik. He was dozing peacefully. When the light turned green, I made a turn towards my destination.

There is an opening today of Hassan's new business – a mart selling halal foods and ingredients. I hummed along with the soothing piano instrumental music. My destination slowly appeared within my vision. I drove to a nearby parking lot and parked my car. With Malik in his carriage, I walked towards the mart and I could see decorative lights and balloons by the automatic sliding door.

"Assalamualaikum!" I cheerfully said, once I stepped in. My husband was standing by the cash register and Adi, a working staff, was rearranging the flower wreaths send by our family and friends.

"Waalaikumsalam," they harmonized.

"How is everything? Need any help?" I pushed Malik's carriage to the back of the shop, where the staff's break room is, before returning to the cashier.

"So far so good," Hassan replied, smiling cheekily.

I looked at the muted TV near the counter. It was showing the arresting of a group of thugs who had made a public disorder about two miles away. They were dressed like Jonathan Crane's followers. That's probably why I saw the military van before.

What would happen once the military pull out? More criminals would crawl out, especially when the major ones are in prison.

To forget about my worries, I decided to make myself busy in the shop. I put on the shop's uniform apron and began to tidy up. After that I sprayed some citrus fragrance air freshener.

"Babe, something's bothering you?" asked Hassan from behind me. "You're cleaning a place that's already clean. And you're gonna suffocate us with that air freshener if you kept on spraying…"

I halted my actions with my hand still mid-air, when he began to cough. I turned around and saw that he was covering his nose and mouth with a handkerchief. Then I let my arms fell on my sides and sighed. "Sorry, I just think too much…" I dismissed. "Today is about you and your shop."

"It's your shop too. It's because of you bugging the previous owners that we got this slot."

"Oh… one of my glorious days," I joked.

"Promise me that we'll talk about what's bothering you," he said, slightly insisting.

"I promise."

I snapped back from my daydream as my phone slipped from my hand. Hassan's picture made me reeled back a memory of him. I shook my head left and right to focus. I unlocked my phone and typed a message to Mrs. Weller telling her that I will be working until tomorrow morning. Tonight, Tatum and I will be staying here at Basil's house.

I always raved about him at home; even Malik had had enough of my fangirl attitude, saying that it was not healthy for a person my age to be obsessed with another person that I have never met. However, after seeing Hassan's face in the picture in Basil's home, I became distracted. I miss him. I miss my husband so much.

I had borrowed one of the rooms in the house with the owner's permission to perform my prayers. Because of my work, I always have a backpack complete with everything I need for at least a week in the car. I prayed to God to ease the uproar and sadness in my heart. I prayed to God to pardon the sins of my dead husband and place him into Paradise.

Before going down to the living room, I made double-checks on the windows and balcony doors, making sure that they are locked. Officer Ralli and Officer Walker are still outside. They must be cold so I decided to and make them coffee.

In the living room, I saw my partner and my client were doing their own work. Tatum was peeking through the curtains while Basil was reading a book, probably his next play. My heart raced as I'm witnessing an artist dwelled into his work.

"Can I use your kitchen?" I asked reluctantly because I had to disrupt him from reading his script. "I want to make coffees for the officers outside."

He looked up from his scripts and smiled kindly. "Sure, no problem."

After thanking him, I marched into the kitchen, taking out two mugs from my bag. I'm telling you, I have almost everything in this huge backpack. I filled the kettle and switched on the heater, waiting for the water to boil. I stared at the two different instant coffees in front of me.

"Black or cappuccino?" I whispered to myself. Then I remembered that Bullock disarmed an explosive device with eeny meeny miny mo song so I did the same and made black coffee. Once the coffee is ready, I brought them out with a tray.

Officer Ralli saw me and opened the car door. "Whoa. Thanks. Black?" he questioned and I nodded. "Great."

Yeap. Eeny meeny miny mo is very helpful.

I peered into the car and saw that Officer Walker was sleeping soundly. Officer Ralli and I talked a bit about guarding Basil. We agreed that my partner and I will be close to him while the officers will keep an eye on us from afar.

When I returned to the house, Tatum was sleeping on the couch with his arm covering his face. Basil was still focusing on his manuscript.

9.31p.m.

I need to turn on my alarm at 12.30 midnight to wake Tatum up. We have an agreement that we would rotate sleeping time for about three hours. I pulled out my phone to check on any new messages. I got one from Mrs. Weller

K.

I never expected any extra letters in the alphabet in her text reply. She always texted like a youngster. And ever since Beth had been living with us, she learned more on how to abbreviate words. Sometimes I had a hard time trying to figure out her text message. It was like encrypting a puzzle. She had made ILBAH, which means I'll be at my home. And how am I supposed to figure that out?

I wondered how Malik and Izzah are. To be honest, I disliked working overnight because I always missed my children. I hope they miss me as much as I miss them. Closing the message application, I placed my phone back into my pocket.

All of a sudden, all I see is black. My heart dropped and chills running down my spine. My eyes were not yet used to the darkness. Outside of the window was dark too. I guessed it was cloudy in the sky since there was no moonlight.

"Mr. Karlo? Sir?" I called out, while trying to ease my panic. I tried to approach him in the darkness.

"I'm alright," was his reply.

"Stay where you are. I'll come to you."

When I was groping the air, trying to find my way, someone grabbed my wrist. By reflex, my fist flew towards the person, but I missed.

"It's me." That's Tatum.

"You can see me?" I asked. He hummed a yes. I could feel his presence in front of me. Then we walked towards where Basil is.

Fortunately, the officers outside barged in with torchlights. "Sarah? Mr. Karlo? Everyone alright?" Officer Ralli yelled, then shining the torch towards us. I narrowed my eyes at the sudden strong light. My hand rose to cover my eyes from the brightness.

"Yup. Miles Tatum's fine," Tatum begrudgingly said, hating the fact that no one was asking for him.

"Electricity around the area went down," Officer Walker informed.

"That calls for candles, then," I said. And tighter security.

Tatum resumed his slumber and Basil resumed his script reading. I couldn't help but admire the actor. I couldn't wait what masterpiece he'll do. I tempted to peek at what he's working on but I cannot disturb a master. I wonder what character is he playing next. A quirky detective? A pitiful murderer? A beautiful drag queen? The flickering light from the candle just illuminate his great facial features.

"You're a fan," he suddenly said, breaking the silence, still staring at his book.

"Was it obvious?" I chuckled lightly.

He shifted his eyes to mine. "You know… I join the dance club to further improve my skills. To be more expressive and aggressive… to convey my message through body movements. Hassan and I were of different courses in campus but we were rivals." He then placed the book in his hand down. "I can't really concentrate reading when I felt like being watched."

"My apologies, sir. It's just amazing to see someone extraordinary. When you perform, it's flawless and exceptional," I genuinely complimented.

He stood from his seat and approached me. "Come on, now. Drop the formality. I told you to call me Baz."

I just smiled curtly at him, feeling a little uneasy because I remembered the stare he had given this morning

"I mean, Hassan was a good friend of mine. So you're also my friend," he added. I couldn't help but trying to figure out his intentions. He walked closer. "You are an attractive woman."

His latter sentence made me frown. I mean I accepted the compliment but he is my client. As his fan, this is also a precious moment, but it didn't feel right. "Mr. Karlo, with all due respect, I…"

"Don't worry. I'm not forcing you into anything," he reassured. "I could tell that you love him so much, and I understand this situation is not suitable to pursue you. But I'll wait."

He then walked into the toilet, while I dwelled in this unnerving feeling.

The next day, Karlo's day went as usual according to his schedule; just with guards (us) not so far from him. We had asked for pictures and identities of his colleagues and staffs so that we know who can approach him, though the killer may be someone he knows. Tatum and I were very careful.

Officer Ralli and Officer Walker stationed outside of Basil's workplace. The GCPD hasn't found any lead on the secret admirer, which, of course, had made Tatum made a few mean comments on the incapability of the force.

It was quite a fast paced day. We had gone to a writer's office, a movie director's, and a theatre. I must say my favorite was at the theatre. I got to see things that going on behind the scenes like props-making, make-ups, attire choosing and rehearsals. Rehearsals are like free shows and I can't believe that I would be seeing all this first hand. It was an amazing experience.

However Basil had to be in contact with so many people and anything could happen. I could tell Basil was fond by most people in the industry. He is outgoing and friendly. At the moment, he was just finish with one rehearsal but there is a problem with a few lightings so they have break for thirty minutes. We escorted him back to his private waiting room.

"People keep on asking about you two," he sighed. "I only replied that I have a fan problem. But I think they know about the connection of Felicia's death with me."

Yeah, Tatum and I got asked too. But we were trained to answer this type of questions. And it didn't bother us.

"They were interested in you as well, my man," Basil said to Tatum. "You have an actor's face."

My face contorted in disagreement and I peeked at the said man. Really? Tatum? I grimaced as I thought the idea to be absurd.

"Not my thing," Tatum refused as I inwardly felt relieved.

I walked faster before Basil reached his room. Twisting the door knob, I entered first, checking for any abnormalities before letting the two men in. A box, neatly wrapped with a bow was on the vanity table. I didn't touch it. I checked the closets, curtains, windows, under the table and any place that a person can hide. But there were none, so I called them in.

"There is a box here," I commented.

"It's not unusual," answered the actor, approaching the box. He sat by the vanity and opened the gift. "Sometimes I get chocolate, sometimes watches, cufflinks, ties… once I got a sex toy… I wonder…"

Then he gasped, letting go of the box, causing a thudding noise when the box fell on the table. Worried, we peered inside the present to see what it is. It was a letter card with a kiss print and the end of the message.

I'm coming for you.

Tatum lifted the letter using his handkerchief to cover his hand. Beneath it there was something. Something that you wouldn't usually sent as a gift. A fucking bloody pair of lips.

Tatum darted out of the room to call the officers outside regarding the 'gift'. I took pictures of the box, letter and lips for future references.

"We have to check the CCTV at the hallway. We can find out who enter this room in the past few hours," I said, because the windows are locked from inside. It's impossible for the suspect to enter from them.

Basil hasn't said anything so I shifted my eyes from the windows to check on him. He was hugging himself, fidgeting, looking very scared.

"Sir? Mr. Karlo?" I called softly. He didn't respond. Walking to him, I asked, "Are you all right?"

His eyes flickered, still boring his eyes at the ground. "Why is this maniac doing this to me? What are the cops doing? They should be arresting them!" His voice started soft and gradually became louder.

"The police are doing everything they can." I made a reminder to myself to ask Jim directly about the status of the case.

"The killer is making fun of me!" he screamed again. I remained calm at his explosion. This secret admirer is closer than we thought.

Feeling bad for him, I moved forward to touch his shoulder as a form of reassurance, but he pulled me into his embrace. My whole body froze for a moment. Then I caressed his back in a comforting manner. "It's gonna be all right…" I whispered. Then I pulled away, stepping away from him.

"Thank you." He moved closer to me. Heart beating faster, I raised my palms up, giving him a warning stare not to approach me closer. "I just…"

"Mr. Karlo. If it's easier, I could ask for a bodyguard swap."

"No," he refused. "I want you here."

"Mr. Karlo."

"Baz. I told you to call me Baz."

Then the door swung opened. Tatum and the two officers charged inside. My partner raised his eyebrows at the weird tension between Basil and me. I reacted quickly to make him forget about it.

"That's the box," I told, pointing at the item on the vanity. "Have you called for the CSU?"

"They're on the way with Detective Harper and Detective Bullock," responded Officer Walker.

"We never leave Mr. Karlo's side since we left his house. And this room is not locked so anyone could come in and out," Tatum explained.

"We'll set up a police line here. For now, we need you to tell us what you've noticed."

The cropped pair of lips was most probably Felicia Gomez's. Because when her body was found, she was missing two lips. But the forensic unit needed to get them checked first. Harvey Bullock and Vanessa Harper just arrived at the scene together.

"Muffin. Lookin' busy, eh?" Bullock smirked, smacking his hand on my back.

"Hi, Vanessa," I nodded to her as a greeting, ignoring Bullock on purpose. She mirrored me before approaching the officers in the scene. Finally glancing at Bullock, I jerked my head slightly, signaling for him to follow me. We walked to Basil, who was sitting with Tatum. "Bullock, this is…"

"I know who he is, Muffin. I know a playboy when I see one," he remarked. I suddenly felt awkward again.

"Detective Harvey Bullock, isn't it? If you would just do your job properly then none of this will happen," ranted Basil, standing up from the sofa.

Oh-uh. I don't like where this is going. Meanwhile, Tatum was looking amused at the situation. Before Bullock shouted at him, I quickly decided to talk him out. "He's a target, Bullock," I whispered. "It's useless to argue with him. We need to work together to protect him and find the criminal."

Two days had passed and each day, Karlo always made an attempt to get close to me. He didn't cross any boundaries so far but I was getting irk each time he tried to make a move. After spending time with him for days, I'm not a fan anymore.

I went home last night for a few hours rest. The GCPD had tightened the security around Karlo. They had found a suspect and spread the face and name to all the officers in the city. The suspect is one of the stylist coordinators for the theatre show that Karlo is currently working on. Her name is Aisya Wilson. She worked closely with Karlo for three years and has always been a fan. More hard-core than me.

Bullock and Tatum had talked to me about Karlo. Bullock warned me to be careful of the Casanova, while Tatum… well, Tatum 'logically' explained to me that is it normal for me to attracted to someone else after Hassan's gone and that it is perfectly healthy for me to agree to have sex with Karlo. "Sex is innate," he had said. "Since you're husband-less for two years, I'm fairly certain you need it." After that, he ended up with a bruised cheek.

I was angry not because of how wrong he was, but because of how right he was. I have changed and beginning to accept sleeping with other people out of marriage. My former self would have been disappointed with me. Am I a bad Muslim? I still pray and spend time with my God, but regarding my relationships I am more 'liberal' now.

All of a sudden, the memory of me barging into Tatum's home with him having sex with two identical twin ladies entered my mind. I grimaced and shut my eyes, inwardly trying to delete it from my subconsciousness. I devoured down my iced peach tea quickly, slamming the glass on the table once I'm finished.

"What's up with you?" Tatum's voice made me opened my eyes and the memory came back. I just flashed a glare at him. "Prick," he mumbled, walking towards the toilet.

11.04pm.

I need sleep. Taking out my phone, I set an alarm in five hours. I took a small pillow and made myself comfortable on the couch, waiting for Tatum to return from the washroom. Karlo was on his desk as usual, studying his script. I didn't talk to him as much recently. The excitement I felt when I first saw him is gone. To me, he's just a client.

Tatum returned a few minutes later and I told him that I am going to sleep. "Wake me up if there's anything weird," I said. "The officers outside were called by the precinct. There was an emergency so it's just the two of us here to protect our client."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," he indifferently answered. "I know how to do this. It's not my first time."

However, I haven't even closed my eyes for a minute when there was an explosion at the door. I jolted up immediately, looking for Tatum and Karlo. My partner was already at our client's side, pulling out a taser gun. Wayne Securities never use firearms as weapon. We mostly use armors, other than that we consort to stun guns, batons and pepper sprays.

My heart was beating faster. The door was gone; there was only a hole, with smokes and dusts arose due to the explosion. I covered my mouth with my hand. Grabbing my phone, I speed-dialed the GCPD. When the operator answered, I quickly informed him about the attack at Basil Karlo's house. They should know, since he's under protection custody.

"The cops are on their way!" I yelled. A silhouette emerged by the door. "Tatum, get him out of here." After the order, he dragged Karlo to the hallway, towards the back of the house, while I approached the main door, waving my hand over the dust

"That's useless," a feminine voice spoken. She stepped forward and her face is revealed. I was shown the picture of Aisya Wilson, and there is no doubt that she is in front of me.

"This isn't really a good way to make romantic advances," I said, trying to stall time. I hoped Tatum and Karlo got away.

"Why should I listen to you? I have seen the way Baz looked at you…" she snarled. Briskly, she walked towards me, taking out her gun. I readied my stance, with my stun gun in my hand.

"This isn't part of the deal, Ms. Wilson."

My eyebrow pressed together as I recognized the voice.

"Your beloved is restrained at the backyard. I'll have her," the person said again.

Felicia Wilson moved towards the kitchen; revealing the person behind her. The person who I haven't seen in years. He pointed a gun at me to prevent me from making any advances. I narrowed my eyes.

"Nygma."