I remembered the blonde beauty from Oswald's house, her powerful air belittled me as she lounged in her throne-like chair behind a large desk. The gold filigree surrounded her like a fancy painting in an art gallery, this imagery and her glamorous form seemed to walk straight out from "The Great Gatsby". "Anthony..." she said with affection, "It's wonderful to see you. And I see you brought Ms. James, wonderful to see you again..." If this were the first time I met her, she would come across as friendly; however, her charisma seemed lined with intimidation. She stood and approached my escort, who took her hand and kissed it. Barbara's eyes swept my form with amusement and derision on her face as she turned back to lean on the desk. "It's been a while, Ms. James. I haven't seen you since just before Ozzie's celebration bash." she chuckled, "I seem to recall that you missed all the fun, such a shame." I couldn't help but wince at her use of Oswald's nickname. Although it wasn't a stretch for others to use it, I still had an attachment to the pet name and hearing it uttered by this bombshell caused me to realize my further insignificance.

"Yes..." Anthony said, clearing his throat, "well, I hate to cut this short, but I really..." "Yes, of course..." Barbara interrupted, moving to one of the drawers, pulling out an envelope. "As agreed," she sauntered back to him, handing him the envelope. He took it and released me to stuff it into the breast pocket of his jacket. "Thank you, Ms. Kean. It was a pleasure..." he then walked quickly out of the room, leaving me confused. I called after him, but he was gone without saying a word. What in the world? "So..." she said as she returned to her seat, "what did he tell you?" "He...he said that a friend of his would help find somewhere for me to stay till things calm down." Her smile accompanied a small chuckle, "Well, I wouldn't call us friends per say. He's more of a lacky...useful, but not someone to share secrets with." She must have seen the confusion on my face because she gave a pitying sigh. "So, you haven't figured it out? Let me fill you in. He sold you out, sweetie." "What?" "You see, he called me a little bit ago and told me that Oswald's old flame was back in town. And of course, now that we know he's alive, we need a little insurance..." The door then opened and a familiar figure entered the room.

"Tabby..." Barbara said, "You remember Ms. James?" The severe looking female warrior gave a small smirk, "Sure...last time I saw her was when we were having fun with her and her uncle...she's filled in since then." If I wasn't so frightened, I would have been embarrassed. I tried to flee the room, but was quickly intercepted by Tabitha and forced to sit in one of the chairs facing Barbara. "Now, now...didn't your uncle teach you that it's rude to leave without being dismissed?" the blonde said mockingly. "You needed a place to stay, didn't you? Well, I think we can help you with that." She then picked up the elegant phone that was on the corner of her desk and started to make a short conversation on the phone. Meanwhile, I allowed my anger to take over. "Let me go!" I snapped. "Shut up..." Tabitha said as she pulled out a small, curved blade and held it next to my throat. I cursed myself for not running while I had the chance, now I was trapped. "Okay, we'll see you soon. Don't keep us waiting." Barbara ended her call and casually asked me "Now, do you want Tabby here to tie you up? Or will you behave like a good girl and wait quietly? Actually, we need to gag you, don't we?" Tabitha moved as quick as lighting, and before I could react, a silk cloth was suddenly stuffed into my mouth. I reached up to remove it, but then felt the blade on my throat; causing me to freeze. "You see," Barbara continued as she walked slowly toward me, "I know about your little talent...we can't have you shattering my vases, can we?"

The door opened again and I saw another familiar figure. Butch! "So it's true..." he began with a smile, "You're back, Ms. J. It's good to see you again. Hey Babs, what's with the gag? She doesn't need that, she's harmless." "On the contrary..." she said with derision, "that voice of hers can cause us problems. Trust me, the gag is necessary." I hoped that he would fight for me, but he seemed to be submissive of Barbara. But unlike his work under Oswald, it was apparent that he was reluctant in his devotion. He sighed and approached me, lowering himself down to my level. "Sorry, Ms. J... this isn't the way that I hoped to see you again. Especially after..." "Enough!" Barbara snapped. Butch's eyes rolled in annoyance as he stood up again. "Now that we know Penguin's alive, this is just the insurance policy we need to make sure he does as he's told. And, a little something for good faith..." The door opened once more and I saw Edward Nygma enter the room, causing my heart to drop. He was dressed in another sharp suit, this time it was an emerald green with black on the tops of his lapels. When our eyes met, I saw his mouth curl into a Cheshire cat smile. "Hello, Fee."

A few minutes later

My hands were now handcuffed behind me, the silk cloth still in my mouth. My captors decided to place me in an emptied cooler, on a hard silver chair. As I was placed there by Butch, he whispered, "Sorry Ms. J... it's nothing personal. You'll be alright if you just cooperate." I couldn't help but allow tears to form in my eyes as he backed away from me. "We're gonna talk for a little bit. Just sit tight." Thankfully there was a light in the middle of the room, so when Butch shut the door I was still able to see. It was at this time that I wished I carried lockpicks or something to help me out of this situation. But if I try anything, they may try to beat me. I can't risk the baby getting hurt. I wished that they didn't gag me so I could tell them that Oswald wouldn't care what happens to me since we went our separate ways. But then there would be no reason to keep me alive... My thoughts turned to prayer, though it was the first time in months that I had conversed with God. Though I didn't blame God for my family's death, I certainly questioned why he took them and not me. Honestly, if I weren't carrying life inside me, I would have been tempted to take my own life. But the hope that my child gave me helped bring light to the long, dark tunnel in my heart. "I'll get us out of this..." I whispered, "I promise."