A/N: Well, here we go, the beginning of Joker and Cynthia's interactions!

I want to thank everyone who has followed along so far and who has liked and followed my story along with writing reviews for me. I do appreciate it very much.

Although I'm wondering now if I want Cynthia to survive her little encounter...what do you guys think? Should she survive?

The Penthouse-Before The Party

Five o'clock came and went…and Brian was a no show. My heart racing, I tried calling him several times. He had never been late or missed a call.

Something was wrong.

But first…

I called Mr. Wayne. "Ms. Banks? What's wrong?" He said when he answered.

"Hi, Mr. Wayne. I'm sorry but my babysitter is a no call and no show. I'm afraid I can't make it to the party." I said, twirling a lock of my curly hair around my finger.

There was a pause and my heart raced again. Was he disappointed in me? Was he angry?

"Actually…why don't you bring Helen with you?"

I lost my grip on the phone and caught it before it hit the floor. "Uh…are you sure? I mean, it's going to be an event with the Gotham Elite."

"No, it's not a problem. We have plenty of rooms here that she can play in. Plus, you can always duck out to check in on her whenever you want."

I thought for a moment. It would be nice to spend time with her between mingling and helping Mr. Wayne. "If you're sure she won't be a problem. Is there anything you'd like me to bring? Like her playpen or anything?"

"Just bring her diaper bag and some toys. We can get a playpen for her."

"Thank you, Mr. Wayne." I said. "I'll be over in half an hour to help set up."

"You're welcome and please, call me Bruce."

I blushed. "Thank you…Bruce. Only if you call me Cynthia."

"Deal. I like that name." Mr. Wayne said.

XXXXXXX

I arrived with Helen half an hour later and we soon had her set up in one of the guest bedrooms in a nice playpen and her toys. I had met Alfred before and knew he was a kind man but never the softer side of him watching me put Helen in her pen and play with her for a few moments.

He smiled at me. "She means everything to you, doesn't she, Ms. Banks?"

"The whole world." I said, kissing Helen on her fat little cheek and putting her teddy bear in her hands. "I'll be back later, munchkin." I said, leaving with Alfred.

While I finished discussing things with the caterers and waitstaff, Alfred and Mr. Wayne had their conversation…I don't' remember much, something about ADA Dawes…but I heard Mr. Wayne turning up the television as their conversation faded.

A sing-songy voice came over the television… "Tell them your name."

My stomach dropped when I heard the response. "Brian…Douglas."

No…I stopped the conversation and hurried over to Mr. Wayne and Alfred. Mr. Wayne was fiddling with the remote and both men stared at the television in shock and horror.

I just stared at the screen as I watched Brian being tortured. My shaking hand reached out to Mr. Wayne's free hand.

He gripped it, his warm and dry hand cold and clammy.

"LOOK AT ME!" The sing songy voice growled and I jumped in response. Mr. Wayne draped an arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer.

I smelled his shirt and the faint smell of his cologne.

"You see, THIS is how crazy Batman has made Gotham!" The shaking camera turned around to face the cameraman…a man with sloppy clown make up and curly blond-brown hair. "You want order in Gotham?! Batman must take off his mask and turn himself IN. Oh and every day he doesn't, people will die. Starting tonight. I'm a man of my word."

He dropped his camera, cackling as Brian screamed.

The feed cut and all three of us stared at the screen.

I shook my head. Although I had no opinion formed on the Batman…I had felt hope returning, blooming in this city like a dying rosebush being given water.

Now?

If he had done as the Joker said…I wouldn't be tied up here watching the final seconds of my life tick away.