A/N: Okay folks, I think we've had enough time for the slow build up...after this chapter, things will be going fast.

So I have one vote for sparing Cynthia. Does anyone else want to see her survive? Or should I keep going with if she dies?

The Penthouse: The Party

I shoved the Joker's threat as best I could into the back of my mind as I helped Alfred and Mr. Wayne with hosting duties.

But it was like holding water in a sieve.

Everyone at the party was talking about either the Batman, the Joker or both.

Loud sounds made me jump.

Long shadows grew across the walls as the sun set.

My nerves were frayed and raw when Mr. Wayne came up to me. "Hey Cynthia, can I ask for a favor?"

"What kind?" I asked, trying to keep my voice casual.

"Can you keep him" Mr. Wayne asked, pointing to Harvey Dent, "distracted while I talk to Rachel Dawes?"

"Sure." I said. I didn't ask too many questions about Mr. Wayne's life but I sensed that he was interested in the ADA. "How do you plan on getting her attention?" I asked as Mr. Wayne grabbed two flutes of champagne off a nearby tray.

"Leave that to me." He whispered as we both walked up to them. My spirits somewhat lifted as I saw Harvey Dent's smile. "Are you enjoying yourselves, Harvey and Rachel?" Mr. Wayne asked, his voice worn as the old playboy.

"We are." Rachel said, her voice icy. I took it then and still do that she didn't like Bruce's somewhat teasing speech at Harvey's expense. Although I know he meant every word at how Harvey had done so much good for Gotham.

"Cynthia, right?" Harvey asked.

My smile turned real at his reassuring presence. "I'm glad you remember me, Mr. Dent."

"I think I asked you to call me Harvey." Harvey said before turning to Rachel, who was looking at me with a cocked eyebrow. "Rachel, I had the pleasure of meeting Cynthia Banks and her daughter Helen at the supermarket. Cynthia, this is Rachel Dawes, the Assistant District Attorney and my right hand woman."

Rachel's eyes relaxed and she shook my hand. "It's nice to meet you, Ms. Banks."

"It's good to meet you too." I said, watching out of the corner of my eye as Bruce, I mean Mr. Wayne, left to the balcony.

"Excuse me." Rachel said, "I need to talk to Bruce."

We nodded and I sipped on my champagne, trying to think of something to say but Harvey realized my mood.

"You're still rattled by that news report earlier?" He asked, his voice gentler than I was expecting it to be.

I nodded. "Brian was Helen's sitter. He was supposed to be watching her tonight." The words spilled out before I could take them back.

"I'm sorry." Harvey said. "You sound like you were close."

"We were both single parents so we looked out for each other." I said, trying to smile. But the question came out. "Do you think Batman should turn himself in?"

Harvey shook his head. "No, this is a terrorist. If Batman turns himself in, then Gotham will be lost. He's the reason for hope and why the corrupt are finally running scared. I don't think we'd be standing here if it weren't for the Batman. And I don't think Gotham will stand for their hero being turned in."

Harvey's eyes were full of hope and his voice steely with conviction, just like a knight of old. It made me want to believe in his words.

"How have you kept hope in humanity? If I may ask?" I asked.

"I still ask myself that…but then I meet people like you and Helen who are trying to live their lives and don't live in fear." Harvey said before his eyes darted to Rachel and Mr. Wayne out on the balcony. He looked back at me before squeezing my hand. "Don't worry. We, or rather he, will catch the Joker."

I watched Harvey head outside, mulling over his words before excusing myself to check on Helen.

Helen was fussing on the floor. "Poor thing." I said, picking her up and checking on her diaper. "You must be tired from all the excitement." I put her down on the bed and massaged her legs and stomach. Helen grumbled, fighting to stay awake but soon was out cold. "Sleep well, my little monkey." I said, kissing her on the cheek.

I returned to the party and helped myself to another champagne flute. If I kept this up, I'd soon be too drunk to stand.

But I wanted to be drunk.

I wanted to forget the sound of Brian's screams.

Alfred patted my shoulder. "Are you still afraid?"

I nodded.

"I won't try to reassure you because I can see that it's useless."

"You sound like you're speaking from experience." I said, sipping on my champagne.

Alfred smiled just as the elevator dinged again. "I'll go take care of that. Why don't you check on the caterers and see how things are?"

I did as Alfred suggested just as the elevator doors opened and the Joker entered with his crew.

I can still smell the cloud of gunpowder and hear the loud crack like thunder from the shotgun.

I can still remember dropping my champagne flute and staring as the figure from my future nightmares stepped into the room.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen! We are…tonight's entertainment!" The Joker said as he helped himself to some champagne and hor d'oeurves.

"Move, Banks, move. Get to Helen." I whispered, trying to give myself courage.

But I couldn't move.

It was like I was watching a movie and I couldn't stop it.

"Only have one question for you." The Joker shouted. "Where is Harvey Dent?!"