Chapter Seventeen

Croc was avoiding me.

I'd decided to spend the rest of the day at the mill instead of going home and coming right back. I thought it would give me some time to hang around and ultimately pester my big green scaly friend, but every time I found him he'd wander off or talk to me in one-word sentences. Unable to keep up with his huge steps I ended up sitting by myself and kicking a nearby crate in frustration.

Even later when I was squashed into the back of the SUV, practically stuck in his armpit, it was obvious he was trying to avoid me. The weapons deal group had taken two vehicles, two guys rode with Croc and I while six more were in the accompanying car. Adjusting my crutch so it wasn't jabbing me in the chin or Croc in his leg, I asked what time it was for the millionth time.

"The clock is right there," Croc snapped, glaring at the digital clock in the dash. I squinted up from where I was wedged against the door. "Does it look like I can move to see it with your fat ass in the way?"

Dead silence.

"Look who's talking," the cannibal shot back. Then men in the front seats exchanged anxious looks.

"Excuse me I'm at a totally normal weight, unlike you," I snapped, jabbing my cast-covered elbow into his side, "tubby." Even stuffed up next to him I craned my neck to glare, he met me with narrowed eyes.

"That's not what your ass says," he retorted, making me shriek in fury when his huge clawed hand pinched my thigh. An immediate struggle ensued. I tried to smack him away and called him nasty names while he coughed his stupid laugh and continued poking me in the stomach. Sure I'd gained weight since I'd met him, but we'd met while I was starving in Blackgate. It would be weird if I hadn't gotten a bit fatter since getting out.

"Ugly bastard!"

"Stupid."

"I'm going to turn you into a pair of shoes."

"Is there enough of me to cover your big ass feet?"

"My feet are size fives, they're tiny!"

"Coulda fooled me." By this time the men in the front seats were both trying to keep a straight face while Croc continued to have the time of his life jabbing me in the side. Grinding my teeth I managed to grab one of his clawed fingers and hold onto it, "why are you avoiding me?"

"You're not wearing a vest." For a moment I was completely thrown for a loop. What?

"I'm going to put it on in a minute – don't change the subject!" I shouted. Huffing he pulled his finger out of my grip and reached in the back of the car. When he brought back the bulletproof vest and pulled it on over my head, I just stared at him in shock then began trying to shove him off again.

"I can – fuck, stop – do it myself! What's your problem today, huh? Is it something I did?" I begged him for an explanation. He didn't say a word but the irritated growl in his chest remained as he reached around me to Velcro the bulletproof vest into place, even lifting my arm in the sling away. I continued to glare up at him even while he remained leaning over me, pressed into my side. His musk was thick this close, staining my clothes with the scent. The driver cleared his throat.

"Uh, i – it's time guys," he feebly called back. Croc remained pinning me for a moment longer before clicking open the door behind me and getting out on his side. Flipping off his retreating back, I scooted out of the vehicle and swung along on my crutch towards where the rest of Black Mask's men had gathered. I could feel Croc standing behind me. Everyone in the group had a gun; the big ones that I'm pretty sure were some sort of rifle. Collectively we moved to meet Penguin's men, and I almost stopped in my tracks when I caught sight of a familiar face.

"Loose Lips," I hadn't meant to say it out loud but the other man clearly heard me, tilting his head and shooting a greaseball grin in my direction.

"Well if it ain't Dollface! And would you look at that, Croc too. I have got the biggest case ah déjà vu right now," he shouted. I couldn't help cracking a smile, he was such a like-able bastard. He clapped his hands, "alright let's not waste the lady's time, bring 'em out." Penguin's men brought out a few sealed wooden crates, dropping them in the no man's land between our groups.

"Pop 'em," commanded the Black Mask goon in charge of our group. Another one of our guys stepped forward with a crowbar and cracked open the crates. Sure enough, each was filled with straw and firearms. Mostly firearms. My crew's leader nodded, waving me forward. I shuffled forward and held the USB out, wobbling a bit. Loose Lips grabbed me along the side, helping me stabilize as he plucked the piece of metal and plastic from my fingers.

"I heard Batman did a number on ya, didn't think it was true though," he tutted, frowning at my fucked leg. I shivered at the memory but played it off as a shrug while I grabbed at my crutch.

"Yeah, he doesn't like me very much. So, that's a wrap?" I asked, glancing between the two groups. When everyone seemed happy I began shuffling away but ended up getting my hair fluffed up by Loose Lips before he chuckled and escaped. I don't usually give a shit about criminals but I hoped Leblanc would live long enough to retire from this line of work.

While both groups retreated to their vehicles four canisters of tear gas exploded. Gunshots and shouts erupted through the burning fog, I tried to cover my mouth and nose with my sleeve but it was too late. I was already coughing and barely able to see. It wasn't until I heard the scream that I started to panic.

"It's the bat!"

/AN: this was my favorite chapter to write for totally obvious reasons/