I looked at the circled apartment ad then at the building. It looks to be run down but comfortable to live in. Well as comfortable it can be. I placed the ad at my side looking around at the neighborhood. It isn't the safest but it isn't the worst. I rubbed my forehead in stress. It already been a long day. I got kicked out of my sister's, sobbed in public, got kicked off the bench at the bus stop. Things aren't going that well for me. I headed inside to speak to the apartment owner or try to find the apartment owner considering the building is attached to a cafe of some sorts. I looked around holding the newspaper close to me. A voice called out, "Hey Peter! We got someone!"

I couldn't help but feel like I was back in the mob building when they first brought me and my son there. I swallowed a lump to get rid of the fear. I will not be broken down. A man who I presume is Peter walked up from the back wiping his hands on a towel. Peter gestured to a booth to sit which I hesitantly took a seat in. I didn't expect him to sit across from me with his hands laced together. I spoke, "W-what are you doing?"

Peter pointed to the newspaper ad seeing it circled by me. He answered, "You are looking for a place to stay aren't you?"

I gave a light nod, "Yes I am."

Peter studied me, "Okay I'll have a room for you as long you pay 400 a month."

The color from my face drained, "I... I can see if I can get the money to you."

Peter leaned forward onto the table, "You don't have a job do you?"

I looked away towards the window, "I'm searching for one. I'm not a homeless workless woman."

Peter held his hands up in defense, "I didn't say that. I was just asking and clarifying that you did not have a job."

I could feel Peter's eyes stare at my form a bit longer before he gave a loud sigh. His fingers tap the table as he spoke, "I can give you a deal. I'll give you room plus a job here at the cafe. It isn't much but it would be one of those you work and live for free. You look like you been through stuff."

I subconciously rolled my lips inward to try to hide the nasty scar I achieved a couple years ago. This is a two in one deal. It is hard to say no at a time like this. I glanced back at Peter and gave a nod, "Alright I'll do it. I'll work at the cafe and live in the unoccupied apartment."

Peter smiled holding out his hand. I shook it to close our deal. I know it is wise to see the apartment first but I don't have much choice. I rather be in a place where I can get work and a roof over my head. Peter spoke up, "You'll start tomorrow. Your apartment would be 4B. I'll get you the keys."

Peter disappeared to the back and came back out dangling keys out in front of me. I took them rubbing the metal inbetween my fingers. I don't know what it is like to have keys again to somewhere I live. I clutched them in my hand and waited for directions. Peter pointed down the hall to a door that leads to stairs. I gave a nod and headed up there. 4B. 4B. Where is it? I bumped into someone when I was looking for the apartment number. I called out to the person, "Sorry!"

When the person didn't say anything, I turned to look at the retreating person. A man in a deep purple to black suit. His hair seemed to be recently dyed with green. I raised an eyebrow. I mumbled to myself, "I hope I made the right decision in staying here."

I looked up to stare at the apartment number. 4B, this is it. I moved the key into the hole and opened the door. Dust collected on the wooden floors. I stepped through the threshold taking a look around. I ran a hand through my hair as I continued to survey the area, "I guess this is a start."

After scoping out the apartment, I decided to head towards the bank. I need to check on our... I mean my account. I moved my long sleeve shirt over my wrists to hide the scars that is littered all over. There is more all over. Some are more gruesome than the others. When my sister allowed me to stay for a while, she gave me my wallet that was collected on the day. I noticed it did not have the picture of Jack, Eric and myself. Who would take the photo? I am sure Vanessa didn't take it as her and Jack were iffy at times. I opened the door to the Gotham Bank seeing people minding their business. My eyes dart around to ensure there aren't any mobsters who happen to taking a withdrawal. You may never know that they could be here of all times. I am sure they have accounts through this bank and many others. A voice startled me, "Ma'am! Ma'am!"

I looked over at the short man before me. He gave a hesitant smile as he was not sure how to handle this. The man spoke, "Ah, yes ma'am. How can I help you?"

I gave a small smile, "I need to check on my account to see if it is still open or not."

The man gestured to his desk and chair in front, "Please."

I gave a nod and sat down. He started to tap away on his keyboard, "So what is the name and account number?"

I raked through my mind for the account number. It is coming up blank. I opened my wallet for a bank card and pulled it out. I handed it to him, "Name's Madeline Napier. My account should be connected to this."

He looked at me then at the card before grabbing it. He inspected the card before he typed in the card number. I took in the sounds of the bank and people around. The man finally spoke, "Ah ha! found it. So the account is still active. No withdrawals or deposits though. It seems to be there is another name on the account a Mr. Jack Napier."

I smiled sadly, "Yes that's my husband. He... He disappeared."

The man gave a light nod. I am the one who disappeared and now he disappeared. I spoke up, "I need to withdrawal 800 dollars to pay for my first and last month's rent."

The man nodded standing up heading towards the teller, "They will be able to help you over here."

I held out my hand standing up, "Thank you."

The man smiled leaving me be. I looked around at my surroundings till my eyes met with a man who has a clown mask on his face. He didn't do anything but the other masked man did. I didn't jump like I should when the gun was shot at the roof. The one who I met eyes with stopped at a slip desk opening the bag. I was lucky enough to be close to the door when they decided to ask well demand for a withdrawal. I slid down the side being careful to be out of view. My heart is pounding against my chest. I listened for foot falls but the man was silent. I didn't hear anyone close by till I heard a grenade pin being removed. Shit, they are going to blow this place. I heard the pins being removed farther away. I let out a low breath. He didn't find me. I heard a shot and I decided to make my move to the door. I crawled on my knees and hands rushing to the door. Shots are still going. I heard sneakers squeak on the floor. I kept going till I heard a man call out, "Man! Where did you learn to count?"

I shouldn't of looked behind me but I did. I saw the man who I met eyes with earlier tilting his head to the banker I presume. I studied his figure. Dark purple to black suit with brunette hair. He is slouched slightly forward. I watched the two men start to gather bags coming from the vault. The man I studied before looked around seeing his victims. The man who yelled at him earlier spoke, "That's alot of money. If this Joker guy was so smart, he had us bring a bigger car."

I saw the man proceed to pull his gun at the other. I couldn't see from the mask the one who decided to check his watch that he glanced over where I am at. I knew to stay by the shadows if I were to stop. I looked in front of me to see the day light of the door right there then back over to the masked men. The man continued, "I'm betting the Joker to you to kill me once we loaded the cash."

He moved slightly as he answered, "Oh no no no, I killed the bus driver."

He continued to move more and more as the guy followed his movement. I wasn't paying attention to what the other guy said as a school bus rammed through the wall. I jumped as it took me by surprise. I took this time to crawl faster towards the door. I could feel eyes follow me as I heard another man's voice. I stood up ramming myself into the door. It nudged a bit just enough for me to slip through. I ran as far as I could. I do not want to be mixed up with criminals again.

Inside the bank, the man who killed the bus driver and who kept an eye on the woman who escaped placed a grenade into the bankers mouth. As he was saying words and removing his mask, his mind was going a million miles a minute. From a distance the woman looked familiar. He does not know when and where he saw her before. The Joker moved away from the banker heading to the bus. He shut the door behind him as he headed to the driver seat. An explosion was heard and after a few minutes sirens were heard. His eyes darted to the streets to see if he can find the woman who escaped. She has to be here somewhere. It isn't possible for her to run far. The Joker ran a hand through his hair. His tongue darted over his scars as he went into thought. He will find her and when he does they will play a game. She seemed to like to play mouse and cat. Let the games begin!

Hey guys sorry for the late update. You know work and the holidays like to take it out of you. I just finished this chapter before I have to go to work. I'm kinda cutting it close in leaving for work. Buttttt I hope you guys enjoy. Joker is in the chapter but he doesn't really meet her face to face. It'll happen. Promise. ALSO Thank you for the reviews guys :) I was not sure how to put this on internet paper as my mind like to think ahead and write it self. I had to revision it a few times as after typing it , it didn't seem right. Sooo I hope you guys like this chapter. Let me know what you think or have any suggestions :)