✨M.I.A✨

Suddenly a loud pounding on the door pulled me out of my head as Jerome’s voice yelled through the door “Minx! Are you okay?! Minx let me in! Let me in now! before I knock the door down! You have 10 seconds!” Trying to pull myself together I slowly uncovered my ears waiting for the voices to chime again but they didn't. All I heard was Jerome’s voice starting the countdown. Once I knew the coast was clear I quickly stood up and turned off the shower exiting and quickly got dressed. Jerome was still pounding on the door saying “3!” Trying to get my attention. Quickly I went and unlocked the door. As soon as it unlocked Jerome burst through it and came rushing in searching around the room frantically only to find a regular bathroom. Pulling me to him he wrapped one arm around my waist till I was tight against him and then his other hand went up to my face smacking my cheek hard before grabbing hold of my jaw to make me look up at him, his grip bruising. My last remaining tears rolled down my cheeks as I stood there still overwhelmed by everything and dazed. “Who were you talking to?!” He asked authoritatively, “Do you have a phone?! Where is it?!” He continued his questioning this time with a more paranoid tone. Without saying anything I put my arms around him in a hug and he brought his hand off my face instead he hugged me back. His warm embrace already making me feel better as it chased the monsters away. “I don’t have a phone. I wasn’t talking to anyone.” I said lightly, mumbling back emotionally drained and he responded with a confused "Okay. Good, Don't ever let me catch you doing something I didn't give you permission to. No phones. No talking to others.” sounding a little relieved then after a huff asked “How about you let me braid your hair?” sensing my exhaustion wanting to cheer me up and lighten the mood. I nodded and he grabbed two hair ties off the bathroom counter ushering me into the bedroom where I sat on the bed with him coming to sit behind me. He grabbed my long hair sectioning it into two and started braiding as I asked him “How do you know how to do this?” “You learn a lot when you live in a circus.” he said back, making me chuckle a little as I pictured him braiding and rag curling the girls hair. “Do you talk to yourself a lot?” he asked, “Sometimes.” I replied solemnly remembering when my sister left and I used to hear and see her everywhere. He finished braiding one side and moved to the other. “That’s okay.” he replied lovingly “We all can get a little mad sometimes. I do.” He said finishing my hair and placing a soft kiss on the crook of my neck. He then leaned back against the mountain of pillows and I followed suit  turning to lay beside him and I rested my head on his chest. “You know I love you.” he said to me. The words sounded strategic yet so convincing that they made my heart melt and instead of feeling the panic that I did before I now felt calm and safe. I then turned my head to look at him. His eyes were shining as I could tell the wheels in his head were turning, plotting his next move. “I know.” I said “You saved me. You didn’t have to but you did so I chose you. I’ll repay that debt. I'm yours.” I finished desperately trying to convey to him he made the right choice and just like that the spark in his eye turned into a flame as everything clicked together perfectly in his head. He brought his hand up putting his fingers in my hair sweetly “My Minx.” he said before he kissed my head one more time a slight dark taint of possessiveness coming through his sugarcoated tone. I turned to the side cuddling into him more, closing my eyes as he held my head against his chest not soon after I drifted to sleep tangled up in him.

I grabbed a slice of pizza appeasing my hunger that just now hit me and looked for a cropped tank top underwear and some pj shorts. When I finished I went to the bathroom, closing and locking the door behind me. Going to the shower I turned the cold golden knob on and to hot letting the water warm up steam soon filling the room. Going to my side of the sink I started to take down my hair when the feeling of guilt started seeping into me flooding my senses. “We were your friends.” a voice that sounded a lot like Essen whispered behind me clear as day as if she herself was in the room. Quickly I turned looking over my shoulder only to find nothing but clouded steam. The clouds now making the air feel humid. Trying to ignore it I went back to what I was doing facing the now foggy mirror. “How could you do this to us? your friends." The voice rang out again, this time anger flooded my veins mixing with the guilt to create a deadly cocktail. “You weren’t my friends!” I whisper yelled back at the imaginary force. “We could have helped you.” it rang back “No. You can’t. He helped me. Not you.” I argued back. Finishing taking down my hair I took off my clothes and went into the shower to get away from the incessant picking at my brain. The hot water streamed down my face and body burning my skin deliciously as I washed my hair and used my stawberry scented body wash. The smell filling the air before the voice came back louder, making me drop the bottle. The plastic banging onto the tile floor of the shower hard “He’s crazy. He doesn’t care for you.” it continued “Stop! Shut up! go away! He does care.” I yelled back, not moving to pick it back up as light tears ran down my face with the water. My head starting to pound as the voice continued “He’s using you.” “No! You’re wrong! He loves me. He saved me. What did you do?” I spat back not caring if my voice was loud. “I love you.” the voice rang out but this time it wasn’t Essen it was one I thought I would only ever hear again in my mind and dreams. The unmistakable voice of my older sister. Pain started to rip through me as I screamed back “Liar! You left!” falling to the floor of the shower I hugged my knees to my chest. Resting against the wall as more tears ferociously fell from my face, old memories hit me in it. “Shut up! You're not my sister anymore!” I continued screaming, feeling claustrophobic as ghosts surrounded me. Quickly I put my hands on my ears to block out the voices “You're a liar!” I finished screaming back weakly.

When we got back to Theo’s palace-like penthouse the smell of pizza filled the air as the golden elevator doors opened to a living/dining room full of said dish along with Theo, Tabitha, and the rest of the gang. Everyone happy exchanging good jobs and whatnot. Looking up at J who was in desperate need of a hot washcloth I said “I’ll be right back.” Going to the group of people I ignored their advances of talking and questions and swiftly grabbed a pizza. Taking it with me I stuck my tongue out at the group and made my way back to Jerome who then led us through the maze back to his room. Upon entering, Jerome went straight for the closet trying to get out of his mock uniform that was covered in blood, exchanging it for a white shirt and some pj bottoms while I hurried to the bathroom. Grabbing a small towel I turned on the hot water wetting it while I dug through the bottom cabinets for a first aid kit which was luckily there. Grabbing the now wet towel and my supplies I went back into the bedroom where Jerome sat on the edge of the bed. The tv now turned on to the news as he admired his work. Putting the first aid kit on the bed next to him I brought the wash cloth with me and stood in front of him. “Damn that bitch really got ya.” I said, examining his wound “This is nothing.” He responded putting his hands on my hips. “You should’ve seen what my unc and mom could cook up.” climbing onto his lap I straddled him so I was taller. I looked down at him and his hands moved to my back securing me so I wouldn’t fall. Gently I brought the towel to his nose and started wiping the dried dark red blood off. “Does it hurt?” I asked cleaning the last of it, grabbing the wound wash and a stripe strip to finish it up. “No.” He responded when I was done. “Besides, not all pain is bad.” He said “Mhm. Are you sure you don’t got brain damage or something?” I responded back jokingly tossing my supplies to the side and moving my arms around his neck. “Maybe but not the point.” He continued “Sometimes pain is good. It makes you feel alive. Like today or this." Suddenly he started pinching and tickling my sides and I started laughing and smiling. I tried pushing myself off of him to no avail as he swiftly picked me up, turned around and slammed me down on the bed making the medical supplies fall off with the force of it. I tried to move away but he just grabbed me pulling me back down towards him as he continued his attack, pinning my hands above my head with one hand and pinching me with the other. I couldn’t hold back my giggles. He then stopped pitching my side and climbed on top of me, his knees on both sides of my stomach trapping me on the bed. Quickly after he bent down towards my neck and started biting me. I let out a little squill yelling out “Stop!” between laughs till he was finished. He stared down at me, his hands and body still holding me in place. “See now you’re having fun.” he said confidently and I nodded my head saying “I understand.” the light stings on my body giving off a warm tingle that felt pleasurable rather than painful. “That’s my good girl.” he said leaning down, placing a kiss on the top of my head. I felt blush heat up my face and chest as his lips left my forehead. His face lingering so close to mine that I could feel his hot breath against my skin. His lips were so close that if I moved even an inch they would collide. “I think I should go take a shower now.” I said lightly, cutting the growing tension. Giving out a little groan he said “Fine.” backing away from my face he brought his mouth to my ear whispering “ But I’m not done with you yet.” His words sending chills down my spine. He gently kissed my cheek and got off of me flopping onto the bed next to me. Taking a minute to catch my breath I then turned to the side giving Jerome a quick peck on the cheek back saying a light “thank you.” before getting up and going over to the closet and dresser.

Thank you to everyone who got me to 250 likes! I will be posting more chapters soon!

he reached into his pocket taking out a knife. Twirling it in his hand for a second he then forcefully shoved it into the woman’s abdomen wiggling it a little just for fun before he then pulled it out the blood from her wound now staining her white button up as she groaned in pain saying “Y/N…you really..think..he can…protect you?” “It’s Minx!” Jerome shouted before swiftly kicking her chair off the desk and onto the floor. The wood hitting the ground with a great crash as he tossed her away to die slowly. Turning to me he smiled widely jokingly asking “Is it bad?” making me scoff saying “Nothing we can’t handle.” “Why don’t you do a little decorating while I deal with business.” he said, dropping off the desk. Grabbing a duffle bag near us he reached into it then he threw me some cans of spray paint. I nodded with a smile, taking the paint and going to the different walls. I covered the gcpd with little doodles words and whatever came to mind. Stars, hearts, smiling faces, ect. covered everything along with words like haha, liars and pigs. As I was graffitiing the palace I saw jerome pick up the camera that greenwood dropped on the floor and he started ranting to it. Sending his silly lessons and messages to its viewers as the others shot the people left still alive cleaning house. Guess they didn’t want survivors. Everyone stopped though when we heard distant sirens. “Time to go!” Jerome yelled out to everyone as he put down the camera and rushed over to me grabbing my hand and we both ran out the building and down the street into the same suv from before that came back to pick us up. Out of breath and my heart pounding in my chest I gave out a loud laugh. “Glad you had fun, doll.” Jerome said catching his breath still covered in blood and in his fake uniform “I liked your handy work back there. You’re a true artist.” he joked, making me smile. I knew that I should have probably been sad or traumatized but I didn’t. Maybe it was just the adrenaline but I felt alive. I felt electricity flowing through my veins and it was all thanks to Jerome. “Thank you.” I said putting my legs over his lap. “I’ll take care of your nose when we get back” I finished “Wow. An artist and a nurse. I must have hit the jackpot.” J retorted back laughing while I hit his shoulder. Afterwards both of us relaxed for the rest of the ride just being happy and comfortable sitting with each other. 

“Y/N?!” the commissioner asked, confused “That’s me!” I said loudly joking as I turned to stare at the lady that was now tied to a chair and placed on top of Gordon and Harvey’s desk. Jerome not letting go as he hugged me from behind. “How could you do this to your friends?” the woman said  “Friends?” I repeated in air quotes laughing as I stepped towards the lady jumping onto the desk while Jerome’s hands slipped from my body. “You guys were never my friends! you just wanted to use me like everyone else. The second any of you got what you wanted you left. They threw me away like trash. No. How’s your day? No. What’s going on in your life? Anytime I tried to have a real conversation with any of you guess what happened? You guys brushed me off like I was nothing! Hell I’m surprised you even know my name.” I said, getting in her face, anger rising in my tone of voice “It’s not too late.” she spoke in a soft voice “The girl who used to help solve crimes, help save people, is still in you. The people at this precinct know you and will want to help.” “Liar!” I screamed out “Y/N-“ she started to say with pleading eyes but I cut her off “Stop!” I said loudly “Y/N fell down a well! She is gone! I’m what’s left.” I finished the rage and pain seeping through my words. “And isn’t she fantastic now! My little minx. ohhh! I like the sound of that! Minx!” Jerome said, laughing a little, cutting the growing tension trying to lighten my mood “It’s better than your old name.” he continued. Joining me up on the desk he started rubbing my shoulders and I could feel myself calming down with his touch. “New and improved just like my girl …Greenwood! Here! Bring the camera over here. Get a better angle of the room.” Jerome said to me then to the man behind him in the corner who was holding a large camera that I hadn’t noticed. He walked up doing as told. “Why are you doing this?” Essen said bringing the attention back to her. “To rule the world blah blah blah…” Jerome spoke jokingly nonchalant using his hands to express himself “..but we’ll settle for some dead cops and some good PR.” he said laughing at the end then saying “Kidding.” “Yeah whatever. I get it, you're just crazy.” Essen said back in retaliation “Crazy?” Jerome repeated crouching down to her level “Look at me. You can see I’m not crazy.” Jerome said pointing to himself “Very soon little man you will be dead and the world will go on without you. You will be nothing. No one will even remember your name.” Essen said back as Jerome listened, resting his chin on his fist “Hm…” Jerome retorted standing up “See that’s where you're wrong old lady. We will leave a mark on this city!” he announced moving close to her ear as she turned her head trying to get away from him “We will spread across it like a virus… You want to know why?” he asked rhetorically, backing away “There’s nothing more contagious than laughter.” Greenwood sounded from behind us. Jerome let out an irritated grunt grabbing his gun on his pants. He pointed it at Greenwood and fired the trigger swiftly saying “My line.” as the man’s body hit the floor. Quickly he turned back to the commissioner and continued “There’s nothing more contagious than laughter.” He said a loud ha ha ha following after the words left his lips but it didn’t last long as Essen spat in his face. Jerome made a weird look and sound before turning to me saying “That was strangely pleasant.” turning back he leaned towards Esssen saying “Do it again.” but instead of spitting at him this time the lady pulled back her head and smashed her forehead into Jerome’s nose sending him back with the force of the blow as he lost his balance. “That’s gonna leave a mark!” the women taunted as Jerome recovered. A little out of rage and half out of instinct I sent a punch flying across the woman’s cheekbone giving out a frustrated and annoyed growl as Jerome stood up straight, his nose now gushing with blood the red liquid streaming down his face and dripping off his chin and onto his shirt.

Crossing my arms over my chest I shook and started to fake cry trying to look vulnerable. As soon as I entered people noticed me and I heard my name all around the place. People saying “oh my god it’s Y/N!” or “Y/N escaped!” or variations of that. The officers coming slowly around me like I was made of glass and would break if they moved too fast. I hated it but kept the act up stuttering out words like “help.” and “I don’t know what happened.” in a shaky tone. Suddenly I heard a loud whistle and I knew immediately it had to be Jerome. A smile formed on my face as I dropped the damsel in distress act. “Hi!” I said loudly, giving the people a small wave.  Shocked and surprised faces looking back at me over the drastic change of tone. Laughing a little I grabbed two of the bombs on my belt taking them off pulling the pins I threw them at the group of people hitting two men in the face. The bombs sent out puffs of blue and purple as soon as the pin left the canisters. When they hit the ground they exploded in a mix of confetti, glitter, and colored smoke filling the whole room till you couldn’t see anything through it. “Jerome was right.” I said in my head laughing “This is fun.” Suddenly loud gunshots rang out from all different directions along with the sounds of breaking glass screaming and people and or objects falling onto the ground. When the festive fog died down I could see bodies littered the floor, blood everywhere and on everything along with blue and purple dusty paint and confetti, the only people left standing being Jerome’s crew. “Hell of a first week you're having commis! I wish I could tell you things are gonna get better for you…they're not.” I heard Jerome's voice announce jokingly from the captain's office. Adrenaline flowing through my veins I raced up the steps to Jerome. When I made it at the top I saw his face lit up with pride and happiness. Walking up to him with my hands behind my back I hugged him as he grabbed my waist and hugged me back saying a quick “Tie the commissioner up.” to the men standing behind him his eyes never leaving me as the men did as told. “I told you you could do it!” Jerome said as we both looked at each other parting the hug but his hands still remained on my hips “You're a good actress too sweetheart. For a second I thought you actually turned on me.” burying my face in his chest again I said “I’ll never betray you.” Jerome petted my hair in response and I looked up at him in his eyes smiling and he placed a tiny kiss on my forehead.

Jerome grabbed my hand pulling me to the car and Theo opened the door for us as he exited it. I let go of Jerome’s hand and climbed in the back Theo pausing Jerome to talk in hushed voices but I could still hear Theo saying “Do you really think it’s a good idea bringing her?” J replied back in an irritated voice “If she acts up I’ll tie her up and deal with her myself.” Happy with the response Theo said “Good.'' Before Jerome pushed past the man climbing into the car sitting next to me. Theo closed the door after him as he left to probably go ride with his sister and the others. I gave an annoyed look to j as the car started to move “What I only said that to ease his paranoid rich mind. We have to play nice if we want to use his money." He finished like he was teaching me a lesson but some hint in his eyes told me he would do it if it came to that. “Right.” I said unconvinced as the car drove, stopping after a couple of minutes. “Where are we?” I asked “You’re gonna get a kick out of this.” he replied moving to get out of the car as I  followed after him. Once out of the car Jerome moved to the back of it grabbing some stuff from the trunk as I looked around the streets and buildings surrounding me. All of it feeling oddly familiar. Slowly my brain searched for the connection until it hit me. This was the way I used to walk to work. “Are we going to the gcpd?” I asked as I walked to the back of the truck to meet him “Bingo!” Jerome replied as my eyes watched him buttoning the shirt of the cop uniform that he was changing into. “So what’s the plan? Go in there, guns blazing?” I asked putting my hands on my hips a little worried we were heading into a trap. “I have a plan. All you have to do is go in there and pretend like you escaped then when I give you the signal give them hell.” he explained “What about Jim Gordon?” I asked, crossing my arms knowing that with him there this wasn’t going to be easy. “Don’t worry about him. I got it covered. Now how do I look?” he asked while reassuring me as he finished putting on his hat and turned to me in full uniform. “Like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” I said back as he closed the trunk “Perfect.” he replied and the car drove off. Afterwards he walked up to me, his hands grabbing my arms. “Are you ready to prove yourself?” He asked, “Yes.” I replied in a low tone as I prepared myself for the chaos that was about to ensue. I knew that what I was doing was wrong and all around bad news but he saved me. He was there for me and cared about me and I was going to make him proud even if it meant changing myself and doing things that I wouldn’t have done in my past life. “I believe in you.” he continued, his voice bringing me back to reality. “Enter the gcpd as your old self and come out someone new. Someone better. Let the fire and blood baptize you. I know you can do it.” He finished pulling me into a hug, his warm embrace making me feel good, solidifying the fact that in my head he was the only thing I needed. He was the only thing that mattered. When we pulled apart Jerome spoke telling me “Go on ahead. I’ll be right behind you.” in a supportive tone and with one last look in his eyes I said confidently “I won’t disappoint you.” before turning around, crossing the street and going around and up the steps of the large building. Stopping in front of the door I took a deep breath and pushed aside my thoughts and feelings yelling at me not to go through with it and entered the prescient.

Turning to Theo Jerome did a bow saying “thank you.” in between laughs then turned towards me grabbing my hand as he pulled me towards the door. Before we left Jerome put his arm around my shoulders holding me close while shouting “Get ready boys! We have a big show tonight!” to everyone else in the room leaving after. He led us back to our room and the second the door closed he swept me up off my feet by my waist and spun me around holding me close. “You were amazing!” he said, his voice proud and sweet as he put me down. “Does that mean I passed the test?” I asked smiling “With flying colors.” he replied and I felt blush creep onto my cheeks “greenwood the imbecile can’t count. I knew exactly where that bullet was. Besides I know a loaded gun. I could feel it. In the circus we played that game all the time.” he explained shrugging “I knew you did. I didn’t doubt you for a second.” I replied “Smart girl but you're not done yet. We still have the main event. The ultimate test. Think you can handle it?” he said, taunting “What is it?” I asked “You’ll see.” he replied with a devious smile “We’re gonna need a couple things first. The boys are picking out and grabbing everything and putting it in the car now. Lucky for us I already grabbed all the good stuff.'' He finished dropping to the ground in front of the bed and pulled out a big black case. He opened it up and  grabbed two ivory and gold revolvers admiring them with a small smile and a mischievous glint in his eyes for a bit before stashing them away in his pants. Afterwards he grabbed out a couple small knives and switchblades putting some in his pockets. His fingers glided over the metal blade for a second as he turned one in his hands before putting it away and turning his smile to me. “You’re gonna need these.” he said, passing me some grenade looking devices that had clips on them to attach to my belt. I hesitated for a second and Jerome gave a sigh and an irritated eye roll saying “Their not bomb bombs just fun ones like smoke. You’re not gonna blow up.” giving him a nod I grabbed them putting them on my belt “Good. You’re gonna have fun I promise.” he finished closing and sliding the case that was still quite full of stuff back under the bed. He stood up and put his arm around me again leading me out the door and down the hall to an elevator. Once in the golden mirror covered area he hit the button marked G the doors soon closing after. “You hesitated. I know you're new at this…” Jerome said, turning in front of me blocking the door. “So I’ll cut you some slack just this one time but…” he continued taking a step forward leaning his arm on the mirror behind me  pinning me between the wall. His body and face extremely close to mine. “Seriously, don't embarrass me in front of people. You looking weak makes me look weak and I can’t have that now can I.” he said bringing his free hand up. His fingers brushing my neck lingering there for a second before grabbing my jaw and stroking my cheek with his thumb. “I and most people around me tend to have short fuses and I wouldn’t want that pretty face of yours getting hurt.” he finished having looked me up and down hungrily. His eyes now poured into mine, his tone playful still but with a dangerous edge. I titled my head and scoffed with a smirk before shoving him off the wall and away from me sending a playful “Like that’s gonna happen.” His way. His warning stayed in the back of my mind but I wasn’t going to act intimidated by him. Jerome laughed for a couple seconds before the elevator door opened to a dark looking car garage full of nice looking cars. In it a big blacked out suv was parked in front of us.

The room was filled with what looked to be large containers full of all different types of weapons. There were also 4 men, one of them I recognized as the man that was with us at my dads. The man looked to be supervising the others that were going through everything messing around. “Ladies and gentlemen!” Jerome said loudly and charismatically, “I’d like you to meet my girl!” Everyone stopped what they were doing looking at Jerome and I. Their intrigued expressions looking at me like I was a meal and they hadn’t eaten in weeks. “She is mine. So no funny business!” he finished and I gave an awkward little wave. “Or what?” One of the men that looked like he hadn’t showered in weeks with large poofy hair said “I have eaten half a dozen women. I terrorized the whole city for weeks. What makes you think you make the rules? You’re not the boss. What are you gonna do? Chop me up like your mommy?” Jerome’s once silly and playful expression turned dark, his eyes full of rage as he moved closer to the man with a level of unpredictability now around him. “Everybody has to start somewhere.” he started saying while dropping my hand so he could get in the man’s face. “See I have vision and ambition and brains. You’re just a nutty old cannibal. How many people can you eat before that shtick gets old?” He finished ready to kill the man. “I could eat one more.” the other man retorted back maliciously “I can see we are going to have to resolve this one once and for all.” Theo interrupted them pulling them away from each other as he got out a white handled 5 barrel revolver taking out all the bullets except one. “You all know this game?” he asked in more of a statement Jerome saying “Love it.” as he held out the gun to them “Who wants to be the boss?” he finished questioning. Jerome said “Ladies first.” Getting the other man to take it. The man brought the gun up to his head pausing for a moment before pulling the trigger, him flinching but the gun didn’t go off. With a sadistic smile the man handed the gun to Jerome who fiddled with it a little as my anxiety buildup. “Hey Greenwood, what’s the secret to good comedy?” He said bringing the gun to his temple smiling and I prayed silently in my head that nothing would happen to him. He pulled the trigger completely relaxed, no shot rigging out. “Timing… and Y/N” he said, grabbing me by the arm so he could hold me against his chest. His heartbeat slow and steady as he put the gun to my cheek. My eyes went wide and nerves started going crazy as I shook a little bile coming up in my throat but I pushed it down knowing he wouldn’t kill me. Not after all the effort he put into getting me here. He brought his mouth close to my ear, his hot breath sending chills down my spine as he whispered seriously a barely audible “Trust me.” quickly changing back to the showman he was before a few seconds ago no one noticing but me. “What’s courage?” He asked loudly so everyone could hear pulling back the hammer of the gun as he did it. I felt my body tense even more, my mind screaming to run but I stood my ground knowing that this was a test from Jerome and I intended to pass. With a loud click he pulled the trigger. My body involuntarily flinched but nothing happened and I let out the shaky breath I was holding relaxing a little. “Grace under pressure.” he finished turning me so that I could see him. A smirk plastered on his face. His eyes glowed with pride as he looked at me giving me a wink before turning back to the men “and who’s the boss?” he said putting the gun under his chin giving greenwood a death glare. If the gun didn’t go off that means he won and the last shot with the bullet would be greenwoods. My head processed realizing what he was doing as he shot the gun one more time, nothing coming out Jerome starting to chuckle darkly “I’m the boss.” he finished saying while walking up to the man and pushing the gun into Greenwood's chest. “I believe you are Jerome...” Theo broke the tension grabbing the gun “I believe you are.” he repeated almost in disbelief of what just happened.

Noticing some deep red specks of blood on my cheek I grabbed a black towel hanging on the wall and got it wet scrubbing away the evidence of last night. Trying not to think about it I put the towel down and changed the topic in my head wanting to do something with my hair. I went through the drawers and cabinets. Half of them were full of Jerome’s stuff, razors, hair putty etc. And the other half was filled with stuff for me. There was a new hair and tooth brush, all of my makeup stuff, hair ties, Bobby pins, my hair products, other accessories and anything I could ever need. Being noisy I turned wondering what products were in the shower. Peeking inside I saw all the stuff I had had at my apartment. Wow, Jerome wasn’t lying when he said he went through my place. He got everything down to a T. Going back to the mirror I brushed out my hair a little and put it half up half down into two braids adding some gold rings in it for fun. I then did some makeup. I put on purple and orange eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. When I was done I gave myself one last once over in the mirror before heading back out. Jerome hadn’t arrived back so to kill some time I headed to the tv turning it on and plopped down onto the bed. The news started playing at a low volume displaying a picture of dead men on the street with their brains splattered on the sidewalk and letters on their clothes spelling out maniax! that had been spray painted on them then another video of a burning school bus. Afterward they talked about the Arkham escapees. “Jerome must have been busy.” I thought as the image on the tv changed to a photo of me. I gasped a little surprised but as soon as the lady started talking about my quote on quote kidnapping I had to laugh a little. They displayed a photo of my broken and ransacked apartment covered in bright yellow caution tape followed by her words. My laugh subsided however as the door to the room flew open Jerome came in and walked straight towards me with a big grin on his face while he looked me up and down. “You look as pretty as a peach. I could just eat you up. Give us a spin.” he said I stood up my smile matching his as I did a slow spin for him. He clapped dramatically in response “gorgeous honey. Now I got you something.” he said, my eyes going wide. Last time I got a present from someone it was my 8 th birthday and it was a pet rock my sister got me. “what is it?” I asked, “Turn around and close your eyes.” Jerome said back. I did as told excitement building in me as I heard him get something metal out his pocket. Next thing I knew there was a cold sensation on my neck and I opened my eyes to see a gold chain choker with silver and gold charms hanging on the different links. The bigger one In the middle being a j. I turned around and hugged him tightly saying “It’s perfect. Thank you so much.” he returned the hug saying “Anytime.” We took some time and the embrace lasted a few minutes till we broke apart and Jerome looked over his shoulder at the tv that was still talking about him and smirked asking “Watching my accomplishments?” With an eyebrow raised. I shook my head yes turning it off and he laughed a little saying “That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Now come on we have places to be and people to kill.” He took my hand and led me out the door and through long hallways lined with fancy doors and red carpets. Wherever we were was like a giant maze you could easily get lost. Everything looked the same but Jerome seemed determined and knew exactly where to go. When we got to the place we were looking for he barged in like he owned the place dragging me behind him to the center of the room, his grip on my hand unmoving.

 He pulled me up off the bed and continued talking “Time to meet the gang. I took the liberty to get you some threads even stopped by your place for some things. You have a nice diggs.” he continued my head imagining my front door broken down and an apartment that was probably disheveled and ransacked. “Gordon and the rest of the GCPD are gonna get a kick out of that. I bet they think I was kidnapped.” I thought laughing in my head at the make believe reactions I could picture. “I threw away all the boring stuff of course. I’ll be right back, get ready then I can introduce you to everyone.” Jerome finished a hint of excitement in his voice that pulled me back down to earth. He pulled me up from the bed and spun me around making me a little dizzy before giving me a quick hug. His warm body against mine bringing a comfortable and weird sense of safety for a moment. I didn’t want to move. Letting go he turned to leave shouting “Don’t go anywhere without me!” over his shoulder as he walked out everything now silent. Looking around the large room I got the sense that we were somewhere expensive. The walls were painted a deep red and the floors were polished black and white marble. There was one king sized bed with fresh clean black bedding now all bunched up in a messy ball. Across from it on the other side of the room there stood two large black and gold wooden wardrobes in between them a long matching dresser holding a tv. Giving the room a 360 I noticed there were no windows on the walls. Only pictures of random stuff, a carved black marble fireplace and two black doors with fancy golden handles and detailings on the wall the black velvet headboard of the bed was up against. The doors on different sides of the bed. “One of them had to be a luxurious bathroom and the other was probably just a closet.” I thought walking over to one of the wardrobes the ground cold under my feet. Opening it up I was surprised to see mens clothes and a bunch of random stuff. “This must be Jerome’s room.” I concluded not wanting to mess with his stuff. I swiftly closed the wardrobe going over to the other one hoping it was my stuff. Opening the other I immediately recognized my shoes. All my different docs lined up perfectly. Going through the shirts I only found a few of my original tops most of them being new and flashy with cool designs, bright colors and different textures. Some  with leather straps or lacey others with metal rings and studs. Definitely not boring as Jerome put it. Deciding to get dressed I opened up some of the dresser drawers only to find the same style of a variety of bottoms. Some pants, shorts, skirts and undergarments. Going back to the wardrobe I skimmed the hangers finding a half orange half purple velvety top that was laced up with green cord and tied in The front and on the sides. Rummaging through the pants I found what looked to be the matching half and half corduroy bottoms. Taking off my old clothes I was wearing I threw them to the side onto the spotless floor and slipped on the new ones that fit like a glove. Going back I  grabbed a green military style belt and a pair of black holographic docs to finish it off. When I was done putting on my shoes I went to one of the doors near the bed hoping to find a bathroom my assumption being correct when I went inside and found a large golden framed mirror over a double black marble faucet with medicine cabinets on both sides a couple of drawers and regular cabinets under the sinks. On the other side of the room there was a big bath and shower and another door that led to the toilet. Walking in front of the mirror I had to admit I loved the way I looked despite my red eyes from crying so much and my crazy hair. I had always loved bright colors and statement pieces but could never wear them because of work. My favorite clothing items mostly sat in my closet unused till the weekend came. Now I felt like me. I felt comfortable in my own skin, something I hadn’t felt in a while.

When I started to wake I felt soft and comfortably tranquil. A sea of big poofy blankets surrounded me as I laid on a mattress that probably cost more then everything I owned.  It was sweet serenity for a few moments. I was weightless as I tried to forget all of the events from yesterday but they came crashing down the moment reality hit and I heard an excited “wakey wakey sweetheart!”  I felt someone fall on the side of the bed next to me and Jerome leaned over smiling looking down at me in my blanket cocoon. I peeked through heavy eyelids back at him not wanting to move. “Leave me alone.” I groaned trying to pull the comforter over my head. “Can’t do that babydoll. I made a promise.” he said, chuckling as he pulled the comforter down. “Seriously stop.” I said not having fun. “I just want to lay here.” I finished pulling the blanket over my head, turning away from him. Feeling Jerome’s weight lift from the mattress I heard his footsteps against the marble floor ringing out as he made his way to the front end of the bed. “That’s no way to handle your issues.” he said and flipped the blankets to the side. Grabbing my ankles he pulled me to the end of the bed playfully in one swift motion finishing his statement with a joking “And that’s coming from the guy who killed his mom.” I gave him a little kick and he let his grip on me loosen my legs now dangling off the bed as I sat up I looked up at him standing over me. His bright bluish green eyes bore into mine mesmerizingly. My gaze was unable to leave his unlike everyone else who I brushed off uninterested. I don’t know what it was about him but looking at Jerome was comforting it was like I knew him for years. His eyes were an open book. I could see every flaming emotion or thought. He hid nothing from me and I didn’t have to mask myself or hide stuff from him. He knew everything already. “What would you have me do then?” I said a tad annoyed he had woken me up with this game. He brought a hand up to my face, gliding his thumb across my cheek lightly. The hot touch sent electricity down my spine as he said “I want you to take all that rage, betrayal, sadness, everything you're feeling and let It fuel you. Don’t be that boring compliant muted version of you. Become something more. Someone others have no choice but to respect. Be who they fear. Be who they won’t expect. I know you can do it.” he moved his fingers tucking my hair behind my ear. “I see the real you …and you are going to be spectacular.” he said pausing as he dropped his hand “But you need to follow the new rules. No doubting thoughts. The people we will liberate deserve what’s comin. I need you to follow orders unwaveringly. I need you to be charismatic, fearless, clever and …ruthless. I need you to be my red right hand. You’re the only one I can trust and I do trust you. What do you say?” He finished with a big smile, his eyes fiery with passion. For a second my eyes left his as I thought everything over but I didn’t have a lot of time soon as I did it his hand shot up again his finger and thumb now holding my chin as he brought my gaze back up at him. “You don’t want to disappoint me. Do you?” I shook my head no lightly. A small part of me fearfully didn’t want to lose him. Just the dreadful thought made me want to vomit but the rest of me was itching eagerly excited at the fact that I could prove myself and be me. That I could force everyone finally to see me to respect me and if they didn’t and they wanted to pity me and lie and scheme I could make them pay and I’m positive if I couldn’t  Jerome definitely would for me. Bringing up my hand I held onto his. “I will.” I said selling my soul with a growing smile confidently sure of myself. “You can trust me.” I finished “Good girl.” he responded looking me in the eyes, his tone deep and serious but also praising.

I was so caught up in myself I didn’t notice Jerome had kneeled down onto the floor a little ways in front of me. “It’s okay sweetheart.” he said cooing sweetly bringing my attention away from my racing thoughts, only one stuck in my head now. Jerome. He may be erratic and off his rocker but he cared about me. He was the only one who cared about me. He proved that by bringing me here. He exposed the cancer in my life so he could remove it. He liberated me. He was the only person in this vast world that did something for me. Jerome was all I had and he knew how I felt he too had been betrayed by his family. Tears once a trickle turned into a waterfall as I sobbed uncontrollably. My chest heaved up and down. I was unable to breathe having a panic attack. Not knowing what else to do I quickly moved forward falling into his chest. The force of it knocking him over. Bringing my arms around him I clinged to him like he was my life line and as I cried water leaked from my cheeks onto his shirt. He put his arms around me tightly, one hand holding my head in my hair the other rubbing calming circles on my back. “I’m here for you. It's okay. We will show them. We will show them all.” he whispered in my ear trying to stop my tears and steady my breathing but they kept coming no matter what.  “Please…. Please don’t leave me…I don’t …I don’t want to be alone.” I pleaded barely able to get it out of my mouth as my body and mind grew weak. “I won’t. I promise.” he said calmly, his words sounding reassuring. His voice was so trustworthy, so loving that it mended my heart a tiny fraction. No one had truly talked to me like that since my sister left. Only Jerome. Tabitha was growing irritated, saying “Can we get out of this dump now.” But I was unable to hear over my cries and Jerome picked me up bridal style giving a nod to the two people I forgot were in the room and started to walk out the door down the stairs and out the building theo and tabitha following behind. He took me  to a blacked out car and placed me gently in while climbing into the backseat all  without leaving my death grip. He let me cry and I didn’t care about where we were going or what was going to happen. Mind growing weak and numb I eventually fell asleep from exhaustion, my head resting on his chest.

I got up quickly backing away from them turning my defensive side on. “What the hell is going on?! Who are these people?!” I shouted at my dad but he didn’t say anything, just stood in the background letting these strangers take over. “I know you're shocked. confused. Let me explain…” the man started to talk. “My name is Theo galavant. This is my sister tabitha.” he continued gesturing towards the women “You must be (Y/F/N) I have heard a lot about you.” I glared back at the man as he talked. My eyebrows furrowing in confusion at his commentary. “Let’s skip the pleasantries and get to the real business at hand shall we. We are here because your father has made a lucrative deal with us-” “For what?!” I asked in a demanding tone cutting him off making him chuckle a little. “For you of course.” he answered back smiling “What!? Me?!” I asked shocked and disgusted “Why would you want me?” “We have a business associate who is very interested in you and I like to keep my partnerships happy.” he   finished explaining. I moved my gaze to my unaffected father anger and rage starting to flow through my veins as my eyes watered and body turned red. “You asshole!” I screamed at him as amused faces appeared on the others around me. “How could you trade your daughter for your own self interest! After everything you put me through! You are a cruel unloving coward and a piece of shit!” I pointed at him, shaking full of emotions, a few tears dropping from my lashes as the others backed away from my dad going into the kitchen area. My father stood in front of the bedroom door unmoving. unreadable. There was no remorse in his eyes. No guilt. “I can’t believe I trusted you for even a second! You deserve nothing! Not money! Not love! How much?! How much was my life worth to you?!…. you know what, never mind. I don’t care.” I scoffed, giving a little deranged wrathful laugh “I hope. No. I wish you would just drop dead.” I finished a rage filled venom coating my words. Suddenly a loud bang went off and my body jumped, the sound startling me. Then a ringing sound entered my head hurting my ears. Surprise and shock washed over me as I watched my dads body fall with a great crash onto the wooden floor lifeless. His bright red blood now splattered against the wood splintered and hole filled door and slowly dripping off the walls. I dropped to the floor exhausted, eyes unable to move away from the scene as his blood gushed pooling onto the wooden floors into a large puddle. Emotions and thoughts overwhelmed me. Tears lightly fell from my eyes as the once closed door that my dad had stood in front of slowly opened to reveal a smiling Jerome. He laughed uncontrollably stepping over the body giving a playful “Excuse me.” to it before turning his attention to me. “Tada!” he said tossing the gun to the side like it was nothing as he took a bow. “Your wish is my command. What a rush am I right! wahoo!” he hollered doing a little spin “He kinda reminded me of mommy dearest. Gross.” he shivered comedically “You’re better off without him. Just like I am without her. Trust me.” he finished while glaring at my dads body. Turning towards me his eyes poured into mine as I looked up at him. Pain started to rip through my chest. My dad sold me out. Who can I trust? I’m all alone. I don’t want to be alone. Fear bubbled up in me not because there was a dead body in front of me I was actually happy deep down knowing that he was gone for good not because I was surrounded by crazy people. No. I was afraid of being by myself with my thoughts and my feelings. The one shot at hope I had in my life betrayed me. The light being my make believe dreams and expectations was gone blown out like a candle when the liquid wax grew too close to the wick and Jerome may have been holding the gun but I was the one that killed him. I was the one that decided to come here to fall for my dads pathetic trick.

 Taking a deep breath I gently knocked on the door the sound of heavy footsteps alerting me someone was home before it swung open. My dad or at least a sweating gross older version of him stood in the doorframe. His eyes gave me a once over holding disbelief before he moved to the side saying “Come in.” I walked in slowly. My brain paused, not knowing what to say or do as the door closed behind me. The apartment itself was tiny with one door leading to what I could only assume was bedroom and or bathroom off to one side and a dirty kitchen and living room on the other. I could tell nothing had been cleaned in months. The stench of alcohol and moldy food stuck in my nose as I gave the place a once over. Everything was coated in dirt and muck. Take out containers lined the countertops and tables. Dishes piled up in the sink and cockroaches darted here and there. It was definitely not the type of place I wanted to stay for very long. “Come sit down.” my dad said gesturing to an old tattered brown leather sofa. I nodded back at him moving and sitting down nervously fiddling with my hands in my lap trying to find the right words to say. “There is something I want to show you.” he continued moving to the bedroom, shutting the door behind him. Ideas started to pop in my mind about what it could be. “Maybe he found an old photo or something?” I rationalized but when the door opened he wasn’t holding anything. Instead two people walked out with him closing the door behind them. One of them was a middle age man with dark hair and big ears dressed in an expensive looking suit, the other a lady also with black hair dressed in all black and long high heeled boots but what she looked like didn’t matter the only thing that did was the whip to her side.

 I picked up the phone and called the number back. The phone rang once before a questioning voice came through “Y/N?…” it asked. I opened my mouth to talk pausing before saying “Hi dad.” “Y/N! Thank god! I was hoping you would call. Can you come over? I can’t wait to see you.” he said, sounding like a man I never knew. He was never this excited to see me. Maybe he had turned a new leaf. “Sure.” I answered not all the way convinced. “Good.” he replied “My address is 4564 stone avenue apartment number 28. See you soon.” before I could reply he hung up. Putting the phone back I started to get ready, putting on a pair of corduroy pants, a crop tank top and my doc Martin boots. I moved to the bathroom looking at myself in the mirror before putting on a little makeup and deciding to leave my messy hair alone. Not wanting to deal with it. I got out, grabbed my bag, turned off the tv and went to the front door, my hand halting holding the cool door knob. “should I really do this?” I asked myself “he has brought nothing but pain into my life but what type of person would I be if I denied his one shot at redemption. This tiny speck of hope. Fuck it.” I stated in my head not trying to over think it as I left going down my apartment stairs and out the door calling a cab to pick me up. I watched the tall buildings once new and modern turn old through the car window as we passed going deeper into the city. When I arrived at the address I quickly realized that this was definitely not the best part of town in fact it was as bad as you could get. The tall apartment building in front of me was decaying. Beautiful detailed architecture was now crumbling and covered in vines with busted and boarded up windows. The streets around it were lined with trash and homeless people. The whole atmosphere was dark and damp. “This must be the narrows.” I thought to myself as I worked up the courage to go in. Paying my driver I exited the car and entered the building the smell of rust and old dusty walls filling my nose. Looking around I trudged up the stairs nearby and went down the hall the sounds of shouting and tvs leaking from doors into it as I followed the apartment numbers. 15 16 17…eventually I came across the door I was looking for, the wood splintered and chipped the rusted metal numbers 28 hanging on by a thread.