*J* (the continuation)

Part Forty-Three: Chapter 318: Cheap Shots

That night Lucy was left at Ha-hacienda in the capable hands of the Joker's third in command, Simon. While the Joker, Jester, Harley, and Ivy get dressed and go to out. They go to the Grin And Bare It. It was like a strip club mixed with a regular dance club. Let's just say, you could get whatever you wanted or needed there. And what the Joker wanted and needed was to get completely shit faced.

He had a lot that he really wanted to just forget. Mainly the fact that he felt betrayed. Betrayed by everyone who he bestowed with the power to do so. In other words, everyone he had cared about. Loved... Every last one of them except Lucy. But the Joker knows, one day she too would betray him.

This made the Joker bitter and jaded. It made him untrusting and paranoid. It made him feel angry and hurt. Everyone he ever let inside, all he was doing was giving them the ammunition to use against him. And you can usually depend on everyone letting you down at some point or another. And in turn, it all made him self destructive. Because let's face it, we're all our own worst enemies.

The Joker sits silently in the back seat, staring at the passing city lights as his brain ponders it all. He really didn't want to think about it any longer. He didn't wish to do any thinking at all. Thinking made it hurt, and he didn't want it to hurt anymore.

Having most of the betraying parties in the vehicle with him, didn't make things any easier either. Truthfully, he didn't want to see their faces. In fact, the thought of killing them all had crossed his mind, the jury was still out. But he's become too cautious, because of them, to let them out of his sight. You know, keep your enemies close.

When they get to the club they are of course taken to the VIP lounge. A waitress is sent in to get their drink orders. The Joker holds up a crisp hundred dollar bill between his index and middle finger. He wags a finger for her to come closer. She hesitates, because everybody hesitates to be that close to the clown. She slightly bends down toward him with a smile, though terror could be seen in her eyes.

His words come out in a growl to intimidate her. "I'm going to need a bottle of scotch, some cocaine, heroin, and a hypodermic needle," the growl disappears and turns cordial, "if you please," he smiles. The waitress looks as if she doesn't know if he's serious or not. But she too terrified to ask. "Oh, and get them whatever they want," he motions at the rest of them.

"J..." Jester immediately gives him a concerned look.

The Joker just throws up a palm at him, dismissing his concern. "Save me your lecture doctor. I'm aware of the risks and ramifications. I don't need you to give me some health warning, or a speech on drug use and addiction. And if you still insist on trying, you just might end up with a cocktail in your jugular tonight." And Jester sensed that he wasn't joking about that.

Harley places her hand over the Joker's, "Puddin', do ya really think takin' drugs is a good idea?"

He jerks his hand away, "If you could see the violent imagery in my head, directed at you three right now, you'd in-sssist," he gives her a cold glare.

Harley just stares right back at him. "Fine then. I'll take a Long Island Ice Tea."

"You know what," Ivy says, "make that two," glaring at Jester.

Jester turns to the waitress, "Make that two bottles of Scotch."

The waitress nods and rushed out. Ten minutes later she returned with everything that was ordered. Even the drugs and needle. She even thought to bring him a spoon, lighter, and a glass of water. And it just might have saved her life.

The Joker quickly grabs the drugs. He dumps out the cocaine first, and snorts quite a lot. Frost and Ace open the bottles of Scotch and pour it into glasses for their respective boss'. The Joker downs his drink immediately and shoves the glass back to Frost. Then his hand goes for the heroin.