Jack and Miss Parker

Chapter 12

As Mary knocked on the door of 304 Penance Ave, her heart sank when there was no answer. She saw a curtain move in a nearby window. "Harold, I know your in there. Please open the door! I'm a friend of Oswalds!"Mary smiled as the short man opened the door. He was hunchbacked. "Sanctuary." Mary thought.  

Harold opened the door further and Mary walked in. Harold lead Mary to a grand parlor and offered her a seat. He sat across from her and picked up a note pad and pen. She watched as he wrote, "I know why your here."

Mary realized he was also a mute. Mary nodded, "The Geniuses Capsule?" Harold nodded. "Can you tell me what it is?" 

Harold then wrote, "I can show you where it is."

Harold lead Mary down a long corridor. Inside his massive lab was a machine with a compartment the size of a coffin. 

Mary walked up to look indside, "What does it do?"Harold lead her to his desk and clicked a file on the desk top. Mary had tears in her eyes when she saw a video of Oswald. She clicked play. 

"Hello dearest Mary, I knew you would find Harold. Such a smart girl. Harold was a childhood friend. After discovery that Lex kidnapped him for his research abilities, I saved him and hid him here. After discovery of my cancer, he built this in hopes of a cure. But alas, it was not meant to be. The capsule is a advance stem cell regeneration module. If you were on the brink of death, it would save you. The only set back is, you could endure memory loss. Not entirely, but very possible. Do you know why I couldn't do it? I couldn't imagine a world without you in my life." Mary started to sob. Oswald continued, "Could you imagine seeing me on the street and just walking on by? Oh no, I couldn't chance doing that to you. So.. " There was a long pause. "I need you to watch over Harold. I  know you'll take good care of him. Goodbye dear friend. I miss you already."

Mary turned to Harold, he had tears in his eyes. Mary walked to him and placed both hands on his shoulders, "Harold, I promise to protect you, but I need your help. Lex has my daughter Grace. Did Oswald tell you about her?"Harold reluctantly nodded. Mary continued, "Please help me. I've lost Oswald, but if I lose her too.. I have nothing." 

Harold limped over to a locked desk drawer and pulled out a jump drive labeled "Lex Corp." and handed it to Mary. 

Mary examined it, "This.. This is what Lex wants?" Harold nodded. Mary placed it safely in her pocket and hugged him. "I promise I will take care of you." Harold squeezed his eyes shut as she hugged him. 

Mary said goodbye and headed down the street. As she walked back to the hotel, she saw Salena scanning the street. Mary eased back against the side of the building to hide. She quickly turned and headed behind the massive building. Mary quickly dialed a phone number she never used before. "Bruce, Mary Parker. Are you available for lunch?"

Mary sat axsiously in the Skyline bar, she slowly turned as she heard a familiar voice. "Hello Mary." 

She smiled as she turned to meet Bruce Wayne's face. "I'm glad you could make it. Please have a seat." Bruce took a seat beside her and wondered a gin and tonic. 

"So what's this about?" 

Mary sighed, "I need your help." Bruce sat silent with a blank face. "I have a friend that needs your help actually." Bruce rolled his eyes, "If this is about your Phycotic husband the answer is .."

Mary stopped him, "Its not.. And don't call him that. Harold Allnut, have you heard of him?"Bruce nodded. "I need Wayne Corp. to hire him and for you to protect him. Lex is after him. Oswald was protecting him, but with him gone.." Mary looked down. Bruce could see her sorrow, "It's not like he wouldn't be an asset."

Bruce held up his hand, "Consider this my redemption to you." Mary looked up and smiled and offered him her hand to shake. He took it and noticed no ring and smirked. "Single..?" 

Mary glared up at him, "Maybe.."