His Princess

xii

Who do you think Joker's "friend is?
~~~~~~~~~~~

Four white walls

Driven to insanity

Taken from insanity

Doomed to insanity

Billie's perched on the rough and itchy bed, phone pressed to her ear and a deep frown on her face. "Are you listening to me Cupcake"? "It's a bad idea. Are you trying to get killed Daddy"? There's a long sigh and Billie can imagine he's running his hand over his face. "I'm gonna be fine. I'll have a friend help me. It's gonna be okay". "How could you say that"? "Billie. Do you know who I am"? "You're daddy". He smiles at her sweet comment and gives a small chuckle. "Besides that baby". "A gangster". He chuckles once more before shaking his head. "Sure, that's what I am. That means, you have nothing to worry about". "No. Just means you're scary". That takes him by surprise. Scary. He knows he scares others. But does he scare Billie too? "Do I scare you, Billie"? "No". "Does what I do scare you"? "I'm only afraid of you getting hurt. Your idea is insane". "So am I. It fits". "No. Daddy-". "Billie. Listen to me. I have a friend. It's all okay. Nothings gonna happen to me". Billie sits up, chewing on her lip nervously. "Is anyone gonna die"? "It all depends". "Daddy. I don't want people to die because of me".

He should've seen this coming. Of course she doesn't want to hurt anyone. It's all to do with this innocence. "Baby. What if I just knock them out with some gas? Is that okay? Hm"? "I guess. Will it kill anyone"? "Cupcake. It's gas. No one's gonna get hurt. Okay"? "Okay". He sighs and rubs his eyes, shaking his head at the sound of her small voice. He knows she's about to cry. He can hear it in her voice. Maybe she's extremely nervous or just scared. But either way. She's gonna be close to tears soon. "Hey. Cupcake. What's the matter"? "Nothing". "Don't lie to me. You're a good girl. Good girls don't lie". She takes a deep breath and shakes her head. "I'm scared". "Of what"? "I don't want to be here, but I don't wanna lose you either. I just.... I'm terrified". He hums, smiling at her attachment. "Have you gone to sleep yet"? "No". "You know you need a nap". "I don't". "Baby. Don't argue. You need to take a nap". "I don't want to". "Are you telling me no"? "Uh... No". "Go to sleep Cupcake". "I don't want to take a nap". "Why not"? She lets out a soft whine and he knows she's pouting at the phone. "Talk to me Billie. C'mon". "I-If I go to sleep, you go away". He sighs and runs a hard hand down his face. "What if I talk to you until you fall asleep"? "Will you"? "Of course baby".

He whispers sweet nothings. Listening closely as her breathing slowly evens out. "Are you getting sleepy"? "Mhm". "It's okay. Go to sleep Cupcake. It's all okay. Don't worry about anything. I'm gonna come get you soon. I swear. I'm not letting you stay there by yourself. You're mine. My pretty little cupcake. I love you". He knows she isn't gonna say it back. He can hear her soft breaths and knows immediately that she's passed out. "Bye Cupcake". He hangs up and dials a new number, devising a plan in his head. "Hey. I need a favor".

"No No No No No. Absolutely not J. Nope. I got mad respect for you, but I ain't doing this shit". "I wasn't asking". "And what are you gonna do? Sit back while I do all the work? Nah. I don't work like that". "Who said anything about sitting back". "J. I have no clue what the hell you're doing or why you need my help. But say I help you and I get caught. My ass takes the fall and goes to prison". "You really wanna know why I need your help"? "Yeah. I wanna know what you think is worth dying over". "This girl-". "Of course". "No. You don't get it. She's mine. I don't know what it is, but I love her. I need her. You're gonna help me get her. You owe me this". "You're joking right"? "No". "You can't be loved J. It isn't in your DNA. There's no such thing as love for you". "She doesn't have to love me back. But I need her". "Why? Why do you have to have her? Why kidnap her"? "I'm not kidnapping her. She was with me and-". The villain sighs, shaking his head with an emotionless smile. "Lemme guess. The bat"? "However did you guess it". "That dude never knows when to stop. We can't ever be happy. He ruins everything. And then we're the bad guys". "I just. I need her. Are you gonna help me or what"? "Yeah. Yeah J. I'll help".