Brink of Madness

The Joke's on You

"Alright guys, you know the plan," Penguin said checking that the five men had there guns, "Remember that Jack is in charge and you are under his command for this interrogation." The men nodded and put their masks on.

Penguin turned to Andrew and whispered in his ear. "Do not shoot Ruses unless he refuses to give up the money, and under no circumstances are you to shoot his family. Understand?" he said roughly. Andrew nodded and pulled the black mask over his face. The men started filing into the van. Before Marcus hopped in the van, Penguin pulled him aside. "If Jack tries to pull anything funny, you are to report directly back to me. Understood?"

"Yes sir," Marcus replied.

"What'd Penguin say to you?" Andrew stared down Marcus as he hopped into the van.

"He told me to make sure Buck doesn't steal any of the money," he lied. Andrew smirked and settled into his seat.

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"Okay boys, here we go," Andrew said as the reached Ruses' house. The men grabbed their guns and ran into the house.

"What the hell?" Ruses screamed as Andrew and the rest of Penguin's gang barged through the front door.

"Where's the money at?" Andrew said pointing a gun at Ruses' face.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Ruses whimpered.

"Aw Ruses. You remind me of Pinnochio. You're, uh, practically being controlled by Penguin's strings. Now, why don't you just hand over the money so that Penguin doesn't have to put you in a toy box?" He said holding a gun to Ruses' head.

"Alright, alright," Ruses gave in, "The 2 million is split under the third floorboard in my bedroom and behind that picture frame."

"You heard the man, go get the money," he commanded. The rest of the gang rushed to get the money out of their hiding spots. It was almost dark out and they did not want to have a run in with the Batman.

"Now Ruses, I see that all three of your cars are parked in your driveway. That must mean your family is home," he smiled.

"No, please don't," Ruses begged. Andrew started scanning the house and noticed that the bathroom door was locked.

"Mrs. Ruses just between you and me, you really needs to think of a better hiding place," he laughed.

"No!" Ruses shouted. But it was too late. The gang watched with wide eyes as Andrew fired the gun through the door. Blood started seeping through the crack of the door.

"What the hell?! The boss said not to kill anyone!" Marcus shouted.

"Ya know what? Ruses needed to know that he shouldn't mess with any of us again. Plus, what's the fun of pulling off a mission when there's no killing?" Andrew said waving his gun in the air.

"What kind of a monster are you?" Ruses growled at him.

"Oh I'm not a monster. I'm just an unpredictable jokester," Andrew laughed. Marcus stood speechless.

"Alright gang, let's go. I know all of you are scared of the bat," Andrew said while escorting them out the door. The ride back to Penguins' was very awkward. It was silent and everyone except Andrew was staring at the ground. The Jokester was busy counting all the money. "Job well done, job well done," he mumbled. Meanwhile, Marcus was texting Penguin.

Bad news Boss.

What is it? Did you idiots lose the money?

No, we got the money. Jack shot his wife even after Ruses handed over the money.

Knock him out. I need to teach him a lesson for not listening to his boss.

Marcus glanced over at Andrew. He was so busy counting the money that he didn't notice Marcus picking a gun up. All of the sudden he hit Andrew with the butt of the gun and Andrew was knocked out cold.