Beautiful Anti-Hero

Is it her?

Felicia arrived to work the next morning feeling alert. Mr Riley had hired a substitute to fill in for Felicia whilst she observed a therapy session between himself and Dr Harleen Quinzel. Harleen greeted Felicia playfully and Mr Riley seemed keen on hearing what his favourite co-worker thought about certain ideas. Meanwhile Harriet was watching a movie to keep herself occupied.

"So I have some news." Mr Riley clapped his hands together and smiled at Felicia. "I have decided to sign the park over to Dr Quinzel."

"What?" Felicia asked bluntly staring at Mr Riley. Why would he do that?

Shocked at Felicia's bluntness, Harleen blinked and then regained her professional composure. "I think it is a great idea. You know me and my fellow co-worker Joe Kerr can really help this park sales and increase profits. It is all about good business."

Felicia glared. "Since when has this been about business or the park itself. You are supposed to be helping my boss with his personal problems." She stood up and towered over the two.

"Felicia please." Dr Riley started to get hassled. "This lady has given me so much good advice. I think it is only fair. After all I am getting too old for this and Harriet is feeling fed up. What's the problem?"

Felicia thought about this. True. What was the problem? Taking a look at Harleen's face seemed to be one for a start. She looked like she was ready to burst into a fit of giggles. Nothing about this was funny and even though Felicia felt a good connection with the doctor, she was starting to doubt her generosity for greed. "I just..." Felicia's voice drifted off making Harleen's grin widen.

"Nothing?" Harleen quipped making Felicia feel small like a fish stuck in tentacles. Trapped with no answer.

Mr Riley looked from Felicia to Harleen and felt the tension sizzle between them. Clearing his throat loudly, he proceeded Harleen to continue.

"So Mr Riley, I just need you to sign this." Harleen took a form out of her pocket indicating the park's property owner.

Felicia grabbed Mr Riley's arm. "Wait..." She hissed making Mr Riley get angry at her.
"Miss Hardy this is my decision and I have made it." He said coldly taking out a pen and signing the paper.

Harleen put the form into her crimson hand bag and smiled. "Thank you Mr Riley. Now the session is over to you."

"I am supposed to be taking Harriet to the zoo next week. She is really excited about seeing the animals."

Whilst he was muttering on, Felicia glanced at Harleen shaking her head. The doctor looked pleased with herself and did not even appear to listen or care about Mr Riley now she got what she wanted. Poor Mr Riley carried on talking to her and she appeared disinterested.

"I am glad everything is going well." She gave out a fake smile and Felicia's hand gripped onto the chair leg hard. Her face appeared sombre yet frustrated.

Once the session was over, Felicia approached Harleen. "You got what you wanted? She gestured to the handbag.

"Aww come on sweetie." Harleen laughed. "How about I come over to yours tonight? I could bring some wine and party time."

"Who are you kidding?" Felicia's expression turned stone cold and Harleen sensed it. It did not waver her though.

"No I am not kidding. I am deadly serious. See ya tonight." She waved goodbye and marched past almost bumping into Harriet who had finished her film.

"Watch it kid." She said abruptly. Felicia had a scowl on her face as she watched the doctor leave.

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Arriving home after an afternoon''s shift, Felicia felt disappointed in her boss and wondered who this Joe Kerr was. She sighed as she put dinner in her oven and was surprised to hear a knock on the door. She went to open it and was shocked at the person standing in front of her.

"SURPRISE." Harleen burst in carrying two bottles of wine. She walked briskly past Felicia and placed the two bottles on the coffee table.

"What are you doing here? How did you find out where I lived?" Felicia questioned her. Luckily she had hidden her Black Cat outfit in the wardrobe.

"I followed you silly. I thought we could have some fun tonight." Harleen said letting the bun down to reveal long flowing wavy hair.
"Has it might occurred to you that I may be busy tonight?" Felicia said harshly.
"Geez what's wrong with you Miss Grumpy?" Harleen laughed.

"Harleen..." Felicia started.

"Call me Harley. Everyone does." The blonde winked at her making her way to the coffee table to open the wine.

"Cheers." She said as she poured the wine into two glasses and handed it to Felicia. Felicia did not clink her glass and just held it. Harley drank some. "Oh boy that is heavenly."

Felicia held the glass up to her lips and pretended to drink. Harley adopted a serious look on her face.

"Why were you acting funny earlier? I thought you were a happy go lucky kind of girl." Harley asked.

"I was not acting funny. I was being deadly serious. Why do you want my boss's park?"

Harley giggled. "Straight to the point aren't we? Every girl has her secrets you know. Care to tell me one of yours?"

Felicia rushed over to her and took the drink away from her. "OUT NOW!"

Harley's blue eyes turned murderous for a second even though her smile seemed jolly. Felicia seemed unafraid and stared at the crazy woman full on.

"Fine." Harley said quietly lowering her tone and maintaining her Harleen voice. "See you tomorrow at the park Felicia. My park." She added smiling making Felicia sign.

Once Harley had left, Felicia sat on her bed and her mind whirled with dark thoughts. She had a sinking feeling that something bad was in the works and just wanted to get on with her job. After all maybe she was over exaggerating. A ringing sound from her phone made her jump and she rushed to it.

"Hello?"

"Hey Felicia. It's Riley." Why does he not say his first name? Felicia rolled her eyes. She was not happy with her boss's abrupt attitude today and he seemed to not be thinking straight. Nonetheless she had to be polite to keep her job.

"Yes boss?"

"No need to be so formal. I just wanted to let you know we will be having a special visitor at our park tomorrow. Bruce Wayne. He runs Wayne Enterprises and is an established business man in Gotham."

"Okay. Thanks for letting me know. Bye." Felicia put the phone down.
In truth, Mr Riley wanted to apologise to his worker and felt as if he had caught a nerve with her. She seemed distant and he knew of her feelings. However at heart, he was soft and just wanted to get rid of the park. After all, part of the reason why his wife cheated was because of the park and the hours he worked. He did not want to lose anyone ever again. Least of all Harriet.

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"Wow you really have outdone yourself here." Bruce greeted Mr Riley as he looked around the park. "I was wondering if I could support you in the running of this park. It is such a good place for people to enjoy themselves. I am offering new activities and rides in exchange for 40% of the park's funds. If you decline it is no problem." Bruce smiled.

Nearby Felicia watched from her ride and listened into the conversation. She could see Mr Riley's face turn awkward although Mr Wayne did not look threatening.
"I am afraid I have sold the park to another gentlemen. You will have to talk things over with him. This park will be his in a week." Mr Riley said sadly. "I have had good memories here but sometimes it is best to move on."

"No worries." Bruce extended his hand to shake and Mr Riley accepted.
Felicia looked at the time and realised she was on her lunch break. She passed Mr Wayne and gave him a curt nod to which he waved.

"Hello." He called after her. She turned and he smiled.

"I don't believe we have met. Bruce Wayne. You must be Miss Hardy. Mr Riley has spoken about you as his best worker."

"Flattery gets you nowhere." Felicia teased but her expression was serious.
Bruce pressed on. "I heard that you are from New York. Must be very different to here." Bruce pointed out.

"Yes. I like it here though." Felicia stated.

"What kind of places do you hang out at?" Bruce asked shifting his foot a little.

"I like to go restaurants, catch a movie, just hang out wherever really." Felicia knew where this was going. She could see Bruce starting to blush and she did not want to appear rude. The man seemed very sophisticated and well spoken.

"Well Gotham Opera House is hosting a play tomorrow night. I am going by myself but have acquired an extra ticket. Care to join?" Bruce offered.

Felicia laughed. She knew this man liked her and she decided to give him a chance.

"Sure."

Bruce took out a pen and paper. "Here is the address. See you tomorrow night Felicia."

Felicia winked. "Should be fun Bruce."