Brink of Madness

A Red Christmas

"Jingle bells jingle bells, jingle all the way," Harley sang as she iced the sugar cookies.

"Batmobile lost a wheel and Joker got away, hey!" He chimed in. She burst out laughing.

"You're in a very happy mood," she said.

"Of course I am. Christmas is only two days away," he grinned, "I can't wait to give you your gift."

"Am I supposed to get you one?" She asked.

"Don't worry about it doll," he said. He pulled out his phone and started texting someone.

"Who are you talking to?" She asked.

"Just one of the henchmen about some business," he mumbled.
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Unknown Number: I have a
special present for you this
Christmas

                                            Who is this?

Unknown Number: Harleen's
new address is 776 Gotham Heights
Avenue. You're welcome
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An hour later Harley was watching Elf as Joker hung up a pair of stockings. Then there was a knock on the door.

"That's unusual I usually don't get visitors," she said, "I probably shouldn't answer."

"No go ahead. I'll hide in the back," he smirked and walked into her bedroom. She slowly got up and opened the door.

"Harleen!" Sloanne screamed.

"Oh my gosh it's you," Harley stuttered.

"What the hell happened to you? I need answers!" She continued to scream.

"How'd you get my address?" Harley asked.

"That doesn't really matter right now. The point is that you abandoned your best friend and then changed your number so that I couldn't  contact you!"

"I'm really sorry Sloanne but you can't be here right now," Harley said.

"What is wrong with you? I haven't seen you in months! You could've been dead for all I know. At least let me come in."

"Sloanne please leave," Harley pleaded.  She pushed past Harley and walked into the living room. Her jaw dropped as she saw all the fancy decor.

"How can you afford this stuff? Are you doing something illegal?"

"Sloanne I do miss you but you can't be here right now," Harley tried convincing her.

"Harles you can tell me anything. Please let me back into your life," she cried.

"Now who do we have here?" Joker said walking into the living room. Sloanne gasped. She looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

"Please don't do this," Harley frowned at him.

"Y-you know him," Sloanne stuttered.

"I know Harley better than you ever did, so I think it's time for you to get out of her life," he grinned. Sloanne watched in horror as he put his hand into his pocket. She grabbed the gun in her purse and pointed it at him.

"No!" Harley screamed and stepped in front of him.

"He's a criminal! Let me kill him and I'll get you some help Harleen," she pleaded.

"No. I won't let you touch him," she said.

"You're being ridiculous move out of the way," Sloanne commanded.

"Defend me," he whispered to Harley and handed her the gun.

"Gosh Harleen you've lost your mind!" Sloanne screamed.

"Put the gun down," Harley growled.

"I'm gonna shoot through both of you if..." BANG! Sloanne dropped to the floor dead. Harley's heart sunk in her chest.

"Well that was easier than I thought," he shrugged. She turned to face him.

"I know you brought her here," she hissed.

"She was useless, a waste of space."

"She didn't deserve to die," she started to cry.

"Ah but she needed to. You see, the runt in a litter doesn't deserve to die but it does anyway. She was the runt in my plan so.." he said.

"You're awful," She cried.

"I'm right," he grinned. Police sirens wailed from outside.

"Don't worry I'll take the blame for it," he said grabbing the gun. "Get on the floor," he said and held the gun to Harley's head. The police barged into her door. "Just remember to return the favor," he whispered.