Peace On Earth?

Christmas
Finding out Joker was dead would be a great gift…

It was early evening about a week after Thanksgiving. Stanley and I were in my office; he doing a crossword and I doing the cafes books. We were enjoying each others company after having a good time the night before.

Stanley had surprised me with a ‘night on the town:’ a 5 star dinner, a little dancing (at an upscale ballroom) and… other entertainment. Ok, so I caved a little, but he told me he missed me and I couldn’t say no to his hot, strong coffee colored eyes. Especially when the rest of his hot, strong self was in a tux.

I left the office to talk to Katie about what drink ingredients needed to be ordered when a familiar young woman entered the cafe. “Hello again. Are you going to be in another production?”

For a moment Jen looked at Penelope as if to say ‘I don’t know how she is going to take this’ but then decided to go for it. “Hello. I was looking to talk to Stanley. Is he here?”

“Yes. One moment.” I walked to the office smiling. The moment of uncertainty in her eyes had been enough to quell any jealousy I might have felt.

Stanley left the office and guided Jen to a table near the door. “What’s up?”

“I wanted to talk to you about what I might get my boyfriend for Christmas. You are his best friend, and another guy.”

Stanley leaned back in his chair and chuckled. “That loser? He probably wants you to get something for yourself at Victoria’s Secret.”

Jen averted her eyes, but didn’t blush. “I am trying to figure out something very special. He has already told me, because we had to make reservations and all, that we are going to New York…and to a real Broadway show! I might even spare him having to sit through a musical.”

Stanley raised his eyebrows. “I’m impressed. Didn’t know he had it in him.” He leaned forward and a cold interest entered his eyes. “What do you WANT to get him?”

Jen tilted her head in mild surprise at Stanley’s change of attitude. “He has mentioned wanting a solid gold Rolex someday…”

Stanley leaned back and his eyes warmed again. “Ha! I can just see that. If he doesn’t get knocked out for it the first night he wears it to work… Tell ya what. Talk to Penelope. If she doesn’t have an item you like she can help you get some cash.”

“Well, well, well. What have we here?”

Stanley jumped at the sound of Joker’s voice. He tried to get in front of Jen, but The Harlequin already had her, by the hair, pointing a gun at her head.

“Looks like Mista Smartypants has a new girl ta me, Mista J.”

“Right in front of the old girl too, Harl. Tsk, tsk, tsk.”

Jen kicked out behind her, right between The Harlequin’s legs (hey, it worked on guys). She doubled over and dropped the gun. Joker made a pained face as if to say ‘that had to hurt.’ When he looked back at Jen she was pointing the gun at him.

“Well, this isn’t going according to plan.” Joker looked at Penelope. “Another time. You know I’m not going anywhere.” He turned to Jen who was looking at him as if to say ‘I could fix that.’ He smiled his sickest smile at her.

“Nice meeting you too, Spunky.” He turned around and left laughing. The Harlequin dragged herself after him.

Stanley walked over to Jen. “Are you ok?”

“Yes” she said staring at the gun. “I think I’ll keep this…”

“Really? It…could be a murder weapon.”