A Girl for Jack

Chapter 14

Joker  rolled over and reached for Mary's soft body, only to find it missing. He sat up and scanned the room. "Empty." He quickly grabbed his phone and checked the time as he sprung from the bed. It was 10: 45 am and he was late for his guest that could arrive any moment he walked to his room to change into clean clothes, brushed teeth and combed back his hair.

 He strutted down the main staircase and paused when he heard voices. He could hear Mary calmly talking to his business associate. Joker turned the corner into the side parlor, Mary was sitting across from Oswald Cobblepot chatting as she served him tea.  Joker slowly strutted in and Oswalds eyes meet Jokers. "You gotta a lot of fucking nerve showing your ass here bird shit."

Mary almost choked on her tea, Joker walked up to Mary and lightly placed a hand on her shoulder. Mary turned and looked up to him. "Mr. J! Mr. Cobblepot was a little early, so I thought I would entertain him until you arrived." 

Joker glared down to Mary, " Thank you Miss Parker. That will be all.."

Mary put down her tea cup to make her exit. Oswald stood to show respect and grabbed her hand and kissed it. "Miss Parker it was a pleasure. " Oswald turned to the a fuming Joker. 

Mary blushed, "Same to you Mr. Cobblepot." She turned to the handsome angry face of the Joker,  "Mr. J.. I'll be in my office."

Joker glared at her as she left. Both men watched as she disappeared up the stairs. Jokers angry glare turned back the Oswald. 

Oswald seemed to be in a daze, but then turned his attention to his angry associate. " Such charm..? Where did you find the little dove?" 

Joker took a step closer to Oswald to tower over him. "That's none of your concern.."

Oswald was still intrigued, " When your done with her.. Can I have her?"

Joker had balled up his fist ready to strike. "What?!"

Oswald held up his hands in defeat. " Okay.. Okay. I can she's not your normal house mate. Is she your employee?"

Joker thought back the things Mary had said right when he arrived. "Yes she's my employee. Good help is hard to find."

Oswald smirked, " I concur. Listen, I came here for a truce."

Joker cocked an eyebrow, "Last time you saw me, I was bleeding in an alleyway. Remember?"

Oswald scoffed, " How many times have you tried to kill me?"

Joker kinda knodded his head from side to side, "Ok.. Ya got me.. Why the truce so soon."

Oswald rubbed his hands together. " I have a business proposition I need your help with. Should we call Miss Parker back down to take down the details?" Joker growled as he looked back up the stairs.

Mary looked out her window as she heard the door open. She heard his deep voice but didn't turn around. She knew she was in trouble, "We need to talk."

Mary turned to face him trying her best not to show fear.  She walked up to him and held out her hand with a folded paper. He was puzzled, "What's this!" He snatched the paper as he looked her up and down. Mary stood with her arms crossed as he read it. "It's a contract?"

Mary cleared her throat for courage, "Yes. I don't want to be a dead beat. I want you to employee me as your assistant."

"No!" Joker folded the paper and placed it in his jacket pocket. 

" But why?"

Joker could feel his anger rise, "I don't want you exposed to the shitbags that I deal with every fucking day! That's why.. I mean what the hell where you thinking..? You gonna put me down on your fucking resume for a reference?"

Mary turned away so she wouldn't cry. "Fine, but I'm not staying her all damn day waiting for you just to come home to fuck me!"

Joker let out a growl, he tightly grabbed her arm and  spun her around to look at him. The pressure was painful but she didn't wench or cry out. She looked down with tears in her eyes. Joker realized how much he emotionally hurt her. He relaxed his grip and pulled her to him.  "I'm sorry.. I don't want you to get hurt. This world will eat you alive." 

Mary mumbled against his chest, "Please just read it. I'm not dumb and as you think I am."

Joker kissed her on the top of her head. "Ok, but I'm not making any promises."

 "That's fair enough." 

As Joker and Mary stood in their embrace, the door bell rang. Mary's gaze shot up to his, "Are you expecting anybody else?" Joker shook his head. He lightly took Mary by the hand and they made their way down the stair case. Frost had answered the door and was standing with a henchmen that Joker remember he worked for Oswald. The man looked Mary up and down, " Are you Miss Parker?" 

Mary was about to speak but Joker had put up his hand to stop her, "Who wants to know?"

The henchmen smirked, " I have a delivery from Mr. Cobblepot for Miss Parker. I'm to make sure she gets it. Joker gritted his teeth and motioned for Mary to step forward to recieve the package.

Mary gave him an uneasy smile, "Thank you."

The henchmen smiled bigger, "Pleasures all mine ma'am." 

He then turned his attention to Joker. " You can leave now.."

The henchmen nodded and left through the front door. Joker turned to Mary as she opened the box. She gasped at what was inside.

Joker was amused, "What the hell is it?

Mary read the letter out loud, " Dearest Mary, 

Tea was an absolute pleasure. Please accept this small token of friendship from my own private collection. A beautiful treasure for a beautiful lady. I don't use that term loosely. Please enjoy. I hope to see you again soon. Forever your friend Oswald Cobblepot"

Mary turned to Jokers cold eyes. She gave him her sweet sarcastic smile, "Isn't that the nicest thing?"