Jack and Miss Parker

Chapter 1

It had been three years since Mary left Gotham. The only person and friend that she maintained contact with, was now dead. Oswald had developed are rare form of lung cancer six months ago. As soon as Mary found out about it, she had moved in with him along with her daughter Grace. Mary tended to her ill friend the best she could; she always tried to prepare herself for to worst, but it didn't work. Mary was still in shock as she made the funeral arrangements fit for the gentleman that had watched over her from a distance. She never needed or wanted for anything; he was always there. As Mary looked at the choices for the funeral, the director had asked her what flowers did she want on his jet black coffin? Mary told him with tears in her eyes, "Juliet Roses."

As the funeral party stood st the grave site, Mary and Grace stood in the back, not to be noticed by other criminals. Little Grace who was now two leaned against her mother as they stood and listened to the priest monolog about Oswald. Towards the end Mary looked over the funeral party to see if she recognized anybody. She held her breath as she noticed a man taking off his hat. Underneath it was slicked back green hair; the man ran his pale hand over it and placed his hat back on.

As Joker placed his hat back on, he looked at Oswalds casket, "Fucking Juliet Roses.." His heart stopped, "Fucking Juliet Roses..?!"

 "No...no..! Your not suppose to be here.", Mary thought to her self. There was a big roll of thunder, Grace started to whimper and cry. Mary tried to bounce her but Graces crys proceeded to get louder. Mary glanced towards the man in the hat and noticed his head turning in their direction. Mary's heart froze as they met each other gaze. Joket had spotted her. Mary slowly turned and proceeded to her limo, but as she did she noticed in the corner of her eye Joker strutting towards her. 

Mary picked up the pace but was not fast enough. She whimpered as he grabbed her arm and squeezed.  Joker froze with disbelief. It was her, his wife and mother of his child. The only woman to out smart him. "Hello Mary." 

Mary didn't look up, "Hello Mr. J"

It pinged at his heart that she didn't use his real name. He just stood there looking at the two to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Joker finally found the words, "We need to talk." Mary nodded and followed him to his limo. 

Frost was in shock when he opened the door for the trio. "Miss Parker."

Mary didn't look up, "Frost." She eased inside as she clung to a sleepy Grace. They say in silence in the car until she spoke. "I didn't expect you would be here." 

Joker didn't say anything. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. He looked down on Mary's left hand and noticed her scar from Aubrys cigar, "Yes it is her." He thought. 

Mary was starting to get anxious, "You wanted to talk, so talk." 

Joker tapped his finger against his lips. "Come home." Mary shook her head. "Oswald is gone, you need protection. Come home." 

Mary went to open the car door, but he grabbed her hand. Mary turned and gave him a cold glare, "I can take care of myself and Grace." She gasped when she realized she told him their daughters name. 

Joker smiled a small smile, "Grace, that's her name." Little Grace yawned as she rubbed her sleepy eyes. 

"I need to get her home. It's her nap time." 

Joker opened the door and looked at Frost that was standing watch, "Oswalds." 

The couple was silent as they made their way back to Oswalds house. Mary had tears streaming down her cheeks as she thought about him not being there when they arrive. Joker could see she was heavily grieving. After the car pulled up, Joker helped Mary out as she held a sleeping Grace; he watched as Mary lovely tucked in the small child. 

Mary lead him to Oswalds office and left the door cracked. Mary pointed to the bar in the corner, "Want a drink?" 

Joker strolled over And poured himself a brandy. As he looked down he noticed a picture of Oswald and Mary. Oswald was sitting in a chair, his cheeks were sunk in due to weight loss. Mary was leaning on his shoulder as the two smiled genuine smiles. "Nice picture." 

Mary was sitting at Oswalds oak desk going over the inventory of the estate. She didn't look up, "Thanks." 

Joker threw back his shot as he strolled over to the front of the desk. "What did Grace think about him?"

Mary stopped writting, but didn't look up. "She loved him." She continued to write. 

"And you? What was he to you?"

Mary slowly looked up, "I loved him, but never in love."

Joker had a sigh of relief until Mary spoke, "How's Harley?"

Joker knew she was trying to pick a fight, "Why do you ask?"

Mary plopped her pen down, "You asked me to come home, but the idea of sleeping next to a room where I can hear you fuck her brains out.. Just not that appealing." Joker was speechless.  Mary smirked, I mean if that's the case, you won't mind if I brought somebody home?"

Joker could feel his temper rising. "Fuck no! And no Harley was never at the house; our house. She stayed at the penthouse in Gotham." 

Mary shows no emotion, "Hmm.. I figured you would keep her around since you have a thing for woman that have to save your ass." 

Joker showed his evil grin, "Oh kitten don't be jelious just because you didn't have a fuck buddy."

Mary smirked, "No, your right. I had buddies." 

Jokers face went blank, "What?"

Mary yawned as she set behind her desk, "Course, it's been at least six months now. God that's a long time. Need to put that on my to do list." 

Joker walked behind her chair and started to rub her shoulders, "Ya know. It's been a while for me too." 

Mary smirked and turned around and sat on Oswalds desk, "Yeah?" Joker leaned in as he nodded, Mary smirked, "I think I'll wait a little longer."