Chapter 85: Chapter 86
Once again, Joker had managed to slip through Kara's grasp, disappearing so seamlessly that even she hadn't noticed his escape until the familiar sound of her ringtone pulled her back to reality.
"Kara? Did you catch him?" It was Jennifer on the line.
Kara's silence spoke volumes. The reason she'd let Joker go was because of Jennifer. Joker had made it clear—Jennifer would only be safe if he were set free.
"Jen, where are you?" Kara asked, her voice edged with tension.
"In my office," Jennifer replied. "What's wrong? You don't sound like yourself."
As her best friend, Jennifer could instantly sense when something was off with Kara.
Kara avoided telling Jennifer how she'd almost been caught in Joker's trap. She hadn't been certain if her escort was working for Joker or not, but she couldn't take the chance. Joker had anticipated that Kara, unlike him, wouldn't gamble with the lives of people she cared about.
Without elaborating further, Kara simply asked Jennifer to stay put until she arrived.
When Kara returned to the street where she'd last encountered Joker, the chaotic crowd had already scattered, leaving behind a messy scene. She found Jennifer's car, climbed in, and drove to Jennifer's office. The moment she entered, she pulled Jennifer into a tight embrace.
Jennifer, surprised, gave her a comforting smile, though she could tell something had unsettled her friend deeply.
"What's the matter?" Jennifer asked, trying to lighten the mood. "You look like you just got scolded by Uncle Jonathan!"
Kara didn't respond immediately. Instead, she struggled with Joker's parting words, which had cut far deeper than she cared to admit.
"Jen," Kara began slowly, "do you think I'm anything like Joker?"
Jennifer blinked, startled by the question. "What did he say to you?" She immediately grew serious, sensing Kara's distress.
Kara repeated Joker's words, a faint, bitter smile on her face. "He told me that I'm no different from him—hiding behind power, feeling above the law. And the worst part is… he almost sounded right."
Jennifer, once the District Attorney of Metropolis, had her own complex view on justice. She knew that Kara sometimes pushed the boundaries of what was lawful. But at this moment, she reached out, holding Kara's face gently.
"Kara, don't let that lunatic get to you. You're nothing like him."
Kara looked at her, listening as Jennifer continued, "Joker kills for fun, with no reason or purpose. You're here to protect people. You fight for justice, not chaos. It's true, sometimes you cross lines others wouldn't dare to—but you're doing it to save lives. He does it to watch the world burn. There's a huge difference."
"Do you remember that incident with the drunk man?" Jennifer went on, referring to a case from years ago. "I was shaken for days, not knowing how to face you. I knew you had… dealt with him, and Bruce didn't even know. But as I thought about it, I realized that if he'd shot you or me that night… I don't know what I would've done if I'd lost you."
Jennifer held Kara's gaze. "You're not a criminal, Kara. You don't hurt people for the sake of it. You protect them, even if your methods seem extreme. If it helps, as former DA, I hereby absolve you of all guilt."
Kara's tension began to ease. Smiling, she wrapped her arms around Jennifer, murmuring, "It's a shame I'm not a man—otherwise, I'd never let you end up with anyone else."
Jennifer chuckled, nudging her playfully. "Alright, enough drama! If anyone sees us, the rumors will fly!"
They laughed, knowing their bond was one of friendship. Kara had never wanted to date or settle down—secrets and responsibilities kept her life complicated. Besides, even Bruce Wayne hadn't managed to win her heart, and she doubted anyone else could.
After Jennifer's pep talk, Kara's mind felt clearer. She could see now that Joker had twisted his words to manipulate her, ignoring the fundamental differences between them. Yes, Kara sometimes took drastic actions, but she did so to save others. Joker thrived on destruction.
With newfound resolve, Kara clenched her fists. "Next time, he's not getting away."
Jennifer raised an eyebrow. "You've said that before, Kara."
Kara gave her a look. "And who's to blame for that?"
Jennifer sighed, "If you're going to complain about my choices in rides, I'll go ahead and report it to Bruce myself."
Kara smirked, "Oh, I will. And stop riding in just anyone's car from now on."
Jennifer's smile faded. "Honestly, the situation feels worse each day. How do you think Joker managed to infiltrate the police? I suspect someone in Gordon's or Harvey's ranks is on his payroll, or worse… a planted insider from the start."
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