章 86: Chapter 86 (edited)
Kara found herself back in the chaotic aftermath of Joker's escape. The sound of her phone ringing brought her out of her thoughts and back to reality. She glanced at the screen. It was Jennifer.
"Kara? Did you catch him?" Jennifer's voice came through, filled with concern.
Kara hesitated before answering. She had let Joker go. Not because she wanted to, but because of the threat hanging over Jennifer. Joker had made it clear that Jennifer's safety was contingent on his freedom.
"Jen, where are you?" Kara asked, her voice strained.
"I'm in my office. What's wrong?" Jennifer responded, her tone laced with worry. She knew Kara well enough to recognize when something was off.
Kara didn't explain what had just happened or how close Jennifer had been to falling into Joker's trap. She didn't trust herself to talk about it yet. Instead, she simply instructed Jennifer to stay put until she arrived.
Driving to Jennifer's office, Kara's mind churned with doubts. Joker's words had cut deeper than she cared to admit, planting seeds of self-doubt about her methods and her morality. When she finally arrived and stepped into Jennifer's office, she pulled her friend into a tight hug, surprising Jennifer.
Jennifer, startled by the uncharacteristic gesture, tried to lighten the mood. "What's going on, Kara? You look like you just got scolded by Uncle Jonathan."
Kara stayed silent, her grip tightening for a moment before she finally let go.
Jennifer, sensing the seriousness of the situation, asked gently, "Is it about Joker? Did he get into your head?"
Kara sighed, her voice heavy with self-reproach. "Jen, do you think I'm like him? Joker said something... and I can't stop thinking about it. He said I act like I'm above the law, using my power to do what I think is right. And maybe he's not wrong. I mean, who am I to decide who lives and dies?"
Jennifer's expression grew serious. "What did he say exactly?" she asked, her concern deepening.
Kara repeated Joker's words, her tone bitter and uncertain. "He compared me to him, Jen. Said I was just as twisted, hiding behind a mask of morality to justify my actions. And the worst part? I'm starting to think he might be right."
Jennifer reached out, cupping Kara's face in her hands. "Kara, listen to me. You are nothing like him. Yes, you've done things that might seem extreme, but they've always been for the greater good. Joker kills for chaos, for the thrill of watching the world burn. You fight to protect people. Don't let him make you doubt that."
Kara looked into Jennifer's eyes, searching for reassurance. "But Jen, what about that drunk man years ago? The one I killed? Even Bruce doesn't know it was me and not Batman."
Jennifer's expression softened as she recalled the incident. "Yes, I remember. At the time, I was shocked. I even felt uneasy around you for a while. But when I thought about it later... If you hadn't acted, he might have killed one of us. You saved lives that night, Kara. You're not a monster. You're a protector."
Kara's shoulders sagged with relief, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, Jen. I needed to hear that."
Jennifer smiled back, wrapping an arm around Kara's shoulders. "Anytime. But seriously, don't let Joker mess with your head. Next time you see him, just punch him in the face and drag him back to Arkham."
Kara chuckled, the tension finally easing. "I'll do my best. But he's slippery."
Jennifer gave her a teasing nudge. "You say that every time, and yet he always gets away. Maybe next time you should try not letting him get inside your head."
The two shared a laugh, the heavy mood lifting. But Kara's resolve hardened. Joker had come too close this time. She wouldn't let him manipulate her again.
As they sat together, Jennifer's tone turned more serious. "Kara, I've been thinking. How did Joker manage to infiltrate the shooting team? There has to be someone on the inside. Maybe even someone in Gordon or Harvey's departments. We can't rule out the possibility of a mole."
Kara nodded, her expression darkening. "I've been thinking the same thing. We need to investigate, but carefully. If there's a mole, they can't know we're onto them."
Jennifer agreed, and the two began formulating a plan. The stakes were higher than ever, but for now, Kara felt grounded again, her faith in herself restored.
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