Chapter 83
The Joker has attacked numerous people, but the most shocking victim has been Gotham's police chief.
The authority structure of Gotham City consists of several key figures: the police chief, the commissioner, the chief judge (Jennifer), the district attorney (Harvey), and a few council members. However, the council members hold limited power and remain under the jurisdiction of Chief Judge Jennifer.
In essence, the commissioner was a cornerstone of Gotham's power, and now, he's been killed by the Joker. As a response, the current chief decided to organize a parade in honor of the fallen commissioner, issuing a personal obituary. The goal is to rally Gotham's citizens, showing them that the government won't back down to the Joker and his criminal network and that they are committed to defeating these threats.
Yet, Bruce and Commissioner Gordon know that this event holds significant risks. They've uncovered information suggesting that the Joker plans to target Harvey again, as well as possibly the mayor, during the parade. Jennifer might also be at risk. Both she and Harvey have already been attacked once, escaping the same fate as the commissioner by sheer luck.
Bruce had even called Jennifer late the previous night to urge her to skip the event for her safety. But as the chief judge, Jennifer knew that an unexplained absence would raise questions about her commitment to Gotham and her credibility among its citizens. Not attending could damage the public's trust in her leadership, so she declined Bruce's warning, insisting on attending the parade.
After the call ended, Alfred approached Bruce, handing him a towel and a glass of water. Bruce had just returned from investigating a recent crime scene and immediately made the call to Jennifer.
"Master Wayne," Alfred said with a knowing tone, "if you really care for Miss Jennifer, perhaps you ought to pursue her properly. But in doing so, you'll have to let Miss Rachel go."
Bruce's face tensed, acknowledging Alfred's point. He had strong feelings for Rachel but was conflicted.
"But Alfred, Rachel told me she wouldn't be with me until I chose to give up being Batman," Bruce replied. Rachel had made her decision clear—Bruce couldn't have both lives.
Alfred's brow furrowed. "Then what are you fighting for, sir? Do you wish to give up everything you've built as Batman just for a chance with Miss Rachel? To abandon Gotham's needs?"
Bruce glanced away, his face betraying the slightest hint of doubt.
The following morning at Jennifer's apartment, she and her friend Kara were preparing for the parade.
"Kara, are you really planning to wear that outfit?" Jennifer asked, exasperated. Kara, seemingly oblivious, was dressed casually in jeans, sneakers, and a loose shirt.
"Look, Jen, I'm not the main attraction," Kara said with a nonchalant shrug. "I'm here to keep an eye out for potential trouble."
Jennifer sighed and shook her head. She opened her closet and began pulling out a more formal outfit—a crisp white dress, a pair of elegant high heels, and a pearl necklace.
"Please, just dress appropriately for once," Jennifer insisted, her tone softening as she handed Kara the outfit.
Kara rolled her eyes but acquiesced, taking the dress. As she slipped it on, she gave Jennifer a pointed look. "I just hope you don't expect me to vacuum up or follow high-maintenance routines in this thing," she joked. Kara loved comfort and practicality, far from the delicate upkeep needed for an expensive outfit.
With Jennifer's help, Kara put on the dress, her toned, muscular frame contrasting with the elegance of the gown. Jennifer raised an eyebrow as she tightened the back of the dress.
"You're practically a fortress," Jennifer laughed, reaching out to feel Kara's defined back muscles. "You're like a statue."
Kara shrugged, unphased. "It's from years of training. Besides, you wanted me to look good." She glanced down at her heels, feeling slightly self-conscious about her towering 6'2" frame that was now nearly 6'5" with heels.
Jennifer smirked playfully, now standing a head shorter. "Why are you so tall?" she teased, laughing as she adjusted her own outfit for the parade.
Kara's smile softened as she glanced back at her friend, silently promising to protect her if things took a dangerous turn at the parade. The Joker may have orchestrated a new plan, but Kara would be ready to stand against it.