Fool Me Once…Fool Me Twice

Chapter 1: The Start of Something New

"And in other news," Kit King's voice said from the TV, "jewelry store owners beware! Royalty Gems was broken into early this morning. The owner, Gregory Smith, told Channel Eight News that their security system was just installed this week, but none of the alarms went off." I watched her flip through her notes for a moment, collecting her thoughts, before going on, "All of the gems from the Fire and Water collection are missing. Mr. Smith is offering a reward for the return of these priceless stones."

I took the remote off the table and clicked off the television, slumping back into the old couch, shaking my head. "Well, guess I know where I'm going tomorrow." I mumbled to myself. Not that I was ungrateful for what I ended up taking, and what I would get back. But now I wished I had more guts to take all of it.

000

It happened early in the morning, just like that Kit King said. At one in the morning, and I was in my usual get up for a heist. All black from head to toe with my hair tucked underneath my hood. A black backpack held all of my equipment: a few spy cameras, a couple tools to help me bug the security system, and a new spray that could help show any invisible lasers that might be surrounding displays. This was not my first rodeo, it was number sixteen to be exact. For Royalty Gems, yes. It just opened at the end of September, so there hadn't been any incidents with this store. But I considered myself an expert with jewelry stores. They were all set up the same way with the same security systems and displays for the jewelry. They all also gave the same amount of rewards for their diamonds.

That night, however, I was going for rubies and sapphires. They were worth more in general, so their reward would be much higher in theory. I made my way into the back ally and used a bobby pin to unlock the old door easily. When no alarms went off, showing that my bugs on the keypad did their job, I crept in quickly and quietly, going to the display in the front of the store. Right there, not even covered with a glass box was the stores shining star. The red and blue stones were shinning from the display's lights and I went for it with a racing heart.

Sadly, that seemed to be the end of my good luck.

After counting five of each and figuring out what kind of reward I would get for each, I heard a loud and expensive car pull up to the front of the store. I took my bag and ducked behind the counter, clutching the stones to my chest. My heart rate picked up once I heard glass break, and let out a breath when no alarms went off. Whoever it was, they were going crazy with all of the displays at the front and left side of the store, laughing like crazy when they would get their hands on a nice piece.

Feeling brave, I peeked out from behind the counter on my hands and knees. There were about six men in black suits with white suit shirts and bandanas around their mouths. It seemed like a normal robbery until I caught the view of the two most infamous criminals in Gotham city. Her platinum blonde hair with blue and pink tips were up in pigtails, ears were pierced in multiple places, her makeup was smeared a little, fishnet tights were underneath the red and blue short-shorts, a matching leather jacket was on top of her worn looking graphic tee and her choker said 'puddin'. His shoes were so shiny the light bounced off of them, his pants were crisp and had a gold chain from the right pocket, his tattoos were on full display underneath his leather purple jacket, gold chains were around his neck and rings on his hands, his face white as soon and hair emerald green.

Yes, it was the Joker and Harley Quinn. I thought I was going to vomit from how anxious I got when I ducked back behind the counter. There were only two exits in this store, and my best bet would be to go out the way I came in. As quiet as I could, I unzipped the smallest pocket in my bag and carefully placed the gems inside, then slung the heavy bag on my back.

"Oh Puddin'!" I heard the infamous woman squealed, "These look amazing! They're so shiny and will look great for a necklace! Whatcha think?!"

I heard the clown king of crime low whistle, "'Course they would Harls." He answered in a skeptical tone of voice, "But, it'd look even better with all of the stones." The Joker growled, slamming his fist down on the counter, which made me jump. I clasped my hand over my mouth to keep from gasping and decided I need to get out of here now, "Someone's been here. Boys, search the area. Let's find that mouse and get my lady's gems back." He snarled.

As quickly as I could without making a sound, I got back onto my hands and knees and began crawling to the back room. I knew that once I got back there, I'd be able to run fast enough to make it out without being caught.

Freedom seemed too close for comfort because I heard a feminine sounding voice gasp loudly from behind the counter when I was a foot away from the back room. "Oh lookie here! I think we've gotta runner!" She sang, a laugh of excitement following.

That was enough to get me to change my mind and jump up from my position to start running. I heard the crazy criminal bark at his boys to come after me when I was out in the hall, but I didn't dare to look back. My adrenaline was my fuel and causing me to sprint faster than I ever had in my life. Once I got onto the street, I heard the expensive car from before pulling onto the same street and start flying in my direction.

An ally was my savor that night, and the chain-link fence its loyal steed. That's when I lost the goons, none of them being able to jump the fence and the car couldn't make it through the ally because of it either. I knew that they would still try and block me on the other side of the ally, but I made it to the subway before anyone could catch me again. The 1:45 train pulled in right on time, and I jumped the turnstile to make it with the rest of the early morning crowd. The subway pulled away and I could finally catch my breath.

000

I finally mustered up enough energy to pull myself up off the old blue couch and order some dinner from the Chinese place a few blocks away. I live in a rough neighborhood, so I needed the delivery guy to call me once he got here so that I could pick up the orange chicken at the door instead of letting them into the building.

My grandparents always wanted to move out of this neighborhood, but it would never happen with the income either of them made. We were lucky to live where we did in this part of Gotham. It was a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment above a small coffee shop. It was at the top of the building and the people downstairs used the fire escape for their plants. A ten-minute walk would get me to my high school, P.S. 148. The cities nice park was a subway ride away. The grocery store was owned by an Italian family who also has a pizza shop. And, of course, the Smile and Grin was only three blocks away.

The family room and kitchen flow together, with no wall splitting them up. The kitchen is pretty small, with just enough room for two people to be making the meal together. A small round table with three chairs was round it. The family room had a tiny TV in the corner with an old couch and lazy boy in front of it. The upright piano was pushed against the window and had a couple family pictures on top of it, along with some sheet music and a vase of fake orchids. As of right now, it became the planning room for heists. My equipment for these jobs were all around the room, taking up the space on the ground because there wasn't enough on the table. The one bathroom was off of the family room. It was nothing special and sometimes had leaks coming from the shower and sink. The mirror could also use a good dusting, but I didn't really find it a necessity.

My bedroom faced the main street. I could see the clubs to my left and the restaurants to my right. It had boring white walls, with some white Christmas lights strung up. A tiny twin bed with a floral quilt was pushed into the corner, the bed always made after it was slept in. There was a window seat with a few cushions on top and a basket of books underneath. There were also my Polaroid pictures taped behind the door; people, places, still life. You name it, and there was probably a picture of it.

I took the bunny shaped coin bank off the dresser and began to count the money inside. This stash was only my spending money, while the bills cash was under my grandparent's mattress and my college savings are in the freezer inside an empty ice cream container. After counting out the right amount, the cork was replaced and I set the cash out on the kitchen table.

As soon as the money touched the wooden table, there was an aggressive knock on the door. Biting my lip, thinking that I might not have told them to call me when they were here so the delivery man did come up, I grabbed the cash again and went to the door. On my tiptoes, I peeped through the peep hole to see who it was.

It was just two men in suits, looking like they could've been detectives or lawyers or something important. After stuffing the cash into my hoodie's pocket, I opened the door with the chain lock still in place and showed a tiny bit of my face to them. "Um…Can I help you?" I asked quietly.

"Mista J is here to see ya." One of them answered in a gruff tone of voice.

I raised my eyebrow, confused about who he would be talking about. "I-I'm sorry, but I don't know a Mr. J." I stammered, "Y-you must have the wrong apartment." I suggested.

A familiar and chilling laugh filled the hallway, which caused my eyes to widen in surprise. Up stepped the Joker, dressed the same exact way as Saturday, and with a gun in his hand this time. "C'mon," he purred as he came right up to the door's crack, "we just wanna talk to ya!"

There was a laugh at the end of the statement and I shut the door quickly to unlock it. The voice in the back of my mind wished that I would've kept it locked, grabbed a phone to call the police, and jump out the fire escape to make a break for it. Unfortunately, if anyone came into the apartment at this point, I'd be in just as much trouble with all of the cash hidden around.

The second the door was unlocked it swung open and I was grabbed roughly by the two men in suits. I couldn't struggle in their strong grips and before I knew it, I was handcuffed to the chair I was sat down in. The Joker made himself comfortable in my grandpa's lazy boy, crossing his legs and placing his hands comfortably behind his head. The other men were going through all of the things in the family room, dumping contents onto the ground and making a mess.

"So," The infamous criminal began, making me tear my eyes away from the guys making a mess and to the tattooed man, "you're the one who took the rest of Harley's gems." The Joker said, looking me over. In my opinion, I was nothing special; light brown and shoulder length hair, hazel eyes, only about five-four on a good day. Just your average high school student.

All I could do was nod to him for an answer, my heart rate picking up quickly. He made a tutting sound in response, shaking his head in a disappointing way. "Well, my Harls needs 'em all." The clown explained, standing up and coming to take a place in the chair right next to mine. He got really close to my face, and I leaned back in my chair to try and tell him to back off, "And my girl always gets what she wants."

I scanned the man in front of me over. His eyes looked serious, like a man on a mission. But from all the stories that the news and others have said about him, I knew that there was something other than just the jewels that he wanted. Then I thought about my own situation. On the one hand, these rubies and sapphires would really help me out with my money stash going on once I get the reward. On the other hand, this was the most dangerous criminal in the city, "Th-they're yours." I stuttered after a moment. His wild smile grew and he clasped his hands together, "I'll grab them if you just uncuff me."

With a snap of his fingers, the man with the beard came to uncuff me from the table. He wasn't too gentle and I rubbed my wrists to get the small marks to fade. "Frost, follow the girl. I don't want any…funny business." The Joker explained, sending me a glare.

The man, Frost, stuck to his word and followed me into my bedroom, leaving only two feet between us. I kept the gems where I keep all the jewels I take, in my grandmother's old jewelry box. It was small, gold with painted green flowers, and played a familiar lullaby when it opened. This time was no different, the twinkling melody filling the room for as long as it took me to grab the gems and close the box. Frost didn't say a word and I walked past him to get back into the kitchen and to the criminal.

At this point, the other man was flipping through one of my textbooks while the Joker was holding a framed picture from the top of the piano in his hands. "H-here." I said, holding out my hand for him to take them from me. I thought he set the picture down, but he handed it to Frost before grabbing the small stones from my hand, "All ten of them in mint condition." The Joker needed to check for himself, and he took his time. After each one passed his inspection, they were put into his breast pocket.

When the last one passed his tests, he looked me dead in the eyes and gripped my shoulders to make sure that I wouldn't try and get away. "This better not happen again." He cautioned, "Because if I so much as see you plan another one of these, there's going to be a much larger consequence than coming to get what's mine."

I nodded quickly, not wanting to anger him anymore than he seemed. "I-I understand." I said, "I didn't m-mean to be any trouble in the first place. And y-you won't see me at Royalty Gems ever again."

His hands slapped my checks, squishing me together when he did so, once I was done and the smile was back on his face. "That's what I like to hear!" The Joker laughed, finally letting go of me. "Boys, we're outta here. I gotta get these gems back to my lady."

And with that, they were gone. I held out my hand to take the picture back from the bearded man before he left, whispering my thanks once the precious picture was in my hands. The only trace of anyone other than myself being in the apartment was the mess they left behind in my family room.

I never thought I'd deal with the Joker after he came into my home, but I was wrong when I found a green envelope on my kitchen floor the next week. I had just gotten back to my apartment from the library, stopping at the deli to pick up a sandwich for dinner, around seven when I stepped on it after walking in. It looked like it was pushed under the door and I was scared to open it at first, fear that poison dust or something could be inside of it. But, after holding it under a flashlight and confirming that a folded-up paper was the only thing inside, I opened it.

The handwriting was actually pretty legible, and written on white computer paper. There were some light stains on it as well: ink, a drink, maybe lipstick, and a couple questionable looking ones. It read:

You know where to find me, and I know where to find you. There needs to be a serious discussion in regards to your future. Your life. We can make this easy, or we can have some fun. It's up to you. Show this to the bouncers out front to be let in. Come at midnight, I don't like to be kept waiting.

Mr. J

I had to read the short note over a couple times to make sure that I read everything correctly. My mind was spinning while I read. I didn't do anything wrong this whole week, not even looking up anything in regards to my next job, so I was confused on why he wanted to talk. Secondly, I knew that he was serious about making this 'fun', so I had to think about this carefully.

After the third time reading the note, I decided to try and find some courage and go. Somehow, I managed to eat the Italian sub without my nerves making me vomit, and find clothes to wear over. After tying my hair into a tight bun to keep it out of my face, I got dressed into something that I would wear to school: a Gotham University t-shirt, a large jean jacket, black jeans, and black high tops. As a last-minute thought, I also packed my backpack. I didn't like to walk around the city without some kind of bag, and I wasn't much of a purse girl. While the yellow backpack made me stick out, it was almost like a security blanket.

The time seemed to be slow while I waited to go, and my confidence didn't seem to be getting any better. I tried everything I could think of to help; took some deep breaths, paced around the family room, played some scales on the piano, even stood in the 'wonder woman' pose for ten minutes in front of the bathroom's mirror.

Finally, around 11:45, I gripped the straps of the bag and headed out. The walk wasn't anything special, and it didn't seem like anyone was out on the streets tonight anyways. I could hear the club's music about a block away and the lights were bouncing off the building's walls when I crossed the street.

There was a long line once I got there, and I was nervous this would make me late if I stood and waited. It was out of character for me to break simple rules like this, but I did cut the line so that I could be on time. The young adults in line shouted rude insults my way, throwing in some curses for good judgement. Both of the six-foot-five bouncers at the front looked confused to see me there, and I didn't blame them. "Uhh…" I mumbled, holding out my letter to them.

I watched them both read it together, and the one with a curly mustache handed it back to me. "Mack will take you up." He said, gesturing to his friend. The one named Mack had a shaved head and lots of tattoos on his arms. Wordlessly, he led me into the club. I grabbed the straps tightly and tried to stay close to the man while he weaved through the crowd.

This was my first time in a club, being a minor, and I could tell that I did not enjoy it at all. There were so many people inside, and a lot of them were on the dance floor dancing. Well, more like grinding on top of each other to the beat of the song, but I guess it could be dancing. I could see girls inside cages, dancing alone with very little clothes on. One of them I recognized as Harley Quinn. She had her hair down and curled today, and was wearing a black and gold sequined dress with a diamond pattern and open back. A few older looking men were sitting at the bar or a few tables just watching the caged women dance, which to me was a little creepy. During this, I just tried not to draw any attention to myself, knowing that I was here for the Joker's talk and that's all.

We took a set of spiral stairs up to a room and I was let inside first. There were red velvet curtains drawn over what looked like a large viewing window, which caused the room to be dark. The lighting was dim, but I could still see no one was in there. But, I was thankful that the music was muffled behind the closed door. "Have a seat there." Mack instructed, pointing to a leather couch, "Mr. J will be here soon." He said, waiting for me to sit before leaving the room with a slam of the door.

I was gripping my backpack to my chest while I sat there, trying to calm down and get some confidence before this meeting would start. I took this time to take in the room. The furniture was all black leather: the couches, the chairs, even the ottoman. There was a large, dark wood desk with a leather office chair behind it opposite to the door, and it was covered with papers and a large green lamp.

The door slamming open and hitting the wall is what caused me to jump in my seat. It was Harley Quinn and the Joker, both of them laughing at my reaction to them opening the door. My eyes watched the infamous duo make their way to the desk across from me, with the Joker taking a seat in the office chair and the blonde woman making herself comfortable in his lap. I could see that Harley was inspecting me from her spot, squinting her eyes and turning to the man who's lap she was sitting on, "No offense, but you don't look anything like a criminal, kid." She finally said, breaking the silence.

I tilted my head in confusion, looking between the two of them. She took that chance to climb over the desk and come right up to my face. And just like the Joker last week, she squished my cheeks in her hands. The only difference is that she giggled and cooed at me while she did so. "Oh, Puddin', she's such a doll! Look at her Mista J!" Harley gushed, letting go of me and sitting uncomfortably close to me on the couch.

"She's an interesting one." The Joker agreed, looking me in the eyes, "Aren't you, Miss. Mulligan?"

My eyes widened in shock and I could feel my jaw drop. That caused both of them to laugh and I felt my face heat up. "H-how did you-"

"Know your name?" he finished my sentence, opening a drawer in his desk. In his hands was a handsewn project made by my Grandma Alice. It was on white background and the thread was baby pink. My full name was sewn on it, along with my birthday. He threw it back to me across his desk and picked up some papers, "Bernadette Dawn Mulligan isn't a very common name. Especially in Gotham. After a few searches, I got most of what I needed."

The Joker stood from his desk and came to stand closer, leaning on his desk. The papers in his hands were given to me and I saw my elementary, middle, and high school files. "P.S. 148, huh?" He said, "Home of the bulldogs, a shitty football team, and it seems like you're usually an A student, aren't you?"

I didn't even know where to start. And because I didn't answer, he kept going with his information that he found. "And it seems like there's no adult supervision in that apartment." The Joker continued, grabbing the next stack of papers "I had some boys check out your apartment this week." He clarified, throwing some pictures of the apartment my way. Sure enough, I looked like phone quality pictures of the apartment were taken at a couple different times of the day, "Which would lead me to assume that a Seamus Mulligan at Martha Wayne Hospital is related to you." My eyes widened, and I knew that he got out of me what he wanted. "Your old man is super old."

"He's my grandfather." I clarified quickly, not wanting anyone getting the wrong idea, "And if you hurt him-" The Joker's laugh cut me off. I was scared about him easily finding all this stuff by just knowing my name, and I was kicking myself for keeping that project out on my dresser. Of course, when Frost followed me in, he snagged it for himself. "L-look sir," I started, looking up from the papers and sitting up a little straighter, "I-I didn't think I d-did anything wrong!" I stuttered, trying to explain myself, "I haven't looked up anything else, I haven't stolen anything, and just stayed to myself. I promise, I'm not trying to get into trouble, sir." I counted these facts on my fingers to try and make my point clear.

He held up a hand, indicating that he wanted to say something, and I was hoping that he was getting to the point of this meeting because I was getting more and more scared. "You're a weird one, I'll give you that." The Joker began, "Manages to rob and return over a million dollars' worth of jewels without getting caught by the authorities, seems to be able to do quick research and break into top-notch security systems without anyone knowing you're there, and still keep great grades in school."

The criminal duo seemed to exchange some kind of silent code because Harley got up and went to stand next to the Joker, and he wrapped an arm around her slim waist to pull her close, "I can't have you getting in my way, and I'm still not finished with you. So, I'm offering you a job." He paused, giving me a moment to take in what he said, "I'm in need of a new…help…with research. I like to keep a good eye on my investments, and I think you'll be of good value to me, and what's a better way than having an investment stay right where I have easy access to them?"

"And we'll take extra good care of you doll!" Harley chimed in, "There's a nice pool and jacuzzi! Oh, and Mr. J just hired a new chef that makes great meatloaf!" She gushed, "And I'm sure we can find you some new clothes and get your hair fixed up for you!"

I looked between to two of them. One seemed to need more for my skills, and the other for entertainment. "And…and if I don't want to?" I asked timidly, biting my lip to try and stop my trembling.

The Joker seemed to start his chilling laugher at that question, and Harley joined in too. "Then you'll be 'taken care of' on the next little thieving jaunt you decide to pursue."

A ginormous pit began forming in my stomach. In reality, I did have a choice here. This was the most infamous couple in the whole city, offering me a job and a place to stay with them. Or, telling me that my life would be over if I continued doing these heists.

With a deep sigh, I nodded my head quickly. "I-I'll do it." I whispered, looking the clown dead in the eye.

A squeal and "Yippie!" came from Harley while the Joker had a huge grin on his face while he clasped his hands together in satisfaction. The blonde lady came over and lifted me into a hug, spinning me around, "This is gonna be great! You made a great choice Bernadette!"

"Yes, she did Harls." The Joker agreed, coming to us with a hankie in his hand, "And now girls, it's time to head home."

Before I could process what was happening, the handkerchief was placed over my face and I realized that it was drenched with some kind of chemical. I didn't have a choice but to breathe it in, and could instantly feel my body sag. The two of them gripped me tightly once I slummed over and that's when my eyes fell shut.

Their laughter was the last thing I remembered.