Three Ring Circus [ TDK's Joker ] .1.

I placed the mask carefully back into the box and set it on the seat beside me, already trying to decide how I should decorate it.

"Thanks" I said, not turning to look at him.

Joker made a "mmph" sound. He sped around a corner, and parallel parked at what seemed like full speed. He almost ran into a suave lookoing black car parked of front of us. How he managed to avoid hitting anything was beyond me. His driving was amazing, but utterly terrifying at the same time. We climbed out, and I pulled on a plain black beanie. I stuffed my hair back up into it and pushed it down over my eyes. I could barely see, but it would to the trick. Joker didn't want my face to be that recognizeable, since he'd be "using me in the future" as he had put it. I'd also had a run in with Maroni a few years back. I was robbing a jewlery store when he and his boys walked in on it. Made me give him half, greedy bastard.

Joker linked arms with me, his other hand clutching Katy's in a vice-like grip. Her face was contorted into a weird looking grimace. She was hobbling on her tippy toes, because Joker had raised his arm a bit, just to make it more entertaining for him. We ascended the steps to his house, and I punched in the door bell, seeing as Joker's hands were full. Somewhere beyond the door I heard footstpes, and soon enough the door swung open. It was a typical body guard. A six-foot-two behemoth of a man, bald head gleaming in the dim light. He donned a black pinstripe suit that barely covered his rippling pectoral muslces. It made me want to puke, frankly.

"We've been expecting you." The guard said. He kept his face blank, trying not to look down at Katy. He'd been specifically told not to do anyting about Katy, not unless he wanted Katys' head to be smashed in.

His voice reeked of New York. I hated New York accents. I found them annoying. Seeing as how I lived near New York, you'd think that I would've gotten used to it..

The guard turned around, a beefy hand motioning for us to follow.

"Tony! Tony!! Help mee!" Katy squealed, a small trickle of tears leaking from the corners of her eyes.

The guard's hand clenched into a fist. I almost giggled, watching him squirm. Joker however, did let out a small chuckle.

The place was pretty ritzy, everything you'd expect from the Mob. A chandelier hanged in the center of the high-ceilinged foyer, an oriental rug stretched across the entry way. I looked ahead as we set out up another set of steps. Eventually, the house lost my attention, and I leaned my head on to Joker's shoulder. I felt his neck jerk, as if he were startled. I looked out at him as we walked, my eye lashes fluttering curiously. He ignored me.

I stuck my tongue out at him.

His arm unlinked with mine, and he jabbed me lightly in the side. I let out a gasp and attempted to muffle a squeal by pressing my face into his jacket. He'd discovered my ticklish spot!

I knew I was in for some problems if he'd figured that out. I bit his shoulder, but he relinked arms with me. I brought my head up from his shoulder.

We stood at the end of a hall, staring at a door. The bald dude opened the door wide for us.

We walked inside.

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Maroni looked tired. his brow was furrowed, as if he couldn't quite figure out what was going on. There was a deep frown on his face, eyebrows pulled together anxiously. His eyes were bloodshot and watery, and they looked slightly glazed.

Joker cackled. "You look a mess, Sally."

"We wont' step out of line again, Jay." He murmured, voice hoarse.

"How do I know that?" Joker said, leaning forward in his chair.

Maroni shook his head back and forth.

"It won't happen again. You have my word. Cross my heart and hope to die." He said miserably.

Joker cracked a cruel looking smile. "Good."

Joker yanked Katy up by her arm and placed her on her father's desk. She began to cry uncontrolably, and Maroni embraced her.

"Let's go." Joker whispered in my ear.

We stood to leave, and Tony the body guard showed us out.

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Back at Dizzle's house, I sat at the kitchen table. The mask was layed out in front of me, along with several brightly colored paints and various brushes. It was late, and Joker had turned in long ago, claiming exhaustion. Dizzle was out with Chelsea again. Most likely partying. I was trying to get this done before we headed to the new hide out tomorrow.

Finally, I picked up a brush and dipped it in the black paint. I painted under the eyes, making the black stuff come down. I smeared it with my finger and a cloth, trying to make it look like eyeliner smeared by tears. The lips I painted maroon, making them curl up and around themselves in a twisted grin. I painted circles on each of the cheeks. I stood back to admire my work, satisfied with what I'd done.

I turned in for the night, glancing at the bags I'd packed.