Chapter 84

When no one arrived to pick up the two beautiful women that day, Kara and Jennifer drove themselves.

Although Kara's car had been destroyed during Jennifer's recent attack, she had driven Jennifer's car over instead.

"You definitely owe me big time," Kara complained as she started the engine. "My car wasn't even paid off yet. Isn't anyone going to reimburse me for it? The insurance company isn't exactly jumping to cover that!"

Jennifer glanced sideways at Kara, a bit exasperated. They'd nearly died, and her friend was worried about a car?

Kara finally pulled away, heading straight for the venue.

The parade began at 8:00 a.m., starting at one end of the main street and stretching all the way to the other. At the end, ten podiums had been set up, prepared for the event.

Everyone participating in the parade was part of the police department, with some local citizens joining in to show their support.

When Kara and Jennifer arrived, several people had already gathered at the podium, among them familiar faces. Harvey and Rachel came over to greet them, escorting them to find seats on the podium.

The police commissioner would be the one to deliver the official tribute, while the others were there to show their respects. Even if it was largely a formality, it was crucial to recognize the director's sacrifice with honor.

"Have any security measures been arranged?" Jennifer asked Harvey quietly, a trace of concern in her voice.

Now that they knew Joker intended to target Commissioner Gordon next, they couldn't afford to take chances.

Harvey nodded. "Snipers are positioned in several key buildings nearby. If Joker tries anything, he'll be neutralized on sight." He spoke with a determined edge, his dislike for Joker evident.

With Gotham on the verge of bringing order to its streets, thanks to cooperation among key leaders like Jennifer, the Chief Justice, Harvey, the commissioner, and the sheriff, Joker's interference had delayed their efforts to bring gangsters to justice. Joker's sudden appearance had caused countless deaths, further fueling Harvey's anger.

Kara, listening to the conversation, scanned the surrounding area with her enhanced vision and quickly spotted several concealed snipers. She also noticed an unexpected ally among them—Bruce was present, quietly keeping watch.

On the street, the police officers participating in the parade had begun to approach, with Commissioner Gordon among them. As sheriff, Gordon wasn't technically the director, but he worked closely with the commissioner, handling responsibilities on behalf of the office.

As Gordon looked around, he studied the surrounding buildings and windows, wary of any sign of Joker's men. He found nothing suspicious, but he remained on guard.

Meanwhile, Joker was already hidden among the crowd, blended in as a typical onlooker, his face devoid of his usual crazed makeup. Even Kara hadn't spotted him, since Joker appeared as just another nondescript spectator.

The commissioner stepped up to the podium and began to deliver his speech.

"He was a man of great integrity. When I asked him to take on the role of director, his only request was to avoid politics. All he wanted was to protect this city and its people…"

As he spoke, those seated nearby maintained strict vigilance. Harvey leaned closer to Gordon and asked, "See anything suspicious?"

Gordon replied, "I've been watching every window along the route, but there are so many to cover…"

Kara had likewise scanned all nearby windows and rooms, ensuring that no oversight would allow a repeat of the hospital attack. She felt confident that Joker hadn't planted anyone in the buildings nearby. Not only had she seen no suspicious figures, but her super hearing was also attuned for Joker's voice, ready to lock onto it the moment he spoke.

But there was nothing. She thought, perhaps, that Joker was too cautious to act here—or maybe he had a different scheme in mind. Perhaps he had planted a trap in the commissioner's office instead of attacking here.

Just then, a gun salute signaled the start of the tribute.

At the order to fire, the honor guard raised their weapons, and a round of blanks fired into the air.

Kara, though, immediately noticed something strange. Amid the blank shots, she detected a slight difference in one weapon—a real bullet.

Her gaze snapped to the source. It was Joker.

He had been there from the start, blending in by wiping off his usual colors, lurking on-site before even she and Jennifer had arrived.

The phrase "hiding in plain sight" had never been more true. Joker was right under their noses.

Without waiting for the commissioner's cue, the entire firing squad suddenly turned, aiming their weapons at the podium.

Joker had planted his own men in the firing squad.

Kara had no time to think; she quickly turned to shield Jennifer, blocking her from the impending gunfire with her own body.