Chapter 26: The Official Duel

**London — Yirenju Community**

The pain hit Harley Quinn like a freight train. One moment, she was daydreaming about extorting George Brown's fortune. The next, her insides twisted as if shredded by claws. Dark blood oozed from her nose and mouth, pooling beneath her cheek.

"*H-help…*" she croaked, trembling fingers grazing her phone. A voice message sent—her last act.

Then, darkness swallowed her.

---

**The Threshold of Death**

Her body floated, weightless. Senses sharpened: the hum of electricity, the stale air of her apartment, every mote of dust. Memories flickered—a lifetime replayed in seconds.

A childhood of neglect. Youthful beauty turned venom. The lie she'd spun twenty years ago, framing an innocent family. Their screams as they were slaughtered.

*Retribution,* she realized, as her soul frayed.

---

**Victor Black's Safehouse — Midnight**

Victor listened to Harley's final plea. A grim smile touched his lips. *Justice served.*

He wiped George Brown's digital trails, then dialed Scotland Yard.

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**Scotland Yard — War Room**

Sebastian Gray snatched the ringing phone. "Speak."

"Harley Quinn. Yirenju Community, Building 2, Unit 1204." The Ghost's voice was ice.

Sebastian leaned forward. "*Why?* Tell me, and maybe we end this without more blood."

"My purpose *is* blood." The line died.

Sebastian slammed the receiver. "Move! Now!"

Forensic teams scrambled. Charles Brown and Jack Wilson grabbed kits, faces set.

---

**East London — Dawn**

Alva Anderson, a food delivery driver, jolted awake to pounding fists. Two officers hauled him to the station, questioning every minute of his night—meals delivered, bathroom breaks, even his dinner.

"*Am I… going to jail?*" he blubbered, tears streaking his ruddy cheeks.

The interrogator sighed. "Relax. You're a witness, not a suspect."

Alva slumped, relief short-lived. *Quit deliveries. Too dangerous.*