Chapter 22: The Joker's Plan
The latest explosion sent another wave of panic through the city. Fear gripped the citizens; each fearing the next blast would hit close to home. Chief George Stacy, clinging to the helicopter's door, felt a surge of despair. Two explosions, and still no understanding of the Joker's motives.
Shaking with rage, George watched the Joker stroll across the rooftop, seemingly unfazed. The mayor, bleeding profusely, lay dying nearby. George cursed inwardly: "Damn it! This clown is insane! In all my years, I've never encountered such a ruthless thug. No demands, no negotiation, no plan… just pure, unadulterated destruction."
The Joker's voice cut through the air, a chilling announcement: "Ding, ding, ding! Time's up, Chief! Your choice: a dying mayor, or another explosion?"
"Wait—" George began, but the Joker pressed another button. Another deafening blast echoed in the distance.
Yang Xu, monitoring his system panel, noted the reputation gain from this explosion was less than before. He sighed, "People adapt. After a few blasts, the shocking factor diminishes."
George, shaken by the Joker's callous disregard for human life, snapped back to reality. He knew continuing this stalemate could cost him his career, maybe even his life. He had to act.
His gaze sharpened, and he signaled to his deputy in the helicopter: "Sniper ready?"
The deputy responded with a swift, affirmative gesture: "Snipers in position, ready to engage."
As the Joker reached for the remote again, George gave the order. A precise shot rang out.
A bullet ripped through the Joker's chest, a spray of blood misting the air. The force knocked the detonator from his hand. A second shot followed, embedding itself in the Joker's body.
"Yes! Sniper rifle!"
"About time! Were those officers just standing around?"
"Good riddance!"
The live broadcast showed the Joker collapsing in a pool of blood, sparking cheers from the terrified onlookers. Yang Xu felt nothing, almost a sense of amusement.
The Joker, as he fell, twisted his head toward the camera, a chilling, almost conspiratorial smile spreading across his face. This smile instantly silenced the celebration.
A chilling realization dawned on the viewers: "This guy kidnapped the mayor, planted multiple bombs, hijacked the New York Times for a live broadcast… and he's this easily taken down? Something's wrong. Seriously wrong."
Panic replaced the cheers. Uncertainty gripped the crowd.
George, sensing something was amiss, grabbed the comm unit from his deputy, demanding, "Status report! Is the target confirmed neutralized?"
A sniper, perched in a nearby building, relayed the report: "Commander, the bullets hit the chest and abdomen. Target incapacitated. Vital signs require direct observation."
"Good work. Remain vigilant."
"Yes, sir."
George breathed a sigh of relief, his doubts partially allayed. Yang Xu, however, remained unfazed.
Then, as expected, the large screens across Times Square flickered to life, showing the Joker's face.
"What?! He's not dead?!"
"Is that a decoy?"
"He's alive? Or is it a double?"
The Joker grinned, holding the camera to his face. "If you're seeing this video, assume I'm dead. Which means you failed my little multiple-choice quiz. So…"
He paused, opening his mouth wide, a crazed look in his eyes. Leaning into the camera, he screamed: "I have a present for you all! A big present!"
"BOOM!"
A colossal explosion rocked the New York Times Building. A chain reaction followed, blast after blast, tearing through the lower floors.
Even at a distance, the force of the blasts sent a shockwave through Times Square, scattering the crowd. All eyes turned to the burning, collapsing New York Times Building, the Joker's maniacal laughter echoing through the screams and chaos, still visible on the screens around them.