The footsteps drew closer and closer. With the heavy rain falling, the underground parking garage grew increasingly damp. Barbara felt herself sweating, but the sweat clung to her skin, making her even more uncomfortable. Her heartbeat was a little too fast; she was worried the Joker might hear it.
She gripped her phone tightly. It had become her only source of security. Not because she was counting on that Electronic Life, of course, but because she had faith in her own hacking skills.
The Joker seemed to be looking around. He did not look like a very good detective. But the underground garage was leaking in places, and Barbara had fled too hastily. Her wheelchair had rolled through a puddle, leaving a trail of water that was simply too obvious. It would have been hard for the Joker not to notice.
The emergency signs were not connected to the lighting system's circuit, so even after all the lights went out, the green emergency exit signs still provided some illumination. The Joker followed those lights over, nearly reaching the front of the pickup truck.
Just then, a Mazda nearby suddenly started. The Joker whipped his head around as the Mazda turned on both its headlights and taillights, smoothly backed out of its space, and sped toward the underground garage exit like a shot.
The Joker remained where he was. He chuckled softly, then murmured, "Looks like I'm getting close..."
Barbara shuddered involuntarily at those words. She pressed her lips together, held her breath, and tried not to make a sound.
Just as the Joker rounded toward this side, the pickup in front of Barbara suddenly started as well. Its accelerator slammed to the floor, and with a bang, it sent the Joker flying.
Her phone vibrated again. Barbara saw the words