The Universe's Mixer

Dinah was getting desperate for answers. She had long since lost track of the days since Jake’s disappearance. All she knew was that it had been far too long, and still there was no sign of him or the Joker.

She was frustrated, and running on as little sleep and food as humanly possible. Every second spent in downtime was a second that Jake was suffering and she was doing nothing of usefulness.

It was one city. One. She’d had an easier time finding people when they’d been kidnapped and taken out of the country. She should have been able to do this.

Dinah descended upon the man that was her best hope of finding answers. She’d already questioned him, but a few sources had pointed her right back to this thug as being one of the Joker’s henchman.

The Canary dropped behind the thug in an alley, silent in her approach. He didn’t know she was there until she spun him around and slammed him up against a wall. His eyes went wide and his face paled as she leaned against his windpipe, allowing just enough air to talk.

“Shit, Canary. I already told you everything I could.”

“No, you didn’t, Joey. Word on the street is that you and the Joker are tight,” Dinah snarled. “And I’ll tell you-I’m getting really sick of this wild goose chase. Tell me where he took the kid and maybe I won’t break all of your bones and leave you right here for anything that prowls the night to happen upon.”

“I can’t. He’ll torture me. You should see what he’s done to your boy. But you- you’re supposed to be a good guy-you wouldn’t dare-”

Dinah drew back her free hand and slammed an open palm into his nose, which shattered on impact. She ignored the cries of pain and the blood that was now dripping down his face, a few splatters landing on her sleeve.

( You have no idea what I would do to get him back. )

The glaring sign over his front door drew Howl's eyes upward as he entered, shaking his head in disgust. WIZARD JENKINS. It was just the sort of flamboyant sign he would have chosen, if he'd wanted the attention. Which he didn't. Not now, anyway. Next thing he knew, people would be coming to him for spells and charms, and that meant work. Howl had already learned he didn't need his own money in this City, so there was really no point in advertising something he didn't need to do to get by. He'd have to do something about that sign, and soon. Which was typical of Howl's attitude toward anything remotely involving work. Think about it, then procrastinate to the point where nothing actually got done.

( He entered the castle... )