CHAPTER EIGHT: THE ROOFTOP SUMMIT
Later that night, the Black Jester is the last to arrive at the meeting with the other vigilante Jesters. High on the skyscraper’s rooftop, they have the best view of the city. The black sky glitters with twinkling stars. Stories below them, the city and building lights sparkle. The palm trees lining the streets dance rhythmically in a balmy sea breeze. Aside from a few stray cars and the distant wailing of a police siren, the streets are mostly quiet.
“I was beginning to think you weren’t coming,” the boisterous voice greets the Black Jester.
As usual, the Black Jester ignores the comment and remains silent as he joins the group. They’re a colorful group of Jesters, each with a uniquely designed costume. The Black Jester’s costume is the plainest of the group, as he prefers practicality over pompousness. The most ornate member of the group is the Gold Jester, boasting a luxurious golden Venetian-style costume complete with mask and headdress.
The Blue and Red Jesters are equally impressive although not as elaborate. Each Jester blends in perfectly with the constant influx of drunken costumed partiers and tourists in the party areas of the city, as is their intent. However, unlike the vacationing tourists, each Jester costume is also bulletproof and hides an arsenal of weapons.
“Thank you all for meeting here tonight. I felt it was necessary we talk face to face,” the Gold Jester says.
“Things are getting out of control,” the Blue Jester voices in concern. “They found one of your throwing stars!” he says to the Black Jester.
“Relax, Justice. Everything is under control,” the Gold Jester reassures them calmly.
“How can you say that?” the Blue Jester challenges. “Things are going off track. We’re pulling in too many outsiders. That defeats our purpose!”
“They are all part of our purpose,” the Gold Jester answers, this time more sternly. “By bringing them in, we only speed up our plan. The capital they contribute will only accelerate our efforts.”
The Blue Jester snorts. “And by capital you mean the money we steal from them?”
“They give it willingly,” the Gold Jester says, slowly pacing the rooftop. “And then, we end them. Two birds with one stone. The plan is pristine.”
“Pristine?” the Blue Jester echoes. “The police department is on high alert. With the number of bodies we’ve been putting down, it’s only a matter of time before they tie a piece of evidence to one of us.”
“Not if you’re careful,” the Gold Jester retorts. He turns and looks at the Black Jester. “Which I’m sure you’re being careful, right, Vengeance?” he says. “No more breadcrumbs for the police!”
The Black Jester remains still and silent, but the Red and Blue Jesters are visibly anxious.
“All right, so, let’s talk Antonio Strong. What’s the rest of the plan with him? Do we still need him?” the Red Jester chimes in.
The Gold Jester shakes his head. “Antonio Strong has contributed more than anticipated to the fund. As far as I’m concerned, he’s done.”
“Fine by me,” the Red Jester says. “How and when do we do it?”
“He’s mine,” the Black Jester murmurs.
The Gold Jester chuckles. “That’s what I love about you, Vengeance. You’re a machine,” he says in admiration. “Well then. It’s decided. Strong is done.”
“Don’t you want help?” the Red Jester says. “Strong still has men with him.”
“Like I need help,” the Black Jester responds dryly.
The Blue Jester sighs heavily and breaks the circle. He paces to the edge of the rooftop and crosses his arms as he peers down at the brightly lit streets.
“Crisis of conscience again?” the Gold Jester teases him.
The Blue Jester pivots and paces back to the others. “This many people were never supposed to die,” he says emphatically, pointing at the Gold Jester. “Since when does saving this city from corruption involve so much killing?”
“This is justice!” the quick-tempered Gold Jester hisses.
“Justice?” the Blue Jester challenges. “You think murder is justice? We’re practically terrorists! I didn’t agree to all of this to get involved in terrorism. I’m doing this to stop terrorism!”
The Gold Jester rushes the Blue Jester and grabs handfuls of his costume. The Black and Red Jesters jump in to pull them apart, shouting at them to stop.
“There is no court for monsters like these!” the Gold Jester yells. “They have too much money and too much power for the legal system to work on them. Hell, Justice, most of the city government is on our target list! They don’t follow the rules, so we have to make new rules for them!”
The Blue Jester has his own crushing handful of the Gold Jester’s costume. “When we started this, we had a noble cause. Or doesn’t anyone remember that?” he looks around at all the Jesters. “But we’re nothing more than murderers!”
The Gold Jester growls in frustration. “Our cause has never been nobler! Everything is going according to plan. Everything! Why can’t you see that?”
The Red Jester pulls the Gold Jester away and restrains him. “Stop this! We’re all on the same side.”
“The same side?” the Blue Jester retorts. “The only side I see here is his.” He jerks his head towards the Gold Jester. “Let go of me!” he growls at the Black Jester. “He has the King fooled into thinking this is the best way. But it’s not!”
“Calm down!” the Black Jester warns, releasing the ruffled Blue Jester.
“You’re becoming just like them,” the Blue Jester accuses the Black Jester. “If this ends badly… if this ends with him turning into the next tyrant that oppresses this town, then he and I will have a problem!”
“Be careful threatening me, Justice,” the Gold Jester warns. “That’s not something you want to do.”
Agitated and angry, the Blue Jester throws his hands up in the air. “I’m done with this. I’m out. I’m going straight to the King and telling him it’s over.” He turns to head for the door to the stairs. But the Gold Jester’s words stop him in his tracks.
“Your sister,” the Gold Jester calls after him. “Your parents.”
The Blue Jester spins around and faces them.
Walking towards the suddenly stoic Blue Jester, the Gold Jester calms his tone. The Black and Red Jesters follow him, prepared to intervene in the case of another scuffle.
“Remember why you’re doing this,” the Gold Jester says, now standing directly in front of the Blue Jester. He peers into his old friend’s eyes, trying to connect with him again. “Remember why all of us are doing this,” he adds, holding his hands out and open. “It’s not about money, or power. It’s about purging evil. It’s about restoring justice and order, and it’s about doing what’s right. For our families, for us, and for them.” He points to the sparkling city streets below. “The King wants what’s best for them and for us. Remember where your loyalties belong.”
The Blue Jester breathes deeply in an effort to calm himself. “I know,” he says, his demeanor subdued. “All right. I just need to go.” He glances at the Black Jester and then stalks back through the metal door leading to the building’s stairway.
“So we’re done with Antonio Strong. Who’s next?” the Red Jester asks.
The Gold Jester pauses silently then turns to face the remaining Jesters. “Next, the King says we are to go all the way to the top. The stakes are higher. But so are the rewards. Are you two up to the challenge?”
“I’m in this all the way,” the Red Jester answers, pommeling his fist into his other palm.
“We’ll talk soon,” the Gold Jester. “Meanwhile, I want you to help with Strong.”
“No,” the Black Jester utters. “He’s mine!”
“Use your head, Vengeance. You increase the chances of something going wrong by handling it on your own,” the Gold Jester objects. “Take Blades with you,” he says, pointing to the Red Jester. “You’ll need the backup.”
Aggravated and
angry, the Black Jester storms past the Gold Jester and leaves through the same roof exit the Blue Jester just took.
The Gold Jester’s eyes follow him and remain fixed upon the metal roof door as it slams shut. “Watch him. Make sure he doesn’t become a liability,” he commands the Red Jester.