—Chapter One—
THUNDER ROAD
ARKHAM ASYLUM is a grey building with black highlights running up and down it, accidently adding to the dour aesthetic. A large black gate with an electrical current running through it covers the main entrance of the asylum, a long winding path that leads to another set of gates. Around the hundred acre land is a dull grey electrified fence, twenty feet or so high. The building itself is several floors high, at least fifteen, though it is also a very slim looking building. Classically gothic.
Ms. Miller, the secretary, sleepily answered the phone as it buzzed clinically next to her. Her well manicured hands wrapped around the receiver and she raised it to her ear, pushing aside he brown hair. The buzz seemed to continue a moment after she picked up the phone.
"Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane, Ms. Miller speaking, how can I help you? Ah, hello, Officer Deacons." She typed a code into a computer and trailed her finger along the screen, searching for a name. "Yes, yes. Carlyle, Flint. You're early. I'll buzz you in." she hung up quickly and pressed down on a button under her desk. A sharp beep was heard and then a click as the electronic door in front of her opened with a hydraulic hiss.
Officer Deacons walked in with a military stance and a firm expression plastered on his face which was creased with experience. He wore the standard leather body armour that all Arkham guards wore; a navy blue with black straps and a stun gun strapped to the right thigh. Trailing behind Deacons was the new inmate that Ms. Miller had mentioned. Carlyle, Flint. His wrists were handcuffed together, as were his feet, both of which were connected by a long line of links.
Carlyle was a fairly tall man whose face was covered in age and scars. His eyes had clouded over to make them a misty white colour, reminiscent of gone-off milk. His nose protruded violently from his aged face and hooked slightly over his thin blue lips, casting a cruel shadow down his chin. His body was vaguely skeletal and he looked even thinner because of the baggy orange jumpsuit which was draped over him. 010994 was printed in black letters over his heart.
"You can take him on through." Ms. Miller said and signalled to a thick door to her right. It too hissed violently as the two men walked through it and down a long concrete corridor. A red line ran along the floor, dividing it in two. Everyone had to keep to the left o as to avoid congestion. Not that many inmates ever walked the corridors together or in groups. Flint was pushed forward by Deacons who constantly kept a firm eye on him and his hand above his stun gun. They waited outside the office of Warden Jeremiah Arkham's office after Deacons knocked.
"Come in," said the Warden from inside.