Chapter 2 - Man In The Box.
The 30th October spelled another session with Doctor Quinzel.
The Joker was led to the same room, by the same two guards. He sat in the same seat, at the same table, wearing the same handcuffs.
He slouched in his chair and looked over the table at Harleen. This was their fourth session and The Joker had gone easy on her. He hadn't threatened her, or threw himself across the table and made a grab for her (like he'd done with the other doctors). He hadn't yelled at her or even tried to tell her a joke.
He had observed her. While she was analysing his answers, he was analysing her questions. She was his doctor and it was almost as if he was hers.
"How are you feeling today?" she asked.
"On top of the world!" he answered, brightly.
"Oh?" she replied. "And why's that?"
The Joker leaned further towards her and lowered his voice, "Because I'm gonna get out of here." Harleen blinked at him, not really knowing how to respond. The Joker nodded and widened his eyes, repeating his words again; "I'm gonna get out."
Finally, Harleen spoke; "Wh-what makes you say that?" There was an apprehension to her voice.
"I don't belong in here." he said, shrugging. Harleen raised her eyebrows. "I'm not a whack-job. I know exactly what I'm doing."
"Then I'd say you definitely belong in here." she retorted.
The Joker sat up in his seat, as if to start a debate. "What's going on out there with me in here? Hmm? Nothing. It's boring. Everything's orderly and composed. Surely they miss the action?"
"People are safer now that you're in here. That's not boring, that's comforting."
"Not for you," he answered, a twist in his voice.
"What do you mean?" her voice shook ever so slightly. She didn't like it when he turned things around on her and got personal.
"Well," he started. "If I'm in here, then whoever I'm in here with isn't safe. Right?"
Harleen thought for a moment. He was right. This man had no boundaries, no limits. He could overpower a couple of guards if he wanted to, and Harleen certainly wasn't strong enough to protect herself from him. She cleared her throat. "Are you… threatening me?"
The Joker let out a maniacal laugh, and brought his fist down onto his knee. He noticed Harleen wince as he did so. "Are you scared?"
"No." she answered quickly.
"Liar." he replied, just as quickly. "One way or another, I'll get out of here. Because it's what is meant to happen. Do you really think this is how it ends? Me stuck behind bars for the rest of my life having cosy chats with some chick who thinks she can understand me?" He let out a snigger. "Think about it - while I'm here, I've just got time to prepare. You can't contain me forever. I'm like a jack-in-the-box. And when I get free…" He smiled broadly, baring his yellow teeth. "KABOOM!" Harleen almost jumped out of her skin, causing The Joker to laugh even harder. "Jerky little thing, aren't ya?!"
She adjusted her glasses and started gathering her paperwork. "I think that's enough for today." She nodded at one of the guards, and the two of them stepped forward, lifting the Joker out of his seat.
"Done so soon?" he asked. "I always cherish our talks, Har-ley."
She looked up from the table, surprised at what he had called her. "It's Harleen. But you need to call me Doctor Quinzel."
"I prefer Harley. In fact, I much prefer Harlequin. Maybe your name isn't so stupid after all." he chuckled.
"Take him." Harleen indicated towards the door, and the guards started pulling him towards it.
"Oh, one more thing!" he exclaimed, struggling against the two men. "I never did thank you for getting them to give me back my make-up."
Harleen looked up at him from her seat, expressionless. Since their first session, The Joker had always talked about wanting his make-up. And in all honesty, Harleen found him a lot less intimidating with the make up on. It took her focus off the scars slightly. So she had somehow managed to persuade the director of Arkham to let him wear it again, saying it might cause him to be more open in their sessions. "Don't mention it." she answered, as the guards led The Joker away.