Author's Note: I do not own the batman films in any way. Also thank you to those of you who have reviewed, and who have listed my story as a favourite! It absolutely made my day as this is only the second fanfic I've written. Sorry this is a short one but it's just to set up what is to come...

Chapter 2: A Form of Normality.

The air was bitterly cold as Niamh made her way through the dingy streets of Gotham to the large building that housed Wayne Enterprises. Since Bruce's return to his native city, Lucius Fox had been allocated an office on the top floor – which housed only one other person's office, that of Mr Wayne himself. She had lost count of the paper cuts and grazes she had received during the move, lifting boxes and organising a new filing system were not her favourite jobs. Today was finally the day that Bruce was making an appearance at the office; he had been back in Gotham for nearly three weeks, people were made aware of his return, but very few had seen him. After all he was supposed to have been deeply affected by his last experiences in Gotham and undergoing therapy. In reality he was researching during the day and conducting reconnaissance missions during the night.

After a now rather lengthy ride in the lift Niamh reached the top floor and was surprised to see Bruce already waiting in the reception area, no doubt chatting up the receptionist she thought. She saw that he was wearing a very smart, fitted and surely expensive black suit; suddenly she felt self conscious. Lucius smiled at her as he saw her, handing her a cup of steaming hot coffee. After working with him for two years the pair had a routine, whoever was in first made some very strong coffee; as neither could manage the morning without it. Bruce threw an award winning smile in Niamh's direction and she prayed she wasn't blushing noticeably as she returned a timid smile.

"We have a few things to discuss; shall we use your office Bruce?"Lucius gestured to the large door behind them.

"Why not? Niamh we need you to be in on this as well" Bruce nodded and indicated for them all to follow.

Two hours later, the trio finally emerged from the office, having discussed matters relating to business and the batman. Niamh instantly returned to her desk which was the ante-room of Lucius' office to begin the necessary paperwork and phone calls. Bruce stood in the door way watching her and couldn't resist going over to talk to her.

"Are you sure you don't need any extra help – we've given you a lot to do?" He questioned

"Its fine don't worry, after sorting out your resurrection the last couple of weeks this will be a doddle – I mean how many times can one man be declared dead?" She grinned sarcastically. Despite himself Bruce laughed out loud.

"Very good Miss Niel – I see that I have met my match. If you get a minute could you pull out any articles relating to the Arkham Asylum?" Niamh's head snapped up, a frown on her face

"Why the asylum?"

"After my past dealings with that place I thought I'd ask a few questions, Alfred told me that for some reason some very high security patients are being transferred there from other hospitals, but no one knows why."

"What do you mean past dealings?"

"A few years ago the head doctor was involved in planning a chemical attack that would destroy Gotham and he was using the inmates and the asylum to put the plan into action. It all got a bit nasty, but Batman saved the day so to speak. So I'm always a bit suspicious." He explained, moving away towards the door.

"James works at Arkham" Niamh stated quietly. Bruce turned looking confused "My partner, he's a doctor there – he's conducting research to try and produce a new treatment for psychotic episodes. He's never mentioned anything about high risk patients or anything dodgy going on" She shrugged.

"That's reassuring then" Bruce smiled, he didn't voice his thought that James wasn't likely to admit if there was something going on.