Chapter Two: Therapy

I visited the Joker, as he likes to be called, four times that month; every meeting one that I had to fight to receive from Commissioner Gordon. It seemed I was getting no where and everywhere all at the same time. While I believe he's being truthful when he speaks on Batman and other such entities of his life, I believe he skips over or lies on everything else; almost like he's afraid. It's funny to think that way though, that the Joker is afraid after all the hell he caused in Gotham only three months prior to our first meeting. But, when you look at his eyes, it's like you can see a real live person in there, not just a maniacal manic causing havoc for the lunacy of it all. He's hurt, and I intend to dig for the reason why; even if I have to dig backwards to get it.

I look down at my watch, it's 6:30 in the morning, I have half an hour to get to the facility. I finish tying up my long hair and grab my briefcase as well as a Rorschach test that I want him, as well as a few of my other patients, to look at later. When I get to Arkham, there's triple security on the Joker's cell. Ahead of me, Gordon waits. "What's the meaning of this? What could he have possibly done?" I realize my voice is slightly raised after receiving a look of warning from the commissioner. "I'm sorry commissioner, but I just don't see a point in extra security when he's already chained down as it is."

"Dr., if you'll follow me to my office, there's a visitor for you." Gordon walks past me without another word and I give a small huff of annoyance before turning and following Gordon to his office. I am seated in his office which is nearly pitch black. He leaves and shuts the door behind him. In front of me, I hear another door creak open. A figure is moving in front of me, that much I can see. They take a seat at Gordon's desk and turn on his desk light. My eyes are adjusting to the light and I adjust my glasses. Ahead of me, he sits. Batman. For some reason, though I should have none, I feel a slight annoyance towards him.

"Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, born September 11th, 1985 in Queens." He is reading off a report on Gordon's desk. "Degrees in all forms of psychology, studied at NYU. Sounds good, Dr. Now tell me, have you any idea what you've gotten yourself into?"

"What are you talking about?" I demand of him, trying my best to keep my voice level with patience.

"The Joker. What do you know about his escape from Arkham over the past weekend?" Shock overflows my body as I sink in this news. The extra security... I shudder at what they must be doing to the poor thing. This is what I get for taking one weekend to travel out to Queens and leave Gotham; the poor thing...

"I-I had no clue he escaped... is he alright? Is he hurt?" I'm on the edge of my seat, something he doesn't fail to notice. I lean back a bit. "If you don't mind, I'd like to wrap this up. Not only are you wasting my professional time with the Joker, but I have at least five other sessions today." He growls slightly and stands, leaving the room. I take that as my cue to be able to leave and gather my briefcase in my hands and make my way back Joker.

I'm allowed into his cell and I'm horrified at the sight. Not only are his original chains still binding him, he's wrapped up tight in a straightjacket and chains wrap around his legs and chest tightly; tying him like an animal to the wooden chair. The green in his hair is fading and untended cuts riddle his face; a black eye easily seen around the deserting black face-paint that covers his eyes. I rush over to him and and look at the wounds up close. Immediately, I practically break into my briefcase and desperately dig for my band-aids I keep on hand. In front of me, he begins to laugh. I look up at him.

"What's so funny about you being hurt?" He takes a moment to calm down.

"Harleen Quinzel." He reads off of my papers. "Rearrange it and you get Harley Quinn, sound familiar?" He licks his lips like he often does.

"I know, I've heard it. Harley Quinn sounds like the clown character Harlequin."

"Precisely my point, Harley. Do you mind? I think I'm gonna call you that for short, Harley Quinn."