Chapter 2

Chapter 2

First Discussion

I sat in the back of Gordon's van as we sped down the road towards his agency. I was a little nervous, since that was my first time ever going to a real police agency before. I could still hear the Joker's agonizing yells from the back of the van. I could almost picture him twisting around on the floor, his mangled face contorted into a horrific grin. He would be throwing his yellow/green head back and forth, and his eyes would be endless pits of hell. I shivered at the mere thought of it. I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to calm the hell down. I needed to be brave if I was going to take on the most insane man of our time.

The van stopped abruptly, and I glanced sideways at Gordon. He smiled at me and said, "We've arrived Miss Woods." I nodded and climbed out of the van, and onto the sidewalk. I listened to the yells of the Joker as he was removed from the van, and taken inside the headquarters. I let out a long breath, and began to walk up the stairs. When I entered, I saw that the Joker was already in his cell. He was seated on a bench, and looked livid. His black eyes were emotionless, and his hair was messy. His long, purple coat was tossed on the floor, and he was chewing on his lip. He glanced at me as I entered, and leered.

"Evening beautiful, you here to see me?" His voice was rough, but quiet. I rolled my eyes, and didn't answer. Instead I walked over to a chair at the nearest desk. A few moments later, Gordon entered, and sat down across from me.

"Now, I assume you already know that he has no alias, no origin, and no name. Also, he has nothing in his pockets but knives and lint, just like last time."

"And what a time it was!" The Joker cackled from his cell, "Remember that time co-missioner? We had way too much fun!" He flicked his tongue out, and then back in again, before clapping his hand over his mouth to muffle a loud giggle.

I stared at him in repulsion. "You are so twisted!" He glared at me, and then lapsed into silent laughter.

Gordon sighed, "Look Lara—"

I cut him off. "Jim I know. Just let me try okay? I can do this, I swear to you! I'll get that information out of him!" Gordon looked taken aback, before standing up.

"We'll talk about this after I get some coffee okay? Would you like some?" I shook my head and he shrugged and began to leave the office. At the door he turned back and said to the Joker, "Don't harass her, got it?" The Joker gave Gordon a mock salute, and the commissioner left the room, slamming the door behind him.

I sighed and leaned back in my chair, putting my hands over my face. What had I gotten myself into? I was going to be investigating the madman of Gotham! I breathed out roughly, and rubbed my eyes. Suddenly I had the urge to look over at the Joker. Bad move. He was staring directly at me.

I scowled at him. "What?"

He smirked, "So your name is Lara? You got a last name?"

I pursed my lips. "Woods."

"That's boring."

"So?"

"Well, I thought someone with such a lovely face would have a nicer name." He leered at me, and I rolled my eyes.

"Well excuse me for not having a name as interesting as the Joker. Why the hell do they call you that anyway?"

"Ah ah ah Miss Woods! You're not to ask me questions until tomorrow!" He grinned and I glared at him. "Tonight is my night girlie. I get to ask the questions this time! No, where shall I begin?" He pretended to ponder, before smirking. "Let's start with something simple: How old are you?"

"Younger than you by far!" I snapped.

He wagged a finger at me. "You didn't answer my question little missy. How old are you?"

"Twenty-one," I snarled at him, "why does it matter anyway? Like you can use it against me!"

A slow smile spread across his face. "Oh but I can. You see, I am the Joker. I can use any bit of information I get against the person who gave it to me!"

I stared at him. "You're insane… I'm in for one hell of a week, aren't I?"

He laughed, "It was your idea little girl, not mine. If it was up to me, I'd rather not have to be asked all these questions. It's really boring. I have better things to do anyway."

"Oh really, like what?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

He grinned, "I'd much rather be out and about in the city, having fun, wreaking havoc, if you know what I mean…" He winked at me, and I gagged. He laughed and stood up in his cell. I was surprised by how tall he actually was. He walked slowly over to the edge of his cell, the part closest to me. He motioned for me to come close. I figured since he was behind bars, I was safe.

Yeah, smart move Lara…

I reached the cell, and he suddenly grabbed my face with one of his hands. "So smooth…" he whispered, turning my face from side to side with his hand, "so, unscathed. I'll have to fix that." He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pocket knife. Shit! I thought, they told me they had all his weapons! I tried to pull away, but he held fast.

"Do you want to know how I got these scars? Let me tell you… You see my father; he was an alcoholic, and a bad one at that. That never made me happy as a child, so I rarely smiled. Then, one night, he came home so wasted that he tried to attack mommy. Well, she grabbed a kitchen knife to defend herself. That went well. He ripped it from her hands, and did to her what he was about to do to me. When he had finished with her, he turned on me. I wasn't smiling, I couldn't, I was so shocked. My mommy was dead, and forever smiling. He leered at me and said, "Why so serious?" and then lunged at me, and disfigured his only son! Some say he was crazy! Insane even! Can you imagine? Calling someone insane?"

"You mean like you?" I spat. Bad move. He put the blade of his knife into my mouth, and pressed it to the inside of my cheek. He leered at me, and I felt my mouth fill with my own blood. He hadn't yet cut deep enough to completely slice my cheek open, but he was getting pretty damn close. Just as he was about to finish the job, the door opened, and Gordon came back in. Upon seeing the scene, and flew across the room, and knocked me out of the way, before seizing the Joker's knife.

He helped me to my feet, and, after making sure I was alright, started yelling at me. "What the Hell is wrong with you!? I knew it, you clearly aren't ready for this job! Go home Lara!"

I panicked, "Oh no please! I'm sorry! It won't happen again! I'll stay three feet away from his cell at all times! I promise!"

"The hell you will!" Gordon spat. He then turned on the Joker, who had sauntered back over to his bench. "And you! If you ever touch her again, you'll be sorry! She is here to help you dammit! Respect her!"

Joker laughed his head off at that remark. "Respect? You want me to respect her?"

Gordon nodded angrily, "Yes! And if you don't, then it's the asylum for you! Got it Joker?"

The Joker rolled his black eyes. "Got it, co-missioner."

Gordon nodded, sighing. "Right, let's go Lara, I'll show you where you will be staying for the next few weeks." I nodded and followed him towards the door. The Joker called after me.

"Oh Lara dear? It was lovely to meet you; I look forward to our next meeting…" He winked at me, and I cringed, running out after Gordon, the sound of his maniacal cackling behind me.

AN: Kay, so there's chapter two! I hope you guys enjoyed it! I'm still trying to get the feel of the Joker, so if you have any suggestions, just let me know okay? And R&R please! It's much appreciated!