Author's Notes: Hello! Thank you for reading. I apologize for any mistakes in this chapter.. I couldn't be bothered to proof-read just yet. Let me know what you think! I'll update as much as !

A vase with a single red rose sat upon my desk with a small tag attached to its neck.

See you soon -J.

"Was anyone hurt? Did any of the other patients escape?" I ripped the tag from the rose and crumpled it in my hand. So many thoughts flooded into my head. What does he mean? I couldn't fathom what he had in store for us, or perhaps more specifically for me. What had I done that was so different from the other psychologists?

"One of the guards was killed and then placed into Joker's cell. His face was painted as a clown and a Joker player card was then stuffed into his mouth.." Adam, one of the psych nurses, entered the room and placed himself in front of me. "He's coming for you next. We contacted GCPD first thing this morning. They are out searching for him as we speak."

"Out of precaution for our staff and patients, we'd prefer it if you went home for today. We'll send a police escort with you." Dr. Arkham stood in the doorway, leaning his broad form against the frame.

"What do you mean? I'll be a goner for sure if you send me home!" Was everyone losing it? Sure, I don't want my friends to be hurt! But I would hardly be surprised if he knew my home address. A criminal mastermind will almost certainly have access to public records. I suppose they figure I'll be the perfect bait to lure him out..

"We are hardly sacrificing you, Harleen. This is for the good of you and of our staff. I won't listen to another word! I have enough on my plate without wasting my effort on these trivial matters." He clapped his hands together quickly, "Come on then. An escort is waiting for you at the front doors."

Defeated, I lowered my head and let out an audible sigh before leaving my office. As expected, a police escort was waiting for me and he quietly began escorting me to my car. A moment of silence, finally. I desperately need an opportunity to sort out my thoughts. I could not help but wonder, did I suspect anything? Did the vision of his face before I slept serve as a type of warning? Perhaps he had said something.. I could have subconsciously known. The idea is plausible.. anything is plausible when you're working on The Joker.

"I-Is this your car, miss?" The officer had a soft voice with a nervous tone, "If you'll hand me your keys I'll take you home. The station will send a car to pick me up once you are home safely." His handsome face broke into a quick smile, as he placed his hand on the roof. "It appears to be sturdy. Perfect for a pretty psychologist working at a high security looney bin."

I rummaged through my purse, searching for my conveniently disguised set of keys. "Well, thank ya. I'm hardly in the state of mind to compute flattery.. but oh.. here are the keys!" I tossed them into his hands and let myself into the passenger side. He opened the door, adjusted his seat to accommodate his much-taller frame and started the engine. We took off in the most direct route, and arrived at my apartment in what felt like moments.

I forced myself out of the car and headed toward the officer with my hand out for the keys. He dropped them into my hands at once, so I turned on my heel and headed for the apartment . "Wait, miss. I was told to escort you to your actual apartment. Number thirty-three, correct?"

I stopped just short of the main doors and let out a frustrated groan. "You can't be serious! I can handle myself from here, but I do appreciate the thought. Please don't bother, okay? I'll be just fine." I had a strange feeling wash over me, but tried to push the negative thoughts aside. I'll naturally be suspicious today! How could I not be? It's a fear response.. Nothing more.

"Really, I insist. If my colleague shows up and I haven't done my job properly, I'll be disciplined and handed more jobs like this. Please, Harle-en?" He started chasing after me, and I lacked the willpower to fight with him any longer. He paused briefly at the elevators, but followed me up the stairs after a minute of fruitless waiting. "You a stairs kinda girl? Makes sense."

I shook his hand upon reaching the door and quickly let myself inside. Home. Something about entering your home after a long day.. It's like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket or drinking hot chocolate on the first day of winter. Pure - and simple - comfort.

The lights immediately shut off and a terrible laugh echoed through the quaint living room.

I knew it! How could I be so stupid? This is what happens when you ignore that little voice in your head! I swear Oprah devoted an entire episode on this topic.. Had I learned nothing? I..

"You look positively delicious today, Dr. Quinzel. Allow me to fix that.." Another laugh as a blunt object was smashed against my skull.

Darkness. There is nothing more terrifying than the dark.