Just when Emma thought she would be waiting weeks to speak with Walter, Dr. Long returned from speaking with the board. His eyes were wide and he stuttered over his words. Apparently, after the incident in the canteen, the board wasn't against her speaking with the vigilante. However, she could not use the interrogation room to do so.
"So where the hell am I supposed to do this?" she demanded.
"Well…" Dr. Long started. "The, ah, the board wasn't specific on where, but someone did recommend that you talk with him in his…um, cell."
Her jaw dropped wide open. "His cell? Please tell me you're joking!"
He shook his head. "No, Dr. Jones, I'm quite serious and so were they. Now, if you don't want to do this after what I've just told you, then you have every right to—"
"No, I'm still doing this," she stated. "I'm just, you know, surprised."
Dr. Long let out a huge sigh and put his head in his hands. "Emma, I swear, you're going to give me a heart attack."
"Don't be so dramatic, Dr. Long," she rolled her eyes.
"I am not being dramatic, Emma," he stated. "What I'm trying to tell you is that you are completely and utterly insane for wanting to talk to a very dangerous vigilante in his cell, which by the way is in the middle of the lion's den."
"I won't let the board scare me off just because they think I'm a liability. I will have a talk with Rorschach, and I will have guards there to protect me if things get out of hand," she started gathering up her notepad.
"You know what," Dr. Long said. "If you want to risk your life for that vigilante just so you can get your name in the paper—"
"This is not about my name!" she snapped. "Just because your attempt didn't work doesn't mean mine won't either!"
The doctor was speechless. He looked as if he had been slapped across the face. Emma sighed and tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. "Dr. Long, look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you."
"Don't be," he replied. "I had no right to say that. I've known you for a few years now and I know you're not the type looking for fame."
"I just want you to understand," she said. "I know I can help him."
"Why are you so determined, Emma?" Dr. Long asked. "You weren't this determined when you spoke with those other two convicts."
"I know," she sighed. "It's just…Rorschach, or Walter, he reminds me of someone I knew when I was younger. It's like I can relate to what he's thinking and feeling. I think that by relating to him, there's a better chance of breaking through to him."
Dr. Long nodded. "I hear what you're saying, Emma, and I think you're on to something. But, I have to ask. This person you're referring to wouldn't happen to be your brother, now would it?"
Emma exhaled sharply. "No comment. Now, can I please go do my job?"
He nodded. "Kovacs has been informed that you're coming. Ten minutes, and nothing more. Officers Barney and Johnson will escort you. If things start to take a turn for the worst, get out of there."
She nodded as she took Walter's file. "Wish me luck." With that, she walked out of the office and down the hall where her escorts were waiting. The guards nodded and opened the door that led to the cells. She adjusted her sweater and tried to remember to breathe. She suddenly felt nervous when the sound of men's voices reached her ears.
"Don't worry, Dr. Jones," Officer Barney said. "Rorschach's cell, believe it or not, is in a quieter part of the prison."
"I'll take your word for it," she replied as she followed him through the door. As she had expected, she heard catcalls and rude comments coming from the prisoners. They were practically bursting through the bars of their cell doors, trying to reach out and grab her. The guards had to whack their hands away with their nightsticks as the continued to walk.
Emma tried to ignore the prisoners as they walked. She took the time to observe the holding facilities. The walls, floor, and ceiling were all gray and concrete. She felt cold and depressed as she stared at the gloomy surroundings. She then wondered if Walter was feeling just as sad. Finally, they went down a flight of stairs towards the solitary section. As the guard had said, it was much quieter. Some of the men were reading or lying on their cots or playing cards by themselves. She looked up ahead and saw one cell off by itself, isolated from the others.
"Here it is," Officer Johnson murmured to her. "Ma'am, we've five hidden guards watching this cell. "I'll be in the cell with you, and Barney will be just outside."
"Okay. Thank you," she breathed.
They stopped just outside the cell and Officer Barney nodded to the guard just outside. "We'll take it from here, Red," he said, and the guard went down the hall.
Emma looked inside and nearly forgot to breathe. Walter was lying on his metal bed, staring up at the ceiling. His blue prison coat was lying on his feet. The only other objects in the cell were a toilet and a chair built into the wall. He looked at his visitors and sat up. She looked at his beaten face and wondered if he even remembered her.
Barney looked into the cell and said, "Rorschach, you've got a visitor. The doctor's here to help you." Officer Johnson took out his set of keys and inserted them into the lock. He slid the cell door open just enough for Emma to squeeze inside. Johnson followed after her and Barney slid the door shut.
"Ten minutes," Barney said.
Emma exhaled and sat in the chair. "Hello, my name is Dr. Emma Jones. I'd like to ask you a few questions."
Walter looked her up and down, his expression blank. "Was already asked questions by Dr. Long," he said.
"I'd like to ask you some follow up questions," she replied, trying to keep her voice leveled.
He shrugged and said, "Ask away."
