To all my fans, I am so sorry!!! I've been sick and my laptop crashed. When it rains it pours for me is all I can say. Excuses aside, I plan to update regularly again. So as always I would appreciate reviews, and I know I deserve some flames.... so go ahead and vent.

"You know," I said, looking at him. "That is not very helpful."

"It's all I have right now Elsbeth," Crane responded, adjusting his glasses.

"I thought you were supposed to be a genius," I said, slightly irritated. A slow, pounding headache was beginning, and I had just realized I was very hungry.

Before he could respond, my stomach interrupted loudly and embarrassingly.

"Excuse me," I said, my cheeks burning.

Crane gave me a small smile, and then excused himself to notify certain people of my awakening. Including the cafeteria, for which I was grateful. I don't care if they feed me dead kittens and grasshopper legs. I want food!!!

I had just laid my head back, and was resting my eyes when the doors to the infirmary came thundering open. I jolted up in bed, prepared for the worst, hoping for the best.

"Elsbeth!" Cash said, rushing into the room.

"Hey Cash!" I said, grinning. There was no one I wanted to see more badly.

He came over to the side of my bed and took up Crane's previously vacated chair.

"Good to see you up kid," he said.

"Good to be up," I said. "Although, I wish I woke up under different circumstances. Like maybe in Hawaii, or Bora Bora."

"I hear ya," he said, shaking his head. "Life on the M has been crazier than usual."

"Whats up?" I asked. Crane told me bits and pieces, but left me hanging in anticipation.

"It's like a war zone in there," he said, running his hands over his extremely tired looking face. I felt for him.

"Heard the Joker was paying me visits," I said. It creeped me out big time. I wouldn't put it past him to rape me or worse.

"For a while, yeah," Cash said. "But once we caught on, no more nightly visits. It was off to solitary. Permanently."

"He...Um." I started. I didn't really know how to ask, but I had to. "He didn't touch me or anything, did he?"

I didn't ask Crane because I simply didn't trust him.

"No, nothing sexual anyways," Cash said. "When we found out he was making regular visits, I had Molly examine you."

"That's good," I said, letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "But what does, not sexual anyways mean?"

"We found traces of his makeup on your forehead and cheeks," he said, looking uncomfortable. "Video shows that when he left he would kiss your forehead."

I wasn't really sure how to process that. If anything was in my stomach, it would have come up.

"Could be worse, I guess," I said, trying to be positive. And it was true. He could have done a lot of damage to me. But I still felt violated.

"True," Cash said, trying to stifle a yawn.

"With the Joker in solitary, the M should calm down some, right?" I asked. I was hoping that now with the Joker locked away from me, I might be able to bide my time in peace until I was released from this hell on earth.

"Not a chance," Cash said. "If anything, it's worse."

"How is that possible?" I asked.

"The Joker has pull here," said Cash, leaning forward in his chair. "Without him running interference between the inmates on the M and the rest of the looney's in this place, it's like a free for all."

"What about when he's not in Arkham?" I asked. If he was that important in the feral pecking order here, how did this place operate when he was out and about in Gotham?

"Just because he's not here, doesn't mean he doesn't still run this place," Cash said.

"So why is it falling apart now?" I asked. "If he can run this place from Gotham, then something like solitary confinement should be no problem."

"He's just being pissy," Cash said. "Mad that we stopped him from peeping in on you."

"Pissy is an understatement Mr. Cash," Crane said from the doorway.

I was about to be angry that he returned, when I noticed and smelled the aroma's coming from a tray he was holding. My mouth began to water.

"Please tell me that you brought that for me," I said in anticipation.

"Yes I did," Crane said with a smile. "But you must do me a favor first."

I pulled a face. I did not like being bribed, or bullied.

"Give me that food or I'm going to get out of this bed and kick your scrawny ass," I growled at him.

His smile grew wider, and he set the food tray down on my lap. Cash was chuckling to himself.

When I was finished, I was in such a good mood I asked Crane what kind of a favor he needed.

"I want you to pursued the Joker to stop all of this," he said.

I tipped my head back and laughed. Long and hard. He was bonkers. I wasn't going near the Joker, for any reason.

I saw his eyes darken. Even with Cash sitting next to me, I shuddered. Then I reconsidered.

"Elsbeth," Crane said. "Perhaps I was not clear enough earlier. Arkham Asylum is experiencing a riot. We have already lost control of two wings."

"How can the Joker stop a riot?" I asked.

"Because he started it," Crane said.

"So call Batman," I said.

"Batman is already here," Crane said, sounding slightly worried.

"If I do this for you, what do I get in return?" I asked. I was hoping Batman would show up and take me away from all this craziness. Then it hit me. If I did this, I wanted out of here, forever.

"What do you want Elsbeth," Crane said, sounding agitated.

"I want out," I said. "Out of Arkham."

"Elsbeth," Crane began.

"If you want me to talk to the Joker, then you better get the papers ready, because I want out," I said, letting him see how serious I was.

"I'll think about it," Crane said.

"Well think fast," I said. "My offer expires when you walk out that door."

Crane looked like he was struggling.

"If you are able to persuade the Joker to end the riot, I will sign your release papers," he said.

"Your my witness Cash," I said.

Cash nodded.

"If you go back on our deal," I said, "I'll ask Bane to rip your head off."

Crane paled and then nodded his head.

"Then we have a deal," I said, holding out my hand for him to shake. After a few moments hesitation, he shook it. Then left the room. Something didn't feel right.

"He gave in to easily," I said.

"Got that feeling to," Cash said.

"He's going to fuck me over," I said.

"He's sure as hell going to try," Cash said, getting up.

"Where are you going?" I asked him. I didn't want him to go.

"I'm going to see if I can help Batman," Cash said. "Maybe mention you in passing."

I grinned.

"Cash!" I said, practically bursting with joy. I was almost free! There is no way Batman wouldn't come and rescue me. It might take time, but he would come for me. He had too.

"Stay out of trouble," Cash said. "And not matter what, don't go near Joker in solitary."

I nodded my head.

"I'm gonna get you out of here kid," Cash said, looking at me.

"Thanks Cash," I said, blinking away tears. It had been so long since I felt cared for. I knew deep down that my mother and father loved me. But it didn't mean they had to like me.

"No problem," he said and winked. Then he walked out.

I felt alone, and slightly scared. But then I felt hope. Cash was going to get Batman, and they were going to get me out of here. And the Joker wouldn't bother me again. My thoughts turned dark when I saw Crane enter the Infirmary again. This time he was carrying a fresh set of Arkham white's, shoes, socks, bra and underwear. He even brought me a makeup case.

"What's all this?" I asked.

"I thought you would like to change and spruce up before we go," he said.

"Go?" I asked. "Where are we going?"

"To see the Joker," he said.

I felt all the blood leave my face. I just woke up from a three week coma, which funnily enough was induced by the very same man that I was supposed to go see. I felt my heart rate quicken and my breath hitch.

Cash and Batman better find me quick, because I had a feeling once I got to the Joker, I wasn't coming out again.