As Jonathan was led into the rec room, he looked about for the Mad Hatter. His criminal cohort had been returned a few days previously but as yet they hadn't had a chance to catch up. Naturally Hatter had had to spend a few days being settled back in… but Jonathan had expected to see him by now.
With a frown he sloped over to join Riddler in front of the TV. Edward glanced across to him but mercifully said nothing. Jonathan leant back and idly looked at whatever Nygma had opted to watch. Probably a game show. However his attention was caught by the news article being reported.
His face glued itself to the screen and his eyes stared even as his long fingers were digging into the arms of their settee. Beside him, Edward Nygma watched his reaction with interest.
"What did the sofa ever do to you?" he asked in amusement as Jonathan's knuckles whitened on the arm rest.
"That's Jervis' technology," Jonathan spoke in a low, deadly voice. Edward looked up at the screen. Buddy Standler's agent was trying to explain the comedian's bizarre behaviour. Or at least confessing he couldn't explain his bizarre behaviour.
"But Hat's in here with us," Edward pointed out rationally.
"I know," again Jonathan enunciated his words very carefully. "But isn't it strange he hasn't joined us for free time? And why should Jervis be targeting a comedian?" Riddler looked back at the screen and Jonathan could almost see his mind working.
"A comedian who happens to be a judge at this year's Laugh-Off… where our friend Joker was rather unceremoniously kicked out last year."
"Precisely."
"So you think…" Riddler began but Jonathan was already stalking off. Practically the whole room turned to watch as he headed straight up to the duty doctor, Dr Bartholomew.
"What is it Scarecrow?"
"Where's Jervis?"
"That's hardly any of your concern."
"But I am concerned," Jonathan hissed. "Have you seen him today? Spoken to him?"
"We didn't have a meeting scheduled today… not that it's any of your business. Now sit back down or I'll have the guard escort you back to your cell." One of the guards moved closer in what was obviously meant to be a threatening gesture.
"And does nobody check the patients if they don't respond?" Jonathan stared at the guard. He shifted uncomfortably under the glare.
"The guards check the patients every morning, you know that Crow."
"I know they're meant to," he didn't remove his eyes from the guard who had now begun to visibly sweat. Despite himself, Dr Bartholomew turned to the guard as well.
"You did check Jervis this morning?" The guard glanced at the doctor before nervously looking back to the Scarecrow's deadly gaze.
"Er…of-of course."
"You're lying," Jonathan whispered. The guard gulped but a knock at the door spared him any further interrogation. He quickly hurried over and let Dr Leland into the room.
"Dr Bartholomew," she casually walked over and nodded to Jonathan before continuing to speak to her colleague. "The Batman just arrived. He's determined to speak to your patient."
"Jervis?" Jonathan queried. Dr Leland looked up at him.
"Yes."
"Good." Without another word, Jonathan turned and stalked back over to the sofa. Joan frowned as she watched him go.
"What was that about?" she asked Bartholomew.
"I… I'll explain later." He headed out the door to go meet with the caped crusader.
Back in front of the TV, Edward watched Jonathan's return with interest.
"Any reason you're so concerned?" Jonathan spared him a dismissive glance.
"Besides the fact that Joker shouldn't be allowed to steal any of our methodologies without so much as a remonstrance?"
"So, you're saying if it were my MO Joker were using you'd have given the doctor the same death glare?" Jonathan glanced again at Nygma.
"Jervis has monothanatophobia," he replied simply. Edward looked confused but let the subject drop. He knew better than to start any discussions of phobias with Crane.
They were still sitting watching the TV when Dr Bartholomew brought Jervis to the rec room.
"There we are Jervis," he gestured round the room. "Plenty of people here." Jervis looked round nervously before making his way across to Jonathan and Edward.
"There you are!" Riddler exclaimed. "Crow thought something had happened to you." Jervis flinched slightly and looked between the two of them as he sat down. Up close he looked unusually pale.
"How are you, dear child," Jonathan asked in a soothing voice. Hatter only nodded and turned away.
"What…" Edward began to Jonathan but the lanky individual held up a hand to silence him.
"Were you happy in prison, dear child?" he continued. Edward was surprised to see a tear roll down Jervis' cheek as he turned his head again.
"Speak can't you?" Jonathan asked.
"They're getting on very well," Jervis murmured. Jonathan nodded apparently satisfied. Riddler looked between the two of them.
"Are you alright?" he queried, though whether he was speaking to Crane or Tetch wasn't clear. Jervis looked over to him with a slight smile back on his face.
"His name is Haigha," he remarked. Edward looked up to Jonathan who was now apparently engrossed in his own thoughts.
"Hare?"
"The other Messenger's called Hatta."
"Ah, this is from Alice in Wonderland?" Riddler suggested. Jervis frowned irritably.
"No. Alice Through the Looking Glass."
"I must have two, you know," Jonathan interrupted suddenly. "To come and go. One to come, and one to go." Jervis clapped his hands delightedly.
"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"
"The Knave of Hearts, he stole those tarts," Jonathan replied. Jervis bit his lip nervously.
"We should all have our heads cut off," he said dubiously. Jonathan waved a hand airily.
"Nonsense." They stared at each other, Jonathan obviously trying to convince Jervis, until Jervis gave a theatrical sigh.
"We must have a bit of a fight."
"That proves his guilt," Jonathan nodded, apparently satisfied he'd won the argument. Edward continued to stare at the two of them and then muttered venomously,
"I hate you two."
This chapter is focused round the episode "Make 'Em Laugh". Jonathan uses lines from Lewis Carroll to firstly reassure Jervis, then to discuss a secret plan… much to Edward's annoyance.