7. Walk Away July 22
Days passed. Jenny went to work every day, and was gone more of the time. Jonathan read a lot, but did little else. He occasionally watched the news. Nothing particularly interesting was happening. Most of the inmates had been recaptured. He saw his own picture on the screen a few times, so people would recognize him. Bruce Wayne was rebuilding his house. Little else was happening that sparked his interest. There wasn't any news about Ra's al Ghul. Presumably, he remained anonymous.
One morning, Jonathan woke up soon after sunrise. Although he had been there for more than a week, he was momentarily confused as he tried to remember where he was. As soon as it came to him, he sat bolt upright, despite the discomfort this caused in his head. He let out a low moan, and looked around. He was alone, as far as he could tell. He assumed Miss Ducard was still in her room, probably sleeping. Who knew when she had gotten home.
He got up and went to the kitchen. After searching for a while, he managed to find some cereal for breakfast. He stared at it dubiously, then shrugged. He had eaten worse. He ate slowly, thinking. He was trying to figure out whom she would most likely give him to, and what his fate after that would be.
He had already mulled over what Ra's would do. Probably kill him. The police would either commit him or kill him, neither being a particularly desired outcome. But what about Batman? Presumably, he would turn Jonathan over to the police, but it was difficult to tell. He might just kill him. Since he obviously had committed the grievous error of attacking Miss Dawes.
Which begged the question of who this batman was. Clearly, he must have some connection with the Assistant D.A. But what else? He must have had some form of childhood trauma, Jonathan thought. Perhaps he did this for revenge. Maybe a loved one had been killed, and he was trying to get back at the murderer. Or prevent further death, at any rate. But none of that narrowed down the choices very much. Many people had seen the effects of the rampant crime in the city. And many of them would have access to the D.A.'s office.
Jonathan frowned. He was missing something, something important. What was it? Oh yes, his gadgets. From what he remembered of seeing the batman, he had quite a few toys that would be difficult for a normal citizen to get. This meant that either he was a hypocrite who had stolen things, or he was fabulously wealthy. Jonathan was pretty sure that the latter was more likely.
Now, what do I know about the privileged few? he wondered. He thought immediately of the recent return of Bruce Wayne. He was rich enough. And the fact that Batman had only started to appear a little after Wayne's return seemed like too much of a coincidence. Jonathan nearly laughed out loud. The famed Batman, known for being ruthless, brilliant, and perhaps a little mad, was none other than the most vapid man in the city. How clever, he thought. He had built up this personality to hide what he truly was. No wonder he no longer got along with his friends from before he vanished; he had actually been smart then.
Jonathan shook his head, smiling. Why didn't anyone else figure this out? Hmm… He wondered where, exactly, Wayne had been for those seven years. It was a long time to have mysteriously vanished, especially as he hadn't told anyone where he had gone. The media thought he had "gone to find himself," but they abandoned this theory when they saw how brainless he appeared to be. No one was guessing anymore.
He wondered how he could find out where the billionaire had gone. Somehow, he doubted Wayne would tell him. But perhaps someone else would… Who would know? Suddenly, Jonathan was struck with a thought. Miss Ducard called Batman, so she probably knows who he is. And if she does, she might know more about him. Intriguing. He wondered what her connections with the bat were. She didn't appear to be a friend, because she refused to watch the news whenever they talked about him.
He recalled that she also avoided news broadcasts about some other subjects as well. She avoided ones about the mob, and about women being attacked. Whether she evaded these out of fear or something else, he wasn't sure. Something to think on, he thought as he returned to the couch to read.
Jenny woke up and rolled out of bed. "I hate mornings," she mumbled as she got into the shower. Half an hour later, she felt much more awake. She was dressed and ready for a new day. Despite the fact that it was almost half over. "Time for breakfast," she said softly. She looked at the clock next to her bed. "Or lunch," she amended.
"Good morning, Dr. Crane," she said as she left her room. He was sitting on the couch, reading something.
He glanced up at her. "Good afternoon," he replied with a slight smile.
She shrugged, and made herself some cereal. After breakfast, she took out a piece of paper and a pencil. She busily began to write notes to herself, varying from her shopping list to the different things she could get from turning in Crane. She would be more trusted by whomever she turned him in to, but she still had to determine which person would be of the best advantage as a friend.
Finished, she put the pencil away and tucked the paper into her pocket. She pulled on her trench coat. Crane looked up at her expectantly. "I'm going out," she explained. "Again, make yourself at home."
"Thank you," he said calmly. She wasn't sure he was mocking her or not.
"You're welcome," she replied, frowning a little. She shook her head, and left.
Jonathan smiled. "Fascinating," he whispered. "She doesn't like me." He rose and went to her desk. Unsurprisingly, it was cleared of everything. After rifling around in the drawers, he found a hastily scribbled note.
Jenny,
Very important that you come see Ra's right away. He is so mad at you! He wants to know what you're trying to pull, turning in his best scientist for a reward to the police. He says that he'll have to get rid of you if you do it again, no matter how much you may mean to me. Please don't make him! I know he would kill you. Why can't you just work for him? He pays well. I know you don't like how he handles things, but you saw what happened to the last guy who said that. He has to go out of town for a while, so please come and see him beforehand. He says he may have found his secret weapon, and we'll finally be able to leave this place. Please come. I know you and I have never really gotten along, but I wouldn't like to see you in trouble with anyone. Maybe you should just go back home, and not get involved anymore. Come see us in the old warehouse, you know the one. We'll be there on Tuesday afternoon, don't be late! Love ya,
- Renee
"Interesting," Jonathan mumbled. "Very interesting." So, she made more enemies than friends in her bargains. Obviously, she didn't feel obligated to change just because she'd been threatened. Admirable, but foolish. He knew Ra's quite well. He was a little mad, and would do anything that was necessary. Scary. "I would never try to make him upset," he said softly. "That would be suicide." He smiled. "I think I like her," he added.
Suddenly, the phone rang. Jonathan jumped, and quickly shut the drawer without thinking. Of course, who ever was on the phone wouldn't know what he was doing, but it made him nervous. He walked over to the answering machine to listen.
"Jenny! Pick up the phone!" a female voice said. "Why won't you talk to me? Hmm… maybe you're busy," she said, laughing. "Well, call me back as soon as possible. I have some info on your doctor friend you might be interested in. By the way, if you're there Dr. Crane, my name is Lisa. I like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain. Give me a call, honey," she added, laughing again. "Well, call me, Jenny. I've gotta go. Bye!"
Jonathan continued to stare at the phone. "That was weird," he said. He blinked and shook his head. "Anyway, what did I learn from that? Nothing… oh well," he sighed. He looked around the apartment, wondering what else he should do while he had the chance.
Still no reason to run away, he decided. Besides, Miss Ducard is fascinating. I'd like to study her some more, he thought. He shrugged, and returned to the front of the apartment. He passed the bookshelf, and stopped, staring at it. He smiled coldly, and picked up the scrapbook she'd tried so hard to keep from him. "Know your enemies."
Jenny walked warily down the street to her apartment. She looked carefully at the man standing at the corner, wondering if she should run or not. He seemed to be staring at her. Trying to shake off her paranoia, she walked a little faster to the corner. Suddenly, he lashed out at her. He grabbed her by her trench coat and shoved her against the wall. She dropped her bag in the process, and, oddly, he bent to pick it up. While he was distracted, she kicked him in a delicate place and ran, grabbing her bag as she went.
She ran up the stairs, panting. Fumbling with her key, she tried to catch her breath. Hastily, she whipped open the door and slipped in, slamming the door behind her. Crane looked up at her in surprise. She took a deep breath, then walked to the kitchen where she set the bag.
"What happened?" he asked quietly.
"Nothing," she replied hastily. She missed the cold smile that followed her too quick response.
She glanced up toward the living room, then froze. He had her book again. She suppressed a sigh. Was it worth another confrontation? Yes. It was the only thing left of her parents. It was a scrapbook of articles they had written, and ones that they had liked. She didn't want him looking at it. Also, it had some more personal things in it that she would not allow him to see.
"Give that back," she said icily, walking over.
He looked up and smiled. "It's far too interesting. And you won't let me read a more recent newspaper," he added, looking toward her room. The look seemed to be conveying a vague threat, but she hoped she was just being paranoid.
She stiffened. "Please," she said, as amiable as she could manage.
He frowned a little at her, cocking his head as if studying her. She took that chance to snatch the book from his lap. With surprising speed, he leapt to his feet and grabbed her by the collar.
"Let me go!" she screamed at him.
Without expression, he swung her into the wall, pinning her hands to her sides.
"What are you doing?" she gasped, eyes wide with fear.
He smiled a little sadly. "You frighten easily, Miss Ducard. Especially when it comes to men," he said calmly, like he was discussing the weather. She stared at him. He leaned closer, and she closed her eyes. "But you don't have to fear me," he told her gently, his face far too near to hers. Then, he released her and returned to the couch as if nothing had happened.
She was vaguely aware that she was holding the book again. She clutched it to her chest and ran into her room.
Jonathan watched her go, frowning. Why had he done that? He wasn't sure. Well, he supposed the question about wanting to scare people had been answered. But he'd never done that without considering all the possible consequences of his actions. Or, at least, rarely. Now, he'd frightened the only person who didn't seem to want him dead. Not to mention felt obligated to feed him. Not very wise, he chided himself. Might as well leave at this point, he thought.
Or he could apologize, a voice in his head suggested. He blinked in surprise. Well, that would certainly be unexpected. So it might work. Women were very susceptible to that sort of thing. He decided, why not? The worst she could do was kick him out.
Jenny sat on her bed, glaring at the door. This just wasn't her day. Maybe Lisa was right. Maybe she should just give him to the police and be done with it. Gordon would appreciate that, certainly. But what would Ra's do? Well, in her defense, he hadn't made a decision. So she could hardly be expected to hold to his wishes when they were so ambiguous.
Suddenly, the phone rang. She picked it up without thinking. "Hello? Oh, hi, sir. It's good to hear from you," she drawled glibly. She listened for a moment. "Yes, sir, I'll be right there. It may take a few minutes, however. I have a few… loose ends to take care of. No, nothing to worry about. Say hi to my sister for me," she added. "Bye." She set the receiver back down and sighed. Then, she rose and put her shoes and trench coat back on.
Jonathan rose from the couch and was heading for the bedroom door when it opened. Jenny froze at the sight of him, but quickly regained her composure.
"I'm sorry," he blurted. He had hoped for some more time to plan this out and make it sound more convincing.
She frowned. "Now you're sorry?"
He cocked his head at her again. "Yes. Would I lie?"
"Probably," she replied coldly.
He frowned a little. "I'm sorry you feel that way," he said impassively.
She continued to frown at him. "What makes you think you have the right to ask that of me?" she demanded.
"Ask what? For forgiveness? Everyone has a right to ask. It is up to you whether you grant it or not," he replied matter-of-factly.
She stared at him for a moment, then turned around and walked back into her room. He watched her, wondering where she was going. She returned after a moment carrying something: his briefcase. He stared at it, uncomprehending.
"Here," she said, holding it out to him.
"Where did you get that?" he asked warily.
"I stole it," she said icily.
"Why?"
"Because I thought you might need it," she replied.
"For what?"
"Whatever you used it for before I found you."
He frowned, staring at the case. Then, he smiled. "I don't think so. You can keep it."
"Why would I want it?" she said defensively.
"I really don't know," he said with a shrug. "But you can have it if you like."
She sighed, and put it on the kitchen counter. Then, she opened it. "I have your mask, but there's only about one dose of fear gas left," she told him.
"That's okay," he maintained.
She stared at his briefcase, thinking. She glanced up at him, then back at the mask. He waited patiently. He had no idea what she might be thinking about. Well, he was pretty sure it had something to do with him, but didn't know beyond that.
"Well," she said softly. "That's interesting. Anyway, put on your shoes. We're going," she added.
"Where?" he asked, wondering if he'd failed some test he didn't know about. Women were odd that way. Although, it wasn't a subject about which he knew a great deal.
"To see Ra's al Ghul," she replied.
