AN: We used to have bars, but SOME people…why do I even bother protecting the identity of the guilty? The Joker abused the privilege. So now we have glass. Makes for a rude wake-up call, and harder to get out of, but things like this make it worthwhile.
Christineoftheopera-Good, because they won't. They never do.
Johanna Crane-I think he did a good job. I could see that working out in the long-term.
He was expecting someone a little more…well…more. Given Crane's reputation, he was at least expecting someone scary. The Joker has his scars, and Croc is…Croc. But Crane isn't particularly threatening. He's too skinny, and right now he's got cuts and bruises from being dragged back in here.
But he doesn't care about that. He has a story to write, and it was a bitch to get permission.
"Jonathan-can I call you Jonathan?"
"You may not. Move back a bit, please, you're fogging the glass."
Crap. He's grouchy already.
He scoots back anyway. Crane does not rise from his bed. He doesn't do anything, actually, aside from stare at the ceiling through cracked glasses.
"What do you…"
"Doctor Crane. Or, even better, 'Good-bye'."
He's tempted to leave, but he'd never hear the end of it if he did. No, he'll remain here and get what he can out of the guy. The readers want a Halloween piece, and that's what they'll get.
He may have to make a few things up, though. What the hell, he's already moving to Florida next month. It's safer.
"I'm with the Gotham Gossip, Doctor Crane."
"They told me. A most disreputable paper. Tell me, were you planning on spreading rumors of a romance between myself and the Riddler? A suicidal idea, but it wouldn't be the first time."
He knows. The one-and only-time they ran a story like that, the people responsible died horribly. They won't be doing anything that stupid again. Let the internet spread those kinds of rumours.
"No, no." He forces a laugh. Crane sighs. "It's nearing Halloween, and we thought we'd interview you."
That gets him up, if only to slump against the brick wall.
"Freddy Dumas, isn't it?"
Where'd he get the last name? They were only supposed to give him the first name! Shit!
Maybe he'll change his name when he moves to Florida.
"Y-yes."
"Why are you here? Are you trying to build your career? Or end it?"
"Boss made me." He forces another laugh. Crane offers a wintery smile but says nothing. "So, can I ask you a few questions?"
"You may, within reason. You may not ask me about my childhood, however. If you do, that will be the end of the interview. Is that quite clear?"
Freddy remembers his high school math teacher and shudders.
"Yes."
"Good." Crane removes his glasses and gingerly begins to polish them. "One of these days…"
"Um…" He fumbles for his list of questions. "You used to be the director here, right?"
"Mm."
"What's it like to be here now?"
"Not particularly exciting, actually." His voice is dry. "Are they paying you extra to come down amongst the crazies?"
"No." Um… "Did you ever think you'd end up here?"
"Of course not. You should consider yourself lucky we have glass now, by the way. Otherwise the Joker would be throwing spitballs at you."
From somewhere in the asylum comes a mad cackle. Freddy shudders.
"What happened to get you brought back?"
"The Batman, Gotham's sainted protector." Crane snorts. "As per usual. I hear most of the bystanders died, though…would you know anything about that?"
Freddy shakes his head and glues his eyes to his notebook. He's still scribbling when there's a sudden WHAM! on the glass. He yelps and nearly falls out of the chair.
Crane retreats to his bed, smirking to himself.
"Run along now. You can make up the rest. But be careful…I have low tolerance for bad lies."
He vows never to visit Arkham again.
THE END