And here's the epilogue and conclusion to this part of the story. I want to give a sincere thanks to everyone who read it, with special shoutouts to Anonymous Red, KatherineNotGreat, nicsnort and Scarlet Firestrong. You guys made my day with your reviews.
"As you requested, I've completed my study into the question of Edward Nigma."
"And what have you discovered?"
Dr. Strange leaned back in his plush office chair. "His intellect seems to have remained at the same level as it was before his unfortunate accident," he said into the phone. "His emotional state however, is as volatile as it ever was. He hasn't fully accepted his new life, it seems. It didn't take much to plant further doubts in his mind."
"Will that be sufficient? He could sense a trap."
"He could," Strange conceded. "But the man is a compulsive. He's done a better job at hiding it, but his earlier behavior remains. I doubt he's even aware of the extent. Even if it's against his best interests, once he has an idea, it will become an obsession. It will lead him to his downfall."
"What about the Detective?"
Strange chuckled. "That relationship is as fraught as it ever was. It won't take much to turn them against each other, especially once Mr. Nigma begins acting out. The GCPD's been expecting him to backslide for months, he's had a falling out with Ms. Kyle and her associates and he is no longer on speaking terms with the other assorted super criminals. Cobblepot is on friendly terms with him, but I believe he could be persuaded to abandon him, given the correct incentive. Edward Nigma is utterly alone, with nothing and no one to anchor him to his current life. I expect to see him back in Arkham by year's end, if not sooner."
"Then you believe he is no threat?"
"None whatsoever. He's a gadfly. Nothing more. I believe that Batman remains as our only significant obstacle."
"Good. Proceed with the plan as scheduled then. Keep me informed as to any changes."
"Of course, Master."
The line went dead. As he hung up the phone, Dr. Strange glanced up towards his TV. Speak of the Devil, Edward Nigma was being interviewed by that insipid Vicki Vale about his role in Horner's apprehension. Dr. Strange sneered as Nigma ate up the attention he received from the reporter. "Nothing's changed. You really are still that little boy seeking validation, aren't you?"
On the television, Vale pressed a question to the private detective. "Mr. Nigma, there's been many voices in the GCPD, including Commissioner Gordon, who have expressed doubts about how genuine your reform is? Do you think that your solving such a high profile case will lead to greater acceptance of you from the GCPD and from Gotham at large?"
There was a slight twitch of Nigma's left eyebrow as he formulated an answer. It was such a slight movement, that Vale no doubt failed to notice. Dr. Strange however, didn't. "It's not just the GCPD who have doubts, is it Mr. Nigma?"
"Well, while I certainly wouldn't mind a little less hostility from the authorities, I didn't decide to reform to get on their good side. As long as I can use my intellect to solve challenging cases, I can't complain about my lot in life too much."
Hollow words from a hollow man, Dr. Strange thought. He let a grin come to his face as he watched the rest of Nigma's interview. Nigma's behavior during his partnership with Sharp had proven that the man could not be controlled. If he could not be controlled, he would be broken and contained. "I will see you in Arkham again very soon, Mr. Nigma. It's only a matter of time.
"Commissioner Gordon will see you in a few minutes, Dr. Young."
Penelope nodded at the secretary. "Thank you." She settled in her chair in the waiting room just outside the GCPD bullpen. It had been two weeks since the events at the Arkham memorial and she'd had a lot on her mind since then. After much thought and more than one long conversation with Joan and with her mother, Penelope had found herself here at GCPD, ready to take Gordon up on his offer for her to consult with GCPD.
And to think, she had Edward Nigma of all people to thank. She didn't want to admit it at the time, but the man was right. As guilty as she felt, as she still felt for what had transpired at Arkham that night and for Horner's rampage, she didn't want to just lie down and die. She'd always been, as her mother put it, too stubborn for her own good. Slayer of regrets, old and new, sought by many, found by few. She wasn't sure if redemption for what she'd done was really possible, but if there was anything she could do to even begin to make up for what she'd done, the GCPD was the best place to do it. No matter what promises Sharp may have made her in the weeks since the memorial, she would never go back to Arkham.
"Dr. Young?"
She looked up to see the secretary from before.
"Commissioner Gordon's ready for you. Follow me."
Dr. Young followed the secretary around the bull pen, taking stock of the officers who may soon be her co-workers. They were mostly busing themselves with their tasks, although there was one large, rather unkempt officer offering rather choice commentary on Batman to anyone who would listen. Finally, she was stopped in front of Gordon's door. The secretary knocked.
"Yes?" a voice called from inside.
"Dr. Young's here, Commissioner." the secretary announced.
"Good, send her in."
The secretary opened the door for Dr. Young, then returned to her desk. Dr. Young entered the office to see Commissioner Gordon finishing up paperwork. When he saw her enter, he got out of his desk and went to shake her hand.
"Good to see you again Dr. Young," he said amiably. "What can I do for you?"
Penelope took a deep breath. She still wasn't sure if she should be doing this. But, if even someone as self-centered as Edward Nigma could prove to have a shred of human decency, maybe there was hope for her yet. "I wanted to speak with you about the job offer."
End