Sessions with Joker didn't get any easier. She had skipped the charity event, and relaxed at home. A few nights later, she got a visit from Batman. She was very surprised, when she walked into her room, and found Batman standing in the corner of her room.
"What are you doing in my room?" She asked.
"Have you been taking better care of yourself?" He asked.
She crossed her arms in front of her.
"Yes. I've made it home every night since then. Is there something I can help you with?" She asked.
"How is it going with Joker?" He asked.
She frowned.
"I've told you before, I can't discuss a patient, or acknowledge if he is a patient, or not." She told him.
"Are you at least being careful around him? He's a very dangerous man." He said.
"A man all the same. I can handle myself. Is there anything else I can do for you?" She asked.
"Take care of yourself Dr. Lake." He told her.
She nodded.
"I will." She said.
She turned the light on, and by the time she did, Batman was gone. She shook her head, and headed for bed.
*X*
Hope had recieved two invites to Bruce Wayne's next event. The first was the initial invite. The second was to remind her. She exhaled loudly, and decided to call to let them know she wouldn't be there.
"Wayne residence." A british voice answered.
"Hi, my name is Hope Lake. I'm calling about my invitation to Mr. Wayne's charity ball. I'm sorry, but I have to decline. I will not be able to make it. Please let Mr. Wayne know that I can't make it." Hope said.
"I shall inform Master Bruce of your abscence." The british man said.
"Thank you so much." Hope said.
She hung up, and went to take a long, hot, bath.
Hope got into her pajamas, and then looked over Joker's file, once more. She lost track of the time, for a while. It was two in the morning before she made herself go to bed. Once again, she never realised that she was being watched. The watcher slid out of the window silently, not once disturbing Hope.