Author's Note :)
Thank you both BrockTreeJustLeft and PineappleGrenade for reading!
And to answer your question PineappleGrenade later on, around chapter 7 or 8, there's going to be a very significant Hush spoiler (sorry that it wasn't stated earlier!). The Hush Arc was the first bunch of Batman comics I ever read, and I instantly fell in love with Harley and The Riddler :)
Disclaimer: I own nothing, I swear! Except for Doctor Allison Capuano :P
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Part 4
Allison had almost settled into an uneasy sleep when the door swung open once again. "So, my dear, do we have a decision yet?" The Riddler said, twirling his cane as he spoke.
"I'll help you." She whimpered, refusing to look at him. My, my, doesn't she look pitiful.
"I'm not asking you to assist me, I'm just asking you to lend me your… expertise." He remarked before lifting her up off the ground.
"What-" She started but stopped when she saw him pull a knife out of his pocket. Her breathing stopped and she closed her eyes, waiting for the pain to come. Instead none came, only the relief of her hands being released from their confines. Soon her ankles were free from their ropes, but in their place one was gripped by a heavy metal contraption. So he hadn't killed her… yet. She practically fell to the ground when he released her.
"Just a little precaution," He smiled cheerily, tapping the metal anklet with the end of his cane. "You see, if you do attempt to escape, and, by some wonder, succeed, you won't be getting too far. This building is wired with a sort of electric fence, you leave its confines, you get a shock, and while it won't be painful, it will paralyze you until I reverse it." The look of horror on her face startled him. "I apologize, but it's necessary that for now, you stay here and do what I've brought you here for." He's apologizing for causing me pain? What kind of rogue is this guy? He had an extremely grim look on his face. Wait, what does he think is wrong with him?
"Alright," She agreed. "And after I do what you've brought me here for," She repeated his words carefully, not wanting to be upset him, "do I get to go home?"
The Riddler's mouth curved up into a faint smile. "We'll see. Depends on how well you do your job."
"Alright," She responded patiently, "well then let's get started." She looked around. "Do you happen to have paper and a pen anywhere?" He raised an eyebrow. "To record your symptoms…" She added at his reluctance.
He reached into his pocket and handed her a small spiral notebook and a pen. "Why don't we go sit?" He gestured to two dusty armchairs. Allison sat down, and crossed her legs (very awkwardly mind you, as the metal anklet was all but convenient), and placed the notebook in her lap.
"So, erm… what's wrong?" It was strange watching him; he behaved as if he were a normal patient who had come into the hospital for help, as opposed to him being her kidnapper, demanding medical attention in a deserted warehouse.
"Constant headaches, nausea, frequently losing consciousness, and bouts of forgetfulness," he calmly listed his ailments, which she scribbled down carefully.
She glanced down at the list, noting that it was most likely something neurological. Oh the irony… She thought to herself. "I'm assuming that you have already ruled out any casual illnesses such as influenza…" She trailed off.
"Naturally," his gaze was fixed on her notes. "That would be why you are currently here."
"Oh yes," She looked around. "Erm…" She began timidly, but stopped. With such general symptoms, it could be a whole list of diseases and disorders. She tapped her foot on the ground nervously. Allison had never encountered a rogue before, but she knew they were known for two things: their rapid-fire mood swings, and their lack of patience. Allison prepared her next words carefully, hoping to not end up in the police report as the next Riddler victim.
"Is there a problem?" He gave her a skeptical look, gripping his cane tighter than usual, preparing himself for just about anything.
Allison gulped nervously. "I don't… know what it is just yet." She paused, and then frantically burst out. "But if you give me more time, I know I can figure it out!" She exclaimed, running her words together, her voice several octaves higher than usual.
Her outburst took the Riddler by surprise. "Very well," He said and stood up. "I have a rather extensive library of medical text that you may use." The Riddler straightened his jacket a bit, and advanced to the door. "And Miss Capuano," He called back from the doorway. "I'm not like the Joker or Two-Face in that I commit murder regularly. I'd like to let you know that I have not killed anyone in around four or five years." He added coldly and slammed the door, the noise echoing throughout the room for much longer than it should have.