Both Jervis and Harley seemed very different after their experience in solitary, Jonathan noticed. Of course, he could see that they were afraid. But afraid of what? He wondered. He himself had spent time in solitary, of course. But he had never come out like that. Nor had anyone for that matter.
They also seemed to be particularly afraid of the chief of security. It didn't seem like anything particularly terrible had happened to them. They had no bruises, cuts or anything. So obviously, he wasn't torturing them. Solitary could not have such an impact on anyone. He decided he must find out what this was all about. It may lead him to a new way to study fear, he thought. However, neither of them seemed keen to talk about their experience in solitary.
"Only spending some time in a cell by yourself?" he asked irritably over breakfast.
"It wasn't a cell!" said Jervis indignantly.
"It was more like a tiny closet." agreed Harley.
Perhaps the chief was using a new more potent fear gas? He said so.
"I almost wish he did use your fear gas!" exclaimed Jervis.
Jonathan frowned, looking from one to the other.
Lyle could see that Jonathan was very interested in the other inmates' experience in solitary. He smiled to himself. Jonathan shouldn't worry too much, as he was soon going to be living this experience for himself. He looked through Jonathan's record. Of course, he thought. Fear. Apparently this filthy scum liked to bring fear to Gotham. Lyle was furious, and he snapped in pencil. He could only imagine such a thing. Everyone frightened, pandemonium reigning over the city.
He looked back up at the monitor, and turned the volume up on the speaker. He could see that Jonathan had not spent any time in solitary. Lyle decided it was time for that to change. He was interested in what they had experienced while in solitary, was he? Lyle would certainly see to it that he soon would have an answer. He made his way to Jonathan's cell.
"I've noticed you have quite an interest in my methods, especially the changes made in solitary." he said.
Jonathan stared. Just how had the chief found out about that? he wondered.
"One of the other inmates commented to me just how you've been inquiring about it."
Jonathan looked up immediately. Someone else had told him? That was impossible! No one would do that! No one shared anything with the guards. Why, not even with the doctors! He was about to speak when Lyle spoke again.
"But that won't be necessary anymore. You're about to experience it for yourself!" he said.