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"Jonathan, please. Tell me what's going on."
Edward Nygma knocked on the door to The Master of Fear's room for the umpteenth time in the last hour. "Please?"
A muffled "No." sounded from beyond the door.
The Riddler sighed. He was thoroughly confused. He knew who Lyle Bolton was of course. Bolton had been head of security at Arkham Asylum until he was dismissed because he was "unfit" to care for the inmates. He'd later gone insane began calling himself the name "Lock-Up". After being apprehended by the Batman, he was transferred to Arkham with several kidnapping charges. The Riddler had heard rumors of the horrible things the man had done to several of the rogues at the asylum, but none of the rogues who had been inmates at the time would tell him any concrete truths. Not even Harley, who was open about most things. The Scarecrow had been one of the inmates at the time, Eddie knew, but he'd never said anything about it. So what was going on?
"Jonathan," Eddie asked again, knocking once more, "Why won't you tell me what's happening?"
Suddenly the door flew open, and the Riddler had to jump back to avoid getting hit in the face. The Master of Fear stood in front of Eddie, breathing heavily, eyes wild and a little red around the edges. "Because, I don't want you to get hurt again, that's 'why'!" he exclaimed. For a moment the Riddler merely stood there, eyes wide in shock. Jonathan blinked, and as if realizing what he had just said, shifted from foot to foot, refusing to meet the Riddler's gaze and looking embarrassed. After a few minutes, Eddie blinked as well and shook his head. Then he looked up at the Scarecrow. "Jonathan," he said gently, "I can't pretend that that thug didn't rough me up. I know you….don't want me to get hurt, but things have happened now. And it seems to me that I'll be in more danger if you don't tell me what's going on."
Jonathan bit his lip and looked at the Riddler. And for the first time, Eddie saw a deep sadness in his eyes. Then the Scarecrow blinked and it was gone. "Alright." he said, sighing. "I'll tell you."