Chapter 14

I slept poorly that night. I had so much going on inside of my head I could barely keep it all straight. When I got out of bed I headed right for the Joker's file and skimmed the entire thing trying to find anything he may have said in sessions, no matter how inconsequential, which indicated he was lonely or craved a bosom companion in any way, shape or form. I didn't find anything. He seemed proud to be a loner in his interviews. However, Joker wasn't one to tell the truth very often and he certainly wouldn't knowingly reveal a weakness. So why had he admitted it to me? I suppose the fact that he wasn't being recorded had something to do with it. That brought up an interesting point. If I did accept the Joker's case, I wouldn't get anything useful out of him if our sessions were being recorded. In fact, the Joker hadn't been allowed sessions in an actual office environment since his first incarceration in this facility five years ago. Why I couldn't quite understand, he killed Dr. Young and injured numerous others in the interrogation rooms and there was nothing anyone could do about it, so what was the difference. Maybe if I could get Joker in an actual therapeutic setting I would have half a chance of treating him. As things were now Arkham was putting a Band-Aid on an amputation. I decided then and there what I would tell Arkham if he offered me the case.

I looked out the window as I pondered. It was snowing outside. I loved Gotham in the snow, at least for a few hours it made the city look clean and innocent. Tonight was New Year's Eve and the Wayne Foundation Charity Gala. I decided to splurge a little and made an appointment to have my hair and nails done, which was something I hadn't done since my Senior Prom. I was kind of getting excited, I had never been to a black tie society event before and I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

I decided to walk to the hair salon since it was only a few blocks away. It was still snowing lightly so I grabbed my big rainbow colored umbrella and headed out. It was so beautiful. It hadn't snowed enough for it to get slushy yet and everything was still covered in a pristine layer of white. I watched my breath billow out in cotton candy clouds in the cold afternoon air. I made it to Styles n' Smiles a few minutes before my appointment time. I had to giggle at the name, it reminded me of Joker. That's not why I picked it mind you, it was just the closest salon to my apartment and the Yelp reviews were good. My stylist was named Ross. He was tall, blonde and fabulous and his clients raved about his skill with an up-do. My nail tech was Brianna who was petite with a cute pixie haircut that was dyed vibrant shades of blue, purple and magenta.

I had never felt so thoroughly pampered before in my life. It was my first pedicure, which went great until the massage part, where I wiggled and giggled the whole time. My feet are the most ticklish part of my body and I just couldn't pull it together. Ross had magic hands, and I was so glad I choose him to style my hair. He pulled my blonde locks up and loosely pinned them to the back of my head, then set a plethora of wonderful, wild waves in the back. He pulled a few pieces down to frame my face and curled those as well. Then he accented it with tiny floating rhinestones which he glued onto the individual strands. I think because we got along so well Ross also insisted on applying my makeup. I left the salon feeling like a million bucks. My fingers and toes were a sparkly red color to match the dress and I had smoky black eyeshadow that made me look like I just stepped off of a fashion magazine photoshoot. I made sure I tipped both Ross and Brianna very well, which I knew I couldn't afford, but it's not like I go to balls on a regular basis.

When I got home I carefully got dressed. The dress was kind of hard to get into because of the stays in the back, and I wished I had called Di to come over and help me. Eventually though I was able to get into it and get everything tightened. I decided on lace topped thigh high stockings and a garter belt. The skirt of the dress was really full and I couldn't imagine having to struggle with pantyhose if I had to pee. I put on the necklace and gloves, slipped into the stilettos and looked at myself in the mirror. I didn't recognize myself, I looked like a completely different person. Heck I felt like a completely different person. I touched up the deep crimson lipstick I was wearing and placed it into my black beaded clutch along with my wallet and phone.

There was a knock on my door. I opened it to see Ben standing there looking amazing in a black tuxedo and vest. He was right, he did clean up well. His hair was down, but it was super shiny and I had a feeling I wasn't the only one in the room who saw their stylist today. He was wearing that same woodsy cologne from yesterday. He had a red rose pinned to his lapel and he held a small white box in his hands. He just stared at me for a few seconds slack jawed.

"WOW! Harley you look amazing!" I giggled and quickly covered my mouth with my hand.

"So do you, Ben." He held out the box he was gripping.

"Um, this is for you." I took the box from him and opened it. It was a wrist corsage made of deep red roses and baby's breath with tiny seed pearls sewn into the satin band."

"It's beautiful Ben. Thank you." I held out my wrist, "Will you do the honors?" He fumbled with the wristlet a little as he gently grasped my hand and adjusted the strap. Then he looked into my eyes and gave me a sly smile.

"Is it just me, or does this feel like prom night all over again?" I smiled back at him.

"I was just thinking the same exact thing." He held out his arm to me.

"Well shall we?" I picked up my clutch and domino mask, linked arms with him and headed out to the car. I was shocked when we exited the building to see a stretch limo sitting there.

"Oh my God, Ben you didn't have to do this." He smirked as he opened the door for me.

"I know that Harley, but I wanted to. Anyway, didn't I promise to sweep you off your feet? Ladies first."

I got into the limo, and saw there was a bottle of champagne chilling and two glasses.

"I was only kidding." I said as Ben got in next to me.

"Well I wasn't. Look Harley, I know we work together but I really like you. It's been a long time since I had feelings for someone like this and I want you to see that I'll do what it takes to win you over. Champagne?" I must have turned several shades of pink and it suddenly seemed a little too hot in the car.

"Sure, that would be nice." He carefully poured two glasses and handed one to me.

"To our second date. May it be as outstanding as you are, Harley." I could feel the flush on my cheeks deepen as I clinked the rim of my glass to his.

"I didn't know lunch counted as an official date."

"It did to me, so I'm counting it." The smile on his face reached those amazing eyes and I couldn't help but smile back.

"To our second date then."

I suddenly remembered that this was a masked ball, pulled out the domino and affixed it to my face. Ben had a half mask that came down over his nose to halfway across his cheeks and looked like an elaborate bronze wolf or fox. With his hair it suited him perfectly.

When we arrived at Wayne Manor our door was opened by an attendant who helped me out of the car. There was a long red carpet that ran from the driveway, up the stairs to the grand entryway. I again linked arms with Ben and we ascended the front steps where we were greeted by Alfred, who was looking dapper in a tuxedo of his own.

"Greetings Dr. Quinzel, Dr. Stone. Miss Quinzel if I may say so you look absolutely stunning this evening."

"Thank you Alfred, you look pretty good yourself. Is Dick here tonight?"

"Yes Miss, Master Dick will be along shortly, I believe he is having some trouble with his tie at present. The grand ballroom is directly to your left. Please do enjoy yourselves this evening."

"Thanks Alfred."

As we entered the ballroom Ben leaned over and whispered, "You know the Wayne's'?"

"Yes, actually I was here the other night for dinner. Bruce Wayne's ward Dick Grayson is a close friend of mine."

"You're just full of surprises." I shrugged and winked at him.

"I try my best not to be boring."

"I don't think anyone would ever accuse you of that. If they did I'm sure you'd punch them in the nose."

I laughed and punched him in the arm instead as we went to the bar to get some more champagne. I looked around the room at the crowds of people all in designer tuxedos and dresses. There was an actual orchestra at the rear of the room playing a jazz tune I vaguely recognized. People were dancing and mingling in pockets around the room. The champagne flowed like water. I glanced up and saw the largest, most elaborate chandelier I had ever seen, it made the one in the Paris Opera House seem small in comparison. Not that I had ever been to Paris, but I did see Phantom of the Opera in high school. I spotted Tim and Dick on the other side of the room and waved at them. I didn't see Bruce anywhere, nor Damian, but he was only ten so the likelihood was that Bruce didn't want him to attend an adult function like this. Dick waved and began to cross the room. He looked amazing in his tux and he was wearing a black domino mask that was covered in metallic blue stars.

"Harley, you look gorgeous!" Dick leaned in and kissed me on the cheek, "I wasn't sure it was even you when you waved! Just, wow!" He looked over at Ben, "Who's your friend?"

"Dick Grayson may I introduce you to Dr. Benjamin Stone lead medical physician at Arkham. Ben, this is my good friend Dick."

They exchanged greetings and handshakes.

"Listen Harl, Bruce has me playing host until he gets here so you and Ben enjoy yourselves and I'll catch up with you later, okay?"

"Sure Dick, see ya later!" Ben watched Dick walk away then turned to me.

"So, um, just how good a friend is Dick?"

"He's the kind of good friend who taught me how to defend myself." I looked up into his face and continued, "You have nothing to worry about, the last gifts he gave me were a baseball bat and a Taser. Not exactly romantic stuff." I wasn't being entirely honest but I didn't want Ben to get the wrong idea.

Waiters were circling the room with trays of hors d'oeuvres and I grabbed a little tartlet that was filled with warm blue cheese and pears. It just melted in my mouth. I had never had fancy food like this before, it was wonderful. I was limited to what I could sample though because most of it had fish, crab or shrimp in it. Yuck.

Ben and I walked the room and met some of the most prominent people in Gotham. Vicki Vale and Jack Ryder from GNN were here, Mayor Hill, Commissioner Gordon. There were representatives from the five founding families of Gotham. The rich and the famous. I'm not gonna lie, I felt completely out of place. I was actually glad for the mask and the anonymity it provided.

I have to admit after the first hour I was getting really bored. Apparently I was just not a gala type of girl. Ben was talking to Thomas Elliott; a famous neurosurgeon he went to med school with when I excused myself to go to the ladies room. When I was finished I snuck out onto the balcony for some fresh air. It was freezing but it felt good after the stuffiness of the ballroom, and I wasn't just talking about the temperature. I stood and looked across the grounds of Wayne Manor and admired the topiary garden. It must cost a fortune just to water the damn lawn. My thoughts drifted back to my conversation with the Joker. Actually my thoughts drifted back to his face more than anything. He was so unusual, so different. He terrified me. And excited me. I felt a presence behind me and turned.

"I thought I saw you sneak out here." It was Dick sans mask. "You look like you're freezing, here." He took off his tuxedo jacket and draped it over my shoulders.

"Thanks Dick. Done playing host for the night?"

"Yeah Bruce finally made it. You don't look like you're having a very good time."

"No, I'm fine, just have a lot on my mind I guess." He leaned on the bannister, put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his side.

"Well I have some news."

"Yeah? Well don't keep me in suspense."

"I uh, I'm moving to Bludhaven."

"What? Why?" He looked down at me.

"I've been accepted into the police academy there. I leave tomorrow." I was kind of shocked. He never mentioned anything about wanting to become a cop before.

"Oh, well congratulations. I didn't know you had applied."

"Sorry I didn't mention it sooner, it's a sore subject with Bruce so I've mostly kept it to myself. Damian is pissed at me too. Are you mad?"

"Of course I'm not mad. I'll miss you though." I put my head on his shoulder. "Promise me you'll visit?" He turned and wrapped his arms around me. He was so warm.

"I swear, next time I'm in Gotham you'll be the first person I call." He squeezed me and I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him back.

"Am I interrupting something?" Ben was standing there looking very put out and very annoyed. I stepped away from Dick.

"We were just saying goodbye, Ben. Dick is moving away tomorrow." I took Dick's jacket off of my shoulders and handed it back to him. "Call me when you get settled okay. You'll make a great cop."

I walked past Ben and back into the ballroom. He followed me and I knew he wanted to talk but Bruce Wayne was on the podium giving a speech so he settled for whispering in my ear.

"Sorry. You disappeared. Then I find you hugging another guy. What else could I have thought?"

"We'll talk about this later." I whispered back. "Let's just go to our table, it looks like dinner is being served soon."

We found our place cards and sat down. We were seated with Dr. Arkham, Joan, Dr. Zahir and her husband and Dr. Cavanaugh, who I really didn't like, and his wife. Finally, Bruce finished his speech and everyone clapped as he took his seat. Immediately the waiters were dispatched with the first course which looked pretty but was basically a seared sea scallop with some kind of vegetables underneath, I pushed it idly around my plate and listened to everyone's conversations. The second course was something I could actually eat at least, a salad with ripe strawberries, walnuts and a warm strawberry vinaigrette. I was doing my best to not speak with Ben, it aggravated me that he was being pissy and jealous of Dick. When the main course was served, filet mignon this time, thankfully there was no fish in sight on this plate, the conversation turned to something that actually interested me. Dr. Arkham addressed me from across the table.

"Harleen, your report this week was very interesting. Not only did I love your ideas but so did the board." I looked up from toying with my steak.

"Thank you Dr. Arkham, it's only a theory though. I would need more time with the patient to come up with anything conclusive." Jeremiah finished chewing a bite of potato and pointed at me with his fork.

"Well good news then. I'm offering you the case." Ben looked up from his plate with a slightly wary expression.

"What patient? What case are we talking about here?" Arkham smiled, well I guess you could consider it a smile, on his face it really looked more like a sneer.

"Why, the Joker of course. Harleen has the most fascinating theories and I think it's about time we had a fresh perspective on this case." Ben looked downright panicked now.

"Dr. Arkham, forgive me for saying so, but Harley is a resident and the Joker is extremely dangerous. How can you put her in that kind of position?" Now I was downright pissed off. How dare he? I knew how to fight my own damn battles.

"Ben, do me a favor and butt out." I looked back at Dr. Arkham. "If I agree to take this case, and I'm not saying that I am, I want to be very clear about something. My case, my patient, my call. If I take Joker's case I plan on making drastic changes in his treatment plan. I don't want to be micromanaged."

"Of course, Harleen. What kind of changes did you have in mind?" I kept my face stern but I was smiling on the inside.

"First off I want authorization to have sessions in my office, no recording equipment and no guards. Before you ask, yes I have a very good reason for it." Arkham nodded at me to continue. "I've had run in's with the Joker outside of Dr. Young's sessions on several occasions. Those occasions have been the only time I was able to get a modicum of truth out of him. When the Joker is on camera, he's performing. He's playing a role and I can't hope to glean anything useful out of him in that kind of environment. I also think allowing sessions in a real office, besides being more therapeutic, will show him that at least someone at the asylum is giving him a little bit of trust, something I'm sure he's never felt from any of his previous therapists." Ben looked absolutely appalled.

"Harley, are you nuts? Unmonitored sessions in your office? He'll kill you within a week!"

"No Ben, he won't. He'll still be restrained and I'll still have a panic button. Plus, I can take care of myself."

"Harleen," Joan interjected, "While I know you can take care of yourself, I still have concerns about this." Arkham interjected before she could add anything further.

"I am inclined to agree with Dr. Quinzel. Joan, we have been going in circles with this case and although some of her methods are unusual, Harley has had incredible results." He looked back over at me, "What other changes are we talking about?"

"I'll need to focus on this case, I need two hour sessions three times per week, which means I will have to lighten my caseload a bit. I also want authorization to access alternative treatments and have complete control over his medication schedule without interference."

"What kind of alternative treatments, Harley?" asked Joan.

"Isolation therapy, regression therapy, hypnotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy. To be used at my own discretion of course." Arkham appeared to be thinking it over. After a few moments he leveled his eyes at me and said, "Done. I agree to your terms Harleen. Will you take the case?"

"Yes. As long as my authority is effective immediately." Arkham's smile grew wide enough to look almost predatory.

"Splendid! As of this moment the Joker is now your patient. I expect weekly reports on your progress."

Ben grabbed my arm, his grip was strong enough that I thought I'd be bruised.

"Can I have a word with you in private?" I looked up at our companions.

"Please excuse us for a moment."

Ben practically dragged me out of the ballroom and into an empty hallway. He was fuming. His eyes were stern, his nostrils were flaring and his lips were downturned.

"Harley, are you out of your fucking mind? What the hell are you thinking?" I pulled my arm out of his grip. I could already see light blue marks where his fingers had been digging into me.

"I'm thinking I have a shot at helping. I'm thinking that this is a major career opportunity and I'm thinking I may be the only person in the asylum qualified to treat the Joker.

"Well I'm thinking you're a fucking lunatic yourself Harley! Please tell me you're not actually going through with this crazy plan?" I lifted my head to glare at him.

"Of course I'm going through with it! I'm sorry if you don't like it Ben, but this is my career and my choice!" We were screaming now. Luckily there seemed to be no one around to hear us. He looked at his shoes and shook his head.

"I can't do this Harleen. I like you, but I can't waste my time in a relationship dedicating my heart to someone who is going to turn up dead one day because she's stubborn, reckless and career driven." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Well nobody asked you to!" I spun around and said over my shoulder, "Lose my number, asshole!" as I stormed away leaving him there with his mouth gaping as he watched me go.

As I turned the corner I almost ran right into Alfred, who was just the man I wanted to see.

"Miss Quinzel, you gave me quite the start. Is everything alright, I thought I heard shouting."

"I'm sorry about that Alfred, my date is being kind of a jerk. I wonder if you could maybe call me a cab?"

"No need miss, Master Bruce has hired transportation for those guests who require it. Follow me." Alfred led me out the front entrance and motioned to the front car in a line of Lincoln Town Cars. Alfred opened the door and helped me inside then said to the driver, "Please take Dr. Quinzel wherever she wishes to go." I could see why Dick was so fond of the elderly butler.

"Thank you Alfred. Please tell Dick I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye."

"Of course miss, good evening."

The chauffeur looked at me in the rear view mirror.

"Where to miss?"

"Arkham Asylum." He looked at me as if he was expecting me to say 'only kidding,' "I'm a doctor there and I need to see one of my patients immediately."

We drove in silence. I was still pretty upset with Ben. He had no right to judge me. I'm a doctor dammit, treating the sick is what I do, no matter who they are. Whatever happened to do no harm? It's a good thing I have a habit of leaving my house prepared and always carry my employee ID and my key card with me wherever I go.

We pulled into the asylum and I asked the driver to wait for me. This wouldn't take long.

I stopped at the security hub and grabbed a security guard and an orderly and had them follow me down to solitary. As my heels clicked down the hallway I heard that familiar voice again.

"Harley, is that really you?" I stopped in front of his cell door. He was already at the window and leering at me.

"Hello Mr. Joker."

"Well look at you! My, my, my but don't you just look good enough to eat? To what do I owe the pleasure Doc?"

I turned to the guard. "Get him out of there and return him to his cell in Intensive Treatment immediately." I then turned to the orderly and handed him three prescriptions. "I want his current medications cancelled and these to take their place starting tomorrow." The Joker started laughing hysterically.

"Does this mean what I think it means Doc?"

The guard opened the cell door and cuffed the Joker and the orderly got on his other side and dragged him out of the cell. I ignored Joker for the moment and turned back to the orderly. "Make sure to update the weekly schedule. As of Monday this patient is to be in my office for therapy at 10 AM sharp on Mondays, Wednesday's and Friday's. Make sure he's given a decent meal tonight and get him showered first thing in the morning. Any questions?" The bewildered orderly simply shook his head and I turned and began heading back down the hallway.

"Doc, wait up a second." I stopped and turned back around with my hands resting on my hips.

"Yes Mr. Joker?"

"Listen, you hear that?" I tilted my head to listen more closely. Faintly you could hear fireworks exploding outside. "It's midnight, Happy New Year Doc!"

"Happy New Year Mr. Joker. Until Monday then." As I turned and strode away I heard the Joker say,

"I'll be there with bells on, Doc!" I heard his laughter fade away behind me as I exited the asylum, got back into the Town Car and went home.