Lupin fan1-I considered having him figure it out, but it turned out like Jurassic Park-very badly.

AN: It only worked once. But it was a good once. Takes place directly after Batman Begins.

She slams into him like a freight train, toppling them both against a cold cement wall. He knows this one. It's the nurse Crane took with him two months ago. Sick bastard.

She's sobbing, clinging to his cape like a security blanket. He'll find Crane later. Right now he has to get her out of here.

"Come on." he rasps. "You're okay, you're okay."

"Batman?"

"Yes."

"He was going to kill me." she whispers. "He's kept me in here for ages and there's been needles…"

Sick, twisted bastard. It's amazing this woman had the sanity she does. He remembers his own experience with the toxin, and it was not pleasant. They're leaving right now.

"We're leaving. You're okay."

She's suddenly yanked away from him. Where did Crane come from? He hadn't been there a minute ago!

"She's not going anywhere, Batman."

"Let her go, Crane."

"If I don't?"

Batman steps forward, well aware that he looks particularly menacing in the low lighting. Crane shrugs and he imagines the man smirking behind his mask.

"Fine."

He lets her go. Just drops her arm and stays where he is.

"Step away."

That smirk has turned into a full-on grin, he can just tell. All the same, he backs away, hands held mockingly above his head. The woman doesn't move.

"Come on."

"She won't go with you, Batman." Crane calls.

"Shut up."

"She's been free to leave this whole time."

"Don't move, Crane." he warns. "Ma'm…"

She's looking at him with wide eyes. Wasn't she crying a second ago?

She grins at him. There's far too many teeth in that grin. Then she steps back-straight into Jonathan Crane's arms.

"Before you ask, it's not Stockholm."

Well. If Crane can get a date, anybody can.

"You'll both have to come in, then."

"I don't think so." Crane says softly. "Good night, Batman."

Then he feels it-the beginnings of a drug working its way through his veins. How could he have been drugged?

"I don't think the perfume worked quick enough to be effective. Too diluted."

"Clearly. I'd love to stay and watch the fun, but I left the other one in her cell and I need to check on her."

"I'll put the kettle on and have the boys get him out of the way."

So. There's two of them now. He'd worry about that more if he wasn't sinking into the floor.