Welcome back my freaky little darlings! I now have a new laptop and plenty of spare time. Working on the next chapter this week!
Moving right along... Joker in Medical, Harleen on her way with fresh clothes and ... ACTION!
Frank Boles escorted the Joker through Medical, the yellow directional line leading them to the sanitarium. Some nurse's had seen the Joker being escorted by armed guards and turned tail the other direction. He didn't blame them. When they opened the double doors to the sanitarium, the smell hit Frank's nostrils first. It was a mix of medical smells like latex and rubbing alcohol intermingling with a light damp dirt smell. A quick look around told him the mud smell came from them. It was caked on their boots and on the Joker's uniform.
The few staff that were there vacated quickly. The other three guards moved to the upper corridor, their weapons trained from higher vantage points. He smiled at the stupidity. All they accomplished is making it easier to talk to Boles without being overheard.
The showers were in the center of the room, just three partitions barely cleared Joker's head. Boles stood at the opening, hand on his weapon but looking away from the clown prince. Joker turned on three surrounding shower heads making a dull SSHHHHHHHHH sound echo off the walls.
Steam began to rise up and he scrubbed his hair clean of rain and mud. Soon the guards could only make out Joker's shape and green hair.
"Hey Boles," one shouted, "don't got a clear sight on this one."
"It's alright, Burg, I got this," Frankie said, cocking his gun for the second time today. Joker noticed that to show he had power, Frankie resorted to his guns. He knew he liked him for a reason! HA!
"I'll need you to check my mail today, my good man," Joker said quietly, the gleefulness never leaving his words. He began to work the left over soap bar over the rest of himself. "I'm expecting a package soon."
"Sure thing, boss," Boles said to rub the back of his neck. "Estimated time arrival?"
"Not long... He'll ask for you. Roco will deliver the package. And your payment. Bring the package by later."
"Sure," Frankie said looking away from Joker as he showered. His head then popped up as he shifted his weight. "But how do I get it to you?"
Joker chuckled, "I believe you'll find it easy to conceal." Frank hoped for more detail then that, but it seemed Joker would give up no more. Oh well. "Hehehe. NOW," Joker said, raising his voice for the others to hear, "Where's my fluffy towel? Hahaha!"
Harleen hurried inside Medical with the small bundle of folded scrubs clutched up against her chest. She passed the main lobby and went through the main double doors that led down to the sanitarium. Following the yellow painted strip along the floor, she avoided making eye contact with any of the staff. She realized too late that she still hadn't fixed her, now horribly, smudged makeup. Left, straight, left, right... She continued on, her eyes focused on the floor. It was now absent of any other directional colors. It seemed there weren't much staff around at this hour so she picked her head up as she walked on. She began to recognize the area, the white doors to the showers up ahead.
Harleen pushed hard on the push bar of one of the double doors quickly and walked right in.
To someone.
"Oof!" Her whole body had bumped into a man who smelled of cologne. When she looked up to apologize, she quickly swallowed it. Dr. Calman.
"My, doctor, where's the fire? I didn't hear the alarm," he joked, smiling his lecherous smile.
She smiled and stepped around him. "Excuse me, Dr. Calman, I was taking a new uniform to my patient, who is waiting for me," she said but saw he walked with her in an attempt to keep the conversation going.
"Oh, please, allow me to escort you. After all, wouldn't want you to get lost. Or slip. You're soaked, Dr. Quinzel, did the rain win the fight?" he flashed her a smile again while blazingly looking over her very obvious dishevelment.
"That won't be necessary," she tried again. Why wouldn't this guy take the hint? She could hear the guards' voices up ahead. She didn't want Joker to see her with Dr. Calman. Not that she was WITH him.
He placed a hand on the small of her back in a guiding motion. "Really, it's no trouble-" Dr. Calman began again only to be stopped by another voice.
"Well, well. The good doctors at Arkham Asylum are this concerned over me not having any clothes? And here I was, worried that you all didn't like me.." Joker's smiling face held no humor. His feral eyes were set on Dr. Calman as he stood, uncaring that he was naked, in front of both doctors who were frozen in place. Joker's eyes flickered to where Dr. Calman's hand was then refocused.
After a moment Harleen tore her gaze away from Joker and, stepping forward but looking away, she stretched her arms out and offered the bundle of clothes to anyone who would take them. Boles shook his head and walked forward, taking the clothes and handed them the Joker. Joker began pulling on the new light gray cotton pants without taking his eyes off of the doctors. Harleen's face and neck blushed a furious red. Dr. Calman cautiously watched Joker, never taking his eyes from the madman.
It was complete silence. No one seemed to breathe. Harleen heard a few clicks above her; the guards were moving the switch on their weapons from safety to semi or automatic. Joker gave no indication he heard the obvious clicks echo, he just continued to dress, pulling the shirt over his head, while staring down Dr. Calman and herself.
Once he dressed he held his wrists together signaling Boles to cuff him again. Dr. Calman side-stepped, giving Joker a wide birth as the guards came down from the upper corridor in a quick pace. As before, they surrounded him and started to walk out. Harleen continued to look anywhere but at Joker, still embarrassed. Joker slowed is steps as he walked by Harleen, only stopping for a few heartbeats to briefly look her in the face. He didn't turn his head but kept it straight, only glancing at her once from the corners of his eyes.
"See you tomorrow, Doc," he muttered. That got her attention. Hadn't they made plans to speak again later? Was this his way of canceling those plans? Was he mad at her because of Dr. Calman? She looked at his unfeeling, cold green eyes that stared forward and saw it was true. She simply nodded, trying for a light demeanor. She failed. Her response of "Yes, see you tomorrow" came out weak and shaky. She wasn't afraid, not completely, but it sounded like she was.
Once he left, Dr. Calman looked back at Harleen.
"You neglected to say it was the Joker who was in the showers! That lunatic is creepy," he gave himself a shake.
"He's my only patient," Harleen whipped around on him. "And I wasn't required to tell you, doctor," she said sarcastically. She headed out the doors again, intent on going to her office, but he stopped her, touching her arm lightly.
"Please, I'm sorry. It was surprising, that's all. I had never had such an encounter with a patient like that before. Especially with one of them."
She stopped and turned on her heel. "What exactly do you mean by that?" she bristled, feeling her face heat with anger now.
It seemed the charming act of Dr. Calman had run it's course. An arrogant tone took hold as he stood taller, more aggressive. "Come on, don't tell me you feel sorry for those psychopaths. They'd kill you if they got half the chance, and don't deny, he's the worst. I'm surprised they had so few guards surrounding him!" His arms were crossed over his chest, his feet standing shoulder-width apart, his frame leaning over her. It was the stance of a man with power, who enjoyed wielding it.
Harleen internally panicked. One word from him to Dr. Leland and things could become more difficult for her and Joker. She needed to get Dr. Calman back on her side.
Raising a hand to her face, she covered her mouth, looking ashamed. "You're right, what was I thinking? A new doctor, still wet behind the ears... I was an idiot to think I could make a difference." She made her breathing slightly erratic as if she were going to cry.
The damsel in distress routine worked. His aggression lessoned almost immediately. He put both hands on her shoulders in a comforting gesture.
"No, it is I who should apologize. I hadn't thought of how awkward that must have been for you. One moment, talking to me, then the next a dangerous criminal standing in front of you, naked no less. It's normal to feel vulnerable, I've been a doctor much longer here and should have thought of that." He looked at her and gave a small smile in what could have only been the closest thing to an apology he was capable of.
She felt the fire in her chest again. He thought she was vulnerable? Just a new doctor who knew nothing? Sure it was awkward but not how he imagined it was. Either way, she needed to keep up appearances.
"Oh," she wiped away non-existent tears, "How unprofessional of me. I should go, pull myself together before I head home." She turned and walked out the doors Joker and the other guards had just left through.
"I was going to head out myself," Dr. Calman said, walking with her again. "Say, how about we put this whole thing behind us and I make it up to you. How about dinner tonight? I know this great little Italian bistro-"
Harleen interrupted before he got further. "I'm so sorry, I'm having dinner with my mom and dad tonight. They want to know how the job is going, being a doctor and all," she lied, putting on a happy face. Truth be told, she hadn't heard much from her folks since she told them she was interning at Arkham. "But perhaps another time?" She had no intention of having dinner, but staying on his good side was imperative.
Dr. Calman just smiled and opened the door for her as they walked out. "Sure, we'll try for another time. I'll have to check my schedule."
Translation: I have other girls planned for the next few days. Probably at the same bistro.
"Of course, well, good evening, Dr. Calman," Harleen said in finality. She headed out the doors in a brisk pace. A light rain had begun by the time she left the Medical building.
She crossed her arms over her chest as she looked toward the Penitentiary up ahead. He made it clear: he didn't want to speak to her tonight. What should she do? She wanted to tell him that she wasn't accepting of Dr. Calman's advances. Maybe if he let her explain.. No, he didn't want to see her tonight.
She hung her head and walked toward the passage that led to the eastern part of the island. She would have rather gone straight home, but her purse had her cars keys and her purse was in her office. The mechanical doors whirred open allowing her access. She thought on the strangeness of the day. It was a roller coaster with the Joker. Unexpected turn after unexpected turn.
She glanced at the old door, that led to the secret passage she took earlier, as she walked through the tunnel. Secrets. It seemed that there were secrets everywhere in Arkham Asylum. The mechanical door's scanner was activated by her approach and opened up ahead. She stepped onto the open grounds once more and was again met with misting rain and wind. It was late now. She wasn't sure how late. Late enough that the lights on Arkham Island were being switched on. The glowing lights that shone through the windows of the Arkham Mansion made it look like a haunted house.
She smiled, it immediately made her think of Halloween. Dressing up in costumes, assuming the personality of a princess or monster or cartoon character. She loved those days of childhood, the few she had. Her smiled lessened again. It was true what she had told Joker earlier; her parents were work-work-work. There was no time to be a child when you had to study, had to prepare for a good job, had to prepare for life.
She looked across the grounds as she made her way up the stone steps to the main Mansion's doors. What was life if not living the experiences? What was she preparing for? Was this it? Was this all there was?
She pulled on the door handle and entered.
Frank Boles was doing his rounds as he waited impatiently for the goon Joker said was arriving today. Frank was only half-paying attention to the patients as he walked down the halls.
Crazy? Check. Crazy as well? Check. God, this job stunk to high heaven. But it was the only thing keeping him from getting in big trouble with the people he owed money to. Very influential people. Boles took a another quick swig from his flask and felt the whiskey's familiar burn go down his throat followed by the warmth he felt envelop his chest. He kept his pace slow as he glanced into the rooms of the patients. The light in the hall was beginning to dim. The overhead lights were coming on, their buzzing sound creating a background lull that seemed to keep him calm. He didn't mind the first floor of the Penitentiary so much. The run-of-the-mill crazies were people that kept to themselves, only having occasional outbursts. That's how he liked em, docile. Second floor Maximum Security was the opposite. Hoots, shouts and barks were all apart of the charm down here. Unfortunately the meds would wear off soon and they'd become more active. And he was pulling a double-shift today.
"Fuck," he muttered under his breath. He adjusted his flak vest as he walked and scratched at his neck nervously. "Come on," he mumbled again, looking at his watch. It was 5:32pm. "Where the hell is this guy?" Boles felt his irritation rising higher. His first paycheck better be worth working for that psychopath. He wasn't a complete idiot, Joker was just as dangerous as the people he owed money to, only worse. If he played his cards right, he might come out on top of this with something to show. Hell, he could swing by his favorite night club, see a few girls..
That's what got us into this mess, idiot! Yeah, maybe he was an idiot. Don't sleep with a stripper at a mob club and think it's free! He could sell t-shirts. He checked his watch again. 5:41pm. He sighed heavily and made his way back toward the nurse station. Maybe he'd see her again. That dame had a lot of fine qualities about her. He'd like to see those qualities again...
"Boles.. Come in, Boles." His walkie-talkie came to life with a static voice coming through. He hit the respond button quickly, "Yeah, this is Boles, go ahead"
"Yeah, you're buddy Roco here says he's brought ya dinner? Says you know him?" Dinner? Was Joker expecting lasagna or something?
"Yeah, on my way, thanks." Boles picked up the pace and made his way out the Penitentiary and onto the grounds. He must be waiting at the Visitor's Center.
When Boles arrived at the center, the guard was standing at the check-in counter with a man. The man was taller than average, but clearly had upper body strength defined by his big arms. Even in a jacket, Boles could tell he could handle himself. As he walked up, Roco smiled at him and waved.
"Frank-ay! What's up man? Heard you were workin' a double, so me and guys got you grub, man," Roco said, as he clapped him on the shoulder like they were old buddies.
"Yeah? Eh, thanks man, you didn't have to," Boles played along. This guy was good. Boles looked at the other guard who was still standing there; he seemed to relax after watching the exchange. "Oh, my bad, I got this, Coop, if you want to head out. I'll escort him back in a few." He hiked a thumb over his shoulder toward the entrance to the island.
"Sure thing, Boles. Nice to meet you," Officer Cooper nodded to Roco and walked back toward Intensive Treatment. Roco just smiled and waved before turning toward Boles.
"You may wanna work on your poker face, Frank," Roco addressed him, all business etched in his tone. He still had a smile on his face but it was clearly there for show. Boles looked the guy once over. He had a close shave hair cut, almost military, a black t-shirt, a blue button down shirt with a faded olive green military jacket, blue jeans, and black boots.
"That right?" Boles said, a little cocky.
Roco's smile fell off. He flipped the collar up around his neck and began to walk back to the entrance of the island.
Confused, Boles walked after him. "Hey! Where are you goin'? Joker said you-"
"Will you shut up, man?" Roco whipped around fast. He was in Boles' face in an instant. "We're walking back to my car so we can't be overheard. Keep up rookie."
The whiskey took over then as Boles cocked his weapon threateningly. "You wanna say that again?"
Roco just smirked over his shoulder at the guy. "Go ahead: shoot me, don't get paid, Joker doesn't get his package, and he'll be angry with you. You see that guy on a good day? Imagine a bad one. Here's a hint, just follow the screams and smoke."
Gritting his teeth, Boles slung his weapon over his shoulder and continued to follow the man. Once they were both walking side by side, Roco spoke first. "I get that you're new to our little... group. But the one thing you need to learn first? Never do anything that Joker didn't say to. You follow his orders, you get paid. Simple as that. You screw up in any way... just trust me, you don't wanna screw up."
They reached an ordinary dark green four-door sedan. Roco unlocked the door and grabbed something from the passenger seat. When he turned around, he handed Boles a brown sack that smelled like fast food. Frank opened it up to see a wrapped up burger, fries, and a few catsup packages.
"Joker wanted a burger?" Boles asked, confused again.
Roco genuinely laughed this time. "It wouldn't surprise me if the boss asked for one but, naw man, it's for you. Keeping up appearances. If you went back empty handed, someone could be suspicious."
"So where's the package at?" Boles asked, glancing in the guy's car. Roco shook his head and smirked.
"Figured Joker wouldn't say anything. Listen, the 'package' can be anything. A picture, a burger, a bomb, or in this case-information. So don't get it wrong or mixed up, got it? Or we'll both suffer the consequences."
Boles grabbed a few fries out of the bag and shoved them in his mouth. "I gotcha. So what's the info?"
Roco ran through the the specifics Joker wanted. It wasn't hard to remember, seemed kinda boring actually, but Roco had asked him a few times to repeat it just in case.
After a few minutes of repetition, Roco nodded. "That's it. Just relay that, as he asks for it. Exaggerate nothing, underplay nothing. Just as I said it."
Boles nodded, "Ok. So, how long you work for the Joker?"
Roco looked around and shrugged, "Couple a years. I catch on quick. Key to staying 'round this long is catchin' on quick. Gotta roll with the punches, ya know? Oh! Almost forgot," he said, reaching into the side compartment of his driver side door, "but I bet you didn't." He handed Boles a small manilla pouch that was slightly folded.
Boles set the food on the hood of the car and he opened up the envelope. He almost sputtered out pieces of chewed potatoes when he saw a few wads of one-hundred dollar bills. He glanced up at the guy and back at the envelope.
"I didn't expect this much for a simple job. It seems too easy."
"Well, that's the point-and catch-in one, isn't it?" Roco replied, his hands back in pockets. When Boles' eyebrows furrowed, Roco explained. "Joker doesn't pay from difficulty of the job, he pays for what he wants you to do. I figure," Roco motioned toward the asylum, "You're on-call. Think of it being his inside man. He's getting his access from you, the information from me to you. You're doing more than you realize. I guess it could be considered dangerous if you think about it. It's on you to keep it all under wraps. If they figure out you work for him-your life is over, the doc's career and life is already over, and new measures will be put in place to prevent this very thing from happening again."
Roco looked at him with a seriousness that Boles was sure came from experience. "You cannot fail. It may seem simple, but you have your part to play."
"Yeah, I got that. If more of this," Frank held up the envelope, "is in store, consider me on board." Boles put the envelope inside a breast pocket of his flak vest.
"Good. Well, you better get back before your food gets cold. Oh, and my number is inside the envelope. I slipped it in." Roco must have seen suspicion cross Frank's face because he held up a hand. "Relax, I took nothing that belonged to you. Doing that would go against Joker's orders, and believe me, that's the last thing I would ever do."
Roco pulled out his keys and got into his car, starting up the engine. Boles grabbed the burger and fries and tapped on the window before Roco pulled out. When the window was down, Boles asked, "Listen, this may be a dumb question, but how safe is this? All this?"
Roco looked away for a second the looked him in the eye with a graveness that made him feel a bit sober. "It will be the most dangerous thing you ever do. Your survival rate is slim now, but you're already in it. You have a better chance coming out alive by seeing it through then if you were to back out. There would be no where you could run that he couldn't find you."
Boles just looked back, unable to speak. His hand itched for his flask, feeling an intense need to medicate. He stood up straight again as the car swung around to leave. As Roco began to drive off, he leaned out the window throwing a "welcome to the crew" over his shoulder.
Joker sat on the floor of his cell, picking at his dinner in distaste. Two half slices of limp toast were on a tray that had, what he assumed was, chicken noodle soup in a styrofoam bowl.
"Sans the chicken and the noodles, " he mocked with a sneer. He shoved the tray away causing the thick broth to spill over the edges of the bowl and onto the tray and floor.
He sat there, pondering everything and nothing. He stayed that way for... well, he wasn't sure how long. Seconds, minutes, hours. Did it matter? He did't pay attention to such a trivial thing as time anymore. A skittering noise drew his attention. Through the food slot at the bottom of the glass cell door, a plump mouse nervously edged itself inside his cell and began to nip at the slighted food from earlier. Joker remained still and watched the creature's beady little eyes remain wide and alert as it shoved bits of bread into it's mouth. Joker moved quickly, flipping on his stomach in an instant. One arm now blocked the mouse's exit through the slot and his other to enclosed it up against the wall it, keeping it from getting away. The mouse frantically ran in fast circles only to realize that it was trapped, now face to face with it's jailer.
Joker watched the creature's mind work and work to see what it would do to survive. After a few still moments, it stood on it's hind legs and sniffed the air that was between it and the Joker. Joker bared his fearsome smile and lowered his head to get closer. The mouse edged back up against the wall, still looking for an escape.
"That's it, little chubby mouse-man!" Joker encouraged gleefully, "Never stop trying to break out. They won't keep us here, will they?" He laughed aloud as he raised his arm blocking the slot and the the mouse ran straight for it, only stopping to grab a piece of bread as it scurried away.
"Indeed, wouldn't want to leave empty-handed, would we?" Joker chuckled. It was all of them, wasn't it? They were all scrounging around, looking for a way out at every corner. Arkham Asylum was about survival. Joker began laughing again as he imagined the look on Bat's face if he saw Joker dressed as a mouse. He wouldn't get the joke, but that was the point.
Boot steps came down the hallway, determined steps. Frankie! He must have heard from Roco.
Joker just remained on his stomach, laying there, his head resting on a balled up fist. "Frank-ma-boy! What brings you to my humble abode?" Joker said in a low but cheerful voice.
"Just thought I would check Maximum Security wing, give things a look-around," Boles said eyeing the hallway where he had just come from.
"Any trouble, he he he, getting the package in without detection?" He raised an eyebrow, grinning up at the guard.
Boles shook his head, "No, sir. Easy as pie, just as you said."
"Hah! That's the spirit!" Joker jumped up and stretched. "So, tell me," he said, raising his hands up and back down to touch his toes.
"Right," Boles started. "She lives alone, in an apartment near the Narrows. Roco has watched her and reports that no one comes or goes but her. No friends, or family, just the pizza guy or Chinese delivery. She favors Chinese more," he continued. Joker was leaning up against the glass with his back to Boles now, his arms and ankles crossed, his head leaning back, listening.
"So she doesn't cook much. Suspected as much," Joker said casually.
"And-eh, how?" Boles asked without thinking.
"Odd," Joker said, his brows lifting in false questionable disbelief as he looked over his shoulder at Boles. "I don't recall allowing time for questions..." The low tones in his voice was alarming. The withering look he gave Boles was enough to make the guard pale slightly.
"Uh, no, you didn't. Sorry, boss-"
"In any case," Joker interrupted, turning his head back to stare into his cell, "Most people that cook eventually show signs; food or drink splatters on there clothes eventually happen. But not with her." He stayed silent for moment before glancing over his shoulder again.
"Continue."
"Right. Right, she's edgy around people. Looks over her shoulder a lot. Roco suspects being a resident of Gotham; he's heard of no enemies so far. She does seem to stay in shape, but he isn't sure how. He never sees her go to a gym or jogging. And lastly, Roco thought you would want to know, there have been sightings of the Bat in her neighborhood."
That gave Joker pause. He slowly turned his head to the right, keeping Boles in his peripheral. "Contact?"
Boles must have sensed the serious change in Joker, his voice lowered, "He's kept a look out on the sky line, but as far as he can tell, no contact."
"Interesting... Well, thanks for the update, be seeing you!" Joker turned and shoo'ed him off. Boles nodded quickly and started back, but stopped when Joker said, "And Frankie?"
"Yes?" Boles asked, apprehension clear in his voice. Apparently he was realizing more and more what he signed up for. Good.
Joker now faced him, his arms down at his side his chin lowered to level his eyes with Boles. Frankie an involuntary step back as Joker's full stare of insanity, malice and cruelty poured out in warning. "Take better care of my packages, or one of my packages will take care of you in the most inventive and painful way possible."
Boles jerkily nodded before turning around and walking back toward the elevator. As he left, Joker could hear screams, wails or outbursts from different patients that reacted at the sight of a guard.
Joker began to pace his cell with his arms behind his back.
So, Bats is poking his pointy black nose where it doesn't belong?! He growled irritably in his throat. If he interferes with Harley's progress, he could bring everything crashing down and these months of planning will have been for nothing!
Joker slammed a fist into a wall. The strong brick wall bounced the force back, causing his hand to ache. Joker shook out his hand as the pain ebbed and glared at the wall. "Don't you get full of yourself now, either."
"Aw, bad night?"
Joker rolled his eyes and glanced over at Ivy who lay in her cot on her side, her hand propping up her head. Her radiant red hair moved unnaturally, like vines in the wind.
"So sorry, dearie, party-planning right now. Closed committee. You're. Not. Invited. Hah ha ha aha!" Joker made antler horns with his fingers and stuck his tongue out at her.
Ivy just puffed a strand of hair that fell in front of her face and glanced around her cell as she spoke. "Shame, really, since I've heard through my grapevine that YOUR doctor was crying after she left you." Joker shrugged not caring, but stopped when he continued. "And I got word that a handsome and lecherous Dr. Calman was seen trying to comfort your toy.. But you wouldn't concern yourself with that, of course.." Her tone was dripping with condescension and mockery.
Joker's eyes narrows at the insinuation Ivy was making.. That he, the Joker, cared. Which he didn't! Not at all. Dr. Calman was a deadman walking, but it wasn't because he cared, because he didn't.
"You got anything worthy of my time, or are you just full of useless gossip?" Joker spat at her, making the plant laugh. He was going to kill her, with her own red-vine-wiggly hair. He would strangle the life out of her, and-
"..And all the other boys- try to chase me, but here's my number- so call me maybe.." A small brunette girl was pushing a janitor's cart down the hallway while singing along with whatever music was blaring out of her headphones.
Joker blinked a few times. He was rarely caught off guard.
She was wearing a janitor's blue coverall over what looked to be a t-shirt with a cat face on it. The blue coverall jump suit was only zipped up to her waist and she had the sleeves of it tied around her hips. Her head was bobbing along to the music, and she had a small, happy smile on her face. As if she was blissfully ignorant of the psychopaths she walked past. Now that Joker was paying full attention, he noticed the entire wing had gone quiet. All were looking out of the glass cell doors at the odd new spectacle before them.
Joker looked at Ivy who returned his curious expression.
"Hey! Hey, you there!" Joker started shouting. The girl's music must have been loud because she continued pushing her cart. "YOOO HOO! Cuppy-cake!" He flailed his arms and hopped from one leg to the other.
The girl, finally noticing, pulled her headphones down to hang around her neck. Pop music hummed from the speakers. "Yes, sir?"
Sir? "And just who are you, sweetheart?" Joker stood there with his head tilted a bit trying to figure this one out. It was obvious that she was supposed to be a janitor, but they had a janitor, didn't they? ...Did they? Hmm.
"Hi, I'm Ruth*," the girl said, cheerily. Her smiling face then became worried an instant after. "Wait, I'm not allowed to talk to anyone. Headphones on, do my job, leave."
"Now, now, Ruth, no need to be afraid," Joker held up his hands in surrender, "we won't tell anyone you spoke to us, really we won't!"
Ruth smiled a bit and nodded. Ivy slunk off her cot and lazed up against the glass, watching the girl like the predator she truly was.
"So, sugar plum, what are you doing down here? You the new janitor?" Joker prodded the girl with a light tone.
"Yes, my dad got me a job. I need a job, he says so. Can't volunteer forever," Ruth said shrugging. Ruth seemed to be.. not the brightest crayon in the box but Joker could tell this was a true innocent of Gotham; they were sparse. "So I clean the floors, keep the mice away. Which is good because they'll die if they are kept indoors." Ruth looked a bit sad when she said this. Definitely a little soft-headed.
"Indeed they do, Ruth. S do you know your way around yet? I'd give you the grand tour, but I'm stuck in time-out at the moment. Hahaha, so daddy got you a job? Does he have any friends here?" Joker asked. He glanced at Ivy who looked to be bored. The girl wouldn't be worth Ivy's time; if she couldn't use her seduction skills to coax the girl into opening her cell then she was useless to her. Joker found usefulness in almost anything.
"Um, friends?" Ruth bit her lip and furrowed her brow. Thinking hard? "I'm not sure. Dad doesn't talk about friends. I have a friend!" Ruth seemed eager and happy now. Joker just smiled at the simple-minded girl and started to return to his cot for the night. Perhaps they were wising up around here. Hire a girl who isn't smart enough to be manipulated...
"Mr. Zsasz is a nice man. He says we're friends, which is nice, I don't have many friends," she continued to ramble.
Joker's head whipped around to look at Ruth, surely he had misunderstood her. Even Ivy's head slowly turned back toward the girl after she revealed her new... friend. Joker saw Ivy shoot him a questioning look, but he had nothing. Zsasz wasn't the most cuddly out of the bunch. He was a true cold-blooded killer. Merciless, soulless; to Victor Zsasz, every human life that walked on this Earth was a flame waiting to be snuffed out by his blade.
Joker eyed the girl's face and body language. She was standing normally, bad posture, but normal. Her face wasn't pale or flushed, it was an even tone-her heart rate was even. She wasn't the least bit afraid of Zsasz. Perplexing.
"Old Zsaszy is your friend? ... That so?" Joker inquired.
"Yes, he warned me about zombies!" Ruth looked concerned then. She leaned in, as if to tell Joker a secret. He leaned in as well, playing along. "Did you know there were zombies? They're real!" Her whispered voice seemed genuinely alarmed. Joker feigned a shocked face.
"No, are there, really?" He teased.
"Yes," she straightened up again and fiddled with her cd-player that sat on the cart next to a pile of rags. "Mr. Zsasz warned me about them. I tried to make a protective barrier in my room. My dad got mad at me, told me they weren't real. But Mr. Zsasz seems so sure..."
"I'll let you in on a secret, dearie, come here... come-come!" Joker motioned with his hand for the girl to move closer to the glass. She looked around before edging away from her cart that stood in the dimly-lit path. When she was near the glass, he lowered his voice and looked into her now visibly blue eyes.
"Zombies are real. They are everywhere, so be on your guard. It was good of Zsaszy-pants to warn you, he must like you." Ruth pressed her lips tightly together to suppress a new smile and looked down at her shoes. She almost looked like a shy child being told 'good job' for something. Her innocent blue eyes were full of nothing but kindness. Here was the closest thing to an angel he would ever see. And she had no idea that the only thing separating her from Hell were the reinforced glass cell doors that surrounded her. The poor girl, he thought humorously, you really have no idea..
"Now," he said raising his voice again, "you get back to work, Missy! Have to have a job, right?" Joker winked at Ruth making her simple smile spread over her face.
"Right! Have a nice night, sir. Hope you feel better!"
Joker watched the new puzzle that was Ruth walk down toward the elevator. "Feel better?" Joker mused under his breath. She must have been told this was 'special hospital' or something. "Why my dear, Ruth... I believe I already am."
"Well, guess it's not just you who has an interest in the female staff at Arkham." Ivy smirked, her cloud or orange poisonous spores becoming thick again, hiding her form in the cell again. He sneered in her direction and turned toward his cot, already deep in thought on all the new information that today had brought him. Perhaps he should have spoken with Harley before she left.. No, better that she worry a little. Keeping her guessing was needed for the moment, he needed to keep her off her guard as much as possible.
Joker hopped into the cot, making it squeak to his delight. He stretched his hands up and imagined ringing the neck of Bats. It always helped him sleep. Chuckling to himself he shifted his body for a minute until he felt was comfortable as he could get. His mind tumbled-dried his thoughts on low, sorting through it all. So Zsasz has a girl? Not in the same way that he had Harley, but he made a near-human interaction with Ruth. And Two-fer has a girl as well. Next they'll tell him Pengy is dating a shark! HA! Wouldn't surprise him.
For about four seconds he became concerned- the others had new weaknesses he could exploit in the future. But Harley was different. The Joker had no weaknesses; he wouldn't blink if Harley died or was killed. Hell, he'd probably be the one to slice her pretty little neck himself!
He smiled at the thought of her skin sprayed with the loveliest shade of red. He was nothing if not an artist. With visions of past masterpieces and ideas for future works, he let his eyelids close and allowed the dark recesses of his mind take him on a rollercoaster the devil, himself, wouldn't go on.
*Ruth is a long-awaited but borrowed character from awesomeinhumanfrom, who has a story about Zsasz and her OC Ruth and i loved Ruth. With her permission, I made a mention- just in this chapter. I'm using her short appearance for references in the future, I think you'll see how.
Shout out to Awesomeinhumanfrom for making a wonderful character! (check out her story!)