Chapter 6: Meeting of the Broken Minds
It was 9:00am on Thursday, April 6th. The Arkham Hospital was not usually such a buzz as it was on this day. Today was the day Dr. Quinzel had been anticipating for months. The day she slaved to create and orchestrate like an opus. The true test of whether or not her trial would be compatible with her ideals. Would the patients play the game, or ruefully detest it? Would the therapy with such insidious criminals be curative? Today was the true impression of that dream. As she walked the halls, she could hear Franz Joseph Haydn's 'Trumpet Concerto' looping in her brain. A momentous and encouraging time. Breaking history of psychology. To mend what should not. To mould a better institution as a result.
She was on her way to a brief staff meeting before the preparations— the crescendo. Inside the meeting room it was rousing in chatter. So many faces of psychologists, officers, clerks, board electives and the host of the excitement herself, Dr. Harleen Quinzel. Warden Javier Santos said aloud, "Alright, let's begin. Take a seat, if you can't, just stand, I guess. Let's get this show on the road."
Dr. Crane sat across from Dr. Quinzel, making a short glare before returning to writing notes on his clipboard.
"Alright, people," the Warden addressed, "Today won't be like any other day. It'll be the beginning of Dr. Quinzel's trial, Positive Beginnings Program. Mostly, the concern is the transfers of all four patients. Harleen and I have agreed it is safest to transfer them one by one, definitely not together. So, the halls will need to be decently cleared for at least twenty minutes during the time. Patients in question are as follows," he cleared his throat and began to list the names, "Lazlo Valentin, two-person transfer." The name caused a few 'oh my gods' and 'what the hells' from the faces. He continued, "Edward Nashton, one-person transfer, Coralline Atkins, two-person transfer."
"You're serious?" Bolton scoffed in disbelief, "What you doing, doctor, hosting a fight to the death?"
Dr. Quinzel rolled her eyes.
"That's quite enough, Officer Bolton. Portray some professionalism, please," scolded the Warden, "John Doe, one- person transfer. Please take them according to cell number. Nashton and Doe should be taken after the other as they are next to each other, and following Atkins and Valentin. Use your radios, people. Communication is key. Chains are to be left on this time, but next time I'll allow Dr. Quinzel to judge the next course of action for their restraint in the Therapy Room. This will only be an hour-long group therapy meeting, and the process for transfers will be the same after it's over. Doctors, please feel obliged to come and spectate in the observation room. Do not use the left door, that is the door to the Therapy Room. Right door is observation. Any questions?"
"Who are the officers transferring?" Morello asked.
"Morello, glad you asked, please make sure you attend to Atkins. Officer Gamboro, you can join her. Fletch and Robinson can take Valentin. Bolton you're on Doe, and Piscatella you're with Nashton. Your only job is to transfer the patient when called, and if Dr. Quinzel has any further orders, please do your courtesy in performing it. Anyone else? No? Very good. Good luck everyone!"
"I have a question," stated Dr. Crane, "If a fight breaks out in the Therapy Room, how will it be addressed?"
Dr. Quinzel answered, "Then the Officers will use their own training to stop it, and the patients taken back to their cells."
"Who stays in the room?"
"Me and Bolton," said Morello coolly.
"Is that all?" The Warden clarified, "Alright, let's make history, people."
They all began to stand from their chairs and the rouse of chatter started again. Dr. Crane walked before Dr. Quinzel and said, "Good luck, Harleen. I hope this day proves your research well."
"Thank you, Jonathan." Dr. Quinzel replied, but still uneasy knowing how they left their relationship.
Warden Javier came up to Dr. Quinzel and smiled giddily, "You ready?"
She smiled one back, "As I'll ever be."
Inside the Therapy Room, Dr. Quinzel had just finished setting the chairs up in an oval shape. She radioed, "Start bringing them down. Doe first. Over."
"Copy that. Over."
The guards were all marching up to HRS in a convoy of black and chain. Their radios harmonizing with the tap of their boots on the floor. Bolton retrieved Jay, who was more than happy to be cuffed and led from HRS. A few minutes later their radios chimed with Dr. Quinzel's voice again.
"He's here. Now Nashton. Over."
Piscatella, an older correctional officer on the job, swiped for Edward's cell. He came out with his lenses reflecting— shrouding his green eyes. The man was rattling in nerves, but Piscatella was firm and strict. He led him hastily from HRS so the rest of the transfers could commence. The halls were vibrant in the black apparel of officers and orange and white of patients. Soon Atkins and Valentin were taken down. No interruption or incident in the transferring. A perfectly illustrated method. The trumpets in Dr. Quinzel's head rang louder as each patient came into the room. As soon as they walked in, their eyes were met in awe to the Therapy Room's visuals. In each corner of the spacious hall was their own personal nooks. The walls and floor pure white, but the decorations took away the clinical oppression. Places for each of them to find their own interests and reconnect with their past selves. Jay laughed giddily at his own; a neon sign of green over bookshelves of the letter "J". These bookshelves brimming in comedy spanning from books, comics, and illustration. A foosball table and sitting table and chair. Clown paintings along the walls corner.
Edward looked more confused than anything, but inwardly delighted. His corner adjacent to Jay's, containing far more bookshelves than Jay. All filled with various literature— over three shelves labelled explicitly for puzzle games, riddles, mind teasers, and blank journals. A small desk against the wall with a holder for pens, and desk lamp, and office chair. Above the bookshelves was his name in brown wooden letters in Times New Roman font.
Coralline couldn't help but beam a smile at her corner. A dusty rose canopy over a white rug, two pink beanbags and several stuffed animals. She had a small bookshelf next to the rug with novels and flower colouring books. There was a Tupperware of markers on top, and Bluetooth headphones on a stand. Her name above in rose vinyl— with wall decals of ballerinas surrounding the letters. What delighted Coralline the most was the piano against the wall. Open for anyone to play, but Dr. Quinzel knew she was talented with it.
Valentin was already looking around his corner, adjacent to Coralline's. his corner had his name in red vinyl letters. A bookshelf brimming in Shakespearean literature and medical books. A table and chair with a name stand saying "Dr. Valentin" on the desk. Blank journals for writing, pens in a holder, and even his own spider plant to care for.
There was a 10-gallon fish tank with pygmy corydoras and dwarf gourami. The feed and supplies all on a wooden shelf beside it so they can independently care for them. There was more plants and succulents on a table that the patients would be responsible for. Shelves with board games, dice, cards, paint supplies, and more colouring books and markers. To the centre of the hall was a larger table, room for all four. A table where the four could sit together and put these cards, dice and board games to use. Before the table was space enough for five chairs in an oval formation along each other. Dr. Quinzel stood before her chair in the front. She held a notepad to her waist whilst smiling in pride at the wandering eyes of the four patients taking in their surroundings. Meanwhile, to the right wall of the room, was the observation window. Long enough to take in the view of the entire room. Behind the slight tint of the window was faces of psychologists, board members, and Warden Javier Santos, himself.
Dr. Quinzel announced to the four— gaining their attention, "Welcome to the Therapy Room, everyone. For the next 16 weeks you will be coming here for 2 hours a day. The purpose of this room is to connect with the faces around you, and in turn, reconnect with yourselves. The dynamics in this room are yours to take on positively and find enjoyment and peace. On Monday, I will be observing your time in here behind the observation glass. Today is just an orientation, a sneak-peak, and an opportunity for us to get to know each other. The rules to stay in this room continuously are simple. Treat each other with respect. No stealing, no violence, no obscene language unless it's purely comedic or playful. I'm looking at you, Jay and Coralline. Everything in this room stays. Even the journals. As you can see, there is over five cameras in this room. All staring at every crevice and corner. Hiding things will be seen and action will be taken if an attempt is made. There will be two officers in the room at all times. They will be treated with respect and ignored. The only time they will step in is if they are needed. Finally, no inappropriate touching or sexual harassment. Ms. Atkins is the only female in this room, and she had better be treated with the utmost respect she deserves. Please be gentlemen. With all that hashed out, I am glad to see all your faces together here today! This is an exciting time for all of you, and I'm eager to make this experience as enlightening as I can for all of you. Now, with no further ado, please come take your seats and we can begin our meeting!"
Warden Javier and the others behind the glass were completely silent with only the sound of shuffling and tapping in the intercom as the patients took their seats.
"They are all on a proper medication regime?" A female board member asked.
"Yes. All of them. The only one who hasn't had time to adjust to her medication is Ms. Atkins." The Warden replied.
"The oriental one." A male board member observed.
The Warden flinched at the comment, raising a brow and making a short wince before facing the window again, "Yes… she's Japanese and Scottish descent, actually."
"You don't think the mayor will have her objections to Nashton in this trial?" A board member asked.
"We've spoken to the mayor. Bella Reál was against it, at first. However, Dr. Quinzel was able to explain the benefits of his treatment in the program and the possibility of remorse for his actions. Which is what we all need our inmates to understand. The gravity of their actions."
They hushed their discussions as Dr. Quinzel began to speak.
"Alright! Well, it's nice to see you all again. Especially all together. I feel like I know you all pretty well, but obviously there's some ice breaking that needs to be made between all of you."
Jay said cheekily, "I know Edward. Right, Edward?"
Edward only made a slow glance to him in turn.
"Yes, you guys are cellmates, basically. But there's more to learn from each other than speaking through a metal wall. I figured we can do an ice breaker exercise! Does anyone know what that is?"
Coralline said quietly, "We all answer a question about ourselves."
"That's right! Does anyone have an ice breaker idea?"
Lazlo proclaimed in a thespian tone, "Perhaps we all sing a song of our unity and spirit!"
Jay snorted a laugh, and Coralline quipped, "Fuck that."
"Coralline, language. Remember?"
"Right… sorry. I'm not singing." Coralline grumbled.
"Perhaps you have an idea, Coralline? What question you think is best?"
Coralline felt all the eyes go to her and began to bounce her knee, "I don't know… what's everyone's zodiac sign? I don't know…"
"That's good! I like that. Anyone else have one? We can have two."
Jay said jestingly, "What is your favourite murder weapon?"
Coralline wheezed a laugh with Jay.
"Let's try to keep it positive, Jay. Anything else not relating to violence, please."
Jay resolved from laughter and said, "Okay, okay. Um… favourite genre of music."
"Yeah! That's perfect! I love it. Zodiac and music genre. We will say our name and then the ice breaker. Okay, let's start with me. I am Dr. Harleen Quinzel; I am a Cancer and I love anything 80s! I do love a bit of modern pop, too. Okay, Coralline, your turn!"
Coralline nearly sunk into her chair, looking at the faces of Jay, Edward and Lazlo all awaiting an answer. The irking of being the only girl in their 'club' was discomforting. She looked down and fiddled with her fingers before saying in a dead-pan tone, "I'm Coralline Atkins… uh… I'm a Scorpio. I like really anything music related. But I really love playing piano, I guess."
"Yes! I knew bringing in that piano was a good move. I'm sure you'll have plenty of fun on it. And a Scorpio, one of the strongest signs, a little rough around the edges but sweet and loyal when you get to know them. That's you all over, Coralline. Alright, Edward?"
Edward trapped his tongue behind his teeth. He was never one to speak to a group of faces. Especially faces he didn't know. The anonymity of the Riddler mask was the only time he felt comfortable to do so.
"Edward? It's okay. We are all friends here."
He pushed his glasses up his nose and cleared his throat before muttering, "I'm… Edward Nashton."
Jay teased quietly in a mimicking deep voice, "This is the Riddler speaking."
"Jay. Quit. Let him talk." Dr. Quinzel scolded.
Edward sighed, a bit slighted with what Jay had said but continued anyway (a bit louder), "I'm Edward Nashton. I am a… Cancer. And uh… I don't really listen to music. So, I don't know. Alternative?"
"Awesome! That was great, Edward! I should say, Edward has a hard time speaking in social situations, so from here on out please be patient and understanding everyone. That goes for you too, Jay," she made a motherly disapproving nod at Jay (who smirked in response) and said, "Another Cancer! We really are an awesome sign. We have a hard shell but we are mushy inside. So much love to give. I do love a bit of alternative, too, Edward. Thank you for sharing that with us! Alright Jay, your turn."
Jay sat up from his slouch and slapped his hands to his thighs before saying, "I am John Doe. Or Jay. Or Joker. You can call me any of those three. I prefer Clown Prince or Daddy Mac, but that may be overzealous. I have no clue what my sign is. My favourite music is classical or… jazz. I do like a bit of jazz."
"Thank you, Jay for that titillating response. Colourful as always. You'll bring a lot of life and laughs to the Therapy Room. And last but certainly not least, Lazlo!"
Lazlo stood from his chair abruptly, making the four flinch and officers stand ready. Then he began to sing in opera, "I am Lazlo Valentin! Hear me siiiing! I am an Aries of April's springs! My heart is in opera, so thy must sing!"
Jay began to clap as Edward raised his hands up in fear. Coralline shrunk into her seat mumbling, "What the fuck…"
"Okay, okay, Lazlo. You can sit. Thank you for that beautiful harp. This is Lazlo, everyone. As I'm sure you know, he loves to display his voice. You hear it in HRS, you'll probably hear it here too, might as well get used to the idea now."
Jay shrugged, "Hey, it's better than hearing Atkins screaming."
Coralline sat up in her chair angrily, "The fuck did you say?"
Jay tittered and raised his hands in surrender then whistled, "Whoa! Deep breaths, sugar."
"Hey! You two, this is your first warning. Treat each other with respect and no offensive language. If you have to be asked a third time you'll be taken back to your cells. Do you understand?"
Jay and Coralline settled back into their seats and nodded.
"Of course, doctor. Apologies." Jay said amicably.
"Whatever," grumbled Coralline.
"Okay," Dr. Quinzel addressed, "On to an activity I have planned. We are all going to reflect on the idea of violence and why it happens. Now, I should say, we are all capable of violence. Even the most moral can cause violence. What can we know about violence and why it comes out? Reflect a bit on yourselves on why you chose violence. I have a quote from Elie Wiesel. Anyone know who that is?"
They stayed quiet until Coralline raised her hand. Dr. Quinzel tilted her head in surprise and pointed to her, "Yes, Coralline. Who?"
"He was a professor and political activist. He survived the Holocaust. He was against the death penalty. He even believed Adolf Eichmann didn't deserve the death penalty."
"That's right, Coralline! Good work. Just for the record. This place is for you guys. You don't need to raise your hands to speak. This is the place to do so, freely. But he made a quote saying, 'Violence is a form of communication for a person who fails to find words.' What do you guys think of that?"
Jay said pridefully, "A mute is violent!"
"No… Jay," Quinzel exasperated but trying not to laugh, "Anyone else?"
Lazlo said, "It's quite simple. Violence is the answer when we are unheard. Even when we sing to the top of our lungs, we are ignored and forgotten and lonely. We get angry. We make violence our song."
"Edward? You want to weigh in? You always have an interesting way of looking at things." Dr. Quinzel compelled.
Edward shifted in his seat uncomfortably again and sighed, "Maybe… violence is the last resort. It's more expressive than words in some cases."
"In your case," said Jay quietly.
"It did work for me," quipped Edward while not looking at him.
Dr. Quinzel intruded, "I think you're all missing the point. You all are valid, but the reality is when words are found, violence is no longer needed. Expression of the voice has more impact than the expression of fear and pain. It leaves a lasting and positive impact. We are going to try an exercise where I start a sentence about violence, and I'll have each of you finish it for me. Everyone up for that?"
The four nodded or remained silent in compliance.
"Okay, starting with Coralline. Violence happens because…" Dr. Quinzel tapered off the sentence for Coralline to continue it.
She fumbled her fingers and said, "Because we can't find the words."
"Good! Now Edward. Someone who is violent towards others is…"
Edward said lowly, "Trying to communicate."
"Awesome! Jay's turn. Someone who is violent towards himself is…"
"Going to get shipped to the padded cells."
Coralline started giggling into her hand, even Edward took off his glasses to hide his smile with his hands.
Dr. Quinzel shook her head lightheartedly and implored, "Come on, Jay. I know you can take this seriously. You're an articulate guy. Try to offer a response that is meaningful."
Jay huffed, "Okay. Someone who is violent to himself is trying to find their voice."
"I love that! Very good, Jay! Quote worthy. Now Lazlo. Someone I have trouble communicating with is…"
Lazlo said loudly, "Is a lost little lamb!"
Coralline blew a raspberry into her palms as she jolted into quiet laughter.
Dr. Quinzel couldn't help but grin, "Yes, in a way they could be, yeah. That's a sympathetic response, Lazlo. That's good."
"Oh, so what. He doesn't have to take this seriously but I do?" Jay whined.
"It's okay! We are laughing together, that's exactly what this room is for, so it's fine. Let's turn back to Coralline again. What I really need is…"
Coralline resolved from her laughter and went stoic before saying, "Someone to listen." She looked down into the floor as if she was reflecting on that answer.
"Yes… we all need someone to listen to us. Especially when we feel like we aren't being heard. Edward, your turn once more. What I wish people would understand about me is…"
Edward sighed as he put his glasses back on and folded his hands to his lap. He glanced to the floor and said, "I deserve to be heard, too." He said it sullenly.
"Yes. Yes, you do, Edward. All of you deserve to be heard when you speak. The reason you all chose violence is because you were not being heard. You were hurt and frustrated and had to deal with impossible odds against mental illness and trauma. This is the place I want to teach you all that your voices will always be heard. Where violence will be silenced, and words heard with reverence. I am so proud of all of you for participating in this exercise with me and hopefully there was some self-reflection along the way. Would anyone like to share a time where they were silenced and needed to be heard? Don't hold back."
Jay said, "Anytime at the DMV."
Dr. Quinzel giggled, "Same here, Jay. Same here. A more reflective answer anyone?"
Coralline said coldly, "In my cell. I'm never listened to when I'm in my cell. The guards ignore me. That's why I scream."
The faces behind the observation window began to whisper amongst each other, and Warden Javier's sweat crawled down his back.
Dr. Quinzel replied empathetically, "It's very isolating in your cells, that I can agree with. But I can promise that born from this trial will be a new approach from the staff here. Especially for you four. Thank you for sharing that with me, Coralline. Lazlo, did you have a time you were silenced and needed to be heard?"
"Yes, yes, yes. Surgeons in white but their minds alight. They hated the dollotrons. I tried to make them see but they wouldn't. They couldn't."
Dr. Quinzel interjected quickly, "Okay, Lazlo, remember what we talked about in therapy. We do not indulge the topic on dollotrons, alright? Your work is done, you're retired, remember?"
"Yes, Dr. Quinzel. My deepest pardons."
"Okay. Edward, ever a time you were silenced when you needed to be heard? I'm sure you have a couple."
Edward scoffed lightly, "My whole life."
"Give us a specific time you remember."
"At," Edward sighed long and low, calculating his response, "At KTMJ. My old job. I told them I found dirty money, and they ignored me."
"Right. That was a very frustrating time for you, Edward. All you were trying to do was the best you could, just remember that, okay?"
"Okay," he whispered.
"Now, we are going to try an affirmation exercise. Basically, we repeat what we just said in therapy now and how it makes us feel, and each of us go around and say what we would do or say to that person to comfort them. Affirmation. Beginning with Coralline, what makes you feel unheard?"
Coralline blew out air and said again spitefully, "Being ignored in my cell makes me angry."
"Okay. Edward, what would you do or say for Coralline in this situation?"
Edward was a rattle of nerves. He avoided eye contact with Coralline and muttered, "Let her out?"
Dr. Quinzel giggled, "Okay, let's say you couldn't let her out, but you could talk to her. What would you say?"
"Um. She's angry because she's being ignored… so I'd talk to her. Tell her she's not alone."
"Very good, Edward. Coralline, how would that make you feel?"
Coralline glanced up at Edward, then back at her feet, "Better, I guess."
"Jay, what would you do?"
"I'd try to make her laugh." Jay replied promptly.
"Good! Sometimes the best cure for anger is laughter. Lazlo, what would you say for Coralline?"
"Doctor, my cell is two doors down from Miss. Atkins. I sing as loud as I can so she's not alone in the screaming. I think it brings her much joy as she screams even louder."
"It doesn't…" Coralline sniped angrily.
"Okay, okay. Singing is good for some, not for all. All that matters is you want to comfort her, Lazlo. That's good. Now Edward, wanna repeat how it made you feel at KTMJ being ignored by your colleagues?"
Edward winced and said, "I don't know…"
"Did it make you feel angry, sad… hopeless?"
"Hopeless." He agreed.
"Okay, it can feel hopeless in those kind of environments when you want change but no one listens. Coralline, what would you say to Edward in that situation?"
Coralline replied back in a snarl, "I'd tell him to quit, because they're all assholes, anyway."
Jay tittered to himself at her reply, and Edward pushed his glasses up lightly shaking his head.
"Okay, well, Coralline, sometimes it's not that easy to quit a job when you have bills hanging over your head. Instead of a solution, offer a response empathetically. Imagine how you would feel, and what words or actions would make you feel better."
Coralline fiddled her fingers and sighed, "I'd tell him he's doing good and give him a hug."
"Aw. That's sweet, Coralline. Like I said, Scorpios are tough but sweet on the inside. It's good to see you embracing your soft side."
Edward's face flushed and kept his lenses down. Dr. Quinzel asked Jay, "What would you do for Edward?"
"I'd give him a much tighter and consoling hug."
"Haha, of course you would, Jay. What about you, Lazlo?"
Lazlo leaned in and spoke directly to Edward, making him nervously avoid eye contact, "Edward, my boy. You are a smart man. A strong man. You looked the pigs of corruption in the crusted eye, and spat in their face in the name of righteousness! You are a hero among the people. You did not deserve the ignorance of that place, and you are better rid of it! The swine of KTMJ can suck my fatty! You understand me?!"
Edward was uncomfortably sitting across from Lazlo everting eye contact as Coralline and Jay were in fits of wheezing laughter.
"Thank you…" Edward gulped while in a stiff posture.
"That was… great, Lazlo. You comforted him in your own way. I like how you said it directly to him rather than a scenario. Very good of you, well done. Jay, you said the DMV, would you like to stick with that or change it to something more personal?"
"Nope, DMV. I'm sad I have to wait in line at the DMV. I need comfort and stat."
Dr. Quinzel sighed with a smile, "Okay, Coralline, how would you make stat comfort to poor Jay who must wait in line at the DMV?"
"Seriously?" Coralline grumbled.
"Yup, let's see more of that Coralline soft side."
Coralline relaxed in her chair and exhaled, "I would… scream to the top of my lungs and scare all the others out of line so he could be first."
Jay and Dr. Quinzel began to laugh, Dr. Quinzel sniggered, "I love it. Could see you doing that, too. Well done, Coralline. You show your affirmation in action, that's admirable. What about you, Edward?"
Edward breathed a smile, "What, and top screaming?"
"Yeah, what words would you use for Jay? Coralline can scream, but what would you say?"
"I… Um. I'd wait with him and tell him he doesn't have to wait alone."
"Good! That's a good friend, right there."
Jay jestingly whimpered, "You're making me tear up, Eddie."
Suddenly the door to the Therapy Room opened and in walked two guards. One announced, "Dr. Quinzel, hour is nearly up. We're here to take Valentin back."
"Oh! Dang, already? Okay. Well, Lazlo, I hope you enjoyed this time. We will see you again Monday morning!"
Lazlo relented, "Very well. I will depart of my own accord. I look forward to our gatherings! Fare thee well, all of you."
Lazlo was led from the room with the two guards and taken back to his cell. Edward, Coralline and Jay all shared their own manners of disappointment that they would have to leave and go back to their cells soon. Dr. Quinzel announced sadly, "Well, our time is up for today, everyone. While I still have some of you here before you go, does anyone wanna share how this meeting made you all feel?"
Jay exclaimed, "Not bored!"
Dr. Quinzel laughed, "That's the mission, Jay! I'm glad. Coralline?"
"Like I was seen for once."
"I'm so happy that this could do that for you, Coralline. You deserve to be seen. Edward?"
Before Edward could answer, Morello and Bolton came walking up from the door where the two guards who had taken Valentin returned to take their place. Morello stated, "It's time, Coralline. We gotta go back."
Coralline's lip shook as she fought tears and nodded.
"Wait!" Dr. Quinzel blurted before Coralline left the circle with them, "Coralline, remember, you will be coming back here on Monday. Please don't do anything that could change that on your way back to your cell. I know you're disappointed but acting it out in violence won't help. You can express it in words on Monday, okay?"
Coralline looked back and wiped her tears with her shackled hands and sighed, "Okay…"
She left with Morello and Bolton, and Dr. Quinzel asked Edward again, "Sorry. Edward, how was this meeting for you?"
Edward said a bit more comfortable that the room was clearing out, "Good. I'm excited for the next time."
"Awesome. I'm excited, too. You guys did amazing, all of you. I think you all are a great group, and we are going to make some serious progress with each other."
Piscatella came in and called, "Nashton. Your turn, let's go."
Edward stood from his chair gave a flat smile to Dr. Quinzel before leaving with the officer from the Therapy Room.
"And here we are, alone together again," crooned Jay.
Dr. Quinzel coughed into her fist then gave a short glance to the observation window.
"Right," Jay said and added, "I just wanted to say thank you for allowing me in this trial, Dr. Quinzel. I can already feel myself gaining so much from this and it's only just begun. You are doing wonderful things for us and Arkham."
Dr. Quinzel knew Jay was saying all the things for the benefit of the suits behind the glass window. She couldn't help but smile at this, knowing the words would impress the Board and Warden.
"You're welcome, Jay. I look forward to seeing you next time."
Bolton came from the door and called, "Let's go, Doe."
He stood and whispered huskily, "Counting down the minutes, Quinzel."