Chapter 12: The Shark Cage

Harleen hunched over the kitchen sink. It was four in the morning. Her head was throbbing, her back ached and heart palpitated. She gently dabbed foundation under her right eye. However, the shadow of the bruising and swelling wouldn't hide. He was out there waiting for her. She would recluse from the conversation as long as she could, but he would grow impatient soon. She clapped the foundation back to the sink counter and sighed low, hanging her head.

Maybe the glasses will cover it?

She slid her glasses back on and they greeted with a sting. The bruising was still too noticeable for contentment. The contusion was fresh and would likely bruise worse in the days to come.

I slipped in the shower? I was in a car accident? I fell out of bed? No. All of those sound cliché. I was mugged? I was mugged. Yeah. We'll go with that.

Gotham was known for crime, and at least half of the honest had been robbed at least once in their lifetimes.

A drophead outside the complex? There is always dropheads out there. They will believe it. The Warden will believe it.

She left the bathroom like she was entering a patient's cell. She could hear his sniffling in the living room. Her footsteps came into there slowly, she reminded not to show forgiveness.

Daniel looked up from his hands as he slouched over the couch, his face red and eyes glossed. He muttered it again, "I'm sorry."

She didn't respond.

"Baby… I don't know why I… I'm so sorry. There's… there's something wrong with me, Harleen."

She began to cry. Her right eye stung.

"I love you more than anything in the world, and I can't fucking show it. I fuck everything up, especially the best things in my life. I never wanted to hurt you, but… I lost control. That woman in the picture was just a slut I met that night. I was so angry at you for something stupid… and I wanted to get back at you. It meant nothing, Harleen. It wasn't even good. The whole time I was thinking about you! I missed you, and I thought it would take the pain away, but it only made it worse. I felt like trash, after. You don't deserve this; you don't deserve me. You can do so much better, I know that. I love you, Harleen. I'm sorry."

What if he means it this time?

She uttered back, "I don't know if I can forgive you this time, Danny."

His face winced and he started to cry into his hands again. Harleen wept in response.

"I'll do anything. After this I know I'm the one with the problem. I will do whatever I need to be better for you. Even if this isn't our time now, just know I'll always wait for you. I want to be better for you. I want to be the man you deserve. I can't imagine myself with anyone else. You're my family."

I'm falling back into the abyss. No one is catching me. Why am I doing this to myself? Someone catch me.

He sat up from his spot and sniffled and huffed. His hands gently raised to her and walked up so pathetically. Harleen stepped back but her eyes fighting tears. She looked him in the eyes, "How could you do that to me? I thought you loved me."

"I love you more than anything, I don't know why I did that. I'm a fucking idiot. I have the best girl in Gotham. I know that. Don't leave me, Harleen. You're all I have."

She reached her hand out to his and in doing so, he took her into his arms. He cried into her shoulder, she wept into his neck.

You failed yourself again. The abyss won't let you out now. You're stuck, Harleen.

Harleen arrived at Arkham Hospital three hours later. Daniel's texts were livelier than they'd been in months. All she ever wanted was for him to text her like he was. All the fluffiness, admiration and dedication in those messages did not flutter her as they used to. It was now a cycle that was replaying itself once again. Every buzz of her phone another rip in her chest. She had sullied herself again. Nothing to be learned or changed. Only to grimly await the next consequence.

She looked in her rear-view mirror. She applied a few more dabs of foundation to the swelling. She grabbed her things and went inside the hospital, certain the first face to see her would point out her eye. John was at the security check. Harleen did not greet as she usually did. Smiling or any stress to her eye hurt. She kept her eyes down as she scrolled her phone, pretending to be too occupied for chatter.

John didn't seem to mind, "You're all good, doctor."

Harleen gave a short nod and walked ahead the conveyer belt for her belongings. The doctor's lounge was empty to her relief. She placed her things in her cubby and donned her lab coat. As she walked out from the lounge, Dr. Crane turned the corner.

"Oh, Dr. Quinzel. Sorry."

Don't talk to me.

Harleen didn't respond, just walked past.

"Dr. Quinzel, may I consult with you. Strictly professional."

Harleen kept walking, fighting the urge to turn around and wallop a fist into his own eye.

"It's about your trial."

She struck at the comment. She turned back around with the battling words behind her tongue fighting to come out.

Dr. Crane continued, "I have a patient. Your former patient, Victor Zsasz. I know you'll be able to accept a fifth candidate for the trial soon. I just thought I'd recommend Zsasz since his progress has been far more prevalent than my other patients."

Dr. Quinzel tried to remain professional as other doctors past them in the halls, "I don't need your recommendations, Crane. I told you not to speak to me again."

"I was hoping we could be civil, despite what you think I may or may not have done, as psychologists it's common practice to refer patients. Could you at least consider it? I feel confident he will benefit from your care directive."

"Fine. It's my professional opinion, Zsasz would be a grave addition to my trial. Not only is he not my patient, but he is also a danger to the others in my trial. Such as Coralline Atkins. Do you remember her, Crane?"

Before Dr. Quinzel could heatedly walk off, Crane spoke his mind again with her back turned, "Is everything safe at home?"

Harleen nearly tripped over her left heel at the question, she turned back to him in a glower, "What did you just say?"

"That looks painful, Harleen," Dr. Crane said coolly, "Bag of frozen peas can bring down the swelling. Good day."

He raised his chin and walked back from the hall, leaving Harleen to simmer in her own rage.

Therapy Room was soon to begin. The first of the patients were in the midst of being brought to Dr. Quinzel's exercise. However, when they entered, a chipper greeting was not awaiting them. Harleen was anxious yet vacant, sheltered and timid. A day she was struggling to breathe through. Now she was soon to be surrounded by the mentally ill, who needed a positive influence in their therapy sessions. Despite her yearning to call in sick and stay home, she'd rather struggle through a day of work than be there.

Jay walked in first, and as he was having his chains removed, his smile fleeted to see Dr. Quinzel. He noticed the eye almost instantly, but greater her loss of vibrancy. He came over and sat to the chairs, Dr. Quinzel everted eye contact as she scribbled on a clipboard.

His voice muttered, "Harleen?"

She took a moment to respond, but she had already in her head.

Not today, Jay. Please.

She looked up and lazily smiled, "Hello, Jay. How are you?" She flicked her head back down to the clipboard so he wouldn't comment on her eye. She knew he saw it already, but didn't want to give him anymore fuel to comment on it.

Soon followed Edward, then Coralline and Lazlo. One after the other they each noticed Dr. Quinzel's deflation. The eye only confirming that something was wrong with their doctor. Most chose to keep quiet on it, but others were far blunter.

"What's up with your eye?" Coralline asked as she thudded onto her chair.

Jay indulged the topic, "Very good question, Coralline. Who gave you that?" All their eyes peering to Dr. Quinzel. She poked her fingers beneath the glasses and felt the swelling. It hurt at the touch.

She shrugged, "Had an accident outside the hospital, but I'm fine. Let's move on to our exercise for the day, guys."

Jay persisted, "What accident?"

Dr. Quinzel ignored it, "Today we are gonna do a self-esteem exercise. We are soon to explore the meaning of respect. But, in order to have respect for others, we need to have respect for ourselves. Hearing how we are perceived from others can really shape our self-esteem. Mental disorders fool us in thinking we are someone we are not. Sitting down and hearing how a friend, loved one, or perfect stranger see you, well it breaks the self-shaming. We are all guilty of it. Today I want to help guide all of you to remember the good things someone told you, rather than what you may be convincing yourself. We are our worst critique, after all. I'm going to have one of you sit in the middle of the circle, and each of us are going to offer an honest compliment. Coralline, wanna go first?"

Coralline whined, "Why me?"

Dr. Quinzel said, "Ladies first. Come on."

Coralline made a petulant groan and pushed off the chair. She crossed her legs in the circle and slouched. There was some awkward silence for a time before Coralline grumbled, "Someone say something, this is weird."

Dr. Quinzel said, "You are incredibly strong, Coralline."

Coralline looked up from the vinyl sheeting and to Quinzel. A small smile, but one none the less, was shared between the two. She pointed to Jay to continue.

"You've got a smokin' hot ass."

Coralline squawked, "What the fuck!" Shooting a glare to Jay who was cackling.

"Jay," Dr. Quinzel scolded, "Inappropriate. Let's try not to sexually harass, guys. Try to stay wary on physical appearances."

Jay relented, "Fine, fine. You play piano very beautifully."

"Good, much better," Dr. Quinzel said. She pointed to Lazlo who had one ready.

"You are both war and woman, Coralline. Where others see fire, I see power. Those who fear you, are right to."

Coralline couldn't help but smile. She kept looking to the floor and bashfully said, "That's my favourite one, so far."

Jay teased, "Got some competition there, Ed."

Dr. Quinzel smiled, "I love it, Lazlo. Now, Edward."

Coralline flicked her eyes up briefly to Edward, who caught her eyes and nervously looked away. He cleared his throat, "I.. um."

"You don't need to top Lazlo, Edward. We all know he gives all or nothing," assured Dr. Quinzel in a faint chuckle.

"You have a beautiful smile."

Both Coralline and Edward red in the face by the comment. Jay awed teasingly at the two. She glanced up one last time before sitting up and taking her seat. He was smiling back, rippling flutters in her tummy. She took her seat and Dr. Quinzel asked, "How did those comments make you feel, Cori?"

"Uncomfortable… mostly."

"That's normal. It's pretty daring to sit in the middle with everyone looking at you. But you did great. Lazlo, you're up next."

Lazlo giddily sat up from the chair and took his place in the centre like a child at his own birthday party. Dr. Quinzel kicked it off, "You have a beautiful singing voice, Lazlo."

Coralline whined, "I was gonna say that!"

"I think we can all agree Lazlo has the best pipes in the house." Jay added.

"Definitely." Edward chimed.

Lazlo clutched his chest in flattery, "You're all too kind."

"Alright, besides his voice, what else can we say about Lazlo? Coralline?"

"I'm not good at poetry, but I can say he's got a way with words."

"Very good. True, too. Jay?"

Jay said louder, "A damn good partner!"

Lazlo raised his fist, "Hear, hear!"

Dr. Quinzel giggled, "You two make a good team, no question. Edward?"

"He's honest. He has nothing to hide."

Dr. Quinzel nodded, "An admirable trait. Okay Lazlo, how did that all make you feel?"

Lazlo took a seat and a smile ear to ear. He patted his chest and batted his watery eyes, "Like the prettiest boy at the ball."

"Aww, Lazlo. I should add you're a bit of a gentle giant, too."

Jay hushed under his breath, "Tell that to the dollotrons…"

"Okay, Edward. You're up."

He uneasily sat up from the chair, nudging it back a little. He tepidly went to the middle of the others.

Dr. Quinzel complimented, "You're incredibly intelligent, Edward."

Edward smiled down to his fiddling hands.

"A man who lets his actions speak for him. Truly admirable. You inspired the lost of Gotham, Nashton." Lazlo said with sureness.

Jay tilted his head and grinned down to Edward, "Not nearly as boring as he plays himself to be."

Dr. Quinzel started, "Backhanded compliment, Jay. Try another."

Jay sighed, "Fine. I like your glasses. They go off. I was trying to say he's a book who shouldn't be judged by his cover."

Dr. Quinzel replied, "Sure, Jay. Coralline?"

She nonchalantly shrugged, "You're… really nice. You're probably my best friend in here." A smile warmed to her face after saying it. Edward flicked a glance to her then back to his hands. He didn't show it, but the flushing of his cheeks spoke enough.

Dr. Quinzel asked him, "How did that all make you feel, Edward?"

He sat up from the floor and walked to his chair. He took a moment to respond, "A little uncomfortable but… good."

Before Quinzel could gesture, Jay was already skipping to the centre for his turn. He slapped his hands to his thighs, "Bring it on, guys. I'd like to hear one honest to God compliment."

Dr. Quinzel tittered, "Okay, I'll start. Jay, you have an infectious laugh. I love it."

"As do you, Miss. Quinzel. Thank you."

Lazlo said, "The glue of the group. Without you this room would be a husk compared to what it is. Well done, Joseph."

"I should start a cult, honestly."

Edward mentioned, "You're outgoing. I wish I could have some of your confidence."

"You'll get there someday, Eddie."

"Sometimes you're honestly funny." Coralline added.

"A backhanded compliment from Atkins is a compliment, nonetheless. I'm flattered."

Dr. Quinzel explained as Jay took his seat, "Great job, guys. My advice is to remember what your peers said when ruminating thoughts become too much. How you appear to those around you should be the voice you hear in your own head. You're all far more than you let yourselves believe. Now…"

"Woah! Woah! Hold on there, Quinzy. What about you?" Jay interrupted.

"What do you mean?"

"It's your turn."

Coralline joined in, "Yeah! Get in the circle!"

Quinzel shook her head, "Guys, this exercise was for you."

Lazlo egged her on, "Go on, then. No reason you shouldn't hear the flowery comments, as well."

"You made us do it, only fair you do it too," Coralline jibbed.

Dr. Quinzel looked to the officers at the doors nervously. Both engaged in their phones not paying attention.

"We won't dog pile you, Quinzel," laughed Jay, "Come on. You need a little light in your day."

Quinzel sat up cautiously, and Jay, Lazlo and Coralline celebrated in claps. She sat down uneasily, her back still aching from last night. The room went quiet, and she muttered, "Wow. This is pretty uncomfortable."

Coralline chirped excitedly, "You're the best doctor in the whole hospital. I never thought I'd like a shrink as much as I like you. You know just what to say, you supported me when most wouldn't give two shits."

Dr. Quinzel felt a twinge in her chest. She looked down to the floor batting away her glossy eyes.

Edward joined in, "I've never really trusted anyone. I trusted you in this trial, and I was right to. You showed me a kinder side to life I didn't know, and for that I thank you, doctor."

Lazlo took a breath in and said in a calm tone, "You saw in us what we could not see ourselves. You're a celestial being, Dr. Quinzel. You only deserve the greatest in life. With your energy, you will attract it, surely."

If only they knew what energy you stay with, Harleen.

The tears were intruding, batting them away was no longer a solution. She prayed they wouldn't see tears down the bridge of her nose.

Jay explained in a voice he never used in Therapy Room before. Only in the company of Dr. Quinzel in his private sessions. As if it was just the two of them alone again, "Bombs, guns and gasoline used to make me so excited. One-on-one monologuing with Bats and spreading fear was something that gave meaning. Then I met you. Ever since, I've found so much comfort in your words. You are the threshold of good and evil. You understand me in a way I never thought anyone would. I may be your patient, and you may be my doctor, but you are the greatest friend I've ever had. Whatever you hurt from, we see it and understand it. I know you'll break from it, in time. I'll support you, always, Harleen."

Coralline teased, "Wow, clown, tell her how you really feel."

Jay was sure, he did not break his eyes from Quinzel, "I just did."

"That was beautiful, Joseph," said Lazlo as he wiped away tears. Sniffling was heard, but it was not coming from Valentin. They all spooked at Quinzel huffing and gasping as she wept into her hands quietly. None of them were sure on how to approach it, only Jay.

"Harleen? It's okay… I didn't mean to upset you."

Coralline fussed, "Now look what you did, clown. Dr. Quinzel, are you okay?"

"Are these happy tears, Dr. Quinzel?" Lazlo asked in worry.

Edward muttered, "I think we overwhelmed her. Please don't cry."

"Happy tears…" Dr. Quinzel croaked, "Yeah. I'm sorry, you guys. I'm sorry."

Morello walked over with her chains ringing, "Dr. Quinzel, do you need a moment?"

She sat up from the floor, hiding her wet face diligently, "Yes."

Morello walked with Dr. Quinzel from the room to observation.

Coralline asked in an inflated tone, "Wait! Does this mean Therapy Room is cancelled?!"

Morello called back, "No. Just… do what you do for your time. Dr. Quinzel will be in the window."

Dr. Quinzel pattered from the room urgently after gathering her things. The four watched in confusion strained in worry, unsure what to make of the scene or why it happened.

Dr. Quinzel sat behind the tempered glass in the observation room. The speaker was on, blaring G Minor Luo Ni on the piano. Coralline didn't waste much time in running to the piano for sanctuary after Quinzel's upsetting leave. Edward strode over with no interest in books and puzzles for the moment. He was nurturing his bond with Atkins, sitting next to her on the bench and watching her play. She was more than welcoming to it, as she moved over giving room for him at just the sound of his footsteps behind. Lazlo was busy scribbling wax crayons onto a picture book. Jay seemed to be the only one not occupied. He was always the first to find something to entertain himself, but not this day. He sat at the main table constantly flicking his eyes to the observation window. He was observing, himself.

On Dr. Quinzel's end, things were not regular as they would be. She was not jotting down notes. She was not analyzing the behaviours of the patients in the window. She was scrolling her phone. Pictures of herself and Daniel in their happiest moments. She was desperately trying to find any reason to believe. To stay. The kind words of the most dangerous in Arkham were the kindest she heard in months— far surpassing anything Daniel could articulate. That was the thought that broke her the most. Her heart and mind waged war. She was simply the host of the carnage, waiting for one to out the other. Help wasn't coming as she refused to share it. It was her choice, and she dreaded it.

The door opened gingerly to the observation window. She was half expecting it to be the Warden after what had happened. But Morello walked in with care. She gave a soft smile and sat down beside Harleen.

"There's supposed to be two guards in Therapy Room at all times." Quinzel warned stoically.

"I got Bolton to come over. He wasn't doing much, sitting on his ass in break room. Told him I'd only be a few minutes."

"A few minutes for what?"

"Harleen, what's going on, girl? You come into work with a welt on your face. You break down in front of your patients. You can tell me what's going on. Is there something happening at home?"

Dr. Quinzel didn't look from the observation window, but her demeanour was evidently sheltered, "What?"

"Was this Daniel? Did he do that to you? I swear to God, if he did, Harleen, I will…"

"No!" The lying was the worst part, "No. I was mugged. Dropheads outside the complex last night. I'm still getting over it."

Ruby flexed a brow, "You went home early yesterday because of a family emergency. Then you come to work today with a bruised eye. I don't get it, you're saying you were robbed? You can tell me the truth, even if you want to stay with him, you don't have to lie."

Dr. Quinzel glanced to her and said coldly, "It wasn't Daniel. I… I don't want to talk about it. Please… just… don't worry about me, okay?"

Ruby sighed, "Well, you're putting yourself at risk showing weakness to these guys, Harleen. Not to mention, if the Warden found out he'd put you on mental health leave. That's the last thing your trial needs. Do you need to go home today?"

"No." Dr. Quinzel snapped it out quick, a sudden fear in her voice, "I'm good."

Ruby got up from the chair and scratched her head, "Okay. I won't pry. Just… know you can talk to me, okay? Day or night. Whatever it is that's going on with you, you don't have to go through it alone."

As she left, Dr. Quinzel fought the tears again. They were almost spontaneous. Coming in waves at the slightest amounts of emotion. She peered up to the window again and caught Jay. He was staring back to her. She flicked her eyes back to her phone, but the pictures of Daniel were not the comfort she remembered.

Why can't I find someone who will love me the way I deserve?

It was just after lunch. She didn't eat since yesterday, yet she wasn't hungry. Dr. Quinzel was expecting Jay for his session and dreading it. His session would soon become an interrogation, and she wasn't confident she'd be able to redirect the topic. Jay would stir their sessions on anything that wasn't about him based on nothing. Now with something of interest, he'd be relentless.

A knock was heard, she called it flatly, "Come in."

Jay walked first, his shackles ringing second. He made his way to the chair sullenly and the guards closed the door behind as he took his seat. In moments the room was thick with tension. No jibes, no smiles and no playful banter. He'd usually initiate it and she'd play along. This time, there was nothing to go off of. He was waiting for her to speak.

"Hi. How are you feeling, Jay?" She finally spoke. It was forced and stiff. Not at all the duetting they'd come to expect.

Jay sighed, "Not great, Quinzel. Not great."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Jay. You want to talk about it?"

He began to chuckle, "Did Warden replace the real Quinzy with an artificial intelligence?"

"This session is for you, Jay."

"Your eye is glaring at me. It says otherwise." He said it almost scoldingly.

Dr. Quinzel shook her head and looked to the table, "That is not what this session is for. I'm not indulging this. Let's move on."

"How did you get it? It's just you and me, Harleen, you can tell me. You've been acting like a beaten puppy all day. You're choking on the truth."

"I will end the session."

Jay said it immediately after, "It was the boyfriend, wasn't it? He threw a tantrum yesterday, forcing you to come home, and when he couldn't get the control he wanted, he did that. Right?"

"Jay!"

"And you're choosing not to talk about it because you're trying to forgive him. You think he deserves your forgiveness? Do you think you deserve that?" He gestured to the bruise under her eye.

Quinzel kept silent, choosing to listen. He was already right, he knew what happened.

"Maybe you can't talk to your guard and doctor buddies. But we understand the shame. We know how it feels to be abused and we know the signs. I knew the second I saw you today. This wasn't the first time he did it, either. You're adjusted to it."

Quinzel took off her glasses, revealing the contusion more to Jay. He sat up straight in his chair and exhaled hard. After a moment he growled, "I'll tell you right now, Quinzy. A man who hits a woman is a chew toy for men like me."

She replied shakily, "He's not just a man who hits me. He's so much more than that. You don't know him."

"You're trying to convince me he's misunderstood, but once a man lays his hands on a woman that's all he is. From that moment onward. He will keep pushing your barriers till he takes it far enough you won't be able convince anyone. Not even yourself."

Harleen kept quiet, silently agreeing. The wisest words in the woes of her hostile relationship were offered by a high-risk Arkham inmate. Jay was saying everything that she had been telling herself in the back of her head for years. Hearing it from someone else was only confirming it. Her mourning of the relationship she wanted began to crawl to her eyes again.

He asked, "Do you know what a shark cage is?"

Harleen said, "No.."

"A big metal cage divers use to spectate sharks underwater. It has narrow metal bars only allowing fish to pass through. However, sometimes a shark cage is run down or missing a bar. Sometimes a shark is allowed to come through. Putting you and the other fish you've welcomed into your cage in danger. I like to think we all have different states of shark cages. Some of ours are sturdy and made to perfection, not even the slimmest shark can break through. Others, like you and me, our cages are old and worn. Bars are beginning to rust off the metal. Sharks come through every once in a while, and we can't distinguish between shark or fish anymore. We want to repair our cage, but the sharks distract us too long to start. The hardest thing after a shark gets in is getting it out. Then we can repair the cage. The only problem is, we are so used to it we don't know what is shark or fish anymore. So the question I need to ask you, Harleen. This man of yours, is he fish… or shark?"

Harleen stayed quiet, her face had dropped. She uttered it, "He loves me…"

"I think you should be asking yourself, when is love not enough?"

She looked to the windows hiding her tears.

He continued, "When will he do it again? You and I both know he will do it again. How far will he take it next time? He could break a limb… bust a tooth from that perfect smile… cause a brain injury. He could kill you."

"Stop, Jay."

"You already have all the proof you need, Harleen. You have suffered enough, don't you think? A woman like you knows better, I don't need to be saying this when you've already said it in your head so many times. Call the police and tell them what he's done. Get the shark out. It won't be easy, but it's the only thing you can do to repair your cage. Do it before he hurts you again."

"It's not that simple."

"But staying isn't, either. It's worse. Think of what he did, really think about it. What else will you let him take from you? When there are people out there who would cherish you."

Harleen wept, "There is no one else who would have me."

"Of course there is. You're looking at one. He doesn't deserve you, Harleen. He deserves to pay for what he did to your face. Wipe your hands clean of it, and rebuild your cage. Let room for a fish to love you how you deserve."

Harleen asked it impulsively, regretting it as it slipped off her tongue, "A fish like you?"

Jay creased a smile, "Yeah. A fish like me."

Harleen drove over the bridge towards Tricorner after work. She was scared, but discreetly relieved. Her heart beat so loud in her ears it muffled the radio. She made a decision before she started her sedan, and was driving up to the consequence of it.

How much longer will you wait, Harleen?

As she got off the highway and towards her complex, the anxiety grew worse. She slowed down and stayed in her thoughts.

You taught him to treat you like this. You've allowed it. You know it'll only get worse.

Lights flickered in the parking lot. They followed behind her.

He is not family. We are not in love. You know the truth. You're a goddamn psychologist. You've always known this. You need to repair your own cage, Harleen. No more sharks.

She parked along the road before the entrance to the apartments parking lot. The entrance had two GCPD cruisers blinking red and blue. The car behind her another, they turned on their lights as they parked beside the others. Out of the complex doors walked their landlord, then following Daniel apprehended by two officers. He was red in the face, his head bowed and blonde hair shaking against his jaunty movements. They put him in the backseat as Harleen tore at watching it. She reminded herself not to sympathize or regret. This step was hard but necessary. The first step to a climb that would test far more unruly than this. Her phone began to ring, she answered.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Harleen Quinzel. This is Constable Warren. We got Daniel in the car now. We need to take a statement, though. Are you close to home?"

"Yes. Yes I am. Can you… please take him away first? Please."

"Yes, we can do that. If that's what you want, I'll let my fellow officer know."

The cruiser started to roll down the parking lot. The windows were tinted but she could see the backseat window with eyes glaring back at her.

No more sharks.