ARKHAM FILES: ORACLE

CHAPTER SIX: AMADEUS ARKHAM

Barbara's eyes scanned the garden, her mind still reeling from the thought of the Joker's presence at the ball. She took a sip of her drink, feeling a sense of unease wash over her as she contemplated the danger that lurked in the shadows. Alfred's arrival was a welcome distraction, and she turned to him with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"What is this?" Barbara asked, eyeing the blueprint of the mayor's manor that Alfred held in his hand.

"This, Miss Gordon," Alfred said, his voice calm and measured, "is the layout of the mayor's manor. It appears that the 'trinket' you're seeking is hidden somewhere within the estate."

Barbara's eyes narrowed as she studied the blueprint. "And what makes you think this is where it is?" she asked.

Alfred's expression turned serious. "I have reason to believe that it is, Miss Gordon. And I must caution you, it would be most unwise to proceed with this plan without proper caution. The Joker is a formidable foe, and I fear for your safety."

Barbara's heart skipped a beat as she felt a flutter of fear. But she pushed aside her doubts and focused on the task at hand. "I understand your concerns, Alfred," she said. "But I must do this. For Jason and my father."

Alfred's eyes seemed to bore into hers, as if searching for something deep within her. "You remind me of your father," he said quietly. "Your determination and bravery are traits that he would be proud of."

Barbara's throat tightened as she felt a lump form in her chest. No one had ever spoken about her father like that before. It was as if Alfred saw something in her that others did not.

"I'll be careful, Alfred," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I promise."

Alfred nodded, his expression softening. "I know you will, Miss Gordon. But I must ask you again - are you sure you're ready for this?"

Barbara nodded, her eyes still fixed on the blueprint. The Green House is located on the east side of the estate, and it's likely that the entrance to the ball will be there as well. The security will be stationed around the fountain.

Barbara took another sip of her tea, her mind racing with possibilities. "I think I can get an outfit, or maybe even sneak past the waiters and waitresses. But what about the key? Do you think it's in his office?"

Alfred's expression turned thoughtful. "It's possible, Miss Gordon. But we'll need to be careful. The mayor's manor is likely to be heavily guarded, and we don't want to risk being caught."

Barbara's eyes narrowed as she studied the blueprint again. "I think I can come up with a plan." Alfred's eyes lit up with interest. "Go on, Miss Gordon."

"I've got it!" Barbara exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We can sneak in through the garden, using the fountain as a distraction. I know the guards will be focused on the partygoers, and with the noise of the music and laughter, we'll be able to slip past them unnoticed. Once we're inside, we'll make our way to the study, where we'll find the Mayor's most valuable documents. With any luck, we'll be able to get in and out without being detected." Alfred nodded, his expression serious.

Barbara's heart skipped a beat as she felt a chill run down her spine. She hadn't thought about that possibility. But she pushed aside her doubts and focused on the task at hand.

The two of them sat in silence for a moment, studying the blueprint and planning their strategy. Barbara knew that they were taking a huge risk, but she was determined to get what she needed. And if that meant putting herself in danger, then so be it.

As they sat there, Barbara couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that the Joker was capable of anything, and she had no idea what he was planning for the night of the ball. But she was determined to find out, no matter what it took.