Hush (A Joker Story)

23: Goodnight Kiss

“Your brother, Dean, must be very proud of you. . .” Bruce’s words were soft and firm, I locked eyes with him.

“Maybe.” I spoke, suddenly regretting all the things I’ve done. If he knew I spiraled out of control the way I did, ooh. . .

I would get the beating of a lifetime.

My brother never touched a single hair on my head,

but. . . .

He would go mad. I just know it.

Guild took over, I tapped my fingers on the table nervously, Bruce caught my action and his mouth went into a firm line.

“Anyways!” I practically shouted, frantic to change the subject. I shifted in my seat uncomfortably, as did he, and, thought of something to say. “Getting the poverty under control?”

He smiled. “It’s kind of hard with The Joker and his girl running amuck.”

“What is that broad’s name again?” I asked, trying to hide my smirk as I leant forward in my seat, setting my elbow on the table to get closer. 

“Hush. She took the name of an old criminal that died. . . .” he looked down. He had no idea I knew that man was his childhood friend.

“Ah, I see. How are they ruining it for you?” I asked, since I honestly did not see how we affected him at all.

“Well, the stress and paying for all the damage they cause.” he folded his hands in his lap and leaned forward, keeping his eyes locked on mine.

“Hm.” was my only response. I folded my arms, thinking about Joker’s idiotic opinion about the mess Bruce and I were discussing. Joker believed that it only cost the city when he took money, but it also cost the city their sanity.

“That Hush chick will get the death penalty if we catch her.”

I felt my body freeze up, but played it off as if I was cold, cupping my upper arms in my hands, curling up in my seat and grimacing. “Holy shit, it’s like Antarctica where I’m sitting!”

He chuckled softly and looked up. “That’s because there’s an air vent above you.”

“Well would they mind NOT turning the temperature down a thousand degrees?” I gasped, he reached behind him, taking out his coat and leaned over, handing it to me with concerned eyes. I took it, and slipped it on. “Thank you.”

“No problem.”

“So . . . .” I leaned forward. “Why the death penalty? The rest of ‘em don’t get that. What did she do?”

He sighed. “It’s confidential, what we’re talking about.”

“Then how do you know?” my eyes flickered, he stiffened, and sighed. I caught him. Seriously, what was a man like Bruce Wayne, a man who nested himself into politics, knowing about the criminal records? That would be the last person the GCPD would want to have a hold of the files.

“Never mind that. I’ll tell you if you don’t tell anyone else.” he was serious.

“Who am I gonna tell?” besides of course, The Joker.

He sighed. “So, apparently from what Arkham City sees is that Hush does have a conscience. She hesitates before pulling off stunts, which shows she is capable of feeling emotion like guilt. Therefore we can charge her as a regular human being, since all the other criminals barge in and don’t care what hurts who.”

Damn. So I get killed because I’m the only one who feels bad? That sounds odd.

“Wow, well I hope she gets caught.” not really but I had to convince him. I yawned and stretched. After dinner, Bruce took me home.