In Another Life IV

Chapter 11

"I think it's great that you're taking such an interest in the Joker," said Dr. Leland. "He needs a lotta work, I'm not gonna lie, and two heads are better than one. Only I'm worried that...he might be playing you for a fool."

Harleen stared at her. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"He's a...clever, ruthless man now, whatever he used to be," said Dr. Leland. "You're very patient and sympathetic with him, which is good, but I'm afraid he might be trying to take advantage of your feelings for this Jack. Of course, it's entirely possible that's who he used to be. But you mustn't let that blind you to who he is."

"And who is he?" asked Harleen.

"He's the Joker," she said. "A very ruthless, clever, dangerous man. And not a very sincere man, as the name suggests. I honestly can't tell the difference between when he's telling the truth or when he's lying. Maybe he can't either. But either way, it's not a good idea to trust him too much."

"I...think we have to trust all of our patients to an extent," said Harleen. "Otherwise how can we help them?"

"I'm not sure we can help the Joker," said Dr. Leland, gently. "We can be compassionate, of course, but I don't see rehabilitation as a possibility for him."

"But...but we can't just give up on him, Joan," said Harleen, surprised. "We can't just keep him here forever, trapped by his appearance and his memories, or his lack of memories...we have to help him..."

"Harley, I understand that this is a very personal cause for you," said Dr. Leland. "I believe you think if the Joker suddenly remembers everything, he can tell you everything about your past incident, and the bad memories will go away, and you can live a normal life. But I'm sure we can get to the root of your repression without his help..."

"I'm not that selfish, Joan," interrupted Harleen. "I'm doing this for him, can't you understand that? I want to help him, I'm...interested in him."

Dr. Leland studied her. "What if one day he tells you he is Jack Napier?" she murmured. "How could you know he was telling the truth instead of just telling you what you want to hear? And what would it matter if he was, in the end? Jack Napier is gone. He doesn't know who that man is. And neither do you."

"I do know Jack Napier," murmured Harleen. "I know him better than I know myself. He's in here," she whispered, pointing to her heart. "He's been here for a very long time. And if he's suddenly come back into my life as a real person, a person who's become a part of my very identity and heart and soul...you think that doesn't matter?"

"Harley, all I'm asking is that you be careful," said Dr. Leland. "Don't become too attached to such a duplicitous liar. He'll say anything as long as he thinks it's funny. Don't trust him."

Harleen nodded. "Look, Joan, do you mind if we...don't talk today?" she asked quietly. "I'm just not feeling very good – headache, y'know."

"Do you need to go home?" asked Dr. Leland, concerned.

"No, I think I'll just...go for a walk," said Harleen, standing up. "Uh...we'll reschedule, huh?"

"Sure, Harley, whatever you want," said Dr. Leland.

Harleen nodded and headed out of Dr. Leland's office. She started toward the front door of the asylum, and then turned back and headed toward the cell block.

"Oh...morning, Doc!" said the Joker, as she approached his cell. "Wasn't expecting you! Thought I had exercise time next...what...uh...brings you here?"

"I just wanted to see you," said Harleen, studying him.

"Well, I'm happy to be looked at!" he chuckled. "But maybe you should come back later if you wanna talk...the guards are gonna be here any moment to take me off to the exercise yard..."