Harley

Chapter 1

  My day has come. It has been one week since Commissioner Gordon has come to the apartment, and the warden took just this long to confirm that he was able to afford having me in the ward. Today was just an interview, and I am assuming that it would take a few days for the warden to get back to me. I can't be the only one remotely interested in the ward. I dressed as professionally as possible, and printed another, neater, resume. I tied my hair back into a sleek ponytail, and wore a pair of contacts for the first time. I had on black flats and a pencil skirt, with a typical blazer- I hope that it is impressionable enough to get me through.  

 I left about thirty minutes before I had to be there. Arriving early is always better than arriving late. I don't trust myself with all that extra time not to become caught up with something. I can become enticed easily with certain activities. I can't count how many times I have been caught up with reading or coming up with different social experiments. When I checked into the old Arkham ward, I was lead by a man who seemed so tired and distressed. He had large bags under his eyes and his face seemed to be turning grey. "Are you sure you are in the right place?" It was a bit unnerving that he had to be sure. I guess I really am the only one interested. "Yes, I am sure. I have a meeting with the Warden today," I told him. He hesitantly took me to his office, down a bland hallway with previously bright white lights. For the most part, they were flickering out. The eggshell wallpaper was peeling off, and molding in some places. They were rotting to black. If the hall leading to the warden's office looked this horrible, I wonder what the patient's rooms looked like. There is no reason to keep these patients confined- they simply need high security at most. I guess I just don't understand the extent of what these characters will go to. 

  "Here you go. Good luck in advance." I looked at him worryingly as he walked away before knocking at the door. "Come in, Dr. Quinzel." I followed his orders and went in.

"Good afternoon, Warden Sharp," I said to him respectfully.

He nodded, motioning his hand toward the rolling chair in front of his office desk. He shuffled some papers before pulling out a file drawer, and reaching in for a specific paper.

"Dr. Quinzel, I just wanted to have a very important conversation with you."

I was confused. Commissioner Gordon had this talk with me already.

"You mean, this isn't an interview?" He shook his head.

"No, it isn't. I have already reviewed your files- they are great. I just wanted to talk to you about what you are getting yourself into."
I guess I won't be needing my new papers I typed up.

"Commissioner Gordon has made me aware," I said.

"That is what I am told. I just want to tell you that uh- No. You will not be staying away from the Joker I am afraid. He needs to be evaluated, more than any of them. You need to be aware, and take precautions. We just recently got him back into the asylum. Dr. Quinzel- this man has ripped off people's faces, he has blown up a school, and he taunts our city's biggest hero- Batman. He is your first job and I want to be sure that you know. Do you wish to continue?" I looked down at my lap, where my trapper keeper satchel sat. He is the most insane man known to the state. He is dangerous. I needed to fray but I was already so intrigued.

"Yes. I am sure," I told him.

"Well, okay then. You will have identification done tomorrow, and Joker- You will be taking him on Wednesday. Come tomorrow at 9 a.m. to get your I.D. and paperwork done. Work starts at 8 a.m. sharp- but perhaps you should come a bit earlier to prepare for your patient. I would recommend an hour before your patient shows." I nodded and he handed me a schedule. I stood up and opened his door. Before walking out, he regained my attention. "Oh, and if you plan on decorating- I don't recommend fragile items." I gave a small laugh, and nodded. "Yes sir."

  When I got home, I decided I needed to prepare for work tomorrow. I only wear professional outfits unless I am at home, so I guess I am good on clothes. Even though it isn't even late afternoon yet, I feel so exhausted and run down. I'm guessing that's because I didn't have much of a breakfast this morning.

   "God bless my soul," I said to myself before throwing myself down on the love seat. My eyes began to close before I could stop it, and I fell asleep on the futon right there.