Love is Merely Madness ~ Book 1 ~ Batman Begins

Chapter 17: Bombshell

Chapter 17: Bombshell

Kathryn knew she wasn't alone in the Jack Ryder situation. The police and the entire city were aware of the wanted man. Her roommate was supportive throughout the whole thing, even though it was an emotional rollercoaster ride. She honored her promise by driving Kathryn to the ferry and picking her up after work, temporarily easing the anxiety. Jack may not have graced his presence over the next few days, it didn't mean he had left the city. He could be lurking in the shadows somewhere, watching the star-crossed lovers. The waiting game for his next move matched a ticking time bomb. It didn't help matters when one stubborn man - the man Kathryn needed the most wasn't there to check on her or express his concerns. He didn't bother to greet her when they crossed paths in the hallway as if she and the situation didn't exist. He was a prideful man, believing he could handle their case alone. Being prideful didn't equal bravery; it was stupidity.

The psychologist struggled to find the professional work mask, although she concealed the dark circles around her eyes and took some Xanax beforehand. It didn't remove the nightmares she had endured the last few nights despite the necessary precautions. Elise told Kathryn what she had heard her friend say in her sleep. As much as Kathryn wanted to take up Elise's suggestion to take time off, she couldn't. Otherwise, Arkham might ask her some questions that Kathryn didn't like answering. Putting Jonathan's life on the line wasn't an option.

She faked a smile when Aaron and his partner dragged Edward inside the interview room.

"Doctor Knightly," Aaron greeted her.

"Hello, Officer," Kathryn reciprocated. "Thank you for bringing Edward here."

"No thanks necessary - part of the job."

"Wait!" Edward perked, delaying the guard from leaving. "He still has yet to answer my riddle."

"I have one for you, freak," Aaron snapped. "What do you call a cage that fits someone's maw and can't be opened with a key?"

Edward pursed his lips, "I don't believe it is professional of you to make unnecessary threats, Officer Cash. And the answer to that so-called riddle of yours is a muzzle."

"Thank you, Officer Cash," Kathryn interjected before Aaron did something he might regret later. "I'll take it from here."

Aaron narrowed his eyes at the smug patient, "Don't get any ideas, freak. You hear me?!"

"Oh, I hear you for the umpteenth time," Edward acknowledged, rolling his eyes. "Now, you better get going. The doctor and I have a lot to discuss."

Aaron allowed an exhausting huff to escape his lips before departing the room. Kathryn wasn't the only one who didn't get a good night's rest. The guard gave Edward one final glare before shutting the door behind him.

Edward was about to express his thoughts, but Kathryn lifted a finger, telling him to wait. She pressed the record button, officially beginning the session, "Patient interview #13. This is Doctor Kathryn Knightly with Patient #6059 (also known as Edward Nashton)." She looked at the puzzle man with a half-smile, "Good afternoon, Edward."

"Hello, Kathryn," Edward greeted back. "May I finish my thought that you so rudely interrupted?"

"You may," the girl permitted, not bothering to apologize for following protocol.

"I wanted to point out - and correct me if I'm wrong - but I sense a development in mutual respect."

"Is that so?" she challenged. "When did you start realizing that, Edward? Was there anything in the session we did different-"