Rotten & Damaged

Chapter 1- Honestly

Chapter 1- Honestly

I remember it all. How I met him. How I came to be who I am today. I remember it all. One thing I don't remember is how the fuck I came to love a clinically insane murderer with a penchant for cackling at inappropriate times.

To do this day if you ask me why I came to love my puddin' I'll tell ya the truth... I have no idea. It's just who I am at this point.

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My high heels crack on the floor with each step. People know when I enter the Asylum whether they want to or not. I know I'm pretty and smart, that's what gave me my confidence. Nothing I wanted was ever denied... well, a few things. Say... a loving father, a perfect home, a... never mind.

I breeze past the receptionist's desk and walk into my office. I slam down the thick-to-almost-bursting manila folder I had been carrying and snarl, "Sit down!"

I pull out the large, glossy photos and point at the top one, "Are you fucking kidding me, Arkham?"

My boss sighs and shakes his head, "No, Harleen, I'm not. Look, I knew you were fierce when I hired you, but if you could calm down a lit-"

"Calm down? Calm down? Oh yeah, Arkham, that's real easy ta do when I've been put on the feckin' Joker's case!" In my anger, my cover-up accent slipped, revealing my Brooklyn roots. I pace, "I want the publicity. I want the fame. Hell, I want the challenge. But Joker? I'm your newest recruit! What makes you think I can handle THE Joker?"

"You've got balls enough to scream at your boss when you're passionate. You've got balls enough to face this demon. Harleen, in all honesty, you are the only person I trust enough and know enough to help him. If he's got the smallest chance in hell of recovery, you're the one to get him there."

"I appreciate the confidence booster, but my ego's large enough, thanks." I sigh, slipping into my chair. I roll my neck and brush a loose strand of blond hair behind my ear, "Fine. I'll take it. But I want a raise, Arkham. Joker is a big case."

He smiles at me, an emotion I barely see on his face: happiness. He nods, "Of course, Harleen. Absolutely."

He goes to stand and I hold up a hand when my phone dings. I glance at the message and my blood boils, "Arkham? When do I start?"

He shifts uncomfortably and murmurs, "Today. In an hour." I tensely nod my head and signal him out of my office.

I start scanning through the many files on Joker. Name, unknown? They don't know his real name? How weird is that. Ok, focus. Look for clues on conditions and illnesses. How many of his doctors has he killed? All twenty-eight of them!? What the hell have I gotten myself into?

My alarm goes off on my phone and I grab my stuff. I shut off the alarm and make my way to Area 10, where we hold very few of our patients. Only the worst of the worst are housed here. I swipe my ID card, go through a metal detector, and check-in with a guard before making it to the correct room. #1077

While I wait for my newest to arrive, I review his information. Suddenly, the door slams open and I hear wild laughter. I see a flash of green and white and about ten guards carry a struggling body over to the table. I hear chains rattle as they sit him down and connect the chains to the heavy-looking cuffs on his ankles.

He's in a straitjacket and I have to stop myself from choking on my spit in surprise when he checks me out and smiles fiendishly. He chuckles, "Hey, darlin', ya here to talk to me or relieve some of my tension? I know you wanna pay special attention to me. Am I right, Doctor?"