Descent

Chapter 25

Edward and Pam had discussed the zip drive Selena had given him. Of course they had to do it in hushed whispers between their cell bars. They didn't want the Joker hearing what they had planned.

If he found out before they were able to get the flash drive to the doc, it would mean trouble. For Edward it would most likely mean another beating.

What they were trying to figure out was what Selena was playing at. After all why push the doc and the Joker together. Not being stuck with them behind these dank walls she had nothing at stake in this love connection they were trying to make.

At least that was what Edward had thought. It was Pam's quick thinking that brought the situation into focus. Selena was paving a way for Harleen to be with the Joker so that she in turn could be with Bruce.

And while this annoyed Edward, it also made him realize the truth. Selena was stuck on Bruce Wayne just like every other chick in Gotham. Every chick that was except the doc. He was brought out of his musings by the sound of the guards opening his cell.

"Ok, Eddie time to see Dr. Quinzel."

A look of shock crossed his features. "I don't have a session today."

Oh God if the joker found out he was getting an extra session he would kill him. Every inmate housed on this hall knew that the Joker hadn't been back to see the doc yet. Most were taking bets, saying that she had already given up on him. Others figured that as tough as she pretended to be she was no match for the Joker.

The fear that gripped him was gone when he felt the flash drive in his pocket. Even if he did get a beating, at least he'd be able to give Dr. Quinzel the little push she needed to see just who the Joker really was.

"Listen, I got orders. So don't make this hard." Briggs huffed as he put the shackles on Edward.

 They made the short march to Dr. Quinzel's office, Edward in the front and Briggs pulling up the rear. As soon as they reached the door Briggs opened it and unceremoniously shoved him in.

"Oh, Eddie, come in."

Harleen looked up from the internet pages she had printed out. With a quick glance Edward realized they were mostly about the Joker. His crime sprees to be exact. All spread out in craniological order.

It seemed that she was already trying to piece together the Joker's past. His gaze landed on a few pieces from the society columns. What blew him away was that Dr. Quinzel had been able to put things together, when most people just assumed that the Joker was born the way he was.

That is what the rest of the world thought. Monsters were born. Eddie shook his head, knowing that in most cases including his own, a man became a monster when the world left him no other choice.

Sitting he looked at his doctor in wonder. Why would she go through all this trouble for one patient? Sure it was Dr. Quinzel's job to make sure they got the best care they could. But every other doctor in Arkham had given up on the ticking time bomb that was the Joker.

Could Selena be right? If she was that meant the doc felt something for Chuckles. It also meant that is she could feel something for a cold hearted killer, there was a chance that someone out there might feel something for Edward.

He rubbed at his chest, trying to erase the feeling that seemed to be growing there.

Hope.God that was one feeling he didn't want to buy into. Only suckers hoped for anything more than what they could take from life. And someone to love them was way beyond anything any of the Rouge's Gallery could hope for.

"You doing some light reading, doc?" He gestured towards the papers.

Harleen shuffled them into a neat pile. Edward noticed that her hands were trembling.