V | Dial 'A' for Assassin

Chapter 4

6 months later

Trigger Warning; Sexual violence
Viewer's discretion is advised.

❤ Roland POV ❤

6 months ago is when the first present showed up on my doorstep. I was so exhausted after work that I must not have noticed anyone dropping it off, or they must've visited while I was gone.

At first the gifts were fine. Little note cards complimenting me and they were paired with nothing more than a light knocking on my apartment door.
That was up until 3 weeks ago. I got my first threat, and it was enough to put me on edge.

And that's when the gifts stopped all together. Until this morning.

This time it was the last straw. The note card looked more scribbled, hastily written. Like someone was in a rush.

They described my body, how they wanted to hurt me, and rape me. They said killing me would be too easy. Would put an end to "our" fun too quickly.

I nearly barfed while reading it, but put it in my parka pocket as I left that morning.

Arriving at The GCPD, there were press documenting the arrival of Captain Barnes.

"At 8:15 this evening, an individual robbed a pharmacy and attacked its owner. While we dont have an I.D. as yet, we believe that this individual is another escapee from Indian Hill."

The reporters were all over this, clammering. A Gotham Gazette worker stepped up to the plate, announcing herself as Valerie Vale.

"Why can't we see the escapee?" She questioned.

"Because crews are still picking up the pieces." Barnes replied.

"This isn't the first time that a bounty hunter has apprehended an escapee. Is The GCPD incapable of handling the threat themselves?"

"Whoa, only a handful of these escapees have been brought in by bounty hunters. The vast majority were apprehended by GCPD."

James spoke now
"Excuse me, excuse me. I take issue with the word, 'threat'. These escapees are themselves victims of Hugo Strange."

Jim, Uncle Harvey and I were all standing on the balcony above listening to this speech.

James continued to speak.
"Now, if any ordinary, hard-working citizen wants to help get these poor souls off the street so that they may recieve proper treatment, well, these citizens should be lauded and rewarded financially."

"Mr. James, before they were taken to Indian Hill, these " poor souls" were all criminally insane inmates at Arkham Asylum, were they not?" Valerie prodded

"Next question." Mr. James dismissed.

"Hear that, Jim? You should be lauded." Uncle Harvey poked.

"I'll settle for the cash." Jim said gruffly, accepting his cup of coffee from Harvey.

"How many escapees have you brought in, now?" I asked him, keeping my arms crossed around my chest.