Patient Interview 76

Dr. Young sighed softly as she scribbled something down on Edward Nigma's evaluation sheet. She was just arriving at the penitentiary and two heavy-set guards took their places on either side of her. She reached into a pocket of her long, white lab coat and pulled out a handheld tape recorder.

"This is my final interview with Edward," She said to the recorder as they walked. "I've gone as far as I can," She said patiently; she wasn't sure whether this was a good or bad thing. "I can no longer tolerate his mood swings and tantrums." It was a good thing. "I have more important work to be getting on with," She said matter-of-factly as she and the two guards turned a corner. "He will be transferred into Dr. Whistler's care as of next week." She concluded, pressing the stop button and stopping herself right in front of Edward's cell.

The lean man was sitting on the edge of his grimy bed, bent over and rubbing his hands together as his elbows rested on his knees. When he heard her approach, his head snapped up and his clear blue eyes darted to her face. She almost remembered all those months ago, when she had her first interview with him. His hair was relatively neat, he had fewer creases on his face, his five o'clock shadow was almost… He was quite handsome for an Arkham inmate. Now, as he smiled up at her, he looked tired, aware, nearly afraid that something would happen. However, his eyes still held that proud cleverness; he had done a good job of maintaining the fact that he considered himself a genius, the smartest being, a worthy adversary who could prove his wits.

The rickety chair the guard fetched apprehensively waited for her inside the cell and she made her way in with silent grace. She wanted to get this over with.

"Good morning, Doctor!" He chirped cheerfully, looking at her with brightness in his alert blue eyes as she sat down and adjusted herself. "How are you today?"

"Fine, thank you, Edward…" He answered before quirking an eyebrow at him. "You're in a good mood," She added with a somewhat confused tone.

"I'm always in rare spirits when I'm about to be released," As he said the last word with a smile, he leaned forward and tilted his head slightly. Young blinked uneasily.

"Edward, you know you don't come up for parole for another three years," She pointed out, using her pen as a visual.

"First thing I'll do is have dinner at that Italian place on 19th Street…" Edward leaned back and looked up in mock contemplation. A dreamy look came across his gaunt face and he closed his eyes.

"Seriously, Edward…" Young started.

"I only hope Joker hasn't completely trashed the city," He interrupted, his dreamy expression still on his face. He opened his eyes and looked at Young. "Oh, well," He shrugged cheerfully. "I guess I'll find out soon enough."

"Wait, have you been in contact with the Joker?" Dr. Young uttered. "He escaped from Arkham weeks ago!" Indeed, it was an uproarious day she didn't wish to touch up on.

"And yet, one hears things…" Edward said slowly and enigmatically; he recognized early that this conversation was his. Young leaned forward.

"What things? What have you heard?" She demanded somewhat desperately.

"Oh, something about a surprise party for Batman. I forget the rest. You know Joker: yak yak yak," Edward replied, waving a hand absent-mindedly as if it were just gossip. He leaned back further and crossed his legs as he spoke, furthering the feel that it was just a rumour.

"Edward, if you know anything, you need to tell me!" Young said, almost dropping her clipboard. He voice was firm, yet afraid. "Lives could be at stake!" She proclaimed as if it would help persuade him to tell her anything. "What did Joker say?" She asked loudly.

He looked over at her with half-lidded, nonchalant eyes. He had a smugly casual grin on his thin, shadowy face. "You forget, Doctor…" He narrowed his eyes and his grin widened. "I'm the one who asks the riddles." He reached up casually and tapped a finger on his temple lightly. Young blinked and paused for a long moment before reaching into her pocket and pressing the stop button. She got to her feet slowly and pushed the chair away slightly. She said nothing while he stared at her with intelligent blue eyes. She exited the cell and glanced at Edward one more time to see if maybe, just maybe, he'd cave and tell her everything he knew.

Nothing happened.

She sighed, shook her head, and departed, but not before hearing him call "Have a good one, Doctor."