Bab 25: Back in the asylum
Alan picked us up at the agreed place and, like a personal driver, drove us to the treatment center without distracting us with conversation.
I trusted my lawyer to a certain extent, but he was still a stranger with his own problems, so I asked my faithful assistant to try to keep the chatter to a minimum, so as not to involve the older man in our future plans, like going to Metropolis for a show or visiting Gordon. I don't know whether it was my request or the morning workout that put Harley in a good mood, but she just sat next to me, smiling happily.
Half an hour later, our transportation crossed the bridge and we found ourselves on an island with psychos... Or rather, patients in rehab.
"Hello," said a scowling guard with a traumatic weapon standing at the checkpoint, "introduce yourself and state the purpose of your visit.
"Jay Arkham, Harlin Quinzel, and Alan Dershowitz. - I introduced my companions. - Dr. Arkham needed to talk to my girlfriend for some reason, and we're going as escorts.
Surprisingly, after my words the man even relaxed a little, although before everything happened exactly the opposite, it's nice to realize that in such a short period of time I managed to straighten out a little reputation of a psychopathic maniac.
Hmm. I recognize his face... After a second, it hit me. That's right! It's that guard who was threatened to be crushed by the mutant, and now his reaction to me is clear.
Even though I said I've changed attitudes, I really haven't. I'm sure that most people will still feel fear and nervousness at my presence, after all, the Joker is a real scarecrow, and for adults, and not just for naughty children. The owner of this body has done a lot of evil and one public appearance will have little effect on the situation. Hmm. and now the official version says that I was not involved in the crimes committed, but people are not so easy to deceive, and they are well aware of the fuck ... a trick.
"I'll be right there. - The man stepped a little aside and contacted someone on the radio.
"You can go ahead. - He said, turning back. Then the massive wrought iron black gates began to open slowly and majestically, revealing a view of the island's bleak landscape.
I saw their opening for the first time, so to speak, from the front rows, and I can say that the sight was marvelous. I don't know why, but I had associations with entering the realm of Hades, but there was no fear. To my great surprise I felt only anticipation.
The car started slowly, wheels rustling on the gravel. My companion was clearly feeling out of place, but Harley seemed to be feeling the same way I was.
The vehicle crested a hill, giving me a good view of the main building. Unlike my first visit, the mansion, which looked like a chapel with a crypt, didn't evoke a feeling of longing and hopelessness, and I felt a strange pang in my chest.
I call this place home?!
I hadn't expected such a mental twist... Hell, it all adds up: Arkham Asylum was the place where I'd lived the longest in this world, and I was really comfortable here, except for the one day when the prisoners escaped, but otherwise it was just fine. I didn't have to rush around, I had a beautiful girl to take away the pain, studying the laws and watching the dryad work was a great way to spend my free time, and talking to the doctor wasn't too burdensome and helped me understand myself quite well.
Stability... Is that really what I want?
This is DC's world and I'm a fall guy with a pretty good start and a real System!
Of course, it would be much cooler to become Superman or Shazam after getting powers, but it's not bad as it is. Besides, for every tricky nut there will be a bolt with a thread, but only in this world the bolt can be made of adamantium or kryptonite, and also filled with magic, so he will not care what kind of thread is needed there. After all, you need to have your own head on your shoulders and not only eat into it to effectively use the abilities granted by nature!
Take Bats, for example. He's an ordinary man, even compared to some of his personal enemies, yet he successfully defeats them time after time. Some might say that his main superpower is money, but that's not really true. Even if the hero was poor as a church mouse, he could act with the same efficiency thanks to his mind, and it is difficult but possible to earn the necessary amount of money if you have a genius intellect.
The memories of life in the asylum were replaced by images of my more heroic deeds, the first disarming of the bomb, the fight with the gopniks, the "battle" with Gryndi and Clayface, the epic battle for Arkham, and it was I who knocked out the main villain, and the usual escaped lunatics not badly beaten.
All these events are now perceived as a cool adventure, and my heart is starting to heat up with excitement and anticipation. After all, I can take part in more epic battles, especially if I get better and more useful gadgets. My gaze fell on the bag with the cane I'd given him; I'd better check it for surprises and think about disguises.
Dershowitz's car slowed down at the main entrance and it was time to leave our transportation.
"Alan, I don't know how long we'll be, so if you want to, don't wait for us.
The lawyer wiped the sweat that had protruded on his forehead. The place made him nervous, but he decided to wait for his best client for half an hour.
Before we left, I left our unwilling driver my phone number and walked with Harley to the welcomingly opened doors of the mansion. There was a small guard station at the entrance, where we had to leave our things and pass through the frame several times, until the disgruntled girl left five throwing knives hidden on her seductive body.
"Jay, good to see you. - Charlie was standing near the entrance, the witness in my trial. - Dr. Arkham is waiting, so please follow me.
"And it's nice to be welcomed. - Harley said suddenly.
"Of course I'm glad. I mean, it's only because of Jay that I'm still alive. Or not an invalid. - The orderly's shoulders shook as he thought of the violent patients.
"Yeah, except that you're happy because you've been invited to the show after the trial and, most likely, paid handsomely for it. - I revealed the whole background of such joyful behavior of our escort.
I saw the announcement of a future interview online on my way back from Bats. I didn't really care that he was trying to capitalize on my name, but it didn't hurt to remind him that I was worth presenting in a more favorable light to get another plus in my reputation.
"Heh, not without that... - Our escort didn't know where to look. Even though the Joker has appeared before the world in a new image, becoming much... No, not that, a LOT more adequate, but there was no guarantee that he wouldn't fall off the slicer again. The former terror of Gotham still has a very creepy way of laughing for no reason, and who knows if any more of his lovable habits, like the Saw games, will return?
"Oh, here's the right office!" The man cheered as we climbed the stairs, and then he hurried away with a crumpled goodbye.
Jeremiah's office had not changed during my absence and was still a model of pedantry and order.
"Hello, I'm glad you came to see me. Come in, have a seat. - The head of the clinic pointed to two armchairs opposite his desk.
"Doctor, we're in a hurry, so if you could just cut to the chase. - It's a bit rude, but I had other plans today and I only came here out of respect for Jeramiah's professionalism and because he provided me with the perfect accommodations. Hmmm, you can show him more respect after that.
"You see, Mr. Arkham. - He said with a peculiar intonation, clearly amused by my choice of surname. - Your companion, though she had been cleared of all charges, was still a patient of ours.
"What?!
"Harleen Quinzel is our patient at the moment. - He repeated calmly, a man used to dealing with, to put it mildly, less than adequate personalities. - I'm surprised your cognitive abilities were at a higher level before you were discharged, but a couple days in a police department cell was enough to reduce them?
Is that his idea of a joke?
Judging by the quivering lip in the hint of a smile, yes. A kind of medical humor.
Damn it, I've got a quest to catch an escaped patient pending! Is that Harley?! I glanced over at the blonde, who was kneading her fists for something.
"Mr. J., is that what he called you, dumb?
"Not at all, Miss Quinzel, not at all. - Mr. Arkham raised his hands conciliatorily.
"Can you discharge her?" My hand came down on the girl's shoulder, stopping her from standing up. A shot of adrenaline rushed into my bloodstream as I realized that just a little bit more and the quest would be over.
"After a thorough examination to confirm her adequacy.
"How long will it take?" I asked with bated breath.
"About a week. Your companion will have to see a couple of doctors, take some psychological tests.
"And if you think about it carefully?" My words weren't threatening, just the usual curiosity of an interested person. - It's just that we were going to go to Metropolis today for a performance. I think that such an excellent specialist as you can confirm Harley's adequacy in," I glanced at my pocket watch, "an hour. - My hand mimed counting out bills.
"I'm afraid not. - Jeremiah shook his head negatively. - And you don't have to offer money; it won't solve the problem.
Is there a wiretap or a hidden video camera? Hmm, but he's proven himself to be an honest man, so no bribe.
"Why don't you tell me what this is about? In my case, you were obviously less sensitive.
"Technically, all procedures have been followed, and here you are proposing to reduce everything to an hour. - Jeremiah sighed heavily. - It was Dr. Strange. Back in this great place, it's like he's off the chain. He's always looking for trouble, trying to push me out of the head of the hospital.
"Wait, but don't you own the asylum and this whole island?
"Only technically. This place is mostly taxpayer-funded, so I have some power, but I can be removed if I want to. After your rehabilitation, my chair is already wobbling, and I don't want to fall out of it.
Eh, my skin is closer to my body, I understand, but I do not accept...
"Are you sure there's nothing you can do?" As they say, "Hope springs eternal."
"Hmm. You know, you could. My colleague really wanted to talk to you face to face, so for that I may as well ask him for a huge favor and sign your friend out.
Somewhat suspiciously, my gaze shifted to the silent girl, granting me the right to completely lead the conversation.
"Can't we just leave?" That's a pretty murky proposition.
"Of course, no one's keeping you. But I understand you're going on a trip. Right now your companion is listed in all databases as mentally ill, so you won't be able to take a train or airplane.
Okay, so it's not great, but on the other hand, you can carshare a car... What's the other side of the scale?
[Battle for Arkham quest updated: Disarm Patients 317/318. Reward: 31 free points.
Additional task: rescue employees 56/56(65). Reward: 10 free points]
I can get forty-one points to pump, and given the twenty-four points I received earlier, I'll definitely have enough to upgrade my first start to the right level and even have some left over.
Resolved.
"I don't mind talking to Dr. Strange.
"Great!" My contact clapped his hands, picking up the telephone receiver from the landline and dialing a short number for local calls. - Hugo, come to my office, I have a surprise for you.
A couple of minutes later, the doors to the office swung open and an irritated Dr. Strange entered, glaring menacingly over his glasses.
"Jeremiah, why the hell are you pulling me away from my research, if you're going to complain about inspections again, they're all happening because of your negligence and connivance! Joker!!!
Oh, I've been noticed... Not even a year later, though he just couldn't see me from behind the chair.
"J. Arkham. - The head of the hospital corrected him. - And my visitor has expressed a desire to communicate with such a prominent specialist, if you will sign this. - Several sheets of paper were placed on the table.
"Give it here. - Strange quickly ran his eyes over the document and hummed. - A letter of resignation? How much of Mr. Arkham's valuable time would I be willing to give him for such a "trifle"?
"One hour. - My voice came through.
"Hmmm... - The Doctor flashed his glasses, thinking. He realized that this was practically his only chance to talk to me face-to-face in an official way, without kidnapping me. - Two, and I'll need to get an MRI, an EEG, and your blood for analysis.
I looked at Hugo carefully and realized he wouldn't give in. He didn't seem to be asking for anything lethal, and the doctor wouldn't risk his reputation by doing anything violent. Of course, it would take a little longer than planned, but it was only eleven o'clock in the morning, so there was plenty of time before the show, enough time to visit Gordon.
"Eh, I agree.
"Follow me. - He headed quickly for the exit, but was stopped by Jeremiah's loud cough.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" The head of the institution for mentally ill criminals tapped his pen on the contract.
"And how will I do the survey if I'm fired?
"Put tomorrow's date.
"Damn. - Hugo walked back over and put a few sprawling signatures. - You happy? Jock... Jay Arkham, please follow me. - He forced a sweet smile as he pointed to the door.
"Mr. Arkham, you can take care of my companion for the time being, and see that my examination does not last longer than it should?" I asked, standing up.
"Don't worry, I'll get right on it.
As I left the office, I heard the beginning of a dialog with my assistant, "So, Ms. Quinzel, tell me about your childhood." Still, Jeremiah loves his job and would not miss an opportunity to talk to an interesting person.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone