@batfall, 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝟏𝟖𝟗.
𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐇, 𝐏𝐒𝐘𝐂𝐇𝐎.
Nothing of consequence ever transpired between Arkham’s main entrance and its preliminary security checkpoint. Crane avoided The Institutions large - vaulted - doors to the best of his ability, fearing he’d become roped into what he described as 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘥𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘣. Officials of Gotham City’s Police Department and The District Attorney’s office drifted in a flock of contentious banter, filling the grand hall with a steady hum of chatter. Likely discussing the overindulgence of funds put towards research or which inmates would be better accommodated at Stonegate,
“ You were right — ” The Good Doctor nearly succumbed to his vexation at being addressed the second he stepped through The Asylum’s vaulted entryway. He watched impatiently as an ADA weaved through a crowd of pampered hair and pressed suits. “ I often am ... ” Crane muttered dryly, continuing his urgent pace to the other end of the polished floor.
The ADA, ever so eager to exchange rumor for financial gratification, chased after Crane. His steps quickened to match The Doctor’s purposeful footfall, “ Nobody’s heard from her in days — her office is paranoid, they already launched an investigation. ” The Doctor’s poised stride ceased. He considered the assistant district attorney’s words and lowered his voice, “ we’d better talk. ”
“ There he is, Doctor — ? ” It was time he better acquaint himself with Arkham’s secure ward entrance …
He turned with an inaudible 𝘩𝘶𝘧𝘧. A member of Arkham’s board Waved him over to a man Crane didn’t recognize. He joined them reluctantly. “ This is our Chief Administrator, Doctor Jonathan Crane. ” Though a practiced smile parted Crane’s lips he moved his briefcase to his front, gripping its handle with two hands so that he wasn’t entitled to offer one in greeting. “ Mr. Wayne has taken an interest in Arkham’s distribution of funds. Maybe you can entertain him with your good work. ”
𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘯𝘦 ? It was just a name. He had forgotten there was a living entity still attached to its legacy. The Doctor studied the visage associated with the name, surprised he hadn’t recognized someone of such acclaim standing in his Institution. “ oh, I wouldn’t want to keep you from your business at the asylum. ”
“ Tell him about your research. ” The Board Member parted, giving Crane a much aggrieved pat on the shoulder. The Doctor straightened up and cleared his throat Ignoring the light pang of irritation that disrupted his engineered courtesy, “ I suppose you’d like to see my department. ”
