Clown in a cage

[gothamscitizens]

MCU is close to a madhouse.

Any cop-killer who gets brought into the GCPD's holding cells is looking at a rough night, but the Joker isn't just any cop-killer. He's the one responsible for the death of Commissioner Loeb, he's had everyone's families in a panic for days, and he just wreaked havoc all over the streets with -- according to the gossip -- nothing less than a bazooka. Or a grenade launcher, depending on who you ask.

A couple of the older guys on the force, men who can be relied on to stay calm and tough, are assigned to searching and disarming him of his knives before they shove him into a holding cell.

It's . . . a lot of knives.

Comments

[manofmyword]

The Joker blinks innocently up at him,



smiles,



and does just as he's asked.

[gothamscitizens]

Yeah, that's not worrisome at all.

King marches in and cuffs the Joker's hands anyway, keeping an eye on the thugs in the cell -- especially the big one whining in the corner.

King and his partner take the Joker down a hallway and lead him into a darkened, silent interrogation room, where they sit him down in a hard metal chair and re-cuff his hands in front of him. The lamp on the table is the only source of illumination.

"Wait here," King orders as they leave.

[manofmyword]

Well really, what else is he going to do?

[gothamshonestcop]

Jim came as soon as he got the phone call, leaving behind his family and a furious wife, to find his people standing outside the interrogation room. They all look to him, unanimous in their expectation that he'll be able to get done what needs to be done.

"Has he said anything yet?"

When Ramirez shakes her head apologetically, he walks straight into the interrogation room.

[manofmyword]

"Evening, Commissionerrr," he says, drawing out the phrase. Relaxed, friendly, polite, like this tiny circle of light in the pitch-black room is his home and he is inviting Gordon in for tea.

[gothamshonestcop]

He's
Going
To do this
By the book.

Jim strolls into the interrogation room, and proceeds to the desk, making a show of wiping off dust from the table as he sits down. Before he says anything, he makes himself comfortable, resting his arms on the table and looking calmly at the monster in front of him.

"Rachel Dawes never made it home."

[manofmyword]

"Of course not," the Joker agrees, unperturbed.

[gothamshonestcop]

He carries on, sticking to the script. This is all a performance, but he'll play his part to get what he needs.

"What have you done with her?"

[manofmyword]

"Mmme?" he asks, glancing to either side, the picture of shocked innocence. When no other culprit steps forward, he adds, "I was right here," and lifts his cuffed hands to illustrate his obvious helplessness.

"Who did you leave her with? Mm? Your people?" With an exaggerated sly look: "Assuming of course that they are still your people, and not..." for example, "Maroni's."

[gothamshonestcop]

Jim breathes in, and he breathes out, listening calmly, giving him nothing.

Nothing for him, and nothing for the people listening outside. They have to know he trusts them.

And he trusts them.

[manofmyword]

Oh, the Joker just wants to pat him on his fluffy head. But no.

"Does it depress you, Commissioner," he asks softly, "to know... just how alone you really are? Does it make you feel responsible for Rachel Dawes' current predicament?"

[gothamshonestcop]

No, Joker you son of a bitch. Nothing you say could make Jim feel responsible for Ms. Dawes' predicament. Not one thing.

Because he already feels responsible for everything that happens in this city. And nothing you can say can add more to that burden.

But you go on believing that, if it'll keep you talking.

"Where is she?"

[manofmyword]

His tone becomes abruptly businesslike.

"What's the time?"

[gothamshonestcop]

"What difference does it make?"

[manofmyword]

"Well," he explains, "depending on the time, she may be in one spot... orrr several."

[gothamshonestcop]

Jim waits a couple more seconds, staring in front of him.

That's been enough time. Enough talking.

He keeps looking forward as he reaches into his rear pocket. Keeps looking at the person in front of him as he plays with his handcuff keys.

"If we're going to play games..."

[manofmyword]

The Joker inches his hands forward on the table, since that seems to be where Jim is going with this.

Inquiringly: "Mmm?"

[gothamshonestcop]

Jim acknowledges the Joker's assumption, reaching forward and unlocking those cuffs. In the same casual, confident movement he stands up, and looks the Joker hard in the eye.

Like the piece of shit he is.

"I'm going to need a cup of coffee," he says.

And turns his back on the most dangerous person in Gotham.

[manofmyword]

Even if the Joker hadn't liked him before, he'd love him now.

But he only lets a hint of fondness touch his voice as he says, "Ahhhh. The good cop, bad cop routine?" and clicks his tongue in mock disapproval.

[gothamshonestcop]

Jim strolls to the door in much the same way that he'd strolled from it.

At the door, just as he's waiting for the door to be opened, he looks over his shoulder.

"Not exactly."

And then he leaves.

[manofmyword]

—Oh, oh say it isn't so. Has he been a good boy? Is Santa coming this year with hugs and presents and candy canes for all the children?

[gothamsheiress]

The lights snap on.

A gloved hand grabs him by the hair and slams his head into the table.

[manofmyword]

Yes.



He comes up pouting.

"Never start with the head," he complains. "The victim gets all fuzzy, and he can't feel the next blow!"

[gothamsheiress]

She brings her fist down on his hand.

(She hopes every bone in his hand breaks.)

[manofmyword]

It takes him a moment to get himself under control.

Quick as you please, though, he's tossing off a mocking, "See?"