"Joker? As in the Joker? As in Arthur Fleck whose rampage left Gotham looking like something from the ninth circle of hell? That Joker?" (Y/n) asked in disbelief. Not knowing what to think as both her father and Bannister nodded their heads.

"But that case is unwinnable. It's a prosecutor's dream. God knows how many people saw him kill Murray Franklin in cold blood. And as far as I know, he has never denied killing all the others. I can't work miracles. And it could ruin my career if I take on this case." (Y/n) protested. Finding it hard to believe that her father would even contemplate taking this on.

"The whole point is that you aren't going to win. Arthur Fleck, Joker, or whatever else he wants to call himself, is insane. Split personality or some such other nonsense. But we have to be seen to be providing him with the best defence possible. And despite his case being given to the public defender's office. I, and your father believe that this firm, and you in particular, would be the best to handle this. No one expects you to win. But keeping that psychotic clown out of the chair would be quite a coup for you. It would make your name. The attorney that was able to stop the clown from frying. He will of course be locked up for the rest of his days in Arkham, or some other godforsaken hell hole. But that isn't our problem........."

"I don't think that I want to be known as the attorney that saved the killer clown. Do you know how many people are baying for Fleck's blood? They want him to fry. If I defend him, I might as well give up my career here and now." (Y/n) interrupted. Annoyed that her father would put her in this position.

"(Y/n). You believe in the law, don't you? That everyone deserves a fair trial, no matter what his crimes?" Her father suddenly enquired.

"You know I do. If I didn't, I wouldn't be here. (Y/n) replied. Hating that he would even ask such a question.

"Then, don't you think that Mister Fleck also deserves as good a defence as everyone else. That he deserves the same rights as everyone else?" Charles continued. A small smile gracing his lips as (Y/n) nodded slowly.

"Very well then. I would therefore like you to be the one to defend him. This case has one of the highest profiles in the city of Gotham's history. And even if it means that you only win by keeping him from death row. It will cement you and this firm as the best at what we do. And I really don't care what others believe. We must think of the long term future of this company. And if that means that a few of my old friend's noses are put out of joint. Then so be it." Charles continued. (Y/n) opening the brief, and slowly looking through it.

(Y/n) knew that she had been asking for a life. For something greater. To have something more than sitting in the office and watching as the world passed her by. But defending the clown prince had not been at the top of her 'to do' list. Yet as her father, and Bannister looked at her. She knew that she had no other choice.

"Alright." (Y/n) said, barely above a whisper. Having a terrible feeling that that one simple word just meant that she could kiss her future goodbye.

"What was that (Y/n)?" Her father asked, as (Y/n) raised her head to look straight into his eyes.

"I said, alright. I'll do it." (Y/n) declared. As she got up from her chair and placed the file under her arm.

"Excellent! We have arranged for you to meet your client on Monday, at Arkham. So, you have all weekend to familiarise yourself with his case. I know that you will do a wonderful job, (Y/n)." Her father told her, as (Y/n) made her way to the door of his office.

"Yes, sir." (Y/n) replied, as she opened the door. Closing it sharply behind her as she wondered whether or not to clean out her desk right now.

"Well? What was that all about? Why did the old man want to see you?" Rowan asked. Furrowing his brows as (Y/n) slumped down in her chair and began to bang her head on her desk.

"My father hates me. My career is over. I am going to have to move cities and change my face." (Y/n) groaned, as she closed her eyes. Hoping that when she opened them again, all this would be some terrible kind of nightmare.

Rowan pulled the case file from underneath (Y/n)'s head. His eyes growing wide as he looked at the contents.

"You're gonna be defending Fleck? Arthur Fleck? The clown himself? Oh my god, (Y/n). That is so cool." Rowan declared, as he dropped himself onto the corner of her desk.

"If you think it's so damn cool, why don't you defend him? There probably isn't one powerful or influential person in this city that isn't calling for his blood. And it's now my job to try and keep him off death row, as well as ensure that he stays in some mental institution for the rest of his days. It's not what I'd call a win, win situation for either myself, or Fleck." (Y/n) replied, as she looked up at the tall, thin man.

"So, are you going to do it?" Rowan continued, as (Y/n) got to her feet and grabbed her coat, before snatching the file out of his hand.

"Firstly, I don't have a choice. And secondly........well, secondly, my father is right. Mister Fleck deserves a defence. And win, lose, or draw, I am going to do the best I can." (Y/n) sighed, as she made her way to the door.

"Where are you going? What do I tell the old man?" Rowan called out.

"You can tell my father that I am going home. You can tell him that I need all the time I have between now and Monday to get my head around what I need to do for the best of my client. And you can also tell him that after this case is over, I am going on a very long holiday." (Y/n) called out in reply. The door slamming behind her as she left.

                                                            >>-------------------------------<<

(Y/n) had never not wanted Monday to come more in her life. Yet despite all her begging, praying, and wishing, the cursed day had arrived. And now she stood before the foreboding grey walls of Arkham.

She had been to a few prisons before to discuss cases with her clients. Clients that had, despite, or more accurately because of their wealth, not been given bail. But this, this hospital, this institution, was something else. And in fact, even though she hated to admit it, she was a little scared of what she would find behind the high walls. And what she would find when she came face to face with her client.

"Come on (Y/n). It's just another job. Just another client. Just treat him like you would anyone else." (Y/n) told herself as she made her way inside. Her heart beating a little faster as she heard the howling cries of some of the inmates.

"Hello. My name is (Y/n) Thomas. I'm Mister Fleck's attorney. I have an appointment to see my client." (Y/n) told the guard behind the counter. Doing her best to appear at her usual confident best, despite the noises and the looks from the guard.

"Yeah. We were expecting someone. You need to sign in, Miss. I believe that Fleck might already be waiting for you." The guard told her. (Y/n) still not sure that she actually wanted to see her waiting client.

                                                           >>-------------------------------<<

Joker waited in the quiet room. The ashtray in front of him already full of cigarette butts. He had been told that his case would no longer be handled by the public defender's office, but by a high end, very expensive private law firm that had agreed to take it on pro bono. And now all he knew was that his attorney's last name was Thomas. He didn't for one moment think that there was much hope. Whether he spent his life in institutions, or he spent years on death row before he was finally executed, it didn't really seem to matter. The chances of him ever seeing the outside world again as a free man, were non-existent. So now all he had to do was wait and see whether he would fry or not. Whether his attorney would actually do something to help. Or whether all this would just work out to be lip service to his rights.

A sudden knock at the door made Joker look up. A large smile spreading across his lips at the idea that someone had actually had the manners to not just barge in.

"Enter!" Joker called out with a chuckle. The door slowly opening and a beautiful face appearing.

"Mister Fleck?" (Y/n) enquired, despite knowing full well that the smiling man across from her could be no one other than her client. Though she had to admit that despite the fact she had seen his picture, he was not quite what she was expecting.

"My name is (Y/n) Thomas. I'm your attorney. It's a pleasure to meet you." (Y/n) told him, as she moved into the chair across the table from him. Joker getting a feeling that he might actually enjoy having his attorney around.