When Danica awoke, she was strapped to a chair. This isn't Arkham. Instead of dark, gray metal, she saw furniture, windows, beautiful decor. She looked down. Her hands were roped around the arms of the chair, her legs to the legs. Danica struggled against her restraints—

"Danica," said a low voice behind her.

"Set me free," Danica growled. "And I won't fucking kill you."

Theo Galavan strode around the chair to stand in front of her. She recognized his photos from the papers but her daddy spoke highly of him—Again, all in a drunken stupor, so who could say? Galavan lowered his face to her.

"Ahhh," he sighed. "You must be Danica."

"What gave you the first clue?" she muttered.

"He was right. You are a firecracker, aren't you?" Galavan mused. Danica stopped wrestling with her restraints and glared at him. "Don't worry, dear," he continued, "Jerome is just fine."

"Where is he?" Danica hissed.

"I said, he's fine," Galavan sighed—

Danica spit in his face abruptly.
"Let me go."

Galavan gave her a look and stared at her pupils. They were dilated. He nodded with understanding.

"Right, you're under the influence. Explains the erratic behavior. Danica, if you just give me two minutes of your time, I can tell you what you need to know; but you have to let me talk first. And no more spitting," he added.

"Fine." Danica permitted.

"Okay, good." Galavan applauded. "You've broken out of Arkham. I've kept you away from the others because I did not know if all would concede to what I have to offer. You were the back up. Sionis, by the way, did not want to participate in our A-team, so it seems you will be his replacement. I need you on my team. But you're very likely not be using in my house. Clouds the senses."

Danica waited for him to continue.

"Jerome," he said, "is down the hall. When we are done here, you're more than welcome to join him and the others. He's who convinced me to bring you in. He warned me about your temper; I must say he was right."

"Not as bad when I'm sober," Danica breathed.

"Yes, he told me that too. You and he are a couple, yes?" asked Galavan.

"I wouldn't put a label on it." Danica answered him.

"Would that ever interfere in business?"

"I can't imagine it being an issue." Danica shrugged.

"Are you getting uncomfortable?" he asked her.

"No, I like being tied up." Danica scoffed with a smile. When Galavan looked at her oddly, she nodded, "No, seriously."

"He do that to you?" Galavan gestured to her face.

"Yes."

"Willingly?"

Danica stared at him.
"Everyone is so shocked." She rolled her eyes.

Galavan made a resigned face and strode behind her, cut her free, and helped her to her feet like a gentleman.

"On your way," he gestured down the hall.