Late Night at the Thompkins Clinic

[cock_robin]

Picking a lock with two broken fingers isn't a trivial task, but as long as the thumb is intact, it is not an impossible one. Damian flexed his left hand as the right one worked - everything was intact on that side, but he knew from experience that his time would still be better with the damaged right.

A nearly imperceptible click brings a confident smirk to his face, and he slips inside - moving with stealth despite the garish colors of his suit.

He wasn't sure if the doctor was in or not, but this was the nearest safe stash of medical supplies, according to Father's files, and prompt treatment of the fingers would bring him back to his full capabilities all the faster.

Comments

[cock_robin]

"I suppose it doesn't in one sense, because he will continue - but it's still true that you don't approve."

He seems confident in this conclusion, and goes on.

"Do you think he could have done better another way, or do you simply object to the visitation of violence upon the violent?"

[lesliethompkins]

There's no delay due to deliberation. She answers the question immediately. "Both. I've been accused of being a pacifist by many people in my lifetime but I wouldn't say that's entirely accurate. I just don't believe it often solves the problem."

[cock_robin]

He nods at that.

"Grandfather said that when all you have is a hammer, every problem appears to be a nail. On the other hand, Gotham's population of the criminally insane has proven resistant to other methods."

"And at least you recognize that sometimes it does solve the problem."

[lesliethompkins]

"I think your grandfather is correct when it comes to the hammer. We work with the tools of our chosen trade. It falls upon us to consider all the options when those tools fail, not just the ones close at hand. What does violence solve? Ultimately, it leads to further incarceration. Which is just a way of separating the problem, not curing the underline problem."

She removed the ice pack and inspects the swelling.

[cock_robin]

"As a medical professional, I'm sure you're familiar with the concept of triage. Someone has to staunch the bleeding while the economic fixes have time to work."

The line is vintage Bruce, but the attitude is pure twelve-year-old wiseass.

He flexes the fingers gently, opening and closing them to test the numbness, and then nods his approval. The hand looks almost normal, under the temporary effects of the cold.

[lesliethompkins]

The juxtaposition makes her smile. It seems like he's in such a hurry to grow up but the attitude says he's got a ways to go. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. She's quite sure they could go back and forth on the subject at length and talk themselves in circles.

"Easy does it," she reminds him. Just because they feel better doesn't mean they ARE better. With the swelling down, she starts to splint and wrap them. "Have Alfred look at this in 12 hours. Then in another 24, I'd like to see you again."

[cock_robin]

Just the slightest hint of a smile at that.

"I should be patrolling this area tomorrow night, and the night after. I can stop by."

[lesliethompkins]

"I don't suppose I could convince you to take the next couple of night off." She knows it's wishful thinking. Unless they're done and out like a light, the self appointed work always calls.

[cock_robin]

He steps towards the door, then turns back, with a confident smile.

"I'll try to hit them with my other hand. That's all I can promise."

[lesliethompkins]

"Maybe you could do me a favor instead," she drops before he walks out the door, hoping to catch some of his youthful curiosity.

[cock_robin]

Hook, line, and sinker. Damian pauses at the door.

"You have a lead on a local problem?"

It's got to be something like that, he reasons. The Clinic's financials are all taken care of, and Leslie doesn't really seem the type to need a personal errand run.

[lesliethompkins]

"I'm not sure," she replies honestly. "What I have is a suspicion and I try very hard not to ignore my instincts. They're not usually wrong."

She spends a few moments relaying information about the break in and the swath of missing medical files. Then she tells him about Anthony Carle's heart attack. His file was just one among the many stolen. "I don't think it's a coincidence. I'd very much like to get my hands on his death certificate."

[cock_robin]

Damian smiles.

"That part's easy. The county coroner's office has a lot less formidable locks than your clinic. I will look into it."

[lesliethompkins]

She realizes all of a sudden that she's just basically asked him to break and enter. If not physically, electronically. The feeling makes her uneasy. The unease however is balanced by the unsolved questions involving Anthony. He'd been a kind man and Leslie missed him.

"Thank you, dear. Take care of yourself."

[cock_robin]

"I always do. I will let you know what I've found out within a few days."

And then he's gone.