The Riddler Speaks - Casefile #0142

TRS - Casefile #0142 (Christmas)

(Door opens)

CRANE: Oh! (closes door) Edward. I didn’t know you were out of the infirmary. 

EDWARD: Well, nothing’s broken, and apparently there was a riot at Blackgate so they needed the beds. ‘Tis the season! 

CRANE: Right, then I’ll leave you be.

EDWARD: Well now hold on a minute. Why would my room be of more interest to you without ME in it?

CRANE: I was just, uh… 

EDWARD: Oh Lord, please! Tell me you’re not experimenting. Not on Christmas, of all days.

CRANE: No, no, nothing like that. I was just, um… (sigh) forget it. It’s stupid.

EDWARD: Jon, I’m a genius. In possession of an intellect as of yet undreamed by man. Everything is stupid to me, so you may as well try your luck.

CRANE: Well, I got you a uhm… A…

EDWARD: A… Present?

CRANE: Mm-hmm. 

EDWARD: I didn’t think you did Christmas.

CRANE: It’s not so much a Christmas present, just a uh… a present, that I happen to be giving you… On Christmas. 

EDWARD: Well, your track record in this department has been… less than stellar. One would almost prefer the experiments.

CRANE: You see - this is why I was just going to leave it. 

EDWARD: (chuckles) I’m just kidding, Jonathan. 

CRANE: Well, here then.

EDWARD: Is this…?

CRANE: It’s one of Ichabod’s tail feathers. I had it pressed and laminated, then cut into a bookmark for you. I told you it was stupid.

EDWARD: (voice wobble) It’s uhm… It’s perfect. Jon. I, uh… Thank you.

CRANE: Supposed to snow tonight, so I should head out. Huh. I never had you pegged for a flower man.

EDWARD: Oh, um… Ivy sent them up after the accident. 

CRANE: I thought she hated seeing flowers cut. 

EDWARD: No, they’re - they’re potted. I’m going to give them back to her tomorrow, though. My clothes may be green but my thumbs are not. I think they’d be much safer with her than with me.

CRANE: I’m sure she would agree. You have a good night, now. 

EDWARD: Well, um, being incarcerated, my ability to reciprocate your kindness is rather limited, so… Here. 

CRANE: What’s this? 

EDWARD: It’s um… it’s a hand, Jonathan. You are a doctor, aren’t you? You you shake it. You went through a lot, this year. And while I’m loath to admit it, I wouldn’t be here without… Help. So, thank you.

CRANE: You’re welcome, Edward. I know that wasn’t easy. (opens door)

EDWARD: Jonathan?

CRANE: Hmm?

EDWARD: Merry Christmas.

CRANE: Merry Christmas, Edward. (closes door)