Pamela's words hung heavy in the air, her voice low and uncertain. "Would he really do that…?"
Barbara's reply came quick, her tone edged with experience. "You'd be surprised what the most calm men would do. The professor might look like a nice guy, but I've learned that the nicest people can be the most terrifying." She leaned forward, her eyes sharp. "Look at Batman. I'm sure his real identity is some charming, suave billionaire—but in the mask? He becomes a brooding, egotistical guy who gets off on fighting crime. That's not normal."
Pamela traced her finger along the rim of her cup, her brows furrowed. "You may be right. The professor could be doing something to me. But if it's a magical ability or some kind of experiment… what would he gain from it?"
Barbara didn't hesitate. "Do you know what he's actually researching?"
Pamela thought for a long moment, her gaze distant. "No… he's never mentioned it. I know he's famous for past experiments, but his current project? No clue."
Barbara tapped her nail against the mug, the sound quick and deliberate. "That's not normal. Someone as renowned as him usually talks about their work. The fact that he's silent about it is a red flag."
Pamela's chest tightened as the idea took root. "If he's really researching something new… could he have jumped to human experimentation?"
Barbara's lips pressed thin. "Wouldn't be the first time in Gotham. People here will do anything for a breakthrough. He probably sees you as a means to an end."
Pamela hesitated, her hand tightening around her cup. "I still don't quite believe it. I don't think he'd do that to me."
Barbara's eyes narrowed, a trace of impatience in her voice. "Pamela, you're naive if you think men—or even women—won't go that far. Look at Harley Quinn. She's semi-crazy and still puts on an act for the Joker. Why couldn't the professor be doing the same with you… or the whole class?"
Pamela's shoulders slumped as the resistance in her voice softened. "I guess that's possible."
Barbara leaned back in the booth, her gaze steady. "So here's what I'm thinking—it's getting late. Why don't we go back to campus and sneak into the classroom? Maybe we'll find some clue about what he's working on. Or even why plants are reacting to you now."
Pamela met her eyes, hesitation warring with resolve. "Okay… but first, we need to finish our coffee."
Barbara let out a short laugh, her lips quirking at last. "Thank God. We can't leave Perk 66 without drinking our coffee. Fighting crime and saving the world can wait."
Pamela lifted her cup in a mock toast, her voice lighter. "Amen to that."
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