Morning Dues [Gordon]

[Selina Kyle - Catwoman]

It wasn't that she hated mornings. It was just not the most convenient time to be up and doing things. Productive things. Things like taking to people and being expected to be polite, or alert, or awake, or all three. Especially if there was a reason you needed to look decent, passably human while doing so. Even worse when you had an image that you were known for.

Pulling a face in the mirror as she brushed her teeth, this was just one of those mornings. Or, in her case, late, late night turning into a day that would be endless. She had built up over the years a working relationship with Gotham's PD, and mostly via volunteering her expertise as a consultant. A civilian one at that. Not being paid, but it was fun work. Much like what she did at her own 'day' job, but with much, much more delicious details. And committed by sometimes people she would call 'friends' in certain company.

Brushing her teeth took much longer to finish considering she zoned out several times in front of the mirror, lost in thought. She'd taken a rough fall on the rooftops, and found herself the winner of several wicked looking bruises. Nothing a pair of thick stockings and a decent skirt would cover.

Piecing together her outfit, and double-checking to make sure she was fully prepared and not forgetting something took time. And even as it was pushing nearly eight thirty, she sighed, heading out the door for the decent walk. And walk she did, considering she had an order at the corner bakery. And a cup of coffee with her name on it.

So when she finally did walk in the door, one of the younger beat cops was more than willing to take the box of pastries from her with a smile, gleefully opening the box and sneaking one of the better pastries. Stopping here and there, she said hello and good morning to the few officers she was familiar with that were still at their desks, or just starting their day. Staggered shifts could be a blessing, or a curse, and in this case, especially in Gotham, it seemed to work for the better.

Even as she walked through the main floor of desks and chairs and yammering people on phones and chatting with others, she was able to suss out the second rate desk that she used time and again, when she was called in. There was a workable computer she could use to access the database here, and it was a fine tool to utilize when her tablet wasn't cutting it.

Then again, it wasn't like she ran her PD email directly to her own email or anything. She seemed to have convinced Gordon she almost had a criminal sense of ESP when he'd wanted her to drop by. Not that it was a bad thing, either way.

Setting her bag down, and shrugging off her coat she laid it over the back of the chair, signing in and relishing her coffee-black, with a good amount of cream, before idling checking the email in her box. A few were questions from officers asking this or that for a case, a Detective asking for a reference to an angle for a break in (the amateur thief had chosen poorly in their entrance), and of course, a request from the Commissioner.

With a few key taps, she was easily logged out, her boot pushing her bag out so she could grab it and lock it in the desk for the time being. Then with her computer in hand, she was off to see Jim Gordon, and hope he wasn't too caught up in a meeting as she loitered outside his office, waiting for the other inhabitant speaking with Gordon to leave so she could have her turn.

[Deleted]

"Get it fixed Gordon and get it fixed now! You expect me to take the evidence room being broke into lightly?" The voice inside the office of Commissioner Gordon belonged to Mayor Quincy Sharpe. 

"Its being handled sir, no need to worry." Gordon replied to the Mayor. The man had a lot to worry about with Arkham City being on the horizon. And with the evidence room being torched by someone that wasn't supposed to be in that area of the police station. That spelled trouble. Trouble for the commissioner of police and trouble for the whole city counsel. Mayor Sharpe did his best to calm himself, looking out the window into the hallway. Noticing that Gordon had another visitor. "That's good to hear, Commissioner. I expect results very soon." The Mayor said nothing more as he left the office of Commissioner Gordon. Nodding at Selina as he walked down the hallway to leave the police station. 

Gordon followed close behind, looking out into the hallway, holding the door from closing. "Ms. Kyle, its good to see you. Please come in." He allowed her to come in before closing the door behind her. It was good that she was here. The break in to the evidence room was a top priority. Not only the open case about those who broke in. But ensuring that something like that would never happen again. A break-in to such a secure room in a building full of cops was inexcusable. "Please take a seat." Gordon said before walking to one of the windows that looked over the city. He opened the blinds to let some sunlight in. 

"I assume you know why I called you here. Its been all over the news. And I put it in the email I sent as well." He asked, overlooking the civilians walk along the sidewalk as he waited for an answer. If the police couldn't be safe in the police department, then where could regular civilians be safe? The citizens of Gotham deserved to be safe no matter where in the city they went. That was their right as a resident of Gotham city. They earned that right when they decided to live here for whatever reason. 

Commissioner Gordon of the GCPD had to make sure they could exercise that right. 

And that is why he employed people like Selina Kyle, to make sure security would be everywhere it was needed. 

To make sure the GCPD was safe so Gotham could be safe.

[Selina Kyle - Catwoman]

She had to fight hard to not let her nose wrinkle too hard at the harping of the Mayor. He was always yelling about this, or that. It would be better for everyone's ears if he realized lowering his tone would get him further. Nodding to the man as he left the office and acknowledged her, she slipped through the door before anyone else could take advantage of Gordon's time.

Taking the offered seat, her legs crossed demurely as she was attentive to which way he wanted to address the issue at hand.

"Thank you, and yes, I'm quite abreast of the situation, sadly. Your email was quite informative, and I'm sad to hear such an instance has occurred in your jurisdiction, Commissioner." She intoned. Break-in's were her specialty, in more ways than one. Considering her knack for getting away with quite a bit at night, it was not too far of a reach to reverse-engineer her own work, as well as other's.

"Can I help in any way? Your email outlined the occurrence, and requested me to see you, Sir. Beyond that-" She shrugged, unsure of what exactly he wanted her to pursue, or whom.

[Deleted]

"You're the most qualified specialist in this entire field within Gotham. You know how how to prevent break-ins from happening as well as how they happened. My evidence room was broken into. I want you to look over the security footage from that day and find out what went wrong. I want you to see how they got into my evidence lock up. As well as how someone with a flammable materials managed to set one of the most well guarded rooms in Gotham on fire. I'd appreciate if you find out how it happened. Why it happened and how I, as the police commissioner can prevent such an occurrence from happening again." He spoke loudly and clearly, he wanted Selina to know that he was completely serious about her finding out where the GCPD went wrong. She was one of the most sought after specialists in the city and for good reason. She knew what she was doing. 

"I can pay you for your services as long it is within reason. Not to mention you'd have the gratitude of an old police commissioner. I'll do everything I can to make sure your advice is followed so that something like this never happens again. This city... Gotham. The civilians need to know that they can be safe. So what's to say that they'll think that they won't feel safe because even the police aren't safe in their own headquarters? The police is what keeps them safe. What would happen if someone started to lose hope and think that if the police can't keep themselves safe, how could they keep the residents safe? It is a issue of high importance. As you can see from the Mayors very presence today."

[Selina Kyle - Catwoman]

Eyelashes fluttered as he laid on the flattery rather thick. Even though Selinan was well aware these words were genuinely spoken coming from James Gordon. He was a man of high standards, and grounded morals. Both things were highly needed in the GCPD, and for him to keep himself to such rigid standards was impressive. As the man spoke, she was keen on pressing a button on her tablet, recording exactly what he wanted her to do. Even so, she was quick with her stylus, quickly taking notes, and drawing up a tentative plan.

"I will have access to the videos, and if need be, the schedules of what officers and personnel, visitors and incarcerated as well of that time period, Sir?" She nodded when he mentioned the Mayor, her nose wrinkling slightly at the thought of the man. She didn't like when she was hovered over while working, and the Mayor...well that was one man she'd rather stay away from.

"As a civilian contractor, and personally, I'll make sure to have an itemized expense sheet ongoing through all of this, with my hours logged, to turn in to you at the end of this, as well." She did consult work more for fun these days, as the need for money was a hurdle she had conquered years prior. Not that many were aware of that. So certain guises did need to be up kept.

"I'll also need access to the evidence room, and any surrounding rooms as well. I can have a detailed report submitted as well." Blinking as the importance of an evidence room being torched hit her, she realized just how vast this job was going to be. If it was an inside job, there would be footage, prints, fuck-ups, somewhere. If it was an outside job, then she would need to find the source, as well as who helped them. She may need to head over to see Oswald, and chat with a few of the servers, if it went that route. It was interesting how a few rather generous tips gained loyalty in a city such as the one they inhabited.

Glancing behind her pointedly, and then returning her gaze back to the Commissioner, Selina also added another poignant line. "And if you, personally, Sir, believe there is anyone that you have a hunch on, I would like to know, as it would greatly help my own investigation." She kept one more request held back, for the moment, until he would offer up a response.

[Deleted]

The requests that Selina made were within Gordon's power, although they were very big requests. He couldn't trust internal security to just anyone. He had to trust her though, it was true that she was one of the best security consultants in all of Gotham or perhaps even the United States. Not to mention she was quick and discrete in her work. Others that specialized in such a field were with gigantic firms that charged more than a police department could even begin to afford. Gordon didn't want to get it done for the cheapest either. He couldn't afford to have corners cut, not now and not ever. It was too important to the police department, too important to the city. Safety was a high priority that would never go away. To Gordon, maintaining that safety and sense of protection was his very first objective and no cost was ever to high. When speaking about human lives and quality of life. You can't put a pricetag on that. 

Gordon was content with his decision to bring Selina in. She was a professional and he knew she would get the job done. "Everything you request has already been cleared. There is a list of every officer that was in and out of the evidence room that day. As well as a documented list of visitors and other personnel that had access to that area during the day of the incident. I have already." Gordon paused for a moment before looking down at his desk, opening a drawer and pulling out a flash drive "I had some guys in the tech department put this together. It has security footage from that day. In the evidence room and in every hallway or access point that can lead to the evidence room. The footage goes all the way up to the point where the evidence room is engulfed in flames." He cleared his throat before leaning forward on his desk. 

"I have no idea who could have done this. Do I think it was one of my officers? No, I do not. The woman that broke into my evidence room said something about an 'organization' I have no idea who these people are but I can almost guarantee it was someone she works with." He then cupped his hands together. 

"Ms. Kyle, I'll be frank with you. This occurrence has everyone in city-hall worried. With Arkham city on the horizon they are looking to me to make sure Gotham is safe. Between you and me? I don't give a damn about what the mayor wants. Everything he has put into this city has been for petty self gain. I want Gotham to be safe. I will spare no expense. If the budget can't handle it I will pay out of my own pocket. Whatever you need. Use every resource you have in your disposal." 


He then leaned back and took a deep breath. 

"Help me ensure that something like this never happens again. Not on my watch."

[Selina Kyle - Catwoman]

There were a few things problematic with what he was saying. And she tried to keep the worry off her face, but considering a woman had broken in...and there was a fire? She pursed her lips before saying a word. "You hadn't mentioned the break in. And what this woman said. Do you have an ID on her, at the very least?" She wanted to add more, but refrained out of courtesy of insulting the man. Of course he'd have the identification of this woman. Correct?

As he pulled out the flash drive, she felt her throat go dry. As if he were holding a fine diamond in his grasp, that flash-drive was in value. That he'd have the forethought to even compile such information spoke much of the man. Considering he was going to pull her in on the case, even better. His judgement was not lacking. His hours in a day, well, sadly, they were with all that Gotham kept busy.

"I appreciate the forethought, Commissioner. Perhaps I could pop in and speak with your 'tech guys,' as well sometime?" If this woman worked in some sort of organization, it could be one of few. Mafia, mob, mask, to list a few to start.

Setting her tablet horizontal across her lap, she was all ears as to what he was saying. And what he said resonated deeply in her heart. Arkham City? She hadn't heard much on this front. Did it have to do with the revamping to the asylum? She'd even been in on the Metropham benefit, and helping to retrofit the asylum in it's current state. ...but a city, based on Arkham? She felt a cool chill down her spine at the thought. Whatever that was, it sounded like a whole mess of something she'd rather not deal with; as either Catwoman, or Selina Kyle.

"I'll do my damnedest, Jim." She answered gravely.

[Deleted]

Gordon nodded. There was a look of seriousness on his face. He was extremely set on giving this matter a good portion of his attention. It was an extremely sensitive matter. Giving the resources he gave to Selina meant that he was almost desperate. He knew if he didn't try to fix this it would get worse indefinitely. Even if he knew it would already get worse. He knew he could at least try to dampen the blow that it would have on Gotham and the police department. Gordon's face went rather flat when Selina asked if he at least had an ID on the woman that did this. "When we caught her we did the regular procedures of taking a swab of DNA and getting a set of her fingerprints. She came up in the system as a 'Faith Phield'. I highly doubt that is her real name. Although I'm not entirely sure where she came from or how she ended up in my evidence room." Gordon spoke, he was still rather upset that any of this happened in the first place. He sighed before taking a deep breath. 

"You can talk to anyone if it helps you fix this. You have almost as much clearance as me. I'm putting my trust in you as a professional to get this done. Please do not make me regret that decision." The decision to trust an outside source like Selina wasn't one that was made lightly. He thought it over many times before he finally decided to contact her. Hopefully she would be able to help him fix this problem. Arkham City only kept getting closer with each passing day. The Commissioner was running out of time. He had to prove to Gotham now that they could be protected by the Police Station as well as Batman. 

"If you need anything else, please let me know. Also if you would like to see the evidence room in its current state I can show it to you now. However you are the professional and I implore you to do this the way you see fit. If you need me for assistance or questions on what happened or our security I will be glad to oblige." 

[Selina Kyle - Catwoman]

Scribbling down the name, it sounds banal enough. But she's learned in her own field of work- as Catwoman, that most things are not what they seen. Even she had a few aliases under her belt that more than a handful of people knew. And that was a continent away. Even as she returned back to Gotham and started building a name for herself, a true name, a small niggling concern was always at the back of her mind.

"Thank you. I'll look into the name, and no doubt this Ms. Phield and her correlating data is on here as well?"\ 

Holding up the small flashdrive, she had to marvel for a moment at where technology had taken them. Even her own gear was now so portable, she could take it in her purse. And the fact she was nearly always hooked up to her own computer system and her phone via her earpiece was amazing. The small piece of equiptment was able to bypass most scanners, and when she needed it to, she had a very, very special set of earrings she liked to don when more intimate encounters were needed. Even now as they sat, she was able to record their entire conversation to play back for herself later on. It did help her when she needed to revisit their conversation. Or even to gauge the emotional weight in Jim's words. She didn't need playback to understand the depth of shit he was trying to pull the entire department out of. If this news got out about the evidence room, he may even be removed from his position. And considering the level of corruption already in Gotham's police force? It would only be a turn for the worse for Gotham. Considering her band of friends outside her social circles, she already knew the pulse of the masked crime inducers. And it was increasing.

Nodding again as he reiterated his utmost faith in, and the plea to find an answer, she understood. "I appreciate that, Commissioner, especially considering I am just a civillain. But as someone who deeply loves this city as well, it pains me to see something like this occur." She paused, not wanting to admit to her gut intuition that said it was an inside job. Or worse, inside job with mob or Mafia corroboration.

"If you have time now, I'd appreciate seeing the evidence room with you at my side. It may make a few of my questions easier to field, instead of me going through a different officer. I'm guessing the precinct is aware, or have you kept this among a few?" She stood, ready to get going on this investigation. She was no detective, but she had a certain insider's understanding of break-ins and theft.

"Before we go, I do have one more question-What exactly is this Arkham City you mentioned?" It must have to do with the aslyum. But this was a new term she hadn't heard.

[Deleted]

The commissioner stood up from his seat, preparing to take Selina to look at the evidence room. Then he heard her mention Arkham city. Perhaps he shouldn't have mentioned it to a civilian. Gordon does believe though that everyone in Gotham has a right to know. Arkham City will be something that involves the entire city of Gotham. The entire population of Gotham will know the weight of what Arkham city really is. It will most likely cause chaos. Gotham isn't a small city. It is a big city full of people. With those people comes opportunity. With that opportunity comes crime. The crime causes pain and loss of hope. Loss of hope causes a city to do something like Arkham City. Come up with an overly ambitious plan. The mayor only has his officer because of what happened at the asylum. And now he was going to force Arkham city on the unsuspecting residents of Gotham. 

"Well it won't be long until its an extremely known thing. Some around Gotham already know its coming. Its only a matter of time until its reported on the news nonstop. Arkham city is a plot concocted by the mayor. As well as some others that are unnamed. At least to me. Surely you've noticed parts of rundown Gotham being bought up. That sort of stuff? Arkham City will fence off a major part of Gotham. Old Gotham mostly. This section will be turned into the new Arkham. The new prison more or less. Criminals of all sorts will be able to run rampant around this part of the city. This is Mayor Sharpes vision. His dream, and my nightmare." He spoke very calmly about Arkham city. Even if the thought of it existing angered him. 

He then shook it off and moved to exit his office. "If you want you can pick my brain about it some other time. Let's show you the evidence room for now." He led Selina out of his office and took her down the hallway to the evidence room. It was taped off, the section of the wall that bordered the entrance was still blackened from the fire. The commissioner removed the tape and walked into the room. It was mostly the same aside from a few of the items had been salvaged. Most of it hasn't been touched for the sole reason of Gordon wanting to bring in a professional first. 

"Not much has been touched since the fire. I wanted to get someone like you in here first. Everything is basically the same since the fire started. Although a few key things were salvaged. Once you're done and you know for sure and notify us. We'll clean up in here." He waited for Selina to look around the room. The whole thing was a mess. Boxes and boxes of evidence and files ruined. 

Even if all the evidence was backed up digitally. Someone selfishly risked letting murderers and rapists get away without a single charge. 

Just out of self interest.

[Selina Kyle - Catwoman]

The restraint she used to keep her face interested, yet blank was tremendous. Expanding Arkham Asylum to an entire part of Gotham proper? This had to be a joke. Considering how faulty the asylum was, she could see how part of it would make sense. Then again, those that she knew that were 'criminals' of Gotham, ran the gamut. There was Oswald, who was more a pure businessman. And was smart in the fact that he usually hired out others to do his dirty work for him. Jon, well, he was a man she would rather be on the good side of. Edward. Dear, dear sweet Edward. If only he'd understand that there was more than just loving himself, perhaps they could have made it work. Then there were the more insane criminals with their themes, and of course, Pam who was driven with her own agenda. Each and every one of them had their goals in mind.

Even herself. Smiling, she stood from her seat as well, stepping back slightly to allow Gordon to lead. "I appreciate you even notifying me. Perhaps after this little endeavor is wrapped up, and of course, you have a moment of free time. Maybe over dinner, or even a decent cup of coffee, Commissioner." She stated it with determination. Not only to the topic at hand, but for the fact she knew he worked long. Long and hard hours, with probably little more than the office coffee, boiled to sludge, and whatever take-out food was on hand. He deserved a good meal and a decent cup of coffee. And considering how she herself had no father, she looked up to the man. Not that she'd ever explicitly expressed so. But she tried to do good when the opportunity crossed her path.

Nodding while he mentioned the Mayor, she couldn't help from pulling a face. Some of the areas of Gotham had been cordoned off. But as for press coverage, she'd seen a few peculiar reports, but nothing as in depth as Gordon was explaining. She'd need to keep vigilante as to hopefully escape the whole ordeal. Her nose had been kept clean, but who knew.

Wrinkling her nose as the charred remains were pungent, she stepped around the tape to enter. Reaching into a pocket she swiftly put on a pair of latex gloves, just in case she did feel the need to touch anything. It was a real shame, how much evidence had been ruined, as well as the extent of the damage. No doubt they could funnel the money that was going toward disposal as well as repairs to something much better than fixing a room like this.

Not only hearing but feeling the crunch of debris under her feet, she turned to Gordon puzzled. "Was there no clerk on hand when this happened? What about the camera? Footage?" She turned behind him up to where a recessed half-circle was in the ceiling. This was...out of sorts. Nothing that her own peers would do. It stank of bribery and amateur moves. And she didn't like it. There was no finesse, and it was just a job not done well. It was offensive.

[Deleted]

The commissioner shrugged at Selina Kyle's first impression of the room. While there was a camera like there always was there wasn't a clerk in the evidence room at that time. He didn't know why, the evidence room usually was ran by another police officer at all times. Just like Selina said, a 'clerk'. Evidence in a major police station was extremely important to the many cases. Even if top tier evidence, such as items or files belonging to the more elite of Gotham like the Riddler or even the Joker were held in a more secure place. This evidence room held the ties between many murderers and other unsavory members. A lot of whom are already incarcerated, however if it got out that evidence that tied someone to a crime was destroyed then well. The lawyer of whoever is now in prison would most likely demand a retrial. For Commissioner Gordon it was a messy situation all around. 

"There was no clerk. The sign in sheet for that day has mysteriously disappeared too. Although since whoever it was used the guise of a police officer to sneak into my evidence room, the camera shows the entire event unfold along with the mystery woman in my evidence room. She wasn't checked in by a clerk nor did she put her name down. The procedure seemed to always work in the past so now we're left with a situation that will turn into chaos if it isn't fixed." So far the GCPD has managed to keep the evidence room in the GCPD under wraps. However people do talk, and eventually it will most likely get out that the GCPD was attacked at the source. That several pieces of valuable evidence were torched in an instant. Most likely just to save one man. 

It was a despicable act. Commissioner Gordon knowing that he was on the clock.

It would be best if he managed to fix this problem, repairing the evidence room as well as tightening security. So when the public did find out the GCPD could at least say they fixed the problem. All in all it wasn't a good situation. 

"I don't wish to pressure you, Ms. Kyle but I am on the clock to make sure this is fixed as soon as possible. You coming highly recommended isn't the only reason I contacted you. The fact that you've done your work swiftly in the past is another reason. I need this done discreetly and as fast as you can possible achieve it. I know I must sound like a broken record at this point. I'm just doing everything I can to contain this situation." 
 

[Selina Kyle - Catwoman]

Shaking her head in disbelief, Selina tried to focus on the charred remains of the room, as well as the tampered camera, as well as the extinguisher. It was almost as if someone had prepped the room before the whole ordeal went down. Just to make sure the room was burned? It was so methodical. And precise. If there was some sort of riddle involved, she'd pin it on Eddie. But he'd always been more profound, more for the draw of being caught, and proving his intellect. This...was not him. There was too many loose ends overall.

Clearing her throat, she turned back to the Commissioner and nodded. "I entirely understand, Sir. It's a stress that right now, you don't even need. To me, there are too many loose ends. I think I may need to view the video, first, and then return. If I could get one of the interrogation rooms to look over the evidence, and the tape you've given me? Then I can return in here, and hopefully piece something together."

She appreciate that he had such faith in her, but she couldn't seem to shake the feeling that this was so, so wrong. And they could both clearly see how in jeopardy not only his reputation was, but the entire Gotham City Police Department's was.

"Give me three hours to go over the material, and get back in here. I'll need you for more questioning...and the woman that you mentioned...were you able to get her fingerprints, or get her in custody at least for a short time? If there is anything related to her, I'll need access to that as well. Then I should be able to pull something together."

And she might need a bit more coffee. This whole detective crap was not her idea of fun. She had no idea how the police force did it. Or how Bruce did. He was insane. And she knew insane people. Interacted with them on a daily basis.

[Deleted]

Gordon paused for a moment, taking in what Selina was telling him. It seemed that she was already catching on to what happened. That was good, he hoped that she would be able to figure it out quickly. As well as stopping this kind of thing from happening ever again. An entire room of evidence was destroyed. Such a waste, along with the room. Now the entire evidence room would need to be renovated and the security would need to be buffed. It was just an overall mess for Gordon and the GCPD. That is why he employed the likes of Selina Kyle, afterall. She knew what she was doing. Needless to say, the Commissioner could accommodate the requests she had. Luckily for him, they were quite simple.

"Interview room two can be used by you whenever you feel the need. Its free right now and I give a notice to let you use it as long as you might need. Once we're finished in here I'll make sure that's taken care of, as well as anything else you might need. As for the Woman I have a feeling that anything that came up on here is most likely not genuine. Just call it a gut feeling. I'll give you everything we pulled up, although I doubt it will be of any use to you. She said that she isn't the one I'm looking for. That this is bigger than her. Bigger than me. That's why I got help this time. Professional help."

He paused for a moment before rummaging in his pocket for his cell phone, then dialing a number. "Sergeant Travis. I need you to get everything set aside for Ms. Kyle moved into interview room two. Yes... Thank you." Finishing his conversation the commissioner put his phone back in his pocket, followed by a sigh. "That should be just about everything you asked for. I'll make sure the interview room is undisturbed as long as you're in there. If you need help from anyone in this department all you have to do is ask. Some of the techies are expecting to get a call from you. If you need it anyway. I will be in my office." 

There was a small silence, Gordon closing his eyes for a moment. To feel calm, to feel like he wasn't under so much stress for just one moment. 

"Now... Is there anything else?"

[Selina Kyle - Catwoman]

Nodding as he explained a bit more about the suspect, she couldn't help the slight reaction she gave to the woman's response. This was bigger than just her? Bigger than the commissioner of Gotham? A tiny ice cold finger ran down her spine, and even though she tried to suppress it, she still felt the chill in her bones. That wasn't good at all. Perhaps she may need to send a message to Bruce, as well. If he already wasn't aware of the whole mess. Burning down an evidence room was a pretty major ordeal.

"Jim, thank you. For calling me in, trusting me on this, and putting aside manpower and resources for me. I honestly can't think of anything else I need at the moment, other than time to go over everything. And another espresso. But the second I can take care of." She attempted a smile, her hand going to his forearm for a warm squeeze.

"I'm going to head into that room, I think for now, I have a good picture of what went on here, but I need to look at all the evidence you have on hand, before I fully give my opinion." Her last word hung in the air, green eyes glancing from his face, to the ruined room. She wanted to tell him that money wouldn't matter, and that she would comp it, take as many hours as needed, but she, too, fully understood that time was not on their side.