A Scheduled Meeting [Gordon]

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The cab slowly rolled to a halt outside of the GCPD. Crawford stared out of the window up at the towering structure. It was well-worn, but given the state of other parts of Gotham, the home of the city's law enforcement seemed to be holding up just fine. The department had drawn the ire of villains for years now, so the fact that it was still standing was quite remarkable. Crawford didn't have time to admire the place like some slack-jawed yokel, though, because it was here that he was sent to meet with Commissioner James Gordon about leads on a possible drug syndicate operating out of the city. 

"Hey, buddy. I don't have all day." The can driver interrupted, pulling Crawford out of his train of thought. The agent reached into his pocket, removed his wallet and pulled out a twenty dollar bill before handing it to the driver. The man took the money, grumbled and turned back around as Crawford opened the door and took his first step out onto the streets of Gotham. He wasted no time making his way towards the large double doors of the GCPD and stepping inside.

Officers were everywhere and the low rumble of inaudible chatter along with the shrill sound of phones ringing was ever present. Everything was running like clockwork, something he'd expect from a department run by the well-known Commissioner Gordon. He turned towards a large clock, noting that it was 10:55AM. The meeting was scheduled for 11:00, meaning he was just on time. Punctual as always. The agent strolled up to the reception desk, leaning over it to speak to the officer sitting there.

"I'm here to see Commissioner Gordon. He's expecting me."

[Deleted]

"Agent Crawford I assume. The Commissioner can see you now." A police officer that basically acted as Commissioner Gordon's secretary then buzzed the man in, Notifying Commissioner Gordon to his presence. 

Behind a desk sat Commissioner Gordon of the GCPD. He was scheduled to meet with DEA agent Rich Crawford, he knew exactly why. There had been some activity that had been flagged over the past few weeks. Narcotics related activity. A week or so ago that was a shipment of pure cocaine ceased by the GCPD narco team. Gordon knew that this was enough to get the attention of the DEA. This must be their answer to investigate all illegal activity in Gotham that was related to narcotics and the drug trade over all. When Agent Crawford entered the room he was met with a smile and a handshake. 

"I was notified of your temporary transfer to Gotham. Welcome to my city Agent Crawford. I've got detailed files on the incident regarding the ceased shipment. The boys down in Narcotics can most likely also be a help to you." He smiled, handing the man a pile of file folders. "Can I ask what you hope to find here? The illegal drug market was always large. However it must haven't have been large enough to get interest from the DEA. That is until now anyway.I will help you anyway I can. Narcotics is usually pretty good about documentation." He cleared his throat, leaning back into his chair. 

"Where do we start?" 

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Crawford took the stack of files from Gordon, immediately opened the first one and began to flip through it. Gordon made a valid point about drug related crime in Gotham. It'd always been brewing away in the background, but the DEA had taken a very hands off approach in regards to the city, often saying that other places were in greater need, especially given the large vigilante presence in the area. If it were up to Crawford, he'd have come out to Gotham quite some time ago to start cleaning up the streets, but it wasn't his call. A huge shipment of pure, grade-a cocaine, though? That was more than enough to draw the interest of the DEA.

Crawford looked up from the file. "I wish I could've come here sooner, Commissioner. Unfortunately my hands were tied. I'm sure you're all too familiar with bureaucracies. But I digress..." The DEA agent placed the files down onto the table, pointing at the report of the ceased cocaine shipment. "If what I'm reading here is correct, this isn't a run of the mill cocaine shipment. High quality product like this is a rarity in the drug trade. Now, cocaine is usually seen as an upper market narcotic, but this? The purity is above and beyond anything else out on those streets right now. The people behind this clearly know what they're doing, they could be extremely powerful. Perhaps both."

Crawford took a deep breath and adjusted his tie. "I don't want to jump to any conclusions, however. So I'll need to pay a visit to narcotics, read through these documents in their entirety and then, if you don't mind, I'd like to see the area where the shipment was located."

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The Commissioner nodded at Agent Crawford asking to see where the shipment was located. "The Shipment was intercepted near the Gotham City Docks around Park Row. We can go down there right now or you can go yourself later. Or you can talk to the guys that found it. The first responders. Or the Narcotic detectives that dealt with it after it was called in. I'll be frank with you. You really do have your work cut out for you. I will help you in any way I can though. As will my Detectives in the Narcotics division and any other resource I have. It is at your disposal as the official agent on this case." Gordon took a breath for a moment. His office felt like it was more stuffy than usual. However he knew that was because he felt like there was a storm coming to Gotham. Whether that be because of Arkham city or this shipment of Cocaine being picked up by GCPD. He felt like whoever was behind the shipment has been doing this longer than just a short while. A mistake was made. Gordon could only feel bad for whoever it was that made that mistake. There was millions of dollars worth of cocaine confiscated that day. 

"This was one of the biggest shipments in Gotham city ceased in decades. This is a very big thing. It could be bigger than you or me. Perhaps even the DEA. The last time I heard about a cocaine operation like this was... Back in the 80's." Gordon extended his hand to grab his cup of coffee on his desk. He took a sip of the stale brew before setting it back down. "Do you have any idea where you might want to start? It is entirely up to you. I said I would already assist you. I can be around as much as you want me to. Or if you're one of those that prefer to work mostly alone that is okay too. Although I will be continuing my own investigation on the incident. It might be beneficial to work together on this." Gordon took a deep breath, pausing for a moment. 

"Ready to get to work?"

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"I agree, things will be settled far more efficiently if we're on the same page." Crawford stated as he glanced at his wristwatch. "We should get down to the docks as soon as possible. I'm not questioning your subordinates, but I'd like to ask around down there myself just to ensure nothing was missed."  In this line of work time was everything. Every second wasted meant the perpetrators slipped further and further away from the grasp of the authorities. He didn't intend to let them get away so easily this time, not when the stakes were so high.

Crawford looked at the stacks of paperwork atop the commissioner's desk. He was clearly swamped with work, but was still able to take the time to work with an outsider on this matter. The stories about Gordon were true, he was a genuine paragon of virtue in amongst the corruption that had once plagued the GCPD. It'd be a privilege to work alongside someone with such respect for the law.

"Before that, I'd appreciate stopping by your narcotics division for anything that may not be included in here." Crawford said as he lifted the report from the table once more. "I'll start reading this on the way to the scene, but I believe I've got the basic facts straight. I don't have transport, so I'll need an officer to escort me... That is, of course, unless you wish to accompany me yourself, commissioner?"

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The Commissioner nodded. "I think it is best if I come along with you today. Answer any questions you might have. As long as you don't mind. I don't have a whole lot going on today." The Commissioner replied, getting up from his seat. He stood there for a moment contemplating what was going on. There was evidence of a rather large drug operation in Gotham City. It was good that the DEA finally had an interest in Gotham. Although the Commissioner wasn't really sure if it was enough. He would do his best. He always did his best. "Did the agency provide you with a vehicle, Agent Crawford? If not we can take my car." Gordon walked around his desk, moving to leave his office. He wanted to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible. The Commissioner that it would take time though. Everything has to start somewhere. 

Gordon and Agent Crawford left the office, walking together down to the parking garage. "What do you think is going on in Gotham, Agent? Why the DEA has a sudden interest in our city. I know this is one of the largest amount of cocaine seized in a very long time. Almost reminiscent of the Pablo Escobar days, I've heard. But, what do you think Agent? What is on your mind. As far as this incident." He tried to make small talk while he and Agent Crawford traveled down to the GCPD parking garage. He was curious to know his opinion. Considering he'd have to work with the man quite often. He might as well try to get to know him. Try to see how he things. Make his best effort to get acquainted. Though, perhaps Agent Crawford wasn't really one for small talk. Even if it was job related. 

That didn't matter, all that much. Gordon just wanted to help him do his job. That's what mattered.  

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Crawford shook his head. "I don't have any transport, we'll take your car." Crawford turned towards the door and the two men exited the office, stepping out into the busy GCPD building. Crawford turned to the commissioner,"As I said before, I can't leap to any conclusions just yet, but the people behind seem to be professionals. Given the sheer size of the shipment, this can't be their first rodeo. I think it's safe to assume similar massive shipments have come into this city undetected from the very same people."

Despite his best efforts to be polite in his new surroundings, Agent Crawford's signature hard-nosed, all business approach was rearing its head. Still, he'd only just met Commissioner Gordon, and although he found it hard to open up, perhaps if he shared a little about his past they'd find it easier to talk to one another.  "I've dealt with very few cases of this magnitude before, Commissioner. In fact, this is one of the largest amounts of narcotics I've seen in a long time. In the past, I've tracked down the people overseeing operations like this, but it was no easy task. We've certainly got our work cut out for us."

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While Gordon and Agent Crawford moved through the GCPD building, Crawford told Gordon about his past. He didn't tell much, just enough. So that Gordon could get an idea of who the man was. He was no stranger with working side by side with the Feds. He was a police commissioner in one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. His job wasn't an easy one. The federal government got involved more often than naught. Surprisingly though, the DEA wasn't often in Gotham city. The drug trade was present, but it was never around in such a large force. This let Gordon knew that they did indeed have their work cut out for them. This would be difficult, to say the least.

"Yes, I believe we do. Agent Crawford. We have our work cut out for us." Gordon made a face before sighing. The other officers around the GCPD noticed Gordon. Waving, or saying hello. They also noticed agent Crawford. The Gotham City police officers could feel that a storm was coming. A DEA agent was in Gotham. Now while one DEA agent wasn't a very big force. There would most likely be more in a matter of time. The incident that ended up with the GCPD evidence lock up full of pure Colombian cocaine. That wasn't a regular occurrence.  There was a hidden drug trade in Gotham. People that really knew what they were doing. 

Soon the Commissioner and Agent Crawford entered the GCPD parking garage. Gordon stepped into his car, starting the engine. 

"I'll have some guys from narcotics meet us at the scene. Considering there isn't much left over there from the incident." Gordon paused by pulling his phone from his pocket. 

Dialing a number, followed by requesting a meeting at the site of where the drugs were seized. He then said his goodbyes and put his phone away. 

"Well, are you ready to go?"

[Deleted]

Crawford stood for a moment, almost staring into space as the sound of the busy GCPD around him dulled. Gotham was a city already in shambles, despite the best efforts of the police and the few citizens who actually cared. Violent crimes, people trafficking, the drug trade. The folks who engaged in this activities were a disease. A cancer spreading through a body that was already falling apart. Scavengers picking the bones of a carcass that stopped breathing long, long ago. The fact was, this was just one of many narcotic shipments that found their way into Gotham. For each one that was discovered and stopped, how many more slipped through? How many had already been sold and distributed amongst the populace?

Discovering who was behind this would likely be a small blow, glancing off of the armor of the criminal underworld like nothing. Just another cog in the machine removed and replaced. Still, it was Crawford's duty to help. It was his obligation. The sound of the station filled his ears once again as he took a deep breath and turned to the commissioner.

"I'm ready to go. Let's get to the bottom of this."

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"Good, then lets get to work." Gordon led the agent to his vehicle, staying silent as the loud ambiance of the GCPD building would probably drown him out anyway. Being loud was never Commissioner Gordon's forte. He would socialize and talk to the others but he was never really able to be directly loud. He preferred the quiet and tranquility of his office. Perhaps a cup of stale coffee and a day old newspaper at his desk. Loud and obnoxious laughing? Not for Gordon. So needless to say he was glad to get in the parking garage, where the sounds of cars coming and going would be heard. A large open space with not a lot of talking going on. Perhaps the occasional siren would be heard, but that was about it. The Commissioner entered his vehicle first, then waiting for agent Crawford to enter. 

Once Gordon and the Agent both were in the vehicle together Gordon started his car, and started to leave the garage. It was silent inside the vehicle for a while. Gordon was going over his thoughts, agent Crawford was most likely doing the same. What about this cocaine shipment was out of place? The size of it for one. As well as the purity and quality of the overall product. Something not seen very often. Since there was so much of it and it was some of the best stuff around, that made Gordon question what was really going on. So he bypassed the small talk and just thought about the case himself. He could be social if he wanted to, but when he wanted to concentrate on a case. Then it was most likely best to leave him alone. That is one of the bigger reasons as to why the man has been divorced twice. 

After a rather uneventful car ride, Gordon exited the vehicle out to the docks. The original spot where the shipment was discovered and 'confiscated' "Well, here we are." Gordon said before coughing for a moment. The air was cold and bitter, not good for his health. The chill air started to make his hands shake. "Let's get down to business. Shall we agent?"