***
The next day I went to work. I was greeted. There were people who were happy about my return. Some are not very envious in general. But on the whole, the situation was peaceful, and my chuyka was silent. Hopefully nothing happens while I get back on track.
I went straight to the chief. I mean, Gordon. And there were apparently three people there.
- Dinklage? - Gordon raised an eyebrow slightly, sitting in his chair. - Welcome back from vacation. Well rested?
- Well, in any case, better than last. - I made a hint of a flight to Greece.
Next to him stood Bullock, clearly with the consequences of yesterday's drunkenness and no longer young, but still a pretty woman of about forty. Blonde, cut under a bob, blue eyes that were hidden behind glasses. Austere look and business style clothes without any skirts - namely, trousers and a jacket.
- HM. It's clear. Well then, I think you came in on time. Meet Sarah Gordon-Essen, your immediate supervisor.
- Glad to meet you ... - I held out my hand to shake her, and she thrust a folder into my hands and began to walk quickly out the door.
- Glad to meet detective. Now it's time to work. Later we will have time to ask each other what kind of beer each of us likes.
I'm shocked, Gordon sighs, and Bullock looked at me sympathetically:
- Be strong guy! Hell awaits you.
- Free, Dinklage. And ... - he wanted to say something, but changed his mind. - in general, go to work.
- There is!
I feel it will be difficult for me to work with Gordon's wife.
Gordon-Essen had a large office in which my colleagues from the organized crime department were already gathering. In the corner were a couple of old-timers, who remembered the previous Police Commissioner Larry Lance, my boss was standing by the window. Rene was also present.
- And here you are. Hi Isaac, I already thought that I would work without a partner today. Although Rick was a good substitute for you.
- Rick? That he was transferred to us?
- I translated myself. In addition, we have two more new faces.
- Yes, I heard a little about it from Harvey. True, I don't even know the names.
At that moment, two more entered the office. The blonde is a lot like our boss, only some more masculine, and I would say a typical "intellectual". Medium height, brown-eyed, with glasses and a little silly appearance.
Applying the "Player's Gaze", I realized that these are not passing people:
Name: Nicholas "Nick" Krauser / * & (% $ # & (*
Level Granted: 54
Race: Human
Class: Assassin
1 Subclass: Master BI.
2 Subclass: AC in shooting.
3 Subclass: Spy Thief.
4 Subclass: Poisoner.
Trait: Willpower, Genius, Argus Agent,
Age: 27 years old
Characteristics: see details.
The lady was also not a miss:
Name: Margaret "Maggie" Sawyer.
Level Granted: 40
Race: Human
Class: Guardian of the Order
1 Subclass: Detective
Feature: Stubbornness, Sense of Justice,
Age: 33
Characteristics: see details.
The characteristics of both were impressive. Especially this Nicholas, because he had half of them either on par with me, or slightly higher in level. With our detective Sawyer, everything is a little different, she is also a very trained person, and her indicators are much higher than that of other police officers (in 90% of cases), but still she is far from me. And up to Krauser as well.
- Good morning. Krauser waved his hand benevolently to everyone and smiled.
If I didn't have System in assistants, I would say that it is Aizen Sousuke disguised as an honest cop. But no, this is Agent Waller. Looks like she decided to get to me. Or is it simply injecting its agents into many hot sectors? I don't know exactly, but I'll find out someday. In the meantime, we do not show our awareness. Therefore, I impose "samogenjutsu" on myself.
"Isaac Dinklage, I presume? - Sawyer turned to me - Margaret Sawyer, or Maggie.
- Nicholas Krauser. - Briefly introduced her companion.
- Since you have already met, have a seat. Today we will have a very serious conversation. - spoiled the friendly atmosphere of Gordon-Essen.
The last representatives of our department. There were six more, but, according to Bullock, two are now in the hospital with injuries, two more were transferred to Metropolis, one retired and one went on vacation. Therefore, everything is here.
- When I left for Washington, I was sure that I had nothing to worry about and the department would work fine without me. - looked around everyone. - But you have done so that I am ashamed to appear here at all. Let's start with you detectives Johnson and Raibich. When you've dealt with your hangings on the Mulrow case. This under-mafia ...
And such a flow of words began that made me think about the topic that Gordon, after talking with his wife, became so calm. Indeed, in my humble opinion, if he can withstand her pressure, then the Joker is not particularly scary to the commissioner.
"Accusations" against the two old-timers went on for a long time, they were justified and explained why the case was not moving forward. And as for me, the reasons are quite logical: the lack of evidence, laws that are skillfully manipulated by the head of that gang and even little things. But that was enough to keep him free. However, Sarah did not quit.
As a result, after that, Rene and I got the same.
- And of course our two stars. Montoya and Dinklage, tell me, please, when will you deign to work? And we are not talking about vacation, but about the results of your "work"! You have been working on the Black Cross for several months. And where are the results? You were given all the information on them, wiretapping was allowed, and people were additionally allocated to you.
"I beg your pardon, Lieutenant," Rene interrupted, "but we were given additional people only two days ago. And wiretapping was allowed only a week ago. And even then now she's no use. Since that bar is undergoing renovation and is closed. And other points where the top of the group can gather are not known.
- Excuses, excuses ... Renee did not expect from you. In other words, why is our "hero of the cinema" silent? Tongue burnt out on the beach?
So why are you such a bitch?
- Well, I don't mind talking to the lieutenant, but what can we talk about if you know about these matters only from pieces of paper? - I threw a hairpin at her.
"I know enough about you ...
- About Us?! - I was semi-sincerely surprised - As far as I understand, Rene, you may have known a little. But she didn't work with you. You see me today for the first time. You were not in the city for half a year. And you are not up to date with the latest news. Whatever one may say, I am a person who has not been in the city for only a month, and I re-enter this pool with my head.
- Well, how does the head not hurt? - she chuckled - However, I heard stories about you and this crazy woman, you shouldn't have a headache.
- Who are you talking about?
- About your beloved Ivy.
"Her name is Pamela Isley, and she's not crazy.
- Come on, once spread her legs in front of you and have already become pretty? - she is already taking me out. However, "Samogenjutsu" should help. - Ah! Exactly, I'm sorry I forgot, you also have Harley Quinn doing? Are the three of you having fun?
- What do you want to be the fourth? - oh, how it was skewed. - Sorry, but I have to refuse, you are certainly a spectacular woman, but not in my weight and age category.