Kevin Ryan walked slowly out of the precinct elevator. It was Monday morning and for some reason the normally quiet bullpen was buzzing with chatter and activity. He walked up to his desk, casually draping his coat over the chair.
"What's going on?" He asked his partners, Beckett and Esposito, who were standing near his desk.
"We have a rookie coming in." Esposito said.
"Where from?" Ryan questioned, now understanding why everyone seemed so excited, and finding himself curious about the topic at hand as well.
"Fresh out of college." Beckett said, looking at Gates' office. The window's blinds and the door were all closed, making it impossible to see who was inside.
"Really?" Ryan asked, surprised since the majority of Detectives either started in homicide and worked their way up, or transferred.
"Yeah. I think she is joining our team too." Beckett added, leaning close to the door, trying to hear them.
"She? Who is it?" Ryan asked.
"Don't know yet, I think they are almost done." Beckett replied, and sure enough the door handle turned. Beckett slid away just in time. Gates walked quickly out of her office, a familiar face trailing behind her.
"Alexis?" Beckett asked, startled.
"Detectives, I'm sure you all know Alexis Castle." Gates interrupted quickly, stopping the conversation. Alexis however, shot them all a small smile. Ryan knew Gates was speaking, and that he should be listening, but his attention was focused elsewhere. He hadn't seen Alexis since she had her internship with Lanie, and was surprised by what he saw. Alexis had matured, wearing black slacks, a purple top and heels she stood slightly taller than him. Ryan was startled by her appearance, as he had known the girl since she was 16. He wasn't sure whether it was the way she stood, tall and proud, or the police shield and gun attached to her hip, but she had obviously grown up.
"Detective Ryan, do you agree?" Gates' demanding tone broke Ryan from his thoughts.
"Um, yes Sir." He replied quickly, hoping he had answered correctly.
"Ok, then its settled. Detective Ryan will be mentoring Detective Castle for the first few cases to help her get the hang of things. I trust there will be no issues and that you will complete all of your work." Gates nodded once, then retreated to her office.