Chapter 3
XXXXXXX
Martin stepped out of the elevator and felt a rush of adrenaline at being back on familiar ground. He loved the feeling of being in the F.B.I. building in New York and more importantly, the Missing Persons Unit. Now he really was home. This morning he had never been more exited to put on a suit and tie. He was even humming as he headed to Jack's office. He glanced around and couldn't help but feel nostalgic about his first day working Missing Persons. It was strange to think about how much his life had changed in the three years he worked here.
He approached Jack's office and peeked into the glass walled office. Jack was sitting at his desk talking on the phone. Martin gave a soft knock and Jack waved him in.
"Yeah, what's the address? Are you sending it over now?" Jack's voice was professional and based on the questions Martin surmised it was a new case. He tried to control his excitement that he might get a case on his first day back. "Okay, thanks."
Jack hung up the phone and turned to face Martin. "Welcome back. How do you feel?"
"I feel great. Good, strong." Martin replied, trying his best to sound confident and capable.
Jack eyed him carefully, scrutinizing him. After a beat Jack said, "I'm going to go ahead and put you in the field but I'd like for you to meet with Lisa as well."
"I've already been meeting with a Dr. Salinger." Martin answered.
"Good. I'd still like for you to have at least one session with Lisa so I can mark it on your file that you satisfied the requirements for the bureau."
Martin clenched his jaw and replied, "Okay."
"Don't take it personally; I had Sam see her after she was shot. I just want to make sure I don't have anyone out there in the field distracted, fearful or unsure. I need everyone to be 100 so if you have any doubts I'm asking you to tell me now."
Martin looked Jack in the eyes and replied, "Jack, I'm ready."
Jack sat there studying him for a few beats when at last he said, "Okay, go get to work. Someone from the team can fill you in for now," Jack nodded that Martin could leave as he picked up the telephone again and added, "I'll be out in a few minutes."
Martin gave him a grateful smile and walked out of the office and headed to the bullpen. Danny was at his desk working on a report, Sam was on the telephone taking notes, and Vivian was at the conference table going through a pile of paperwork. It was one of the best sights he'd seen in ages.
He stood there for a few moments before he cleared his throat and said, "Hi."
They all looked up and seemed genuinely surprised to see him. Danny jumped up first and walked hurriedly towards Martin. Martin held his hands up in front of him and with a smile said, "Hands off lover boy."
Danny laughed as the two men shook hands. Viv stayed at the conference table but smiled widely as Martin approached, like a dog with his tail between his legs. "Hey, Viv, how are you?"
"Hello Martin. Welcome back." She answered warmly. "Thank you again for the flowers."
"It literally was the least I could do." Martin replied.
"Yeah, well, it inspired Marcus to get on the ball as well." She nodded to a bouquet of red roses on her desk.
Martin chuckled and gave Viv a big smile.
"So, are you back?" Sam asked as she hung up her phone and walked to where he stood.
He nodded his head and replied, "Yeah, I have to meet with Lisa but Jack said I could start right away."
Viv smiled and said, "Well, that makes the entire team. Danny met with her after the shooting and he had me with her after my surgery. Missing Persons must be getting a group rate." Viv chuckled before getting a serious expression on her face and said. "So, since you're back, here's a stack of phone records. We are looking for…"
And just like that, Martin was back to work.