27 - Ripples

"Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects" - Dalai Lama

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CH1

"Mail call," a voice called, but blended so much into the normal noise and chatter that it only vaguely registered with Elisa.

A series of petty thefts in East Harlem had drawn enough attention to warrant investigation, and Elisa was currently going over the written reports. No big ticket items, just little things here and there from some of the smaller shops, and spread out over months which is why it had taken so long to put them together.

'Suspect must live in the area', Elisa mused. 'Close enough to walk, skateboard or bike.'

"Mail call," the voice called from beside her.

Elisa sighed, sitting upright and glancing at the freckle-faced, redhead boy with the really thick eyeglasses who made the rounds twice a shift. She took the envelope from him absently and put it in her inbox for later. Most of the time they were inter-office papers and, on rare occasions, written court summons. Nothing that could be handled at nearly midnight as most offices were closed until morning anyway.

"This was brought over by courier about half an hour ago. It looks official," the boy said, curiosity lighting his eyes.

Elisa glanced at the envelope and noted the familiar seal in the corner. Frowning, she lifted it closer.

"Yeah," Elisa said, hesitantly. "I guess it does." She sent the boy a look. "Lucas… don't you have more things to take around?"

"Oh, uh," he flushed almost as red as his hair. "Yeah. Sorry," he said pushing his squeaky wheeled cart farther down the row to continue handing out his parcels.

Elisa shook her head. Lucas had started at the precinct at the age of 19. He was thin, not that athletic, and while he excelled at the written portion of the exams, he hadn't been able to even touch the necessary requirements for the physical portion of qualifying to become a police officer. Not to mention his eyesight, even with the glasses, was a hindrance on the range. Instead, as the 23rd precinct grew, the powers that be seemed to have taken a liking to his gumption and offered him the newly created position in the mail rooms. At first he had, somewhat loudly, insisted that he was only doing it until he could try to qualify again, but as time went on, he'd found his niche as a mail deliverer and all around go-fer for the department.

It had been nearly five years, Elisa thought with a head shake, and he seemed fully rooted in his place. Not only that, but he enjoyed supporting the NYPD any way he could.

She focused in on the envelope again. It didn't have only her name on it, she saw now.

Det. Elisa Maza and Det. Matthew Bluestone

Gargoyle Task Force Representatives

C/O NYPD, 23rd precinct

162 E 102nd St

New York, NY

Her eyes went back to the seal in the corner. I was a symbol that anyone in New York city would recognize.

Elisa rose, envelope still unopened in her hand as she went to find Matt. If he wasn't on the floor, chances were that he'd be in the labs flirting with his wife. She grabbed the phone on her desk and, saving her the trip down, she called the lab and asked the assistant who answered to send Matt to Captain Chavez's office.

The letter was addressed to them both, and she didn't feel right opening it without him.