Mike's forceful strut down the hallway back to Office 450 separated the steady flow of detective traffic like Moses parting the Red Sea, cautious glances in his direction quickly turning into terror when they were met by the set of stern blue eyes filled with unbridled fury and frustration.
Right behind him, like a guardian shadow, Steve had once again assumed the role of human bubble wrap, his stoic acceptance and gentle caring protecting the rest of the unsuspecting public from the Lieutenant's wrath, as he grunted and stewed on the latest monkey wrench thrown their way.
The last one to follow the determined procession was Kammers, her quietness not the result of wanting to diffuse the situation, but rather stirring the pot. Mike didn't need a degree in psychology to sense the woman's defiance and attitude toward his viewpoint, clearly a brilliant career start for somebody who'd be responsible for ten patrol units and the twenty souls inside those cars trusting her to make balanced, non-ego driven decisions.
Scuffing up his black dress shoes once again as he cut the corner into the Homicide bullpen a bit too close, the vestibule and adjacent office greeting him with the aroma of freshly baked bagels, Mike cocked his head at a few of his detectives, all of them well aware of his fiery temper the second he entered.
Deciding on a brief stop at the coffee table, Mike refilled his cup and then headed straight to his inner office, hearing Steve draw in a breath behind him as if to expect an emotional outburst that would shake the building.
Instead, the Lieutenant sat back down behind his desk, quietly contemplating on his next moves, choosing to ignore Kammers for now as she sat down in one of his guest chairs, her curious eyes going back and forth between both detectives.
"Stephen…ehm…call up Leanne Harrison's cousin, will you? Set up a time for us to see him this afternoon. I want to lean on him a little bit to cover our bases. As far as we know, he was the last person outside of work to see her alive."
With an obedient nod, the young Inspector gave up his guarded position by the file cabinet and disappeared out of the office, heading for his own desk and undoubtedly happy to do so.
With Steve out of earshot, Mike reached for their case file, then unceremoniously dropped it on the pile of missed-calls notices in front of Kammers.
"I suppose you better get caught up fast. We have a long day ahead."
Nervously running a hand across her high cheek bones, Kammers glanced down at her grey dress skirt and black nylons, before sighing.
"Lieutenant Stone…if we are to work together for the next two weeks, don't you think it's time to bury the hatchet and move on from all our preconceived notions? It's clear that you have your ideas on what the department should look like, and I have mine. We can simply agree to disagree and both do our job the best way we know how. I chose this opportunity after looking into your vast background with the department and talking to many different people. You are as highly regarded as they come. Your crime resolution rates are amongst the highest around. You have an impeccable record. All I requested was the opportunity to learn from you, work with you and see what it takes to become a true leader."
"Please don't snow me, Staff Sergeant.", Mike replied curtly, keeping one eye on Steve's progress when he heard the young Inspector raise his voice outside, the fatherly hovering not lost on Kammers, "This department isn't the playground for political agendas and women's lib movements."
He could see Kammers take a deep breath and get ready to protest, so Mike lifted a hand to silence her for the time being.
"Now, I can appreciate people who stand up for their beliefs so long as they also handle the consequences that come with their actions…and I sure hope your shoulders are broad enough to carry the weight of responsibility that will be bestowed upon you shortly, considering your career choice. While I am powerless to stop this…this experiment from happening within my own squad, I want you to understand that the safety of my men and the integrity of our cases are my number one priority. Each member of my team works with the highest degree of detail and urgency, they are trained professionals who can handle the stress that comes with seeing dead bodies on a daily basis. You might think that you can bypass all the years of training and inter-departmental scrutiny by adding a couple college courses or waving that…that women's rights flag around all day, but let me warn you right now that as long as you are working with us, you will be held accountable to the same standards as any of my men out there. No free rides. No special treatment…and no extra breaks just because you are a woman."
"I am glad we're in agreement there, Lieutenant Stone.", Kammers replied calmly, a triumphant smile on her lips, "After all, that's the only thing us women want. No special treatment, just equal treatment."