A/N: Thank you for the reviews so far! On with the episode...
"Doctor Lightman, Doctor Foster, this is Detective Cory Godinez."
Cal nods whilst Gill steps forward with an outstretched hand, warmly shaking the detective's proffered digits. He is taller than them both, around the same height as Loker, and presents an expression of seriousness. "How can we help you, Detective?"
"I'm from the Metropolitan Police Department, Forth District. We have a situation and I believe your expertise may be of use." Like many people doing business with the Lightman Group, Cory addresses Gillian, and only occasionally glances uncomfortably at Cal. The latter, as is his customary manner, stands back and surveys silently. "As you can see," Cory turns and points to the screen before Loker, "We have a hostage situation."
On the screen they observe video footage of the front of a small café. Reflection on the glass-fronted building makes the activity inside unclear, but what can be seen are at least five seated figures, whilst a man paces back and forth before them.
They're all silent a moment, taking in the scene before Gillian speaks. "So what's the situation so far, Detective?"
"The call came in approximately eight fifteen. A member of the public tried to enter the establishment, found it to be locked, saw our man holding his gun, and dialled nine one one. A team responded immediately and we have a van parked out front with negotiators. That's where this video footage is being steamed from. The hostage-taker is Zachery Kozak."
Loker frowns, "He told you his name?"
"No, we haven't been able to make contact yet. We got a shot of his face through the window, found him on traffic cam footage entering the café. Then we traced his movements backwards to when he pulled up in a car round the corner. We ran the license plate; the vehicle is registered to Kozak, and the photo on the drivers licence matches the guy in the café."
"So not a professional then," Ria utters somewhat drily.
Gillian steps forward, narrowing her eyes as she takes in the scene before her. Lightman appraises her, following her movements, and waiting for the insight she's about to share. "That looks like the Café Rose on Georgia Avenue Northwest." At the detective's affirmative nod, she continues, "It may have changed, but there was a larger coffee shop opposite, and even a bank around the corner. I used to work at the nearby hospital," she supplies at the inquisitive look from the cop. Then she shrugs, "It was about 17 years ago though."
"Still," Loker contributes, "If Foster's right, then why hold up a tiny coffee shop? I'm going to guess it's not about money."
Lightman grunts in acknowledgement of Loker's observation. "You said you haven't spoken to the guy, right?"
"That's correct. We've rung the café but no one has picked up."
"He would answer if he had demands he wants fulfilled. And if it's not about money…" Gillian frowns. "What do you know about him?"
"Not much," Godinez shrugs, and Lightman notices, with a growing respect, a little concern creep into the detective's otherwise impassive expression as he announces what little they have to go on. "Married, no children. Works a steady job as a geotechnical consultant. Comfortable financial position. No criminal record; worst he has is a speeding ticket two years ago."
"I can see why you need our help," Cal announces, though with less antagonism than would have been the case had he not begun to respect the detective, after seeing that he does truly care about the outcome of the situation. Lightman steps closer to the screen, standing level with Foster and directly behind Loker at the controls. Torres is slightly behind them, and Godinez, who is further back still, watches with fascination as they analyse the footage and the information he's given them. It's obvious they work well as a team; each bringing different strengths and knowledge to the room. Cory had been sceptical when his captain had ordered him to seek assistance from the Lightman Group. But now, having spent a few minutes in their presence, he's warming to the idea that these scientists may just hold the key to resolving the whole situation.
"This isn't your typical hostage situation. The usual aims of a hostage-taker don't appear to factor into this guy's motivations," Foster muses, glancing briefly at Cal.
"Look at his body language; the pacing, the gestures he's making with his hands, the erratic way he's waving that gun." Cal makes what could arguable with classified as erratic gestures of his own towards the footage.
"He certainly seems agitated," she nods in agreement.
"Can we get a closer look at his face?"
"No, unfortunately the reflection is preventing a clear image," Cory declines from behind them.
Loker glances back briefly, "What about the footage from which you identified him?"
"We recorded maybe twenty minutes before the sun cleared the buildings opposite and started glaring off the glass. I can get it to you if it'll help?" he phrases the last part as a question, and as soon as Lightman nods in assent, the detective flips open his phone and sends a quick text to ping the earlier recording to The Group.
After several moments of silence, Foster speaks up, obviously having spent the past few minutes musing over the psychology of the hostage-taker. "It must be something specific to that coffee shop. There must be some reason he's chosen it."
"The people who work there, maybe?" Ria asks, turning to look at her boss.
"Or it could be one of the regular customers," Eli muses. He swings he chair from side to side as he continues his thought. "The timing is right for people to stop in on their way to work. There must be many who work in the surrounding businesses and stop by every morning."
"Have the employees been checked for any connection to the guy?" Cal addresses the cop. "Any way of determining the names of any regular customers?"
"My colleagues are working on that at the moment. What I really need is for you to accompany me Doctor Lightman. I can get the information to you once it's in."
"Okay, Torres, Loker, you stay here. Keep watching that video feed, and when the recorded stuff arrives, I want you to analyse that too. Foster, you're with me. If we manage to speak to this guy, you'll be needed for vocal analysis."