Sincerely, B. Foxtrotter: A NYPD Crime Novel

Chapter Two: Identity

Michael looks up, willing the elevator to go faster. When it finally dings, he literally runs into Liam as he walks out. Files and coffee are spilled everywhere. Liam goes to apologize until he looks up at Michael's face.

" Oh, you have got to be freakin kidding me. Just let me pick up my files and I'll be out of your way."

Michael says nothing for fear of drawing attention to himself if he shouts. As Liam picks up his files, Michael notices a sliver of a mugshot barcode on a paper. He waves it off as Liam walks down the hall.

" What a...," Michael stops himself before he continues. He walks up to Persia and puts on his fake smile. " Please tell me I can take this off," Michael gestures to his face. Persia raises an eyebrow and Michael scoffs and stops grinning.

" Mail Persia. I'm on a time limit,"

Persia hands Michael his mail as he goes through it stopping at his credit card bill.

" What the.. $600 in the last week? That's gotta be wrong. Oh, this is gonna be a fantastic day, people!"

Michael shouts the last bit as he slams the door to his office.

____________________

Liam raises his eyebrows and gives a slight chuckle as he hears Michael slam his door.

" A glorious day indeed Fox"

A knock on the door is heard as the Chief walks in. Liam shuts his file and gives the chief a smile.

" Hey, Chief. What's up?"

Garcia glances at Liam. " You look exhausted, Barrett. Get some sleep would you?"

Liam scoffs and shakes his head. " Chronic insomnia. Haunts my life"

Garcia takes a sip of his coffee. Liam opens another file as he starts to mark it. He pauses to yawn slightly and looks at the chief.

" Excuse me. Sorry. What's up?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to check-in and make sure that you're settling in nicely. I make it my priority to check up on all my employees"

" Well, that's great Chief. I'm fantastic as always. Little sleepy as you can tell, but I'm putting in the work for you. The Boyd case will be in court later in the week"

Garcia nods satisfactorily. " That's better than I thought you would do. Thanks, Barrett. How's Fox treating you?" Liam looks up again.

" Fox?"

" Yeah. Is he treating you okay? He can be... how do I say this? Arrogant"

Liam chuckles as he nods, " No. Fox has been fine. Other than our little brush with each other this morning, he's been fine. I just dropped some files when we ran into each other. All good Chief. There is nothing for you to worry about"

Garcia smiles as he gets up and opens the door. " Great. Oh also, can you get your transfer papers finalized by today?"

Garcia gives Liam a weird look as the detective starts to sweat.

"Barrett? You okay?"

Liam swallows as he plasters on a smile. " Yeah of course. Have a good day Chief"

" You as well Barrett"

As soon as he closes the door, Liam jumps for his cell and dials a number as he paces. "Adams! Why didn't you send me the transfer papers? No, you idiot! He didn't get them! Just get them as soon as you can or else I might get busted!"