Law and Order: Special Victims Unit Gangster

68. Extensive Research

"Oh, God. I'm so f**kin tired, Juliana," Rafael Barba groaned.
"Come on, mi amor, we need to meet Christine for lunch," Juliana reminded him as they scrambled around their hotel room for shoes and room keys.
"Yes, mami," he sighed as they both ran out of the room, just barely on time.

****

"Mr. and Mrs. Barba," the journalist called as they arrived at the restaurant.

Rafael and Juliana then sat down across from the young woman.
"Hey, Ms. Williams. We read about you in your letter and online; impressive," Juliana greeted her.
"It's nice to finally meet you," Rafael added in agreement.
"Likewise. You two are quite interesting, even from a distance," she smiled. "Call me 'Christine'."
"Of course," Rafael nodded. "Feel free to call us by our first names as well. So, uh, what made you choose us? I mean, out of all the other people you could've chosen, of course."
"Well, Rafael. I think that both the things that the both of you have done in New York and your backgrounds are both incredibly impressive. I mean, I share an inner city background as well, but.... please, let me know if I'm over-stepping, but the Oscar Ramirez kidnapping, and the Avery Parker case, I mean, wow. That was truly incredible, everything that the two of you have gone through and worked on together," she complimented.
"Thank you, so much," Juliana smiled.
"Of course, I'm only saying it as it is. You two are the perfect epitome what all of not only NYPD, but society should be like! Now, if you don't mind, once we eat, I'd like to talk logistics, for the panels," she explained.
Rafael nodded. "Sounds good; just what we wanted to discuss, actually."

Just then, the server had arrived at the table.
"Hi, welcome to Miami Diner. My name is Matt, and I'll be your server. Can we start you off with some drinks?" he asked, starting with Christine.
"I'll take an orange juice."
"Another one here," Juliana nodded.
"Same here," Rafael smiled.
"Okay. And are we ready to order?"
"Are you guys ready?" Christine asked as they both nodded.
"Great, what'll it be for you, miss?" her asked Juliana.
"I'll have the chicken fried steak," she answered.
"Great choice. Would you like the hash browns or the biscuits?"
"I'll have the biscuits, please," Juliana smiled.
"And you, sir?" he asked, looking over at Rafael.
"I'll have the strawberry pancakes, thanks."
"And would you like the toast or hash browns?" he asked.
"Toast, please," Rafael Barba nodded.
"Good stuff. And last but not least, what can I get for you, miss?"
"I'll have the eggs on toast with bacon, scrambled, please," she replied.
"Thank you, guys, I'll have that all to you in a moment," the server promised.

****

"So, about the panels. What exactly is each one going to be like?" Juliana asked.
The woman smiled. "Well, the whole thing's fairly simple. The first day, you've gotta be there a bit earlier, as you both know, for the red carpet. Each one, only one a day, I come out onstage first, I introduce the topic real quick, and then you both come out. I'll ask for some basic background information, maybe a little about your pasts, but nothing personal. We'll talk about the Parker case, and the Baker case, your most famous ones, and then we'll take audience questions for the rest of it," Christine Williams explained.
"Sounds easy enough," Rafael nodded. "Now, is there anything we need to know doing the interviews?"
She thought for a moment. "No, nothing too unexpected. I just wanted to let you know that it is fine if you choose to swear occasionally, just keep it calm and professional, and just please refrain from using any specifically offensive words or slurs," she nodded.
"Perfect, should be easy," Juliana promised. "Is there anything else we should stay away from?"
"No, nothing else, actually. Just know that all emotions are perfectly acceptable; just don't get too angry and end up saying something that gets us all into a huge PR mess. Controversy's fine, but no mass offense is all I'm saying," Christine promised.
Rafael smiled politely. "Sure, we can manage that perfectly fine."
"Alright, great," she nodded.
"Christine, what did you say that you want to speak to us about individually?" he asked.
"Actually.... here's the thing; I wanted to tell you two this in person, since it definitely sounds a little odd. Seeing as I'm investing, well, my whole future at The Torch on you two, I wanted to see if it was truly worth it, so I did some very extensive research. I was beginning to consider writing an article on you guys. I actually know a lot about you, and I actually think that you together are made up of enough material.... to attach a book deal," Williams revealed.

Juliana and Rafael both stared in awe,
not knowing what to say at first. It seemed so ridiculous and unbelievable, yet so amazing.
"I don't need an answer now, of course, for the article or the book. I just.... wanted to tell you right away, to give you some time to think," the writer offered.
"Well, I, uh.... we'll definitely think about it," Rafael smiled.
"Yeah, we'll consider it. It sounds great, and we're both flattered," Juliana agreed, surprised.
"Thank you," Williams smiled.
"Our pleasure," Rafael Barba waved her off dismissively.