What Will It Take, Victor Zsasz?

Long time.

"Paul Cicero has been found murdered. We just got word from Gordan, they tried to make it look like a suicide. Everyone is on high alert until further notice, I need you to look into the files and see if you can find any other Circus folk that remained in Gotham. They could be targets." Alvarez got out in a rush as he scrambled around his desk.

Cara didn't mind working with the man, only he was not the 'friends on the job' type. He would only speak to her in matters of business, unlike Gordan and Bullock, both of which she had developed a sense of friendship.

Gordan was still a little wary of her due to her on going relationship with Victor. He had once tried to get her to cut ties, explained that if caught she wouldn't only lose her job and reputation. She could lose her life. Cara simply gave a light laugh and a smile that never met her eyes. She was all too aware of the danger and risk but to be accepted and understood by Victor in a manner no one else could give.. that was too much to give up.

To Cara, Alvarez was a mystery. One she wasn't sure if she had wanted to unravel.

"Of course." She muttered, stepping out of his way and making her way to the filing room where she would have to meet the person in charge.

"Hello?" Her voice traveled and echoed through the room, metal filing cabinates filled every inch of space under the dull lighting.

"Hello! Sorry I'm... Oh! Would you just... Close!" A woman's voice became agitated and Cara couldn't help the smile on her lips as she followed the voice.

"Need a hand?" Cara asked with a playful smile, the redheaded woman turned awkwardly and nodded.

She lifted her fist and punched the side of the cabinate before sliding the drawer closed. The woman looked at her in astonishment.

"How.. did you?" She began with her eyebrows knotting together while she pushed the glasses further up her nose.

"I had this same one in my office at my old job. They are an awkward make." Cara grinned as the other woman nodded.

"Oh, I'm Kristen Kringle. You are?" Her voice was soft, reminding Cara of the one teacher she liked in her school years.

"Officer Dellany. Or just Cara is fine." She straightened her arm, to which Kristen outstretched her own and shook her hand delicately.

"What can I do for you?" Her soft voice once again traveled through the room.

"I need any files relating to Jerome Velaska and any involving any others from the Circus that remained in Gotham." Cara explained as Kristen set to work.

"How long have you been here? I haven't seen you around... Dellany... Oh! You're the officer that got the medal of Valour in the mob war. Sorry I hadn't even noticed." Kristen began with a smile as she made the realisation. "You're kind of a big deal here." She laughed lightly.

"I suppose. I didn't do anything my fellow officers wouldn't have done. I have been here for nearly two months, it's been crazy." Cara laughed too as she recalled all of the strange events that had taken place since she arrived.

Suddenly the door creaked open drawing her attention away from the woman rummaging through the cabinates.

"Miss. Kringle.. I was.." The tall man began before his jaw dropped. "Cara?!"

"Ed! Its been a long time." Cara grinned as she approached the man she remembered so clearly as her first friend.

"When did you?... I haven't seen you in years!" Edward rambled as Cara wrapped her arms around him, enveloping him into a hug as he patted her shoulder.

"Well I was working as a doctor, then came here. I haven't been here long I guess. How have I not seen you?! I thought you would have moved to Star city to continue your ambitions." Cara said as she drew back, looking up into the mans eyes.

"I work here as the lead forensic investigator and scientist. I was going too but there is something about this city I couldn't leave behind." He gave a genuine smile.

"We ought to meet for a coffee on one of our breaks, I'm so happy to see you again!" Cara excitement was eminent in her tone.

"Of course." He smiled again.

A noise from behind her made Cara remember that Kristen was there the entire time.

Kristen was amazed, she had not thought that Edward was capable of friendship, let alone human emotion. She watched in awe as he half hugged the woman she had just met and reminisced in memories and a quick catch up. The two seeming rather fond of one another.

"Sorry, I forgot for a moment why I came." Cara cleared the air with her apology as Kristen stood back still in a daze.

"Yes, I have the files you needed here. How long have you two known eachother?" She asked before shaking her head. "Sorry I shouldn't pry." She dismissed before shifting her gaze.

"We went to school together. Ed here was, what, three years older than me so finished before I did. He was the only friend I had in that place." Cara smiled at the memory of the first day she had met the boy she would later call friend.

"Yes, if I remember correctly.. which I know I do... You saved my note book from a group of boys who were trying to burn it." Ed commented with a lopsided smile.

"Yeah, that was the first time I was sent to the head mistress's office. They were mad because I broke that guys arm."

"Not to mention the broken nose of the other boy."

"Well, they shouldn't have been bullies!" Cara raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms over her chest defensively.

"Well... I need to get back. Thankyou Kristen for your help. I'll be in touch about that coffee, Mr. Nygma." Cara grinned as she took the files from Kristen and turned to leave.