Russell wasn't exactly comfortable in large group settings in most cases. He felt like if he got close to someone they eventually would die in some horrible freak mishap, or they would die in some way that involved Russell. He felt that it would only be a matter of time before someone at the agency would suffer the same fate as anyone else Russell met and got close to. This group though, they all had issues that weren't exactly run of the mill. They all had their stories and they chose to share that part of their lives with one another. Russell had to admit that he admired that in a way about this group, and it was in that admiration that he felt a sense of comfort and hope with them. Each person standing within the group got either a "good evening" greeting or a slight tilt of the fedora towards them. 

Bernard was someone who Russell felt like he could have beer with and just spill his guts to and it would be all right. Bernard was a man of the cloth and that earned Russell's respect. In spite of the misfortune that had followed Russell he had still had Faith. It was all he had left. He felt a certain kinship towards Serena. She was a police officer, and though Russell had been off of the force for sometime the credo was "once a cop, always a cop." That was of course if you didn't do something to disgrace the shield. Just going on first impressions Serena seemed like the kind of cop Russell wouldn't have an issue being a partner with. She was younger than him, but Serena had a presence about her that made Russell feel confident in her abilities. Emily bringing cookies to the group was a welcomed addition to the evening. The granola bar would only last so long, so the cookies would be just the thing to help Russell make it until he got home. He knew that Keandre's issues ran deep but he also recognized that Keandre was strong. Keandre was reaching out for help and that gained a large measure of respect from Russell. Every group had that one person who was a bit stand-offish and liked to keep to themselves and in this group that role was filled by Valerian Nico Alvarez-Knight. His life was one that Russell had dealt with on many occasions in the NYPD. Tragedies enhanced by personality disorders. Russell knew also every situation was different so trying to deal with Valerian like all the others could do more harm than good. So he let Stanton figure this one, and promised to support Valerian anyway he could. Alex was a puzzle though. Each time it seemed like she was getting ready to let Russell or anyone else in she would shut it down. Russell again would support where he could, but he knew there was something big going on with Alex. 

The elevator ride was uneventful and it seemed like everyone was ready to get on with things once they got in the room. As they approached the open door Russell had a feeling of Deja-Vu creep over him. He couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something up. Just then the whole tenure of the evening changed as they saw the grizzly scene. Stanton was dead, and every cop instinct in Russell's body screamed, "murder!" Russell looked around and while he wanted to drop to his knees and scream, "Not again! No!" Russell knew that wouldn't do him or anyone else any good at that moment. He took a step back from the group and then heard a commotion. As though someone was leaving in a hurry. He turned to Linda and said, "[color=39b54a]Call this number...[/color]" He showed her a number from his phone and said, [color=39b54a]"It is my former partner tell him that I am on the scene. That we have a 10-14 and engaging in a 10-80. After that start taking inventory of anything unusual or missing or out of place."[/color] He took two steps towards the door and said, [color=39b54a]"No sign of forced entry."[/color] Russell then reached into his jacket and pulled out from a shoulder holster a 45 auto-mag. He turned quickly to Serena and said, "[color=39b54a]You up for this? I can't be the lead on this one, but I'll back you up. We need you Officer Gomez.[/color]"

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