It was just before 8:30 am as Agent Kevin McBride sat and waited outside the office of Mayor Andrea Valens. McBride was the special agent deployed to Justice on behalf of the FBI as part of a newly formed pilot project called the Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force on Organized Crime. That was the technical term on the books and not for everyone to know about otherwise the off the record name was "Rent-A-Fed." Her secretary had referred to Kevin by his undercover name and Kevin had said it so many times that when he heard it that it was second nature to him and he would respond immediately. He gave his boots one last check over to make sure they were decent looking. Maybe not exactly formal but nothing to be ashamed of either. Kevin was dressed in black denim jacket, a white oxford cloth shirt, and a nice pair of jeans. He couldn't wear a suit for his cover story but it was important to look at least presentable. 

The door opened and Mayor Valens said, "Mr. Reid..." she extended her hand and said, "Nice to meet you welcome to Justice please come in."

"Reid" stood up,extended his hand and the two shook hands as he followed the Mayor into her office and said, [B]"Thank you your honor."[/B]

As they entered the office Valens said to her secretary, "Brenda no calls until my meeting with Mr. Reid is over with."

She closed the door and said, "Please have a seat Mr. Reid, or should I say Special Agent McBride."

McBride replied sitting down, [B]"Reid please hearing the name helps reinforce my cover for me."[/B]

Valens sat at her desk and said, "Very well." She tapped a folder and said, "Jason Reid reporter from the A-P doing a story on the rise of organized crime here in Justice." She nodded and said, "Very convincing cover story, and the fact that the FBI has ties with the A-P so they can verify who you are and that some articles float in every so often from you is a great advantage. It allows you to walk both sides of the street between the hoods and law enforcement. The only people who know who you really are myself, the Commissioner, and Captain Tryner. Let's keep it that way"

Reid nodded and said, [B]"I'll do my part your honor. Just wanna help wherever I can."[/B]

Valens nodded and said, "Not to mention your service record is very impressive as well. I've known some in law enforcement who've been in your field twice as long as you who would sell their grandmothers to have 1/3 of the career you've had already. I have no doubt you're gonna be a tremendous resource in helping us get things done here."

Reid asked, [B]"Why do I feel like you're getting ready to tell me that I'm about to be throw to the wolves?"[/B]

Valens shook her head and said, "Not really, but I do have one concern about you Agent McBride."

Kevin could sense what was coming and he nodded and said, [B]"Stenson."[/B]

Valens nodded as well and said, "You made a very powerful enemy in him Agent McBride. I give you credit for taking a stand and having his son prosecuted I know more than a few who would've just walked away."

McBride shrugged his shoulders and said, [B]"What can I say? His son tried to put a bullet in my skull between two guys that's kinda personal."[/B]

Valens chuckled and said, "Yeah that would make me a little grumpy too. All that being said Agent McBride if he should come around and start talking to certain people in the State Capital who want to think about cutting funding for us or things of that nature..." Valens took a deep breath and said, "Sorry and no offense but I will ask that you be removed from the Task Force immediately. I realize that would be a death blow to your career, and again I'm sorry but I have an entire city to think about."

McBride nodded and said, [B]"Understood your honor."[/B]

Valens replied, "Good now then Mr. Reid you need to report to Assistant Deputy Commissioner Jesse Ryder down on the second floor room 214. He will give you your credentials, and I'll call Captain Tryner let her know you've arrived and to be expecting you at the MCU after you meet with Ryder."

Reid nodded and said,[B] "Thank you your honor for your time." [/B]The two shook hands and Reid went to Ryder's office. When Reid arrived at Ryder's office the secretary paged Ryder and the secretary said to Reid, "If you'll just have a seat ADC Ryder will be with you in a moment."

Reid nodded and said, [B]"Thank you."[/B]

Just then a door opened and an attractive auburn hair woman stepped out of the office pushing a stroller. She smiled politely at Reid as she walked by and Ryder approached the doorway and looked into the waiting room and said, "Mr. Reid? A-P writer? Come on in."

Jason replied, [B]"Thank you."[/B]

Ryder closed the door and said, "Come in have a seat for a moment. Sorry for the delay my wife is getting ready to take our baby Emily in for her six month check up. Kind of a nervous time we're thinking Emily might be lactose intolerant need to wait and see." He pressed a button on his phone and said, "Claudia print out the files I just sent you and proof them and then bring them in."

Reid nodded and asked, [B]"Your wife Penny was the one who had your current job before you?"[/B]

Ryder looked at him for a moment and Reid said, [B]"Sorry I just like to familiarize myself with where I am and what's going on before I get embedded in an area."[/B] McBride did his homework on the hierarchy of Justice. It was quite a "coincidence" McBride thought that former ADC Penny Shultz resigned and within 2 days she and Ryder were married at City Hall, and then 9 months to the day Emily Ann was born. Penny three months later was offered and accepted a position on the Mayor's staff. She probably requested the day off for her daughter's appointment McBride thought.

Ryder nodded and said, "Good practice. Must explain how you've managed to survive being in so many hot spots and organized crime wars."

Reid replied, [B]"Like to think a little bit of luck doesn't hurt."[/B]

Ryder said, "Trust me in this town you're gonna need all the luck you can get. You're going into the Major Crimes Unit where, as you know I just left there, you'll be working with Captain Tryner. She's young but good and has the potential of being great I know you're not a cop but treat her with the respect she deserves. Stay out of the way as much as you can, don't ask too many questions, don't try to be their friend, and speak when you're spoken too. Oh and keep your head down when the bullets start flying. I am giving you a carry conceal permit. Don't abuse it."

Reid nodded and said, [B]"Thank you sir."[/B]

Ryder chuckled and said, "Don't thank me. You're going into a unique situation, but from what I've read of your stuff you'll be just fine there." 

Claudia knocked on the door and Ryder said, "Come in." She brought the papers to Ryder and he replied, "Thank you" as Claudia nodded and left.

Ryder and Reid signed the forms. Ryder said, "Okay you're good to go. Report to Captain Tryner at MCU. I'll let her know you're on your way."

Reid stood up and the two men shook hands as Reid said, [B]"Nice to meet you and hope things work out for your daughter ADC Ryder."[/B]

Ryder smiled and said, "Oh thank you Mr. Reid. Good luck if you need anything just tell Captain Tryner to call me."

Reid nodded and left to head to MCU.