Recognized

[Scott Martin]

"Its also true" Scott said honestly believing that, and believing that Rudy was who he presented himself to be. "If god forbid anything happened to someone I cared about, I'd recommend your services in an instant"

Scott started walking again in the direction of the cafeteria. He decided to both make some conversation and try to ease his curiousity about this man. "So did you grow up in Miami? Have a lot of family around here?" He asked, doing his best to sound like he was just asking a question and not interogatting the man (which at times could be hard for a police officer to do).

[Rudy Cooper/ Brain Moser]

"Thanks again", Rudy replied to Scott's recommendation.

Rudy heard as Scott asked trying-to-get-to-know-you questions and encouraging small talk. These questions would normally not pose a problem, but Rudy wants to keep his words and intonations simple and controlled because he can get himself in some trouble if he's not careful.

"Yes, I grew up in Miami and unfortunately I am my family. My mother died when I was young in a car accident and my father left us a bit before that. No siblings neither."

Rudy had no intention of mentioning Dexter, for the mere purpose of protection and whenever Rudy says his mother died in car accident; he's been telling that lie for so many years, he could almost believe it. But the fact of the matter is, Rudy's mother's death had such a significant impact on him, it made him what he is today.

"Any you? Have you always been here, with the exception on NY of course? How about your family? I see Nino is very important to you."

[Scott Martin]

"You're very welcome" Scott said with a smile, starting to feel less nervous around this man. He just had a way of putting people at ease it seemed. He was very warm and welcoming. Scott had no idea of Rudy's true identity or nature.

"Oh, I am very sorry to hear that" Scott replied sympathetically as Rudy spoke of his mother. He could only imagine how hard it must have been for Rudy, and still be to not have any family. Scott's family was extremely important to him, and he couldnt imagine losing them, especially not at a young age as Rudy had.

"Born and raised in Miami" Scott replied with another smile. "My parents are still in the area, more towards the suburbs than the city" He explained. He then looked down at his four legged companion as Rudy mentioned him. "Yeah, I never could have imagined he'd be so important to me. He's a good partner to have, and a good friend, always watches my back" He said petting his dog.

He then looked back up at Rudy "I'm sorry I didnt even ask if you liked dogs, this isnt uncomfortable for you I hope?" He asked knowing some people had problems with animals, but Rudy had seemed to be okay with it earlier so he hadnt thought to ask until now.

[Rudy Cooper/ Brain Moser]

Rudy nodded when Scott showed his condolences and respect for what happened to Rudy's mother. If Scott only knew the truth... "Thanks for that."

Rudy listened intently as Scott mentioned his family connections, including Nino. "Wow, you seem to have a strong support system. That must be nice." Rudy didn't know where this budding friendship was headed, but the one thing that Rudy did know was that he didn't have any ill feelings towards this man and would hate to be in a compromising situation that it would have to be either him or Scott.

"And Nino, not only can he offer that unconditional love, but I'm sure he'll protect you to the point he'd sacrifice himself for you." Unconditional love? Rudy shuttered in his mind as he said that to Scott. He never came close to that and he knows that he never will; receiving it and certainly not giving it. His love and support for Dexter came the closest.

Rudy was surprised to hear Scott ask if Nino made him uncomfortable. It was a little late to check, but he knew he asked to make sure Rudy was okay with him; Scott wants to please people. "No, Nino's great. Such a friendly and adorable boy", Rudy said as he once again pet Nino on the head and neck. Rudy did have a thing for animals. What that was he didn't really know.

[Scott Martin]

Scott nodded as Rudy thanked him for his condolences. Scott truly did feel sympathetic towards what Rudy must have gone through. To have gone from having no family to being so sucessful now, it showed a lot about his character in Scott's eyes.

"I do have a strong suppot system, I dont know what I'd do without them" Scott said, sure in his own mind that he wouldnt be holding up as well as Rudy appeared to had their situations been reversed.

Scott nodded as Rudy mentioned how Nino could give him both unconditional love and also sacrifice himself to save Scott. "Its amazing everytime I think about it. Its not often you find that kind of devotion in life"

Scott then smiled with relief as Rudy expressed that he was fine with dogs and again petted Nino. "Good, I'm sorry I didnt ask earlier. He is very friendly, he certainly thinks everyone should like him"

[Rudy Cooper/ Brain Moser]

Rudy listened to Scott mention his support system, but inside his mind, he realized he really didn't know how that felt.

"Speaking of devotion, I'm curious, is Nino your only companion or do you have a significant other?" Rudy asked this for several reasons. He wanted to know if there was anyone else in the picture and wanted to get a better understanding of his new friend. It seemed like a appropriate question considering the conversation.

Rudy smiled when he mentioned Nino and how he thinks everyone should like him. "Oh c'mon, what's not to like?" Rudy said looking at Nino. "He's handsome, intelligent and friendly, too".
Rudy had thought about having an animal companion after he was released from the institution, but he was just beginning his life and knew what he wanted to do and taking care of an animal would've been a burden and would not have fit into his lifestyle.

"So, Scott, what do you enjoy doing for fun?"

[Scott Martin]

"Nino's my only companion at the moment, no one else. A few dates but no one serious" Scott said knowing that even that, saying it was a few dates was pretty generous.. His last date had been months ago. When it came to women he was just too shy and nervous. "How about you, any significant other in your life? Or any companions at all...you seem good with animals maybe you have some of your own?" Scott speculated.

Nino had been wagging his tail as he listened to the conversation. Although he may not have been able to understand every word that was said, he was able to discern which words and phrases were compliments towards himself and was happy to take in the praise. Scott smiled as Rudy complimented Nino. " Thank you, I think so too and I know he does"

"Not always a whole lot of time for fun, but I enjoy just hanging out at home, or going out for a beer or two after work" Scott told Rudy. "I'm thinking of joining the department bowling league to keep from becoming too much of a hermit"

[Rudy Cooper/ Brain Moser]

Rudy understood what Scott meant about the companionship. "No, I don't have a significant woman in my life, nor any animals. As much as I do enjoy them, I just don't have the time being so busy with work and I tend to travel often, so I couldn't give an animal the love or attention it needs", Rudy said with a genuine compassion.

Rudy chuckled as he listened to Scott say he'd join a bowling league. "The department has a bowling league? That's interesting. I've never been much of a bowler myself." Rudy could never understand why people find some things interesting or fun, but he knew he had interests that the average person wouldn't enjoy.

He then thought of Dexter and how much of a good bowler he was, at least from what Dexter had mentioned. "I have a friend who's a good bowler. He goes twice a week. I guess that's his thing."

As Rudy finished talking, he entered the line in the cafeteria. The food being offered was your typical hospital fare, with occasional fresh salads mixed in. Rudy noticed a security guard coming straight towards them. Rudy turned to Scott and said, "I think he's going to say something about Nino being here."

[Scott Martin]

“I can imagine your work does take up a lot of your time, probably doesn’t leave time for much else.” Scott commented. He had a definite respect for Rudy for realizing his limitations, and knowing how much time an animal needed (and deserved). Scott knew that if Nino wasn’t a working dog, with the hours he was gone and no one at home, he probably wouldn’t have time for an animal either. He was lucky that Nino got to go everywhere.

“Yeah apparently it does” Scott laughed lightly as they talked about the bowling league. “I’m no expert bowler but I figured it might be a good way to get to know some of the other people in homicide…I’m a new transfer there” He explained and then listened as Rudy mentioned he had a friend who bowled.

Scott looked up as Rudy mentioned the security guard headed there way. “Luckily Nino’s got ID” Scott said getting it out to show to the security guard as he came over, validating that he was a working dog.

[Rudy Cooper/ Brain Moser]

Rudy listened to Scott intenly, not wanting to miss any cues. "Homicide, huh? That sounds interesting. What did you work before?" If Rudy wasn't paying attention before, he was certainly now.

Rudy wondered if there were any new cases Scott was working on, especially if they involved him. "I don't know if you're able to mention it, but are you working on any puzzling or complex cases?

Finding out this information would be most considerable. It would be good for Rudy to know if Scott was looking for him, of course.

[Scott Martin]

"We were in Drug and Bomb detection before. Homicide does seem interesting so far" Scott said excited about his new job. He felt like this new department gave him a better chance to use his skills as a cop as well, and not just rely completely on Nino's nose.

"Well the case I'm working on now isnt too complex since we had the witness I was talking to today, it shouldnt take long to get him prosecuted...the only other complex one is the one thats all over the news, you've probably heard about it, the Ice Truck Killer? The whole department's working on that it seems, but the detectives are working on it more than I am right now"

[Rudy Cooper/ Brain Moser]

Rudy thought Scott's background was interesting, coming into Homicide from Drug and Bomb detection. "Well, then it should make for an exciting change!"

Rudy thought about what Scott said and was genuinely interested. "This witness you interviewed... is he or she going to be protected? I mean, you're in Homicide so can I assume he/ she saw a murder?"

Rudy hoped that didn't sound too forward or too revealing. He was never one to be paranoid, since he's very careful with his work, but you never know about everything, especially considering the body he dumped at the mini mall a couple of days ago.

"Oh yes, I've heard of the Ice Truck Killer. How could you not? The media never fails to report anything they have about it. It's a little annoying, but even upsetting since they haven't caught this guy yet. It makes you think you're not safe, more so than just living in Miami."

Rudy waited to hear how Scott responded. Rudy knew Scott had no idea about Rudy's other activities and he intends to keep it that way. But at the same time, it's good to know if the detectives are even close to knocking on Rudy's door or if he can just sail around for a little while longer. And getting friendly with a cop, let alone a homicide detective was a good way in.

[Scott Martin]

Scott smiled as he listened to Rudy and it seemed he was really interested in what Scott was talking about. He had hoped he wasn’t boring the other man with the talk of his job (especially after they just met) but it seemed Rudy was interested (or at least was friendly enough to pretend to be). “Yeah, I’m really excited about the change, it’s a great opportunity”

Scott then nodded as he asked about the protection of the witness. He didn’t think anything strange of Rudy’s interest, he worked in a hospital so he obviously cared about people. “Yeah, we have a couple officer’s stationed with her now, it was a gang shooting, out in the middle of the street, I don’t think she’ll need witness protection or anything, but we’ll keep an eye on her.”

Scott nodded understandingly as Rudy said that he had indeed heard about the ice truck killer and found it upsetting. “It is upsetting, and I wish that I could tell you that we’d have him off the street by the end of the day, but we’re not there yet. The whole department is working on, but I know what you mean. I worry about the safety of my family sometimes.” Scott knew all of the victims were young women, hookers yes, but they were still someone’s daughter, someone’s sister. It made him think of his own younger sister. He didn’t know what he’d do if something happened to her, it was a scary thought.

[Rudy Cooper/ Brain Moser]

"A gang shooting, huh? You just can't get away from them living in this city", Rudy said while shaking his head. "It's good you're keeping an eye on her. It's almost like, if a gang member want to get to someone, they will find a way."

Rudy listened to Scott express concern for the protection of his family in regards to the Ice Truck Killer. "I can understand your obvious concern for your family. In this way, I'm sometimes glad I have no one to worry about. It helps sometimes."

Rudy was about to start a new topic of conversation, when suddenly his pager went off. Rudy looked down to see the text. "Oh, that's my boss upstairs. He wants me up there immediately. I wonder what's going on?" Rudy was very puzzled. His boss did this once before, when an Ice Truck Killer victim was brought in.

[Scott Martin]

“Unfortunately in Miami gang shootings are everywhere” Scott said nodding. He knew it probably didn’t seem comforting to hear a police officer say that there was no where to get away from the gang violence that went on, but it seemed the city was already too far gone. They could only do so much now.

Scott then nodded again as Rudy mentioned how this was a time when it was good not to have anyone he needed to worry about. “ Now you can just worry about keeping yourself safe”

Scott heard the pager go off and saw Rudy’s reaction. “I guess working in a hospital you never do get a break. I hope its nothing serious, but don’t let me keep you”