Gotham's sky was the same unchanging leaden gray. Li Jie pulled on his familiar police jacket and felt an invisible weight settle back onto his shoulders. Standing outside the old Eastern District Precinct building, he watched the numb-faced pedestrians hurry along the street and took a deep breath of air laced with exhaust fumes and damp mildew.
"Fuck, I should've stayed on the beach a few more days," he muttered, watching Wilson emerge from the building, tossing his car keys like a show-off.
"Hey! Brother!" Wilson clapped him on the shoulder. "How's it feel to be back from vacation? Any hot encounters on the trip?"
"It's a long story. Forget the hot encounters." Li Jie gave him a pat in return. "Your injury's completely healed?"
"All healed!" Wilson swung his arm. "Strong as ever. Want to head next door..."
He pointed toward the new building. "...and grab some breakfast?"
"Too expensive. They charge a dollar for a single ice cream cone. I don't even want to imagine what a burger costs!"
"Cops get a discount..." Wilson took out a card and waved it. "Don't tell me you haven't picked yours up from logistics!"
Uh...
Before Li Jie could say anything, he spotted Edward Nygma rounding the street corner with his treasured briefcase in hand, his steps brisk and his smile full of excitement and pride.
"Good morning, gentlemen."
Nygma hurried over to them, his eyes gleaming behind his glasses. "Jay, I've figured out the answer to the riddle you gave me before you left yesterday."
"Wait!"
Li Jie held up a hand to stop him, then turned to Wilson and said,
"Could you buy me two burgers? Then bring the van around. We need to get out on patrol."
"OK!"
Li Jie watched Wilson walk away before turning back and