Chapter One: New Job, New Partner

The shrill sound of an alarm clock cut through the quietness of the early morning. Corrina Micheals groaned as she woke up and stared blankly at the ceiling. Yawning, she rolled over and shut off her alarm clock.

She slipped out of bed and stretched her full five feet, six inches. A feeling of nervousness ran through her body, causing her to shiver slightly. The reason for her nervousness was quite simple, really.

Corrina was starting her new job today. It actually wasn't new to her; she had been the youngest homicide detective in Alabama. The fact that she was starting in a new city where she knew absolutely no one did not phase her one bit. It was the circumstances on which she was starting.

The detective whom Corri was replacing had been shot and killed this past January. She knew from experience that the new person who replaces the old person's job usually gets a chilly greeting until he or she could prove themselves to their fellow employees.

Yawning again, Corri headed for the shower, knowing that she had a long day ahead of her.

Woody Hoyt sighed as he walked down the corridor to the chief of detective's office. He was getting a new partner today.

Resentment flooded through him as he drew closer to his destination. To him, it seemed that the chief had no respect for Lu's memory. He was replacing her only mere weeks after her death.

Woody's bright blue eyes narrowed as he opened the door to the chief's office. He walked in, fully prepared to hate the new detective.

"Ah," the chief said. "It's about time you showed up, Hoyt." The chief turned Woody's new partner. "Hoyt, meet your new partner, Corrina Micheals. Micheals, meet Woody Hoyt."

Micheals wore her dark brown hair in a ponytail with bangs raked stylishly to the side. A pair of sky blue eyes studied him passively. She wore a sleek, black leather jacket over a navy blue shirt. A pair of silver earrings hung from her earlobes. Her black pants were form fitting until they reached her ankles, where they billowed gracefully around her ankles. To finish this ensemble, she wore a pair of stylishly comfortable black boots. Her new badge shone on the front of her jacket while her gun rested comfortably on her hip.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Woody," she said, extending her hand for him to shake. Her voice was thick with a Southern accent.

"Same here, I guess," Woody muttered, shaking her hand.

"You two are acquainted. Good. Now get out of my office," the chief said, holding open his door so they would leave.

Woody and Corrina left the office. He turned to her and said, "I guess I better introduce you to our crime lab. Follow me." He led her down the hall and into the elevator.

One awkwardly silent elevator ride later, they got out on the ninth floor. Woody took her to the break room, where he usually found someone. It was empty.

"There probably in the morgue," he said. He glanced at her to see if his words had any effect of dread or sickness on her face. Her expression was one of bored interest.

They went to the morgue, where they found Jordan, Nigel, Lily, and Bug. They were in the midst of what seemed to be a very amusing conversation. As soon as they saw Micheals and Woody, they sobered up.

"Everyone, this is Corrina Micheals. She's my new partner." When Woody said the words, 'my new partner,' his voice took on a peculiar tone.

"Micheals, meet Jordan Cavanaugh."

Jordan leaned forward and shook Micheals' hand. "Pleasure to meet you."

"Dr. Nigel Townsend."

Nigel smiled and shook her hand. "Nice to meet you, love."

"Lily Lebowski."

Lily nodded and raised her hand.

"And last, but not least, Dr. Mahesh V…V…Err…We just call him Bug."

Bug nodded and shook her hand.

"Why do they call you Bug?" Micheals asked, cocking her head slightly.

"Because I'm an entomologist, I guess," he replied, shrugging.

"Oh."

Suddenly, Woody's phone rang. "Hoyt," he answered. After listening to the person on the other end for a couple of seconds, he said goodbye and hung up.

Turning to Micheals, he said, "I need to go to a scene. Are you gonna be alright here by yourself?"

"Of course," she replied, smiling pleasantly.

"Alright." With that, Woody left.