Carlton Lassiter allowed himself one last look at the pretty young junior detective before barging into Chief Vick's office.
"Chief" Lassiter greeted her gruffly.
"Detective Lassiter." she returned as the lanky man shuffled uncomfortably in front of her desk. "Was there something in particular you wanted, or do you just intend to sweep my floor?"
Lassiter froze and looked her straight in the eye."Are you testing me Chief?"
"I'm not sure that I follow." she said, narrowing her eyes.
"Do you think that I'm a good detective?"
"The best in the SBPD. That would be why you are head detective."
"But do you think I'm a decent head detective?"
"Lassiter, stop asking me all these questions and get. to. the. point." Chief Vick said the last four words with the dangerous and excruciating punctuation that only a pregnant woman could manage.
"Then why did you give me an innocent young girl, not even yet to be called a woman, who practically skips around the office trying to befriend anyone and everyone in her line of sight? I'll bet that child has never even drawn her gun on a perpetrator. Not to mention that she's pretty." The Chief raised her eyebrows. "Well, what I mean is.. uhh... umm... her... she would be... socially she would be seen as a very attractive woman... by many standards."
"Detective." She began. "Do you mean to tell me that you think I set you up?"
"No... N-never! I j-just." Lassiter stumbled.
"You just what Lassiter? I chose O'Hara as your new partner because she came highly recommended from Miami and I personally believe that she has great potential. I assigned her as your partner because I know that with you as her mentor, she will make a great detective." Carlton Lassiter stood speechless in front of the Chief. "I will trust you never to question my judgement again detective."
Lassiter nodded briskly before turning, dumbstruck, and stumbling out of her office. He looked again at his new partner. This time instead of seeing a juvenile girl, he began to see a woman with determination, which is what makes a good detective great.
O'Hara, as if sensing someone looking at her, turned and locked eyes with Lassiter. Her perfectly polished lips broke into a grin as she waved at him. He winced, waiting till he had safely arrived at his "office" before allowing himself a small smile.