Stella was browsing through profiles of potential young agents when he knocked on the door. Her heart leapt to her mouth.
"Enter!"
The man pushed open the door and slowly walked into the office. In ten years, he hadn't changed a bit. Stella found that this fact thoroughly annoyed her. She didn't like to be reminded of the past.
"Stella."
She started a little at the unique way he said her name. She hadn't realised, but she'd missed hearing it, the way he rolled the 'l' off his tongue with a certain grace that no one else could manage.
"Frank," Stella greeted him in reply.
"I heard you got the job," Frank said approvingly as he took his seat opposite Stella. "Congratulations!"
Indeed, Frank had been hit with a mixture of pleasure and anxiety when he heard that Horatio Stark would be replaced by Stella Knight. It was definitely a relief to no longer have to tolerate Stark's command, but Frank had no idea what to expect of Stella.
"Thank you," Stella said with a stiff smile. "Now, if you don't mind, we have potential candidates to discuss. I trust you did the background reading."
"I did," Frank confirmed, matching Stella's businesslike manner. "I have a few in mind. Tom Tupper, for one, reminds me of Rose, except less..." He trailed off, searching for a suitable word.
"Disciplined?" Stella offered.
"Yes, disciplined," Frank seized the proffered word gratefully. He had been thinking along the lines of "mischievous", which, although accurate, would not be the most positive description.
"Anyone else?" Stella prompted.
"Aneisha Jones. She seems to have an uncanny affinity to people just as Tom Tupper has an affinity to technology. I think they'd work well together. And Daniel Morgan."
Stella remained silent for a moment, considering Frank's choice of agents. To be completely honest, Stella had been thinking of those three candidates as well. But she didn't like to admit that her thoughts still seemed to synchronise with Frank's, just as they had ten years ago. Working with Frank would open some old wounds, she knew, and she wasn't feeling particularly confident about it.
"I will consider your choices," Stella said finally, standing up. "I'll let you know by noon so we can organise some way to introduce these candidates to MI9."
Recognising his dismissal, Frank stood up and shook hands with Stella, marvelling at the softness of her skin. Stella's heart beat more rapidly at the contact, suddenly remembering all those times that she had held Frank's hand, feeling safe in his presence.
They let go all too quickly, and Frank took his leave. Stella sat down slowly. Working with Frank London would be...interesting.