Monday, July 13th, 10:27 am - Scotland Yard Offices

Alexis' heels clicked as she walked down the pavement. She had gone with a business professional look, but didn't look overdone. It was cloudy, yet the sun peeked out from the clouds, as if to say an occasional hello. A typical Monday morning. She was only a couple of minutes away from the office, but her phone beeped wildly. It was Lestrade.

"Hey, Alexis. Are you almost to the office?"

Still on the phone, she opened the door to the office building. She walked back to Lestrade's office, tilted her head, and gave a little smile. She hit the "end call" button on her phone. Lestrade got up from his desk and gave Alexis a hug.

"It's wonderful to see you, Greg. It's been awhile, hasn't it?" She looked around his office, noticing memos and photos. "Kristy sends her love from the States. You know, she never stops raving about her wonderful cousin from London," Alexis said with a laugh.

"Kristy has always been a sweetheart," He trailed off. "I'm glad you could make it in so soon. First, I wanted to congratulate you on your new job. Secondly, I was going to ask if you'd like to accompany me somewhere this Friday."

Alexis wrinkled her eyebrows and laughed nervously. "I guess it depends where you want me to go, Lestrade."

"Oh.. ah.. Wow..." he shook his head, "I-I.. did not mean it like that- " he said awkwardly, "Umm.. The historical society is celebrating the "Summer of Shakespeare" by holding a masquerade ball. They invited everyone on the force to come. It's a wonderful venue, there will be great food, and there will be some people there that I'd like you to meet."

"Oh!" Alexis was trying to shake off the of the odd tone of the conversation, "That sounds very lovely. If you have any updates, feel free to give me a call." She left Lestrade's office and found her way to her own office. In her office, Alexis wondered who Lestrade meant for her to meet. Why was it so important for her to meet them at the ball? Couldn't an average office visit suffice?

The rest of the week went without a hitch. She filed papers and answered phone calls. Before she knew it, it was Friday. The ticking of the clock was agonizing. She couldn't wait to leave the office. Of course, this was not an easy task. Getting out the door meant that she had to go past Donovan's office and face her judgement.

"You must be the new girl in the office. We haven't had the chance to meet. I hear you're accompanying Lestrade to tonight's festivities," she offered her hand out formally.

Alexis shook it politely, "Why yes, I've been asked to attend by Lestrade. We're old friends, so any rumors you may have wanted to create, can be squashed right now," she smiled wide, defensively. Lestrade had tipped her off about Sally Donovan, although, Alexis wasn't a very trustful person to begin with. Donovan widened her eyes, taken aback by Alexis' response to confrontation.

"All right," she said quietly, "I have to admit, I was wrong about you. Good luck, the boys can be primadonnas sometimes." Alexis smiled and walked out the door. Not five steps from the building, she bumped into an unsuspecting, blonde man. She stumbled and turned to face him. His eyes were bright and he looked at her admirably. His eyes read, caring yet tired. The lines around his smile were worn, yet inviting. She debated whether or not to introduce herself, but before she could speak, the man held out his hand.

"Hello," he stuttered slightly, "I'm John. I take it you're the new girl Lestrade was talking about. If you're not, this is probably very awkward." He chuckled and looked down.

"It's a good thing I am," she said with a laugh, "I'm Alexis," she offered her hand to him. His grip was strong and his hands were slightly calloused.

"Well, I'd love to chat for a bit, but I've been sent to get milk. Maybe I'll see you around?" He seemed genuine, unlike the nonchalant things people mutter to each other in passing.

"I'm sure you will, especially if you're a friend of Lestrade. Have a nice time, with milk, and such," she said interestingly. John waved, as they both walked their separate directions.