Today is my first day as inspector Paula Sato of Grimsborough, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about meeting my team, I'll probably be the youngest person there. "Deep breath Paula…you will earn their respect in no time. You graduated college, you were a top student at the academy, and you are the real thing now. There's nothing to be afraid of." The self pep talk helped ease me as I walked inside the police department. The building itself was nothing spectacular, but at least it was clean and didn't seem to have many people in it. I explored a little, hoping to find Chief King's office without any trouble, but to no avail. Maybe if I went back to the lobby I could start my search over.
After several twists, turns, and retracing of steps, I admit defeat. I am lost. "Good job Paula, get lost on your first day, that'll impress everyone." I muttered out loud to myself, wondering how to get out of this maze.
"Excuse me" A male voice spoke from behind, I turn to look. His clothes were the only giveaway that he worked here, minus the cookie crumbs. He was definitely older, but had a somewhat goofy expression and hair I haven't seen since high school. I couldn't help but make eyes contact though, his irises were a very captivating blue.
"You said you were lost?" Great, just great, a coworker heard me talk to myself. I decide to swallow my pride and nod.
"Kind of, I'm looking for Chief Samuel King's office." He just smiled more as he listened, I didn't know what to make of it.
"I can take you there if you want. My name's Jones by the way." He stuck his hand out and we shook briefly before I started following him. "So what's your name?" The question was a little sudden but I answer.
"I'm Paula, today's my first day working here." He didn't let up on the smiling; it's starting to freak me out.
"You're joining the force? That's great! I guess we'll be seeing each other often then huh?" I hope not, but I just nodded and smiled back to be polite. The rest of the conversation was either small talk or awkward silence; it felt like an hour before we reached Chief King's office. Jones opened and held the door for me, at least his mother taught him manners. I thanked him and walked through.
The office was organized and well lit, it had the standard desk and two soft chairs to sit in, one of which I happily occupied after all that walking. There was no sign of the chief anywhere, I hope he isn't looking for me; I AM late after all.
"Chief should be here soon." Jones took a seat next to me and started rummaging through his bag. Wait, what was this man still doing here? Doesn't he have a job to do? My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of munching coming from nearby. Is Jones…snacking? Really? What if the chief caught him? What kind of grown man snacks at this hour anyway? I shot a look at him, which he took as a request for one of his cookies. He handed me one, which I quickly refused. Bad enough I'm late, even worse if I get caught eating with this weirdo. I never liked cookies anyway.
I heard a door open behind us, in came an elderly man who perfectly matched Samuel King's description. "Ah, so you finally arrived Ms. Sato. It's nice to meet you." I want to hide in embarrassment. Excuses won't help me so I just sit quietly. "And I see you've already gotten to know inspector Jones, which means I don't have to introduce your partner."
Partner? I have to have a partner? HE is my partner? Of all the rotten luck!
This job was going to be more difficult than I thought.