The next two weeks went by quickly for Francine, her New York shenanigans a memory of the past, the kind she would recount during an office holiday party to entertain her bored, tipsy colleagues.
It was during one busy monday morning that she was called from her desk to Billy's office to discuss a matter of 'utmost urgency'.
"Have a seat, Francine." he urged her, suppressing a smirk whose meaning she couldn't quite interpret.
Once they were both settled down, he took a deep breath before fishing an envelope out of his desk and handing it to her.
"Don't open it yet. Just hear me out first." he explained, crossing his hands on top of each other. "I know in the past few years, with Amanda's presence and so may changes at the agency you've been struggling - "
"Oh, no, Sir, i wouldn't say I -"
"Don't interrupt."
"Sorry, Sir."
"I was saying, we both know you have outgrown your role at the agency, it's time you move on."
"So you're sending me out like this?!" she jumped in, standing up from her chair and pacing furiously. "No thank you for my years of dedicated service to the country, no medal of honor, i mean, Amanda's got like, four already, but not me, i just have a lousy letter and it's that, hasta la vista baby!"
"Francine, you're running a hole through the carpeting, now sit down and open the letter."
She reluctantly went back to the chair, sitting rigidly on it as she nervously opened the envelope.
Billy grinned as he saw her reaction. "Close your mouth or you're gonna catch flies."
"It's a letter of recommendations!"
"For our new white collar crimes branch. I couldn't think of anyone more perfect for the job than you."
"I'm such a jerk, I apologize. This is lovely."
"So, it's a yes?"
"Will i get a raise?"
"Thirty per cent."
She crunched the numbers in her head. "Nice."
"They need an answer by tomorrow morning. Can i count you in?"
"Absolutely. Thank you, Billy," she stood up to shake his hand, smiling from ear to ear. "You won't regret it."
"There's just one more thing." Billy said, holding up a finger as he dialed a number on his phone.
"Yes, Melrose here. Is he in yet? Hmm, hmm, ok. Perfect. Let him in."
"Who are we waiting for?"
"You'll see in a minute."
A few seconds later, somebody knocked on the office door. When Francine turned to look at the mysterious guest, she felt as if she was dropped from cloud nine to the pits of hell.
"Hello, Francine, dear!" Nick greeted her with a thousand-watt smile. Before she knew it he was holding her shoulders and kissing her on each cheek like they were old high school pals.
"What is he doing here?!" Francine hissed, completely ignoring the subject of the question.
"It just so happens that Mr. Grant over here has an incredible amount of knowledge and connection in regards to white collar crimes - "
"As a criminal!" Francine threw her hands up in the air.
"And he cut himself a nice deal with the government to help us out in exchange for parole."
"Unbelievable. I still havent's been reimbursed the very expensive outfit i got destroyed, and he's walking free." she sighed, crossing her arms.
"You need a partner. Working solo on this job has never helped anybody."
"How much are you getting paid?" she finally addressed the man in question.
"Less than you, trust me."
"Is it true?" she turned to Billy.
"Housing and a minimal amount for basic expenses. All extra expenses will have to be business-related and will be thoroughly checked. Francine, i know the circumstances are a little unorthodox, but i assure you, i wouldn't have put you two together if i didn't think you'd make a great team."
"Francine, you won't even notice my presence, i swear. You're the consumed agent, the master. I'm gonna be your little grasshopper, i'll be your shadow, merely consulting you whenever the need arises."
"See?" Billy said, "So willing, so cooperative already."
"I truly believe there's no 'I' in team." Nick declared proudly.
"Not after i punch yours out." Francine mumbled.
"What?" Billy asked.
"Nothing." Francine forcibly smiled. "I can't wait to start."
"Great." Billy began pushing both of them out of his office. "You start next week, meanwhile, get to know each other better, build that team spirit."
"Go team!" Francine laughed phonily, making a fist up in the air as the door closed behind them. Her laughter quickly faded as she and Nick walked through the bullpen.
"Listen, buster." she stopped abruptly, pointing a finger in Nick's direction. "I've got my eyes on you."
"I'm flattered." he smiled cheekily.
"Well, don't be. I don't know what game you're playing, but if you're trying to pull one over me, or this agency, you chose the wrong place. One false move, and i'll have your head served on a platter to Dr Smyth. Are we clear?"
Nick suddenly got serious. "I assure you, my intentions are honorable."
"If only you knew how many double agents have told me that over the years."
"If we're gonna work together, we're gonna need to trust each other and put aside our personal feelings."
"Put aside our personal feelings? you're the one making flip remarks and hitting on me!"
"You're the one treating me like a hostage!"
"Technically, you are, sort of. A hostage of the government, that is."
Nick was about to retort when Francine's eyes wandered behind him, where her desk was.
"Wait, what's that?" she pointed to a sizable gift bag.
"Oh, that was a little welcome gift i got you in the spirit of teamwork, but if that's too personal for you," he remarked sarcastically, "I understand. I'll just take it back."
Francine smiled awkwardly, picking up the bag. "Well, i guess it would be rude not to at least look at it, after all you did make an effort to buy this ... "
She didn't finish the sentence, as she was left speechless by the haute couture clothes an pair of shoes currently in her hands. There was no way those could be fake. She was a pro at spotting counterfeit based on the seaming, fabric quality, and labeling. These were all originals, and from the latest fall collections no less.
"Did you steal these?" she whispered.
"Of course not! i might be an international con artist, but a petty thief, that i've never been."
"They're very expensive."
"I still got some savings of my own, believe it or not."
"From your old job?"
"No need to be so technical. I ruined your clothes, i'm paying you back. Be grateful."
"I am, i suppose."
"Look inside, there's more." he said, peeking inside the bag.
"Swiss chocolates." Francine gasped, holding the box low, so no one would see it.
"Some of the finest. A little birdie told me you like those."
Francine crossed her arms. "I'm gonna kill Amanda."
"Don't worry, your secret's safe with me ... " Nick reassured her. " ... partner?"
Nick extended his hand, and Francine couldn't help but melt a little at the nice gesture and earnestness in his voice. She still didn't completely trust him, but she decided to stay cautiously optimistic for the time being. As they say, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
She extended her own hand, meeting him in a confident handshake.
"Ok, partner."