The next morning, the new detective sat in Chief Superintendent Bright's office, nervously tapping her foot on the floor.
"Welcome to the force, it's good to have you join us. I'm sure your talents were… wasted at County," the Chief Superintendent began, "In a few moments, I will formally introduce you to the rest of the force."
DS Whitehart nodded, but groaned internally. She absolutely despised formal introductions, and much preferred to introduce herself as needed. However, she would rather not cause trouble of her first day, as she would most likely cause trouble later. She nervously adjusted the collar of her black turtleneck sweater. It wasn't too often that she was well accepted. Rumour and conjecture followed her everywhere she went.
The rumours were the worst. She had been transferred due to a fight, she had accidentally killed a suspect while in pursuit, she hid evidence from a superior officer. Those were some of the most common, and none were true, of course, but people tended not to believe her.
Bright stood up and motioned for Whitehart to follow as he left the office. She dutifully did so. As they entered the main office, Bright cleared his throat .
"May I have your attention please?" he yelled. It was hardly necessary, half of the people there were already staring.
"As I'm sure you've already heard, a new detective will be joining us today," Bright said, gesturing in Whitehart's general direction, " This is Detective Sergeant Whitehart." The room erupted in conversation and Bright, in vain, tried to regain their attention, and eventually gave up, retreating back to his office.
"Alright, alright, back to work!" DI Thursday ordered as things began to settle down. Whitehart awkwardly went and sat down in her assigned desk, which was not too far from a two men talking.
"You're drooling, Jakes, close your mouth and quit staring, you're not going to impress her that way."
"I do not fancy the new detective, Strange!" Jakes protested a bit too loudly, "I'm suspicious of her. I've heard...things." Whitehart turned around and looked at them.
"I do have ears you know, and whatever 'things' you've heard are probably not true, so I would suggest disregarding them immediately or at least keeping them to yourself, clear?" the detective snapped. Jakes swallowed and nodded. Morse, who was sitting several desks away, shared an amused look with Jim Strange. Jakes finally got what was coming to him eventually.
Notes: I know, I know, I haven't had much of Morse in it yet, but there will be, along with longer chapters. I just wanted to set up the new character first.