The familiar ding of the elevator. The creak of the first wooden board and then the clacking of heels down the hallway.
Peggy didn't realize just how much she had missed New York. She had been certain of staying in Los Angeles in the moment where she had kissed Daniel, but standing in the familiar office of the SSR New York, she felt more at home than ever.
"'Morning Carter," Jack greeted her from the coffee machine.
"Good morning Chief," Peggy answered respectfully, though it felt a bit wrong after all the time they had spent together, "Good to be back?"
"You have no idea."
Jack went into his office and Peggy went to her desk. It was cleared except for a single thick file that she had not left there when she went to Los Angeles. She curiously flipped the front page before taking off her jacket and was met by the confident picture of Dottie Underwood.
On the middle of the first page was a note: Continue where you left off.
Peggy recognized Jack's handwriting and smiled to herself. He had better let her finish the interrogation this time.
-.-.-.-.-
"Making any progress?"
Peggy looked up to see Jack, his jacket casually over his shoulder.
"I have a few leads that I am following up on, but she is not making it easy," Peggy answered honestly.
"When is anything easy, huh?" Jack answered with a crooked smile, "But you should head home, come back with a fresh head in the morning."
"I don't want to leave early just because it is my first day back," Peggy answered a bit offended by his statement.
"Carter, it's seven thirty."
Peggy looked up at the clock in surprise. He was right. It was getting dark outside and only the two agents for the night watch was still in the office, besides her and Jack.
"Oh…" Left her lips at her realization, "Well, I guess you are right, Chief."
She collected her papers and started getting ready to leave. As she picked up her jacket, she realized Jack was still standing by her desk.
"Is there anything else, Chief Thompson?"
"No… No." Jack looked around, but still did not leave until Peggy had packed and headed for the elevator.
They got in the elevator together and Jack pushed the button to go down. They stood in awkward silence and Peggy was about to break it when Jack beat her to it.
"You want a ride home?"
Peggy was a bit surprised by the question.
"I don't think that would be appropriate, Chief Thompson," She answered, worried about the rumours it could start in their workplace, no matter how innocent it might be.
"Come on, Carter, don't be like that," Jack took a deep breath before saying something wrong, "I know what you are thinking but no one is here. Just let me, you know, do you a small favour in return for you taking care of me in L.A."
Peggy thought about for a moment.
"Thank you for the offer, Jack, but I will manage," She repeated her answer, though in a friendlier manner.
"Alright, Carter."