Arrival
Jane was practically melting as she walked down the steps from the airport - her suitcase had already been sent to where she was going to stay, so she didn't have to worry about that, at least. She wiped the sweat from her forehead, before noticing some eager-eyed people near the bottom, the sun blasting in her eyes made it difficult to make out who it was until she realised they were waving at her.
"Hey! Officer Jane Johnson!" one called in the distance, excitedly.
"Oh, hello! You must be the Saint Marie police!" Jane smiled while continuing to walk down the steps.
She tried desperately to walk down the narrow stairs carefully so she didn't fall, as it wouldn't be a good first impression she thought, while assessing her new colleagues at the same time. They all looked friendly enough. One was in a police uniform, he looked young and quite laid back, along with the confidence that seemed to radiate off him. Another was in plain clothes, the Detective Seargent for definite, as she was told the Detective Inspector was a man. The DS wore a green jumpsuit that flowed in the hot wind, followed by a massive smile plastered on her face. And finally, DI Neville Parker, who was the only one Jane was told about beforehand. Wearing a jacket (which she thought was odd, considering the weather), a plaid shirt, and a long tie. A very professional look that suited him, but maybe for London and not the Caribbean.
Neville offered his hand as Jane finally approached them, "I'm DI Neville Parker as you know." pointing to himself, then pointing to his right, "This is DS Naomi Thomas." Neville had a familiar English accent, not quite the same, but confirmed Jane's theory about his clothes being fit for London, supposing he couldn't quite shake off his professionalism that is drilled into every English officer's head.
"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you!" Naomi exclaimed, still grinning ear to ear.
"And this is Officer Marlon Pryce." he continued, now pointing to his left.
"Welcome to Saint Marie!" he said, continuing the trend of smiles.
"Jane, thank you! I can't wait to work with you all. I know I'm only here temporarily, but I hope I can get to know you all well during my time here." Jane was unsure if she could enjoy island life as someone who had barely left London, but she was determined to try at the very least. Meeting new people also terrified her, but the bunch she had been grouped with seemed happy to welcome her nonetheless.
"Shall we show you the police station and update you on the case?" Neville said, gesturing towards the police car.
"Of course, lead the way!" Jane expressed, becoming quite excited now, despite how nervous she was.
ooo
The Jeep pulled up towards the police station, Jane had time to look out the window and admire just how beautiful Saint Marie was on the way there. The trees, the beaches, and the community were all so lively, especially compared to dreary London.
"Here it is!" Neville exclaimed while pulling up the clutch of the car, interrupting Jane's dreamy state.
The now complete team walked up the stairs towards the building which seemed cosy, in a way, despite it being a place used for discussing murders. Trees surrounded the place, highlighting a large sign on the wall "Honoré Police" with the logo placed above it. The place was nothing like Jane had seen before, London had great towering walls with millions of floors to occupy it, but this looked to be only one floor which was definitely not a big one.
The doors flung open to the police station, releasing warm air onto Jane's face, reminding her of when the doors opened in her previous establishment, only this time it wasn't welcomed as it only added to the already scorching heat of the Caribbean.
Finally, Jane got to look inside. The yellow walls matched the temperature of the place, as it felt like a radiator. Desks and whiteboards were set up around the place, clearly displaying the information from the case. It felt a bit old-fashioned, Jane thought, but it was a nice change in atmosphere. It felt more chilled (most definitely not temperature-wise), and seemed like somewhere you could just hang out, especially during storms, which would be a common occurrence in Saint Marie as she was told.
Marlon handed over some files to Jane so she could be up-to-date with everyone else, while also taking a good look at the whiteboard. Pictures of all the potential suspects were put on with blu-tack with names written below them, along with the odd circle and arrow pointing here and there, to show some progress had been made.
Before Jane could investigate any further, an imposing figure shadowed the room. Everyone grew silent as they watched the man come in with his heavy footsteps.
"Commissioner. How can we help you?" Neville piped up, to break the silence.
"I came here to talk towards Officer Johnson, Inspector." The commissioner had no expression on his face, it was impossible to read him. "I was curious how you were doing, now that you have been introduced to the team." now facing Jane.
"Everyone has been lovely to me, commissioner. They've been very welcoming." she tried to say with a smile, but the presence of Selwyn Patterson was all too overwhelming. She was about to open her mouth again, but the commissioner spoke first.
"I'm sure you're wondering where you will be staying for your duration here."
"Ah yes, I was just about to ask."
"You will be staying in a bungalow with the Inspector." this caught the attention of Neville, as he had not been notified of this before, a very confused expression on his face, thinking he had just heard wrong.
"I'm sorry...? Could you repeat that?" Jane vocalized as she thought she had also heard wrong.
"You'll be staying with the Inspector, it's where all the foreign officers go." he repeated, still with no expression on his face, as if this was entirely normal.
"I'll be staying in a house with my... boss? Forgive me, sir, but wouldn't that be a little bit... inappropriate?" she said, trying to be careful with her words, but also trying to grasp the situation she had just been put in.
Neville, now beside her with his hands on his hips, nodding as he agreed with how improper this was, also preferring to at least be informed of this happening first, beforehand.
"Not at all! Any problems?" this being the only time he expressed even an ounce of personality.
"Well... I-" Jane stuttered, trying to protest the situation, but was swiftly interrupted.
"Good!" and the next second, he had gone.
Jane and Neville slowly looked at each other, faces contorted with confusion.
Oh, god.