Captain Fuller left his desk and went to greet Ms Robbins. Doug, Judy and Harry drifted over to where Tom was standing, and they all huddled together like lost lambs, their eyes wide and fixed on the newcomer, as if she were the Big Bad Wolf.
She was the picture of sophistication; her long, fair hair pulled up in an impeccably neat bun, her make-up flawless. She was carrying a briefcase, and she set it down on an empty desk before reaching to shake Fuller's hand. It was a firm, business-like handshake. When it was over she stepped backwards and turned to face the others, her posture perfectly straight and her arms tugged away, behind her back. She gave a polite smile.
"Let me introduce you," Fuller said.
Ms Robbins gave a small nod.
"This is Harry Ioki, Judy Hoffs, Doug Penhall and Tom Hanson," Fuller said, gesturing to each in turn. "Guys, this is Ms Robbins, she'll be shadowing us for a couple of weeks."
"Call me Charlotte, please," she said, stepping forward to shake each of their hands in turn.
"So how is this gonna work," Doug asked.
"Well," Charlotte began. "I'll just stay around here for a while, observe the office dynamic, talk to some people, and then I'll come to watch your assignments, first-hand."
"You're coming undercover," Tom exclaimed in disbelief.
"Yes," Charlotte replied, with another nod and another polite smile.
"No offence, but I think you'll stick out," Tom scoffed, looking her up and down. "Like a sore thumb," he added.
Charlotte's smile faded, "I understand that you did as well, when you first began working here."
Doug, Harry and Judy all let out a chuckle, and nodded in agreement; it was true, Tom had been like a fish out of water in the beginning.
"You've been checking up on me," Tom said, trying to keep his tone even.
"Not exactly," Charlotte replied coolly. "I did do some homework on everyone employed in this department, obviously."
"She did homework! She's getting into the swing of things already," Doug joked, slapping Tom on the back.
"If you'd like to leave your things in my office," Fuller said to Charlotte. "I'll give you a tour of the chapel and introduce you to everyone else."
"She's pretty sexy for a spy," Doug whispered to his co-workers, as they watched Fuller lead her into his office.
"She's an ice queen," Tom said bitterly.
"I like her," Harry beamed.
"You would," Judy scolded.