Don't worry, the racist character doesn't appear yet. The next few chapters will focus on Esther, Zero, and James.

Esther and Zero headed to Inspector Initials's office. On the way, Esther took some time to reflect. She may have been German-born and raised, but she had been an English citizen for half her life: twelve years. For the first couple of years, a lot of people could immediately tell she was German, but recently barely anybody had even detected her very slight German accent.

It was common knowledge that Esther van Dyke was BOWCA's best agent. Esther was always quick to deny it, but Zero was always quick to tell others that his partner was BOWCA's top agent.

BOWCA was divided in a weird way. All the animal agents were spread out in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. All the human agents operated in England. Esther was currently the only female agent in BOWCA's human division.

When they reached the large office, the prim older woman was seated behind her desk, tapping on the keyboard of her computer. As the two agents entered, Inspector Initials looked up. "Ah, Agents Zero and Seven."

Esther's official title was Agent Seven but only a couple of agents, like Agent Zero, went by only their title. Most went by their real name, like Esther.

"Agent Six said you had a mission for us," Zero said, referring to James's title.

"Indeed I do. However, before I give it to you, I need to have a word with Agent Seven."

"Okay," Esther said, her heart beating faster as her anxiety grew.

"There's no need to look so nervous, Agent Seven," said Initials, looking slightly amused. "It's good news. We have another female agent joining us."

"No way!" gasped Esther. "That's great!"

"Yes, it is a big step forward for our organisation," Initials agreed. "And that's why I want you to be her supervising officer for her probation period."

"Me?"

"Yes, seeing as you are BOWCA's first female agent, it will be more prudent for you to oversee her training."

"So what do I have to do as a supervising officer?" Esther asked.

"You have to train her until her final test after six months. If she passes, she'll be able to go on regular missions. If not, you'll train her for six more months. If you and your partner are assigned a mission, you can choose to let her come. Preferably bring her on as many missions as possible."

"Not this mission, right?" Zero asked.

"No, not this one. You haven't met her yet."

"That's true."

Esther asked, "So what's her name?"

"Her name is Ruth Summers. She's twenty years old and she's originally from Scotland."

"When do we get to meet her?" Esther asked.

"This evening, after your mission."

"This evening?" repeated Zero. "Our mission is going to take less than a day?"

"That is correct, Agent Zero. Your mission is to stake out a very expensive jewelry shop in London. It is the only London jewelry store that has not been robbed in the last two weeks. You two will pose as a couple on a date while eating lunch in the café opposite. Agent Six will be watching from the rooftop of the café."

Both Esther and Zero had different questions.

"Why would the perpetrator rob a store in broad daylight?" Esther asked at the same time as:

"Why is James joining us?"

Initials addressed Esther first. "That is apparently his method. He can disappear into a crowd easily."

"He?" repeated Esther. "How do you know it's a he?"

"We have a suspect," said Initials carefully. "We know who is behind the robberies but we cannot just arrest him. We need to catch him in the act."

She turned to Zero. "And to answer your question, Agent Six is helping with aerial surveillance."

Part 2 of the mission coming soon.