Paint the town blue

Chapter XI

In the morning, when I entered my office, I involuntarily looked at my former partner's desk and it finally dawned on me that another person would take it today. Why was I so sure that Alex wouldn't change his mind about working with me? Maybe because at the entrance to the station I met Logan, who congratulated me on the arrival of a new partner. I was a little surprised, and he explained that yesterday, while I was sitting in my office, Frederic and Alex completed all the documents and from today I'll no longer work alone. Actually, I was hoping that Frederic would come by or call me to discuss this issue with me personally, but it never happened. It's a shame, but he's my boss, he knows better how it's going to be better. Well, I hope he knows.

While my future partner was not there yet, I carefully removed my organizers with half-empty folders from the Dutchman's desk and put them on empty shelves. It was easier to say than to do it, because I didn't have much free space. I put the organizers on the sofa and began sorting through the folders, putting empty folders and folders with cases separately. I'll put the folders with cases on the shelves later, but what should I do with the empty ones? If I stuff the shelves with them, there won't be room for Alex's stuff. Damn, maybe I shouldn't have agreed to work with a partner and continue to work alone? No, I'm not against Albon at all, although I don't really know him, it's just...it's just going to be difficult for me to start working with someone side by side again. And the problem with the free space won't give me any peace.

While I was thinking about what to put out and how to put it, my new partner came into the office with a large box of things.

"Oh, hi. I didn't think you were already at work."

"Alex, the working day starts at 8 a.m, it's already half past nine."

"I had to sign the transfer papers."

"The ones you signed yesterday?"

I didn't even look at my partner, continuing to sort through the folders, and Alex just grinned and put the box of things on the table with a loud sound.

"Look, I understand that you're not very happy that I'm going to work here now and take Max's place--"

"I just don't like it when people are late, especially on their first day."

"Well, I'm sorry, I'll try not to do that anymore."

He shrugged and began to put his things away, and I myself didn't understand why I reacted so harsh to Albon's tardiness. Although no, deep down I understood why, but I have to control myself, especially since I gave my consent and I really want to finally start moving on, without reminders about Max, even though it's almost impossible.

I sighed and put the folders aside, then walked over to Alex. I tapped him lightly on the shoulder to get his attention. He turned around and looked at me a little surprised.

"Listen, Alex, I'm sorry for the way I reacted. It's just...it's just that it's still a little hard for me to get used to the idea that I'm going to work with someone again, especially after what happened with my...my last partner. So... I'm sorry, I didn't mean that."

Alex listened to me, then nodded and held out his hand to me. We sealed our truce with a handshake, and then I offered my partner coffee. He refused, saying that he needed to sort things out, so I went back to my work sorting folders.

While we were going about our business, we exchanged phrases from time to time, and then began to tell each other about what had happened in Monaco and Britain over the past year. Of course, I had to mention "The Ribbon Killer" case again, but again - without any details. Alex, in turn, told me about his flight to Britain, about his impressions of both the Albion police and his short time at George's law firm.