TWO STORMS COLLIDE

First Day

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes as the elevator came to a stop and pinged, doors sliding open. I opened my eyes and looked round to see my new work colleagues dotted around the room.

My nerves eased as I met eyes with a few other detectives and recieved some friendly smiles. A cheerful looking guy walked towards me and thrust his hand out. He must be Charles, I remember seeing his name and photo on the welcome board along with everyone else. I'm glad I studied that board as I now feel confident in knowing who's who.

Charles: Oh boy it's so exciting to have someone new joining us. It's not often we get new meat around here.
Jake: Eww Charles did you really refer to our new detective as 'new meat'? That's such an odd term for somebody. Hey I'm Jake Peralta, nice to meet you. You're Jade right?
Me: That's me. Wow its a nice place you have here.
Jake: Right so allow me to introduce everyone. So over there by Holt's office is Gina, we've been besties since kids.
Charles: (butting in) But I'm Jake's best friend now. Right Jake?
Jake: And I will never forget bro. The girl sitting opposite Gina is Rosa. Just prewarning you, she's scary. Don't take it personally, she still terrifies me and we've worked together for nearly 10 years. Ahh I was just wondering when this one would arrive. This here is my beautiful wife Amy.
Amy: (shaking my hand) Oh hey Jade I'm so glad you're here. It's great having someone new on the team.
Me: Thanks Amy. I'm glad to be here, I think this is the job I was made for.
Terry: (appearing behind me) Hi you must be the new detective? I'm Terry, welcome to the team.
Me: Thanks, nice to meet you Terry.
Holt: Ahh Detective Johnston welcome. I can assure you will feel most welcome here, we are like a little family in this precinct, we look after each other.

Amy showed me to my desk, assigned near Rosa.

Amy: So Rosa this is Jade, our new detective.
Rosa: (giving me a nod) S'up
Me: Nice to meet you. I look forward to working alongside you.

As I was new, I wasn't put on field straight away but given paperwork made up of pretend scenarios to figure my way around. Holt thought this would be a good idea to test my skills before sending me on a real  assignment.

I was busy concentrating on a tricky clue I didn't even hear Rosa speak to me.

Rosa: Hey Jade, coffee?
Me: Um tea please if that's OK. Strong, two sugars.
Rosa: Sure thing.

I looked after her as she walked to the kitchen, admiring her curves. I snapped my eyes away, sure I looked far too long.