Someone tapped Kate on the shoulder.
Frowning, she turned around to find a young man staring back at her. He had tousled, light-brown hair and eyes the color of dark chocolate. Kate would have pegged him at 23 years old, fresh out of college.
He held out his hand to her.
"Hi, I'm going to be working with you on this case. Sorry I'm late, I got held up."
With a scoff accompanied by a half amused, half annoyed expression, she crossed her arms in front of her chest, ignoring his outstretched hand.
"As far as I know, I don't have a partner on this case. What's your name?"
The man in front of her studied her for a few seconds, maybe weighing his options. Then he straightened, a serious expression on his face.
"I'm Detective Nick Smith. We'll be working on this case together. Also, as I understand it, you've just transferred in from DC. I don't want to steal your thunder, I just want to get to the truth here."
He held out his hand, again. Kate stared at it for a moment, before skeptically shaking it.
"I'm Kate Hill, the leading detective on this case."
Nick flashed a polite smile, then took a step forward.
Not so fast, buddy.
She grabbed his arm, effectively stopping him from squeezing by her. A warm, enjoyable feeling made her skin tingle, a sensation she tried to ignore.
Nick slowly turned to face her.
"Who are you really? Reporter? Hm? I'm not letting you anywhere unless you can give me some proof you're-"
With his other hand, Nick pulled out his badge and snapped it open.
Incredulously, she looked at it, then took it from him, letting go of his arm. She studied his badge for a second.
"You're 28?"
"Yup. Now, would you let me do my job? Partner?"
Nick held his palm out so that Kate would give him his badge back.
Still eyeing him suspiciously, she returned it.
"I'm sure you understand I don't just let anyone in here. This is an active investigation."
"If that was you apologizing, it's fine. No hard feelings." Nick pocketed his badge, the corners of his mouth tilting upwards.
Kate quickly looked away, hating the fact that she kind of liked it when he smiled.
****
Stay tuned for the third chapter!! It's going to be a bit longer than this one.
How do you feel about Kate so far?
In the next chapter, Kate will try to show Nick who's boss ;)