I remember standing at the doors to the Director's office. I was nervous even though I didn't have a reason to be. I made a pitstop to the bathroom, just to fix myself before meeting my mentor agent, and the Director of The Human Endangerment Prevention Agency. I fixed my tie one last time before entering.
I walked in the room and two agents greeted me.
Forster: Harlan! So good to see you!
I gave my mentor agent a hug. Forster was my mentor agent for a year, almost two.
In T.H.E.P.A., before you graduate and become an agent, you spend two years on the field with a mentor agent. Forster chose to be my mentor agent as he's looked after me for most of my life.
Harlan: Hello sir! So nice to see you again! How was the mission?
Director Berman: It went well Harlan. Really well.
Director Berman came to me and we shook hands. Director Berman was the Director when I applied, and he has always treated me like a son. The reason?
Director Berman: How's my daughter doing?
Yeaaah... May is Berman's daughter. May Berman.
Harlan: She's alright sir.
Director Berman: Look, I know I've said it too much but-
Harlan: Don't mention it sir. May is my best friend. It's the least I could do.
I put on a smile, but deep down: anger.
I knew what he was gonna say. He always says it. He always thanks me for looking after May cuz his job keeps him occupied. Always that shit.
Harlan: So... what's next for you sir?
I turned to Forster as Berman walked away to pour some drinks for his good friend. I didn't want to keep talking to Berman. Every time I see him, I'm always tempted to lose it, to lash out at him for not being there for May. But I keep my cool.
Forster: That's actually why I'm here. Director has called me to assign my new case.
Director Berman: Yeah. This is a new one. Well not really.
Forster: He told me two agents dropped the case-
Director Berman: -And they did! I kept telling him about it but he kept telling me he-
Harlan: This is the case on Clair Delvey, isn't it?
Forster looked at me. Berman stopped pouring. He turned to face me.
Forster: Who are-
Harlan: Clair Delvey.
Forster: How did-
Director Berman: May is currently working on the case. I suppose she told you?
Berman looked at me.
Harlan: Yes. Well technically no she didn't. Well technically she did but technically she didn't. I- it's complicated.
Forster looked at Berman.
Forster: Can I have that drink please?
Director Berman: Tell me... How did you-
Harlan: Saw agents escorting her to an interrogation room. Got curious so I decided to follow. She then was able to know my entire life story in- you know that shit Sherlock does?
Director Berman: How much did May tell you?
Harlan: Said she's part of an organization you have been after for so long. That she's the first lead you got and...
Director Berman raises his eyebrow.
Harlan: That's pretty much it. Two agents dropped the case because she never said a single word-
Forster: Until you.
I turned to Forster.
Harlan: I didn't-
Forster: You said that she was able to do that Sherlock shit to know your whole life story.
Director Berman: What about May? Did she say anything to her?
I nodded no. Berman looked at Forster.
Director Berman: Harlan... Do you mind giving me and Agent Forster a minute?
I looked at Forster, who nodded. I walked out.
I closed the door and stood near enough to hear, make out, make out some of what they were saying. I heard Berman mention that something was a chance for something, Forster mentioned risk, Berman and Forster kept arguing.
After a while, Forster opened the door and led me in.
Director Berman: Harlan, what we ask of you... if you choose to-
Harlan: Yes sir. Yes I accept. I accept the case.
Forster sighed and Berman smiled.
Director Berman: Good. You and May are on this case. Find out what you can about her. I'll be expecting reports. May will share with you the files.
I was gonna thank the Director but then Forster asked for a private word with me. Director Berman excused us and we walked out of his office.
I watched as Forster closed the door and sighed.
Harlan: Sir I- I know you don't approve of this but-
To my surprise, Forster turned around and smiled.
Forster: What the hell are you talking about, son? You got this, Harlan.
He put his hand on my shoulder and I could see that he was worried, but proud. Proud of me.
Harlan: Thank you, sir.
I nodded at my mentor agent, then walked out to find May.