As I got closer to the door the raised voice was clearly feminine and was upset about something, but before I could start to make out any of the hushed, but obviously audible, voice was halted by the lieutenant’s right hand coming up and stopping the woman mid-sentence when he noticed me approaching the door. Great this will be one ***** of a day, that much was for sure.

I reached the door and knocked despite knowing that he saw me, the figure lurched up off the desk, and my new boss came around the desk as he ordered me in. He meet me half-way from behind his desk, extending his right hand, offering a warm and inviting smile; I could already tell he’d be a cool and friendly boss, but watch out if you were to step out of line. He was not the kind to take any kind of mis-steps, but I could also tell he’d go to bat for you when you really needed it.

"Welcome, Detective Beaumont! I am your new boss, but please no need to be formal, Dan will be just fine."

"Well, Dan, a pleasure it is to meet you and Nikki will be just fine, also."

"Well then, Nikki. This is your new partner Detective Nora Delaney." Dan turned and gestured at the figure that was just off to my right. As I turned to see the beautiful creature before me, my extensive finishing school training came in handy right at this very moment. Then, she spook. Oh, God! That voice was just heavenly.

"Ms. Beaumont. You can call me Nora."

I barely was able to hold my will-power in check to not make a fool out of myself, by drooling, nor to pounce her right then and there. After several moments, I began to realize that she was not in the least remotely interested in me the same way I was in her. I shook myself out of my temporary lack of dignified loss for my surroundings. I warmly smiled at her and extended my hand to her, which she took with a firm grip and an even firmer jostling. Which just re-affirmed that this woman was not impressed with me and was going to make my life a sheer *****.