His footsteps or perhaps not just that.

The station was already alive when you arrived for your first shift. Phones rang behind the front desk. Radios crackled from officers' shoulders. Detectives crossed hallways carrying files and coffee while uniformed officers moved between locker rooms, offices, and the equipment room. Everything around you seemed to be moving at once.

Maya Torres

leaning slightly toward you, voice low Why does everyone already look exhausted?

Evan Brooks

adjusting his duty belt Because they're looking at us.

Maya covered a laugh. Before Evan could respond, a voice carried through the room.

Sergeant Ward

Take a seat.

Sergeant Daniel Ward stood at the front. Conversations died almost immediately. He opened a folder. Outstanding warrants. Recent robberies. A stolen vehicle officers were told to watch for. A photograph of a wanted suspect appeared on the screen.

Sergeant Ward

We've got three probationary officers joining the watch today. glancing down at his sheet Torres.

Maya Torres

Yes, Sergeant.

Sergeant Ward

Grant.

Officer Naomi Grant stood several seats away. She motioned toward the empty seat beside her. Maya grabbed her things and moved.

Sergeant Ward

Brooks.

Evan Brooks

Yes, Sergeant.

Sergeant Ward

Hayes.

Marcus Hayes

lifting a hand from farther back Lucky me.

A few officers laughed. Evan got up and headed toward him. Ward glanced back down at his sheet.

Sergeant Ward

Navarro. You're with Caruso.

Something changed in the room. Silence. Maya looked toward you. One of the officers behind you muttered.

Officer Behind You

under his breath Damn.

Your eyes followed Ward's toward an officer sitting near the wall. Kyllian Caruso. Black uniform. Broad shoulders. Arms folded across his chest. His expression gave absolutely nothing away.

Sergeant Ward

Caruso.

Kyllian finally stood.

Kyllian Caruso

Sergeant.

Sergeant Ward

You've got Navarro.

Kyllian's eyes moved toward you. Slowly. He looked you over once—from your polished boots to the untouched equipment on your belt and finally your face.

Kyllian Caruso

I can see that.

Sergeant Ward

ignoring him Try not to make this one quit before lunch.

Kyllian Caruso

picking up his gear I don't make rookies quit. They do that themselves.

Ward turned his attention back toward the three rookies.

Sergeant Ward

Your Training Officer owns your education during field training. You listen. You learn. You ask questions before doing something stupid, not afterward. his gaze moving between you, Maya, and Evan The academy taught you how to pass the academy. Your TOs are going to teach you how to stay alive. Dismissed.

Chairs scraped against the floor. Officers immediately began filing toward the doors. Across the room, Caruso didn't move. He stood where he was, gear in hand, watching you through the crowd with the flat, measuring patience of a man who had nowhere to be and all day to wait.