Charlie knocked nervously on the door and rocked back on his heels as he waited.
“Come in,” he heard Murdoch’s voice from the other side of the door, and he pushed it open.
“Sit down, Charles,” Murdoch was standing behind his desk, pipe in one hand, looking down at paper work on his desk. He didn’t look at Charlie until he’d sat down. Charlie leaned up, crossed and uncrossed his legs, and settled for gripping the arm rests lightly with his finger tips to hide his nerves.
Finally, Murdoch looked up.
“I hear good things about you Charles, good things. Your scores are impressive, I can’t remember scores like these since… heck since Bill joined us.” He sucked on his pipe.
“Thank you, sir,” Charlie answered, not sure what else to say. He’d heard Murdoch was a hard ball, difficult to please, and very set on respect and the meaning of impeccable manners. He’d been warned into a state of perpetual nervousness what could happen to him if he disappointed Murdoch.
“I’m going to put you on the Newton case. Bill has been working on it for a while, but at this point in time it looks like he could use a hand. Nothing to wild, something you can start off with – prove yourself. “
Charlie felt a thrill travel through his body. His first case! And with Bill Harper of all people, he couldn’t believe his luck. Bill Harper was an agent whose name every newbie knew. It echoed in every corridor, and the trainees heard the mention of it from the very first day they arrived at training. Every prospective agent aspired to live up to the legend that was Bill Harper.
“Tilly will brief you, and make sure you have everything you need,” Murdoch was still talking, “be sure to check in with her first. That will be all.”
“Thank you, sir,” was all Charlie could muster before he stood and walked to the door.
“Charlie,” Murdoch called after him, “don’t disappoint me.”
Charlie nodded, feeling the pit of his stomach tighten as he looked into the cold grey eyes and nodded. He would...