Sebastian's team gained one more member.
Her name was Wendy Fairchild.
The next morning, the police department buzzed with its usual rhythm. Boots struck the stone floor in steady patterns. Clerks hurried past with stacks of files. The scent of ink and dust lingered in the air, familiar and heavy.
Wendy stepped inside, adjusting the strap of her bag. She had barely taken a few steps when a voice echoed from above.
"Hey, case file analyst. Welcome to the Investigation Division."
She stopped.
Without lifting her gaze, she replied calmly,
"Thank you for the warm welcoming words, Officer Julian."
Julian leaned over the balcony railing, visibly impressed.
"Wow. Such a great talent. You recognized my voice even though we only met yesterday."
Wendy finally looked up at him, unimpressed.
"How could I forget your voice, Officer Julian? The moment you speak, it irritates me. And only you could manage that."
Julian laughed loudly. "Straight to the point. I like that."
Before either of them could continue, a familiar calm presence appeared between them.
"Buddies, let's get to work."
Sebastian stood there as if he had always been part of the corridor. Expression composed. His eyes briefly met Wendy's, observant but unreadable.
"All right, Inspector,"Julian and Wendy replied in unison.
Julian frowned. "Hey. You copied me."
Wendy crossed her arms. "How exactly did I copy you?"
"You said the same thing."
"What should I call him then?"she asked flatly.
"If you want to annoy me, pick another topic. This one won't work."
"Tsk. Sharp-mouthed woman."
Sebastian turned and began walking, already expecting them to follow.
"My dearest friend Julian," he said calmly,
"try not to frighten our newest member on her first day."
Julian clicked his tongue but followed anyway
.
Wendy slowed her pace slightly, eyes flicking between the two men.
"My dearest friend Julian," she repeated thoughtfully.
"What exactly was that just now? Because that sounded less like a professional partnership and more like a couple arguing over breakfast."
The corridor fell silent.
Julian stopped dead. "WHAT?"
Sebastian turned back. "On what grounds?"
"That statement is unacceptable," Julian snapped.
"It damages my reputation."
Wendy tilted her head. "Then refute it."
Julian opened his mouth.
"…Sebastian,"
he said carefully, "say something."
Sebastian considered.
"We do not share living quarters," he replied.
"Nor do we dine together regularly."
Julian nodded quickly. "Yes. Thank you."
"We also do not hold hands," Sebastian continued. "Except during emergencies."
Julian stared at him. "Why would you add that part?"
"Because it has occurred."
Wendy covered her mouth, clearly amused.
"Fascinating."
"You are enjoying this," Julian accused.
"I'm merely observing," she replied sweetly.
Sebastian resumed walking.
"If our dynamic causes concern, it does not interfere with our efficiency."
"Oh, I don't mind," Wendy said, falling into step beside him.
"In fact, I find it reassuring."
Julian squinted. "Reassuring?"
"Yes," she said.
"You're loud, impulsive, and emotionally transparent. He's calm, patient, and constantly cleaning up after you."
Julian gasped. "That is slander."
Sebastian spoke evenly. "That assessment is mostly accurate."
Julian groaned. "You were supposed to defend me."
"I did,"
Sebastian replied.
"Accurately."
Wendy smiled.
"You really are patient with him, Inspector."
Sebastian paused for half a second.
"I have learned to be."
"That sounded like a lifetime sentence," Julian muttered.
They reached the investigation office.
Sebastian stopped, turning to face them both.
"We have work to do. Wendy, you will observe and document. Ask questions if necessary."
She nodded. "Understood."
Julian crossed his arms. "And what about me?"
Sebastian looked at him calmly.
"Try not to start a fight before noon."
Wendy laughed softly.
Julian sighed. "I hate this team already."
Wendy smiled. "Give it time, Officer."
Sebastian opened the door.
"You will."
As they stepped inside, Wendy realized something unsettling.
She not only had joined an investigation
but she had also stepped into a partnership built on trust, chaos, and an unspoken bond she had only just begun to understand.
And somehow, she was already part of it.