Red Rose: Chapter 7

Hazel tried to calm her nerves as she stood in front of the door, reading the plaque next to it:

Red Rose Detective Agency

This was it, everything she had studied for. After Pemblebrooke, she had given up dancing to pursue criminal justice, graduating with honors at university all to become a Detective. Taking a deep breath, she turned the knob. 

Stepping inside, a stunningly beautiful woman approached. "You must be Hazel Key," She stopped in front of her, reaching out to shake her hand. "Adrian has told me so much about you. I'm Marcella Velasquez, his secretary."

"It's nice to meet you."

Marcella smiled broadly. "His office is the door straight ahead, he's ready to interview you now."

"Is that Hazel?"

Benjamin St. James came around the corner, making Hazel flush. He was just as handsome as ever. 

"Detective St. James!" She gave him a hug. He grasped her hands as they parted. 

"Please call me, Ben," He leaned back looking her up and down as he continued. "Wow, puberty hit you like a semi with no breaks, didn't it? You look great."

Hazel blushed down to her sternum. It was Marcella that spoke up. "Ben, is that really appropriate?"

"It's a compliment, Hazel knows that."

Hazel snickered as Marcella shook her head at him. She returned her attention to Hazel.

"As I said, Adrian is waiting for you. So if you would be so kind as to step over Ben's drool puddle, we can head inside Adrian's office."

"Very funny, Marcella, "He mocked, turning back to Hazel. "And I'll see you later."

He left back down the hallway.

Hazel entered as Adrian looked up momentarily from his paperwork, then did a double take before saying, "Oh, Miss Key..." He cleared his throat and put his work aside.

"Hello, Detective Lock."

She extended her hand but he waved it away. "Please, we're partners now, call me Adrian."

"So does that mean I have the job?"

 "Yes, I've read your resume, you have the credentials, and I obviously know what you're capable of. But also because we don't have time for a full interview. Just got the call for a case. So come on."

He rose from his seat, coming around the desk, heading for the door.

"Right...right now?" She said, flustered. She stood and turned but he was already out the door, calling behind him as he went. "You coming, Detective Key?"

Hazel nearly tripped over herself to catch up.