Chapter Text
“Two interns? This isn’t a childcare service.”
Ben and I echanged a weary glance. Through the partially closed blinds of Police Captain Sean Renard’s office, I could see him towering imposingly over our placement coordinator.
Mr. MacArthur held up a hand defensively. “I understand that with the.. unfortunate.. incident last week, you’re reluctant to take any interns, but-“
“You call branding someone to death and painting the wall with their blood an unfortunate incident?”
Mr. MacArthur coughed nervously. “I know it’s not ideal timing. But these students are from an entirely different program than he was. They’ve both passed extensive psychological exams. I’d vouch for them myself. They’re great students!”
“Do you have any idea how hard it’s been calming people down after an intern at the Portland police department murdered someone? The captain’s expression hardened. “This precinct’s not taking any more interns right now.”
The older man placed the paper he’d been holding onto the captain’s desk. “I didn’t want to have to bring this up, but the city’s new student internship initiative states that each precinct should aim to have at least six interns per year. It’s listed here, in case-”
“Thank you for reminding me.” The captain’s disgruntled tone conveyed that he was most definitely not thankful. But eventually, with a tight-lipped smile and mention of a ‘very important’ upcoming meeting with the mayor, he acquiesced. “They can start tomorrow.”
Mr. MacArthur beamed at him. “Wonderful! I’ll let them know. They’re just outside. They can introduce themselves, if you’d-“
“Not necessary.”
The office door opened. Mr. MacArthur stepped out and breathed a sigh of relief. “You start tomorrow.”
We nodded somberly at him. After finalizing a few details, we were free to leave.
Ben turned to me as we were walking out. “The captain seems… nice.” We snickered at that, before the fact that we’d be working with this man registered in our brains.
It was going to be a long few weeks.