prologue.

     VALERIE CHANG WON'T EVER ADMIT when she's nervous. Call it a flaw or whatever — it's just another thing that her therapist wanted her to work on. That's besides the point; New Orleans is the most beautiful place that she's ever seen and the sweet black cat at her feet is only making her love the city more and more with each passing moment. She squatted down, her hand running the length of the cat's back and Valerie is well aware that she's allowed the animal to distract her.

     Almost anything to avoid the stomach-dropping feeling that she knows is coming.

     "Ma'am," a gentleman in uniform greeted the woman squatted on the ground. Valerie looked up and smiled at the security guard — then stood up.

    "Hi, I'm uh, I'm here to meet with Special Agent Pride." Valerie mentioned, and she pulled her badge out to show the guard. "Special Agent Chang, from the Northwest field office."

He nodded, "Go on. Pride's waitin' on you."

     She sent a smile of thanks, and entered the large opened barn-style doors. It was large and open — the room, but perfectly cluttered, with exposed brick walls and large windows. An older gentleman was sat at the first desk, his face hidden behind the computer screen, but Valerie could see the top of his head and graying hair.

Her footfalls were quiet against the floor, but she paused in front of the man, and she folded her hands together. "Excuse me? Agent Pride, am I correct?"

He gave her a simple answer. "Yes. How may I help you?"

"Special Agent Valerie Chang," she introduced herself once more. "I believe my superior called you to discuss my transfer, and my transition from the Northwest office to New Orleans."

     She's so nervous — and while the smile is on her face, and it's shown in her eyes, she can feel her heart beating wildly in her chest. It's like she can hear it too, and she's afraid that Agent Pride can hear it as well. She can hear the blood rushing in her ears, and it sounded just the drum that was playing in street beneath her hotel room just earlier this morning. Hell no, she refuses to admit it.

Valerie needs this job. She needs a fresh start.

"I have, actually." His conformation gave her the necessary relief that she needed. "Your supervisor said that you're tying up some loose ends in Washington State; that's no big deal. I guess we can start you off slowly then, we've got some agents here full time. I'd say check in every time you come to town, and we'll pull in if we're working a case. Sounds good?"

     Valerie glanced at the hand he extended, then looked up to see his warm smile — which she returned. Her anxiety was slowly fading as she reached for his hand, and shook it. "Sounds great to me, Agent Pride. I really appreciate you taking me on, even though you don't have an opening."

     "Little birdie told me that someone needed a fresh start, and sometimes, we'll just find a way."

author's note | yeah, I lowkey hate this, but it's just the beginning and kind of explains how this season is gonna work. but hey, I hope y'all enjoy this