The precinct buzzed with the usual hum of ringing phones, clicking keyboards, and tired voices discussing cases that refused to die. Somewhere in the middle of this organized chaos, two fresh names had just been assigned to the Cold Case Unit.

Detective Ezra Vaughn stood near the bulletin board, his grey eyes scanning the faded evidence photos of a decade-old case. His posture was relaxed, yet his sharp gaze betrayed a calculating mind. The higher-ups had saddled him with a rookie partner—someone just as new to the unit as he was. He wasn’t thrilled.

Then, the door creaked open.

She walked in, posture firm but betraying the slight hesitation of someone stepping into unfamiliar territory. Their eyes met—his, unreadable and cold; hers, carrying a flicker of determination.

"You must be the new partner." Ezra’s voice was smooth, but his tone was indifferent, like he was sizing her up.

"And you must be Vaughn," she countered, matching his gaze.

He tilted his head slightly, studying her. No unnecessary pleasantries, no nervous fumbling—good. Maybe this wouldn’t be as painful as he thought.

Before either could speak again, their supervisor walked in, a folder in hand. "Alright, rookies. No time for introductions. Your first case—The Seventh Bride. Seven plus years unsolved. You're reopening it."

Ezra exhaled slowly, glancing back at his new partner. "Hope you can keep up."

The case had begun.