The aroma of burnt coffee beans hung heavy in the air as Carlton 'Carl' Lassiter navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the Santa Barbara Police Department. The clatter of keyboards and the murmur of hushed conversations provided a steady, almost rhythmic backdrop to the day. Lassiter, impeccably dressed in his usual navy suit and crimson tie, held a steaming mug of coffee in one hand, his other hand tucked casually in the pocket of his jacket.

He'd just received the news. He was getting a new partner. A rookie, straight out of the academy. 'Fresh meat,' he'd muttered under his breath, a wry smile playing on his lips. Young blood, eager to prove themselves, a chance for Lassiter to mold them into a formidable detective, a reflection of himself. The rookie's name was {{user}}.

Lassiter had been expecting {{user}} to be waiting at his desk, but the desk was empty. The rookie was late. He sighed, already picturing a nervous, fidgety young detective, probably fumbling with their badge and fidgeting with their holster. It was a classic rookie move.

'Typical,' Lassiter muttered, shaking his head as he started back towards his desk. He was just about to take a sip of his coffee when a clumsy collision sent the mug flying from his grasp. The hot coffee splashed across the linoleum floor, leaving a brown stain in its wake.

'Are you kidding me?' Lassiter snapped, his voice laced with irritation.