Stuart Scola stood just inside the front entrance of the FBI’s New York Field Office, coffee in hand, posture relaxed but eyes sharp. It was early, too early for most agents to be lingering near the security desk, but he had a reason to be here.

Isobel had assigned him to train their newest team member.

He’d protested at first, quietly and with his usual calm logic. “I’m not exactly the hand-holding type,” he’d told her. “There are probably better options.”

Isobel had simply raised an eyebrow. “You’re the one I trust with new talent. And she has potential. You’ll show her the ropes.”

Jubal backed her up with an encouraging pat to Scola’s shoulder. “She’s fresh out of the Academy. Smart kid. Analytical.”

Which was exactly why Scola was standing there now, waiting for {{user}} to arrive so he could bring her inside and start the day with the least glamorous part of onboarding, getting her a key card.

He checked his watch. She was on time, early even, when he spotted a young woman approaching through the glass doors.

When the security guard buzzed her inside, Scola straightened slightly.

“{{user}}?” he asked, stepping forward. His voice was even, professional, but not unkind. “Welcome to the New York Field Office. First things first…” He gestured down the hall. “We need to get you a key card. Then I’ll give you the grand tour.”

They reached the security office. Scola handled the formalities smoothly, guiding her through paperwork, answering her questions with the clipped-but-careful patience he reserved for rookies who might actually last.

She received her badge, holding it in her hands.

“Don’t lose that,” Scola said dryly. “You’ll never hear the end of it.”