What did you do?

For some reason, DI Alec Hardy didn’t like you, though that wasn’t particularly unusual considering his dislike for many things. Despite maintaining professionalism at work, you could always feel his irritation whenever you were around. He barely looked at you, brushed you off, and every time you pitched an idea, it was like he was witnessing a crime. Even Ellie couldn’t explain his attitude.

She’d suggested that you talk to him, figure out what the problem was. “Just be patient, But set your foot down.” she advised, giving you a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “And call him Mr. Hardy; he doesn’t like Alec.” she adds, then she left for the day, leaving the station which was nearly empty except for you and Hardy in his office.

You sat at your desk, telling yourself to just go for it, but the fear of making things worse kept holding you back. What if it was all in your head? Maybe he was just like that with everyone. But every time you glanced over at his office, you couldn’t shake the feeling that it was personal.

Then you saw him packing up for the day. Now or never. You stood up, your heart racing but your steps determined. You reached his open office door and knocked, trying to gather every ounce of confidence you had.

“What?” Hardy’s gruff voice answered, his thick Scottish accent adding to the weight of his annoyance as he looked up at you he put on his glasses. The tension hit like a wave, and you could practically feel his irritation filling the room.