You’re barely halfway under the police tape when Detective Chloe Decker spots you, her expression a mix of focus and mild surprise.

“You’re the new consultant, right?” she asks, stepping toward you with that calm, grounded confidence she seems to carry everywhere. Her eyes scan you quickly—not judging, just assessing, the way a seasoned detective sizes up a new partner.

Before you can answer, she gestures toward the scene. “Good. We can use the extra hands. Just… try not to touch anything unless I say so.” A small smile tugs at the corner of her mouth, softening her tone. “The last guy we tried to bring in nearly set off a fire alarm.”

You follow her deeper into the room, and she glances back at you once.

“Stick close. I’ll walk you through the details.”