Chapter 3: Job Hunting

Walking into the bar, I realised I didn't actually want to get a drink; I just wanted to leave the spot that annoying tour guide had left me. Though it was only three in the afternoon, the place already had quite a population.

Shaking my head, I turned around to leave. I still had to find a job or at least, have some options. With a degree in criminology, all arrows pointed me towards a police station, but the idea of patrolling neighbourhoods and participating in drug raids didn't feel like my style.

But, I made my way to the police station either way. There had to be some way to become a detective without going through the uniformed police work.

The Lindin Police Department were doing well for themselves from what I could tell. Their building stood tall and proud with glass pane windows. With a parking lot half the size of a football pitch. The taxpayers must be proud each time a patrol car rolls through town.

"Can I help you?" A gruff-looking man with a sparse beard and unruly hair asked, his name tag said "Grant Murray"

By the looks of it, he must have had a little too much to drink before clocking in, or he was high on something at the time.

"Yes, my name is Eiran Richards. I have a degree in Criminology and I'm looking to work here as a detective." I replied in a firm tone.

"Well, go sign up for the police academy then." Murray grumbled, waving me off.

Amnesia had taken my memory, but I was certain there was another way to become a detective that didn't involve becoming a uniformed police officer.

"There's another way that bypasses the Police Academy. That's the route I want to take." I stated confidently.

Mr Murray glared intensely, his nose scrunching up like something vile had suddenly made an appearance.

Scanning the man, I could see why he was confined to reception work. His belly was almost the size of a basketball, pushing against the table as he leaned forward to respond to me.

"And you need a recommendation for that. If you don't have one, don't waste my time." He scowled before leaning back into his chair, the poor thing squeaking under his weight.

"To think people's taxes are being wasted to give you a source of income." I scoffed, ready to leave when I almost bumped into someone.

"Sorry, my bad." They apologised.

"No, it was my fault. I shouldn't have stepped back without turning to see where I was going." I sighed.

The first thing my eyes settled on was the badge that dangled around her neck.

LINDEN BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - MELISSA ANDREWS.

She must have noticed my gaze lingering on her badge; she took it off, holding it out to me.

"What?" I stuttered.

"You seem pretty mesmerised by it. I thought you might want a closer look." She smiled.

"To be honest, I would have loved to have one of my own." I sighed, taking the badge.

"Then get it, What's stopping you?" She asked with a shrug.

"High Murray over there said if I want to avoid the police academy, I need a letter of recommendation." I replied, throwing Murray a frown.

"Of course he did, man only understands cash and liquor." She frowned, looking past me.

Murray must have felt our gaze as he suddenly looked our way. He initially had a scowl on his face when our eyes met, but when his gaze met Melissa's, the colour drained from his face.

"Come with me." She said, turning to me.

I couldn't help but smirk as we walked past Murray, the man gulping as Melissa threw a frown his way.

Taking the round stairs, Melissa led me to her office. It was located at the end of the hallway, the glass pane giving a perfect view of the city highway.

"Murray is one of those cops who believe the big bucks make the best guns. Thankfully, his lifestyle and personality have him confined to secretary work, I shudder at the thought of someone like him running the department." Melissa explained, taking a seat behind her desk, gesturing me to the chair in front of her.

"That would be catastrophic, especially for the office chairs." I replied, taking my seat.

"Indeed, poor things would have it worse than others." She chuckled lightly as she typed away on her computer.

The printer next to her beeped to life as it slid out a printed document. Taking a stamp out of a drawer, she stamped and signed at the bottom of the document before handing it to me.

"Fill your name in the provided space, I'll make a copy, and then you can hand it to Murray." She said, handing me the paper.

"Just like that?" I asked, staring at the piece of paper that dangled in front of me.

"This only gets you into the program; the work to actually become a detective falls to you." She shrugged.

"Plus, my gut tells me you will make a good one and we need a lot more of those." She added.

I ran my finger across her badge that had now turned warm in my palm. She's helping me to the starting line, the race was left to me.

"Next time, I will be the one handing you a badge to admire." I said, taking the paper from her.

"I look forward to it." She smiled.

Once I walked back to Murray, he looked at me like I had undergone some supernatural transformation. I slid the paper through the space in the glass, not saying a word.

"Right, I will have this submitted for you. Please fill out this form." He replied cordially, handing me another paper.

I fight back the urge to taunt the officer as I filled in my details. The arrogant look in his eyes seemed to have suddenly vanished, now replaced with humility and respect.

Once done there, I went back into town, to The Tarven specifically. Small achievements deserve to be appreciated as well after all.

I took off my coat as I walked up to the counter, I noticed a familiar figure seated there, making small talk with one of the bartenders.

"Tour guide?"