May 20, 1999

I remember standing at the doors to the Director's office. I was nervous even though I didn't have a reason to be. I made a pitstop to the bathroom, just to fix myself before meeting my mentor agent, and the Director of The Human Endangerment Prevention Agency. I fixed my tie one last time before entering.

I walked in the room and two agents greeted me.

Forster: Harlan! So good to see you!

I gave my mentor agent a hug. Forster was my mentor agent for a year, almost two.

In T.H.E.P.A., before you graduate and become an agent, you spend two years on the field with a mentor agent. Forster chose to be my mentor agent as he's looked after me for most of my life.

Harlan: Hello sir! So nice to see you again! How was the mission?

Director Berman: It went well Harlan. Really well.

Director Berman came to me and we shook hands. Director Berman was the Director when I applied, and he has always treated me like a son. The reason?

Director Berman: How's my daughter doing?

Yeaaah... May is Berman's daughter. May Berman.

Harlan: She's alright sir.

Director Berman: Look, I know I've said it too much but-

Harlan: Don't mention it sir. May is my best friend. It's the least I could do.

I put on a smile, but deep down: anger.

I knew what he was gonna say. He always says it. He always thanks me for looking after May cuz his job keeps him occupied. Always that shit.

Harlan: So... what's next for you sir?

I turned to Forster as Berman walked away to pour some drinks for his good friend. I didn't want to keep talking to Berman. Every time I see him, I'm always tempted to lose it, to lash out at him for not being there for May. But I keep my cool.

Forster: That's actually why I'm here. Director has called me to assign my new case.

Director Berman: Yeah. This is a new one. Well not really.

Forster: He told me two agents dropped the case-

Director Berman: -And they did! I kept telling him about it but he kept telling me he-

Harlan: This is the case on Clair Delvey, isn't it?

Forster looked at me. Berman stopped pouring. He turned to face me.

Forster: Who are-

Harlan: Clair Delvey.

Forster: How did-

Director Berman: May is currently working on the case. I suppose she told you?

Berman looked at me.

Harlan: Yes. Well technically no she didn't. Well technically she did but technically she didn't. I- it's complicated.

Forster looked at Berman.

Forster: Can I have that drink please?

Director Berman: Tell me... How did you-

Harlan: Saw agents escorting her to an interrogation room. Got curious so I decided to follow. She then was able to know my entire life story in- you know that shit Sherlock does?

Director Berman: How much did May tell you?

Harlan: Said she's part of an organization you have been after for so long. That she's the first lead you got and...

Director Berman raises his eyebrow.

Harlan: That's pretty much it. Two agents dropped the case because she never said a single word-

Forster: Until you.

I turned to Forster.

Harlan: I didn't-

Forster: You said that she was able to do that Sherlock shit to know your whole life story.

Director Berman: What about May? Did she say anything to her?

I nodded no. Berman looked at Forster.

Director Berman: Harlan... Do you mind giving me and Agent Forster a minute?

I looked at Forster, who nodded. I walked out.

I closed the door and stood near enough to hear, make out, make out some of what they were saying. I heard Berman mention that something was a chance for something, Forster mentioned risk, Berman and Forster kept arguing.

After a while, Forster opened the door and led me in.

Director Berman: Harlan, what we ask of you... if you choose to-

Harlan: Yes sir. Yes I accept. I accept the case.

Forster sighed and Berman smiled.

Director Berman: Good. You and May are on this case. Find out what you can about her. I'll be expecting reports. May will share with you the files.

I was gonna thank the Director but then Forster asked for a private word with me. Director Berman excused us and we walked out of his office.

I watched as Forster closed the door and sighed.

Harlan: Sir I- I know you don't approve of this but-

To my surprise, Forster turned around and smiled.

Forster: What the hell are you talking about, son? You got this, Harlan.

He put his hand on my shoulder and I could see that he was worried, but proud. Proud of me.

Harlan: Thank you, sir.

I nodded at my mentor agent, then walked out to find May.