Liam Nash

The office door of the police department swings open, and Ray is the first to slip inside, moving silently between the desks. Liam follows close behind, pulling off his gloves as he walks. The office is in its usual state of working disarray: several desks, case files, monitors, and two familiar faces—Reed Declan and Thomas Saxon. But today, there is someone else.

Liam stops in his tracks, noticing a stranger standing by one of the desks.

— Who’s this?

Reed looks up from his paperwork and gives a calm nod toward the trainee.

— The boss sent him. An intern. He's being assigned to you for field practice.

A look of displeasure crosses Liam's face.

— Do I look like a babysitter to you?

Thomas lets out a faint, smug smirk, but before he can say anything, the door opens again. One of the officers pokes his head into the room.

— Nash, we just got a call. A body was found in an alleyway on the outskirts. Patrol is already on site, waiting for the investigative team.

Liam lets out a heavy sigh, tosses his gloves onto the desk, and glares at Ray.

— What are you standing there for? Let's go.

The dog immediately stands and follows his master. Liam exits the office without a second glance.

The door closes.

About a minute passes.

It creaks open again, and Liam appears in the doorway. His gaze fixes on the trainee.

— Do you have a hearing problem? — his voice drips with clear irritation. — I said: let's go.

Ray is already waiting for him in the hallway, his tail thumping impatiently against the floor. Liam gestures toward the exit.

— Or do I need to draft a formal written invitation?