Alicia was barely 19 when she first entered my office. I took notice of her mainly due to the smattering of freckles on her face, which you could tell was normally pale but today was a becoming peachy pink. Those freckles really popped. I wondered if I could count them. She had a riot of dark brown curls tumbling down her back and her chest was heaving as though she’d been too engulfed in a bodice ripper and had to run for the bus. Late for her first day, I thought disapprovingly. Not a good sign.
‘Yes, May I help you?’ I asked, clearing my throat slightly and shifting in my seat. A faint waft of sweat mixed with summer roses had reached my nose. I looked down my glasses at her.
‘Mrs Jones told me to report to you, sir. I’m new. The new cadet. Alicia Southerland.’ She looked like she was about to offer me her hand, but at the last minute thought better of it. She wiped her jeans-clad leg instead. I was aware that I was feeling inclined to be charmed by her air of gawkiness. This would not do.