The Virgins of New Orleans

by TheLadyBath

A gruesome murder spree brings Agent Pendergast home to New Orleans in search of a serial killer. Soon the partner with whom he is forced to work, begins to arouse feelings in him that he thought long dead. As danger closes in on them, will they be able to protect each other long enough for their heads to admit what their hearts know? OC Pairing. A little AU. Post Helen Trilogy

1. Chapter 1

This is my first Pendergast fiction. I am a fan and love the books. This has been rattling around in my head for a while and would not let me do anything else until I got it on paper. This is basically taking place some time after "The Helen Trilogy" so Iwould think that Pendergast is actually a bit more fragile than usual. This will be a multi chapter story if there is an interest in where this will go. I hope that you enjoy.

FBI Agent Aloysius Pendergast sat in the arm chair across the desk from his boss, Deputy Director William Grady. His black suit was immaculate as always, his arms were in his lap revealing just hints of snowy white cuffs and the Italian shoes shone to perfection. With his legs crossed and his body deep in the comfortable chair, Pendergast looked to be the epitome of relaxation. Until one looked closer.

The fingertips of the steepled hands were white from being pressed together with some pressure and the toes in the beautifully polished right shoe flexed and pointed slightly in time with the conversation. Something was not sitting right with Agent Pendergast. The state of affairs in which he currently found himself would not do; they would not do at all.

"Director Grady," Pendergast started out, his rich, smooth voice calm and reasonable. "I understand and appreciate your position, but I have never worked with a partner and I see no reason to start now. I admit that in a few instances I have sought assistance from Detective D'agosta of the New York Police Department, but I assure you that these were the exceptions rather than the rule. I am much more efficacious working alone."

Grady, a seasoned veteran, with 35 years at the FBI sat behind his massive desk and looked at one of his best field agents. The man had a point, but he would be damned if his commands, his direct orders, were countermanded. By anyone. Anyone including Agent Pendergast.

"I get it, Pendergast, I do," Grady sighed. "But this case demands a set of skills that are not at the core of what you do. You need a good Profiler and Agent Devereaux is the best we got. This case is a strange one and even though its on your home turf in New Orleans, I think you are going to be needing those resources." Grady continued to look into Pendergast's pale blue eyes. After what seemed like an eternity, Grady spoke up again. "I trust that there are no more questions, Agent Pendergast?"

Pendergast did not flinch, nor did he break eye contact. "No, Director Grady. There are no more questions."

"Good. Its settled then." Pendergast's eyes narrowed just slightly, but he said nothing.

Grady, reached for his phone. "Margie," he spoke into the receiver, "Please send her in."

What do you all think? How will Pendergast react to having a partner other than Vince (don't know if Laura counts as that was a special circumstance). Please read and review. I will be posting subsequent chapters and welcome any thoughts and recommendations. Your time to read and your thoughts, comments and, of course, reviews.