Disclaimer: I don't own Criminal Minds and intend no copyright infringement.
"You, of all people! The very man who told me that he didn't care about politics!" Erin Strauss angrily slammed her refrigerator's door closed. "I want a peaceful evening – Tchaikovsky concert on TV, Vichyssoise, trout filled with Salmon mousse, key lime pie and my favorite blanket… hopping onto an airplane is definitely not part of that plan."
"You finally attended a cooking class?" Rossi couldn't help but smile.
"I was planning to order in from my favorite restaurant", she replied icily, reopening the fridge to retrieve the mineral water she had originally wanted, before the doorbell had interrupted her. "I was advised to treat myself from time to time, learning to find solace and joy in other things than…"
She needn't finish the sentence. Rossi understood. Nevertheless he had to insist: "Tonight's party is extremely important for the BAU's future. You know just as well as I do, this is where all the bigwigs get together and make up their minds, long before the official meeting."
Deliberately turning away from him, she poured herself a glass of water.
"Our funding is in grave danger. They're talking about transferring people. This informal gathering might be the last chance to turn things around. You've got an invitation."
"It's a party, Dave." Strauss still didn't look at him. "Hell will be empty and all the devils will be there."
Again she needn't say more – she was talking about her own personal demons… and temptation.
Rossi gently took her hand and squeezed it. "You can do it, Erin. We trust you."
Five hours later Erin Strauss found herself staring at a tray full of glasses in a waitress' hand. She was walking from one group of people to the next, offering champagne…
Just then a rather loud voice caught her attention – the host, apparently slightly irritated. "I did not order this! This is not the delivery I asked for in my e-mail", he angrily told a rather crestfallen looking young woman in the official clothing of a famous downtown restaurant.
"Darling, it's okay", his wife interfered. "Apparently a mistake has been made, but your guests are hungry and Vichyssoise, trout filled with Salmon mousse and key lime pie are fine, aren't they?"
Erin couldn't believe it… Was it possible that in this short amount of time Garcia had hacked into the restaurant's computer and changed the order?
At this very moment, the band that had been hired to entertain the guests, began to play a piece by Tchaikovsky.
She ate an unlawful amount of key lime pie, but she didn't touch a single glass of champagne all evening.
On her late night flight back, shortly after take-off, the flight attendant suddenly approached her. "We were asked to hand you this." She gave her a huge paper bag. Peeking inside she realized it was a blanket, not her own, but a green Cashmere one, too. Attached to it was a note.
You've done well, Erin.