Summary: Ten years ago, Hotch made an acquaintance during training. Now they meet again when she needs help on a case concerning murders in Minneapolis. When the BAU takes the case, Hotch finds himself trying to open his heart for the first time since Haley's death...
I don't own Criminal Minds or its characters!
Special Agent Lucy Harris heaved a heavy sigh and shifted her weight uncomfortably. She felt like she had been sitting in the same conference room her entire life, but really it had only been two days. Her medium-length brown hair that had been done so nicely that morning was now tied back in a loose ponytail. Although she was looking professional and fashionable in her gray pantsuit and white blouse, her body ached for a pair of jeans a T-shirt.
It was late spring in Quantico, Virginia. The humidity outside was unbearable but fortunately the FBI had investing in air conditioning. Lucy, along with twenty some other agents, was at the Leadership and Management Science Unit located on the FBI Academy campus. It would be three weeks of training to prepare these agents for positions of leadership throughout various parts of the Bureau.
Reaching for her bottle of water, Lucy took a quick swig and tried to get her steel gray eyes to regain focus on the power point presentation. Luckily it was almost time for their afternoon break. Once it finally came, Lucy stood and stretched her arms. The only other agent she was acquainted with, Brian Rosvold, approached her. "How was that for ya?" He asked with a grin.
"Splendid," Lucy replied sarcastically. Everyone was gradually leaving the room to approach the one break room filled with a couple vending machines. "I need a pop," she said pointedly, and the two approached the machine. Cracking open her Pepsi, she turned to see another Agent that had been waiting behind her.
"Hotch!" Brian exclaimed, seeming to the man. The two gave a friendly handshake. "I didn't see you here yesterday,"
"Just got back from a case," he replied in a deep, dark voice. Lucy took a moment to take in the man standing in front of her. He stood tall with broad shoulders and dark, perfectly groomed hair. His face was serious and his navy blue suit impeccable. Lucy's first impression was that this man was not to be messed with. He probably got into the FBI based on his demeanor alone.
"Hotch, this is Special Agent Lucy Harris," Brian introduced. "Luce, meet Aaron Hotchner."
Lucy extended her hand and noticed his firm handshake matched his personality well. "It's a pleasure," she said kindly.
"Likewise," Agent Hotchner said, giving only the faintest hint of a smile.
"Hotchner here is soon to be the Special Agent in Charge of the BAU," Brian continued.
"The BAU?" Lucy inquired, unfamiliar with the name.
"Behavior Analysis Unit," Agent Hotchner clarified.
"Oh," Lucy responded, "Sure. I've heard of it. 'Profilers,' I think you guys call yourselves? Sounds… interesting," she said flatly.
"You seem skeptical," Hotch stated.
Lucy simply shrugged in response. "Like I said, it sounds interesting. But to be honest, I don't know what kind of results are going to come from figuring out what a serial killer has for breakfast… but I'm not the one in charge of the Bureau's money."
"It's a little more than that," Hotch said, somewhat defensively.
Brian gave a chuckle. "Don't get this one started," he said, intervening, patting Hotch on the back. "Profiling is a real deal, Luce. And Hotch here is one of the best. I'd advise you get on his good side. That said, time for me to go and help get the next session's material out…" and with that he left the two to continue their conversation.
"So," Lucy said to keep the conversation going once Brian had left. "Tell me a little more about this… behavioral analysis."
"Well," Hotch said thoughtfully, cracking open his soda and taking a sip. "Essentially, we look at a crime and use all the evidence and information there to build a profile of our UnSub."
"UnSub?" Lucy questioned.
"Unknown subject," Agent Hotchner explained. "The profile can then be used to give an identity to the UnSub, and sometimes even predict where and how he might strike next."
"Simple as that," Lucy stated.
"Hardly ever," Hotch replied.
After a thoughtful silence, Lucy finally said bluntly, "I still don't get it."
In response, Hotch raised his eyebrow.
"I mean, I'm not dense," Lucy explained. "I understand what you're saying and what you say you can do. But I don't understand how you can take, well, nothing, and suddenly know who this UnSub is."
"Perhaps I can show you," Hotch said. "If you would let me use you as say… an example. May I?"
Lucy nodded. "Go ahead," she agreed.
"You have an accent," he started. "It's subtle, but it's there. The way you stretch your vowels, tells me that you're from the Midwest, specifically some place to the north. A moment ago, you called what most people call 'soda,' a 'pop.' That's a unique term used mostly by people in Minnesota. During the sessions, both questions you asked pertained to situations in an urban area, so you're not from a rural town. My best guess is either St. Paul or Minneapolis."
"Born and raised on the east side of St. Paul," Lucy said in a soft, shocked voice. "But I spent my college years in Minneapolis."
"You have a very nice ring," Hotch commented. "It's on your left hand's ring finger, but it's not an engagement or wedding band. You're in a committed relationship, but with no specific future plans."
"He's a lawyer," Lucy replied carefully. "And you, Agent Hotchner, are very perceptive. And you've converted me."
"Converted you?" he asked.
"I'm a BAU believer," she replied with a wink. As soon as she had said so the word reached them that the break was over, and they were to return to the conference room.