The team is suspicious of their mysterious new leader after Hotch's sudden promotion. They'll need to learn to trust each other in order to face new challenges and threats.

Not my best summary but it will due for now. Don't worry, I haven't given up on my other many stories. This one popped into my head and I am so excited about it!

It is a subtle crossover. Whoever can name the show first gets their name featured somewhere in the story.

Rated T for violence.

A Very Private Agent

Chapter One:

Hotch began to put his things into boxes. Rossi knocked on his open door.

"Well this is a sudden, if pleasant development."

"The pentagon was desperate to have Cruz back," Hotch said. "He was more than happy recommend me for the position. He said it was well-earned."

"It is indeed Aaron. Any idea who new unit chief will be?"

"I know they're hiring someone from outside the BAU," he said. "From where I don't know."

"Well at least Alves has fit in nicely, hopefully our new team leader will also."

Hotch pulled out his bottle of scotch. "Give this to the new leader when he comes in. My welcoming gift to him."

Rossi looked at it carefully. "That is one fine welcoming gift," he said and took it.

He finished packing up. "It there a last-minute farewell party in the conference room for me?"

"What do you think? We're all going to miss you!"

Hotch patted him on the shoulder. "I'll only be down the hall."

"It will feel much longer soon enough my friend."

Rossi put the scotch in his office and they walked to the conference room together.

…

There were as many tears as there were toasts to his good fortune. Garcia printed out a restaurant gift card for him from all them to guarantee that they would feast together again soon. There were also many hugs and handshakes and Hotch was slowly becoming overwhelmed by it all.

Garcia insisted on helping Hotch move his things into his new office. She made sure to arrange a team photo so that it was in his line of vision all of the time. She hugged him one last time before leaving him.

Hotch briefly sat down behind his new desk and wondered about his replacement. Would he be the mentor Reid needed? Would he be the friend Rossi could share a drink with from time to time? How will he react to Garcia's endless optimism? How different will his leadership style be? All he could hope for was that he was the leader the team needed.

Hotch looked around and realized how content he felt. A nine-to-five job for Jack with less stress. He could not ask for more. A new chapter in his life was beginning and he could not wait to see where it led.

…

Rossi arrived a little earlier than usual to see if their new leader might do the same. His suspicions were correct when he saw a light on in the office. He went into his own and pulled out Hotch's bottle of scotch before walking over.

He softly knocked on the door.

A man a few inches shorter than Rossi with spiky brown hair appeared. He was wearing a finely cut suit.

"Hello Agent Rossi," he said formally and offered his hand. "My name is Agent Harrold Riley. I come from the undercover unit at cybercrimes. You may call me Harrold or Riley whichever you prefer."

Rossi shook it. "It is a pleasure to meet you Harrold. Feel free to call me Dave or Rossi."

He held out his welcoming gift. "From the former boss to the new one."

Riley regarded it briefly before taking it. "How very thoughtful of him. I'll be sure to send my regards sometime soon."

Rossi looked at the colorful paintings already covering his walls.

"They were created by wife, an artist," Riley said. "She insisted that I bring some of her most 'cheerful' paintings to adorn my office with."

"Smart woman," Rossi said. "This job can get awfully dark."

"I don't doubt that Dave," he said.

Riley continued to put things and drawers and Rossi took the hint that he should leave.

"I'll see you later boss," Rossi said.

"Likewise Dave."

Rossi was partially out the door when Riley called out:

"I know you must have many questions about me and my background Agent Rossi. You will find out more about me in due time. But you should also know that I am a very private person."