Chapter 1
March
I was sitting at my computer when my phone rang, I reached for it and smiled when I saw Derek Morgan's name flash up on the screen.
"Hello you", I purred into the phone and giggled.
"Hey Mama, I'm back".
"Yay! How was your trip home? How's your Mum? And your sisters?"
"They're all good honey, sent me back with enough food for a year!"
"Of course we don't feed you in Scotland", I laughed imagining Mrs Morgan packing portions of peach cobbler into Derek's suitcase.
"Hey babe, I got some news".
"What? Oh you didn't get married or something when you were back in Chicago?"
"No no nothing like that, I'm joining the grown up world honey, I've bought a place of my own",
"Wow that's amazing, still in Edinburgh right?" I asked worried
"Yeah you ain't getting' rid of me that easily, it's just a little along the coast!"
"But you won't be living upstairs anymore" I said sadly
"I'll miss you too girly".
"Does Jack know?"
"Sure does, that's why I'm calling you, I've found him a new tenant, but he said I had to run it past you first since you'll be his neighbour."
"Oh Derek you've not found me some dodgy ass guy have you?"
He laughed,
"No sweet cheeks, he's straight up, nothing dodgy…well…"
"Derek….." I warned him.
"No really, his name is Dr Spencer Reid, he's a friend from back in DC, he's got a job in my department at the university and he needs a place to stay."
"Well aren't you Mr Fix it?"
"Yes Ma'am".
"Well it's fine with me, I'll catch up with Jack about the details."
"Ok hon, listen I've got to run, but dinner this weekend ok?"
"Great stuff, see you soon darling, big kiss."
I hung up smiling, but feeling sad that Derek would no longer be my upstairs neighbour.
My brother and I owned half a house each following our Grandfather's death a few years before. It had previously been one big house, divided into two homes. When Jack moved up north, his friend Derek rented his half. Both halves are spacious with amazing views onto the beach and a huge garden out the back.
We'd known Derek for years since he spent a year at our high school when he was 18. After he went back to the States we all kept in touch. Even once he made it to the FBI he was a regular part of our lives, finally coming back to Edinburgh to lecture and consult in Criminology and Forensics.
I stretched in my chair, enjoying the warm sun streaming through the conservatory windows. It was still cold outside as the last vestiges of winter hung on, but the room where I had my office was usually cosy while I worked.
Just then my computer beeped to signal new mail. I opened it up to see, REID, Spencer. Wait, wasn't that the guy that Derek just told me about? I looked at my watch, it must be the middle of the night there.
Dear Miss Dewar,
I would like to confirm my moving into the property (listed below). I will be arriving on Saturday 17th with some luggage. The rest I will have shipped in advance, please advise if you are happy to sign for these packages and take them into the property on my behalf.
Regards
Dr. Spencer Reid
Well, he didn't sound too strange, a little formal maybe, but hopefully he'd be a polite neighbour and not too noisy. I sent back a short reply and went back to working.
