Hotch is exhausted when the case finally ends. He wants to drop something off in his office quickly before heading home, but to his surprise — and annoyance — Emily Prentiss is sitting on his sofa with a file in her hands.
His mouth flattens into a line. So much for a swift exit.
They talk for a moment, and he tries to tell her that he's not interested in hiring her, but it's clear within a minute or so that this is not the type of woman who takes no for an answer. She's stubborn.
Generally he finds stubbornness to be a positive trait, but right now she's doing nothing but delaying his departure. He only halfway listens to what she has to say, until she starts telling him about the profile she's worked up for the case file that's now in his hand. When she's done, she takes a deep breath.
"I belong in this unit," she tells him firmly. "And all I'm asking for is the chance to show you that." Hotch pauses. Her profile was spot-on. And — though he's certainly still wary of her sudden arrival — he has to respect the fact that she sat there waiting for him until 2 AM. Clearly she's determined, and it does seem as though she might have potential. He doesn't trust her, but he does need to replace Elle, preferably sooner rather than later.
"I still need to look into this. I'm not promising anything," he says sternly, trying not to get her hopes up.
"Understood," she says respectfully, with her eyes lit up like he's already given her the job. She's either not taking him seriously, or her confidence is such that she already believes that, given the chance, she's sure to secure the position.
He doesn't know what to make of the situation. Or of her. He watches through his window as she leaves the bullpen with a just-perceptible bounce in her step. He'll have to keep a close eye on her.