I hope you like this.

Chapter Three:

Reid pointed to a map where he had been outlining drug routes.

"The heroin is being peddled through the universities to students who are then taking it home with them. They're being taught how to smuggle it in ways that avoid detection. The highest concentration is here and we should consider getting a warrant for a search before the next school holiday."

His supervisor Vaughn Penn looked pleased.

"Good work Reid. I know a friendly judge. We should have a warrant in time."

"Thank you," he said.

The other agents looked pleased also. They were eager to do some field work. Reid was more content to stay behind a desk these days. It decreased his likelihood of being hit by a bullet. He was about to start on a fresh batch of paperwork when Penn's head appeared in his cubicle.

"A word Reid?" he said casually.

Reid got up and followed him into his office. Penn took a seat behind his desk and gestured for Reid to sit.

"How long would you say we've known each other?"

"Since the Orlando field office opened, ten years and three months ago," Reid said.

"Your wife was looking to stay in Orlando to hold down her seat in Congress and you were looking for any job in the FBI that was open even if it meant an hour's drive from home."

"You could say that."

"I was just young and ambitious. When there was a chance to become assistant to an FBI head in a new office, I jumped on the opportunity like a lion on to a fresh kill."

Reid knew Penn well enough to tell he wanted to start telling stories. About the human trafficking ring they busted together. About the government corruption case they helped build. The illegal immigrants that were being paid half their share to build a theme park attraction. Reid was proud of the work he had done in Orlando but he didn't relish in the glory the way Penn did.

Penn was about launch into the illegal worker case when Reid stopped him.

"Penn, I don't mean to be rude honestly, but you didn't call me into your office to discuss our case history."

Penn sat up. "You're right. I didn't. So how would you like my job?"

Reid was shocked. "What?"

"I'm being summoned to Tampa. You're over-qualified for the job by at least five years."

"I don't know what to say."

"Say yes then."

Reid went silent. He had not been expecting the development. He was content in the position he was in.

Penn watched him. "I know your wife has big plans for the future. Ones that involves relocating to a white house in about four years. So take the job for four years. Then see what happens from there.

"I'll think about it Penn," Reid finally said.

"I'll give you two weeks to do so," he said. "It's a nice job Reid and I think you'll be good at it."

"Thanks Penn," he said.

"Just consider it."

…

Reid entered the house to the scent of Tandoori chicken. Their housekeeper Jeanette didn't usually cook such spicy dishes so it meant one thing.

"Mommy's home!" Rachel announced delightedly.

He gave her a quick hug. "That's great to hear. Now how was your day?"

"Good. We discussed global warming in class. Did you know that there used to only be carbon dioxide concentrations of only four hundred parts per million?"

"I did," he said.

"That's because Dad knows everything," Alex said.

"Not everything," Reid said and gave him a quick hug. "Like how was your day at school?"

"We discussed algebraic equations, nothing hard. I could solve the problems in my sleep."

"But you need to show your work," he said.

Alex sighed. "I know. I know."

"Dinner!" Miranda announced.

Reid and the kids entered the kitchen. He gave her a quick hug. "Tandoori chicken. My favorite!"

"That means big news from Mommy," Rachel said as they sat down.

"I'm getting a new bridge!" Miranda said.

"That's hardly big news," Alex said. "You've been working on that project for a few weeks."

"Alex!" Reid said. "We celebrate all accomplishments here. You know how hard to it is get things done in Washington at times."

"Was Haynes the big holdout?" Alex asked. "What did you say to change his mind?"

Miranda gave Reid a look. He shrugged his shoulders.

"Would you rather them reading the work I bring home?"

"You keep all your desk drawers locked," Rachel piped in.

"Yeah I'd love to know what you do at work Dad," Alex said. "Is there a serial killer on the loose?"

"You know that's not all that I work on," Reid said. "There are thefts, drug smuggling and illegal business operations."

"You never talk about the fun stuff though," Alex said.

"Alex there is nothing fun about my job," he said. "These are serious problems."

"But you always catch the bad guy in the end right Daddy?" Rachel said.

"I try sweety," he said.

He glanced at Miranda and noticed she looked relieved the subject had changed. There was definitely something else on her mind besides bridges.

He changed the subject. "So Alex you were saying something about working on algebraic equations?"

"They were all boring…"

…

Teeth were brushed and bed time stories were told. Alex claimed he was too old for bedtime stories but still listened as Reid told him the story of how the universe was created. Once they were convinced the kids were asleep Reid opened a bottle of wine.

"So why are you really home this early?" Reid asked.

Miranda sighed. "The Powers that Be want me to run for president this term."

"That's ridiculous," Reid said in shock. "Honey you are a brilliant a politician and excellent candidate, but—"

"The president is better," Miranda said. "His approval ratings are strong and there is no reason to think they will dip."

"Why do you think they want you to run now?"

"Because they have someone else in mind to win in an open race. I have a few guesses, but I honestly don't know."

"Are they giving you any options?"

"I could not run and they will my job three times as hard until my term is up and I'll then lose my seat," she said and sipped her wine.

"There are at least five more people who want to run that we know of," Reid said. "Two governors, two senators and another representative."

"I know I can beat all of them, but what is the point?" she asked. "Maybe I'll get a consolation prize of a place in the cabinet but after this week, I think they'll say I'm too valuable where I am."

"You can always do what you always do," Reid said. "Play to win."

Miranda shook her head. "I don't see a path to victory in this case Spencer."

He rubbed her shoulder. "You don't see it now but you may in the future."

Miranda stepped away. "There is always the elephant in the room. You miss DC."

Reid groaned. "How many times do I have to tell you Miranda? Home is with you."

"You gave up the most to make this relationship work," she said. "I know you miss your godson, J.J., Garcia, Prentiss, Morgan and Hotch"

"My godson is studying to be a doctor at Yale so it's not like I'd see every weekend. We also always make a point to visit Rossi at his big holiday parties. I don't miss them when I have you, Alex, and Rachel."

"I made a promise to myself that when I took aim at the White house and my hair started to more white than blond, you'd finally get to be back with your FBI family."

"Oh Miranda," he said. "Penn just offered me his job at Orlando."

Miranda smiled. "That's great news! If only I wasn't trapped in running when I'm going to lose."

"I'm happy where I am Miranda," he said putting his glass down and hugging her. "I love you."

"I love you too and we'll get through this together," she said.

"As always," he said.