Shadow Dancing: Chapter 4
By Helena Fallon
The next day Aaron Hotchner arrived at the BAU at 6 a.m. and placed his briefcase beside his desk. He looked up at the sound of a knock at his open door.
"Good, I'll give you the keys to my car, so you can place all the boxes into it when you've finished," he instructed the two men, their IDs told the observer that they were senior security staff.
The tall grey haired man took the proffered keys, "It shouldn't take that long, Sir, we should be finished before the change of shift."
Hotch nodded and sat down at his desk. He had deliberately come in early to oversee this necessary clearing of Gideon's effects from the next door office. He had arranged with Stephen that these professional effects could be stored in the Hotchners' attic until he wished to claim them himself. Hotch felt that the son wasn't really interested in his father's work and left to Stephen he believed that Gideon's record of his cases would end up on a bonfire. Stephen saw this material as representing the very work that had driven a rift between his parents because Gideon had made the work his priority before his family.
Hotch had known Gideon for some years, from when he had initially taken courses as an agent and then their paths had crossed when Gideon had been called in on cases where Hotch happened to be posted. Then Hotch had replaced Gideon as the BAU Unit Chief when Gideon was given medical leave following the loss of the majority of his team in Boston. Only Reid had not been part of the Boston assignment because he'd been off sick after a bad bout of flu that had left him with pneumonia. Hotchner had heard Gideon speak highly of this intense young man, who was a genuine genius, and Gideon was so proud of persuading the Bureau to break its rules to allow his early entry onto the training programme at 21. When Hotch had met this genius he'd not expected such a sensitive man or anyone so slender. He was so thin that you thought a gust of wind would snap him in two. Hotch smiled at that thought; Reid was one of the strongest people, both mentally and physically, that he knew and he was certainly his own person and that was something that Gideon ultimately forgot. Gideon had liked to think of Reid as his personal protégé but he couldn't control him.
Hotch had been surprised to hear that he would not be the first person to be called before the Inquiry but they were going to start with Agent Jareau, followed by Prentiss and then Morgan the next day. They were all before Reid, who was expected to be called on Friday, while Hotch seemed to be the final one of the Unit. However, it depended on how fast the Inquiry went and he might have to wait until the following week before he came before the selected panel. Then members of the psych staff were listed as appearing after the BAU and even Strauss was expected to give evidence. Hotch was pleased that the Section Head would not be on the Inquiry Board, but he noted one of Strauss's supporters although the other four members had been brought in from some further Field Offices, outside the 'Capital region'. It gave the Inquiry a sense of a Board of open minds rather than just Quantico people who might bring their own pre-conceived ideas.
Hotch stopped his musing and turned to the pile of internal mail on his desk. He switched on his computer and logged in and, while he waited for the system to register his presence, Hotch looked through the paper mail. Then he checked his emails; as far as Hotch was concerned the higher up the ladder you went the more administrative mail you received and most of it he felt was unnecessary duplication. However, every organisation was the same; committees met and the minutes circulated to the necessary 'contact list'. Decisions were made and people had to be informed on a 'need to know' basis and this was all outside of the usual 'paperwork' that being the Unit Chief generated. This 'paperwork' included the individual reports of the Units' agents and also the senior agent's reports on the working of the team and its effectiveness out in the field. Added to this load were Hotch's own observations and regular assessments of all the agents in the Unit. All these reports had to be duplicated for different managerial staff. Fortunately, most of these reports were now accepted as electronic copy but there was always one hard copy to be logged. He always spent part of the flight home typing up his initial reports and noting any important observations. He was pleased that Reid used this technique too and also Prentiss when she joined the team. Morgan and Greenaway had preferred to wind down by chatting, reading or playing cards. Reid would join in sometimes after completing his report or he went to sleep. Hotch smiled to himself; Reid was like a cat and would often curl up on a seat and sleep anywhere…
An hour quickly disappeared and his car keys were returned with the assurance that all was safely packed into his vehicle. Hotch was pleased they had cleared the office well before the team arrived for the day shift.
Hotch wondered who would be appointed to replace Gideon and if he would be allowed some participation in the matter. He had thought of a few names but they were all senior agents who were coming up to retirement like Gideon had been. He really wanted someone a bit younger because the cases away were tiring enough for fit younger agents without expecting an agent in their middle fifties to be, both mentally and physically, capable of keeping up with the likes of Morgan and Prentiss. Hotch suddenly thought about the very able Jareau who had gone to college on a sports scholarship but had made the most of her good fortune and took a demanding choice of subjects alongside her sports. He still found it interesting that Jareau had turned down the opportunity to train as a profiler, something that many agents would have prized. Morgan had followed a similar route to college, although he had wanted to be a professional sportsman, but injury had concentrated his mind on more academic pursuits that led into police work and later the FBI where he particularly enjoyed the kudos of his position.
Hotchner looked up as he heard the early morning greetings being exchanged because his door was open, although he didn't think anyone realised that he was already in his office.
"Hi, Baby Doll…You're looking sparkling this morning with those earrings," said Morgan grinning at the technical analyst who was wearing large dangling earrings of dazzling rainbow colours. Each earring was made up of a large circle of gold coloured metal and within this there were hung three gold strings, each linking four tiny multi-faceted crystal orbs. The strings of small orbs swung freely and as the light caught these dangling spheres it refracted to reveal the colours of the spectrum. These dazzling flashes of colours were picked up by the violet silk blouse Garcia was wearing along with the black, red and violet striped skirt while there were red and gold striped bows on her black patent leather shoes.
"Why thank you, Sugar Plum, I thought we would all need something cheerful for today with the Inquiry Board holding its first meeting."
"Yeah, J.J. is one of the first to be called, but I don't think she's here yet," said Morgan who had been keeping an eye out for her car when he had parked his own.
"Morning every one!" Prentiss called on route to her desk with a large cup of coffee. She placed the large carton cup down on her desk and then began to slip out of her purple coat; beneath she wore a beautifully tailored black suit and a champagne coloured silk blouse.
"Wow! You're looking good …going to stun the Inquiry!" replied Morgan and grinned in appreciation at his fellow agent's dress sense.
"Morgan…it's not a fashion show and the subject is hardly frivolous. Just remember you'll have to get that sombre suit of yours out again for your appearance."
"Hey, Reid, so you're back with us for today?" called Morgan suddenly noticing the youngest agent's entrance and also meant he could conveniently ignore Prentiss's remark.
"Yes, it's good to be back. I've to see Hotch and will no doubt be put to the treadmill of written consults. Is J.J. in yet?" Reid asked scanning the bullpen.
"Not seen her. Where did you and your lady disappear to yesterday?" asked Morgan changing the topic to one of his interest.
Reid momentarily considered how to answer the question as he removed his tan coloured messenger bag, and placed it on to his desk, before he faced his colleague to respond.
"We were invited by Stephen to join other close family and friends for a light lunch. It gave us the opportunity to talk and Sarah's sons were there too and helped to fill in some gaps for Stephen," Reid quietly informed his inquisitor honestly and hoped that would satisfy his curiosity.
"Had you met Stephen before?" Morgan pressed.
Prentiss sighed, often Morgan could be annoying when he was feeling vulnerable. For some reason Morgan was feeling very unsure of himself at that moment and, as a consequence, everyone else was being made aware of his insensitivity.
"No…and before you ask, Gideon rarely spoke about Stephen to me, Morgan," Reid stated and gave Morgan a hard stare to stress his irritation. Those in the bullpen who had witnessed this rare tart exchange, from the usually even tempered Reid, were surprised but thought Morgan deserved it. However, Morgan was not going to be spoken to in that way.
"What's got into you, I just asked a normal question?" he countered.
"You're the one playing the inquisitor wanting to know where I was…I hope you have noticed that I 've not asked where you went after the funeral…Or perhaps you don't want to consider the fact that I'm not interested in knowing?" Reid replied calmly but he knew just how to keep Morgan in line if need be.
Garcia was shocked by this exchange but she wasn't sure how to intervene and make it better. She stood nervously trying to think of how to magic away the tension and make everyone happy again.
"It's OK Reid, since your marriage we know that you're a bit more distant these days," Morgan said shrugging off the youngest agent's stand against his behaviour.
"Really, Morgan, I don't think I was ever part of the 'close buddy experience' that you seem to imagine that this team enjoys together outside the work. The team works together but our private off duty time is just that and always has been as far as I'm concerned," Reid said quietly but the words echoed off the walls in the listening silence of the bullpen.
Hotch heard the exchange and thought that the tensions, that had simmered for some time within the team, were finally surfacing after Gideon's death. He wasn't surprised it often took a major incident to shatter the illusion of 'bon ami'.
It was into this atmosphere of hanging tension that Agent Jareau arrived for work. She instantly knew something was wrong and read the scene as she walked through the doors. Morgan had his alpha male stance: standing upright his chin slightly up, shoulders back, his arms hung down but the hands were slightly curled as if ready to form a fist. He was concentrating upon Reid. Garcia looked frightened and was staring at Morgan while Prentiss was alert and positioned ready to move between Morgan and Reid. Reid looked serious but Jareau knew that determined look and meant he was not going to give an inch because he believed in his position.
J.J. took a deep breath, "Morning!" she cheerfully called and Garcia immediately gave her a broad smile of relief.
Spencer Reid calmly turned sending her a warm smile and smoothly said, "Morning, did you get caught up in the tail back too?"
"Yeah, it never fails to amaze me how a broken down truck can cause so much chaos in the morning rush hour," she responded, slipping off her light cream wool coat to reveal her navy suit with crisp white cotton blouse.
"Well we can see you're dressed for your Inquiry appearance?" Morgan suddenly said.
"You bet I am, Morgan, or are you planning to turn up for yours in sweater, jeans and 'batbelt'?" Jareau snapped back.
Hotch decided to make his presence known. If Jareau was snappy then this could get out of hand. He moved smoothly to the steps before his office,
"Reid, can I have a word?" he said with his usual quiet authority.
Garcia sighed with relief, she didn't like discord but she was aware that Gideon's death had upset the atmosphere of the Unit and this Inquiry was only increasing the underlying tensions. She hoped that once people had given their evidence then things would settle down again.
Reid mounted the steps to Hotch's office.
"Close the door," Hotch said softly and Reid suspected that he was going to face some personal questions from his boss about the early morning bickering.
Reid sat down to face Hotch, who thought how relaxed the youngest agent appeared despite the events of the past few days.
"What was going on down there?" Hotch asked without any preamble wanting Reid's opinion.
"Morgan is obviously feeling insecure about his appearance before the Inquiry, perhaps because he was heard within the team questioning Gideon's decisions. You know how things can get magnified all out of proportion when there is a sudden death. We have probably all done some soul searching over the last few days," Reid replied evenly and met Hotchner's scrutiny with steady brown eyes.
Hotch was once more reminded that Reid had studied psychology and, although his final doctorate had been in criminal psychology, he had a thorough knowledge of 'normal' behaviour in order to judge the abnormal. Hotchner was aware that Reid had changed, particularly following the dreadful Hankel case, but Hotch personally preferred this Reid. He had married while on sick leave and was now also less inclined to hide his real intellect from others for fear of appearing superior. He still tended to hide his emotions behind a wall of intellect but no one would call this man naïve, although he was blessed with youthful looks that made particularly older women feel the need to mother the man. He still could behave like a chameleon to blend into a situation if Reid considered it useful. Although mostly he used his distracted genius air, or played the young innocent with his boyish looks, to sometimes gather information, or insight, for a case. However, Reid these days was usually just quietly confident in his own abilities and tried not tread on others people's toes.
"How are you feeling today?" Hotch asked but he already knew the reply.
"I'm good about being back. I have to accept that I did try to help Gideon but none of us are miracle workers and Gideon had planned his actions over some time…You could see that with how he'd cleared his cabin of his personal belongings. There's a sadness that a friend chose to end his life but I have to respect his actions," the youngest agent softly replied.
Hotch nodded, like yesterday, Reid seemed to be coping well, but now was the wrong time for the simmering resentment that Morgan felt, about his own position, to come to the surface.
"You and Morgan were tense with each other…" Hotch said gently probing.
"Hotch, I know that you are very aware of Morgan's weaknesses, the main one being his constant need to feel he's in control. Unfortunately, that often manifests itself in his need to know what his colleagues were doing if he was not included. It all goes back to the trauma of his childhood and his guilt over his compliance with Buford's behaviour because he wanted the prize of the sports scholarship. The Buford case brought it all to the surface but I still don't think he's at peace with himself. As a team, I do not believe we SSAs ever questioned him about that time in Chicago because we have respected his privacy, but he doesn't treat us with the same sensitivity. The problems over trust also probably explain, in part, Morgan's lack of a stable relationship outside work. Morgan also likes to think of himself as the next senior agent in the team but he's not the natural leader, no matter how much he acts like the all action hero at times. But then you are quite capable of profiling each of us yourself." replied Reid quietly and not at all in awe of his Unit Chief.
Hotch felt cornered and was reminded that Reid was Gideon's natural successor but also discreet and generally little missed him in the bullpen or the team dynamics. Hotchner liked to partner Reid on cases because of his insight and empathy that he would use to reach out to survivors or the family and friends of victims. The Unit Chief knew that the 'sibling' friendship that Reid and Jareau shared was due to this empathetic ability that they both used in their work and to monitor the team.
"Who do you think is the natural leader amongst the team?" Hotch continued to probe for Reid's opinion.
The young agent smoothly replied without hesitation…
"Prentiss, she has far better leadership qualities than Morgan, principally because she's confident in her own abilities and trusts her co-workers. This means that she can delegate which is something that Morgan is reluctant to do because he doesn't trust the colleagues around him. However, if Prentiss were ever promoted over him then Morgan would be difficult to handle in the Unit. He'd probably have to be re-assigned in order to keep some working unity within the team," replied Reid confidently and Hotchner sighed; the genius was spot on with his assessment of his colleagues.
"But you still think we have a working team at the moment despite the tensions?" Hotch continued, valuing Reid's professional assessment.
Reid paused briefly before giving his considered opinion, "Yes, no group of people are an ideal match. Any team in the Bureau is far from perfect because the very selection procedure, to become an agent, chooses personalities who are capable of making independent decisions out in the field. Consequently, a certain amount of leadership quality is required to get selected for the training. Training then enforces the chain of command in order to contain the maverick qualities of some of those more extrovert 'alpha' personalities that are attracted to the Bureau. We are a 'quasi-military' organisation because of the chain of command, which is necessary for the safety of any operation and the workings of any team. We all go through the same training so as agents we can work under any senior agent in any Field Office. Trusting your fellow agent at your back is central to that the training and just as essential when out in the field.
I trust my fellow team members out in the field, Hotch, and although sometimes genuine friendships do occur through the work it is not essential to be part of an effective team. As you know, I'm a very private person and the team have no idea who my friends are outside the Bureau. Both Susie and I kept our relationship private from Bureau colleagues but even that has not been totally private, as one might have wished, because of her position."
Hotch stared at the man across his desk, those final words suddenly opened another window of understanding, for the first time it really hit Hotch just what Reid had put up with.
"Susie is protected?" Hotch asked softly just to confirm the suspicion that had been aroused.
"Of course she is; her abilities are essential to national security. Despite her saying that she was thinking of working abroad for a banking organisation, actually I think that in reality considerable pressure would have been put on her to take one of the very lucrative consultant positions…CIA, NSA or the various security groups within the Pentagon. The FBI is probably the easiest place for her conscience but she is watched for her own safety. Our whole courtship was watched. She has some nice agents discreetly protecting her, so right from the first date, Stuart Cordle knew about me…filling in the necessary forms a month later for you were merely FBI rules. Even when we went up to Montana we had 'watchers' with us. I had to accept it was all part of being with Susie and actually I find it strangely comforting because I never worry about her when I'm away," answered Reid evenly.
The Unit Chief shook his head ruefully,
"I have to admit this is the first time that I'd seriously thought about it….I accepted that Susie's Section Chief didn't object to your relationship and I didn't question it any further because I realised that she would be dealing with matters that were out of my security remit. If the relationship had been frowned upon then it would have been broken very quickly, probably by Susie being informed that it was inappropriate and I would have been told to warn you off."
"Exactly, we joke that not every couple have their security status assessed from the start. But seriously, it's not something I want the rest of the team to start questioning me about. I doubt that they would really understand that I have to accept its part of loving a person who is seen as vulnerable, probably because of being a woman, but she's essential for national security. The agents who shadow her, at a discreet distance, are specially trained and the best. We joke that we have extended their education in music, art and the theatre since meeting."
"Well it's not stopped you getting married! Do you want me to have a word with Morgan over his present behaviour?"
"I'm not sure that will help with his personality; like his cockiness, its part of the territory as far as his usual behaviour is concerned. His position here is something he can boast about but that's also his weakness. You see, I wonder what Strauss thought of his performance before you arrived in Milwaukee. Morgan was putting on the air of a senior agent but actually the rest of us didn't do his bidding, so it wasn't the sort of performance he would have wanted his Section Chief to witness. Like I said, Morgan's probably feeling guilty over the Flagstaff case and unsure about the future because another senior agent will need to be appointed and that will mean a new person for all of us to adjust to," Reid softly cautioned and Hotch gave a slight nod of acknowledge of the information. The Unit Chief had not been aware of Morgan trying to assert his position in the team before he arrived but it didn't really surprise him.
"Your assessment is noted," Hotchner formally replied, "However, it's back to consults for you although I can always send you off to give a lecture about us to cadet training. In fact I'll make some calls, so don't get too deep into your growing pile."
Reid nodded and suspected that Hotch would remove him out of the Unit, at least until Morgan had given his evidence in the hope that Morgan would by then naturally tone down his irritating behaviour.
"Can you send J.J. in for me please," Hotch said in dismissal and Reid left to do his bidding.
Aaron Hotchner sighed; the mess Gideon had left behind was going to have some lingering consequences. A soft tap on his door announced Jareau's arrival. Hotch smiled a greeting as he said,
"Close the door and take a seat," Hotch invited. He noted at how pale she looked but perhaps some of that paleness was the effect of the white blouse next to her pale skin, alongside the unflattering navy suit she was wearing.
"How are you feeling today?" he asked watching her gentle eyes betray her sadness.
"OK, but I wish the bullpen was less snippy!" she answered and gave her boss a lop-sided smile.
"Yeah, I'm sure that it will soon ease but Gideon's suicide has unsettled many people."
Jareau nodded in understanding but she had hoped that the funeral would have helped more than it appeared.
"J.J. you are the first of the team to go before the Inquiry, I know you will answer any questions put to you with your usual honesty. I just wanted you to know that I'm sure the team has done a lot of soul searching, but I wanted to remind you that none of us in this Unit are to blame for Gideon's actions. There were people who tried to help Gideon following Sarah's death but, ultimately, we all have freedom of action."
Jareau nodded, "Thanks, I know and Spence has said a similar thing to me recently but it's still a shock when it's a work colleague. I guess we all looked up to Gideon because he was our senior agent after you …and he had the psychology qualifications. I suppose I thought that we would all just protect him in some way from the strains and stresses of the job after Sarah's murder."
Hotchner nodded in understanding, "Yes, we all tended at times to think Gideon had all the answers but the fact is none of us have and we all suffer to some extent from the stresses of this work…It's something that the psychological services take into account."
"Yes, but they allowed Gideon back so quickly after Sarah's death," stated Jareau with a quiet fierceness. Hotch nodded in understanding because she had highlighted his concerns about the actions of the psychological services.
"That is a decision that others must justify, not you," replied Hotch but she had stated the very worrying question that the Inquiry had to face and the Bureau would not enjoy investigating its own procedures in this matter.
Jareau nodded and thought that it was typical of Hotch to re-assure her before she had to leave for the Inquiry. He gave her a faint smile that Jareau automatically responded to and for a few moments felt more relaxed but she still just wanted the morning over.
"Could you send Morgan up, please," Hotch said and Jareau smiled weakly, she knew that Morgan was being a pain at the moment but he shouldn't be upsetting others with his attitude.
Morgan pushed his consult away as he rose from his desk. Prentiss observed his move out of the corner of her eye. She had heard J.J.'s soft message and Morgan's annoyed sigh knowing that he couldn't ignore the summons. Prentiss dropped her eyes because she didn't want another exchange at that moment with this man who was very prickly.
Morgan leapt up the steps in his usual energetic manner and was mentally preparing to battle with any criticism that Hotch might begin to hand out.
"Close the door," Hotch softly instructed and a sure sign that what was to be said was private.
Morgan considered that so far Hotchner was being consistent with the agents he had spoken to this morning.
Morgan sat down in the chair before the desk and opposite his boss. Hotch calmly waited for him to settle before saying, "How are things with you Morgan?"
"Fine," the agent replied a bit bewildered by the question.
"You have nothing that you feel you would like to discuss with me privately?" Hotch asked softly to give the agent the opportunity to raise any concerns that might be troubling him.
"No, I'm good," Morgan assured with a little shrug but he wondered where this was going.
"Morgan we are all upset over Gideon's suicide but it was noted at the funeral gathering how you behaved towards Susie Reid."
Morgan was momentarily stunned; he had expected some criticism of this morning's exchanges.
"Like what?" he asked genuinely puzzled.
Hotch leaned forward in his seat and rested his folded hands on the desk before him and stared gravely at his agent before continuing…
"Criticising her appearance, her coldness, questioning what Reid saw in her in the first place," replied Hotch carefully because it had not just been Hayley who had told him about the team's behaviour. Interaction within the team had been overheard by other senior agents from outside the Capital area who Morgan obviously didn't realise were Bureau personnel.
Morgan shrugged, "I was just expressing my opinion Hotch, she's not exactly put herself out to mix, she's never even turned up for the Christmas departmental party," justified the agent.
"Has it ever occurred to you that Susie was working? I know that she was but she doesn't have to justify her actions to this Unit, particularly as neither she nor Reid can talk about her work because of security issues. Even I do not know what her work entails, but I'm intelligent enough not to make waves by asking too many questions and have come to my own conclusions," explained Hotch patiently, but he was annoyed that this man had not used his obvious intelligence to work it out.
"So who have I upset?" Morgan demanded but Hotch didn't like his arrogant tone.
"You can be a fool at times, Morgan, and you'll not advance in this organisation by the sort of crass comments you have been heard making. It has also been noted how you have a need to know about your colleagues off duty lives and personal internal Bureau procedures that should be none of your business. I must admit that if I was one of your colleagues I would be annoyed by your attitude which is quite juvenile for an agent of your experience."
Morgan bristled and sat straighter in the seat. Hotch knew that he had just insulted this agent but his behaviour had to stop.
"So who of my colleagues have complained and haven't said anything to my face?" challenged the angry Morgan.
"Actually, I have heard your colleagues telling you, to your face, that you are going too far although no one has chosen to make any formal complaint. However, your behaviour towards Garcia yesterday might justify one. But it has been reported back to me that the women agents held you to task over your lunch yesterday," Hotch quietly, but firmly, stated stamping his authority on the situation.
Morgan's mouth dropped, "What's up with the Bureau that it has to spy on its personnel when they're off duty?" Morgan snapped back.
"They were not spying on you but other mourners and Washington Office personnel happened to be in the same small pizzeria the four of you had retreated to after the funeral. The tables were close so they heard quite a lot of your table's conversation, including you insisting that Garcia tell you about her experience before the Disciplinary Board. Those who witnessed that were shocked at your lack of sensitivity towards Garcia because she was obviously upset and it was a very public place for such matters to be raised. The team members were recognised because we do have a high profile due to the cases we handle around the country. But you seem to think you're unrecognised by personnel from other Field Offices, now that I find unsettling," Hotchner added and stared for emphasis at the incredulous look that Morgan had on his face. "Let me remind you that even off duty an FBI agent is expected to act with decorum because there are always people ready to point a finger and criticise the Bureau…
As for yesterday, Reid didn't have to reply today to your question as to his whereabouts after the funeral. He could have lied, or told you that it was none of your business, or even that he was with friends. He chose to answer you truthfully but you didn't feel the need to question me in that fashion…"
"Yeah, well you're a Unit Chief not a SSA," replied Morgan in an irritated tone.
"Ah it's good to know that you do have some sense left. But I'll warn you now…one of the people who overheard you yesterday was a senior psych at another Field Office and they wanted to know why an agent, who was showing obvious signs of insecurity about their own status, was in such a stressful position like the BAU."
Morgan fell silent, this was not the conversation that he had been expecting. He suddenly felt as if his world was spinning out of control. These last few weeks had been hell with his personal life, together with the disruptions to the team; at first with Hotchner's suspension and then Gideon not showing up for the briefing. Finally his colleagues even ignored his attempts to push the case along in Milwaukee until Hotchner turned up and smoothly made Strauss look out of her depth just by quietly taking control of the difficult situation. He had not foreseen Gideon's suicide but typical of Reid to uncover it all and then be tight lipped about it …But Hotch was speaking and Morgan had to concentrate once more on his words…
"Morgan, the team has been respectful of your private life, especially considering the case a few years ago in Chicago. I would have liked to think that you would have applied that kind of sensitivity towards your colleagues. We are trained profilers and naturally read each other but also we keep much of what we see to ourselves for the unity of the group. Although, I like to think that a serious concern about an agent would be brought discreetly to my attention. But if you continue to be the source of discontent amongst the team then I will be forced to ask for your re-assignment."
Morgan was suddenly kicked into the ice cold pit of shock but his adrenaline soared and he found his voice, "Jeez Hotch…where did that come from?"
"From my responsibility for this Unit and I will not have it dragged down by your crass behaviour. Your colleagues have tolerated your childish need to know about their private worlds and incidents but a stable agent should have no need to behave in such a manner. You already know my feelings concerning your behaviour towards Reid and Garcia over the years. Since I arrived as Unit Chief, I've given you too many verbal warnings concerning your bullying and innuendo. Gideon seriously considered asking for your removal from the Unit after your behaviour towards Reid failing his gun test…That silly whistle, Morgan, if Reid had made a personal complaint about your behaviour then you would never have walked in here again. This Unit needs agents who are mature and stable enough to discreetly support one another because of the very work we do. If you can't meet the standards I expect then I suggest that you put in for a transfer because your behaviour yesterday was unacceptable. Your immediate colleagues have not complained but senior personnel, outside this Unit, have formally complained to me about your behaviour yesterday. Agent Morgan, I am logging this as your final warning beside those reported complaints. That will be all Morgan," Hotchner coldly stated and then picked up a file he had to read.
Morgan rose and walked back to his desk in shock, for several minutes he couldn't concentrate on the requests before him. Suddenly, Morgan was forced to face his own behaviour; he felt sick and his pulse began to race as the stress began to take hold. Morgan knew he'd gone too far and he just might lose his job at the BAU and he prized that highly. He got up and went to the Men's Room for a few minutes away from prying eyes. Once there he was relieved to find himself alone and washed his face and hands with cold water to try and calm down while he thought about the mornings' events.
Hotch was obviously not going to give him any more leeway. He wondered who had over heard the conversations and from what Hotch had said this was no bluff. Morgan could demand to know the names of his accusers but he really would only need that information if things went on to formal disciplinary proceedings. At the moment, the names would probably not mean much to him anyway because he had obviously not recognised them at the time. As Hotch had said, this was his final warning. Tomorrow morning he would be before the Inquiry and he wanted to hear from J.J. who was on it and how they had treated her today. Prentiss was to be called after Jareau but she was the newest member of the team and Morgan wondered how far back the Inquiry was going to go when considering Gideon's behaviour. It was a mess and he sensed that his own performance was also going to be assessed after what Hotch had just said.
Derek Morgan stared at his reflection; beneath his coffee coloured skin he thought he looked paler than usual. But he was shocked; he had experienced several tough interviews with Hotch over the years but he never thought that he was seriously at risk of losing his BAU post. Morgan had never thought that Reid would complain about the teasing because it was not malicious and basically harmless. The trouble was that the kid had been an easy target and compared to what LEOs faced, in their early years, Morgan had gone easy on the genius. As for his banter with Garcia, they had both been warned and had been careful when Hotch was around because they knew that he didn't like the underlying sexist tones of some of it….but it was just all harmless fun.
The door opened, "Hey Morgan, you OK?" the concerned voice of Anderson asked.
Morgan pulled himself together, "Yeah, just needed a leak," he lied. "Guess I'd better get back to the desk work," and he moved to the door.
Anderson watched him go and wondered what Hotch had said to rattle Morgan's cage.
End of Chapter 4