The Interregnum: Chapter 8

by Helena Fallon.

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.

It was not a normal Monday at Quantico, today was the afternoon when there was an informal get together of staff with their partners. The Director and his wife circulated around the different divisions of the organisation being charming and full of the seasonal bon homie. The women especially usually brought a change of clothing for the late afternoon socialising and the men tried to match their smartness, with some of them also changing, but most just wore a better suit and smarter tie to work. The staff would quietly slip away to change while their colleagues covered for them and the general atmosphere of all the departments was upbeat.

Derek Morgan proudly introduced Angela to his colleagues and superiors as "My fiancée." There were many smiles and congratulations and appreciative looks by the women at the large square diamond, with a ruby either side, on her finger. The BAU for their part were surprised and many of the partners took time to talk to the new-comer. Angela looked elegant in her teal coloured tailored suit and Morgan enjoyed the attention they received from Erin Strauss and the Director, both of whom took time to talk to Angela about her career and interests.

Morgan was annoyed that Garcia didn't spend more time with them but after the initial pleasantries Garcia had moved on. At first Morgan thought that she was being diplomatic and giving the couple space to hold court with their news but then he began to doubt his initial assessment. Penelope Garcia looked stunning, far slimmer than Morgan could remember and she was wearing a very sophisticated dress that stood out because it was not in her usual gaudy colours. The computer expert had passed on further down the room and was attracting a lot more attention than he thought she warranted, afterall she had not got engaged…she had only lost some of her fat.

"Must have cost him a few months salary," muttered Erroll Hart out of their hearing, "But I don't think it will last."

"No…Angela seems a very sweet person and totally under his spell, but I'm not sure that she will be able to stop him from straying into his more wild ways," Barry whispered as he filled a glass with the warmed apple juice flavoured with cinnamon. "I don't think Morgan can be tamed that easily and I believe this is Morgan putting on a good show to impress management that he's finally settling down."

Erroll sipped his soda and nodded hoping that the lovely Angela would not get too hurt or led astray by the more worldly agent. Erroll Hart knew that Morgan did not trust people and this affected all his relationships and meant that he only felt secure if he was in control of any situation.

Jennifer Jareau was looking stunning in a knee length figure hugging scarlet dress that was the most expensive she had ever bought, it had been an extravagance but she felt like treating herself, and it fitted her new image. The make over included her new hair style that was now cut much shorter. The new cut revealed her slender neck and jaw line as the beautiful shiny golden curtain of hair fell level with her chin and shaped itself around her head from a slightly off centre parting. Her barely noticeable makeup gave her a natural appearance but any woman in the room would have recognised the skill to acquire such a finished understated look. Agent Jareau turned heads and she liked the feeling of her feminine power to attract appreciative glances. As different departments from her floor began to mingle, she noticed how she attracted the unattached even if she wasn't interested in anything continuing outside this gathering.

J.J. had spent a little time chatting with Morgan and Angela.

"So you're going with Derek to Chicago for Christmas?"

"Oh yes, I'm really looking forward to seeing his Mom and sisters for Christmas. We leave on Friday night and come back on Tuesday and then we'll spend the New Year with my Mom and Aunt," Angela beamed, her whole stance screamed out to any observer that she was a happy woman.

J.J. couldn't stop the memory of the time the team had met Mrs. Morgan and the secrets that her son had kept to himself when he should have spoken up to protect other boys against Carl Buford.

J.J. thought Angela a lovely sensitive woman but she also felt a sense of doom about the relationship. Angela didn't seem to her to have the backbone of steel that partners needed to cope with the demands that the FBI put on any relationship. There was also a certain doubt that she also could not suppress that Derek Morgan was using Angela for his own ends. Agent Jareau thought that Morgan was obviously trying to show the upper echelons that he had calmed down and was ready for marriage. Perhaps he thought that this would push him up the 'promotion ladder' but Jareau believed that Morgan had probably already found his natural level in the organisation, even if he was not content with it.

J.J. had not forgiven this man for his bullying of Spencer Reid. Morgan would never see it as such, in his mind he was merely teasing. But to others, who had witnessed his behaviour, it was a thin line and he had at times crossed it. She knew that Morgan's behaviour merely reflected his own experiences growing up, but not every child who is bullied turns out to be a bully themselves. The sensitive ones, who learn from their childhood experiences, never knowingly inflict such pain to others.

Penelope Garcia was the real surprise of the afternoon and she was revelling in the attention she was receiving as she held court near the narrow windows to the far end of the spacious conference hall. Here, at the opposite end of the room, the dividing doors had been folded back to reveal the tables of food and drinks for the guests in another large room that usually acted as an ante room during disciplinary hearings. However, on this afternoon it was decorated with holly and poinsettias and the varied colours of the assembled guests.

"Penny you look fantastic," Emily enthused at the attractive woman before her.

"You don't think I've over done it with this dress?" Penny asked revealing her self doubt in the question.

Emily Prentiss was herself impeccably turned out in a classic cerise Dior design. It was a tailored dress with a plain round neck, simple long sleeves and required the wearer to have a tall and slender figure to carry it off. Emily had the figure and the poise and today she was also showing off her new hair style, a much shorter cut and light perm that framed her face and emphasised her beautiful eyes. She had grown out the 'bangs' and vowed to herself never again! George had complimented her on the new softer style and said that it was far more attractive than her previous one. To complete her ensemble, she was wearing a necklace of jet that further highlighted her dark hair and was a gift from George.

"No…You look…marvellous and all woman! There has not been a man enter this room without glancing in your direction and appreciating the vision in black silk," Emily continued, "It must have cost you a lot…"

"Actually, it's only a copy but the dressmaker was recommended by a friend in New York. When I went for the weekend I made an appointment and had a fitting because I wanted something really special. This was from her 'already made' rail and only needed minor alterations so I was able to bring it home with me. I'll admit that it was more than I usually spend but I bought a couple of dresses that I thought were classy and wouldn't date too much so I'd be able to wear them more than once…" she shyly confessed.

"Well this dress shows off your new figure beautifully and why shouldn't a woman show off her collar bone and bosom when she has the figure to wear a plunging neckline. I'm so small breasted that they don't really suit me so I'm very envious! I think its great that you've lost all that weight and you look so well and your new glasses show your cheekbones and don't distract from your lovely eyes. You know that rimless style, with the gold decorative arms, complete the more sophisticated look."

"You mean I'm not garishly in your face like my usual extrovert wardrobe!" Garcia grinned with pure mischief and honesty.

Emily laughed, "Penny, you love your colours which is why this transformation is so unexpected and you are definitely turning heads…and," she whispered conspiratorially, "I think you're getting more appreciative looks than our other blond bombshell!"

The two women laughed together and glanced towards the other BAU blond being a social butterfly and looking as if she was enjoying every second at that moment.

"Is a mere male allowed in on the joke?" George asked handing Emily the spiced apple juice she had requested.

Female eyes bore into him and he felt as if the gulf between the sexes had opened wide and was about to swallow him up him if he wasn't extra careful.

"George, I love you," Emily smiled gently at him sensing his discomfort.

"We were just indulging in some girl talk but it's time to close the door on that and circulate," replied Emily Prentiss with the ease of one who had spent years socialising and working a room for the purpose of networking. Before Emily had finally got transferred to the BAU, she had spent every opportunity at such events to let her wishes for future placements to be known amongst influential personnel. She had finally escaped the Midwest and found that the BAU had not been how she had imagined. However, she worked very hard to adjust and began to fit into the team even if there were times, in those early months, when she questioned her reason for wanting the placement.

Max Pentall made a point of quietly observing while his beloved Anna charmed her way around the room with him in tow. He liked to let Anna do the talking once he'd introduced his wife to people as they were more likely to feel more comfortable talking to her than the Head of Mental Health Services. He loved to see the surprised expressions on the faces of Quantico staff when they met Anna for the first time. He had long ago concluded that these people rarely thought of him as having a normal home life and a contented marriage but those invited to his home knew the truth. Max wandered over to the drinks to fill his glass with water; he never drank wine at these functions, preferring to keep a clear head. He had invited Reid and his Jo to drop by on Friday evening if they had the time. Anna was intrigued to meet a real genius, they were so rare, even if she was herself married to one. Max smiled at the thought as he filled his glass.

"Now I know that smile…its one for off duty and well away from here," whispered the Director who had come to replenish his own glass with soda.

"Anna hopes to meet Reid soon, if he's not working on Friday evening. He e-mailed to accept my invite but said that they would have to leave by 11 o'clock as they had other plans in Virginia the next day."

The Director nodded thoughtfully and whispered, "Is he still concerned about our special lady?"

"I had a group dynamics report sent on to me with a special observation of her, Arthur is on to it," Max softly replied.

"Adam Priest is very impressed with him, says he's worth treble his weight in gold!"

Max looked into twinkling eyes and shared the joke, "He's one of those very fortunate people who can eat anything and burns it off."

"Oh to be young and super active again," replied the Director playfully. But Max knew that this man was very careful to exercise and walked round the golf course trundling his own bag of clubs rather than driving a golf buggy.

"Well, I must admit I didn't expect Agent Morgan to be one of those getting engaged this Christmas, so that's another name to mention at the end of this get together. I must say that Garcia, from the BAU, is looking tremendous!"

"Yes, she looks really stunning tonight and much healthier," remarked Max gazing at the vivacious woman who radiated self-confidence at that moment. But he also caught the looks that Morgan was giving her, there was a mixture of disbelief and annoyance, perhaps he didn't expect to be upstaged by the BAU's technical analyst. Anna was suddenly beside him.

"Who's the beautiful blond with the envious curves?"

"You don't recognise her?"

"No, Max, that's why I asked."

"She has just emerged as a beauty after being obese and has spent years being ignored by most of the men presently around her. But Penelope Garcia is too wise a woman and will see through them all. Come along I'll introduce you. Garcia's a very intelligent and sensitive woman who usually hides away in her little room with her computers."

They made their way over to Garcia and Max smoothly introduced his wife and then quietly left the two women.

"Penny, I have to congratulate you on losing so much weight, you look terrific!" Anna praised and Penelope gave her an open smile of trust. Garcia intuitively liked Anna Pentall who was amiability personified in Garcia's eyes. Anna's warmth melted people's reserve and she was so easy to relax with unlike her husband, who frankly frightened Penelope by just holding the position he had in the FBI.

"I decided to take control of myself before I lost my health and I'm so glad that I plucked up the courage to go to a slimming club. I've made several new friends and we always ended up having a laugh together and after some days here I really appreciated that!"

Anna nodded in understanding, "I'm admiring the dress, you have a very good eye for making the most of your transformation."

Garcia smiled and leaned in closer to share her secret, "A New Yorker made this; once she's got your measurements she'll run things up at a reasonable price…I could never afford the real designer label but she and her daughters have a gift and are never without work!"

"Wish I could make my own clothes like that but she's a treasure… So she's reasonable with her charges?"

The conversation continued into the very important regions of finance and getting a good bargain for your money. Anna had never been a woman to fritter money away, even if her husband was paid a good salary, and would not on principle pay the inflated prices some designer labels demanded. Anna appreciated Penelope's choice because a near copy beautifully made, in a material that you liked, was just as unique as a fancy designer label.

The next afternoon the same procedure was being followed for the Christmas get together at College Park. The CACU was no different to any other department; the wives and partners of the personnel enjoyed this annual coming together that often helped to forge new friendships for those who had recently transferred into the area.

The wives were all eager to meet Jo. They had the reports of her initial appearance but it was not the same as personally meeting a fellow woman who shared their stresses of being the partners of agents.

Jo was determined to not be late and to be her mother's daughter…the perfect listener and to show everyone she met that she was Spencer's partner and proud to be so. She looked forward to meeting others in her position, although she already felt that Shelley Kramer was a friend to share a coffee and chat with when their men were not around.

Jo had only worked at the Fairfax Estates office in the morning and came home to leisurely prepare for her appearance at the College Park complex. Spencer had said that the agent in over all charge was an Adam Priest and he and his wife would certainly expect to be introduced to her.

She had carefully chosen an outfit in a heavy jacquard silk. It was an 'A line' long sleeved dress in a dark leaf green with a round neck. It was a personal favourite because of the hand embroidery in gold and silver thread of tiny rose-like flowers around the neck and for three inches around the hem. There was a matching box jacket with similar embroidery on the collar and cuffs. She put on soft black leather shoes with kitten heels to complete the outfit. Jo looked at the ensemble in the bedroom mirror and placed her hand to her neck and manoeuvred the locket on its long gold chain into view. It would only be seen if she undid the jacket but she felt that the locket complimented her outfit. They had decided to tell no one at the unit of their engagement because they didn't want any undue attention. They were both very private people and for them the locket was a symbol of their personal commitment to each other just like a wedding ring would be.

The previous Saturday they had driven over to her parents and stopped to call in to see Harold and to ask if he would marry them in his Chambers on the Christmas Eve…

"We don't want any fuss but we do want a formalisation of our partnership. We're just keeping this a family affair just in case Spencer is called into work at the last moment…" Jo explained in Harold's living room over coffee. Mary was busy with her charity work that morning and Harold knew that he would be interrogated when she got home about this unexpected visit.

Harold beamed at the couple; his pleasure at being asked to conduct the procedure was all too evident.

"Jo…Spencer, I'd be delighted and I understand about your work, Spencer. But this is wonderful news…Do your parents know?"

"No!" Spencer found his voice and then thought that perhaps it sounded a bit too loud and sharp…"You see we wanted to have it all arranged so we could tell them over lunch today. We hoped that by keeping things small and quiet that the family won't have time to go into 'wedding mode'."

"Ah, yes!" replied Harold thoughtfully remembering the weddings of his four sons and the months of planning along with some anguish over catering, invitations, the brides' dresses, the choosing of bridesmaids so as not to offend family or friend's children. Then there was the etiquette with difficult family situations. Harold particularly remembered when Chloe's father was bringing wife number three but the bride also wanted her own mother and wife number two to attend aswell…

"I think you're both being very wise to try and keep things as quiet as you two want. It's not about putting on an ostentatious display of food and wealth…It's really about you as a couple wanting to be legally committed to one another. The actual legal procedure is very short, compared with the time it takes to complete the paperwork ready for the licence. If your work takes precedence then we'll just find another time to fit it in won't we?" Harold said as he smiled with contentment and his round face seemed to shine with the sheer happiness of the task entrusted to him.

Jo grinned and Spencer felt relaxed that Harold completely understood their position. Jo had been right to think that this man was the perfect person to perform the task. The longer Spencer spent time in this house, the more relaxed he felt and then the image of the bear called Harold kept leaping into his mind. It was all too apparant that Harold was definitely the inspiration for that naming. Judge Harold wore flamboyant waistcoats; today it was a very fine striped affair in greens and blues with a renegade fine gold thread suddenly separating the stripes in what appeared to be a random pattern. Harold, the bear, wore a waistcoat too but that was a blue floral pattern with tiny gold buttons. Spencer smiled to himself as he realised that the striped waistcoat had tiny gold buttons too!

"Can I tell Mary when she gets back from Richmond?" he asked, dying to share this good news with someone who wouldn't tell the world.

A hour later they had arrived at home to the smells of lunch about to be placed on the table and the usual warm family atmosphere that Spencer loved so much about being in this house. Alan was eager to tell them about Craig's success at getting a major donation for his Burns Unit that would enable him to pursue plans to increase his staff in the labs.

Suddenly Margaret was placing cheese soufflés on the table and a variety of finely chopped vegetables and the business of eating, while the soufflés were still at their best, became important. Spencer loved the way Margaret made her soufflés, she always made at least two large ones and with different flavoured cheeses. Today she announced that one was a blue veined cheese and the other a rich nutty Canadian cheddar variety. The men sampled both to the delight of the women and Margaret listened to all of Jo's news. Jo told her that she had seen several new clients and had coffee with Shelley Kramer, one her new friends, during the past week. Margaret was pleased that Jo sounded so happy and although Spencer never spoke about his work, he seemed content at that moment even if he looked a little tired.

Margaret carried in a tray loaded with a large dish of 'Eve's Pudding' along with a tub of vanilla ice cream and a jug of cream. She smiled indulgently at Spencer's delight at the dessert as she placed the things on the table.

"You'll take yours with ice cream, Spencer?" she asked with a grin well aware of his twin weaknesses for her cooking and ice cream. She remembered the first time she had met him and how emaciated he had looked. Spencer now seemed to have reached his natural weight again despite her efforts to fill him out a little more.

Soon they were all eating again and the aroma of percolating coffee was drifting in from the nearby kitchen. Margaret decided to ask a question on a subject that she hoped her daughter would have answered without her asking.

" Have you got a new chain, Jo?" Margaret asked as she could see a little of the gold chain although her scarlet cashmere sweater hid the locket from view.

Jo smiled and Spencer thought that she even blushed a little and that was not lost on either of her parents.

"It's very special, Spencer gave it to me," and she stopped eating and drew out the locket.

"Oh My!" exclaimed Margaret when the circular locket was visible, "That's most unusual."

Alan had stopped to observe the scene and Spencer felt that this was probably the best time to say something.

"I bought it instead of an engagement ring," he said softly and Jo's eyes shone his way and they spontaneously smiled at each other.

Alan and Margaret beamed with the happiness that filled the room. Alan was momentarily reminded of the first time he had met Spencer and how naturally he had held Jo's left hand…Of course he'd not draw attention to it with an engagement ring.

"What a thoughtful token of commitment," said Alan softly and he felt emotion swell inside him and he couldn't speak anymore for a few minutes but it didn't stop his wife stepping in.

"Oh this is a wonderful day…We have to ring Craig and Marilyn and ….When did you give it to Jo?" she said turning her attention to Spencer and he thought that he could see tears in Margaret's eyes.

"Last night,"

"Oh it's beautiful, I've never seen anything like this before…Where did you find it?"

"A jeweller's in Alexandria, on Queen Street," he replied and felt the warmth of the family wrap around him.

"And…" began Jo, "We called in to ask Harold to marry us in his Chambers on Christmas Eve. We don't want any presents, speeches or the usual extravaganza…It's not us! If you want to be there to witness us legalising our partnership then that will be good, but we're doing this quietly…quietly Mom, just immediate family. No fancy wedding dress, just ordinary clothes so we feel comfortable, no awful cringing speeches and if Spencer's called away, and things get cancelled at the last minute, then no harm is done!" Jo firmly stated.

Spencer thought he saw a moment of rebellion flash in Margaret's eyes but then it was gone as she listened to the good sense of her stubborn daughter.

Alan suddenly clapped his hands together to get the attention round the table, "Well I think you two have the right idea, and Harold …I bet he's delighted, it was thoughtful of you to choose him Jo…He and Mary have always been fond of you…. I like the idea and we can all come back here for a lunch I hope...At least let your Mom and Marilyn do a meal," he said and the couple understood the meaning of his words and the look that accompanied them.

"Of course, but we just don't want anything overboard…just like a normal lunch but with the family and Harold and Mary if they'll come," conceded Jo but she was determined not to let things escalate. Her parents had experienced the big wedding with Craig and Melinda, it had been all very nice but it just was not what either Spencer or herself wanted.

"Well, actually Harold did suggest that we might like to consider a venue less austere than his Chambers," Spencer interjected and thought perhaps there was merit in Harold's suggestion now he'd seen the Petersens' reactions. Alan and Margaret both gave Spencer their attention. "Harold wondered if you would let us use your study, Alan, because it's a beautifully proportioned room and has that view of the garden and the apple tree that we love…I know its winter but it's still a pleasant view…"

Margaret grinned fighting back her tears and Alan sensed that Spencer was reaching out with a compromise for the family to cherish for years to come.

"Of course you can use my study and Harold is correct, once you've got the licence you can marry anywhere in the state within the 60 day limit. Your Mom and I would be delighted if you would marry here. You can still have anyone you want of course…."

"Don't start escalating it all, Dad," Jo warned again, "We want it quiet, immediate family and Harold and Mary…and no speeches!"

Alan met his daughter's eyes that were the mirror of his own, "I got the message loud and clear and I'll pass it on to Craig," he solemnly said pleased that this was going to be a very special event in this family home. He looked across at his wife who was trying hard to keep her composure but she nodded. Then Spencer did an unexpected thing and reached across the table and gently squeezed Margaret's hand.

"I'm glad we spoke to Harold first because he has helped us see that having a quiet wedding was possible. Otherwise we had considered Las Vegas but we couldn't agree on the type of ceremony," he said softly but his brown eyes twinkled with mischief that made him look much younger than his 28 years.

"I wanted to be married by a Klingon and Spencer here wanted a Vulcan!" Jo joined in the fun.

"Oh god! I'm thankful for Harold's good sense!" replied Margaret in mock horror and they all laughed.

"Right then, I'll ring Harold now and tell him what we've decided," said Alan suddenly rising from the table, "Poor man's probably being dying to tell somebody about your visit…I bet Mary is doing her voluntary session at the Richmond shelter."

Spencer smiled and thought how easy it had all been and both Margaret and Alan seemed to understand their preference to keep the occasion small and quiet. Spencer sat alone drinking coffee while mother and daughter disappeared into the kitchen discussing the details of the 'marriage' lunch. Spencer thought about his own parents. They had never told him about their early life together. He had been uninterested about such things when the wonders of the wider world beckoned his young enquiring and insatiable mind. Perhaps, if his father had not died, William would have talked about such times covering the period before Diana became ill and before their son had been born. In his mind Spencer imagined what it would have been like introducing Jo to his Dad. He firmly believed that William Reid would have liked his choice of partner; the stability of her own personality and of her family would have been understood. Spencer had always known that, after experiencing life in the shadow of his mother's illness, he would seek out for his own partner someone who was unafraid of Diana's medical history and, more importantly, from a solidly warm and normal family.

Spencer looked out of the window and his eyes roamed around the ample garden before his gaze settled on the apple tree that Alan loved to sit under on warm days. It was now just a bare skeleton but the gnarled trunk and twisting of some of its thick branches told of its age, but even without blossom it was beautiful. Spencer missed his father but he knew that William Reid had loved him. Poor man had just reached his breaking point and …

"You all right, Spencer?"

Spencer looked up to find the dark eyes of Alan Petersen looking solemnly at him.

"Sorry, I was miles away. I was appreciating the old apple tree, its beautiful even in winter…Then I drifted into thinking about my father…" he replied honestly and found himself staring into compassionate eyes.

Alan let a sad smile cross his face, "We all must be quite overwhelming at times…I think you had a good father, Spencer, or you wouldn't have turned out to be the good human being you are. Do you think William Reid would have liked our Jo?" he asked suddenly with twinkling eyes.

Spencer grinned, "I was thinking about that and I believe the man I remember would have liked her. My Dad was a modest man, rather like me really, and didn't like fuss and extravagance but he was sensitive to music and the arts…He played the violin and taught me…but when he left, Mom broke my violin and bought me the lute instead…."

Alan sat with his own cup of coffee, quietly listening to the young man who would in a weeks time be marrying his only daughter. Strangely, he felt that Spencer was already one of the family and a legal piece of paper was not going to change things. However, it did mean that if anything happened to Spencer then the FBI would immediately inform Jo and that her position was on a sounder footing than just being the girlfriend. It was all rather old fashioned but being a wife still was ranked above that of a long standing girlfriend.

"Alan, promise me if I ever go like my Mom that you'll persuade Jo to have me taken to an institution. I have taken out special medical insurance just in case…"

"But you are almost past the usual age for schizophrenia, and I thought you explained how the Bureau had concluded themselves that it was your Mom's drug taking that probably triggered her own illness."

"Yes, that's all true but it still haunts me, especially after Henkel. I never ever wanted to try drugs because of the possibility of triggering an episode…and then to be given Dilaudid totally against my will…I was terrified that I would turn into my Mom!"

Alan nodded with understanding. He had made his own enquiries about the effects of drugs and schizophrenia after meeting Spencer and had even made his own private investigations into the Reid family. All that Spencer had ever told the family about his parents had been confirmed. Alan trusted him to be with his only daughter or he'd have put an end to the relationship as soon as it had begun. But Craig had been utterly certain all along that these two would be perfect for one another….

"It's not going to happen Spencer, but Craig and I would be the voice of reason. We would see that you were looked after and Jo taken back into the family and cherished, as she will always be anyway." Alan assured and stopped as he heard the women returning.

"Melinda asked if Lydia could wear a pretty dress and carry a little basket of posies, not exactly a bridesmaid but it would make her feel special… I agreed because I thought you would understand as I'm her only Auntie."

Spencer smiled, "Yeah, she'll steal the show and take the pressure off us and I'm sure she'll charm Harold."

"That's what I said," remarked Margaret, "Anyway, it's all agreed, it will be the usual Christmas Eve lunch…and I've been told you'll be leaving at 5 anyway because you have a concert evening at the Dowland Society."

"Yes, I've promised to play a little for them and Jo as been invited to sing…."

"It will be interesting to see if anyone notices our rings," said Jo and Spencer suddenly thought about another bit of shopping that they had to do that weekend!...

Jo looked out of the window at the sound of a car drawing up outside, it was her taxi but hopefully Spencer would be able to drive her home.

Thirty minutes later she was chatting happily to Adam Priest and Abigail, his wife, both of whom knew her by sight as they were regular attendees of the choir's concerts.

"So you're hoping to join the local College Park choir?" Abigail enthused.

"Yes, I explained to the musical director that I wanted a choir closer to home now we were based in Maryland for a while. It's all rather vague though as to just how long we're going to be here so it's difficult to make very firm plans. But I enjoy my singing and it's a good way to meet people."

Spencer smiled indulgently, he felt superfluous as Jo had a gift for talking to anybody and everybody no matter what their background. It was why he thought that she was like her mother and could imagine in her in twenty years time being another 'Margaret' helping with the fund raising events for some needy cause.

Adam Priest caught his eye and whispered, "Amazing isn't it, we men take ages to lower our barriers but women jump in feet first and start swimming away in the seas of camaraderie and the inevitable gossip."

Spencer's eyes twinkled, "I know that Jo is very capable of making friends for when I'm busy with the work. I think that is how women cope best with an agent's workload and Jo's been busy making acquaintances around Berwyn Heights."

Andrew Simpson had come along to join them while Abigail was busy introducing Jo to Judy Simpson and once again the conversation flowed effortlessly amongst the women.

"Reid here has it all worked out regarding our better halves," Adam softly confided to Andrew.

Andrew grinned, "Of course he has, Adam, Reid's a profiler!"

Adam looked a little shocked at the two men who seemed quite comfortable with this statement.

"You didn't, did you?" Adam asked of the younger agent.

Reid raised an eyebrow as if in a question.

"I mean, you didn't profile your Jo did you?" Adam Priest clarified.

Spencer couldn't suppress the laugh that bubbled up. "Well actually, her brother is a close friend and long before I met Jo he kept saying… "I must introduce you to my sister." So I suppose I was already 'conditioned' as it were to like her but we finally met without warning and then just slipped into a friendship without really having to work very hard at it. I suppose when I think back on those early weeks it was really strange but I felt like I'd known her for years because I already knew Craig and his family."

"Well you two are obviously happy together and we are all delighted that Jo chose to come with you here," Adam replied.

"Me too!" Spencer agreed enthusiastically, "I was scared that she'd say no but it has made my life a lot easier and the work more bearable," he confessed and two pairs of eyes stared at him with compassion. It was never easy to be moved to a new field office and make new friendship groups and often such moves could put a lot of strain on established relationships.

"Spencer!" a familiar voice boomed his way and he turned to see the happy Arthur striding towards him, "Tell me that your Jo is here, I've been longing to meet her and I'll be the first of the Quantico psychs…"

"Why is there some sort of bet on?" a female voice challenged the newcomer from behind. Arthur turned and was confronted by the teasing Jo with all her bewitching charm. Her black eyes took Arthur by surprise and he was speechless for a few moments.

"You have, haven't you?" probed Spencer, sensing a twinge of guilt in reaction to Jo's playful remark. Spencer was determined not to let slip any indication of their coming marriage but he wondered if the Quantico trio of psychs had wagers in that area where he was concerned.

"Mmm…I think we have him, Spencer, I wonder what the bet is?" Jo stepped neatly in to engage in a joint attack on the newcomer.

"I'll take the fifth!" Arthur blurted out and gave her an innocent look but the bewitching eyes searched his brown ones and Arthur felt that he needed to change the subject fast.

"I've brought my Susan and she's longing to meet both of you," he replied in a smooth voice.

"Where is she? I want to thank her for those magazines she let me have…" Spencer said coming to his fellow male's rescue.

Arthur grinned and breathed a little easier, "Talking to Dee, which means she will have all the gossip and insider knowledge required to understand the real power of this field office."

"Women!" muttered Adam in good humour and Arthur lead the way towards his wife.

Susan was just as Spencer Reid had always imagined her to be. As they approached they could see that Susan was impeccably dressed in a midnight blue suit with a cream silk blouse that flattered her middle-aged, gently rounded figure. She was a warm woman with a presence that filled her corner of the room with a gentle good humour. Her round face, twinkling eyes and tendency to often reach across and touch people only emphasised her warm tactile and nurturing nature. She was a kind of mother earth figure who was everybody's favourite babysitter, auntie and when necessary a good listener and keeper of secrets.

"Susan, I've found them," Arthur beamed as he reached her and Dee moved tactfully aside. Dee had spoken to Jo on her arrival at the unit but she always felt out of her depth with the psych department. Reid noticed how she removed herself and wondered if Dee had really understood the nature of his training and that he too was a psychologist.

"Goodness, you really are so thin…Arthur has always said that you were but…I bet you can eat anything and everything!" beamed Susan.

Spencer grinned; he would have liked a mother like Susan because she was so maternal compared with the academic distance of his own mother. Spencer thought that Margaret Petersen and Susan would be natural allies should they ever meet. He suspected that Susan turned her very able talents to at least helping run various Jewish ventures in her community.

"I'm so pleased to finally meet you," Spencer said with an open smile, "I want to say how much I learnt from those 'interior design' magazines you let Arthur bring to me…I put a lot of the ideas into practice when I decorated my apartment."

Arthur groaned at the memory and Jo gave him a questioning look.

"Spencer's not told you about the shopping trip for new clothes that ended up with him filling my car with bargains and paint for his apartment?"

"I've heard Spencer's version but I'm eager to hear your point of view of those events…" Jo replied turning her black eyes on the older man and giving him her full attention.

Arthur was in his element as the raconteur and soon had a small crowd listening to his version of how he discovered that Spencer Reid just loved a bargain! Spencer joined in occasionally adding his memories of finding the wonderful bargains from a store that was having a closing down sale. Laughter flowed, rippling around the room. Jo revealed at the end of the account that she had met Spencer after he had decorated his apartment, which was a shame as she was an interior designer!

"You're really an interior designer!" Susan repeated in an awed tone and Arthur looked towards Spencer.

"Why do I get the feeling that my wife is going to return home full of ideas for some room or other that needs attention…" remarked Arthur as he saw that Susan and Jo were once more deep into conversation about colour trends for bedrooms.

Spencer smiled and then looked more serious, "Sorry Arthur, but it's my turn to man the office for the next hour…I know Jo will be fine without me and she knew I'd be going at this time to cover."

"See you later," Arthur said and watched the agent walk through the assembled people with the assured air of a natural decision-maker and leader. Arthur once again thought how Reid had changed his image to fit the role he was now in. Max had been correct to move him away from his security blanket of the BAU. If he had stayed there he would have slipped back into coasting and would not have been forced to acknowledge the abilities he had even to himself. It was one of the problems with Reid; he was still getting to know just how far his abilities extended. Spencer Reid had probably not even thought about being a deputy of a unit at his young age but it wasn't about age, it was about having the ability to do the work.

"He's a very pleasant young man," Andrew Simpson said softly at Arthur's side, "No one would believe the trauma he has been though."

"No, but we worked hard to gain his trust while he was in the Clinic and if he'd not responded then Max would not have allowed him back in the field. Personally, I think if that had happened, I doubt he would have stayed on in the FBI even on a consulting basis. At the end of the day you can take a horse to water…A patient has to want to be helped at the Clinic or you get no-where really or you just superficially patch a person up." Arthur answered softly and was reminded of Jason Gideon who had put up barriers and successfully convinced his psychs that he was ready to return on a consulting basis. Max had been the sceptical one but he had been outnumbered on the Medical Board. However, in the end, Max had been proven correct that Gideon was not as stable as management liked to believe after his time out following the Boston incident.

"I like how Spencer Reid has been totally open as to why he still gets called in for extra drug tests. He had one yesterday and I bumped into him while he was filling out the usual questionnaire. We had coffee together after and he said that he just thought the best way to deal with it was to be open about his experiences because that way the waters didn't get muddied. Some of the unit had heard rumours about his long sick leave so Spencer just explained what had happened that first afternoon to most people and so the subject hasn't been an issue. Just like this afternoon… he joined in with you over that shopping story…I know you wouldn't have shared that unless you were confident that you were not upsetting Reid."

"Too right! But we've had our coffees and lunches and chatted here so I knew that he has been very open about his time at the Clinic."

"Actually I think he has done us psychs a good favour…You know by being so open about suffering PTSD and being given a highly addictive drug against his wishes. I do feel the Bureau is being heavy handed about the extra drug tests though." Andrew remarked and sipped his mineral water thoughtfully.

"I think its because the Bureau quite rightly has a nil tolerance over drugs. But Reid has obviously coped with everything since his kidnap and that young woman, and her family, have been central to his recovery and self confidence once more at work." Arthur replied watching Jo and his wife chatting away and Judy Simpson was giggling at some remark….

"Judge Petersen's daughter…She has her father's looks and her mother's social ease," added Andrew following his gaze.

Suddenly the room was entered by the awesome presence of Andrea Erikson. Her towering stature was clad in a shiny gentian blue satin creation along with matching blue stiletto shoes.

"Now that is how to make an entrance!" whispered Arthur transfixed by the stunning blond who was sharing a joke with Adam Priest.

"You've never met Andrea?" asked Andrew.

But Andrea had swept her eyes around the room and she saw her target and was striding towards her.

"Goodness, you are your father's daughter, no mistaking a Petersen face!" she boomed with good humour at Jo.

"You must be Andrea Erikson! Dad said he remembers you from Harvard…." Jo replied in kind and suddenly she was involved in another conversation and didn't feel deserted by Spencer for a second.

Meanwhile, Spencer Reid had quietly returned to the Unit and relieved Rick who told him that everything was suspiciously quiet and he hoped it stayed that way for a few days.

Spencer made himself some coffee and sat at Dee's reception desk ready to answer any phone call. He let his eyes roam around the unusually quiet room and thought how strange it was…Reid felt like he'd been here years but it had only been a few weeks. He reflected that he definitely felt he'd aged a good 10 years since he'd arrived but he liked his colleagues, especially the small group of men who obviously enjoyed having one of the deputies as a male to even things up in the unit! All the wives had exchanged numbers with Jo and Spencer liked the idea that Jo would be able to share that 'partner existence'. He liked Chris's wife, Faye, and there had been an instant rapport with Jo because they were nearer in age than the other women but everyone was friendly and the talk soon drifted on to children. Spencer felt like he had entered an exclusive club by having Jo with him and he knew that she was central to his life and was not ashamed to admit it.

Jo slipped into her role so naturally and listened to all their stories about their children but Spencer knew that Jo was not ready for a family herself. They had talked about having children but they were firmly put into the vague future because they both just wanted to enjoy sometime as a couple before the demands of a family affected their careers.

Tony had smiled from the side lines and remarked to Spencer that, although as a unit the agents didn't really socialise outside work, the partners had their own informal support system to cope with their work demands.

Robert's Judy had been a refreshing surprise for Spencer; she was not a die-hard Tolkein fanatic but Star Trek and Dr. Who were far more exciting to her! Spencer had spent several intense minutes discussing the merits of Romulans over Klingons as warrior races in the Trek universe.

Spencer's thoughts turned to the Rankin case and the insider at the Washington Office. Katie had returned from seeing the Director repeating her orders to tell no one and that included everyone from the legal department as they didn't know how far this all went. It was all too apparent that the Bureau was worried but as Danielle had further explained that morning, they had lost too many cases over the past couple of years for it to be a co-incidence. But this guy was in a position to be able to cover his tracks and check up on their cases being prepared for arrests and court. Danielle recalled how they had suspects just disappear hours before arrest warrants were served. Then there were the witnesses who had failed to appear, or just refused to say anything on the stand, and denied any suggestion that they had been intimidated.

Katie assured them that the Director was going to have someone in place as soon as possible after Christmas to keep and eye on the suspect and measures were being put into effect immediately to have his e-mails and calls monitored. It was a high level of surveillance but this man had abused the trust of his position and opened himself up to blackmail. Spencer wondered how the Bureau would deal with this individual when it all came to a conclusion. He was sure that the determination he sensed in both Danielle and Katie would lead to this man being prosecuted and they were not going to let him use his knowledge of the law to wrangle a good deal for himself.

Spencer Reid had to admit that he wanted to see this man punished severely as well. This unit worked very hard to make inroads in the vast ocean of child abuse and, despite only being one of their number a few weeks, he was just as committed as Danielle and Katie in wanting the insider brought to justice. They all took an oath to the job and in this case the insider was participating in the abuse of under-age girls…even if he was so far only shown to be a 'watcher'.

Arthur watched from the sidelines as Katie sipped her apple juice and played the 'social' game. She was an expert at the smile and the attentive look for the guest, who was speaking to her, but once alone the social mask fell away and Arthur watched and mentally made notes.

The next day at the CACU.

It was 7:25 a.m. when Katie Cole entered the unit and she automatically went into the kitchen to make a strong mug of coffee. She still wore her beige wool coat as she stood at the counter drinking the first mug and then made a second to take with her to her office.

She passed Amanda, on the way, who had manned the unit overnight with Tony.

"No problems, just the usual monitoring," Amanda reported to her boss as she passed her desk.

"Good, I think we may have curtailed quite a lot with closing down Rankin's club. Where's Tony?" she asked as she sipped the strong liquid.

"He had a call concerning Vernon Barrett… remember the 14 year old runaway from Lancaster County. A Baltimore Shelter thinks they have found him. He was being fed by the Salvation Army and one of the helpers got talking to him…Vernon sounds ready to go home so Tony took off to have a chat with him and to stress that it isn't a Police matter."

Katie nodded and felt a certain pleasure that the links that they had forged over the years with the voluntary groups were holding strong. Sometimes adolescents took off for space when things at home got too heated. It wasn't that they necessarily came from bad homes but it was just a matter of an excess of teenage hormones rampaging and neither the parents nor children could hit the correct note of communication.

Katie continued on to her office and put the mug down as she removed her coat and hung it up on the back of the door. Her phone rang.

"Katie Cole," she said crisply but felt like her head was about to split open.

"It's Tony…I've just had a chat with Vernon Barrett, a runaway from Lancaster County…"

"Yes, Amanda mentioned that you had gone to Baltimore. Are you going to take him home?"

"Yeah, Katie, he's a good kid, just had one of those 'blowing off steam' incidents…I was wondering if you would like to give the good news to the parents if I ring the local police and get him off the missing register."

"Oh that would be a nice pleasure, Tony, " she said calling up the boys details on the computer screen. "Give me 10 minutes and then I'll let you know their reaction but I'm sure they'll want to speak to him. What's he doing now?"

"Tucking into breakfast! I'll get on to the register then…Bye for now,"

"Bye, Tony!" Katie put down the receiver and then dialled Vernon's home number in Pennsylvania.

"Charlie Barrett" answered a tired middle aged sounding voice.

"Good morning Mr. Barrett, I have some good news. My name is Dr. Katie Cole from the Crimes Against Children Unit in Maryland. We had a phone call this morning from the Salvation Army Shelter in Baltimore and one of my agents went to answer the request. Your son Vernon is there at the moment eating breakfast and I just wanted to talk with you before I tell my agent to call you so you can speak to Vernon yourself…"

Katie could hear the man breathing hard in his effort to control his emotions and then calling out shakily for his wife, "Tina…Tina…Vernon's been found and he's all right…There's a lady on the phone from some Unit in Maryland come and listen…"

Katie loved to start the day giving good news and it raised her own spirits to be able to explain that a runaway was all right and wanted to return home. She assured the Barretts' that she would get her agent to drive Vernon safely home. But she just wanted to explain how things might be at first and how they could ease the home coming for both Vernon and the rest of the family. The Barretts' appeared to be basically a good and caring family and they were eager to try any support that Katie might be able to arrange over the coming weeks.

She finally called Tony with the news that the parents were eager to talk to their son and that they were willing to have any help to try and avoid a repeat of the last three days. Katie had just ended the call when there was a sharp rap on her door.

"Come!" she called but winced at the effect of raising her voice.

She was very surprised to see Arthur along with a thick file.

"Oh is it that time of year again?" she asked wearily eyeing the folder.

Arthur smiled, "Sorry but you know we psychs…it may be Christmas but we still like to have a preliminary chat with the heads of units before annual psych reviews. Andrew and I hope to begin them after Christmas."

Katie stared at him and really didn't feel at her best this morning, "Well where would you like to start?" Katie invited.

"Is there anyone you are particularly concerned about or anything not in their personal files that we should know?" asked Arthur keeping his voice gentle and his eyes ever alert at her reactions.

"No, we're actually functioning quite well at the moment as a unit. Well you know Spencer…probably better than anyone here, but he has impressed everyone by hitting the ground running and getting on with the job. He gets on well with Danielle and Spencer's been very open with us from day one so that helped him to slip in easily. He's well liked, particularly by the men despite being the youngest, and his quiet hard working nature is respected by all."

Katie sipped her coffee while she thought about the rest of her unit.

"We had a difficult case at the end of last week where a baby was raped. It quite upset Chris but he kept his professionalism in place on the job. When he got back he had to go to the men's room. Spencer went and spoke with him before he returned to his desk and finished his paper work. I think he's all right but you could check his reaction. Tony and Carl both think he's been OK since and Spencer agreed with them. It was all done so quietly, I'm not sure that the rest of the unit even noticed how smoothly Spencer dealt with it."

"Spencer Reid's a very good psychologist," Arthur replied, "He observes a great deal and only acts when he thinks its necessary…He's probably had this unit profiled from the first few days he was here." Arthur noted how tired the woman looked before him and his observations further confirmed all that Reid had told him about his new boss.

"How about Danielle? Is she coping with her early stages of pregnancy?" Arthur asked, "I read over her notes yesterday and she seems to have had a hell of a first pregnancy."

"Yes, poor Danielle, she had dreadful morning sickness. Then she developed the complications with Diabetes. But this time it's so different. Well so far it is but perhaps talking like this is tempting fate!" Katie tried to sound more light hearted about her deputy but she knew that the unit had not been prepared for the problems that did arise with her first pregnancy.

"I remember my Susan…with every pregnancy she was dreadfully sick for the first four months then she blossomed. But those first few months…I swear she had only to smell food and she'd be dashing to the bathroom to throw up. I really don't envy you women."

"Well, it's never been something I've had to think about." Katie firmly replied and seeing Arthur's searching look she smiled.

"I had childhood leukaemia and the treatment left me infertile," she added.

"Oh, I'm sorry…It must be difficult sometimes with a predominantly female unit and the very nature of your work."

"I was told the truth as a 14 year old. I'd survived 'chemo' and having my hair fall out and then being told I wouldn't ever have my own kids seemed a small price to pay to live. I did marry a man who said it didn't matter but, then after 5 years of marriage, he got his secretary pregnant and so ended our relationship. I've always been totally honest in the past with my partners and they have usually accepted the situation and often didn't want children themselves. But I have a brother who has a family and I'm a doting Auntie to my nephews. It has its compensations because I have a lot of fun with them but I can always hand them back at the end of the day! I don't feel I've missed out and trained as a child psychologist and even this position is very 'child orientated' so I get the maternal side satisfied. But I'm not totally convinced that I would have made a good mother anyway because I enjoy the thrill of the chase in my work."

"Yes, you've been very successful with your career which is why I need to know why you're now beginning to need a drink before you even get to work in the morning?" Arthur said with a quiet firmness and Katie felt as if he had just hit her in her solar plexus.

"Really…that's…"

"Please don't insult my intelligence and experience as a Bureau's senior psychologist. I watched you last night. You were not drinking any alcohol but I've seen that controlled tension before. You are a secret drinker at home and last night, once it got past 7:30, all you wanted to do was to leave because you were dying for a drink…Sherry isn't it?"

Katie just stared unable to find the strength to defend herself or perhaps she had really wanted someone to take notice that something was wrong. Now someone had noticed, all her fight to deny such an accusation was dissipated, and there was a nervous relief. But the man had taken her silence as an opportunity to press home his advantage.

"You were subconsciously hiding your growing dependence by obviously not drinking alcohol last night. But it has been noticed. You come to work sucking on mints or cough sweets to take away the smell on your breath. You make strong coffee to try to kick start the brain that is struggling with the hangover from the night before and you stay in your office for the first couple of hours, if you can, so your staff don't see you trying to sober up to cope.

Katie you smell of sweet sherry, the mints and cough sweets aren't working because the lingering sweetness of your favoured drink oozes from your skin…You can't totally disguise it!"

Arthur watched her all the time and he was surprised at how quiet this committed agent was to his firm accusation.

"So I'll ask you again, when did the occasional evening glass become an essential glass with breakfast or has it already slipped into only sherry being your breakfast?"

"No…I do have something to eat at breakfast…Really I do," she suddenly replied finally finding her voice as her brain kicked into gear to analyse the situation she was in.

"I'm glad to hear it because if that is the case then we have caught your slide into alcoholism. As a psychologist, you know it can happen to anyone in a stressful position. You might be surprised just how many senior people in this organisation have been helped before it was too late, and far too apparent on the job, to save their career."

"It was Reid," she suddenly stated unemotionally as her brain worked through those in the unit who would have taken the step to inform the psych services.

Arthur knew he would get no where by lying to this clever woman.

"Spencer Reid was new to this unit so he noticed. But he had previously noticed his mentor unravelling before his eyes when the rest of that unit was in denial and wanted to explain it all away. Here he noticed how your team explained away your snappiness, particularly in the mornings and towards the end of the day. They would say that it was how you are when involved in a case and juggling all the issues. However, Reid saw those tell tale signs and felt it wasn't his place to approach you and wanted a second opinion. Dr. Spencer Reid is a very good psychologist, Dr. Cole, and he is a very caring and diplomatic man who just wants you to get help before things slip any further." Arthur gently stated.

Katie stared at this quiet middle-aged man who as a psychologist she couldn't fault. He was doing all the right things, the very things she would have done if she had found one of her unit slipping into a dependence on alcohol. Katie also knew that the first step to regaining control over her life again was to admit that she had a problem.

"Who knows and what are you going to do about it?" she asked in a dull resigned voice and Arthur saw a mixture of shame and fear in her brown eyes.

"I told you, Reid is very diplomatic. He only told me his suspicions when we first met for lunch and I told him to keep an eye on things to see if there was a consistent pattern. He will not say anything to anyone else in the unit. I informed Max but I've not said anything yet to Andrew Simpson or Adam. I spoke to Max last night, after the get together, and we worked out a discreet plan as we have always found that to work best."

Katie felt as if her carefully constructed façade was crumbling in this room and wondered how she was going to get through the rest of the day.

End of Chapter 8.