AN: Thank you to all who have reviewed! I'm sorry I haven't replied. This turned into one of those crazy busy weeks.

MN: I'm completely responsible for the way this one ends. I'd say I'm sorry, but I don't want to lie to you fine folks.


I was most definitely nervous. I had managed to make it through setting up my booth before the nerves had kicked in, but now they were in full effect.

"Calm down, Beautiful." Derek's voice was low and soothing in my ear.

I gave a very slight nod and took a deep breath. Employers were starting to work their way into the room. Some were making beelines to particular booths. Others were wandering through, looking around but keeping their distance.

I managed to spot Rossi, Kate, Parish, and a few other agents. They were scattering strategically throughout the room and wasting no time in approaching booths identified as analysts either through their registrations or the displays.

My own backdrop bore the name 'Lucia Quincy' and identified me as a remote access securities and firewall programmer. I forced myself to take my eyes off my protectors and focus on the prospective targets of our unsub that were milling about.

For three hours I made eye contact, smiled, chatted, and demoed the software I had hastily written the previous day, all while trying not to let on that I was a complete wreck.

Since most everyone else had emptied out of the room to go get lunch, I decided to pack up the pair of laptops I had been using and retreat to the hotel room JJ had procured for me upstairs. I was so focused on what I was doing that I didn't hear Derek approaching until he spoke to me.

"Darn, am I too late for a demonstration?" I looked up to find him standing just opposite my little table from me, a grin on his face.

Since the guy two booths down from me was still securing his tech as well, I decided to play along. "Just going to grab a bite to eat. I'll be back shortly."

His grin widened. "Well now, that's even better. I don't think the FBI has much use for remote access programmers, but I certainly enjoy having lunch with a beautiful and intelligent woman."

I had to suppress the urge to laugh. "Are you asking me out, Agent..." I made a show of leaning over to squint at the ID badge hanging from his belt. "Morgan?"

He did let out a chuckle. "I suppose I am, Ms. Quincy."

I zipped the case containing my laptops shut and raised it from the tabletop. "Well, I suppose I will have to accept. I may not be the particular type of nerd the FBI is looking for, but what girl in her right mind would turn down lunch with a handsome agent?"


My face hurt from smiling so much all day. Trying to sell yourself was hard work. I sank down on the edge of the bed and slipped my shoes off, glad to be off my feet after a long day. A long, fruitless day. I sighed and flopped backwards.

"Don't you go getting discouraged on me, Princess. It was just the first day. This is a five day conference." Derek set my laptop case on the dresser delicately.

"I know. I just expected we would have at least had a teensy tiny little lead today, Angel Fish." No one had given more than a passing consideration.

Derek shrugged. "Sometimes undercover ops work quickly. Sometimes they don't. Tomorrow is another day. For now, what do you say we order room service on Parish and watch a movie?"

Now that sounded promising. "You don't have to meet up with the others?"

He shook his head then began shedding gun, badge, and handcuffs. "Nope. I already debriefed with Hotch for the day. I'm all yours."

That elicited a genuine smile from me. "Well, in that case, I get to pick the movie."

As the credits to 'The Princess Bride' scrolled on screen, Derek stretched then stood. "I should head back to the other hotel."

I nodded dejectedly. I was really much more comfortable knowing my Knight was around to protect me, not five miles away.

As usual, he seemed to read my mind. "There's going to be a couple of agents wandering around all night. And I will be back downstairs in the morning. Now, come do the bolt behind me."

As he gathered his hardware from the dresser, I reluctantly got out from under the nice warm blanket and padded across the room. Just as his hand reached for the door a soft but firm knock from the other side caused him to snatch it back.

We shared a look, both clearly surprised by the visitor. Thankfully, Derek was much better at thinking on the fly than I was and he quickly ducked into the bathroom, closing the door just as another knock sounded.

I took a deep breath then reached for the door handle.