I passed.
The 12 weeks were over. I had to schedule a meeting with the man who had hired me to let me know where they would find me most useful to the taskforce.
The test had been on a Wednesday and the interview/meeting/rest-of-my-life was scheduled for Friday afternoon.
When I walked in on Thursday, my official last day as an FBI Detective, McCord wanted to talk to me.
"I've been asked to make a recommendation for you."
"My placement?" I asked.
She nodded. "I want you stay on our team, both you and Taegan, here in DC, but I only want to make that recommendation if that's what you want."
I thought about it. I imagined telling McCord I wanted to stay and then I dreaded the way Rick and I would have to deal with more time a part. I was missing the lives of everyone I loved.
I loved the dynamic on this team. I had gotten to know everyone, but I missed my family more than I wanted to stay. I had finally admitted it to myself, but I hadn't said it out loud.
"If I'm being perfectly honest I don't think I could stay. You guys are great and DC is great, but I can't be away from my family any longer and they can't just pick up and join me in DC. I don't want to leave the team, but…"
She nodded. "Thanks for letting me know."
We managed to solve one more case before Taegan and I got ready to go.
The next morning we were both in the office we had originally interviewed in.
Taegan went in first and came out completely thrilled. "I'm still in DC. I don't have to pick up and move again."
I smiled happy for her. "That's great."
"Det. Beckett." They called.
I took a deep breath.
"Good luck." She said. I went in and the secretary closed the door.
The man stood up and shook my hand. He reached into a drawer and handed me my FBI badge. "Congratulations Agent Beckett."
I starred at it. "Thank you, sir."
He gestured for me to sit down.
I shook my head politely. "I don't think I could."
He nodded understanding. He remained standing as well.
"I got an interesting recommendation from your team."
"Interesting, sir?"
"They all expressed that they wanted you stay, but recommended that you go."
I smiled at that.
"They were very specific too. New York, why would they say that?"
I looked down at my shoes and then looked him in the eyes. "My family is in New York."
He nodded. "I want you here in DC."
My heart felt like it was free falling and not in the good way.
Although I felt like I was spiraling from my disappointment my response was very calculated.
"I didn't come in with the intent on saying this sir, but if I can't go back to New York than I'm out."
His eyebrows rose considerably high. "Is that so?"
I nodded, not trusting my voice at that moment.
"I don't have a position for you in New York."
I nodded and went to hand him back the badge I had worked so hard for. These past 12 weeks felt like they'd been for nothing.
He didn't reach out to take it from me though. "Sir?"
"I would hope that you change your mind and take the position in DC. However, if that is your decision than I will offer you this. You can remain an active agent of the FBI, as a consultant. It's a waste of your talent, but would allow us to use you as a resource if you're willing to visit DC on occasion."
A slow smile spread across my face. It was impossible to remain serious even when I tried. "Are you sure?"
"You should probably go before I change my mind."
I nodded, "Thank you sir." I left without having to be asked again.
I was surprised I hadn't danced out of his office.
Taegan was still there when I came out. When she saw my expression she smiled with me. She knew I'd be leaving, but she was okay with that. I explained to her how I'd still be seeing her in the future and she cheered up considerably, nothing could get her down for long.
When we left the building we awkwardly turned towards each other unsure of how to say goodbye.
She was stunned when I went in for the hug. "Be seeing you."
She nodded and we parted ways getting into different cabs.
I'd get to go home, I was FBI, and I was engaged to the love of my life.
I had it all. As I was dialing Rick to tell him the good news my face fell slightly. What was I going to do all day? Rick would be writing and I'd… The FBI job would only be once in awhile.
I had a new task to accomplish. I needed my old job back. Facing everyone I left behind was going to be the hardest thing I ever had to do and I knew I had to.
It was time to make things right.
A/N: "They are just getting started!"