Chapter 14
The team members were talking together in their own little groups and never in her life had Austin felt more like an outsider. The only one besides herself that wasn't caught up in a conversation was Rossi. But even he was wrapped up in something. And that something was watching the others and listening. She hadn't been aware that he was talking to her until she felt very uncomfortable, as if some was watching her. She looked over to her right and Rossi, with a somewhat amused grin, was starring at her. He leaned forward and the chair squeaked in protest. Putting his forearm on the table he leaned closer to Austin sliding his chair in her direction. He spoke clearly and a bit slower than before, as if the confusion was because she couldn't hear him over the chatter, and not because she was caught up in a daydream.
"How are you adjusting to the move to Virginia?" Rossi asked again.
Austin was perplexed by that question. She was only in town three days and she had spent most of that time in this building.
"As a matter of fact, I haven't seen more than the airport, the spare bedroom at Shawna's apartment; excuse me, SSA Flynn's apartment, and the BAU"
Rossi's smile grew wider and he nodded. His smile drooped a bit on one side and Austin wondered what could cause that, a stroke, maybe Bells Palsy. She didn't ask and figured she probably never get an answer to that question. Instead she chose a very different question.
"Aren't you a bit curious about how I ended up here, after I almost was murdered by Robert Parker?"
The room suddenly got eerily silent. Austin smiled and thought they were listening.
Rossi leaned back in the chair and looked at Austin, that silly grin of his never wavering.
"Yes there is that, and the "why this team" and not anywhere else?"
Austin couldn't help but feel a tad bit annoyed. They had pegged her as a man hungry tramp on the prowl, looking to steal another woman's fiancé. She said something she knew she would regret but couldn't stop from saying.
"I came here for Dr. Reid. There isn't any other reason I would up root my life that way, other than to get to know Spencer a little better."
Austin's tone of voice made the smile disappear from Rossi's face.
Emily was looking at her in amazement that this woman could be so bold. From what she remembered about Austin she seemed very sweet. Emily looked over the table, at Julie, she was gripping the pen she held so tightly that her knuckles were turning white. Spencer was starring at Austin, wide eyed and he almost looked terrified.
Julie squeezed Spencer hand, under the table. He looked at her surprised by her strength. "Jewls? Jewls let go." She glanced at him, he had pulled their hands out from under the table and she realized she had a death grip on his fingers. She said, "I'm sorry" and she released his hand. He rubbed his fingers, shaking his hand trying to get the circulation back into it. No one had a chance to reply because Hotch's office door opened and Hotch,
Shawna, and JJ joined the group.