Author's Note:

A lot is on my mind. This story, Profiling Survival, a puppy coming in March, and impending death of a dear relative.

Chapter Four:

Reid

"Mr. Reid," his secretary buzzed. "An Ethan Wray is here."

"Oh? Send him in."

He wondered what Alina's drama teacher was doing here, especially during a school day.

Wray looked slightly sweaty and nervous.

"Mr. Wray, take a seat."

"No, I'm good thank you," he said breathlessly.

"What can I help you with?"

"I did something that will help your kid in the long run, but make things messy in the present."

"Mr. Wray, what are you talking about?"

"I told her we met once before you knew Maddison."

"I remember. How did that 'mess' things up?"

"Your kid has no idea who you used to be, does she? That you were a monster hunter."

"I'd rather she didn't."

"Why not?"

"It got people killed! My best friend maimed. My team disbanded. I was a horrible monster hunter!"

"Look, Alina is caught between two worlds. She can get caught up in her mother's world, or she can forge her own path. Just tell her who you are."

Reid gestured to the office. "This is who I am! And you're overstepping."

"For wanting you to be honest with your kid?"

"I'll tell her everything when I'm ready! You don't get to decide!"

"I remember asking what kind of medicine you specialized in. You smiled politely, and listed your PHDs. That's why I could never forget you. It has to hurt hearing people calling you Mr. Reid."

Reid felt himself blinking rapidly.

"Get out," he whispered.

"Alina is one of my best students. If she is as bright as you, she'll take what I told her and start digging."

"Then maybe I'll pull her out of your school!" he said boldly. "Maybe I'll pull some strings and get her enrolled at a performing arts school in NYC!"

"I call your bluff. Too much money has been sunk into this deal. Your kid is going to be the star of this series."

Reid refused to show any reaction.

"Dr. Reid, I have a theory. I don't know why you quit the FBI. I don't remember the incident. But my theory is, that you don't think you were punished enough for whatever you did. Maddison is your warden. LA is your jail. She dictates your every move, your every choice. You let her, because you hate the idea of being happy, for even a moment."

Reid stared at him.

"Who are you?"

"I'm an acting coach. You're not an actor, you just do and say what people want to see and hear."

Wray checked his watch.

"I need to get going. I'm in enough trouble as it is."

Reid reached for his phone.

"I'll have my driver take you, so you'll miss less class time. We have a deal with metro PD, they don't enforce speed limits, and we pay for new equipment every year."

"You looked like you were ready to hit me a second ago! Why are you helping me?"

Reid sent out messages.

"Because you care about my daughter. You genuinely want what's best for her, even as I don't share your opinion. I can't be mad at you for that."

"Am I allowed to say thanks?"

"You're welcome. Your ride is in the F lot."

Wray, left, and Reid sat back.

"Dad, what do you have a PHD in?" Alina asked over dinner.

"Engineering," he said.

"I found Lana's boob popped and that's why she had surgery, not because of her appendix!" Maddison gushed.

"You'd think she'd get a better job done!" Alina said.

Reid let the conversation change. Maddison had been doing this for so many years, it had stopped bothering him. If only he could get Ethan Wray out of his head.

Alina got up. "Ava will be here soon. I'm looking forward to trying mandala design in the park."

"What about our chess match?"

"I decided, Alina is a little old for father-daughter time. She needs to go out with her friends more."

"Thursday chess matches are our thing. I wanted to see how you use your queen again."

"Alina, it's nice out. Why don't you wait outside?"

As soon as Alina was out of earshot, Reid glared at her.

"Maddison, I don't get to do many things with my daughter. This is one that we both enjoy doing together."

"But it's boring! You don't do anything but stare at the board, without really talking."

"You have mother-daughter yoga every Sunday! Why can't I have a chess match!?"

"You'll do it once a month. Okay? Am I being unreasonable by scaling back an activity you two have been known to play late into the night on a school night?"

Maddison was trying to paint herself as the victim. Reid had lost. Now, he needed to save face.

"I'm sorry dear. It was just sudden. You always know what's best. Just tell me earlier, when you make a change."

"I know, that's on me too. I promise I'll do better."

Reid kissed her lightly on the cheek.

"That's all I needed to hear."

Knowing Maddison was planning a surprise party for Alina, for when the cast sheet was announced tomorrow, Reid went to his study and set up the chess set.

The drama teacher knew him better than anyone in LA. From the open houses, Wray struck Reid as someone used to telling people things they didn't want to hear. He wasn't much happier than Reid in some respects, but he wanted a better life for his students. Ethan Wray was a good teacher.

"The Blumfeld Gambit. Whoever you're playing must be good."

He looked up at Alina.

"My alibi is firmly in place. When my phone goes off, I'll make a grand entrance with mandala designs."

"I don't want you to have to choose between your mother and I."

"I want to play chess," she said and took a seat.

"You shouldn't be lying to your mother."

"We're not like regular families, dad. Besides, I don't appreciate my chess matches being canceled so she could start a fight with you."

"My dear, you truly are caught between two worlds."

"Better than in a hurricane."

They played the game.