The fall leaves crunched under Spencer Reid's worn out Converse sneakers. Normally, the sound of this would bring a smile to his face. There was nothing Spencer loved more than the month of October. The changing leaves, the colder weather, Halloween nearly here. It had always been his favorite time of year.

This year was different. This year had broken him down to nothing but a hollow shell. He felt almost robotic. Existing, not living. He made his way through his days on automatic with little to no happiness inside.

He tried therapy in the beginning, but it didn't make a difference. He considered using again, but that just seemed like a hassle and anything that included effort was not in the cards. So, he just turned himself off. He did his job and at the end of the day, he'd go home, eat and sleep. There was no more mingling or get togethers. He stopped making excuses as to why he couldn't hang out and eventually, they stopped asking.

He stepped into the building, mindlessly wandered to the elevator, pressed the same button he had for 15 years, and waited to reach his floor. He sipped his coffee on the way to his desk, where he placed his bag on the floor and plopped carelessly into his chair.

"Morning," Luke offered.

Spencer glanced up and gave him a nod. This was the usual ritual. Matt backed off of the morning greetings, sensing Spencer's desire to be left alone. Luke, however, was a lot like Morgan. He tried constantly throughout the day to engage Spencer into conversations. The only reason it didn't anger Spencer was the fact that it never seemed to hurt Luke that Spencer didn't respond. It was like he tossed the offer out there, but never expected it to be returned.

"Heads up, Emily wants us in the conference room in 30 minutes," Luke said before returning to his computer.

See? Never expected a response. Spencer took a sip of his coffee and looked up at Emily's office, curious to what the meeting might be about.

(xxxxx)

A young brunette stepped off the elevator and looked at the paper in her hand one more time. Not that she would forget what it said. It was more out of nervousness. She looked up and glanced down the hallways and then at the glass door.

She heard the sound of heels clicking on the tiled floors. She looked toward the sound and saw a woman in an extremely bright floral dress scurrying in her direction. She was reading a folder in her hands as she veered toward the glass doors.

"Um, excuse me, Ma'am?"

The blonde woman halted and turned with a charming smile as bright as her wardrobe.

"Ma'am? You're cute. No, I go by amazing, wonderful, your highness, but never ma'am. What can I do for you?"

"I'm looking for the BAU Unit Chief, Emily Prentiss?"

"Emily, yes, I'll take you to her. Follow me," the woman said as she led the way through the doors. "I'm Penelope, by the way. BAU tech goddess."

She held out her free hand.

"Danielle," the girl said shaking her hand while still walking.

"You joining the team?" Penelope asked as they made their way up the ramp.

"Temporarily," Danielle replied.

"That's great! Welcome to the team," Penelope said happily. "And here is where I leave you. I look forward to getting to know you better. I see girl's night in our future."

With that, Penelope walked off in the direction they had come from, leaving Danielle standing in front of a wooden door that had a plaque on it with the name Emily Prentiss. She knocked on the door and heard a voice call out 'come in'. She turned the knob and stepped into the office.

(xxxxx)

Spencer sat down next to J.J. who offered him a small smile that he returned out of obligation. He played with his Styrofoam coffee cup as he waited for the meeting to begin. Emily walked into the room with Penelope and a young woman following close behind.

He didn't recognize her from around the office. She was wearing gray dress pants with a black sleeveless blouse. Her hair reached below her shoulder blades and she wore a hint of makeup. Clearly, she was here for professional reasons. He snapped his gaze to Emily when the woman's eyes caught him.

"I had hoped we'd have more time than this, but Garcia just informed me we have a case in Florida," Emily began as a low groan echoed around the room. "I know, our favorite place. Anyway, as you know we are down two agents at the moment."

Tara had been offered an amazing opportunity to teach a semester at Georgetown and decided to accept. She planned to return after the holidays. Rossi had published another book and decided to take a much-needed break from the action and go on a book signing tour. Krystal was thrilled, though she had hoped he would've chosen to retire rather than take a hiatus.

"So, I made a few calls and would like to welcome the newest member of our team, Danielle Goren," Emily introduced.

"Goren? Any relation to Detective Robert Goren?" Matt piped in.

Danielle nodded a little shyly. "Yeah, that's my father. You know him?"

"I worked a case with him briefly a few years ago in New York. He still working there?"

"Yeah, he's still there. You obviously know my mom as well then, Alex Eames?"

"Absolutely, she is wonderful. I didn't realize they were married," Matt said thoroughly impressed.

"Mom kept her name to avoid any unnecessary drama surrounding their relationship," Danielle explained.

"Makes sense, well tell them I said hi, oh wait, I'm Matt Simmons by the way," he said reaching out to shake her hand.

"Nice to meet you Matt," Danielle replied.

Emily cleared her throat and gave an apologetic smile.

"We have to save the pleasantries for later. Right now, we need to get started on this case," she said as Penelope handed a folder to Danielle and one to Spencer.

"I'll have a tablet for you by the next case," Penelope said before stepping up to her board. "This is Maya Townsend three weeks ago. She was found by a hunter in the woods with more than 50 stab wounds to her body. She was only 15 years old."

"That's a lot of rage," Luke stated with surprise.

Danielle looked at the photos in her folder, listening closely.

"Yesterday, Nicole Rouche was found floating in a river. She also is 15 years old, and the kicker? Maya Townsend was one of her best friends."

"Wow, so clearly this is someone they know," J.J. said as she studied the photos.

"It appears that way," Penelope agreed.

"Do they have any idea how Nicole passed?" Luke asked.

"Not at the moment. The ME has yet to send over that information, but as soon as it comes in, I will send your way."

"This is obviously personal and there may be others at risk. We need to get there as quick as possible. Wheels up in 20," Emily said as everybody gathered their items and jumped into action.

Danielle nervously stood up and grabbed her folder, unsure what to do at this point. She saw a tiny blonde woman walking toward her with a smile.

"Not the greatest way to start your day," she said.

"Not really," Danielle giggled.

"Stick with me. I'll help get you settled in. I'm Jennifer, but everyone calls me J.J.," she introduced as they shook hands.

(xxxxx)

"Whoa, you have a private jet? I just assumed we all squashed into whatever airplane was leaving for Florida," Danielle said in awe as she followed J.J. up the stairs of the plane.

"That should be the case, but somehow Gideon and Rossi managed to convince the bureau to allow them to invest in a jet that would help save lives faster."

"Makes sense."

The girls climbed onboard, found their seats at a table, and before long they were up in the air. After going over some more theories and ideas, everyone broke off to do their own thing. J.J. decided to pull out a book to read, Emily was in the back of the plane with a stack of papers. Matt and Luke had gone off to the kitchen to make coffee and dig up some snacks. Spencer settled into a far corner, staring out the window.

Danielle looked in his direction. He was very quiet compared to the others. In fact, he was the only one she still hadn't been formally introduced to. He seemed … sad. Maybe today was just an off day for him. It wouldn't be right to make a judgement on the first meeting. She grew up in this world of horror, she knew what it could do to someone's soul.

For now, she would let it be. In time she would get to know him better. No need to rush it. She grabbed her bag and pulled out a puzzle book. She stole a glance at him one more time before focusing on the crossword in front of her.

(xxxxx)

"Reid, take Danielle with you to interview Sasha. See if there's anything she might have left out or forgot since speaking with police."

Spencer grabbed his bag, quietly stood and headed out of the station. Danielle had to trot to keep up with his long legs. The drive was awkward with silence and no music on the radio. Spencer kept his eyes on the road, making no sign of striking up a conversation.

"Um, I noticed that people call you Reid and Spencer, do you … have a preference?" she asked timidly.

"No, either is fine," he replied.

"You can call me Danielle or Dani. I don't think I'd like to be called by my last name," she said after a beat.

"Noted."

Danielle swallowed the lump in her throat. This guy really couldn't make things anymore uncomfortable if he tried. How is he an agent? He barely utters two syllables. She turned toward the window and stared at the scenery flying by. She couldn't have been happier to arrive at the home of Sasha Morris.

Once they were settled inside the living room, Sasha and her mother, Connie sat down across from them. Both, Sasha and Connie, looked as though they hadn't slept in days. Danielle looked to Spencer, unsure where to begin.

"Sasha, I know this is difficult to keep reliving, but would you mind going over a few things with us? Just in case, there is anything that we might have missed?" Spencer said softly.

His entire change in demeanor caught Danielle off-guard. He went from this quiet, apathetic person to a confident, caring man. His face was softer, and his body language was inviting. It was very confusing to her.

"Sure, I don't know what else I can say but I'll try," the girl said sadly.

"When was the last time you saw Nicole?"

"The day before …" she said as her lip trembled and her eyes watered. Spencer nodded his understanding, allowing her to skip the word. "She came over to swim."

"Did she say anything that seemed off to you?"

"No. It was normal. Just like any time she's over."

"When did she leave your house?" Spencer said.

Danielle noticed he wasn't writing anything down, so she decided to take notes for him. At least, that way she was being helpful.

"She left after dinner," she said looking at her Mom.

"I drove her home. It was around 8 o'clock," Connie confirmed.

"Did you talk to her at all after that?" Spencer asked.

"We texted a little bit that night. Mostly just funny things we found online."

"Nothing after that?"

"No," Sasha sniffled.

Connie grabbed a tissue and handed it to Sasha as she dabbed at her own eyes.

"Agent, is my daughter in danger?" Connie asked as she tried to fight her tears.

"At this time, there is no reason to jump to any conclusions. That being said we suggest that you stay home for the time being. We will provide 24-hour security detail as an extra preventative measure," Spencer explained calmly.

Connie nodded her head and wrapped her arm around her daughter.

"Sasha, you don't have any idea who may be behind this? Any kids at school that maybe have a grudge against your friends? Any boys that the girls recently broke up with?"

Sasha shook her head as she wiped at her eyes.

"No, none of us have boyfriends and we don't have any enemies. We weren't popular or anything, but we weren't like bullied, ya know? We just did our own thing and never bothered anyone, and no one ever bothered us."

Spencer nodded and gave her a gentle smile.

"You've been very helpful," he said. "You're a great friend and I know they would be so proud of you for being so strong."

Sasha wiped at her eyes again as she curled against her mother.

"Please find who did this," Connie whimpered.

"We will. I promise," Spencer assured her.

Back in the car, Spencer drove off and immediately seemed to morph back into the quiet man he had been before. Sasha had so many questions and things she wanted to ask him, but to be honest, she was intimidated by him. She wasn't sure if he would respond kindly or if he would snap at her. After debating, she decided to wait and ask J.J. her questions. That would be safer.

(xxxxx)

A/N: I hope you will enjoy this story. It's something that's been playing in my head for the past few weeks and I'm hoping to make something good out of it.

I did borrow the characters Robert Goren and Alex Eames from Law and Order: Criminal Intent, but that's the only thing borrowed. Their story is AU and they aren't in the story much, which is why I don't want to make it a crossover. Anyway, let me know what you think and thanks for reading! xoxo