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A/n hello all. Here is my Halloween offering. This is a crossover of Criminal Minds and Moonlight. It takes place between the end of Season Three of Criminal Minds and Th finale of Moonlight. The story is a three-part tale and is not case-heavy.

The day seemed never-ending to Dr. Spencer Reid. He hated days filled with paperwork and consults, especially after the events in New York. Months had passed, and every day he had to witness the growth of JJ's pregnancy and push down the hurt that finally appeared to lessen in the last couple of weeks.

At least he hadn't seen JJ all day. She'd stayed in her office, and that was fine with him. He could think about his upcoming three-day weekend and the trip he had planned to get away from the office and the team.

A half-hour later, Morgan swaggered over to Reid's desk and put his phone in front of his young partner. Reid sighed, glanced at the news feed with a prominent headline, and looked up at his smirking friend.

"What?"

"I see that Lila Archer's first film's premiering tomorrow night," Morgan said.

"So."

"So – are you going to see it?"

Reid stared Morgan directly in the eyes and said. "Yes."

Morgan's grin widened. "Well, I'm surprised you'd admit it to me."

"Why not. It's a horror movie. It's October and – I received a personal invitation. Why not go to the premiere?"

"Woah," Morgan wagged a finger his Reid's direction. "I meant here in the theater. What do you mean?"

"The premiere – in LA," Reid said and shook his head. "You sure you're okay?"

"Reid." Morgan began, and he wasn't smiling now. "I am not losing my mind."

"I didn't say that," Reid said and got to his feet.

"Yes, you did, you said – wait – stop trying to distract me. How did you get tickets for the premiere?"

"One ticket," Reid held up a finger. "Lila invited me, and I said yes."

"My man!"

Morgan's smile returned, and this time Emily noticed when she returned from the break room with a new cup of coffee.

"Why are you so happy?" She asked irritably.

"Pretty boy's got himself an invitation to the world premiere of "Room of Darkness."

"Oh, the new Lila Archer movie," JJ said as she entered the bullpen.

Reid glanced at her and then picked up his messenger and go bags. "Yes," he said and ducked past Morgan. "Gotta go, or I'll miss my flight. See you guys in a few days."

"Spence, wait," JJ called after him, but he hurried away to the elevator.

"What is going on," JJ and Emily said together.

Morgan shrugged. "Sit down, and I'll explain it."

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Reid felt ridiculous as his cab pulled to the curb, and he joined the crowds of people waiting for the stars of the film to arrive at the theater. Night had fallen, and coupled with the noise of the group and spotlights reaching up to the sky made him as anxious as if he'd confronted a dangerous unsub holding a bus full of innocent people hostage.

Someone bumped into him as the cacophony of voices rose, and cameras flashes began to go off. He heard people calling the name of the male lead actor. They screamed and jostled each other until Reid was seriously considering pushing his way out of the crowd.

Then the level changed as another long black limo pulled up to the red carpet and – yes, it was Lila Archer stepping out of the car. She smiled, and Reid's heart began to thump in his chest as he watched her wave and pose for pictures.

He didn't attempt to call out to her, as did the crowd. Getting her attention was impossible. However, a man with dark hair and a tuxedo approached him.

"Are you Dr. Spencer Reid?"

"Yes," Reid shouted and reached for his badge.

The man nodded and went back to the red carpet. He approached Lila and spoke to her. Lila turned in Reid's direction and smiled as she noticed where the man pointed. After signing a few autographs, she hurried over and took Reid's arm and pulled him onto the red carpet.

"Spencer," Lila yelled over the crowd. "You look great."

Spencer wore a rented tuxedo. His shoes were new and highly polished. No one could see that he wore mismatched socks unless he sat. His long, wavy golden-brown hair fell almost to his shoulders. His brown eyes blinked against the flashes of cameras while he took in Lila and her dress for the party.

"Thanks. You look beautiful."

Lila still had long golden hair, but that night she'd twisted it into an elaborate updo with spiral curls framing her face. Her lips were scarlet, which matched her dress and shoes. She carried a matching handbag and wore diamonds around her neck and on her ears and fingers. She looked like the starlet she was, and his heart jumped into his throat to see her smiling at him.

Flashbulbs went off so fast, Reid couldn't see. "Lila, I can't – "

Lila turned and motioned to the dark-haired man, who began to tell people to back off. Lila offered her arm to Reid and steered them toward the theater doors. She walked fast despite her spike heels, and Reid kept up because getting away from the tumult of the crowd and the cameras meant his sanity.

As soon as they stepped inside the theater, the racket from outside cut off. "I'm sorry, Spencer. I shouldn't have let you make your way here alone."

"You wanted me to arrive in your limo. It would've been worse. I'm not a movie star."

"You'll be on the front page of the local paper tomorrow," Lila said. "I'm sorry about that. I'm glad you're here, Spencer. I've missed you."

"Miss Archer," said a small woman with auburn hair and a black dress. "Your seats are ready."

"Come on. Let's get up to the balcony before security lets the crowd inside, and then we'll talk." Lila said.

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"Well, that was interesting, Mike. I wonder who he is?" Beth Turner said to her new cameraman as she watched Lila Archer and her mystery man climb into a waiting limo after the premiere.

"No clue," Mike said. "However, I might be new to this partnership," he grinned when Beth rolled her eyes. "But, I already see the light of the chase in your eyes. You smell a story."

"Oh yeah."

"Aren't you glad you were stuck with – what did you call this assignment – a fluff story that 's a waste of your considerable talents as a serious journalist."

"Ha! I was right. It is a puff piece, but a new man in Lila Archer's life adds an interesting angle. Also, I think I recognize that guy from somewhere. I wish I could remember where I've seen him. He has a face you don't forget."

"See something you like, Beth. I thought you and Mick St. John had a thing."

"That's classy, Mike. Yes, Mick and I are together, but that doesn't mean I'm blind."

Mike snickered and said. "So, what is your next move."

"Well, the new guy's got a familiar face, so I'm going to check the news archives."

"Sounds boring," Mike said with a shudder.

"Gotta do the leg work. It might take me a while. Why don't you take some time? I'll call you if something hits."

"You got it," Mike said and hurried off to the Buzzwire News van.

Beth stood staring at the emptying theater and thinking about the film and Lila Archer. She sighed and said to herself. "Stop staring and get to work, Beth."

"Talking to yourself," asked a familiar voice.

Beth jerked in surprise and turned to see Mick standing there with a smirk on his face. "Why are you sneaking around, Mick?"

"Because it's fun. Also, I thought you might like the company. I missed you today."

Beth stood up on her toes and kissed Mick. He enfolded her in his arms and said. "Wanna go back to my place?"

"Can't. Lila Archer showed up alone but then picked a man out of the crowd and took him into the premiere. Not sure who he is. I know he's not Hollywood. Doesn't have the attitude."

"Hm… Want me to help with some investigating?"

Beth grinned up at Mick. "If it means that I get to spend the night with you, then yes."

"You don't need an excuse, Beth. I love you."

"I love you, too."

"I'm glad to hear it," Mick said and laughed when she smacked his chest. "Come on." He left his arm around her as they walked back to her car.

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As it turned out, Beth didn't need much time to ID Dr. Spencer Reid. She cross-checked her tape from the premiere with her facial recognition software and immediately came up with a hit.

"Hm," Mick said from over her shoulder. "That was way too easy."

"Looks like they've been caught on film once before," Beth said. "Back when Lila had a stalker that killed off anyone that threatened her career. Dr. Spencer Reid was a protection detail from the FBI. Oh, he's a profiler. Now that's interesting."

Beth pulled up more information on SSA Dr. Spencer Reid and frowned. "He was kidnapped last year by a serial kIller and nearly died. And, he was in New York earlier this year to help foil that terrorist attack on the President. It looks like he's helped put away a few winners, including the Tommy Killer, the Hollow Man, and the Millcreek Killer."

"I'm impressed. The article says Dr. Reid killed Tobias Henkel after he made Dr. Reid dig his own grave. I wish I'd had the chance to taste Hankel's blood. He was a monster."

Beth grimaced and turned to him. "I know you only feed on creeps like this, but – sometimes you freak me out when I remember that you could feed on anyone and choose not to."

"Except I fed on you, Beth. Remember?"

"Mick."

"I'll never forgive myself for giving in that day."

"Mick for the hundredth time. You were dying, and I couldn't let that happen. I loved you then, even if I couldn't admit it."

"I know," Mick sighed. "I would've died. I'm glad you stopped me before I took too much. I couldn't continue if I'd killed you."

"Mick, let's talk about the story. Okay."

"You're right," Mick said and smiled at her. His green-brown eyes always made her weak in the knees, so she turned back to her computer.

"So, are we thinking that these two have something going that they've hidden from the press?"

Beth slowly nodded her head. "Could be. Lila's not a major celebrity, but she is on the rise, career-wise. This new movie's going to be a major hit for the Halloween season."

"I thought it was too violent, but the special effects were okay," Mick said.

"How did – never mind. I promised myself I'd stop trying to figure out how you get into places."

"I was curious, and I knew you'd be there on a story. It was worth watching that trash."

Beth smirked and turned back to him. "I keep forgetting that you're ninety and raised in a different time."

"Speaking of time. If we hurry, we can dig up all there is to know about SSA Dr. Spencer Reid and still make the breakfast special at Donny's before the sun comes up."

"If you can find Lila Archer's address, and we can get footage of Dr. Reid coming out of there, I'll pay for your next six-pack of B positive."

"Deal," Mick said. "Guillermo loves dealing with you. He says you smell like spring in Venice."

Beth stopped in the act of getting to her feet. "That's creepy."

"No, it's not. It's a compliment. Springtime in Venice is amazing."

"How would you know?" Beth asked as she rose and grabbed her bag.

"I was there thirty years ago."

Beth studied his face. "I want to hear more about it."

"After we find Lila and Dr. Reid. You get your story, and I get you at my place for the night and maybe for the day."

"More than that. I told my boss I wanted a couple of days off. I have the time, and he owes me for the Bakersfield Slasher story."

"Don't remind me," Mick said, and his eyes began to change to blue before he reigned in his anger.

Beth took his arm. "Come on. Let's not revisit it, okay?"

Mick nodded. "Alright. Let's go do our jobs."