Chapter 2
A/N: Obviously I do not own any of the Criminal Minds characters or main storylines, just my OCs.
"Being nervous is not something you should be ashamed of. Nervous means you care, you really want to do well." Paula Creamer
Jade Bennett POV
Running around my chic, but certainly small, DC apartment early on a Monday morning, nervous as I've ever been I manage to glance at my small wooden wall clock and notice I only have 15 minutes before I need to leave. Shit. Were did the time go this morning? I had it planned so much better in my head. I have an interview for THE internship I'll need to finish my Master of Strategic Public Relations degree. Just thinking about how important this is makes me hyperventilate a little bit, chest tightening and breaths coming in rapidly. I sit on the edge of my soft bed, take a few slow and deep meditative breaths and focus. I definitely will not get the internship if I am a hyperventilating mess. 'Get with the program, Jade' I mutter to myself as I get back into my routine.
This is my dream internship too, with the BAU. If it works out, I'll be indebted to Uncle Mike forever since he found out about this opportunity and convinced me to submit my resume. Like I actually needed convincing. Re-focused, I put on my chocolate brown blazer and slip into my matching ballet flats with a small decorative golden buckle just above the pinkie toes. I give myself a once over in the floor-to ceiling mirror, the one indulgence I never expected to like and use as much as I do, tucking a lock of my freshly-straightened, long, honey-blonde hair behind my ear. Taking a second, I admire the golden morning sunlight on my naturally golden hair and how it also catches the subtle golden flecks in my green eyes and manage a smile. Sometimes I forget how pretty the morning sun can be and then I fuss with the bottom button of my dark purple blouse one more time before I turn away from the mirror, its a nervous habit which only becomes worse when the fussing loosens the bottom button hole on all of my shirts. A habit I have been trying to break for many years now. Shaking my head, I force myself to flatten the shirt and fully button the blazer to avoid the temptation.
Satisfied, finally, I head to the 'almost-neat but never messy' kitchen to attempt to eat something healthy and drink my much-needed coffee. I switch on the coffee pot, cursing myself for never remembering to set the automatic timer and dig in the cupboard for a granola bar. Then I pick a cup of peach yogurt out of the fridge and dig in, leaning back on the counter. By the time I am done eating, the coffee is brewed, I pour it and a hefty splash of french vanilla creamer to my favorite travel mug. Picking up my keys and purse, it is finally time to go.
Arriving at the BAU in my trusted and old grey Honda Civic, I take several more slow and deep breaths, flip the visor down and look into the tiny mirror, making eye contact, focusing and calming myself, refusing to allow the nerves to take over. This has been my dream for the last 10 years, ever since I took a tour with Uncle Mike at DIAC (DIA headquarters/ Defense Intelligence Agency Headquarters, one of the many federal agencies) for career day. I had that super nice, inspiring and engaging conversation with their Communication Liaison, Sasha, and never looked back. Instantly hooked, I knew it was my destiny to be just like Sasha. Uncle Mike is my father's oldest brother and he seems much more, as if he is my mentor too, and he has been helping me take all the right steps to achieve my dreams. I vow to ace this interview for not only myself but for Uncle Mike as I flip the visor back into position and open the door of my slightly out of place older car. These agents must be paid very well from the looks of the parking garage. Shiny black and navy luxury sedans and SUVs as far as I can see, with a few flashy sports cars peppered in.
Entering the main entrance door and stepping through the metal detectors, I glance around to take in my surroundings. The large federal office building looks like it was last updated maybe 15 years ago, large, green potted plants line the all glass front wall, very clinical looking white walls and white-marble patterned floor tiles make the lobby look much larger than it is. As I finish my gaze around, I notice all the well-dressed workers power-walking to their destinations, not a single one taking the time to look around them, entirely engrossed and focused on whatever meeting or assignment they are likely late for. A minute goes by and a tall, severe and serious looking, raven-dark haired man approaches me in a very smart and professional navy suit with burgundy tie and shiny black oxford shoes. He looks stern, serious and scowling, as if he has a million thoughts on his mind and not a single one of them are pleasant. I wonder if the crease on his brow ever eases. He has what appears to be the start of laugh lines around the edge of his eyes, at the corner of his close lipped smile, but I cannot imagine this man ever cracking into a true smile or laugh.
"Miss Jade Bennett?" The man states more than asks, once he walks into a comfortable distance from me. His calculating brown eyes look me once over, in a professional, calculating and careful manor. He extends his right hand to me, the crease easing a bit and the brown eyes softening.
"Yes, I'm Jade" I manage to say, shaking his hand. Calloused and worn blisters scrape against my softer palm and he firmly shakes it in greeting.
"Good, nice to meet you. I am Aaron Hotchner, Unit Chief and Supervisory Special Agent of the BAU. Kindly, follow me to the conference room where I will be conducting the interview." Aaron turns and briskly walks back the way he came, the crowd almost parting around him and avoiding him instinctually.
Is he the boss to everyone here or just the BAU? Is he someone to be afraid of or intimidated by? I can easily see how one could be intimidated by this stern and solemn man. Great, make me more nervous. Is this a tactic they use? See what candidates can make it into the conference room without suffering a breakdown and hire the one who does? I nearly have to jog to keep up with the tall and lean man as he strides quickly across the lobby and to the far right elevator bank. Silently we ride up to the third floor of the J Edgar Hoover building and I redo the meditative and calming ritual. I try hard to not to fuss with my blazer too much under the unnerving stare of Aaron Hotchner. Thankfully, it was a quick ride in the elevator and the doors open into a short hallway which leads to a large open office or bullpen area.
Aaron swiftly leads me through the bullpen and up the short flight of stairs in the back of the room, nodding a curt greeting to the people he walks past. Again, I nearly have to jog to keep up with Aaron as he leads me down the hall at the top of those stairs and into the modest conference room. I am so very glad I chose the ballet flats instead of sky high spiky high heels this morning. He offers me a chair which I gracefully accept, trying to hide being slightly out of breath. He walks around the conference table and sits opposite me, placing a file folder and yellow notepad on the table between us and pulling his stylish and fancy ballpoint pen from the inside pocket of his navy suit jacket.
He begins the interview with a brief overview of the job expectations of a Media and Communications Liaison Intern, the length of the internship and how it would work with the final semester of my graduate program at George Washington University. Traditionally the semester wraps in May and then the internships run from mid-May through the end of July with the graduate candidates receiving their diplomas in August, however the BAU would be utilizing the chosen intern position from mid-March through mid-July, with allowances for school projects and final exams week. I had already knew this from Uncle Mike, but I nod anyway, thankful for the confirmation. Then he begins asking about my high school and undergraduate projects listed on the resume, asking me to describe what makes me so interested in the BAU, and how I managed to earn 2 bachelors degrees in 5 years.
Taking a steadying breath, I tell Aaron Hotchner, who appears to be the stern and serious man I first assessed him as, and who seems to only wear one expression, surly and scowling, about my high school and college life, the experiences he inquired. I explain how I had the opportunity to see what a Communication Liaison does when I was a teen and how it has driven my entire life thus far. Hopefully my nerves don't come through as I talk, trying to sell myself and represent the qualities I saw in Sasha those years ago. It almost feels like he is interrogating me not interviewing me, which makes sense considering how he interrogates so many suspects. As I answer all the questions, I realize the rattling noise I heard earlier is actually my left foot jangling and tapping against the leg of the conference table. I stop, uncross my legs, take a breath and continue, blushing slightly, feeling the blood heat my cheeks. Next, he asks me about how I would handle various situations. I think carefully a moment before answering each question, thinking back on what Uncle Mike told me about field work and how to work best under pressure. Remembering how nervous I'd feel on the college TV station once a week for the 10 minute spot I had on "Local politics and political stardom" no matter how much I'd prepare and the only times I wouldn't feel nervous is when I had convinced one of my friends to stand with me during the spot and I'd "interview" her.
As I answer, I make sure to keep eye contact with Aaron, even if he seems to never blink his dark brown, nearly black, eyes. I straighten my shoulders and begin to feel comfortable with his interview style and realize it is more of an assessment to join his team rather than a difficult test set to break me. He is interrogating me because this is not another school project, this is the federal government and I will have to be the best if I want to keep up with the agents and do my job properly, keeping them safe and saving innocent lives. Occasionally throughout the interview, Aaron looks down to the file or jots a few words onto his notepad as I answer, writing my words or his own assessment. It appears he has a very small, neat and concise penmanship, exactly what I expect from a man such as Aaron Hotchner, Unit Chief of the BAUs greatest team.
Following some of the more difficult questions about the BAU, the door cracks open and another man, a middle aged Hispanic man with graying hair at his temples pokes his head in.
"Are you ready Aaron?"
"Yes, Mateo. Come on in. This is Miss Jade Bennett and I was nearly through my portion of the interview." Aaron stands, and gestures to me as I also stand. Apparently this man is also important within the BAU or maybe within the entire FBI. He certainly looks like a respected, professional federal agent, more so than the severe Aaron. How intimidating can these men be, no wonder they catch so many criminals. I'd melt into a puddle the moment these men began interrogating me, telling them literally my entire life story just to get the intimidating stares to stop.
"Nice to meet you, Miss Bennett. I am BAU Section Chief Mateo Cruz. Please, pardon my interrupting, but I do have a few questions for you myself." He extends his hand for a brief, but still very firm, handshake. His hand was not nearly as calloused as Aaron's. He must be more accustomed to desk work and the office life of a man in charge. His pressed and tailored suit certainly affirm this assessment. Not a wrinkle or misplaced hair to be seen on this man.
"Likewise, very nice to meet you." I say as the three of us sit down, Mateo taking the seat next to Aaron. I shift slightly as I sit in my chair to face Mateo more directly.
"Miss Bennett, how likely would it be for you to pursue formal employment within the BAU after your graduation from your MPS program?"
"If offered the position, I would most assuredly accept. It has been my dream for nearly half my life to work for the bureau and the BAU."
"Very well. To become a full member of the BAU post-graduation, you would have to complete the FBI special agent training program at the FBI Academy in Quantico. Were you aware of this requirement?"
"I was aware of this requirement, and have already applied to the Academy class set to start in August, if the internship goes well and is as fulfilling as I hope and dream."
"Good. Are you comfortable with traveling across the country, if need be, to be with your team? Would you be fine with leaving DC for a week at a time, very rarely longer, to complete a case?" Cruz seems impressed with my initiative and foresight, the ability to plan ahead. His shoulders ease a bit as does the slight scowl and bunching of his eyebrows. Clearly, Mateo has a much easier and relaxed posture than Aaron.
"Yes, I am very comfortable with traveling and if it helps complete the case more quickly and efficiently for me to travel with them, of course I would go. I am young, I love to travel and don't really have any reason to be in one place yet. No family of my own. My parents live in Hagerstown so I don't see them too frequently as it is."
"One last question I have, Miss Bennett. Why do YOU think you are qualified to join the BAU as Media and Communication Liaison?"
"Mr. Cruz, like I already mentioned before, this has been my absolute dream for 10 years. In school I participated in the school newspaper, journalism club and various theater productions. In college I also wrote for the paper, had a weekly spot on the college television channel and of course both of my degrees prepared me for this line of work. I like to challenge myself and always strive to do better and keep on improving. I have 2 bachelors degrees and nearly have my Masters degree and I am only 24 years old. I have kept my cool the entire interview and haven't even flinched when two men double my age have been staring me down for almost an hour now. I feel like I have spent 10 years to get to this exact point today and everything I have done qualifies me to join the BAU."
"Thank you, Miss Bennett for your very well thought-out response. I have no further questions for you, but I believe my associate, Agent Hotchner, has a few more things. Again, it was a pleasure to meet you." Mr. Mateo Cruz stands and walks out the door, quickly shutting it behind him.
Aaron Hotchner looks at the door for one moment before turning back to me, preparing his final interview questions.
"You seem very knowledgeable about the BAU and FBI protocol. How have you learned so much? You didn't seem surprised about any of the things Mateo Cruz or myself has mentioned about working at the BAU."
"Yes, I am very knowledgeable. Thank you. I like to be prepared and know what I am walking into whenever possible. Also, my Uncle, Mike Bennett has been helping me prepare for this moment. He works for DIA in the Pentagon office 2D412 and does whatever he can to help me achieve my dreams. He introduced me to the field on a Career Day when I was 14 and the Communication Liaison within his office was my biggest inspiration. He believes in me and has been helping me make the decisions which has led to our meeting today, Mr. Hotchner." I explain, looking him in the eye.
Before answering, Aaron looks down to the yellow notepad and scrawls something, eyebrows furrowing deeper and mouth turning slightly into a frown. "Miss Bennett, I see you are a very driven young woman who knows how to utilize a network and connect with others outside of the bureau."
"Is there a problem with that? You look like you've just had some very bad news."
"No, Miss Bennett, quite the opposite. I am impressed, not many people outside of the profilers I work with have ever picked up on my micro-expressions and subtle body language."
"Subtle, sir?"
Aaron smiles a nearly imperceptible little smirk which brightens his face and completely erases the brow crease, and swiftly writes something else on the bottom of his yellow notepad and deftly lays the fancy pen across it before the smirk fades, "Thank you very much Jade. We will be in touch." Aaron raises again, sliding his seat under the conference table. His scowl has returned in full force and he is back to as intimidating as when the crowds parted in the entrance lobby.
I stand back up and do the same before extending my hand to the gentleman again. "You're welcome, Agent Hotchner. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and I look forward to hearing from you soon." Aaron guides me back through the office and down to the entrance lobby where he bids me farewell and wishes me luck.
Aaron Hotchner POV
As this young lady answers my questions and squares up, ready for anything and never faltering a moment, she already feels like an equal, a team member. When she doesn't balk at Mateo or I staring her down, I get the sense this young lady has more to tell us than what is written on the resume. I am entirely impressed by Jade Bennett. After Mateo leaves, I ask her a few unplanned questions. When Jade Bennett mentions having a relative in the federal government, in the D ring of the Pentagon nonetheless, I find a new respect for the girl. She has a great asset, she clearly understands what a help it can be to her career, yet she would not have mentioned having an inside scoop if I wouldn't have asked. Humble. I can tell she will work for every inch, every achievement and accolade, only relying on herself. She realizes she was given a step up, but now that she is here, Jade is ready to take the world by storm.
When she notices me scrawling the name of her uncle down to mention to Rossi at the right moment, and notices my slight change of posture, she incorrectly guesses I am upset at her. But she did notice, which is worlds better than most people who have just met me. If she doesn't work out as the Media and Communication Liaison, she might make a good profiler. Just needs to hone that instinct and quick wit. I definitely move her to the top of the list. Out of the four candidates I have interviewed, she is the only one to make me crack a smile. The only one who didn't quake and break into a sweat when Mateo entered the room to the end of the interview. I will certainly recommend her for the highest honors at the FBI Academy, as well as warning my few friends down in Quantico. She has a determined spirit that would most likely be handful when attempting to train her. I wonder if my team will be able to handle her.
After I watch her confidently walk out the door and safely make it into parking, I head to Cruz' office in order to start the paperwork to formally offer the intern position to one Jade Bennett.
"Hotch, what took you so long? As soon as I returned to my office I got the papers started. I have Garcia calling her references." Cruz says as a greeting as I shut his office door. He already has the necessary papers extended to me, open grin on his face and two whiskey glasses with about one fingers worth of amber liquid already waiting for us.
"I thought we were going to be doing this by the book." I reply, straightening my tie before I collect the papers and head on my way to Garcia's technology den. The drinks can wait until Jade accepts the offer she likely does not know is on her way. It looks like wunderkind Spencer has a run for his money.
Jade Bennett POV
It has been 2 days. Two-flippin forever-days that seem to stretch into weeks. Surely the FBI would have replied by now, I think to myself as I flop onto my coral, yellow and white striped comforter atop my bed. I just got back from my Wednesday afternoon classes and have nothing to do but wait until the FBI replies to the offer. My instructors all suggested we apply to several internships, in case our ideal one does not accept us. Not me, I have no backup, no fail safe. It is either this miraculous position with the BAU, or I do not finish my Masters program. My last 10 years have been a waste. I check my phone for new emails and missed calls. There it is.
One unread email.
From. The. FBI.
Either they finally caught onto the weed I bought on a whimsical impulse during freshmen year of college, or I got the internship.
Taking 3 deep, calming and meditative breaths, like Ant the Yoga Instructor advised, I close my eyes. I breathe deep and feel my heart rate slow. Centered, I open them and tap on the screen to open the email.
"YES!" I shout to myself, or whomever neighbors unfortunately overhear me. I got the internship! I jump up, kick off my hunter green velvet ballet flats and do a little happy dance, writhing and hopping about my apartment. The sun shines brighter, the gray clouds of a late winter storm clear and its like the heavens are celebrating with me.
Immediately I dial Jenna, my best friend, and squeal all the good news to her. We share a few minutes of extreme excitement and joy, she is definitely very supportive of me and knows how excited I am for my dream to come true. I make plans to meet her Friday night for tacos and margaritas at our favorite spot, just down the street from my apartment in Bethesda. She is immensely happy for me, but has to get ready for her late shift at the children's hospital.
My first two days at the BAU fly by. The first day was a bit overwhelming to say the least. I had my official FBI name badge and ID made with the IT department, I met the team, filled out the Internship Agreement, the full tour and all of the expectations were formally explained to me. I don't think it fully set in as I was basking in the joy of my dream come to life, finally. The BAU team was exceptionally nice and friendly. It took me an embarrassingly long time to remember everyone's names and what their specific titles were, it didn't help that most of the team had a nickname and the rest went by their last names. I'm not entirely certain I got the names down by the time I left Friday afternoon.
Mostly, during the first 2 days, I worked with Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner, Penelope Garcia and Jennifer "JJ" Jareau who are everything I could ask for in mentors and team members. Helpful, honest and inspiring in every way.
I never realized how much paper work was involved in becoming a federal worker. Not just the background checks, I expected that, but all the redundant paperwork that could easily be an email or a form filled on the computer and then possibly printed for a backup hard copy. I mentioned so much to Garcia and JJ the one day and they simultaneously rolled their eyes and patted my shoulders, saying something along the line of "Bureaucracy cannot survive without every form in triplicate."
In the few moments I was not working on ever more familiar paperwork, Alex Blake and Spencer Reid were my go-to people for non-work related chatter. Alex Blake is a part-time lecturer at a few universities as well as one of the most-respected linguists in America, and Spencer Reid is a genius. Only a few years older than myself, he has so much more knowledge and experience, I am constantly in awe. He has enough degrees himself to wallpaper my entire apartment. I don't think he realizes how much he has accomplished thus far and how far he can exceed most people without trying. I wish I didn't have to try so very hard to just barely get A's on assignments. I've taken my lunches with these two both days this week and it seems like the three of us have become fast friends.
JJ and Garcia seem to know all of the team, and the entire bureaus, gossip and I cannot figure out how they know it all so fast and can remember all the intricate details. They are more than willing to welcome me into their gossip circle and if there is ever a minute of rest between all the various items they are training me on, they gossip and chat like they have been best friends for years, in fact, like we have all been in a clique for decades. I know JJ is only a few years older than myself as well, and she previously held my position, but she seems as integral to the BAU and their department in the J. Edgar Hoover building as the walls themselves. When we are working, both girls are so willing to help me with any questions I have or provide a little clarification when Aaron's descriptions are somewhat lacking.
On the start of day 2, Hotch seems pleased with how far I have come and how comfortable I seem to be within the team. He did offer a brief grin to me when he swooped past to a meeting with a few of the BAU. His stern and serious face seems to relax somewhat and the brow crease seems to even out a tad. His shoulders, within a black suit today, seem to be just as rigid at the day of my interview. Maybe he does just carry the weight of the entire BAU on his shoulders. Friday is a paperwork day, as JJ calls it, and I mingle about the department, having short conversations so I can get to meet the team I am meant to represent for the next 4 months.
Obviously I get along best with JJ, Garcia, as well as Blake and Reid. For some reason I just click with them. Hotch, while a great boss, seems to have a wall up between us. Maybe he is just that, strictly professional. Work at work and friendship can be had after hours. Uncle Mike has certainly described and introduced me to enough DIA workers who behave just like that, so it wouldn't surprise me.
David Rossi and Derek Morgan, however, seem distant for some reason or another. I can't quite verbalize it, but there is something about each of these men that just gives me pause. There is no natural friendship with them, no easy chatter and welcoming me in like an old friend. I realize both men intimidate me, but for very different reasons. Rossi is an older, much more experienced agent with very high expectations. He looks like he is used to tailored suits, monogrammed towels, cigars, fine wine, Scotch and probably several assistants, maids or housekeepers. Definitely not the simple life I am used to where each member of the household is expected to pull our own weight. Morgan, on the other hand, is intimidating for a wholly other reason. He exudes an aura of self-assurance and swagger. He is a very attractive man and has a stare that seems to sear through whatever blouse, cardigan or blazer I am wearing and delves deep, directly into my soul. I get the impression women never tell him no, for a plethora of reasons, and all of which give me reason to keep a distance.
My second week as the Intern has the BAU leaving in the predawn hours of Tuesday morning for a case. Garcia and I stay behind to work the desk and she continues teaching me how exactly the BAU utilizes a Media and Communication Liaison. I basically set up shop in Garcia's office/technology den and we gossip while she whizzes through so many computer systems and programs I still haven't processed what all she is able to do. I'm pretty good with technology, but she has honed her skill into an art form.
The first time Morgan called Garcia for assistance on looking up background dirt on several suspects and narrowing the pool, I blushed and had to hold in my shocked and uncomfortable giggle. Maybe I was wrong about the confident, ambitious, intense and handsome agent, maybe he is not as imposing as I thought. The way Garcia and he bantered like they were an item had me asking, which Garcia immediately shut down. Not in the elementary school way, not like she was hiding a secret tryst between coworkers, but in the unquestioning way where it was absolutely clear they were platonic friends who utilize flirtation as a way to deflect some of the serious and disturbing nature of their jobs. Our jobs, I suppose. One day Garcia, dressed in a black 50's style dress with bright pink polka dots, an orange cardigan and hot pink flats, took me to the absolute best Bistro near the J Edgar Hoover building and treated me to great cappuccinos and craft paninis. I got the chicken and pesto, Garcia got the avocado, tomato and bacon panini. Both were to-die-for. I will definitely add this place to my favorites list. Despite being dressed like she wanted to stand out, Garcia received very few looks from people as we walked to and from the bistro and absolutely no one paid her a second glance within the bureau. I'd love to have her level of confidence and self-assurance. She knows her look and rocks it without hesitation or fear of judgment.
After lunch, just before the team returns from their case, I share my observation "Garcia, I love you and I am super grateful for the lunch you bought us, but I don't know if I'll ever get used to your fashion choices."
She simply laughs and pulls me in for a tight, over enthusiastic hug. She gifts me her purple pen with the big fluffy pom-pom at the end as a reminder that "we all have a weird flag, never be afraid to let it fly, Jade."
"Death will be a great relief. No more interviews." Katharine Hepburn
