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Chapter Eight:

Prentiss wasn't surprised to see Reid at his desk when she arrived.

"While I was enjoying plenty of eggnogs you were busting a sex trafficking ring."

"Morning to you too Emily," he said. "I'm glad you had a nice Christmas."

"I was reading up on your 'extracurriculars.' You saved a student who'd been stabbed, found a man left for dead in a dumpster and revived a man suffering a heart attack on Christmas eve. You also stopped a man from jumping from a hospital parking garage on New Year's Eve."

"You guys have often said I am a trouble magnet."

Prentiss looked at him. "You seem happier."

"I got to see my mom. She didn't know it was me, but she liked our visit."

"It's more than that though."

"I'll tell you when I'm ready. I think I heard the phone in your office ring."

"Another dollar another day," she said with a sigh and walked up to her office. Opening it she found a plastic figurine on her desk. It was a Funko Pop version of a woman who looked to be a goth with dark hair and dark clothing. She was standing on a book called "Death: The Time of Your Life." She laughed.

Prentiss stepped out holding the figure.

"Is this supposed to be me?"

"If you think so. There is a book explaining who she is."

"I already enjoyed your Wine-O-Clock subscription."

"I thought everyone deserved an extra gift this year."

The phone rang in her office. Prentiss went back to attend to it.

…

Prentiss watched the team trickle in. Each member let out an exclamation. Rossi found a set of model cars like the ones he owned. J.J. got a new collection of framed butterflies. Lewis got an autographed band shirt. Simmons found a Disney photo frame. Alvez got boots for his dog. Garcia tackled Reid as she held up her hot-pink glasses display case. There were smiles everywhere.

Just as she was about to get lunch, her phone rang again. Prentiss recognized the number as being for Langley.

"Agent Prentiss speaking."

"Agent Lydia Chase is coming to see you. The decision was made quickly. She'll fill you in on the details."

"About what?"

"There isn't time to explain. Take care of her."

The line went dead.

There was a knock on the door.

Prentiss opened it to see a woman in a red blouse and khaki skirt. Her short bright strawberry blond hair swished around her face.

"Lydia Chase, I presume."

"Guilty," she said.

"Sit down," Prentiss said as she sat behind her desk.

"Thank you. I'll make my explanation quick as I doubt you got one from my superiors. I'm in the doghouse with my bosses so they're sending me to work with your team for about six months. They're calling it an interagency learning expedition."

"Why wasn't I consulted on this decision?" Prentiss asked angrily. "Nothing against you, but I have no idea who you are."

"My understanding is the current director owes the agency a favor and there may have been alcohol involved in the conversation on New Year's Eve. Don't ask how I know about the alcohol part."

"Do I have any real voice in this discussion?"

"No, but I'd still make some noise as this is your team."

Prentiss sighed. "I'll make some calls. So, what is your background, Agent Chase?"

"I am an information specialist. I see patterns no one else can see. How a gas receipt in Houston is connected to a terror plot in Bahrain. Covid-19 forced me to come home and work a desk where I promptly found trouble and ended up here."

"What exactly was the trouble you found?"

"A link to a human trafficking ring. I was only supposed to look for threats relating to the insurrection anniversary. I argued for the file to be red-flagged at there was intel, the women were going to be sold the day after Christmas, I was told it was being handled. I think you know where this is going: I tipped off agent Reid."

"He went in without backup," Prentiss said angrily. "He could have been killed."

"I didn't have plausible grounds to enter that basement, Agent Prentiss. So, I pulled out all the live ammo and replaced them with weighted fakes."

"I'm not sure I trust you."

"Trust needs to be earned. You don't need to use me in the field. Let me show you what I can do. I'm here to help."

"Is there anything else I need to know?"

"Agent Reid's been receiving some mysterious gifts. I think you saw the one in the coffee mug. I'm behind them as I have had a crush on the idea of Spencer Reid since I was young. My dad was a close friend of William Reid, and William sent these letters to my dad while we were overseas describing this incredible kid. I am pursuing a relationship with Reid."

"Anything else?"

"No Ma'am."

"Call me Emily," she said standing up. "This isn't how I usually like to encounter new agents but we'll make it work. Welcome to the BAU."

Lydia stood and shook her hand.

Prentiss didn't know where this was going. But Lydia seemed to make Reid happier than she'd seen him in a long time. That was worth getting to know.