Chapter 4

Dave signed his last report and flipped the folder closed. He tossed it on top of the pile sitting on the corner of his desk, quickly stood up and grabbed his jacket off the back of his chair. He slipped it on, grabbed the pile of folders and his briefcase before exiting his office. He shut off the lights and closed the door then rushed over to Hotch's office, ignoring the looks from Morgan, JJ and Reid.

He didn't bother to knock on the open door, as he slipped inside and crossed the room before Hotch even looked up. He startled the younger man as he dropped the files onto Hotch's desk.

"What's this," Aaron asked. A frown creased his brow.

"All the files you asked for," Dave replied. He turned on his heel and headed towards the door.

"All of them," Hotch stated incredulously.

Dave turned back and nodded. "Yes."

"Wow," Aaron said as he riffled through the pile. "This has to be a record for you."

"Very funny," Dave said humorlessly.

Aaron eyed his friend closely, noting the briefcase in hand. "You headed out? It's only two o'clock."

Dave shifted the briefcase to his other hand. "And? I finished everything. You've told me several times that I could leave early on a day like today if I finished all of my paperwork."

"And yet you always seem to squander the time away. I wonder what's so different about today," he mused as he pulled the pile of files closer and began to flip through them.

"You checking my work?"

"I'm looking for the supplemental for the Jacksonville case," Hotch replied as he continued his perusal.

"Shit," Dave muttered. "Can I do that in the morning?"

Hotch looked up at him, his face full of apology. "I really need that report sooner rather than later. Strauss has been riding my ass for it to be completed."

Dave groaned and rolled his eyes. "Fuck!"

"I promise, you get me that report and I will send you on your way," Hotch told him.

Dave huffed and stomped back to his office. He could feel the younger agents watching him from their desks in the bullpen as he pulled out his keys to unlock his office. He dropped the keys, not once but twice in his haste to get the door open and get himself out of view. Once inside, he closed the door before turning on the light.

He tossed his briefcase on the first chair he saw before making his way behind the desk.

The agents, except for Alex, snickered as Dave finally opened his door and stepped inside.

"What's so funny," Alex asked. She turned to Spencer Reid.

"Agent Rossi," he replied helplessly as he gestured towards the older agents' closed door.

Alex peered at said door and frowned. "I missed it."

"He's just in a hurry to get out of here and Hotch put a wrench in his plans," Morgan explained.

Alex blinked for a second. "Does this have to do with Operation Get Penelope Laid by Dave?"

JJ and Morgan laughed.

"Are we going with THAT name," Spencer asked.

"We are now," Morgan sputtered.

Alex chuckled. "You know, when I heard about this, I thought you guys were joking. But I see that it's not an actual joke?"

JJ and Morgan sobered.

"No," Morgan said. He shook his head. "It's not a joke."

"Ah," Alex nodded. "Good to know. Let me know if I can be of any help, in the meantime, I'll keep my mouth shut."

"Hey guys," Hotch called out quietly from the catwalk. "Why don't you head out. I'll meet up with you at Penelope's place."

"What's happening at Penelope's?" Alex asked.

"We are helping her pack in preparation to move this weekend," JJ announced. "Want to help?"

Alex shrugged. "Sure."

"Let's get out of here before Dave notices," Morgan told the group.

They quickly packed up and left as Hotch went back to his office.

An hour later, Dave exited his office again. Paper in hand he keeps his eyes to himself as he makes his way to Hotch's office. This time he tapped the door as he walked in uninvited. He crossed the room and handed the semi-crumpled paper to his supervisor.

Hotch took the paper and examined it with a raised eyebrow. "Was there a fight in your office?"

Dave growled. "This was the fifth attempt. Take it or leave it."

"Insubordination," Aaron teased. "I'll note that in your file."

"You do that," Dave said. "Can I go now?"

Hotch eased back in his chair and peered at his mentor and friend. "I've seen you in a hurry to leave before but not like this, you might want to take a moment to breathe."

"I have a few things I'd like to get finished at home," Dave explained.

Hotch nodded indulgently. "I see. Well then, off you go. Have a good night."

"Thanks," Dave replied eagerly. He took a step out the door and stopped as he spied the empty bullpen. He leaned back into Hotch's office. "Where is everybody?"

Hotch glanced out his window to the bullpen. "I let them go home early."

"You suck," Dave said succinctly before walking away.

Hotch smirked knowing he was being a little mean, but he was having so much fun. Everyone knew that Dave had teased and harassed him when he started seeing Beth, it was payback time.

Penelope opened the door to apartment and greeted her friends. "Welcome everyone. Alex! You came too?"

Alex stepped through the door and smiled. "Just trying to be helpful."

"Aww, thank you," Penelope said. She hugged the older agent briefly then ushered the group inside.

"You already packed," Derek asked as he points at a pile of boxes and luggage in the corner.

"That's the stuff I'm taking tonight," Penelope explained. "Everything else needs to be put away in preparation for the final move."

"Where are you moving to," Alex asked.

"David's house," Penelope smiled.

"He doesn't have a house," Reid stated.

"He has a mansion," the others said in unison. Thy all broke out laughing.

End Chapter 4