Author's Notes: My. It has been quite some time. Sorry about that, guys. This story took me longer than anticipated, primarily due to narrowing down the highlights for each of the episodes in question. In addition, I also highlighted a select few moments with Spencer and Annette; one of which I recalled blushing over, and you'll see when I finally publish that particular chapter. This has been the longest story in the series thus far. Maybe I'll beat that record down the line. We'll see.
I want to give a shout-out to the lovely Quilter1993 for her lovely messages and reviews and Fashionsta7 for her kind message and shout-outs in Part Two of her series, The Profiler and the Prosecutor. This story is for the both of you.
Anyways, here's the first chapter. Enjoy! This story references the episodes, "Masterpiece" (Season Four, Episode Eight), "52 Pickup" (Season Four, Episode Nine), "Brothers in Arms" (Season Four, Episode Ten), "Normal" (Season Four, Episode Eleven) and "Bloodline" (Season Four, Episode Thirteen).
Chapter One: Decision
Family is not an important thing. It's everything.
-Michael J. Fox
It had been a few days since she came home from Vegas with Lindsey and Jenna. The paperwork had piled on back at her office, leading her to stay over the previous two nights, but thanks to that, she got the remainder of it done and was able to go home early. Breathing out a sigh of relief, Annette collapsed on her bed, pulling the thin sheet and comforter over her body. A slight chill tore through her spine, indicating the fall weather was slowly morphing towards the chilly temperature of the winter season. She scoffed at the chill, loathing how cold it had gotten, and she would have to suck it up for the next few months.
She was about to flip the television on and watch a movie when her cell phone vibrated. She thought it was Spencer calling her, but she was surprised to find that it was the BAU Headquarters in Quantico.
"Hello? This is Agent Lennox."
"Agent, this is Section Chief Erin Strauss," replied a familiar, stern, feminine voice. "I apologize for calling late, but I feel this matter can't wait until morning."
She sat upright, ensuring her back was straight and her shoulders weren't slouching.
"Yes, ma'am. What can I do for you?"
"I was told that you were exceptional during the abduction case in Las Vegas a week earlier, and it seems it's wanting the Director to finally get you assigned to a team out here."
Annette's breathing hitched in her throat.
"I had a feeling the success of that case would reach his desk sooner or later. So, I'm guessing he won't take no for an answer this time?"
"Something like that," Strauss replied. "However, he's agreed to put you on a team temporarily for a few weeks to give you a feel of working with a team full-time, if you would like to try that."
This proposition intrigued Annette.
"Which team will I be assigned to?"
"Well, it's Agent Hotchner's team at both his insistence and Agent Rossi's."
At first, Annette didn't want to believe what she just heard.
"What?"
"Is that a problem? Would you prefer a different team?" Strauss asked.
"No, ma'am. It's not that," Annette quickly replied. "I'm just surprised that Agent Hotchner and Agent Rossi would be the ones to push for me, primarily because I've been seeing one of their agents."
There was no sense in keeping quiet about her relationship with Spencer. In fact, she was sure that Strauss and the Director knew about it from the beginning.
"That was brought to my attention at the meeting I had with them. However, they've informed me that you and Doctor Reid have been able to keep your personal affairs off the job.
"In addition, your skills have proven to be exceptional in assisting them, especially in the abductor case. Would you be willing to give working with a team, primarily one you've worked with before, a try for the next few weeks?"
Annette was silent for a brief moment, mulling it over.
"Can I think about it and call you back before the end of the day tomorrow?"
"Of course. If I don't hear from you, I'll call you directly."
"Very well. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Have a good night, ma'am."
"You too, Agent Lennox."
She didn't sleep too well the previous night, and it was evident on her face when she joined her parents and Anya for breakfast.
"Looks like you need this more than I do, Annette," Anya announced, handing her a freshly made cup of coffee.
"Thanks," Annette said with a nod.
"What's going on, honey?" Belinda asked. "You look like you didn't sleep a wink last night."
"Did you have a nightmare?" Ben asked.
"It's not a nightmare," Annette replied. "Section Chief Strauss called me with a proposition from the Director last night."
"Is he still trying to get you to transfer to Quantico and put you on a team full-time?" Belinda asked.
"Yeah, but he wants me to try it out with a team temporarily for a few weeks," Annette replied. "It's not just any ordinary team, though. It's the old man's team."
"David vouched for you?" Ben asked.
"Him and Hotch," Annette replied with a nod. "The abductor case I helped them out with in Vegas a week ago must have put me on the radar for them."
"Didn't JJ go on maternity leave around that time?" Anya asked.
"Yeah, but from what I've heard, Agent Jordan Todd of the Counter Terrorism Division Unit is filling her role until she returns. So, I don't think that has anything to do with it," Annette explained.
"Maybe the Director feels it's time," Ben pointed out. "You've been at this job for almost three years, sweetheart, and he probably wants to see those skills of yours benefitting a team."
"That does also mean seeing Spencer more for a while," Belinda announced. "Neither of you would be traveling back and forth as much."
"Except that comes at the cost of him not seeing his mother as much as he has," Annette countered.
"You two have talked about wanting to see each other more," Anya said. "Even though it's temporary, the opportunity is right in front of you, and I'm sure his mother would understand that."
"I know," Annette said with a nod. "However, you guys know I feel about change. It's a real opportunity, yes, but I'm nervous as all hell about it."
"What's the time frame the Director gave you?" Ben asked.
"I've got until the end of the day to think it over and give an answer. However, I need to inform Lindsey, Jenna, Nick and Carly."
"Leave Nick and Carly to us, honey," Belinda offered. "We'll invite them over for dinner tonight. You let Lindsey and Jenna know after you have your breakfast."
Annette nodded.
"Okay."
"Sis, you want to go. We all know it," Anya pointed out. "If you're worried about us, you have no reason to be. If I need anything for my classes, I'll holler."
"You promise?" Annette asked.
"I swear it," Anya replied. "Now eat and savor your coffee so you can see Lindsey and Jenna."
"A temporary position with Agent Rossi's team? That sounds like a promotion, Annette," Lindsey said as she, Annette and Jenna lounged on the floor in Lindsey's living room.
"A chance to work with them full-time and you get to spend more time with Spencer too," Jenna pointed out.
"Yeah. I know," Annette acknowledged.
"However, you're fearful of the change, having to travel across the country and having to adapt to not just a new living area, but a new job too," Lindsey said.
"Technically, it's not a new job. She's just going to be working with a team full-time as opposed to working independently," Jenna said.
"Regardless of all the positives the offer gives me, it still isn't easing my overall anxiety," Annette announced.
Lindsey reached over and placed a hand on Annette's knee.
"Tell me, how much do you love Spencer?"
Annette looked at her, dumbfounded.
"A lot, obviously."
"Okay. Is he worth taking this offer and having more time with him as opposed to those weekend visits?"
There was a moment of silence before Annette spoke the answer that she knew was lingering within.
"Yes."
"Then what the hell is holding you back? Nobody is stopping you but you, Annette Renee Lennox."
Lindsey's use of her full name took her by surprise.
"Lindsey's right, Annette," Jenna said. "You've undergone a positive change since you and Spencer got together. He really helped you to get out of the shell you were hiding in since high school. In addition, there's other victims in other states compared to the comfort zone you built when you worked independently. They could use the help of someone as skilled as you."
"Jenna's got a point there," Lindsey said. "More time with Spencer and the chance to help those who really need someone like you.
"We both know you'll come back to visit when you get the chance," Lindsey said. "This is the start of a new chapter in your life. Take it and start writing it out."
Annette smiled.
"Thanks, girls."
"Anytime," Lindsey and Jenna said in unison.
Following her departure from Lindsey's house, Annette received a text from one Tyler McCarthy, another one of her longtime friends, whom she hadn't seen since graduating college. He asked her to meet him and another longtime friend, Kyle Camin at Bar Uno, which happened to be the spot they usually frequented since her twenty-first birthday. Although it wasn't as big as the sports bars downtown, it was nice enough for small gatherings and to just avoid the crowds altogether.
When she walked through the front door, she smiled at the bartender, and two familiar faces turned towards the door.
"We were wondering when you were going to show up."
"Tyler. Kyle."
She couldn't help the smile as she approached the bar and gave each of them a hug before sitting down between them.
"Annette. It's been quite some time," the bartender greeted with his usual, sweet smile that she remembered.
"Far too long, Julian, sir."
"What can I get you?"
"Martini with a lemon twist, please."
Both Tyler and Kyle's eyes widened slightly.
"Okay. You only go for the hard stuff when you have some news to share," Tyler pointed out.
"You've picked up on my profiling ability. Impressive, Ty," Annette said.
"So, what is it, Annette?" Kyle asked.
"The Director at the BAU Headquarters in Quantico has offered me a job with a team, and the team in question is the team of my mentor."
"Agent Rossi?" Kyle asked, to which Annette nodded.
"He came out of retirement, then. I'll be damned," Tyler stated, sipping his whiskey.
"For the past year, yes," Annette said as Julian placed her drink in front of her, which she sipped without hesitation.
"If you're heading to Quantico, there goes another of my favorite regulars," he said with a hint of disappointment.
"I'll be sure to visit this place when I get the chance to visit," Annette said.
"Isn't that genius guy you've been seeing for the past several months also with Rossi's team?" Kyle asked.
"Mmm-hmm," Annette replied.
"On the bright side, you won't have to deal with the long-distance stuff," Tyler pointed out.
"At least not for a while. It's only temporary to give me the feel of what it's like working with a team full-time. Rossi and his Unit Chief, Agent Hotchner, vouched for me after I helped them close a case last week," Annette explained.
"Are you going to take the position when the time comes?" Tyler asked.
"Maybe. I don't know yet. Honestly, I'm nervous because even though it's for the better, it's one hell of a big change."
Tyler placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Annette, you want to take the leap, primarily because of that genius boyfriend of yours, Agent Rossi and the fact that you've worked with this team before. The Director didn't throw you into a brand new team, and Rossi was probably aware of that possibly happening, which is why he vouched for you.
"Ever since you caught your stalker almost a year prior, you've really become more open the times we talked over the phone and through Skype."
"Tyler's got a point," Kyle pointed out. "In honesty, Rossi played the hand that helped you come out of your shell."
Annette chuckled as they repeated exactly what Lindsey and Jenna told her earlier. There was a reason they were her friends since her childhood; even after she was rescued, they stood by her side, stood up for her and offered her the support she needed to get through the trauma that plagued her.
"Every time something good comes your way, you want to run from it, thinking it's going to slip away, and even now, you're fearful of it happening," Tyler said.
Annette laughed and shook her head.
"Ty, you really have learned a lot."
"You have Rossi to thank for that one. Kyle and I read all of his books.
"Look, nothing is without a risk, and for what this job offer and the job itself is worth, I think it is worth it."
Annette nursed her drink as their words in combination with the words of Lindsey, Jenna and her family played in the depths of her mind. Despite her anxiety still lingering, she came to realize the overall picture. At first, she had no purpose whatsoever to take a job in Quantico. Now, not only did she have Rossi, she also had Spencer and the rest of the team who pretty much considered her a part of their "family". Questions from her anxiety plagued her mind.
Was it truly worth it?
Did she truly love Spencer as much as she said she did?
She chuckled when she realized that there was no sense in denying the answers: yes and yes. Why continuously fight a losing battle?
"Your mind is made up. I can tell by the look on your face," Tyler said.
"Go get 'em, Annette," Kyle announced.
Annette smiled and nodded as she raised her glass, and they followed suit, toasting to the new chapter in her life.
A smile formed on her lips as she rocked a sleeping Layla in her arms in the living room. True to their word, Ben and Belinda invited Nick and Carly over for dinner to break the news, which they took in understanding, and now, the four of them left to the backyard to chat. She had the laptop opened and ready on the dining table; since she just barely missed the deadline of calling back, Annette decided to wait for Strauss to contact her after shooting an email to do a Skype call.
Anya soon joined her from the kitchen with a ready-made bottle of formula.
"I have this ready in case Layla gets fussy during the call. How are you feeling?"
"Nervous, honestly, but now that I'm looking at Layla and you, I remember the reason why I chose to become an agent in the first place."
"To create a better world for us," Anya said. "It was just me at first, but now that Layla's here, it's all the more reason to catch scumbags like Michael Boudreaux."
The video camera screen for a BAU conference call soon came on.
"Are you ready?" Anya asked.
"Yeah," Annette replied with a nod.
The call soon began, and when the video became live, she saw Strauss along with Hotch and Rossi.
"Hi there, kiddo," Rossi greeted. "How are you?"
"Honestly, nervous, but other than that, I'm okay," Annette replied. "How are all of you?"
"We're doing well. Thanks for asking," Hotch replied.
"Is that your goddaughter, Agent Lennox?" Strauss asked.
"Yes," Annette replied, holding her out to the camera. "Layla Annette Crawford."
"I swear I see the mother image in you," Rossi said with a chuckle. "Anyways, we want to see if you made up your mind."
Annette took a deep breath.
"First thing's first. I want to say thanks to you and Hotch for vouching for me. I wasn't expecting that," she announced. "I weighed all the pros and cons throughout the day, and I talked with my family and closest friends, which is what I do when I'm this anxious, and I think I have made my final decision."
She paused, taking note of their expressions, and she let out a sigh following a deep breath, which she knew would add to the tension Strauss, Hotch and Rossi were most likely feeling.
"Yes. I will travel to Quantico and work with you guys for the next few weeks."
She smiled internally at the relieved look on Strauss's face, while Hotch nodded and Rossi clapped.
"I'm happy to know you accepted, Agent Lennox. I was scared you were going to turn it down again, and I wouldn't hear the end of it from the Director," Strauss said.
"Not this time, ma'am."
"How fast can you pack and be at the airport within the hour?" Hotch asked.
"Already packed and ready."
"I'll be there to pick you up," Rossi announced.
"Thanks, old man. See you soon."
The call soon ended, and Annette turned to Anya.
"It's time."
"Then we better tell Mom and Dad," Anya said.
It was a bittersweet goodbye at the airport when her flight was finally announced. In addition to her family and the Crawfords, Annette also called Lindsey, Jenna, Tyler and Kyle, and they met her at the airport. Just as she was about to go, she turned around, and Belinda turned around the same time. Overwhelmed with emotion, Annette ran to her and gave her one final hug; the biggest one she could muster up, which Belinda returned. Soon, the others were gathering around them in a group hug, and with a deep breath, Annette pulled back and nodded to everyone before she turned and went on her way.
As she prepared to board the plane, she realized that this goodbye wouldn't be forever; she would be back in Albuquerque before she even knew it.
Rossi was waiting for her at the passenger pickup area of the airport after she picked up her luggage. Despite having a couple of bags and a suitcase, it didn't stop her from running to him and giving him a big hug.
"Hey. I missed you too, kiddo," he said, giving her a pat on the back alongside returning the hug.
"You know how I feel when it comes to change, old man."
"I know. That's why Hotch and I vouched to put you with us so that it wasn't as nerve-wracking.
"We haven't told the rest of the team yet. We thought we'd surprise them."
"Spencer will probably faint from shock when he knows I'm going to be around for a while."
"But he'll be happy knowing that you're here."
When she pulled away to look at him, Annette took note of the smile on his face.
"Wait, did you overhear us talking about wanting to see each other more?"
The widening of his smile confirmed her suspicions.
"Old man..."
"Considering the Director was going to get on your ass again, I figured we should make it a win-win situation for the both of you."
"Thanks. I appreciate it."
"Well, how about we get in the car and say hi to the team?"
"Guys."
Everyone paused in the midst of packing at Hotch's call, and they looked up at him.
"Don't tell me we have another case," Morgan groaned.
"No, but I do have an announcement to make," Hotch explained. "Another agent is going to be joining the team starting tonight."
"Who?" Garcia asked, slightly anxious.
He stole a quick glance at Rossi, who walked in through the double glass doors.
"With the exception of Jordan, you all should know her."
They all turned towards Rossi, and with a smile, he stepped aside, presenting none other than Annette, who was smiling brightly.
"Oh my God!" Garcia exclaimed.
"I hope we all get along," Annette announced.
End Notes: Expect the next chapter in a day or so. Check back!
