As I entered my apartment after another long day that was mind-numbingly dull, I kicked off my shoes and rushed to my couch, sinking into the comfortable plush.

I cannot believe that I agreed to have dinner with a bunch of strangers.

And FBI strangers at that.

Well, at least they wouldn't kill me.

But that didn't mean that I should let my guard down.

Rummaging through my bag for my phone, I found the number I had only messaged once before. Saved under the contact name, Debra Allen, it was the best way to hide my way of contacting Daniel.

Hi- everything is fine. Can you run brief background on an Aaron Hotchner of the FBI and co-workers? Having dinner and want to make sure we are in the clear. Thanks. Let me know if anything stands out.

I tried to avoid texting him, with the only other time asking for a background on Caroline. He was busy and no doubt I was some kind of burden. Setting my phone down, I decided to close my eyes for a short nap before changing into something more casual for a dinner with a bunch of coworkers.

Whenever I closed my eyes, I always let my mind drift to before. Before my whole life got uprooted and everything changed. It was the one thing that I had that couldn't be taken from me.

Smiling, I let myself dream of the past, not delving into many details, but remembering the basics. The sun on my face as I walked along the coastline, the smell of my mom's homemade lasagna, the sound of my nephew's laughter… it was all so distant yet so clear. I remember my friends, my job, my family, my life. It is so perfect.

Was.

It was so perfect.

I opened my eyes and checked the time. It was already 8 o'clock.

I sighed and decided that I should probably get into something a little more comfortable. After all, it was at coworker's house, so it shouldn't be too formal.

Getting up, I walked to my bedroom where I picked out a dark pair of jeans with a light green top. Deciding I needed a break from the heels, I grabbed a pair of flats. I pulled my hair out of the traditional ponytail it was in, and brushing it quickly, spraying a little dry shampoo at my roots. Whipping out my phone, I called my Uber, which meant I had a few minutes.

Do people bring things this kind of thing?

I didn't have enough time to make anything and I doubted anything I had would fit, seeing as I didn't even know what we would be eating. Then a buzz from my phone pulled me from my thoughts.

This is Hotch. Rossi said you are welcome to join. See you there.

I typed out a quick response.

Perfect. Will be on my way shortly.

I grabbed my purse and ensured I had everything I needed.

ID? Check.

Wallet? Check.

Taser? Check.

Pack of gum? Check.

Phone? Check.

Keys? Check.

Receipt from last week's McDonald's run? Thrown in the trash.

Giving myself one last glance in the mirror, I grabbed my purse and headed down to the street where my Uber was waiting.

"Thank you," I said to the driver, a little old man who gave me a smile before pulling to the road. Rossi lived about 30 minutes away, which meant I had enough time to brush up on my history.

My name is Sarah Bennett.

I am 29 years old.

I was born and raised in Whitefish, Montana.

My parents died when I was 19 years old in a car accident near Whitefish Lake.

I have no living relatives.

I went to college at Carroll College, where I majored in Communications Studies.

I moved to Stafford, Virginia 3 years ago for a change in scenery.

My best friend is Caroline Mays.

And I am completely harmless and ordinary.

Hopefully, nothing would sound off alarm bells in a room full of people specialized in behavior. Just then my phone buzzed. It was from Debra Allen. AKA Daniel.

Nothing popped up. Be careful. Check-in when you are home.

Letting out a breath, I looked out the window to realize we were nearly there.

"Thank you… Have a good evening sir," I said to the driver as I got out of the car. I looked at the house. It was a nice white house, with the lights emulating it with yellow tones. There were already two cars here, so I hoped I wasn't too early. I slowly made my way to the door before knocking, hesitantly.

I waited a second.

Then another.

Maybe I had the wrong house?

Just as I was about to message Hotch for the address again, the door opened.

"Ah, Sarah, right?" came the voice of none other than Rossi.

"Yes, and thank you for letting me crash your dinner party Rossi," I said, offering my hand for a shake.

"Ah, it's no problem, really. And besides, the team at least gave me some notice this time," he said chuckling. "Come in! Just JJ and Morgan are here, but everyone else will be here soon."

I took a step into the house, immediately appreciating the beautiful handiwork.

"Follow me to the kitchen?" Rossi said, walking ahead of me. I followed and found myself in the kitchen with two other strangers.

"Rossi, who's this?" said the man, giving me a once-over. He was definitely intimidating and could squash me like a bug if he wanted to. Next to him was a blond woman, who was gazing at me with a sense of confusion.

"This is Sarah Bennett, and Hotch invited her to join us tonight as I attempt to teach you kids how to cook a decent Italian dish," Rossi said, before looking at me, "This is Derek Morgan and Jennifer Jareau."

"Everyone calls me JJ," says the blonde, sticking out her hand to shake mine, "Pleasure to meet you."

"Nice to meet you both," I said, shaking JJ's hand before shaking Morgan's hand.

"So how do you know Hotch?" Morgan asked, eyebrows slightly furrowed.

"We get coffee at the same coffee shop and talk every now and then," I said. "He invited me because I don't get out much or have much of a social life."

"Well, it's nice to meet you Sarah," Morgan said.

"Now Sarah, have you ever made a carbonara?" came Rossi from behind me.

"Yes, I actually studied abroad in Italy for a semester in college," I said.

"Ah, do you speak the language?" he asked.

"A little bit, but I am definitely a little rusty since college," I said, letting out a small laugh.

"It's nice to know there's someone who has a little taste," he said, giving Morgan and JJ a look.

"Hey, now that's not very fair," Morgan said, but I could tell by the look on his face that they were joking, like one big happy family.

Then a knock came from the door.

"Ah that must be Emily and Hotch! One second," Rossi said, walking to the front door.

This was going to be a long night.