Still in Florida! Decided I would give you a little sneak peak of what's to come! Hope you all enjoy. :D
Bridie steps in to the bullpen of the FBI. It's mostly quiet, and there aren't very many agents there. I mean, it's 7:45 in the morning, she thinks, I wouldn't want to be at work yet, either. She takes a deep breath and knocks on the door of Hotch's office. Three, sharp raps, and then his voice carries out the door and Bridie steps in.
"Miss McDuffy, sit please," Hotch says, motioning to the seat. Bridie sits, smoothing her pin skirt. She looks up at Hotch and smiles.
"It's nice to finally meet you, SSA Hotchner." Bridie reaches her hand up to meet his, then drops it as he raises an eyebrow.
"I think it's only fair that you call me Aaron. I've known your father for too long for all the agent stuff." Bridie nods and tucks a curl behind her ears. She looks down with a small blush. "You know, Miss McDuffy, you're rather overqualified for this job. You have a perfect PFT score, your practical shows that you have the best shot in your class, and you speak five different languages. It's rather impressive. I would be stupid if I didn't take you on my team." Bridie holds back her squeal when she realizes something is off.
"Sir… er, Aaron," she says, changing her tone when he raises his eyebrow. "If I'm that qualified, shouldn't you be immediately taking me? Something is off, sir." Hotch nods.
"Quick to catch something that isn't quite right. I appreciate that." Bridie nods, glad that she caught the 'if' in his voice. "I know how hard it is to be a parent in the BAU. It's even harder to be a single parent." Bridie takes a deep breath in. "It says in your file that you have a son who is five years old. Are you okay with leaving him for days at a time, letting him grow up without his mom?" Bridie sighs. "Because if not, I can get you transferred to a branch that allows you to work the usual 9-5; You'll be able to be home for dinner with your son." Bridie shakes her head.
"Sebastian is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. He's the smartest five year old I have ever known, and he knows that this job is what I want. He told me this morning he is going to make me a cape so I can go fight the bad guys." Hotch smiles, and Bridie laughs. "The only request is that we keep Sebastian under wraps." Hotch raises an eyebrow. "Oh, no, not because I'm ashamed, sir. I am ashamed of the one night stand that lead to him, but never of my son. Anyway, I would rather not have a rush of questions about my son. We all kind of have our secrets: my father and Agent Morgan share my secret. I am trying to move on with my life, and that includes a young man that I am currently interested in. I don't want my family life to get in the way of that." Hotch nods, completely understanding.
"Your secret is safe with me. However, our technical analyst is pretty good at uncovering things like that. You'll have to talk to her about keeping your secrets." Bridie bites her lip, nodding. "I'll give you a hint: she likes chocolate, flowers and bright colored head bands for her hair." Bridie smiles, hugging Hotch. They both stiffen, and Bridie pulls back.
"Sorry, sir, just excited to be part of this team. Do I get to start today?" Hotch nods, and Bridie starts towards the door.
"Wait, Agent McDuffy," Hotch calls, and Bridie turns around. "Best of luck between you, your son, and Derek. I really wish the greatest of things for all of you, and I'll make sure to keep either you or Derek back on cases… for the safety of Sebastian." Bridie nods.
"For the safety of Sebastian," she agrees. She walks out the door and down to the bullpen's vending machine. First stop, buying chocolate. Second stop, to befriend the woman that could shatter her life around her.