Thanks for the reviews! I don't mean to be selfish, but I always appreciate more. Who would like something a "little" more cheerful compared tonight's episode?
This chapter is dedicated to Mr. Lawrence. Without you I may not have spent an hour in a hostel common room and fallen in love with two things: Ireland and Criminal Minds.
Chapter Eleven:
Hotch was in the meeting with the head of security this time.
"We have some idea as to how the handcuffs got into the ice cream," he said. "There was a camera malfunction during the day when the kitchen was busiest. We're reviewing background checks again as we speak."
"I still don't understand why he put them there," she said. "I haven't been at that ice cream in months."
"Maybe that was the point," her head of security said. "To catch you off guard."
"How do we know this incident, was a target towards Spencer?"
Hotch and the head of security exchanged a look.
"Those handcuffs were specifically designed to be used in prisons. They even have a label."
"Fantastic," Miranda said. "I assume this investigation is being done discreetly?"
Hotch nodded. "It is being seen as a series of routine background checks by most of the staff. The rest have been sworn to secrecy."
"Good," Miranda. "That will be all."
The head of security left while Hotch lingered.
"Permission to speak freely, Ma'am?"
"Of course, Hotch."
"I think you should tell Reid the whole story. About the vial. The handcuffs. Your fear that there is a traitor on your staff."
"He has enough to worry about," Miranda said. "Isn't he consulting on a case with you guys remotely?"
"He is, but he is stronger than you think," he said. "I believe one of your staff was correct in saying that you aren't in charge of protecting him."
Miranda sighed. "Why does it feel like I am?"
"It's the power of the office Ma'am. It makes you feel responsible for everyone and everything."
"I will take it under advisement," she said. "I swear."
"Thank you, Ma'am," he said. "Have a good day."
"You too Hotch."
Miranda watched Hotch go. She didn't want to tell Reid, but she would if there was another incident.
Miranda buzzed Annabeth. "Send in Edith Roth."
Roth appeared. She was a woman in her mid-fifties who was dressed in a dark suit.
"This can't take long," Miranda said. "I'm meeting the Irish P.M. in an hour."
"Yes, Ma'am," she said.
Miranda wove her fingers together. "So, do I have a case?"
"In light of recent events, you do Ma'am," she said.
"When do the wire taps take into effect?" she asked.
"The shadow court should have a ruling by the end of the day, and expect the recording of the phones to begin tomorrow by mid-afternoon."
"Do you know when I can expect results?"
"In the next three days, you'll receive a summary unless something urgent comes up."
"I expect our confidentiality agreement is in place."
"Yes."
"Then thank you for your time," Miranda said and stood up.
"Have a good day Ma'am," she said and left.
Miranda turned to face the window. She didn't like having her staff's phones tapped, but she needed answers and this was the only choice.
…
"I don't believe how fast you deciphered that," Lewis via video-conference.
"It was simple once you realized the words were in three different languages," Reid said. "I'm glad I was able the help."
"You did more than help. Two women are alive because of you," she said.
"Thanks," he said. "Be sure to call if you ever need me."
"I definitely will," she said. "Have a good day."
"You too," he said and the conference call ended.
Reid looked around. He was due to meet the Irish Prime Minister in half an hour. For some reason in the back of his mind, his concern for Miranda was growing. She seemed more secretive, which was part of the job, he supposed. But way she kept looking at him after the jump suit incident, made him wonder if there was more to the story.
His secretary appeared.
"Ready Sir?" he asked.
"Yes," Reid said and straightened his tie.
He looked back briefly at his computer. Reid gave up working for the FBI full-time and didn't regret it. Miranda needed him. He just wished she could depend on him with more of her secrets.
…
"That was incredibly boring," Miranda said as she and Reid entered the oval office. She collapsed on the couch as Reid took a seat. "We had a nice discussion about Irish culture and its influence on America, but other than that he could have mailed the thing."
"It is a time-honored tradition," Reid said. "And it helps perpetuate the bond between the countries."
"I know dear," she said kindly. "And the Irish PM has done a great deal of good for his country. Maybe I'm just tired of meeting foreign dignitaries and not getting much done."
"Are you looking forward to meeting with Congress at the end of the week?" he asked.
She sat up. "You do know how to get my attention. I turned the clapping into a drinking game with water once. I have a senior staff meeting in about twenty minutes, would you like to join in on the fun?"
"Really?"
"Nothing confidential will be discussed and Gomez is coming," she said. "It should be a lively afternoon."
"I'll have to leave after an hour to greet Alex and Rachel," he said.
"That might not be a bad time to wrap things up anyway."
The buzzer rang. Miranda pressed it.
"Gomez is here, Ma'am."
"Thank you, Annabeth"
Gomez appeared. Miranda smiled.
"Eduard, it has been too long."
"I know you've been busy," he said.
"I swear you're not a bucket of spit to me. I mean it."
"We're going to do great thing together, Miranda. It may take time but I know it deep down."
The rest of the staff the filed in.
"Everyone, I hope you don't mind if my husband joins in on the fun. If you do I don't care."
Fleming stared at him. "Just promise to not show us all off."
Reid smiled. "That's what our kids would do."
"Only you can say that Whitney," Miranda said. "Without being banished to the dungeon rumored to be here. Now don't do it again."
"Understood Ma'am."
"So, flip a coin. Should I lead with spending money on the VA or climate change?" Miranda said.
"Climate change, you've made that your platform," one staffer said.
"The VA, people like caring about issues that have stories about people instead of things," another staffer said.
Reid watched Miranda sat back and listened. Her attentiveness was fascinating to watch. She let her staffers debate it out for three minutes and then raised her hand.
"There is always a middle ground," she said. "Find it for me."
…
"Well that was fun," Miranda said as they walked to the residence.
"Your idea of fun is bizarre, honey," he said.
"Pot calling kettle black," she said.
He merely smiled.
"Find any moles while we were working?" she asked suddenly.
"What?" he asked.
"Someone is leaking stories to the press," Miranda said. "Unplanned leaks."
"Constance Grey looked like she was hanging on to every word like water and watching more than contributing."
"Thanks, dear," she said brightly.
"Is that the only reason you wanted me in the room?" he said with an edge.
"You know I always value your opinion," she said.
"Just tell me when you a have special reason for wanting me in a room," he said.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I will."
He wondered again what she was hiding from him that wasn't state's secrets.