Chapter 7: Disappearing Act

"Don't worry if you're a kleptomaniac, you can always take something for it." - unknown

"Calm down Aaron, I'm sure it's nothing.
You know how the Feds are, their fishing.
We just have to make sure we keep our friends fed so they won't take the bait."
David Rossi paused for a moment listening to his friend. "I know that's bothering me too," he continued. "I'm going to send the boys out to find Anderson.
I'd like to know what he has been up to that he's got the Feds and the coppers snoopin' around." He twirled the phone cord waiting for Hotch's reply.
"Alright, I'll let you go. Yeah, I promise we'll get to the bottom of this.
He shouldn't be too hard to find; we just need to find out why he took off.
Later Aaron."

With that Rossi waited for the call to disconnect before continuing, "Operator I'd like to place a call."

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The Hoot

"Eliot phone!" Hardison yelled earning himself a glare from the quickly approaching man.

Reaching for the phone Hardison was passing he swiftly replied, "Damn Hardison, I'm not deaf!"
He didn't really catching what Hardison was mumbling about his hearing but decided to ignore it for the time being. "Hello?"
Within seconds he had an ear full. "Got it. Yeah, I'll get Morgan and we'll go find him. That weasel shouldn't be too hard ta' find.
We'll tell you when we know where he's at. Bye." Hanging up the phone and not spotting the person he was looking for Eliot called out, "Hey Hardison"

"You're not the only one with working ears in this place ya' know" came a voice from behind him.

"Dammit Hardison," Eliot turned quickly, slightly annoyed with himself for not sensing a presence behind him.
"You don't just sneak up on someone like that. You take it from me, you do that to the wrong person and they'll make sure you regret it."

"Always gotta make someone feel threatened don't ya'. You just can't admit I scared you.
Nah not big brave Eliot, you just ain't happy till you get to mention something violent, always all angry and hostile.
Geeze, what happened to the love man, peace for all, where's the people inforcin' them beliefs huh?"

Rolling his eyes Eliot simply says "Hardison I'm leaving for a while. Keep an eye on the place will ya'" turning he leaves.

"Hey, you didn't answer my question!" Hardison yells after him.
Realizing he's gonna be ignored he continues, "That's what I thought man you just keep on walking.
Ain't no peace anywhere, all the love done died and now we can't even get some respect for our fellow person." With a shake of his head he decided to see if Tony needed any help setting up the bar.

Walking out the door Eliot made sure to hold it open for a pretty young blonde who was about to enter.

"Good day Miss" he greeted, flashing his biggest smile.
The gentleman behind her thanked him as he ushered her inside.
Shaking his head and still smiling he took off to get Morgan.

As they entered Parker whispered "Why do men always do that; it's really rude. I know girls aren't the smartest, trust me
I've met some really dumb ones, but to imply that we aren't even smart enough to open ourselves a door is just cruel."

"Parker, It's a gesture to show respect and to be polite. You should take it as a compliment." Reid explained.

"Oh," but before she could continue a woman approached them.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes, that would be very kind of you.
We saw that you're looking for help and we were wondering if we could possibly fill any of those positions for you."

"That's wonderful. We've been looking for a guy to run the poker table. So you any good with numbers?"

Surprised by how quickly the woman's demeanor changed Reid slowly answered, "I would consider myself fairly decent in the mathematical area, yes."

"Well I'm sure mom will love you if that's true.
The last two guys we had come in and say that could barely count their fingers let alone a deck of cards.
By the way I'm Abby, this is my dad's place but me and mom have been real busy these past few months helping him.
We wanted to make sure it opened on time. Oh yeah, your names I didn't catch them."

Deciding that she kind of liked this Abby she answered, "I'm Parker and this is my brother Spencer."

"Hmm, Parker that's different, very um... woodsie. I like it!
Spencer? That's a bit too professional for this business don't you think.
What about Spence? Yeah I think I'll call you Spence. Well Spence, Parker come on.
Let's go find my mother and see if we can't put you two ta' work." Abby slung an arm over each their necks and started leading them down a hall.

"Who exactly is your mother?" came Reid's slightly uncomfortable question.

"Well she would be Mrs. Rossi duh." At that Parker started laughing which caused Abby to laugh,
which caused Parker to snort, which caused Abby to laugh some more."But really" Abby started still laughing slightly.
"She's a 'Devereaux' the whole family is known for their love of the performing arts.
She's also an actor, if she finds herself on the right stage she can drive the crowd crazy.
But to us she's just Sophie and that's exactly what you should call her. She insists on it."

Alec: I tell you we are doing some hinky things in Pakistan.
Sophie: Well what about you? What have you been doing for the past six months?
Eliot: I was in Pakistan. (LEVERAGE)