Broken Circle
Chapter 2: Unusual
Emmy leads Brialyn through the complex network of hallways and staircases that comprised the fortress like FBI headquarters at Quantico. Little Miss Suzy Sunshine kept up a constant rant of useless chatter, and Brialyn could feel the pressure of a massive headache in the near future. On their way to the Director's office, they passed the BAU bullpen where, on one wall, were pictures of the team displayed.
Emmy points the pictures out by saying brightly, "That's the BAU team and this is their bullpen. They're a weird bunch though; keep to themselves mostly." She shrugs before continuing and resuming her mindless chatter; the subject matter focusing on the latest fashion trends. As she followed, the click of Brialyn's heels became louder, signaling complete annoyance.
"Well, here you are," Emmy says in the middle of her ramblings. "Mr. Jonathan Caswell, Chief Director of the FBI at Quantico." She proudly points to the door. "Best of luck!" The little ray of sunshine then has the audacity to step forward and hug Brialyn as a good luck token. Brialyn stands awkwardly, refusing to return the gesture.
Once Emmy leaves her in blessed peace and quiet, Brialyn smoothes the wrinkles out of her overcoat and runs her fingers through her long mane of fire red hair, attempting to tame it. Once satisfied that she still looked presentable, she rapped politely on the door and waited for admittance.
The door opens to reveal a man in his middle years, and Brialyn estimated him to be about forty. Slightly grey, he presents a professional, yet laidback, attitude. "Ms. O'Connor, I believe?" He offers a hand in greeting.
Brialyn placed her milk white hand in his tan one and shook it confidently. "I am. Thank you for giving me this opportunity." Her answer is genuine; landing this job is the best thing that could happen to her at this juncture in life.
"Come inside, we'll be more at ease to discuss matters in there." His office was a standard issue governmental office. Plaque and certificates lined the walls and occupied shelf space. On one bookcase, however, were some Sherlock Holmes novels and pictures of his family. Two teenage boys grinned lopsidedly up at their father while dressed in soccer gear. "Coffee?" Mr. Caswell asks.
"No, thank you. But I would take tea if you have any."
Mr. Caswell smiled. "Just like my wife. Earl Grey or Green?"
"Green, please." Mr. Caswell presses a steaming cup into Brialyn's hand while motioning for her to take a seat. She eases into the leather chair, taking care not to spill her tea.
"Now, shall we get down to the dirty business?" he asks with a chuckle. He opens a file from his desk and begins to flip through the pages. "I must admit, Ms. O'Connor, that I have never seen someone with such an unusual resume." Momentarily, Brialyn blanches in panic. "In spite of this, your unique qualification is exactly what I think we need right now. My BAU team has been stumped by a particular case for weeks now. They need a fresh pair of eyes to help them look for something…different."
Brialyn notes his careful use of words. "You believe that my expertise can help them in this matter?" She carefully sips her steaming tea while observing the director across the rim of her mug.
"I do believe so. By reading your resume here, I understand that you have quite an unusual background. It should definitely spice a few things up around the BAU." His tone became more serious as he got to one of the main points of the meeting. "Now, allow me to make something clear. You are not being signed on as an agent. This is a consultation position only. Once you are finished here, you may return to civilian life hassle free." He pauses for a moment before adding, "Unless what you experience here is something of interest to you."
Brialyn's painted mouth turns up into a sly smile. "I only wish to help where I can. I have no intention on making a career out of this little exercise."
Mr. Caswell coughs nervously. There is something about this young woman that is unsettling. She seems almost too comfortable. Her concise manner of speaking is quite unnerving as well. "Right then." He pulls a contract from the back of the file entitled "Brialyn O'Connor." "I just need you to sign a few things, then we'll pay a quick visit to security to get you clearance."
Half an hour later, after a visit to security to get clearance and receive her badge, all paperwork was signed and notarized, officially signing Brialyn on. Mr. Caswell turns to her before heading back to his office and asks a question. "Later this afternoon, I'll have you meet the BAU team. How can I get in touch with you?"
Brialyn adjusts her briefcase. "I was actually planning on paying my sister a surprise visit. Just call her." Her piece said, she began to walk down the hall.
"Who's your sister?" Mr. Caswell calls after her.
"Reread my file!" Brialyn calls over her shoulder.
Mr. Caswell just sighs. "Good thing that Hotch and Gideon have to deal with her and not me," he mutters before the elevator doors close in front of his face.