Rossi opened the door to see Reid and Alex standing on his porch. "You know we need to stop meeting like this. My house is becoming the center for clandestine gatherings. We're bordering on subterfuge."
"We appreciate everything you're doing for us," Reid said. "Which is why we brought you this."
Rossi graciously accepted the box of cigars and looked at it more closely. "Ah, Romeo y Julieta… Toro. These are nice cigars. Grazie"
"Do you mind if we lay Charlie down in the back room?" Alex asked, carrying the sleeping baby.
"Be my guest," Rossi said.
They moved to the kitchen, where Hotch and JJ were already sitting at the counter, each with a drink in their hands. "I just got off the phone with Morgan," Hotch said. "He and Garcia are on their way."
"And Prentiss said she might be a little late," JJ said. "Her realtor found another house for her to look at."
"Would any of you care for some wine?" Rossi said, holding up the bottle.
"Yes, please," Alex said as she returned.
"So, Spence. When the two of you are bored, do you just go out looking for trouble?" JJ asked.
"It does seem like that, huh? And in all fairness, we thought we were done with all this mess. We just want to go on with our lives. More importantly, we want Charles to be able to go back to his."
"Where is Charles?" Hotch asked.
"Charles and Hugh are picking up some friends who are going to help us," Alex said. She stood up when the doorbell rang. "That might be them." Alex went to the door and was surprised to see Garcia and Morgan.
Garcia hugged Alex. "I got Reid's call, and he told me what he needed. I want you to know that I am ready, willing, and able to do what you need."
"Hold on there, little miss. The rest of us are still playing catch-up," Morgan said.
"Well, I guess we can fill-in Prentiss when she gets here," Reid said, standing in front of the team. "So, as we are aware, there is still someone out there who is involved with trying to kill Charles. And even though a mole was discovered, it isn't the person responsible. We believe he was decoy to hide us from who the real culprit is. With that in mind, we have a plan. Since this mole knows who we are and also knows most of you, we won't be able to do things the way we normally would. So, we have two friends coming to help us out. But first, we need to make sure we are all on the same page for the Embassy party."
"Aaron and I are invited," Rossi said.
"And I spoke to my friend, Jane. I know her from my darker hacker days. She works for the embassy now. Anyway, she said that she will let me tap into all the cameras during the party," Garcia added.
"Good," Reid acknowledged. "With all that covered, and our three suspects all going to be in attendance, we can work to uncover who the culprit really is."
"It's starting to sound like an episode of Scooby-Doo," JJ said. "That's all Henry has been watching these days."
"So, who will be joining us?" Morgan asked.
"Well, you all remember Paul Roman from MI6," Alex said. "He said any excuse to get out of Cairo this time of year."
"The other one we lovingly refer to as The Marine," Reid said.
"Is he?" Rossi asked.
Alex chortled. "Uh, yeah. He's a no-nonsense, no challenge is too great type of person. He does get a bit serious, just a heads up."
"What do you mean?" Hotch asked.
"Well, one time we were on an assignment where I was pretending he was my prisoner, and I was escorting him so I could gain access to their computer. He told me I had to punch him a few times, in the face, and to cut him across the chest so we can really sell it."
"That is serious," Rossi said.
"It was funny because he is at least a foot taller than Alex," Reid said. "Charles said it was like watching Princess Leia escorting Chewbacca."
"Is he still in active service?" Rossi asked.
"No, he's been in the private sector for over a decade," Reid said.
"Wait a second," Rossi said while taking a step closer. "Is this Major John Mitchell?"
"Yes," Alex said with a smile.
"I worked with him once. The man is a legend."
"That's high praise coming from Rossi," Hotch said.
The group paused as Rossi went to answer the door. He took a moment to greet the new arrivals as they came in, staying with Major Mitchell at the door.
"I'm sure everyone remembers Paul Roman," Reid announced.
Roman gave a subtle wave to the group then went to hug Alex. Hugh and Charles entered and said their hellos to everyone.
Major Mitchell stood talking with Rossi. His hands were clasped behind his back as he stood at the entrance. He gave a nod, then turned to Reid and shook his hand.
"And this is Major John Mitchell," Alex said.
"John is fine," he said to everyone. "Or Mitchell, if you prefer."
"We were just hearing a story about you," Hotch said.
"Coming from Alex, I am sure it would be very entertaining," Mitchell said.
Alex looked up to him with furrowed eyebrows. "Have you grown since the last time I saw you?"
Mitchell laughed. "No, I'm still 6'4. Perhaps you've shrunk. But you me, you have always been rather small."
"Small but deadly," Reid quipped.
"Would you care for a beer or some wine?" Hotch asked, leading Mitchell into the kitchen.
A few moments later, Rossi opened the door, and Prentiss entered. "I'm so sorry I'm late. It took a lot longer than I thought it would." She stepped in and looked over the room. "Paul, how are you?" She reached over to Roman, and they shared a hug. "So, I guess you're going to be working on this with us."
"I've learned never to say no to Alex," Roman said with a smirk.
Hotch and Mitchell returned from the kitchen, each holding a beer.
"John!" Prentiss said with an open mouth. Everyone slowly looked from Mitchell to Prentiss in a wave-like motion.
"I take it you two know each other," JJ said hesitantly.
"Uh, yes. We met once," Prentiss said, staring at him. She blinked then looked at everyone. "We worked a case together for Interpol a while back."
Hotch leaned closer to Mitchell. "Is this going to be an issue?" he whispered.
Mitchell cleared his throat and turned to Hotch. "No, of course not." Then turned to look back at Prentiss. "We actually worked very well together."
Alex and Reid exchanged marital glances with each other. Reid stood up. "Uh, well, now that we are all here. Let's begin."