Aaron Hotchner was finishing up paperwork from their previous case in Seattle. He recalled Morgan's bravery; he managed to stay calm in a situation as dangerous at that all the while holding onto the good doctor's hands and reassuring her whilst bomb squad removed the device from under her car.
He glanced at his day planner and was grateful that he had some time before his meeting to finish the backlog of reports he had.
A knock on the door pulled his attention from his report and he saw JJ.
"Hotch, the team will be meeting shortly".
"Of course, JJ, thank you" Hotch muttered as his phone started to ring on his hip. He answered with authority and proceeded to talk with whomever was on the call.
As JJ walked out over the threshold, a brunette woman almost bumped into her.
"Sorry" she heard the woman whisper.
"Yes, I have knowledge of a meeting but really no further correspondence with regards to the nature." Hotch said as he looked up and glared at the brief altercation at his door before looking back at his planner.
"No, sir, all I have here is the name 'Prentiss'. I only know of Mr and Ambassador Prentiss and of course their daughter…" Just as Hotch looked up again, he saw the brunette turn around and cross the threshold of his office he spoke again "… Emily'. His heart dropped to the floor.
The beaming smile on the brunette woman's face faltered slightly but nonetheless, a smile still stayed plastered to her face as she recognised the man now in front of her, and that the office she had entered belonged to him.
"Oh… Aaron? Hi" she breathed.
Curiosity caught the better of JJ and she lingered at the bottom of the steps near to Hotch's office. She heard Hotch's deep voice on the call.
"Yes, sir. Thank you for your time". Hotch disconnected the call and placed his phone into his pocket.
The two dark haired adults stood looking at one another unbeknownst to them JJ was watching their interaction.
Hotch's breath was shaky, and he wondered how he didn't realise that he and Emily would cross paths professionally someday although, he never let himself think about her or their summer together. She was just a stunning as he remembered, hair the shade of midnight and matching thin eyebrow, pale and clear skin and that smile. Oh boy, that smile. That smile almost cost him his career once before, he had to be careful to not let it get the better of him today.
"I'm sorry about that call. Umm, hi. How have you been?" Hotch addressed politely though he was still in shock. It had only been 8 years, but it really felt like a lifetime ago. He had a completely different life now, a full life with a wife and child. Hotch held his hand out to offer to Emily for a handshake. 'Ever the professional, Aaron… good luck with that' his mind chastised him.
Emily slipped her hand into his and was just as surprised now as she was that summer; her small hand was completely engulfed by his, almost as protective as then. As electricity flowed through her, she cast her mind back to the summer of 1998 when she first met Aaron Hotchner…
-Flashback June 1998-
Special Agent Hotchner finished pulling the knot of his tie and smoothed down his light grey blazer and pants as he looked at himself in the mirror. He was grateful that his days of nervous pimples were behind him, he didn't want anything to prevent him from coming across as anything but completely professional - that included zits or face invaders as his mom used to say. Anxiety was not something he was accustomed to though today he was anxious as hell and he adjusted his cufflinks... again.
This was one of his first commands as a Federal agent of the FBI and to say he had worked his ass off to get this job would be the understatement of the century. The feedback from the Ambassador along with her connections could put him on the map and help get his foot through the door with his supervisor and then the bureau would be his oyster! For now, though, running security clearances for the Ambassador's staff. He continued to fumble with his cuffs and debated about changing to a different coloured suit. His father's voice echoed in his mind 'Pull yourself together, boy!'
He closed his eyes trying to focus on anything but his new job and now his father's voice. He counted backwards from ten and let out deep breaths. He'd never admit to his mom that this actually worked and helped calm him in whenever his nerves or temper got the best of him.
He checked his tie and patted his hair flat again and sighed as he looked at himself in the full-length mirror. Bureaucratic but not stuffy or pompous.
"Let's go, Hotchner" he spoke to himself as he picked up his keys from the nightstand in his hotel room. He checked his pockets and ticked off his mental checklist: 'keys check, wallet check, badge check, gun check.'
After checking out of the hotel, he quickly walked to his car, started the engine, and began the short drive to the Ambassadors mansion.
He arrived at the stately home in less than 15 minutes, the early morning rush hour not affecting his route. He lowered the window on the government issued SUV and pressed an intercom button where he announced his name and credentials. Large iron gates opened slowly, and he put the car into first to drive slowly down the long, gravel driveway. He couldn't help but look around on the slow drive. Stunning green trees and cherry blossom all along the side of the driveway, a wonderful looking garden off in the distance. 'Huh, they grow their own produce. Figures' he thought to himself.
There was a sundial in the middle of the green lawn along with bird houses and small water features. 'The Ambassador cares for birds?' his mind mumbled in surprise. Rose gardens littered the estate, and the flurries of colour definitely didn't draw the attention away from the house as he pulled up alongside the stone steps leading to the grand front door.
"No more surprises are just fine for me" he spoke a loud again as he turned off the ignition. Hotch stepped out of the car and buttoned his blazer. He shut the car door and he made his way over the gravel and onto the stone steps of the Ambassadors house where he pressed another buzzer for the front door.
The door opened wide, and an elderly gentleman appeared. With a little salt and pepper in his hair and wearing round glasses, whilst cradling a worn book under his arm, Hotch assumed he had turned up at the wrong address.
"Hello, son. Can I help you"? he wasn't American by any stretch, his voice boisterous and full of charm.
Hotch spoke with confidence "Good morning, sir, my name is Special Agent Aaron Hotchner. I'm with the FBI and I'm here to oversee the clearances for the Ambassador Prentiss's staff".
"Oh, my dear boy, yes, do come in. My apologies, I'm Anthony Prentiss. My wife will be expecting you shortly, I'm sure. You'll be taking over from Agent Buchanan?" Anthony Prentiss spoke and held his hand out for Hotch to take as he welcomed him into his home.
Hotch stepped into the atrium of the building and was immediately taken aback by his surroundings. 'What a beautiful house!' He caught himself before he got lost in a daydream about the stately home.
"Umm, yes sir" He took Anthony's hand in return. "I wasn't sure where to leave the car".
"Ah never mind that, someone will be along to see to it. Everyone is busy today with-it being Agent Buchanan's last day. I rarely get to open the door to my own house" Anthony smiled wide at Hotch which put him at ease.
"I was supposed to be meeting Agent Buchanan now actually" Hotch raised his arm so his sleeve would ride up a fraction so his could check his watch. He knew he wasn't late; he knew better than that.
"He should be through just now, son. So, how long have you been with the Bureau? You don't look long out of college I must say" Antony asked as he lowered his glasses along his long nose and looked at Hotch.
The man was gentle and not imposing. He moved slowly and spoke slowly, and Hotch could tell his was well educated. The lines on his face revealed more about the life he led – perhaps an educator? He dressed in beige chinos with a deep green V neck sweater. A little odd for this time of year but the house had a coolness to it.
"I've been with the Bureau for two years now, sir. I admit I am younger than the previous agents who have held this post, but I like to think I am just as efficient and of course, I take this command very seriously" Hotch's voice echoed in the atrium where the men stood.
"Your accent, sir, you're from England originally?"
Anthony chuckled "Oh I don't doubt that for a second, my boy, that is of course why you were chosen for such a position!" his enthusiasm was contiguous.
"Indeed, I am. Third generation Prentiss born in England. I decided to pursue a career here after I met an enchanting young lady whilst she was working in London. We've been married ever since" Anthony Prentiss was smitten with his more than formidable wife as he spoke.
"And where did you study?"
Hotch smiled at the endearment as he was reminded of his grandfather. It made a more than pleasant change from the verbal berating he frequently got from his father.
"Harvard Law, sir. I graduated a few years ago, finished my Law Degree and after 13 months of working with a practice in New York I applied to the Academy. I think the Bureau is my true calling" Hotch didn't mind speaking of his education though he knew there would always be judgement that came with it. He was keener to talk about his venture out of Law and into Law Enforcement where he'd be doing something he thought was more useful. So far, the FBI has given him a sense of purpose and he wasn't going to let anyone take that away from him.
"I see. That is very impressive, your father must be proud!" Anthony smiled a toothy grin at Hotch as he talked of his education.
"Well, Agent Hotchner, it has been a pleasure to meet you and talk with you. I'll be seeing your around the house of course." He shook Hotch's hand again before leaning in close to Hotch.
"I appreciate it's not me who gives you your marching orders, son, but do keep an eye on my princess. I'd consider it personal favour." Anthony smiled at Hotch's confused look as he turned and wandered down a short hallway to what looked like a study.
'What on earth was that about' he asked himself as he stared to his left after the gentleman. The mahogany door closed softly, and Hotch was left alone in the middle of a grand foyer with only his own thoughts. A whistle almost escaped him as he took a few timid steps forward.
Marble floors and pillars appeared to be holding up the roof. Two grand staircases opposite one another beckoned him, both winding and meeting at the top where God only knew what kind of floor plan lie upstairs. A single table in the middle of the atrium with a bouquet of white and peach roses on display, likely freshly cut from the rose garden he noticed on his way onto the property. And of course, two long hallways; one in front of him and the other to his right. He knew there was a study in the East Wing so he assumed the Ambassador's office would be at the rear of the property straight down the hallway in front.
He was pulled away from his thoughts as a bark came from the top of the stairs.
"Hotchner!"
"Yes, Sir. Agent Buchanan" Hotch addressed the noise and watched an older man descend the stairs. Not elderly but old enough that Hotch new wasn't his equal. He held his hand out to shake Buchanan's. He was a few inches shorter than Hotch and walked with a slight limp, mostly likely an injury from the field. Agent Buchanan's face was worn, stress of the job. Stress levels can be unbearable, but everyone manages differently. Regardless of the lines on his face and deep voice, he had kind eyes, and his suit was pressed perfectly even still for his last day.
"Good to see you made it here, Hotchner. Sorry to have kept you waiting, the last of my things are being picked up this morning."
"Not to worry, thank you for meeting with me".
"This way, Agent" Buchanan lead Hotch down the hallway directly in front of him past the table housing the bouquet of roses.
The hall was along again with marble flooring throughout. One wall was decorated with expensive looking art and sculptures and the other was a floor to ceiling wall of windows looking out to a small garden. Lush greenery littered the area and Hotch smiled at the two gardeners who looked away from their project to glance at the movement inside the home.
Both Gardeners tipped their hats and carried on their discussion.
"Hotchner, this is the Ambassador's office. You'll notice there is just the one door in this part of the house, other than a store cupboard at the end to your right"
The doors to the Ambassador's office were dark wooden and featured only one gold doorknob on each side.
"When these doors are closed, Hotchner, you are not to enter unless with the Ambassador's permission. If she is on the premisses, knock twice. There may be occasions where she is offsite but expects reports on her desk. You will be given a key for emergencies, and should the ambassador have any requests such as that I have just explained, she will of course let you know at the time. Understood?" Buchanan's words came out quickly and he didn't pause.
"Yes of course, sir, I understand." Hotch nodded.
"This way, Hotchner. Now…" Buchanan clapped his hands together and gestured back to the hallway where they had just walked to lead to the main entrance. He spoke of the other wings and rooms. Hotch all the while tried desperately to cling on to each word as Buchanan give him – what he thought – a more than brief tour of the home.
"Do you have any questions, Hotchner" Buchanan finally allowed Hotch to say anything other than 'Yes, sir'.
"Just one, if you don't mind? I met and spoke with Mr Prentiss when I arrived, and he mentioned something about his 'princess'… what did he exactly mean? I'm not one to judge if he was speaking about the Ambassador though from my first impression, this isn't really an endearment I would choose for someone like the Ambassador" Hotch frowned and grimaced as he explained why he was asking this question and Buchanan rolled his eyes.
"'Princess' is not the Ambassador, Hotchner. 'Princess' is Emily. The Prentiss daughter. You weren't aware?" Buchanan raised his eyebrows as Hotch looked confused. No one had told him about a daughter.
"No sir, nothing in the file left for me. I'm sure it'll be OK although, I have little experience with children" now Hotch was nervous. How could no one of told him about a child in this house. He carried a gun and what if there was an emergency? He wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight; he'd have to stay up and go through as much information about the floor plans of this place and now clearance for people who are around children!
Unbeknownst to him Buchanan had looked toward the floor and was laughing. His deep throaty voice almost caused vibrations through the walls when he laughed.
"Oh kid, she isn't child. Believe me, your job would be ten times easier if she were. A bit of a troublemaker though. Granted it's not as bad now she's at college for most of the year. She's given me my fair share of crap over the years; stealing, bringing boys home, sneaking out at ridiculous times of the night and appearing like nothing happened a day or two later. We lost her for a few days in Rome a while back. I believe that is what caused my hair to go grey. A good kid at heart, just a bit lost, you know? I have faith she'll do extraordinary things" Buchanan spoke rather fondly of the younger Prentiss. Despite the trouble and grey hair, from the look on his face it came across as though he would miss Emily.
Suddenly, Hotch was very interested in meeting her. If she was a college, she must be home soon for the summer so he may get an encounter with her.
"Anyway Hotchner, as mentioned, you're welcome to use the facilities onsite. The Prentiss's will more than accommodate to you whilst you're here for your post. The gym, pool and sauna are at your disposal along with the game room. Your sleeping quarter is the one next to Emily's, and your office is in the West Wing."
"The rest of your team will be here in the morning, 7am sharp where you will fill them in on shift schedules and any briefs. I've left some homework for you in terms of my detail over the last twelve months should you wish to phase in a new plan. I've also left correspondence dated from today and a complete floor plan should you get lost. I did when I first took over from my predecessor. Now, how you operate is your deal, they know what to expect when a new leader is brought in so don't take any shit. Am I clear?"
Hotch nodded away as Buchanan spoke. "Of course, sir, thank you for your time this morning. I appreciate it" Hotch shook Buchanan's hand again as the elder picked up his brief case and go bag.
"Call me if you need anything, Hotchner, I'm sure we'll meet again through work. Good luck here, kid".
Hotch watched Agent Buchanan pack his things into the trunk of his SUV and speak with the usher. They had obviously become good friends in the time he had worked here. Buchanan handed over a set of keys and what looked like a badge and small plastic file to the boy. He then pat him on the shoulder and shook his hand too. He walked around his car and rolled down the window on the passenger side.
"I mean it, kid, call me if you need anything!" Buchanan shouted over the radio and put the car into gear and proceeded to drive around a water fountain and down the gravel driveway.
The usher walked over to Hotch who was leant against the door frame thinking about the million and one things Buchanan had voiced. He was eager to meet with Ambassador and whilst he knew he was capable, anxious to meet with his team. He closed eyes for a moment an inhaled through his nose, the sweet smell of roses and fresh cut grass instantly relaxed him. A voice pulled him from his momentary trance.
"Here you go Agent." the usher spoke once he reached Hotch at the entrance of the house. Hotch took the file, badge and keys from the boy and nodded his thanks.
"Umm Agent, I need your keys… So, I can move your car." the boy spoke again.
"Yes of course." Hotch handed his keys to the boy and watched as he unlocked his car.
"Oh, you name, please?"
"It's Ross, sir. You can find my schedule and personal information on your desk. I believe Richie left it for you." With that, Ross drove off past the fountain to the rear of the building where Buchanan had shown him what looked like a small parking complex.
Hotch was about to close the door when he saw a black SUV like his roll up to the front of the building. Two men, one blonde and one hairless, got out of the vehicle and made their way to the door where hotch was stood.
"May I see you IDs, please?" Hotch spoke in a low voice, on alert since he wasn't expecting to see anyone other than the Ambassador and house staff for the rest of the day.
"I'm Agent Lucas Jones, on shift." the blonde man spoke with a New York tinge to his voice.
"Good morning, I'm Agent Dan Barnes. I'm not on shift today like Luke. I thought I'd hitch a ride to meet the officer taking over from ol Richie. I'm guessing that's you?"
Hotch listened to Barnes has he spoke and whilst he never judged a book by his cover, he felt a pull deep in his gut... something was off about this guy. 'Officer'? Hotch was insulted by the laid back attitude he was greeted with.
"Good to meet you, Barnes, thank you for taking the time out of your day off to meet with me." Hotch said as he shook the man's hand and then formally greeted Jones.
"Agent Buchanan mentioned due to the handover, no one was supposed to be in today unless I missed something here?" Hotch gestured to Agent Jones.
"Shift rotation is pretty set in stone, sir, though if I'm not needed, I don't mind heading back and catching up with the game." Jones spoke with a boyish smile. He seemed innocent and had a clear respect for authority. Hotch noticed how he addressed himself and his superior unlike his pal here who made every hair on the back of Hotch's neck stand up right.
"I understand. If there is something I should know, please don't hesitate to inform me." Hotch pressed again. He tried to maintain eye contact with Barnes who simply looked elsewhere as if he hadn't been addressed by his boss.
"Well, sir, it's the end June and Miss Prentiss is due to be back today at the earliest so honestly, I thought best not to miss today's shift just in case she does come home. This way you're not left in the lurch. Though I can imagine you were informed that there was a 'Miss Prentiss' in the first place." Luke muttered under his breath.
"No, Agent, I found out about Miss Prentiss when I arrived here this morning. I was surprised but I am sure it was just a simple oversight." Hotch said genuinely, hoping this would put Luke at ease.
Agent Barnes scoffed.
"That girl has caused more problems for us than I have ever heard of with any other team, man. That little good for nothing needs a lesson in when and who to speak with if you ask me. Yale won't keep her locked up all year, so we get all this pent-up teenage bullshit she brings back from New Haven. Can't act out at an Ivy League school so she brings it all home for us to clear up." Barnes sneered.
"Last year she snuck out of the kitchen window and met up with some loser who took her to a party a few blocks away. She got hammered and jacked up on God knows what. We had to go and drag her little ass out of bed and bring her home to Mommy and Daddy only for a slap on the wrist. If she were mine, hell, she'd never see the light of day again." Agent Barnes almost spat as he spoke about Miss Prentiss and her behaviour. Hotch wasn't a fan of his disdain for the younger Prentiss; she was young and under a watched home, she was bound to act out sometime. Of course, if anyone had taken the time to talk to Emily, he was sure they'd find out if there was a reason for her reckless behaviour. For now, Hotch, would do as her father asked, keep his eye on Emily. For his own peace of mind, he'll also keep his eye on Agent Barnes too.
"Ah she's not that bad, Danny. If you just talked with her rather than at her, you'd see she's a nice girl. She's real fun! Gives us a ride for our money at pool, I draw the line at forty bucks" Luke seemed fond of Miss Prentiss and Hotch was pleased to see this. 'At least someone is smart enough to talk to the kid' he thought.
"Speaking of, that's Emily's car. Cost more than my parents' house. Spoilt, entitled little brat" Barnes scorned and nodded towards the dust cloud forming in the distance at the start of the long driveway. He clicked his tongue when he spoke, Hotch had just about enough of this guy already.
"How can you tell that's Miss Prentiss?" Hotch asked genuinely curious.
"I've worked here long enough to know when trouble arrives." Barnes glared at Hotch as he spoke, he held his stare as if to challenge the superior and before Hotch could question his implication, car tyres screeched as a Mercedes pulled up behind the Agent's SUV.
Music blared from the sound system, Hotch could hear the unmistakable solo from Sweet Child O Mine, and he bit his lip in anticipation as to who would come out of the car. The door swung open and a sea of hair as dark as his appeared.
Her hair fell past her shoulder in loose curls and the woman was wearing an oversized sweater with Yale printed over the front. She had obviously customised the fit as the neck hung off one shoulder revealing a thin black strap and stunningly pale alabaster skin. He could only watch as the young woman ducked back into the car and switched off the engine only to reappear with a smile that knocked the wind out of him. She looked over at Hotch and the other agents and shouted.
"Hi boys!" she giggled at herself and threw her keys towards the usher. She walked hurriedly towards where the agents were stood. Hotch could now take in the sight that was, Emily Prentiss.
Whilst she was tall but still a lot shorter than him, her long legs were accentuated by black leggings, and she wore thick black boots. She had obviously chosen comfortable clothing to make the long drive home for the summer. He remembered wearing a Harvard Hoodie and his basketball shorts for his trip home. Comfortable was defiantly a good choice!
"Be gentle, Ross". She said over her shoulder.
"Yes, ma'am, of course" Ross spoke to the young woman as she approached Hotch, Luke, and Barnes.
"Hey Luke" she winked at him and gave him a high five. 'She's comfortable with him, good to see' Hotch made a mental note.
"Miss Prentiss, good to see you. I hope your junior year was a good one? Three down one to go." Luke was polite and charming towards Emily just as he was when he spoke of her. Hotch was still pleased with the younger agent as he conversed with Emily. He seemed to have built good rapport with her, and she made him laugh as she told a story about a drive on the highway for a road trip with her friends.
"I don't doubt that for a second, ma'am, your driving would have me turn the same shade of green." Emily smiled at Luke's dig at her driving skills.
She cleared her throat and addressed Barnes next "Hi Agent Barnes, I didn't think you were on duty today?" 'Huh, odd' hotch thought.
"As you can see, Miss Prentiss, I am on duty today. Perhaps laying off booze the night before your return home would suffice in the future, in case the memo is missed", Barnes greeted Emily coldly and in an extremely passive aggressive way. Emily stood up to Barnes, though not close but near enough to challenge him and whatever authority he had. Hotch thought there could be a story in there but for now, he'd let Emily settle back home before pressing the issue with her. To her credit, she ignored his dig and her attention turned to Hotch when she heard his raspy voice.
"You must be, Miss Prentiss. I'm Special Agent Aaron Hotchner, I'm taking over from Agent Buchanan for the next few months. My office is in the West Wing, and I believe my contact information has been left in your room ready for your arrival home. I trust you had a good junior year; Yale is a fantastic school. It was a shame when I wasn't accepted" Hotch introduced himself and decided to put Emily as ease with a playful jibe about school.
He held out his hand for her to take as she climbed the few steps to the front door of her family's house. As soon as she touched his hand, it was electric.
Electricity coursed through his body as his palm engulfed hers and his lips curled up slightly when she spoke in return obviously taking the bait.
"Nice to meet you Special Agent Aaron Hotchner, I'm Emily. Please just call me Emily, no need for formalities when you're in the family home REGARDLESS OF DUTIES" Emily shouted the last three words and Agent Barnes head snapped up to Emily. He clenched his jaw and stuffed his hands in his pocket as he walked off around the side of the house. Luke glanced at Hotch with a shrug as he made his way into the house.
"You didn't get into Yale then? Wow, what is wrong with you?" 'ahh perfect', Hotch thought as Emily replied to his statement about schools.
"I went somewhere better." and with that Hotch gave her a shy smile as she nodded at him with a playful smile forming. Her eyes filled with questions, she actually looked impressed.
That smile beamed up at him. Her perfect white teeth curled over her bottom lip before speaking with a flirtatious hint to her voice "Very clever. You're less stuffy than Rich. I'll miss him though; he's been here since I was fourteen. I look forward to getting to know you though… Hotch". She winked at him, turned around and made her way up the stairs towards what he knew was the direction of her bedroom. All the while keeping her head down to not give away the smile, she knew she couldn't hide from anyone if she looked up.
Hotch almost choked at her wink and the audacity to openly flirt with him. No one had abbreviated his name or gave him a nickname other than his mom. He had to commend her though, she had an ability to catch men off guard and wasn't afraid to be confident. His mind drifted back to her manner towards Barnes and his towards her. He knew he wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight for that interaction would keep him awake as he would eventually figure out what caused such animosity.
-Present Day-
Emily stared at their hands and Hotch cleared his throat to speak. He finally dropped her hand and said the first thing that came to mind.
"So, are you parents well?" he said almost pathetically. He was beyond surprised by her random appearance. He would have been just fine had she remained a memory - this of course was the plan considering how they started, how they ended and where they were going.
"Yes, they're well thank you." She replied, her smile completely gone as tension made the air around them thick. Hotch shook his head slightly as if willing her to continue talking, and perhaps explain why she was here. He was the one who gave in.
"What can I do for you?" he asked her.
"I was hoping you could tell me where I can put my things. I'm supposed to start here at the BAU today." Emily replied, whilst opening the lid of the box she had settled on one of the chairs in front of his desk.
Hotch frowned and then raised his eyebrows. He knew all transfers had to be approved by him and nothing had come over his desk.
"There has been a mistake." He was curt in his reply, frustration looming in the pit of his stomach.
"I don't think so, sir" Emily was polite though, if he was anything like she remembered, he would be getting irritated with her right about now. Emily found the file she was looking for and handed it to Hotch.
"There has definitely been a mistake" he continued to be blunt with her as he scanned through the file. Yep, all the documents were here, cleared and signed for a transfer.
JJ finally moved back to the crease of his office door and tapped on the hard wood. She could feel the tension between the two brunettes.
"Oh, excuse me" she nodded at the brunette woman, "we're getting started".
Hotch glanced at JJ and sighed before looking back to the file in his hands.
"Thank you. I'll be right there".
JJ left and walked towards the conference room, but not before looking through the window to his office wondering what the heck was going on in there.
His lips pressed together in a grim line before he spoke, authority dripping from each word.
"I didn't approve this transfer, Agent Prentiss."
He closed the file and walked around his desk, he didn't stop to stand in front of her and was sure to keep his distance.
"I'm sorry for the confusion but you have been misinformed." Hotch handed the file back to Emily.
He continued "Excuse me. It's very good to see you again".
Hotch left the office before Emily could reply, he heard her stammer for a response but he proceeded to walk away without looking back at her. 'Who the fuck approved a transfer without him knowing and why, oh why, her of all people' his conscious boomed.
He inhaled a deep breath and closes his eyes as if to calm himself before approaching Gideon, who was leaving his office also. He scowled as he squared up to his elder, trying hard to be respectful but letting Gideon know he was beyond pissed.
No time for chitchat, Hotch was direct "Did you approve a new transfer?" he asked with razor sharp purpose.
Gideon looked at Hotch briefly before turning towards the younger agent's office where Emily stood wide eyed holding her box of things. Her tummy was doing summersaults as humiliation loomed. Hotch didn't sound or look impressed to see her, in fact he spoke to her like a total stranger. Of course, time has passed but she deserved more respect than that.
"No. I would have discussed it with you." Gideon simply replied. A man of few words.
He and Hotch walked along the catwalk towards the conference room for this morning's brief.
"That's what I thought, but she's got the paperwork to join the team." he replied to his elder.
Confusion ladened Gideon now too.
"You want me to make a call?" he asked Hotch, sensing his annoyance.
"No. I'll look into it." Hotch acknowledged the offer and walked on to the round table whilst Gideon took himself to the counter to make some tea.
The team would be heading to St Louis, Missouri for this assignment. Two serial killers at large with different victimology and different MOs. They all packed up their folders and left the conference room to gather their bags and made their way to the airport.
Once the jet had taken off, the members of the team had settled down to begin discussing the case details in order to come up with ideas for the profile of these two unsubs. Whilst Reid and JJ spoke, opposite them Hotch stared out of the window thinking of Emily…