𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹 - 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀

Drinks

(Chapter 1)

August 2nd, 2018
I sighed as I reached for another file. As a member of the BAU, I was in charge of filling out paperwork and overlooking reports with the help of my team. My pen scribbled a signature onto the papers in a single, swift motion.

Our unit was compromised of the FBI's top agents, we all worked together to analyze the behavior of violent criminals and put them behind bars.

"Hey!" I heard 3 raps at my door, causing my body to jolt in surprise. JJ stepped into my office. "What're you doing here so late?"

"Wrapping up some case files. You?"

"I was just about to go out for a drink with Spencer, want to come?"

A drink sounded nice but I had so much work to do, although I felt guilty saying no. The last few times the team had gone out for drinks, I blew them off to go home and be with my family. My husband, Jason, and my son, Caleb, didn't see me as much as they would like to, I felt as if I owed it to them to be home as soon as I could.

"You're coming, let's go." JJ grabbed my hand and I stood up quietly, grabbing my bag on the way out. Whats the worst that could happen? I usually wouldn't let someone drag me around like this, figuratively or literally, but it was JJ. She's my best friend and took it as her duty to help me have fun when I needed it. As we exited my office, JJ held my hand up triumphantly with a beaming smile draped across her face. We headed down the stairs towards Spencer, who was near the large double doors at the front of the NCAVC.

"Let's go ladies." Spencer joked as we made for the parking lot.

The ride over was quiet, nobody had much to talk about. It had been a long week and we all would probably rather be sleeping, but it would be good for us to have some fun.

I peered out the window, the sky greeted me with shades of orange and pink. The sun began to make its descent towards the ground as the burning light faded into a hazy disk of gold. A tinge of white and blue stretched transversely over the sky, creating a crystal type glaze. The yellow was mingling with the daytime sky, creating a wonderful array of colors. The sinking sun illuminated the bronze and rose hues, my red hair shone in the light.

The car halted to a stop in the parking lot, snapping me out of my daze. We exited the vehicle and made for the flamboyant building.

The inside of the bar was loud and bright. It's colorful lights forced my eyes shut for a brief moment. The music pounded in my ears and rang throughout my head. As I took in the sensory overload, I tried to remember the last time I had been to a bar. I had been a while. Like a long while.

I scanned the bar. There were men playing pool, women getting felt up, and construction workers knocking back beers like there was no tomorrow. I didn't feel like I belonged here, but I was ready to kick back and have a good night with friends.

JJ waved down the bartender. "Can I have a tall margarita on the rocks?" She nudged me.

"Um," I had actually forgotten what I liked to drink when I went out. "Same for me, thank you." I smiled and the man. He moved onto Spencer who ordered a club soda, he insisted on being the designated driver for the night.

We stood on the outskirts of the building, near the dart board. We had been playing for a while, it's actually more entertaining than you would think. Spencer was surprisingly good, like he is at most things. JJ tried, she wasn't as amazing, but she was having fun. I was terrible. My aim was clearly off and I could barely hit the target at all but everyone thought it was funny so we just made a joke out of my 'skills'.