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The past six months at the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit without the original profiles and former Unit Chief SSA Jason Gideon was odd, to say the least, at least for Dr. Spencer Margery Reid. The youngest agent in the BAU was used to being attached to her mentor's side both in and out of the field. Whether she knew it or not, she was one of the few people that Gideon held a soft spot for (and didn't try hard to hide it). Not having Gideon around certainly shook things up at the agency.
His temporary departure occurred specifically after a case in Boston, investigating a psychotic serial killer who was using bombs as his weapon of choice, the media soon dubbing him the nickname "The Boston Shrapnel Bomber". After six FBI agents died alongside a hostage after entering a warehouse directed by Jason Gideon, the man suffered from guilt, PTSD, and a major depressive episode. He stepped away from the bureau—mostly at the direction of his superiors—which left a void in the particular agency he helped found.
But this time away from him certainly allowed her to get closer to her other coworkers and, despite the two not exactly noticing, the acting Unit Chief SSA Aaron Hotchner had quickly stepped up in the role of mentor for the young agent (although the others certainly noticed).
Hotch would never admit it out loud, but he also had a soft spot for their youngest member and resident genius who was one of the most socially awkward and oblivious person he had ever witnessed. During the six months without Gideon, Hotch had been glad to see Spencer learn how to thrive on her own and get even closer with her coworkers.
But now, after the months went by, it was time to bring Gideon back to work cases again, starting with their current one. Out of the entire time, agent Derek Morgan had been the most unsure about Gideon coming back so soon, and the most vocal about it (though he still went with Spencer and Hotch to get him). JJ, their communications and overall liaison, was on a short vacation for a family thing so they were working the case without her, something that rarely happened, if ever.
The three ventured to the FBI's academy in Quantico where Gideon had been working as a guest lecturer/temporary teacher for the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Training. He was giving a lesson on profiling while using the Footpath Killer as an example for the young adults when Spencer entered the lecture hall, using the side door in an attempt to not be noticed or disturb anything.
Hotch and Morgan both agreed that Spencer going and getting Gideon would be the best option seeing as it was not unusual in the first place for her to go and sit in on his lectures, plus he would be less guarded around her compared to if either of them went in.
Spencer opened the side door, entering the lecture hall as quietly as possible, doing her best to make herself appear small and unnoticeable. Despite her attempt, everyone's eyes still flew over to her figure.
