Case Reopened

The Profile (Part 1)

Do any of you even read these notes anymore or just skip to the good stuff?

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"This is your target," Special Agent McKinney said.

Carter studied the photo that popped up on screen. A young man, early twenties, average features made more noticeable with a sharp haircut, and an average build though tall. He smiled at the camera, a smile Carter detected as honed to a perfect balance of friendly and reserved. His suit fit him to perfection and he wore it with enough casualness to make it seem unintentional in it's perfection.

All in all he was the essence of a politician's son.

Beside Carter, Mason shuddered. "I'm getting First Son PTSD flashbacks."

Carter forced herself not to smile since she was getting the same feeling. All she could see was the countless sons and daughters she'd gone to school with only a few years ago.

"This is Jackson Travis, son to Senator Scott Travis," McKinney said. "The son is not who is important in this case, it's his father."

"We'll be using the son to get close to the father?" Carter asked.

McKinney nodded. "Travis is clean but there are too many occurrences around him that we need to get a closer look. But our other attempts have yielded nothing. No one has found anything by trying to get close to him directly, that is why we are going to use this other method."

Before McKinney could explain it, Carter saw why her, Donovan and Mason were chosen.

Not only could they still pass for college students, with their backgrounds they understood how to interact with the children of politicians. They knew the delicate balance of connection and position, using subtle tactics to get close but not seem to eager.

For Carter it was like she was heading back into a world she'd escaped, except this time she'd be going back in with training behind her and her past no longer a driving force.

"Even though you three aren't on a team," McKinney said, gazing at Carter, Mason and Donovan. "Your backgrounds make you the best candidates to go undercover. Mason, your job won't change but you will be a voice that can help solve any issues that arise if either Owens or Keller can't handle it."

Lacing his hands, Mason put them behind his hand and leaned back. "I get to give the commands, this will be good. I've always wanted to order Owens what to do."

Carter sent him a look and Mason grinned wickedly. She imagined the type of orders Mason would give her, ones he thought would be the most humiliating. He seemed to forget that they weren't in high school but the FBI.

"You are not the leader," McKinney said. "Keller will be in charge, but will be overseen by Special Agent Booth. Who you will all report back to. Understood?"

They all agreed. Carter felt grateful that there was a higher up over them. Though she felt confident in her and Donovan's ability and vaguely Mason's ability to be able to work a keyboard, this was their first solo assignment and didn't want to make a mess of it.

"What is it that we are looking for with Senator Travis, sir?" Donovan asked.

"We believe that state secrets are being sold and clues indicate it's Travis but we've no proof. If it is him, we need to understand how he is selling them and what organization he is working with."

"Understood," Donovan said.

"Together you will profile Jackson and find the best way to make contact and get close to him. This tablet has enough information to get you started. Agent Booth will find you at the end of the day and assess your progress. Do you have any questions?"