CHORUS
You are a woman marked for sorrow.
ELEKTRA
Yes, I know sorrow. Know it far too well.
My life is a tunnel choked by the
sweepings of dread.
⟿ criminal minds
⟿ aaron hotchner
...
CHAPTER ONE: AREA WOMAN ALWAYS HAS BACKUP PLANS JUST IN CASE
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WHAT BEATRICE STERLING needed was a way to ditch her blind date.
Fast.
In an opulent restaurant adorned with crystal chandeliers and golden accents, Beatrice Sterling found herself on her third blind date of the month. The air was thick with an atmosphere that teetered on the edge of grandeur and pretentiousness. As they perused the menu, the waiter delicately poured sparkling water into crystal glasses.
Beatrice observed her date. She wasn't going to deny that he was really handsome with captivating blue eyes and an enviable physique, yet with every word that escaped his lips, it became painfully clear that he held his own accomplishments in higher regard than anything else. He ranted tirelessly about his high-profile cases for two hours, leaving no room for curiosity or interest in her own preferences, dreams, or aspirations. How her neighbor convinced her they would make a cute couple, she will never know.
The surrounding patrons spoke in hushed tones, their gestures precise, as if partaking in a carefully choreographed dance of refinement. Despite the allure of the luxurious setting, Beatrice couldn't help but feel uneasy, yearning for authenticity amidst the artifice that surrounded her. It was, after all, one of the most expensive restaurants in New Jersey, Chez Catherine and so she expected more.
Biting the inside of her cheek, the blonde circled the rim of her wine glass.
It had actually been a year ever since she went on a date; too busy writing reports about gathered intelligence, analyzing cyber activities of potential international terrorists. As a unit chief in the Cyber Counterintelligence Section, she almost has little to no time to find someone to be with. Also, almost all of the guys she dated walked away when they discovered how demanding her job was. It didn't make her sad though, she loved her job very much and enjoyed what she was doing.
Her eyes leisurely watched her finger skim the side of her glass, silently hoping she would be able to end this disaster of a date politely. Her other hand reached behind her neck, her fingertips lightly pressing the skin. She offered another bright smile and eagerly nodded to show her interest in their one-sided conversation.
Her date-whose name she already forgot, had just finished his meal; hands reaching out to pick up his napkin and pat it against his lips. "Are you doing okay?"
She hummed, eyes flicking up to meet him. "Yeah, yeah! I heard you talking about your win against the, uh, what was it again?" She chuckled, snapping her fingers. "Ah! The Freeway Corporation, yes."
His blue eyes skimmed over her, his lips curling into a grin. "You're so cute when you smile. Perhaps," She watched him suck in a breath, his fingers slowly sneaking over to her resting hand. "Do you want us to go somewhere priva-"
