The Intern

Coffee Shop Conversations

The following Monday...

       Meeting up Jen at the coffee shop we have about an hour before work. "Big day today huh?" Wagging her eyebrows, I hand her one of the cups I'm holding.

       Sliding into one of the booths in the corner she looks just so pleased with herself. "There's some stuff I need to finalize but yes it's Rayne's first day today." The waitress comes to drop off the breakfast croissants we ordered and I'm able to change the conversation to the upcoming case.

       An old contact of mine called me directly about it which means I'll be going into the field. The Director has cleared it but made it very clear since I agreed to have an intern, she has to travel with me. Taking a non-trained agent into the field is the last thing I want to do but I don't really have a choice now. As we're eating the bell above the door chimes as it opens. Mostly agents frequent this spot so that's not unusual, but something makes me look up. When I do I realize it's Rayne who's entered.

       She's not alone though as a woman around my age maybe older has a grip on her hand. Rayne's obviously dressed for work in black dress pants and a black turtleneck shirt under a tan and black plaid button-up cardigan with platformed Converse. The woman is wearing mom jeans and a brown sweater. At first, I think it's her mom but as they stand in line the man behind them compliments my intern. Of course, people are going to compliment you she looks like well... that.

       Opening her mouth to thank him the other woman cuts her off snaking her arm around her waist thanking him for her. From where I am I can see the way her nails dig into Rayne's hip. She doesn't even register it though scrolling through her phone. Peering over her shoulder she watches everything she does. Pointing it out to JJ she notices the weird dynamic too. When they get to the front of the line her partner orders the drinks giving the name Diane for the order.

       When their order gets called and without noticing me, they take the table that sits right behind JJ. "I really don't think you should take the internship." Hearing that my eyes widen and we both freeze. "You said it yourself everyone told you not to apply." There's a sigh in response that wasn't her.

       "No, I told you all the men that wanted the spot told me not to apply. They were all so sure they would get the internship and in her pants. It's no secret she's the bureau's top bachelorette. Everyone wants the last name. The gag is that last name is about to fade out of power. Well, maybe not within the bureau she and the BAU are short of legends but politically her mom's about to get the boot. Remember that event last month I did security for? Turns out it was some fancy dinner party for the inauguration of her replacement. After a few drinks politicians start getting loosed-lipped. Ambassador Prentiss is currently stationed in London they aren't planning to tell her until the end of her assignment that it was her last. You know I'm not into politics and I feel awful but even if I tell her she's not going to believe me. I have zero connection to that world I just overheard some things." Wide-eyed at this point holy shit I need to call my mother.

       "Yeah, well if you ask me, it sounds like she's just an undercover carpet muncher who's about to have her mother living in her guest room." As soon as it's out of her mouth my blood boils and JJ's jaw hits the table. "I'm just being realistic baby what potential could a woman like her honestly see in you other than the potential to be able to get off." Mouthing across the table asking if she said what she just said to that girl. "You have zero training other than how to push up your tits to get some horny old man to sell you liquor or cigarettes. Let's face it we both know you're not FBI material." I don't know who I'm angrier with her for saying all of those horrible and very untrue things or Rayne for sitting there and just taking it.

       Taking a breath, I have to stop myself from getting up and giving her a piece of my mind. "I don't think that only you do. You know this is all I've ever wanted. I've already signed my contract I can't back out of it now." There's movement and she slides out of the booth. "I have to go work now I'm supposed to meet Director Prentiss early today to finish some paperwork." Walking away from the table Diane is right on her heels.

       Checking my watch, it's still thirty minutes until we're supposed to be meeting at headquarters. From our window we watch them walk over to two cars. She opens the door to one and it gets shut right back. Now we can't hear them, but the conversation is more heated than it was inside. Going back and forth Diane suddenly slaps her. Freezing I'm rooted to my spot. With some final parting words, she leaves her standing there leaned up against her car clutching her face.

       My training kicks in and I'm up but before either of us can make it out to her she gets in her car pulling away as well. "Would you be shocked if I said that wasn't the first time?" One of the workers come over to wipe down the table they were at. "At first, I thought maybe the older one was an agent because they come here semi-regularly. One of the other baristas overheard them talking she's actually a high school sub. All we know is her name is Diane so we can't report her. We also can't ban them because she never lays her hands on her inside the building and it's a public lot we share. That's not even close to the worst incident between them. One day she came in without her and was talking to someone closer to her age who had asked her about some jewelry she was wearing. Diane came in and seen her let the other girl touch the necklace. She dragged her out of there and all but threw the poor girl into the car. We didn't see her for a long time after and never alone since then. As much as I wish they would find somewhere else for their DV I'd worry she finally took it too far if they didn't show up. Ray's a sweet girl always polite and tips well. Diane though is a monster." Finishing up her job she tells us to have a good day before moving on to the next dirty table.

       Silently we decide it's time to go to work. I park in my spot the blonde in one a couple of spots down. As we pulled in, we had passed her car at the far end. She was inside with patting at her face more than likely covering what is bruising with makeup. "I know you aren't going to let this go." Making sure I grab my to-go back I tell her of course not.

       Me: Good morning Rayne this is Emily

               please make sure you have your to-go bag as we'll be traveling 

              Into the field alongside the BAU

        RL: Good morning I will make sure to arrive fully prepared

       Getting an answer instantly there's nothing else we can do right now. If we push it may put her in danger or cause her to quit her internship, and then there'll be nothing I can do for her. As much as I don't want to walk away, I do and head upstairs. I haven't forgotten I have a call to make.