To Die For → Derek Morgan

Ten

Josephine

I was sitting in Garcia's office, surrounded by all the intricate and quirky items that seemed to embody her personality. Until recently, I hadn't spent much time with her—she was always the bright, bubbly woman in the background, running things from behind her screens. It wasn't until that night at the bar that we actually talked and laughed, and I realized how much more there was to her.

The door swung open, and Garcia floated in, radiating her usual energy. "Well, well, if it isn't the early bird herself! What brings you to my little sanctuary of fabulousness? Need a dose of genius this early, or just admiring my collection of awesomeness?" she teased, already tapping away at her keyboard.

I smiled, leaning back in the chair. "I guess I'm here for both. This place is... something else." I gestured to the countless trinkets and bright colors scattered around her desk. "You've got quite the setup."

She grinned, twirling a strand of her bright hair. "Every item tells a story, my dear. Take this little guy," she said, pointing to a bobblehead that had half-fallen over. "A gift from an agent who was very grateful I saved their bacon once."

I raised an eyebrow. "So it's like your personal trophy room?"

"Exactly! And believe it or not, you and your crime-solving skills are this close to earning your spot." She winked, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Is that what you and Derek were whispering about the other night? Some secret plan to induct me into your collection?" I asked, leaning in slightly, curious. I hadn't missed how they'd shared a look or two while I was at the bar.

Garcia's eyes sparkled mischievously as she shook her head. "Oh, honey, if I told you, it would break every rule of the sacred Girl Code. What we talk about is strictly between us."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Figures. You two are impossible."

"Impossible? More like unstoppable." She shot me a wink and then, in a softer tone, added, "But seriously, Josie, I'm glad we got to know each other. If you ever need anything—work or otherwise—I'm here, okay?"

Her offer caught me off guard for a second. It wasn't just her quirky nature; Garcia genuinely cared. I smiled, feeling that connection we'd made that night at the bar grow even stronger. "Thanks, Garcia. I appreciate that."

"Don't think I didn't notice you and Derek sneak off the other night," Garcia said, steering the conversation with a sly grin.

I felt my cheeks flush, caught off guard by her boldness. "Sneak off? We didn't exactly sneak anywhere," I replied, trying to sound casual. "We just needed some air."

Garcia raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Uh-huh, sure. And I suppose 'air' means stepping out together and conveniently being gone for a while?" She leaned in, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Come on, spill! Something's brewing between you two, and I've got a sixth sense for these things."

I laughed nervously, shaking my head. "It's nothing, really. We're just... getting to know each other."

"Mmhmm," she hummed, unconvinced. "I'm telling you, I've seen Derek flirt before, but with you? It's different. There's something there, Josie, and you can't hide it from me."

I sighed, trying to keep my cool under her gaze. "It's not like that, Garcia. We've barely known each other that long."

"Oh, sweetie," she said, leaning back in her chair with a knowing smile, "sometimes it doesn't take long for something to click. Just... be careful. Derek's a good guy, but he's complicated. He keeps a lot hidden under the surface."