Hidden life

First day part one

⚠️ trigger warning it's criminal minds⚠️
Emily stood and looked at herself in the mirror. She shocked her nerves as she strained her skirt because she hadn't seen him in years. She collected her briefcase, handbag, and a bottle of water, got the pill bottle from her bedside, and washed down the propranolol with the water. She went down into the kitchen, got her keys, and headed outside to her car.

She sat outside section chief Erin Strauss' office. Emily had an appointment and was waiting to see her. A few minutes ago, the assistant to the Section Chief approached to apologise for the delay. Emily smiled and thanked the woman for the information. A desired specialised unit to which she has been attempting to transfer for over a year. She had applied for the profiler position every time one became available since her psychiatric and physical clearance for full duty following her time with Interpol. She was eager to meet with the Section Chief and make the transfer official. Especially since her health deteriorated a month after leaving Interpol and leaving previous life behind. Just then, the office door opened, and a middle age blonde woman approached her. She extended her hand and remarked, "You must be Agent Prentiss. It is a pleasure to meet you. Please come inside. I'm sorry for the delay. An issue arose this morning that needs to be resolved straight away." The lie had come out cleanly, and the profiler made no sign that she had noticed. Erin Strauss had not been dealing with a pressing situation. Or on the phone at all. She had spotted the younger woman enter at her office 20 minutes before her scheduled appointment time. Chief Strauss wanted to throw Emily Prentiss off, and by making her wait. And, based on what she saw as Prentiss waited, she succeeded. The delay in meeting with this specific agent was entirely purposeful. Because Chief Strauss has a goal and a master strategy for achieving it. This agent was, hopefully, going to play an important role in the success of the strategy. But she was not about to inform Agent Prentiss what her job would be. At least, not yet. If Strauss mentioned the secondary reason for Prentiss' selection to the BAU, it may backfire if Prentiss took offence. When Erin Strauss discovered Emily Prentiss' name on the list of agents interested in transferring to the BAU, she knew it was the ideal opportunity to achieve her aim of getting rid of Aaron Hotchner. For good. And it had to happen within the following eight months before he could be promoted. On paper, Emily Prentiss was an ideal candidate for the BAU since she was experienced, highly educated, and possessed the specialised expertise that they sought in profilers. Erin was more than qualified for the team, and despite her health concerns, the on-site medical experts advised her that she was fit for duty. Now that her transfer had been approved, Aaron Hotchner had no legal basis to refuse her. He would have to show cause. And cause requires time. There's also evidence. In addition, Emily Prentiss was the child of diplomats. She had grown up in those circles and understood how politics worked, unlike the quirky assortment that currently comprised the BAU squad. After seeing Elizabeth Prentiss several times, Strauss concluded that the Ambassador, like Strauss, did whatever was necessary to secure the best outcome for herself. Strauss' strategy relied on the Ambassador's daughter sharing the same outlook. Strauss felt confident that with the right incentives, she would be able to get the information she needed from this new agent.  In a few months, Strauss would approach Prentiss and ask how much of Hotchner's dirty laundry she would disclose. Emily Prentiss would never turn down the opportunity to screw over an ex while still advancing her profession. Deals would need to be made, and Strauss was prepared. IF it got rid of Hotchner permanently. "Yes, Ma'am. Thank you for meeting with me." Emily stood up and shook the elderly woman's hand. "The pleasure is all mine, Agent. Let us examine your file. I only have a few enquiries. Then we can talk about your expectations as a member of the BAU." Strauss responds by walking into her office, behind her desk, and then sitting in her chair. She signals for Emily to sit on one of the guest chairs in front of the desk.

The meeting was beginning to drag. How many more banal and needless demands could this woman have? She had to go over her extensive experience with Interpol, as well as her medical background, to determine what she required to complete the job she had been assigned. Emily was already having difficulty warming up to the older woman. It took all of her childhood experience to maintain her interest in what Strauss was saying. Her profiler instinct told her that something was wrong, but she couldn't pinpoint what. After a few more minutes, Strauss says. "Do you have any questions, Agent Prentiss?" Strauss stares at Emily over her desk before returning her attention to the paperwork in front of her. Agent Prentiss' transfer documents. She swiftly signs them in the appropriate locations. "No, Ma'am. Not at this time." Emily responds, relieved that the meeting is coming to a conclusion. "In that case, I'm going to send you to the BAU right now. I would usually stroll over with you. However, the scenario I indicated earlier is ongoing, and I am required in the Director's office."
"Agent Hotchner is the Unit Chief of the team you'll be joining. Simply go to his office and deliver him this documents, and you'll be all set. He'll take care of whatever else you require. Strauss offers Emily the signed and finished transfer documents while watching the younger woman's response to the information. "Ma'am. Is that Aaron Hotchner? Emily could feel a flush developing on her face looking at the file of everyone's picture in the team. "Yes, Agent Prentiss. Do you know him?" Strauss noticed the agent's blush but made no comment. She was trying hard not to express her delight at the other woman's reaction. "We met years ago. I do not comprehend. I applied for a position with the unit you supervise, and Agent Gideon was the field lead." Emily responded quietly, perplexed. "I apologise for the confusion. As Section Chief, I oversee all teams in the BAU as well as other departments. Agent Hotchner serves as the Unit Chief and SSAIC for the BAU squad, which presently has a vacancy. Agent Gideon is a senior member of the squad. He stepped down as Unit Chief about two years ago. And he is no longer the field leader. Are you considering accepting the transfer? Agent Prentiss, we have a large number of other interested applicants."       "No, mama.I'm interested in the position." Emily replied anxiously, gripping her transfer papers in both hands. "Very good. Return down the hallway towards the lifts and the lobby. Then go through the glass doors, turn left once in the bullpen, and climb the stairs to his office, which is at the top. Agent Hotchner is working in his office this morning. If you have any troubles, please let me know. Agent Prentiss, my door is always open." "Thank you ma'am for the opportunity." Emily slowly got up. She then placed her paperwork in her box before scooping it up and leaving Erin Strauss' office.