Hotchniss - Bonds, Deals and Running

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

It was a quiet afternoon in Aaron Hotchner's home. The late autumn sun filtered through the blinds, casting long, soft shadows across the living room. Jack was at school, and Emily was engrossed in her new responsibilities at the BAU. The stillness of the house allowed Aaron to focus entirely on the phone call at hand.

"SSA Hotchner" Aaron introduced himself as an agent out of habit and quickly released he gave up working for FBI.

He was seated at the dining table, the phone pressed to his ear, listening intently.
The voice on the other end belonged to the FBI Director, a figure of authority who rarely wasted words.

"Aaron, let me start by saying that your decision to step down as Unit Chief was unexpected," the Director began. "But it doesn't diminish how highly we regard you. Your leadership, your record in catching criminals, it speaks for itself. That said, I have an opportunity for you."

Aaron straightened slightly, the familiar sense of professionalism overtaking him. "I'm listening," he replied, his voice steady and neutral, though his curiosity was piqued.

"Once again we want you to take on the role of Section Chief. It's a critical position, larger oversight, broader reach, and it'll keep you in Quantico. It's perfect for someone with your experience and skill set, and for someone with your family situation."

Aaron exhaled slowly, his mind already working through the implications. The offer was prestigious, no doubt.

"I'm honored," Aaron said after a pause, his tone sincere. "But there's something I need to disclose before this conversation goes any further."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

"I'm in a relationship," Aaron continued. "With one of the agents on the BAU team. It's important, and I need to be upfront about it. Actually it's Unit Chief, SSA Emily Prentiss. "

"Wow, um..." there was a silence on the other side of the phone for a moment. "Excuse me for a second," The director said. Aaron could hear whispering on the other side of the phone call.

The Director's voice returned, calm but contemplative. "I appreciate your honesty, Aaron. That's exactly why we value you, your integrity. Now, let me ask you this: do you believe this relationship will compromise your judgment?"

Aaron didn't hesitate. "No. I've always kept my judgment sharp, judging by the situation and circumstances, not the person, and I don't intend to change that now. But I understand if this is a dealbreaker."

The Director chuckled softly, a rare sound from someone usually so composed. "Aaron, let me be clear. We want you for this position no matter what, because you're the best at what you do. Relationships happen, agents are human. What matters is how you manage it. I trust you to do that."

Aaron felt a flicker of relief, and surprise, though he kept his tone measured. "I appreciate that. I want to be transparent about everything upfront."

"I appreciate that you've told me," the Director replied. "In fact, I'd rather know about it than not. It shows me that you're taking this seriously. Now, let me sweeten the deal. If you accept this position, you'll have a salary increase, above what any previous Section Chief has received. We'll adjust to make this work for you."

Aaron's brow furrowed slightly, the offer catching him off guard. "That's... generous. More than I expected."

"Good. Because I want you to take this seriously. The Bureau needs leaders like you, Aaron. If there's anything else you're concerned about, now's the time to tell me. But let me assure you, this relationship of yours doesn't change my opinion. You're still the best candidate for the job."