Treasured

I'm Going to Steal the Declaration of Independence

Walking out of the FBI building, the three of them all wore expressions of disappointment. "Is it really so hard to believe that someone is going to steal the declaration of independence?" Riley asked the Gates.

"The FBI gets 10,000 tips a week," Ben started. "They aren't going to worry about something they are sure is safe." Spencer nodded to herself. This was harder than she thought.

"What about you Spenc? You're a Detective Inspector. Can't you do anything?" Riley asked her.

Spencer shook her head subtly. "No. I'm a DI in New York anyway. I mean I suppose I have some authority, but not enough to ensure the safety of a document of national security."

Riley sighed. Ben had thought about asking Spencer too, but he didn't want to bother her more than he already thought he did. "But anyone that can do anything is going to think we are crazy. And anyone crazy enough to believe us isn't going to want to help."

"We don't need someone crazy. We are one step short of crazy and what do you get?" Ben asked him.

"Obsessed," Riley laughed out.

"Passionate," Spencer corrected him.

-----

Ben, Riley, and Spencer, still in their nice clothes, sat in rather uncomfortable chairs outside an office in the National Archives. Ben looked over Riley and reached passed him.

"Excuse me." He grabbed a pamphlet about the National Archives Gala.

A secretary came up to them. "Dr. Chase can see you now Mr. Brown."

"Thank you," Ben nodded to her.

"Mr. Brown?" Riley asked as they stood up.

"Family name doesn't get a lot of respect in the academic community," Ben said. "Except for my prodigal sister. She gets loads of respect." Spencer frowned at him.

"So you are cutting down by the man," Riley said as they walked in. Inside was a blonde woman, on the phone, sitting at the desk. "A very cute man," Riley muttered. Spencer rolled her eyes behind his back.

Dr. Chase finished her phone called when they entered, "Thank you." She set down the phone and walked around the desk. "Good afternoon."

"Hi," Riley grinned. Spencer almost groaned aloud at that.

"Abigail Chase," she said shaking their hands.

"Paul Brown," Ben introduced.

"Nice to meet you," she smiled.

"Bill," Riley stuttered, trying to mimic Ben.

"Nice to meet you Bill," Abigail said as she raised an eyebrow to him.

"Detective Inspector Gates," Spencer announced proudly.

"Oh wonderful to meet you, Detective," Abigail said smiling. "How may I help you?"

"Well your accent. Pennsylvania Dutch?" Ben asked turning towards her.

"Saxony-German," Abigail grinned.

"Oh," Ben said, still smiling. Spencer shook her head at her brother's attempt at flirting.

"You're not American?" Riley asked confused.

"Oh I am an American I just wasn't born here." She saw Ben scanning her items in the back. "Please don't touch that."

"Sorry. Neat collection. George Washington's campaign buttons. You're missing the 1789 inaugural though. I found one once," Ben said.