Becoming a Criminal Mind

Chapter 1--An Entrance

Chapter 1--An Entrance

          An attractive, young looking stranger walked purposefully into the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit headquarters in Quantico, Virginia, toting what seemed to be an overnight bag.  Her blonde, shoulder length wavy-curly hair fanned out behind her, giving her a professional yet extremely chic appearance.  Her gray, well-fitting blazer and black pants added to her look of a hard-working, intelligent individual.  Straying from her brisk pace, she paused for a moment to enjoy the crisp spring air that the dreary, sulky winter weather had given way to barely weeks earlier.  But the pause was momentary, for the young woman was there for a specific reason; a reason that would change her lifestyle as she knew it, at least for the time being.

          The young woman was stopped by another attractive blonde, her hair pin straight and reaching past her shoulders.  Her skin was a glowing soft, light bronze, and her smile was professional yet genuine.  She offered her hand as a greeting. 

          “Hi, I’m Jennifer Jareau,” she started, her voice warm and comfortable, “may I help you with something?”

          The young woman did not take Jennifer’s hand.  “I need to see Aaron Hotchner right away.”

          “Oh, I’m so sorry, we’re about to leave for Chicago.  Is there something you needed right away?”

          “Actually, I’m supposed to be going on that plane as well.”

          Jennifer’s mouth made a small “o”, and she seemed to have lost the ability to speak for a few moments.  But the professionalism returned as quickly as it had fled, replaced by a look of slight confusion.  “You’re a new agent, then?”

          The young woman then spotted a tall man with cropped, dark hair walking quickly towards them, his eyes focused. The stark contrast between his dark suit and pale white skin gave him an appearance of a true FBI agent, and the circles and small lines around his eyes proved that he had been at his job for a while.

          “You’re Dr. Madeline Gerron?” BAU Chief Aaron Hotchner asked, his voice deep and slightly monotonous, but still oddly soothing.

          “Lyn,” Madeleine corrected, “its Madeleine.  It comes from the French form of ‘Magdalene’, of course coming from the saint Mary Magdalene, considered by many religious scholars to be one of the greatest disciples of Jesus as according to the Bible, he appears to her first after he dies and is resurrected.  Many people assume they were lovers, a fact that has yet to be proved or disproved by numerous scholars, each giving radically different reasons and conclusions.”  She took a breath, and then added, “My parents were opposed to so-called ‘standard’ religion, and my mother admired Mary Magdalene for her bravery going to properly dress Jesus after he had been laid in the tomb.”

          Jennifer’s jaw dropped, and her eyebrows shot up.  It was not overly dramatic, but enough to be noticeable to someone with a mind such as Madeleine’s.  Hotchner, however, did not seem fazed by Madeleine’s short speech. 

          “Very well then, Madeleine.  Follow me, and I’ll give you your badge and talk you through a few things.  We’ll brief you on the case on the way to Chicago.”  He left abruptly, and Madeleine followed, smiling briefly and giving a small, somewhat awkward wave to Jennifer as she passed.