New Hope

Chapter Two

Sounds of papers shuffling, printers running, and telephones ringing fills the air of the FBI building. The very one that houses a team of the BAU. That team is now apprehensively gathered as changes are being made in the wake of their personally tragedy.

Four of those team members are huddled at their desks in the 'bull pin' trying to hide the worry etched on their faces.

Emily Prentiss is sitting on her desk leaned against the edge, arms crossed to match her sour expression.
Penelope Garcia sits on the desk next to her, legs crossed under a bright patterned skirt. But, her mood does not match the happy, bubblyness her clothing exudes.
Jennifer Jareau sits in a chair along with Spencer Reid, who looks the calmest of them all.

"So, did anyone explain why Hotch is stepping down?" Penelope Garcia the usually cheerful, technical analyst asked worriedly.

JJ shrugged, "All morgan said this morning is that it's happening." She looks at Morgan and Strauss sitting at the break room table over her shoulder "And it's business as usual."

"So we're just supposed to move forward without any discussion?" Emily Prentiss asked in disbelief.

Spencer Reid twirled a pen at his desk, "After Foyet, I think we'd have to be ready for anything."

To their unknown, a young woman was standing outside the glass doors, observing the scene. She turned her attention from the group gossiping to the director and newly appointed team leader, reading their lips.

"Did you pick a case?" Strauss got straight to business.

Morgan opened a case file, "Agent Jareau and I reviewed the requests this morning, and I've decided on Oklahoma City."

"Why this one?"

"Locals have more evidentiary information than other priorities. This one, they have nothing. They need us the most." He stated.

"Good."

"If that's all, I'd like to gather the team."

She nodded, "I'll be checking in. I expect to be briefed."

"Yes, ma'am." Morgan closes the file.

They stand, ready to leave when SSA Hotchner walks up.

"If you need privacy, please use my office. " Hotchner offers.

"That's ok. We're done here." Morgan immediately rejects the offer.

"And when we get back, I'll clear everything out, and it'll be all yours."

"Hotch, I don't want your office."

Strauss interjects, "I agree with Agent Hotchner. The team leader needs a proper office."

"All due respect, Ms. Strauss, but both of you have trusted me to step in as acting unit chief. I'm asking that you respect my decision. I've decided that I don't want Hotch's office. That's where he belongs. If necessary, we can discuss this again at a later date but, right now, we really need to get started on this case."

The woman viewing the exchange smirks at the strong will he imposed. Her eyes traveled along his fit figure, that man is looking fine in that navy blue dress shirt.

Morgan looks at the team in the bull pin. "Guys. Grab rossi."

They begin to dispers, but Strauss stops them. "Wait. There is one more change to be made."

The team exchanged worried looks.

Strauss waves the young woman with dark hair that was silently waiting through the glass doors to the elevator hallway.