Catch-22| Spencer Reid

twenty-five

"Do it."

Gideon isn't surprised by her response. He completely expected her to take the offer. How could she not?

"It's a deal," he responds, eyeing Lawrence.

He doesn't seem shocked by the cooperation, nodding and responding, "Good choice."

Before asking any questions, he looks at Reid. "What's the deal with you? You mind sitting down? Least you could do, y'know, considering..." He motions towards his nose splint.

"I'd much rather not," Reid retorts, crossing his arms and leaning back against the wall.

"Hm, fine then," Lawrence mutters, looking back to Gideon, "Annie must work for you, right?"

Jason doesn't skip a beat, instantly responding, "She works with me."

"So you don't outrank her?"

He shrugs slightly. "Maybe by title, but she's the unit chief's number two. Her word goes before mine."

"Agent Hotchner, correct?"

Gideon gives a silent nod, not caring to say more.

Readjusting his cuffed wrists, Lawrence speaks again. "She's his number two," he recalls, "Why?"

"She's a natural leader, and one of our best agents. The rank fits," he simply responds, interlacing his fingers and setting them on the table.

"Why isn't she the unit chief then, huh?"

"Turned it down. She saw that Agent Hotcher wanted it, and gave it to 'em," Gideon responds. He then leans forward in his chair, thinking of something that would push Lawrence's buttons. "She calls him dad. Did you know that?"

His nostrils flare and his eyes widen, but his quick to dismiss it. "Was that meant to upset me, Agent Gideon?"

"No, I just figured it was fair game," he dryly chuckles, now leaning back in his seat. "Please, more questions."

Lawrence is quiet for a minute, thrown off by what Gideon had said. He surely didn't expect that blow. "Alright. Him," he begins, nodding towards Reid. "Is that her boyfriend?"

Reid holds his expression, other than pretending to stifle a laugh. It had to be a wild guess. Lawrence was just seeing what would stick.

Gideon seems genuinely entertained. "Him? I've just... I've just got to know your thought process on that one, Lawrence."

"I had seen an older model Volvo outside of her apartment building. I believe that car belongs to you?" Lawrence asks, looking at the man on the corner. "Tell me, Dr. Reid, has she grown fond of choking?"

Reid's eyes turn cold, almost an exact match to his expression when he first saw Lawrence. The last comment unhinged him, as it gave an awfully dark explanation for a couple things.

"I carpool with her, you son of a bitch," he angrily snaps, charging towards the table where he was sat. He had still managed to keep a perfect lie, even while angry.

"Cameras!" Grey sharply says, Gideon and Reid hearing it in their earpieces. She was likely ordering Hotch or Morgan to cut them, not wanting any reasons for Reid to be fired on film.

Reid barely even acknowledged her speaking, though, too involved. He had easily managed to get Lawrence to the floor, as he was in handcuffs. He had a grip on his chin, daring, "Say that again. Go ahead, I'll break your neck this time." He leans closer. "I swear to fucking God."

Gideon decides that was enough. "Reid," he cautions.

Reid huffs and stands up, saying, "Figure out how to get back in that chair yourself," and setting the chair upright, leaving Lawrence on the floor.