Scars

Chapter Three

"Mikey," he said under his breath. I laughed at my nickname he had for me.

"Still remember that, huh?"

"How could I forget it? We dated for 5 years. You were my best friend. And I've been ok. Jack's keeping me on my toes for sure. How're you?" I could tell he was calming down a bit. However, my old feelings came rushing back. I didn't think he would ever feel the same way about me again. I had my chance and I blew it.

"I've been doing pretty good. And you must believe me, I had no idea that you were the Unit Chief. I didn't even know you worked for the FBI. Last I knew, you were still an attorney. Haley didn't really tell me that you switched jobs." I could see the sadness in his eyes when I mentioned Haley's name. "And I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the funeral. I was stationed in Turkey and couldn't leave."

"I understand, Mikey. We all make sacrifices. I'm excited to work with you. I've heard great things." I smiled and moved to sit down across the desk from him.

"No one's called me Mikey since I moved away. Only you," I said quietly. I could see him blush. Did he believe me that I really didn't know he was the Unit Chief? I didn't want him to think I took this job for only him. I scolded myself for not doing research on him like I did the other agents. I didn't need to do research on him because I knew his history. But I still felt stupid that I didn't look into him at all. Suddenly the door burst open and it was David Rossi. Hotch cleared his throat and I stood up.

"Morning, Hotch." He smiled at me and extended a hand. "SSA David Rossi. Are you the new recruit?" I nodded and shook his hand.

"Yes, Special Agent Sara Michaels. Nice to meet you. I love your writing, sir." I was being awkward but only because I was so nervous.

"What'd you need Dave?" Hotch said behind me.

"We have a case. Allenbrook, Montana. Bodies have been popping up on the hiking trails. They want our help," Rossi said. Hotch nodded and looked at me.

"Hope you're packed, Mikey. I'll show you to the conference room." Hotch stood and walked over to me. I nodded and moved to follow him. I could smell his cologne. Sandalwood and something else I couldn't put my finger on. Rossi followed with a grin on his face.

"Guys, Garcia's ready for us," Hotch said to the team. They all grabbed their iPads and followed us. I felt intimidated for sure. Their personas changed as soon as they had a case. We walked to the end of the hallway to the conference room. There was a round table in the middle with chair all around. On the wall opposite from the door was a flat screen TV. There was a plump blonde woman standing by the TV with a remote and her head in the file.

"Garcia, let's begin," Hotch said to her as we took our seats. I sat next to Hotch and he shared his iPad with me.

"Yes sir. Good morning my loves. And I spy a new love," Garcia said and pointed at me. I blushed again.

"This is Agent Michaels," Hotch spoke up. "She's the newest member of the team. We can get acquainted on the jet. Garcia?" She clicked a button on the remote and pictures of dumped bodies popped up.

"Yes, sorry sir. Allenbrook, Montana, has had 5 bodies in the last two weeks dumped on hiking trails. All women and all brunettes. But all different ages and race."

"Five bodies and they're just now calling us?" Rossi asked.

"The local police thought they had caught the guy, but a body was dumped while they had him in custody. So, they're back to square one and need help," Garcia ended. I was looking through the pictures of the bodies and noticed something.

"He's modifying the bodies," Reid & I said at the same time. I looked up at him and blushed. Seems to be doing a lot of that today.

"Whoa. Freaky," Garcia said. Derek and Emily laughed.

"JJ, you stay here and workwith Garcia. The rest of us, wheels up in 20," Hotch said sternly. He left hisiPad with me and stood up. "Michaels, I have a few papers for you to sign quickbefore we leave if you'll come with me." I was confused. I had signed all thepaperwork with Strauss the week before. Maybe I had missed a couple. I closedthe iPad case and followed him to his office. Hotch opened the door and closedit behind me. He closed the shades and turned around to me.