Smitten

Chapter 27

Eliza's confidence grows slightly as she hears her heels hit the marble floor again, but she's still nervous. She takes a seat, posture straight but not stiff, and settles in, hands folded in front of her.

"Dr. Carlisle, I trust that you know that these are an unusual set of circumstances to say the least, considering that this was a closed hearing until you asked to be present." Senator Cramer begins.

"Yes, but you see Senator, it's not every day that a civilian can give you an eyewitness account on what it's like to be held by a member of the IRA." Eliza replies.

"You may be correct, Dr. Carlisle, but we have your full statement that you gave to the Bureau, to Interpol, and Metropolitan PD...why, may I ask, are you here?"

Eliza clears her throat and takes a breath to center herself. "You got this," she thinks to herself. "Senator, when I learned that the members of the BAU were going to be questioned by this committee for the work they did to save my life, I knew I could not stay silent. I owe my life to the seven members of the team with whom you spoke today. Without their experience and foresight, I would not be here before you, and Ian Doyle would still be at large."

"I see," Cramer says. "So this is personal for you?"

"It absolutely is personal for me. Once again, I owe them my life."

"So, for the record, you state that you would not have had the same confidence level in other authorities handling the investigation?"

"That's correct."

"And what inspires this fervent confidence you hold in the BAU? Could it be your relationship with Agent Hotchner, perhaps?"

"I beg your pardon, Senator?" Eliza says with a straight-lipped smile, blood slowly boiling, but she stays composed and keeps her posture.

"I understand that you and Agent Hotchner are involved in a romantic relationship."

"That's correct. Your point, Senator?"

"I'll ask you again—what inspired you to abandon all confidence in any other law enforcement group to find you alive?"

Eliza feels a fire stir inside her as she begins to respond. "Sir, you say you have my statements and other files before you. When I gave my statement to Interpol, they told me that I was lucky to suffer only the injuries that I did. Ian Doyle, an international terrorist, may I remind you, was infamous for acting particularly ruthless toward women, and especially to those women with whom he had any sort of connection—which I have via my relationship to Agent Prentiss. Had it not been for the skillset of each member of the BAU, I know I would have died that night. The team may not have crossed every T or dotted every I as the federal government requires, but I have full confidence that if the victim were any other citizen, they would have been just as diligent and motivated to stop the attack. They did not take Bureau resources, as I understand they counted the time spent finding me toward their personal vacation time. From where I sit, this committee only seems to take issue with their actions because I, as the victim, have a personal connection to each member. Is that a fair assessment, Senator?"

Senator Cramer does not respond, so Eliza continues. "My view? Dissolving the BAU would be a disservice to any law enforcement agency that would request their consultation to protect the public interest—foreign or domestic—as is their oath. I hope that eventually, this committee can see past the discrepancies in written procedure to recognize that an international terrorist no longer poses a threat and a life was saved." She pauses, and Cramer is still silent. "Do you have any further questions for me, Senator?"

"N-no, Dr. Carlisle, that will be all," the Senator says in disbelief, processing everything she just said.

"Wonderful. If you'll excuse me," she starts, leaning closer to the mic, "I have money to raise." She struts with confidence and poise out of the room, opening the double doors to the lobby with both hands and taking a deep breath and wiping her brow as they shut behind her.