puzzles of a heart | spencer reid ✓

two

The atmosphere of San Francisco remained stuffy despite the inevitable approach of winter at its doorstep, and the poorly air-conditioned cafe in its Marina District contained the irritated cluster of agents from the FBI. The cafe nestled between a bookstore and a Thai restaurant was a neat two-story building with an inviting storefront, but as you set foot inside, proved nothing but a facade.

"Remember, we're all boarding at different times," Hotchner was speaking animatedly with his hands, but his voice was low, only loud enough for the ears at his table. "Reid and Quinton first, followed by JJ and Morgan, then Prentiss and I." He rubbed the back of his neck with fatigue, "David will be the last to board."

Valeria took a hefty bite out of her chocolate muffin, barely listening in the conversation and her mind drifting to a place of imaginative scenarios. She was already picturing the excitement of meeting new people, spending nights under the stars and resting on the top deck, watching the ocean drift by. Perhaps she'll sneak around the cruise with Derek, doing all the things he had proposed they'd do earlier on the plane. The last thing on her mind was the ongoing homicide investigation, and Valeria couldn't spare a second thought about the matter.

They had received the tickets of their stay on the cruise only hours ago, and it was decided that each pair would stay on different floors. Valeria was relieved to see that their suite had two queen beds and a balcony, the agency had been a bit too generous for this investigation.

"I'm heading to the bookstore." Spencer stood up, pushing the half-finished sandwich away from him. "I'll be ten minutes."

"Sure," JJ nodded and resumed her conversation with Rossi. The rest of the table paid little to no attention to Spencer's statement, each immersed in chatting with a lightness in their voices despite the gruelling heat of the west coast.

Valeria thought for a quick second, and grabbed her tote bag. "I'll go with you, Spencer. I need a new book for the journey, anyway." As she weaved around the vacant tables in the half-empty restaurant towards Spencer waiting by the door, Valeria turned and met a fleeting glance from Derek who quickly flitted his attention back towards Hotchner in conversation with him.

Spencer held the door open for her as they walked out into the harsh sun, instantly relieved of the stuffiness in the confined space. Valeria raised a hand to shield her face from the sun, and glanced around wildly for the promised building he had mentioned in the cafe.

"It's right there, you know." He nudged her gently as she began walking in the opposite direction.

"Oh."

The bell rung as the door was opened ajar from the outside, and the pair entered the sudden sullen ambience of the vintage bookstore. Books pilling in dangerous heights and threatening to collapse under a mischievous touch. The floor to ceiling bookshelves lined the strangely shaped space, and it appeared empty at first, but a figure in beige clothing was arranging books at the back of the store upon second glance.

"This is comforting." Spencer let out an audible gasp of admiration for the place, his eyes were bright as he scanned the titles around him. "You know, there's something magical about bookstores I can't quite describe."

"Can you recommend a book?" Valeria asked, almost shyly as if he was going to say something harsh. "You know, it's been a while since I've read anything outside of college-"

He paused, and for a moment she thought he was going to ignore her. "Sure - let me think, ah, have you heard of Albert Camus?"

"Yes, a few of my friends from philosophy class spoke of him."

"Hmm..."

"Maybe not his work since I've heard some pretty biased reviews, and frankly, I'm afraid it'll shape my judgments without my realisation."