"Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
― Barack Obama
On the jet Crystal sat next to Hotch and across from Rossi and Emily, she could feel Rossi's eyes on her. "Is there a problem Rossi? You've been staring for awhile." Crystal didn't look look up from her file and Rossi chuckled, "I'm just wondering what Strauss was so worked up about to deliver this case herself."
Morgan chuckled, "Nice communication skills Rossi, but he's right. We're all curious, this case doesn't really scream urgency enough for her to deliver it herself." Crystal looked over at Hotch, "I think I understand what you meant when you said there's no such thing as small talk with the team."
Hotch hummed as he continued to read the file, Crystal turned to look at the team who were now all listening in. "Apparently Strauss has a bit of a problem with me staying after hours to help Agent Hotchner with some paperwork." Emily eye's widen, "Did she talk to you about it?"
Hotch shook his head, "She brought her concerns up with me, but I handled it. There's nothing wrong with a coworker and friend helping out with paperwork, she said so herself that there's no problems within the paperwork. There are many people within the Unit helping each other, she's just trying to single us out."
Crystal raised an eyebrow at Hotch, "What happened to being potential friends until we've known each other for at least another month?"
"I did say give or take." Hotch shrugged as his lips twitched a bit and Crystal gave a smile, JJ looked at them suspiciously. "You're sure Strauss's gonna drop it?"
"I've made it clear that Agent Archer and I are both professional with nothing going on, I told her if she really did have a problem with our friendship then she should tell the director to come talk to me about it."
"Agent Hotchner if I didn't know any better, I would think you sassed her."
"Wouldn't imagine doing that Agent Archer." Morgan chuckled at their antics, it was nice to see them get along well. Garcia's face popped up on the screen, "Hey, I looked into the families and nothing connects them except the girls taking ballet classes together."
Emily tilted her head, "What about Abigail's parents? Did we find out why they didn't report her missing?"
"I checked with the local police and it turns out her parents are on a business trip, Abigail was staying with her grandmother who fell ill a couple days ago." Reid was leaning against the table, "That explains why she didn't realize Abigail was missing, she's been in and out of the house while the grandmother's in bed sick."
"The unsub could have known this, were they able to tell if she was killed by the side of the road or transferred there?" JJ asked as she stood next to Reid, "The road is near the woods and they determined that she was killed near them before being transferred to the side of the road, they think her feet were smashed by the road."
Hotch nodded, "Are the Lamb's back from their trip?"
"Yes they arrived last night to ID the body."
Hotch looked at the team, "When we land I want Morgan and Prentiss to go to the crime scenes to see if you can find anything, there might be something they missed. Reid and I will go to the station where he can analyze the notes, I'll talk with the police to see if they have any possible leads. JJ, Archer, and Dave I want you guys to interview the families, maybe there's another connection."
They all nodded, Crystal looked back at the file in her hands and Emily stared at her a bit. "You'll tell us if Strauss comes to bother you again right?" Crystal looked up at her, "I don't think she'll bother me, we're on a case."
Rossi chuckled, "I don't think that'd stop her, if she does say something to you personally come find me kid and we'll sort it out." Crystal just smiled, "Thanks Rossi, but I'm sure things won't have to get to that point."
At least I hope they don't.
___
Once the jet landed the team split up, Rossi was driving while JJ was riding shot gun and Crystal was in the backseat. They were on their way to the Lamb's house first and then to the Lee's, when they arrived there were reporters outside the house.
"Agents can you comment on who you suspect?"
"Are there any suspects in custody right now?"
"Why wasn't Abigail reported missing?"
They ignored their questions with just responding 'no comment' as they made their way towards the door, one of the reporters must have been agitated. "The least you could do for the city is comment on what's going on." Rossi turn to the reporter, "No, the least you could do for this family is let them mourn the loss of their daughter. This isn't a light subject, we have nothing to comment about."
JJ rang the doorbell as Rossi joined them, Crystal smiled at him. "Reporters will do anything for a story."
"No kidding, even if it means being cruel to a mourning family."
A woman came to open the door, "For the last time we don't want to give an interview for your whatever o'clock news!" Crystal showed her badge, "We're with the FBI ma'am, I'm SSA Archer and this is SSA Rossi and Jareau. We came to help you find out who did this to your daughter."
The woman stared at them before opening the door for them to enter, "Sorry, they've been bothering us since last night." She motioned them to the living room to sit down, "Rick's with his mother upstairs, she's still not feeling good. We also...aren't on the best terms right now."
Rossi looked over at her, "Don't blame yourselves, you did nothing wrong."
"I'd like to believe that, we both are just needing a breather right now"
JJ was looking around the room with pictures of Abigail, "How long was she doing ballet?"
"Ever since she was 4 years old, she loved dancing. Abby was really talented, she is-" Mrs. Lamb cleared her throat, "She was going to have a solo part in the next recital, she was practicing so hard for it."
Crystal gave her a smile, "Mrs. Lamb, was there anything that you noticed before you left that would make you worried?"
"No, me and my husband wouldn't have left last week if we suspected something was wrong." She swallowed, "We went on our business trip a bit early so that we could go watch her perform, we have our own business. We remodel, build, and design houses. We had this client in Kansas who was originally scheduled in 2 weeks, but we were able to see him earlier."
Mrs. Lamb's put her head in her hands, "We were supposed to be home Monday, we would've been gone for only two more days. We shouldn't have left her alone, we-" Mrs. Lamb couldn't finish her sentence as she let out a sob, Rossi stood up to go take the seat next to her.
"I can't imagine what you're going through, we're sorry for your lost. Do you wanna take a breather before we ask anymore questions?" Mrs. Lamb shook her head and cleared her throat, "No, I want to help you find the monster who did this. Ask me anything, anything at all."
Crystal cleared her throat, "Last night the body of Bailey Lee was found at a gas station, we understand that they were in the same class?"
"Yes that's correct, she was doing the solo with Abby" JJ raised an eyebrow at this, "They both were? I thought it was a solo?"
"It is, but it's a solo for a group. Only four of the girls were chosen, Bailey was a good friend of Abby's I can't believe this is happening."
Rossi sat up a bit, "Mrs. Lamb, would it be possible if we spoke to Abigail's grandmother?"
"I'm sorry she's not feeling very well and is sleeping, it would be best if you could come back later for that. I could call to let you guys know when she wakes up, you could ask my husband some questions when you come back."
"We'd appreciate that, we'll be at the station."
JJ nodded as she gave Mrs. Lamb a smile, "Would you have anything to prove that you and your husband were out of state at the times of the murders? It's standard procedure." Mrs. Lamb nodded as she left the room, when she came back she had some receipts in her hand. "These are receipts for the places we ate and stayed at, please find out who did this."
Crystal gave her a smile, "We'll do everything we can to find the person who did this, it would be best if you don't talk to any of the reporters."
"Don't worry, I don't plan to."
Mrs. Lamb walked them to the door, once they were outside they were swarmed again by the reporters. They just walked to the SUV and headed to the Lee's house, when they arrived there were reporters there too.
These people really don't give up.
Crystal knocked on the door, she heard shuffling behind the door before it opened. There stood an older gentleman, "What do you want? We don't want to answer any of your questions for the news."
"We're with the FBI sir, I'm SSA Archer, this is SSA Rossi, and SSA Jareau. Do you mind if we come in to ask your family a few questions? We're here to help you find the person who did this." His eyes widen a bit before letting them in, once they were in they saw a couple in the dining room arguing.
"Why didn't you go pick them up Lin?! Why?!"
"I was working Tommy! I had to pick up a second shift because you lost your job! Why didn't you?! To busy doing nothing?!"
The older gentleman went over there, "Enough! We have guest, they're FBI who've come to help us find the killer." The couple glared at each other before turning to look at them, Crystal gave them a small smile. "If you don't mind, could I maybe speak to your daughter Katie?"
Mrs. Lee looked defensive, "Why? She's already traumatized enough."
"I understand your worries ma'am, but Katie was the last one to see Bailey alive. She might have seen something, you can be in the room if that will make you feel more comfortable."
The grandfather shook his head, "I will accompany you, this way please." Crystal gave him a smile before following him, they went upstairs and down the left corridor. Crystal knocked on the door before opening it, a little girl was curled up in her blankets on her bed.
"Hi there, my name is Crystal and I'm with the FBI. Do you mind if I come in?" Crystal spoke softly and Kate shook her head, Crystal stepped in while the grandfather stood by the door.
"Wow I like your room, did you decorate it yourself?"
"No, Bailey and momma helped me. Do you like ballet?"
"I think ballet is very pretty, I'm sure you love it." Katie nodded excitedly, "Grandpa took us to go see the Nutcracker a couple years ago, I wanted to dance like them and wear pretty dresses."
"I bet you look really pretty with your pretty dress."
"Yeah! Bailey looks better though, she looks like a princess!"
"I bet you do too." Katie looked at her with wide eyes and smiled, "You think so?"
"Yeah I do, you look exactly like one." Katie giggled, as she hid under the blanket. "So do you! You look like a princess, are you a princess?"
"That's a secret, but I'll let you decide that Katie." Crystal winked at her and the grandfather smiled as his granddaughter continued to laugh, it was the first time she seemed happy since last night.
"Katie do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"About what?"
"Well about last night and Bailey if you don't mind."
"Okay..." Katie sat up and Crystal sat next to her, "Katie can you tell me why you were walking home last night?"
"Class ended and no one came, so Bailey said it should be fine for us to walk since it was only a 15 minute walk." Crystal nodded in encouragement as Katie continued, "We stopped off at the gas station because I was hungry, it was late and I wanted food."
"Did you have dinner?"
"Yeah! Grandpa made us some fried rice with eggs and ham and vegetables and carrots!"
"Wow that sounds really tasty Katie, what time are your classes?"
"We used to be in the afternoon ones, but since Bailey got the special role in the next dance we had to go to the late ones. We go around 5 and it ends around 8:30, we ate dinner before we went but dancing made me tired."
Crystal smiled, "Dancing is hard work, did Bailey talk to anyone while you were there? Maybe a stranger or an adult?" Katie pouted at this and shook her head, "No, we only talked to the cashier. She's seen us a couple times, she told us to hurry home since it was late."
Crystal reached her hand out and Katie took it, "Katie, I'm gonna ask you something that might be scary. I'm right here, okay? If you feel scared squeeze my hand."
"Okay."
"Katie did you see the person who hurt Bailey?"
"No, I went to the bathroom and, and when I came out I couldn't find Bailey. I thought she was trying to play hide-and-seek, so I started to look for her. I found her by the trash and she was bloody, so I thought she was hurt. I went to go get the cashier for help and she called the police."
Katie squeezed Crystal's hand and Crystal softly rubbed her thumb over her hand, "Did you call out for Bailey?"
"No, I thought we were playing a game and I didn't want to lose."
"Thank you for talking to me Katie, that was very brave of you."
"Will you stay a little bit longer? Please?" Katie looked at her as she squeezed her hand, Crystal gave her a soft smile. "Of course Katie, we can talk about ballet or anything you want."
Katie pulled her over to her closet, "This is what I was going to wear at the next dance! Bailey was going to wear a prettier one with a crown, like a princess."
"It's beautiful Katie, want me to show you how to make a crown?"
"You can make one? Like magic?"
"Yeah, a little bit." Crystal took some paper from her desk and she began folding it, she had learned how to make an origami crown once. When she finished she put it on Katie's head and she laughed happily, "Wow! How'd you do that?"
Crystal did it again slowly for her to follow along, once she was done she gave the paper to Katie. "Why don't you make one for your momma?" Katie nodded as she took the paper, "Katie, I'm going to have to go now. I have to go help find the person who hurt your sister, okay?"
Katie tugged on her hand, "What if they come for me?" Crystal crouched down and patted her head, "How about I give you a card with my number on it? That way if you think of someone who would do this or you see someone scary you call me, okay?" Katie nodded her head and Crystal gave her the card, "Don't be scared, you're grandpa is here too. He'll protect you, just make sure to not go out alone anymore."
"I won't! Bye bye Crystal."
"Bye bye Katie." Crystal stood up as she walked over to the grandfather, he smiled at her. "Thank you."
"For?"
"Making her smile, she's been in bed all day ever since last night. My son and daughter-in-law are working through a divorce, so they've been to busy screaming at each other for the past few weeks. Bailey was the only one who was making sure she was okay."
"I'm sure you're doing your best as well."
"I am, but they were close. I wish I would've went to pick them up, but I can't drive anymore and those two down there didn't say anything to me." The grandfather's eyes had unshed tears, "You never think that you'll burry your grandchild at a young age, please find who did this."
Crystal gave him a smile as they climbed down the stairs, she stood next to Rossi and JJ as they bid the Lee's goodbye. When they were in the SUV Rossi gave a sigh, "Sheesh, and I thought my divorces were ugly."
JJ turned to look at Crystal, "Did Katie give you anything?"
"She told me that Bailey was attacked when she was in the bathroom, she didn't call out for her. The unsub could've smashed her feet, but chose not to."
JJ hummed, "Well according to her parents this isn't the first time they've walked home from ballet practice." Crystal sighed, these were planned very carefully. "Both girls were alone and heading home from ballet classes, they just happened to attend the same class? I think we need to find out who's all in that ballet class, maybe we'll find something we've missed."
Rossi nodded, "Let's go back to the station first to see what the rest of the team found."
___
When they reached the station, Crystal's phone started to ring. "Sorry guys, I'll be there in a second." Rossi and JJ nodded as they headed in, when they were in the station Crystal answered.
"Archer speaking."
"Agent Archer this is Section Chief Erin Strauss." Crystal gripped her phone a bit, she knew something was going to happen sooner or later.
"Can I help you Ma'am?"
"We didn't get to talk much this morning, I thought I'd just check in on the case."
"With all due respect Ma'am, I know this isn't about the case." Crystal could hear Strauss give a small sigh, Crystal walked away from the station a bit so that no one could hear the conversation.
"If you know that then good, I don't want to waste any time. I know Aaron told you about our conversation, and I just wanted to give you the same message. Being a good coworker is fine, being a good friend is fine, but when this becomes something more this causes a problem."
"Agent Hotchner and I are just friends and coworkers."
"He said the same thing, but I want to make myself clear Agent Archer. I would watch my actions around the office and around Aaron, he's the Unit Section Chief and is a great asset to the team and has been for many years. However, you are fairly new to this team and you are replicable."
Crystal's jaw clenched a bit and she swallowed, "Again Ma'am with all due respect, but are you threatening me?"
"It's just a friendly reminder that I won't tolerate anything being done unprofessional in the BAU that could either lead to either a scandal or a case not being done correctly and professionally."
"Then I would like to say for the record Ma'am that you should put more trust into your agents, you're right I am replaceable. You said so yourself that Agent Hotchner is an asset to the team, and he's been here long enough for you to trust him. He would never do something that would jeopardize the team or the BAU, he's a great Unit Chief."
"I never said he wasn't."
"Then you should already know that a great Unit Chief like him would never do anything to make the BAU lose its reputation. Agent Hotchner and I have no relation that is in any way romantic."
Crystal concluded and Strauss was quiet on the other line, it stayed like that for awhile.
"I hope it stays that way Agent Archer, becoming involved with your boss isn't something you would want to bring up with the director."
You mean being involved with my boss will get me fired.
"I don't want to be rude Ma'am, but I am on a case."
"Yes you are, good luck on the case and I hope you process what we discussed."
Strauss hung up and Crystal let out a sigh, she headed into the station and asked one of the officers to show her where the rest of the team was.
Nothing like a threat of getting fired to really motivate you on a case, how'd she even get my number?
When Crystal reached the room she thanked the officer, she opened the door and the room got quiet. Garcia was on the screen looking panicked, Morgan looked at her worried, Reid gave her an awkward wave, Emily gave her a raised eyebrow, JJ gave her an awkward smile, Rossi sighed as he shook his head, and Hotch was giving her a stern look.
"Uh, did I miss something?" Crystal was confused and Rossi gave her a small smile, "How'd that phone call go?"
Oh.
Crystal looked at Garcia who took a deep breath, "I- Strauss came into my office asking for your phone number and I was afraid that she was going to say something to you. I called the team hoping you were here to give you the heads up, but you weren't and the rest of the team was and...yeah."
That's how she got my number.
Crystal just gave her a smile, "It's fine Garcia, my number isn't some super secret thing." Reid cleared his throat, "Is everything okay?" Crystal looked over at him, "Yeah I'd like to think so, let's just talk about the case."
Morgan sighed at her, "If she's bothering you we can go talk to her, we can't let her do this to you just because you're new." Crystal just shook her head, "Everything's been handled, don't worry guys I took care of it."
Before she could go sit down Hotch gently grabbed her elbow, "What was the phone call about?" Crystal gave him a smile, "I'll tell you later, promise. Let's focus on the case right now, okay?" Hotch stared at her for and she stared right back, they held eye contact. This went on for a bit before he let go, Crystal went to sit down next to JJ and JJ looked at her with a worried expression.
Crystal just gave her a smile as she looked at Garcia who was wearing a guilty face, "Don't worry Garcia, I promise everything is fine. Let's all focus on the case right now before we get another body."
I've already thought of a plan to sort this all out.
___
Author's Note:
Hey~ I just realized that yesterday was National Boyfriend Day, here's a visual representation of what I imagine Hotch's small smile looks like lol (I really found this out at 11:53 PM). No hate towards Strauss, but she was really annoying until like the end of season 7. Hated her guts for a real long time, promise I will make her likeable in future chapters. This was a bit long, sorry, and I hope you enjoyed it~ I really don't know how this case will go just yet, so updates might be a bit weird and chapters might be edited to fit with each other better.
Don't forget to vote and comment if you enjoyed this chapter~
See you in the next update!