Chapter Text
“I'm tough, I'm ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.”
― Madonna
I sit in my office going through paperwork. I have been part of the BAU for the past five and a half months as both an agent and the team's personal doctor. My phone starts to ring, and I answer. "Hello, Dr. Allison James speaking," I say, grabbing a notebook from the side.
"Hey doc, meet us at the jet in 30 minutes we got a case," Morgan tells me. "Alright, Morgan, see you there," I say before putting the phone down. I get up and quickly check my medical bag or what the team calls the Med Go. I place extra medications and bandages in before zipping it up.
I grab my other bag and head out. I make my way to the lobby. "I need a ride to the air strip asap," I say to the woman at the desk. She checks the computer before looking back up. "Steph should be outside, Doctor," she tells me. I smile and head out.
"Hey doc, to the Jet," Steph asks. "Please," I nod. I check my bag again making sure I have all of my stuff. "Bottles of water behind your seat," the older man tells me. "Could I take a couple," I ask when I realise I must have already taken the emergency water from my bag last case. "
I place two in the Med Go and drink some of the third before we pull up outside the jet. "Thanks, Steph," I say, getting out and heading up the steps. The others are yet to arrive, so I continue some paperwork I have brought.
I am disturbed by men talking. “James, your case file,” Aaron tells me. I nod, taking the file without looking up. “I need Agents Gideon’s medical file sent to me or he is not leaving the station,” I tell him. “I will get Garcia to send it over,” he tells me. I finish the paperwork and put it away.
“Hey doc, coffee,” Morgan asks me. “That would be great,” I say as I start reading the file. “This is the case from a couple of weeks before I came,” I ask. They fill me in fully on the case. We land and Gideon goes to grab my Med Go. “No, I don't have it,” I protest.
He looks taken aback. “James doesn’t like people touching her medical stuff,” Morgan tells him. “Correction I don’t like you touching it but I am only after adding stuff to it and I hadn’t got the chance to put them in correctly yet as I was filling out your accident report,” I correct.
“An accident report on the scrape you cleaned for me,” he asks in confusion. “You would be surprised but I had to stock up the office,” I told him. We head to the station. “He never stands with his back to a window or a doorway. When I was in his way he asked me to move,” Morgan tells us. Reid goes on a little rant about what he thinks.
“What do you think?” “You would be surprised with the amount of people that like to be able to see all possible places of entrance or exit whether it is from PTSD, they grew up in the foster system or were in the military,” I say as Hotch goes to introduce us all.
“This is Doctor and agent Allison James. She is an expert on anything medical, K-9s and interrogation.” I head to an empty desk and open up the MedGO bag. I fix everything so it wont brake when being moved.
“What are the most important things you think are in the MedGO,” Reid asks me. “Easy the water and the gauze. To prevent dehydration, you can also wash wounds out with the water if you have nothing else. The gauze is less likely to lead to infection compared to a shirt that has dirt and sweat over it,” I say as I close it up.
I listen as the men interact with people around telling them about the case and our unsub. I hear we are expected to sit down with the task force at four o’clock. “You want an accurate profile by four o’clock today,” I asked, looking up from what I was doing.
“That shouldn’t be a problem,” Agent Gideon tells them. I wait for the last page of his file to be printed. “James, we're going to the crime scene. Do you want to come with Morgan and Gideon or to the victim's house,” Hotch asks me. “No thank you. I will go to the house. I need to go over agent Gideon’s file,” I tell him without looking up.
I feel his eyes on me. “You don’t like him,” he realises. “I don’t know him,” I say looking him in the eye. “What gave you this idea,” he asks me. Since I started he has been someone who I confided to about the job, whenever I did not feel comfortable to share them to everyone.
“His body language towards me. He looks at me like I do not belong on this team or even in the FBI. At first I thought it was due to my age but then I saw how he was with Reid and realised it was because of my gender and the amount of power I as a woman has on this team,” I confess.
“I am sure that is not it,” he tries to reassure me. “Aaron, I am 24 years old and I have the power to overthrow who you want in the field with one word. Reid has everyone's respect with little experience. I have been with both the CIA and NSA as well as an interrogator for the US.
But that does not mean I have any respect. You might not want to see it but it is not the fact they know little to what I have done or my age but the likes or Gideon. Everyone here and Erin treat me like I am less. Like I am undeserving of being on this team.
I have put more work in since I was 14 years old then this team does when there are people that are just trying to get on with their lives being killed,” I rant. I take a deep breath when I finish. He looks at me in amazement. My eyes go wide when I realise all I have said.
“Shit, I didn’t mean to seem like I don’t like it here. I do I just..,” he cuts me off. “You thought you wouldn’t face as much judgement,” he asks. I give a slight nod at his words. “If it makes you feel any better I don’t believe that there is anyone more cut out for this position.
You need to try to block it out because there will always be someone who believes you are incapable of doing the things you have been doing since before you could legally drive,” he tells me.
I give a slight smile as Reid comes to say he is ready to go. I grab the MedGo and head out with them. I get behind the wheel and start to drive. “How long have you been driving for,” Reid asks me. I smile slightly.
“Since I was about 14 I couldn’t reach the peddles before that,” I tell him. Both him and Hotch look surprised.
I watch as the go barks at Reid and the man hold him back. I step forward as he starts to apologise. “No it’s alright. We call it the Reid affect. It happens with young children as well,” I say as I hold my hand to the now calm dog. He places his head in my hand completely calm.
“And that is what we call the AJ affect. I’m agent Hotchner. This is special agent Reid and she is our very own Dr. James,” Hotch says as I pet the dog. “May I,” I ask showing the man the treats. He gives a confused nod.
“Can you lie down for a treat boy,” I say softly. The dog does as I say and lies down. I give him the treat before standing up. “That is the first time he has stayed still since. I think he senses something is wrong.”
“He can spell it. When we are worried or anxious even before we realise we feel that way. It’s due to our apocrine sweat gland releases secretions in response to emotional stress. She gets worried because your worried about your sister,” I say.
“David, does your sister drive a Datsun Z?,” Reid asks. “No, but she's in the market for one. How'd you know?” I look up and see the genius holding up his evidence. David takes the dog out back leave the three of us in the room alone.
“There's an immediate relationship established between a buyer and a seller, a level of trust.
If I want to coax a young woman into my car offer her a test drive.”
I drive us all back to the station once we leave. I grab myself some coffee before going into the board room where we have set up. I see Reid spinning on a chair and Morgan throwing something in the air as he thinks.
“He knows he wants to kill them, but he still covers their eyes. He doesn't want 'em looking at him, apparently,” Morgan says. I try the coffee and swallow it with a discussed facial expression. Morgan leaves a can in front of me and takes my coffee.
I smile at the can of Monster Energy drink. “A thank you for making sure we don’t get too sick and injured,” he says quietly. We all brain storm and spill our thoughts about the case as Gideon is at the map paying little attention.
“Alright enough. Let’s tell them we are ready,” he tells us before saying anything else. Even after Derek asks again confused. “Reid, AJ. You're good with this? We've got a woman who's only got a few hours left to live, an incomplete profile, and a unit chief on the verge of a nervous breakdown,” Morgan asks.
“Doctor not phycologist,” I say as I take a drink. “They don’t call them nervous breakdowns anymore,” Gideon says coming back in. “It’s called a major depressive episode,” Reid says. “Outside of a patent I would say nervous breakdown.
Depressive can come off as something upsetting and there is less of a build up. But with a breakdown it is like it has all gotten too much and they need to let it out,” I say more to myself then to those around me.
When we head out we stand to the side as Gideon delivers his dramatic profile. “You know he is giving me a lot of reasons to pull him till I get to see a psych report,” I say to Hotch. He gives me a look to not act on my thoughts.
“The unidentified subject is white and in his late 20's. He's someone you wouldn't notice at first. He's someone who'd blend into any crowd. The violent nature of the crime suggests a previous criminal record-- petty crimes. Maybe auto theft. We've classified him as an organized killer-- careful.
Psychopathic as opposed to psychotic. He follows the news, has good hygiene. He's smart. 'Cause he's smart, the only physical evidence you'll find is what he wants you to find. He's mobile, car in good condition.
Our guess-- Jeep Cherokee, tinted windows. The murders have all involved rapes. But rape without penetration is a form of piquerism, and that tells us he's sexually inadequate. Psychiatric evaluations will show a history of paranoia stemming from a childhood trauma-- death of a parent or family member.
And now he feels persecuted and watched. Murder gives him a sense of power. Organised killers have a fascination with law enforcement. They will inject themselves into the investigation. They will even come forward as witnesses to see just how much the police really know.
That makes them feel powerful, in control. Which is why I also think in fact, I know you have already interviewed him,” Gideon tells. As Gideon is over the unit we are meant to take orders from him but I got told to listen more to Hotch then to Gideon from a few people higher up.
“Dr. James you are to stay here we wont need a medic,” he tells me. “Sir, I am more then a medic. Also I am under orders to listen to Hotch not you,” I tell him. He looks at me to Hotch. He nods in confirmation causing the older agent to walk away.
“We have an agent from sex crimes with us but I want you asking the neighbours about our guy. Call Garcia and ask for people closest to the family. See what they have to say. Who he is with? What he is like in a crowed and in his home? Call if you find something that could help,” he tells me.
“And how quick do you want the journey to and from take,” I ask. Referring to my speed on the road. “Just don’t get killed or kill someone,” he tells me before leaving. I smile slightly and head to the last vehicle. I get behind the wheel and call the tech analyses before putting it on speaker.
“Hey PG, how's it going,” I say once she picks up. “Doctor AJ what can I do for that pretty face of yours,” she asks me. A smile forms slightly, “I was wondering who our guy's family is close too. Friends of his grandparents, people who have been there as he grew up. Even former employers,” I say.
I hear her tapping away. “I got people there is 50,” she tells me. “Alright eliminate anyone further then 8 miles away,” I ask. “Still 15,” she tells me. “Alright get ride of those out of state at the moment,” I ask. “12,” she says. “Over the age of 75,” I ask once more.
“Leaves you with 9. Six of those are neighbours,” she tells me. “Alright takes PG could you send me the address,” I ask. I get a short reply before the call comes to an end.
I pull up to the first address and walk up to the door. I knock before standing make. “Who are you,” a woman in her late 60s ask. “Ma’am, I’m Doctor Allison James. I’m with the FBI. I have a couple questions to ask about a Richard Slessman,” I tell her as I show my badge.
She opens the door and lets me in. “Can I get you anything,” she asks. “No thank you,” I say with a soft smile. “Ma’am I was wondering how well out know the Slessman’s,” I ask. “Oh, not too well I played bingo with Mrs. Slessman,” she tells me.
“Did you ever met her son Richard,” I ask. “Only once. He’s her grandson,” “How did you feel around him,” I ask. She breaks eye contact with me. “Well, he was quiet. He did not want to make much eye contact,” she tells me.
We talk a little longer before I leave. I make it to the last house just a few doors down from the unsubs house. I knock and stand back. “FBI, I need to ask you a few questions,” I say knocking again.
The door opens on it’s chain. The face of a girl no more then 16 appears. “You’re FBI,” she asks me. “Yeah, Dr. Allison James,” I say as I give her my badge. She hands it back and closes the door. A few seconds latter it opens fully and she let’s me come inside.
“Is there anyone else here,” I ask. She shakes her her head lightly. “My mum is working the night shift,” she tells me. I take not off how she is holding her arm. She leads me into the living room and we sit down.
“My names Hannah by the way,” she tells me. “Hannah do you know Richard Slessman,” I ask. “Sort of. When I bake cookies I would bring some over to Mrs. Slessman. He would always be the one to bring the plate back,” she tells me.
“Did he ever make you feel uncomfortable,” I ask. Her eyebrows knit together. “What do you mean,” she asks. “The things he said. How he acted. Even, the way he looked at you. Have you ever felt unsafe or like you just wanted him to leave,” I ask.
I watch as she thinks before nodding. “The way he was looking at me. I don’t know how to explain it but it.. It was weird,” she tells me. I can see she is holding something back. “Hannah, I need to know everything,” I tell her.
“He would always just stand at the door and hand me to plate but… but last week he sort off forced himself inside like he has gained confidence. I was going to go to cheer so I was already in uniform. But he placed his hand on my waist and then lowered it.
Nothing happened because my mum shrouded down the stairs but,” she stops herself. “What happened to your hand,” I ask her. I noticed she kept rubbing what looked like the top of a bandage.
She pulls up her sleeve and I see the slightly bloody bandage. “You need to get that checked out,” I tell her. “I can’t my mum works two jobs. Medical bills mean we loose the house,” she tells me. I give her a slight smile.
“Well then good thing I am a doctor,” I tell her. I get her to lead me into the kitchen. I fill a bowel with warm water before opening my MedGo. I pull out my gloves and put them on. I ask a few questions before unwrapping the cut. It looks slightly infected.
I take some of the cotton and place it into my salt water. “This might sting,” I tell her. She flinches slightly as I start to clean the cut. After the salt water I move onto the cleaner I have in my bag. She tells me how she cut her hand as I move on to rewrapping it.
“You’re going to need antibiotics so your infection cleans up fully,” I say as I wash my hands. “I can’t,” she tells me. “I have it covered,” I tell her as I start to write the prescription. I take 400 out of my bag that I use to by others medicine.
“I can’t take your money,” she protests. “As the only medical doctor on my team and only one in the field I get money to keep my office shelves stocked. That's only some of the money that hasn’t been used,” I tell her.
When I leave I call Hotch. “James, I thought you would have called sooner. Have you found anything out,” I get asked. “A younger neighbour said he tried to touch her,” I say quietly. “How much younger,” he asks me. “Only fifteen,” I tell him.
After telling him a little more I head to where Reid and Morgan are. I see them about to log onto the computer. “Is that a kid,” Morgan asks. I walk over and my eyes widen. “Hannah Sam, 15, lives two doors down,” I tell them.
Both turn with fright. “I was just there. Said he tried to make his move last week, but her mum was there,” I tell them as a video pop up of the missing woman. Morgan calls to tell the others. Reid figures out that she is on a boat. We keep looking to see if there is a way to narrow the location down.
We head to the crime scene and I get there before the others. “Agent Gideon, I need to look at your arm,” I tell the older agent. “I’m fine. It’s the girl who needs to be checked over,” he tells me. I look over and see Greenway and the paramedics with her.
“She is being taken care of. I need to take care of your arm,” I tell him. He sighs in defeat and sits on a large rock. I clean and wrap the wound before letting him go. I sigh and pack my stuff away. On the plane I listen to music as I type up my report zoning out of everything.
I make sure I have it done before we land. “Hey doc. What’s your plans after paperwork,” Morgan asks me. “I have it finished so I am going to go home, grab Coby so we can go for a run then probably order take out and see what else will happen,” I tell him as I walk away.
“Wait AJ, you're dating someone. Do I need to beat them up,” he asks me. I laugh to myself as I continue to walk away with him calling after me.