It wasn’t unusual for Catalina to be the first one in the station. It had, actually, been routine for her. She had always been the first one in her precinct back in LA and in her short tenure with NYPD. It was probably because she loved to run before anyone stepped onto the streets. It was her alone time, time for her to focus and center herself before doing her hectic job.Â
So, it was a bit of a surprise for her, to see that someone had apparently already gotten to the station. The door was unlocked and the lights turned out. She was momentarily impressed and curious to see what co-worker had beaten her. Walking through the building, Catalina followed the small noises she could hear and finally found the culprit, and immediately knew who it was.Â
She had been briefed that they were sending in a FBI agent to the town, lead of the BAU team. Normally, she’d be sour over it but with a case file like the one Beacon had, she was a little glad for the support. It wasn’t unusual for the FBI to step in to handle cases like the ones they were facing, but it was unusual for the agents to be welcomed into the environment. It was usually a battle of egos and jurisdiction. Catalina was no stranger to that. But this time was different. Beacon Hills was unlike anything she had seen before and being from LA and NY…. that was saying something. “This is it.” She answered his question, though she knew he probably hadn’t noticed he wasn’t alone.Â
“Agent Knox, right?” Her hazel hues took a second to take in the man before her, her mind already working to build an impression based this interaction and all she had researched about him. “Detective Catalina Vargas – LAPD; I was sent in to help with the cases here too. I’m leading the investigation now.” The introduction was amicable, but confident, not wanting him to think that just because he was with the FBI, she was one to be pushed around. She was willing to work with him…but definitely not for him. As she extended her hand for him to shake, she offered a welcoming smile. “It’s incredible that a small town like this has caused such a fuss, isn’t it? You’re from NY, right?”
Jonah had always been the first to show up. Not just since he took over the position of the supervisor of the the BAU but since way back in high school. He was just a morning person and enjoyed the quiet when everyone else was still sound asleep. He’d go about his morning routine without pressure and with no rush. Work out or a run before he got ready for work and he even made sure there was enough time for breakfast. Days could get busy in his job and he never knew when his stomach would get a proper fill again - and a hungry cop - especially if he was the supervisor - was no fun to deal with for anyone. He made sure to not let that happen.
As per usual, he arrived before anyone else and he expected to be alone and have some more time to inspect the building but he barely set down his boxes before he picked up the sound of footsteps. Rhytmical, short, confident, yet with light pressure. Presumable a female. He smirked to himself as he waited for his new co-worker to approach. The mind of a BAU always ran a million miles per second, analysing everything. At times he didn’t even notice it anymore. It just happened. His neck inclined as he focused on the door, waiting for them.
What kind of cop would he be if he didn’t research his new team, the city, it’s population and anything else that could be of importance in any way. He wasn’t delusional about the situation, nor about the possible complications it brought in most cases if several departments had to work together. It was unfortunate but most of the times, they tended to work against each other rather than with each other. It was an ego-thing. Personal or in order to get the best statistics and with that promotions etc. To him it was above all about the case and individuals involved. Fame and money weren’t his priority and never would be. He thought more of the families of the victims. The innocent who deserved to know the truth and the lives that could be saved. Shortly after he registered the presence of another person, a face was added to the profile. A very pleasant one to look at as he had to admit. “Looks quite like it”. He assumed, offering a warm smile and stepping closer towards the female to accept her hand and shake it - his grip firm but smooth. He wasn’t intending on hurting her delicate hand.Â
Detective Catalina Vargas - her name instantly crossed his mind even before she mentioned it. He studied all the files of each team member and stored the information in the back of his head. It was a funny coincidence he would particularly run into her first. It was a thought when he saw her picture he’d never admit but for a moment he was impressed. Not by her appearance but the kind of job she chose regardless. If he had learned one thing it was to never underestimate a beautiful face and that could be her biggest advantage.Â
He let go of her hand but kept his dark eyes locked on her hazel ones. “Detective Vargas. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” His smile increased with the mention of his name and he couldn’t stop his next words from escaping him. “Someone did their homework. Or does the call hurry ahead of me? I certainly hope my reputation is not that bad ” Jonah chuckled and reached over to the table to grab one of the coffees and donuts and held it out to her. “To show I come in peace.” Lifing his brows, he waited for her to accept the offered treats and observed how she’d drink her coffee. “Never judge a book by the cover. Small towns like this can be the worst. Exactly because no one would expect them to be. Just think about cults, William Inmon, Scott Williams, Donald Gaskins and the list is endless.”
“I am. You’re from LA, correct? “. Jonah shook his head playfully and looked at her expectantly. “Why don’t we talk about something we didn’t find on each others files?”.Â