The case was supposed to be the start of a joint program between the FBI's Behavioral Unit and Las Vegas Crime Lab Unit.
However, it was clear that was not how this graveyard shift would go, because supervisor Gil Grissom spent the better part of your time there questioning the science of profiling.
Your victim was an older woman, a former cop. Living alone, most of her family is out of state.
Your thoughts were a victim of opportunity. Two assailants. Sloppy work. They hadn't left prints, but pretty much everything else you could see from the struggle. There's an indent in the wall along with some damage to the paint in the living room area. The bullet casings were taken, so no match for that, but knowing Grissom that won't be an issue.
"You're quiet."
Speak of the devil.
"I'm thinking."
"Ah, conjecture, a scientist's greatest enemy."
You roll your eyes.
"How is it any different from what you all do? You study the evidence, well, so do I."
"An integral part of what we do is read actual evidence within the room, not evaluate body language and make assumptions."
He was casually dusting for prints as he continued to combat your skills.
"If I remember correctly it was my evaluation that urged you to search the bookshelf."
"Hmmm."
You frowned at the incoherent reply.
This was infuriating. You've heard that Grissom was a tough guy to work with due to his unwavering faith in the evidence, but even scientists appreciated other arts, especially if they were outside of their field. He was just stuck in his ways.
"If you're both done playing tom and jerry we have two new witnesses outside. Care to turn your magic on them?" Brass stated.
You huffed in defeat.
"I'll go question the witnesses." You state.
"I'd like to be there when you speak with them."
"Of course, because there's no way just my profiling abilities would be of any use in this."
"That's why I volunteered to be present."
Brass held back a smile at Grissom's response and you were a thread away from drawing your gun and creating another homicide. One that would be much easier to solve.
When prints and evidence was gathered, you and Grissom were in one of the conference rooms speaking with the couple.
"So you found who killed that woman?"
The man before you was bouncing his leg nervously, his girlfriend holding his hand a bit too tightly for innocent bystanders. You kept your eyes on them as Grissom asked the questions. Brass was at the back doing the same. When you all exited the room, you turned to Brass.
"They're lying through their teeth."
"How'd you figure?" Brass asked.
"Sue and Chuck over there were way too nervous. His shoes were scuffed, I wouldn't think much of it if the stuff didn't look like the paint from our victim's bookshelf. Sue's knuckles were also red, like she'd hit something blunt. My guess is those indents we saw on the wall are going to match what Grissom got from the living room of the house."
"Sounds like you've already figured the case out." Brass stated.
Grissom was just standing there with an inquisitive look, as if questioning everything that had left your lips. Since he'll probably oppose you either way you saw no use in holding back.
"I think those two planned a heist. They live nearby. Chuck has a tan line on his right wrist but no watch. That tells me he either magically lost it, or he sold it to pay off a debt. Both of them are drowning in it. They saw a rich older woman nearby and saw an opportunity. What they didn't account for was the struggle. They didn't know she used to be a cop."
You send Grissom a smug look and he just slides on his glasses.
"We'll let the evidence decide if your theories have any merit."
He walked off and you followed behind, practically stomping your feet.
It took about two hours for Grissom to process all the little pieces and when he'd finished, his conclusions had led to the same street as your theories. Confronting your suspects was much easier than anticipated. The girlfriend folded not even two minutes into the interrogation and you exchanged a look with Grissom who didn't say much.
By the end of your shift the rest of the team seemed impressed.
"I can't believe you solved the case two hours before Grissom." Nick was commending you as Warrick and Catherine sat at the table having a snack with smiles on their faces. Sara looked pretty proud.
"We appreciate the help."
You just let out a laugh.
"I think I would believe it more coming from Grissom. He's all evidence this and evidence that. It's like a broken record. How do you guys work for that stick in the mud, self centered, egotistical, arrogant-"
"I'm very curious about who you're describing Ms. Reid."
You almost choked on your words, and just like that the entire crew made up excuses on why they had to leave. The room was cleared in record time and you turned around.
"H-How much of that did you hear?"
"Enough."
You sigh.
It was childish, you knew that but he sort of drove you crazy. He's an intelligent man, you have no doubts about that. You just wish he'd offer you the same respect.
"Why do you question everything that I say? I'm one of the best. Not as good as my big brother Spencer but I can hold my own. I'm good. I have the highest closing rate in my field. I'm good at what I do."
"I know that."
You scoff.
"Really? Because you could have fooled me."
"You have an intellectual quotient of 180, correct?"
"Yes. What does that have to do with anything?"
He moves closer.
"You're good at spotting the behaviors of those around you. You use context clues, indicators and scientific research to back up what your eyes see to evaluate what your mind can track. With suspect and victim, your expertise is quite frankly the perfect science."
If you didn't know any better you would have thought that was a compliment.
"You can see everything except what's right in front of you and that can be dangerous. I'm trying to help you learn to see everything, not just the case. Sight is no good if you're blind to what's around."
"What exactly have I missed that was right in front of me, because last time I checked, I cracked that case right open."
He takes another step and now your focus is completely on him.
"You tell me."
Those words are whispered and you're honestly a bit lost. You've been told that like your brother you miss some more subtle things, the more normal side of human behavior. A flaw you can accept, yet you're still puzzled. Your eyes search his and the way he watches you, studies you, well, the confusion slowly changes. Your brows even out and the last step he takes makes you back up into the wall.
Your breath staggers, and you try to regain your composure, but it's impossible.
You hate to admit it, but he was right. You'd completely missed it, the intent looks, those little statements made to intentionally rile you up, now the lack of distance and dilation of his pupils as he admires you.
He smiles, taking a step back and slipping his glasses back on.
"I look forward to working with you in the future Ms. Reid."
Nothing else is said, he just leaves and you're stuck trying to get your heart rate back under control.
