The Undercover Operation

Prologue

"In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure"- Bill Cosby

The spacious dinning room had seemed so inviting not even an hour ago. Doctor Spencer Reid can't remember the exact moment that changed. It was more of a process, he decides finally, eyes averted downwards at the food on his plate. Between bites of the casserole and sips of wine, he'd noticed things about his boss that set off alarms. Darting eyes, stiff posture, drinking a tad more wine than the norm, and twiddling of thumbs. The way he nervously ambushed Spencer with the offer of talking about work over dinner should've been a big enough hint.

Sadly enough, Reid had just thought this dinner was going to go as their lunches would- Hotch asking about any "movie" visits, therapy sessions, and coping. The loss of Diana Reid was probably taken harder by the older man than her son. At least Spencer had years to understand he lost his mother years ago. The rest of her life was flashes of the real her- and he's eternally grateful for them- but letting her go was something he'd been prepared to do for a very long time.

"Just tell me what's bothering you, Hotch." Reid sighs. His own mind has finally convinced him that this isn't just some drug talk or encouragement. Nor is it some movie or book comparison meeting. His boss had said 'work,' after all, and that's not a light topic.

"Well, I got a call the other day from an old friend." Hotch starts. His demeanor has gone straight to proper and authority like despite his attempts at keeping things casual. "They're having some trouble with a case and need assistance. I'll admit, that I refused them the second they asked, but the more I thought it over, I realized that asking you would be the fairest route to take. Don't feel that it's a direct order. It's just an offer that you can turn down. That you should turn down."

Reid's interest has immediately peaked. It's not very often that Aaron Hotchner wants to solely involve the youngest, most inexperienced member on the team, in a case. Let alone almost turn someone in need of help down. Before he can even tell Hotchner to continue elaborating, he does.

"Two people were arrested after being convicted of participating in a human trafficking ring. They won't give up information and the evidence was solid, so they'll be locked away for a long time. The issue my friend is having is that she needs someone to help extract information from the two cons to put their trafficking circle to an end. I was called because for this type of work, profilers would be ideal. Tell truth from lies, know how to read the cons' reactions right, and how to get in their heads."

"There's a question in here somewhere?"

"They want someone from the team to go undercover in the Virginia State Maximum Security Prison. JJ and Prentiss are automatically out- it's male cons we're after."

"But," Reid asks, confused, "why me?"

Before his boss tells him, he's piecing things together with his lightening fast mind. Though he'd be skinned alive for suggesting such a thing- Rossi's age would set him back too far. Hotch couldn't- not while heading the team and besides, depending on the length of the case, he'd be away from his son for a ridiculously long amount of time. And Morgan- that muscled physique and tough demeanor wouldn't keep him holding up very well in prison.

"For one, you wouldn't be perceived as a threat by inmates. You're well equipped with knowledge and you can think fast. And lastly… you fit the victimology."

"What kind of trafficking ring is this?" Reid asks, stomach churning.

"Strictly young women and children."

"I'm being sent in because I'm the most feminine?"

"I told you it's not an order, just a suggestion- "

"With all risks of sounding stupid, wouldn't I gain…um, negative attention from other inmates?"

"You'd be with one of the CIA's undercover agents. Caldwell's a pro at what he does, he'll make sure nothing happens to you. All you have to do is work your way into their lives, send updates through the guards, and possibly save a lot of innocent lives. I understand, though, how being locked in with murderers wouldn't seem appealing."

"Can I have a little while to think it over?"

"Absolutely. I told Caldwell not to expect an answer till Friday."

Reid nods. The lights in the dinning room suddenly seem too bright; too accusing. How could he dare put his own safety before that of women and children?

"I should get going. Thanks for dinner- let Beth know it was great when she gets back from work."

"Will do," Hotch nods, seeing his subordinate out, "And Reid?"

"Hmm?"

"Let's keep this between you and me."