the violet effect // spencer reid

0 • prologue

Spencer walked into the federal office building, just like any other day, and pressed the button for the sixth floor in the elevator. Before he could reach his destination, the elevator stopped on the third floor. When the doors slid open, a young woman—around 5'5"—stepped inside.

She appeared to be in her mid-20s, but what stood out the most about her was her hair. It was everywhere—long, shiny, auburn locks that seemed untamed yet stunning. She gave Spencer a small smile as she stood beside him, and he glanced at her from the corner of his eye.

She had a petite but strong frame. Her outfit caught his attention: a vintage plaid skirt that fell just below her knees, paired with a beige sweater vest layered over a crisp white dress shirt. It was like the female version of Spencer’s own style.

A badge was clipped to her belt, but Spencer couldn’t quite make out what it said.

Her face was dotted with freckles, most of them concentrated on her nose. Slightly flushed cheeks complemented her striking gray eyes, framed by long black lashes.

Clearing his throat quietly, Spencer ventured, “You new?”

She nodded, shifting her weight slightly. “Yeah. BAU. You?”

Spencer was taken aback. A new team member? Hotch hadn’t mentioned anything.

“Me too. Well, not new... but yeah. BAU,” he replied.

Before either could say more, the elevator reached their floor. Spencer held the glass door open for her, and she gave a polite nod before disappearing into the office of the unit chief.

Feeling awkward, Spencer trudged over to his desk, tossing his leather bag onto his chair. Morgan was already watching him with a knowing smirk.

“What a gorgeous being you brought with you,” Morgan teased.

Prentiss snorted at the remark just as Garcia emerged from her "bat-cave."

“Oh! I heard we have a new team member!” Garcia exclaimed, her usual excitement palpable.

“We haven’t met her yet, but Morgan’s already planning his moves,” Prentiss quipped, pointing at Morgan, who grinned in response.

“Well, see you all in the conference room. We’ve got a case,” Garcia added, heading off to inform Hotch while the others made their way to the boardroom.

Not long after, Hotch entered with Garcia and the new agent in tow.

“Everyone, I’d like you to meet our new associate,” Hotch announced, gesturing toward the woman.

“SSA Violet Hankel.”

Spencer froze, the name hitting him like a freight train. While the rest of the team busied themselves introducing themselves and welcoming her, Spencer struggled to swallow the lump forming in his throat.

As Violet took a seat beside him, he barely registered the start of Garcia’s presentation. Her last name echoed in his mind, over and over.

Hankel.

He couldn’t think of anything else.