Chapter Text
Gideon paused, one hand poised over the chess board while the other shielded his mouth, finally he moved his bishop and gestured for Reid to take his turn. Sitting back in his chair, he eyed his young protégé who shifted nervously under the scrutiny before ducking his eyes to the board and letting his long hair fall as a curtain, shielding his face.
Biding his time, Gideon waited until Reid had decided on a course of action, completed his move, and sat back with an almost audible sigh of relief. The older man would checkmate him in seven moves but he didn’t know that. Instead of returning to the board, Gideon continued his consideration of Spencer Reid. Dr. Spencer Reid, boy genius with his three PhDs, IQ of 187 and eidetic memory. He’d been with the BAU for nearly three years now. It was time.
“I would like to start sending you to court as an expert witness, Spencer.” Spencer made a small noise in the back of his throat and anxiously twisted his hands. “Enough time has passed. Your knowledge surpasses most of the more experienced agents.”
“But I can’t” the young man blurted out.
“You can, Spencer,” Gideon continued patiently, his forefinger tapping against his upper lip, “we just need to work on your confidence.”
“You’ll coach me?” Reid looked slightly more hopeful for a moment.
“No, not me,” the young man’s face fell, “I have a friend at the DoJ. He’s an excellent prosecutor and knows what works on the witness stand.” Spencer nodded but looked just this side of terrified. “He’s agreed to meet with you tomorrow.” Gideon returned to the board, signaling the end of the conversation but he didn’t miss Spencer’s gaping mouth and fretful hands. He checkmated the young man in seven moves.