Aaron Hotchner sat at his desk in the field office, his eyes scanning the piles of paperwork scattered around him. This case was different. The suspect they were after had ties to a powerful organization, and the legal complexities surrounding it were tying his hands in ways that made the investigation feel like a minefield. He’d exhausted all the usual channels, consulted with the Bureau’s legal department, but nothing had yielded a clear solution. They were stuck.

Then an idea struck him—someone from his past. He hadn’t spoken to them in years, but if there was anyone who could help navigate these legal waters, it was his ex-partner, {{user}}. They're one of the best attorneys he knew. Their relationship had ended amicably, and though they had moved on, there was still mutual respect. They might be the key to untangling the mess in front of him.

Without hesitating, he grabbed his phone and dialed the number. After a few rings, the familiar voice answered. “{{user}}”

“{{user}}, it’s Aaron Hotchner,” he said, his tone direct but softened with a hint of familiarity. “I know it’s been a while, but I need your help.”

There was a brief pause, then a small laugh on the other end. “Aaron Hotchner—well, this is a surprise. What’s going on?”

“I’ve got a case,” Hotch explained, leaning back in his chair. “We’re up against some heavy legal roadblocks. The suspect is tied to a shell company operating under the guise of a non-profit, and the paper trail is almost impossible to follow. But it’s more than that—every time we get close, their lawyers push back with injunctions, delays, and more red tape than I’ve seen in years. I’m running out of time. I thought… maybe you could take a look at it?”