zero,  emily!

LET'S GET ONE THING straight— Billie Jean Austin was not a person who kept up with the rumors of the world, or Hollywood, for that matter. Maris Lee was that person, however, and she held enough excited for the two of them. Billie was certainly okay with that.

Maris scrolled through her phone as she spun around in Billie's office chair as the other woman scribbled notes in leather-bound book. Her latest research project was one of her favorites, the way insects adapt to change when they're forced to move environments. It sounds boring to the normal human ear, but for Billie, an entomologist, it sounded fun, waiting to learn a plethora of new information.

"Did you see the woman who's engaged to Prince Harry?" Maris asked as she looked up from her phone. She furrowed her eyebrows for a moment, "Dude, that could've been you!"

Billie sighed as she glanced up from her book. "Look, just because my parents know the Royal family does not mean I could've married Prince Harry. He's a nice guy though."

Maris gave her a deadpanned expression before she leaned her head back and whined dramatically. Billie glanced over to her friend and giggled before she went back to her notes.

"And give up my job and make my education useless?" Billie questioned, and shook her head. "Yeah, I'm good being single and not the duchess."

Maris glared at her, "What? You want to be domestic like me and Morgan? A wedding, a couple kids?"

"Yes," Billie simply agreed and went back to her notes. Sure, a husband and a family sounded nice, but she wanted her career above all. Maybe she was crazy for that, but she simply decided she was not.

Maris groaned and spun the chair again. Was she overdramatic? Most of the time, that answer was yes.

The phone rang, and Maris slammed her feet on the floor and stared at the phone. Billie rolled her eyes at the younger woman and stood up, leaving her book, and sauntered to her desk.

"That number seems familiar. . ."

Billie picked up the phone and situated the device between her ear and shoulder. "Dr. Austin speaking, how may I help you?" She greeted, looking down at her nails in boredom.

"Hey, it's Emily."

"Em," Billie repeated softly with a smile as she straightened her posture. "It's been awhile."

Emily laughed through the line, "I know, being unit chief takes most of my time again." Then she sighed, "I hate calling to ask for a favor, but this might be interesting. I've got a case here and I want you here when I brief my team."

"Alright," Billie Jean nodded. "What are the details? I'm an entomologist, not a profiler, Em."

"Frogs, and Lice, so far." Emily responded, and the rustle of papers could be heard through the phone line. "There may be more, but if this pattern continues, your help will be beneficial. It's a small town, so they don't have a lot resources. Your team and your lab would also be a big help, Billie."

"You've got me."

Emily sighed in relief, "Thank you so much. Bring a bag would you? I'd like you in the field with us."

"Yes, ma'am." Billie smiled, and she could hear the woman scoff lightly at address. "Be there in two hours, sound alright?"

Once it was confirmed, Billie hung up the phone. Maris narrowed her eyes at the woman as she set off to the other side of the room and began to collect her things. The younger woman scoffed, and ultimately gained Billie's attention.

"What's going on?"

"Got a case," Billie shrugged as she shoved her laptop into her. She glanced up and smiled at Maris. "Heading to Alabama. Call you when I land."

Maris hadn't gotten a word out, and was left dumbfounded as the older woman rushed out of the room. Her eyebrows furrowed as she stared at the door in confusion. She huffed, "I just wanted to talk about the Prince of Sussex."

a/n → here we go! we're jumping right in!