The team had just come back from Las Vegas after a particular difficult case involving children. Children were always the hardest cases by far - especially for Hotch and JJ who had children themselves. Thankfully, this case had a happy ending and they had managed to catch the unsub before he had hurt anybody else. The team were in very good spirits; Derek was teasing Spencer, Emily and JJ were chatting about what they were going to do that weekend and Dave was talking to Aaron about how he thought it was a good idea for Aaron to coach Jack's soccer team for the season. Aaron was coming round to the idea and began to make plans until he got a sudden feeling within his chest.
Aaron frowned a little bit - he felt like his heart was going to burst. He felt like something bad had happened and he didn't know why.
"Right everyone, go home for some rest and we will do the paperwork tomorrow" he said kindly.
The team didn't need much persuasion and after a few goodbyes, they had all gone home. Aaron went to his office and sat in the chair briefly looking over some new files that had been placed in his office. He had been sat in there for an hour or so before he got the call. He answered his phone quickly, "Agent Hotchner."
"Hello, my name is Jack Meadows and I'm a detective with Chesterfield County Police Department."
"What can I do for you Detective?" he glanced at his folders.
"Sir do you have a brother named Matthew Hotchner, who lives in Chesterfield County?"
"Yes," he said, suddenly giving the phone call his full attention. Forgetting the pile of folders on his desk, Aaron felt a wave of dread wash over him.
"I'm so sorry to tell you this, but your brother's body, along with the bodies of his wife and children, were found in their home this afternoon." The words hit Aaron so hard that he felt like he'd been punched in the stomach. He couldn't breathe. This could not be real. "Agent Hotchner?"
"All of them?" Aaron choked.
"Sorry?"
"You found Matt, his wife, my nephews and nieces?"
"No sir, the two boys and one bodies were discovered by the youngest."
"Oh god, Chloe" Aaron said as he fought back his tears.
"You're the only person I've been able to get a hold of. Your parents…"
"Are living in Australia. What happened?" Aaron asked after a slight pause
"It looks like they were murdered. All of them were stabbed."
"Oh god." Aaron let out a small squeak and bit his lip so that he didn't draw attention to himself. "Is Chloe at the station with you?"
"Yes she is, she's sat in with my colleague."
"Ok, I'm in Quantico so I'll be about an hour. Tell her that I'm coming now and that everything will be ok."
"I will do. See you when you arrive" he said kindly.
"Bye." Aaron put the phone down and rushed to his car. He paused and rang Dave up explaining everything to him on the phone.
"Dave I'm taking two weeks off. I need to settle Chloe in… No, I need to do this on my own thanks. Yes, I need to ring Jack but he's at college so I'll do it tomorrow. Ok, tell the team that you're in charge while I'm away, ok bye."
Aaron started his car and began to speed down the road whilst taking a few deep breaths. How could this have happened to his little brother and his family? Chloe was left without her family and she was so young. He was going to catch the bastards who did this. That was for sure.
He'd make them pay.