"Clooney, stop it." Derek tried to push the pile of overly affectionate canine out of his face. His reprieve lasted all of a half second before he felt a cold nose prodding at him. "Seriously, dog . . . " Derek stopped as his ears picked up on the sound of buzzing. His cell phone, still in his trouser pockets, was ringing. "Thanks pooch, now please go away." Derek retrieved his phone.

"Morgan." Derek padded into the kitchen to fed Clooney.

"Hey Derek, sorry to wake you up so earlier."

"No problem Hotch, it's only" Derek glanced at the microwave, "5 in the morning. What's up?"

"I've got to call out today. I need you to cover for me."

"Aren't you supposed to be doing Flynn McCadden's custodial today?"

"I am. But Jack woke up sick. Jess said Chicken Pox is going around and I think it got Jack. I'd send Reid by himself but McCadden isn't a guy I want anyone alone in the room with. Even with Seaver observing from outside."

"Not to mention that Reid is still limping on that bad knee of his, even though he claims he wasn't hurt getting shoved down two flights of stairs."

"That too. I'd postpone it but it was hell just getting this one arranged."

"Guess Rossi had the right idea leaving on his vacation last night." Derek laughed.

"I already had Reid prep to take the lead on this and Seaver is under orders to observe and stay out of the room. All you really have to do is keep McCadden under control, don't let him spook Reid."

"I've got it. Take care of Jack and tell him that Clooney wants him to come over and play when he feels better."

"I will. Thanks Derek."