People think it's the Galen case that haunts him. And it does. But that case is not the one that led Rossi to retire. It was another. It was darker and more twisted than most. Usually, he doesn't let himself dwell on the details, but this time, Rossi can't help it…
It's the year 2000 and it's the little things about the case that stick with Rossi. The way the snow crunches beneath his boots. The cold metal of the cuffs as he snaps them on the wrists of the unsub. Then there are the children. The way the oldest - a girl who looked no older than twelve - stared at Rossi with such an adult betrayal that he has never forgotten it.
"He didn't do anything! Don't take him! Daddy, tell them," she begs, tears making her eyes shine.
Nothing.
Rossi watches as the child takes a deep breath and composes herself. It's an exceptional show of self-control. He has relinquished the cuffs and the unsub to Hotch. He stares at the girl for reasons he can't put his finger on. He has a feeling he hasn't seen the last of her.
"Why won't you believe me?" she asks, an adult hate fresh in her eyes. "You can't arrest innocent people. It's against the law."
Rossi can see it. The way the girl in front of him vanishes in front of him. She is still a girl, but the childlike quality is gone. He sees hints of the woman she will one day become.
"I'm sorry, Ashley," he apologizes, and then heads to the cruiser, in time to hear Hotch, speak to their unsub.
"Let's go, Mr. Beauchamp."
Then, they are all in the car. The car is winding down the road.
The little girl is left behind.