Chapter 1

Sean was actually excited about the trip to Virginia. That was a switch. He hadn't seen Aaron in quite sometime, and it didn't go so well on his last visit. That is until Aaron realized he wasn't a kid anymore and let him live his life the way he wanted to. Sean was finally successful enough to take a few days of vacation. He worried about the restaurant but he knew he left it in capable hands. He pushed those thoughts behind him, he was on vacation and he kept reminding himself to have a good time.

The fight was fast, getting off wasn't. He had packed an overnight bag and had it ready the moment the plane landed. He wished the other passengers would have thought to do the same. He waited a long time as people blocked the isle trying to gather their items.

Finally he was able to exit the plane. Walking out of the ramp his mind was on a phone conversation he had with Aaron the night before. His brother seemed genuinely happy, and Sean wondered how much of that happiness stemmed from a certain woman, that oddly enough, shared the female version of his name, a Miss Shawna Flynn. Aaron didn't know it yet but he wasn't the only one in his family with the ability to profile. Sean just chose to use his gift in another way.

Sean was thinking about the freshness of his breath when he stopped at a kiosk to buy a pack of gum. He had just paid for it when he heard gun shots behind him. He spun around to see a man holding an automatic weapon in his face. Sean held up his hands, closing his eyes, he waited to die.

****

Hotch kissed Shawna on the forehead and held her tightly. They were sprawled out on the couch, enjoying a quiet moment as they waiting for Haley to drop off Jack. Shawna loved when neither of them had an active case and could spend an afternoon with Jack. She was bonding with him and looked forward to this afternoon. Not as much as the boy's father. Hotch was absolutely giddy, with anticipation. He made them breakfast, which they ate in bed, and they had made love before the sun came up. They were both early risers and she loved waking up in his arms. There was another reason Hotch was so happy. His brother was coming for a visit. This was the first time she was meeting the youngest Hotchner. She was nervous and wondered if he would think it was strange that she was here. She also hoped she wouldn't get a case and have to leave. It was a distinct possibility since her team was covering for Hotch's vacationing one.

Shawna looked at her watch 10:50, Haley would be here at 11. She untangled herself from Aaron and sat up. She looked at her phone and then put it back on the table.

"Are you expecting a call?"

She shook her head, "I just have a feeling I am going to have one of those days. I can't relax; this seems to be too good. Do you know what I mean?"

Oddly he did know what she meant. He knew in a matter of seconds that plans could change and it would ruin their day. It was good that he had someone who understood what that was like. Shawna knew him completely. She understood all the aspects of his life because she lived them too. He hoped that their day would stay this way and nothing would change it.

The 11 o'clock deadline passed. Hotch didn't worry because Haley was always good with bringing Jack over. He went into the kitchen and poured a glass of orange juice. He held the container up for Shawna and she shook her head. He was putting it back in the fridge when his house phone rang, followed by Shawna's cell phone.

Shawna furrowed her brow as she answered, "SSA Flynn."

Out of routine he picked up the phone and barked, "Hotchner!"

He could hear Shawna saying, "Uh-huh" every so many seconds as he listened to his own call.

"Aaron its Haley"

"Is something wrong?" Hotch was speaking softly to her, afraid that they might have had an accident.

Shawna saw the concern on Hotch's face and she hoped his call wasn't from the bureau like hers was.

"Aaron have you been watching the news? What flight is Sean on?"

"41 and no I haven't Why, where are you?"

"I'm three blocks from your place; I pulled over to call you. Aaron, turn on the news."

Hotch picked up the remote and Shawna shook her head as she disconnected her call. The look on her face made Hotch concerned.

"Haley, bring Jack here and I will talk to you then." He disconnected and turned his attention to Shawna.

"What flight was Sean on?"

This was the second time someone asked him that.

"41, what's going on?"

***

The man screamed at Sean and he opened his eyes. He was stunned that he was still alive. There were bodies lying inches from him, and he could hear screaming coming from what seemed like all areas of the airport. The man grabbed Sean and led him to the gate he had just left. He was holding the gun out in front of him and pointed it at the pilot and flight attendants coming down the ramp. He instructed them to turn around and get back on the plane.

One of the attendants said, "Take it easy." And the gunman shot him. The rest of them walked back to the plane.

He had the crew sit down and he made Sean stand with him waiting. A few minutes passed and a second gunman came aboard with a woman. He told her to sit down and

The man holding Sean pushed him and said go sit with her.

The second gunman told one of the flight attendants to close the hatch and he moved to the cockpit.