JJ rushed into the bullpen, picking up the television controller and switching on the news station. A few seconds later Garcia's heels could be heard clicking down the steps of the catwalk and into the bullpen as she approached three of the profilers and the liaison office gather at the desks.

"I heard running, what's wrong?" The tech queen rushed before her eyes fixed on the TV screen. "Oh my God" She whispered as the presenter read her lines.

"At approximately eight o'clock this morning the local daycare for Eldersburg, Maryland was turned upside down when an armed gunman took fourteen under six's hostage as well as three teachers and two assistants. Police have been unable to gain access to the daycare or make contact with the gunman but it is thought he might have accomplices already in the building" The serious faced blonde explained while taking occasional glances backward to the daycare a hundred feet away.

Reid, Emily and Morgan stared mesmerized at the screen even when the report finished. JJ slowly moved her eyes to the catwalk where Hotch and Rossi were standing; they had come out a few moments after the commotion and had watched the TV with worry.

After a short pause Hotch cleared his throat and began a quick walk down to the bullpen. "Garcia, get whatever equipment you'll need- I want you with us on this case. JJ, get any files you can on this. Everyone else, get down to the SUV's. Maryland isn't far from here; I want you all to be ready to work as soon as we arrive"

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Garcia's eyes took a few seconds to adjust as she stepped out of the black SUV and into blinding sunlight. She shielded her eyes to get a better line of vision as she hurried into a shaded area with her laptop in one hand.

JJ was next to appear from that car as she hopped out of the front passenger door and looked round for the person in charge. Hotch had been driving the first SUV and manoeuvred his way with JJ to a suited man standing alone.

A few moments later the second SUV, drove by Morgan, pulled up next to the first one. Reid began a fast walk to the maps and plans area set up next to where Garcia was sitting while Rossi strolled to where the other SWAT agents were gathering.

Morgan and Emily jumped out of their seats, took a look around then walked to Reid's station.

The suited man watched as the agents found their places before letting out a breath and turning back to Hotch and JJ. "I see you guys know where to go" He said, his voice not showing any emotion.

"We find it best to get straight to work in situations like these" JJ explained softly, her eyes drifting toward the daycare building. The man tilted his head slightly and nodded in agreement to what the blonde had said then cleared his throat.

"I'm detective Sheridan, lead on this case. I figured we'd get some FBI down here" He said while glancing round.

"SSA Hotchner" Hotch introduced himself and offered a hand to shake "We did inform your supervisor that we'd be coming straight here. They gave us clearance" Hotch stated in a monotone voice, his eyes fixed on the man.

"Information is slow getting down here" Sheridan said with a shrug. "I've got blue prints of the daycare and maps of this area over there" He added while pointing to where Reid was. "Looks like your guy already found that… We've got SWAT on hand if we need them and I've had tables set up for working space…. I've never taken the lead on a multiple hostage case so if there's anything else you need just ask"

"Do you have anyone back at the station that has experience with situations like these?" Hotch asked.

"We had one detective but he transferred to Texas six months back. I've had training from him but, if I'm honest, things like this don't happen in places like Eldersburg"

Hotch paused to think while looking over his team settling down to work. "We can spare four of our team to comb through witnesses and family, whatever men you have free should join them" Hotch said, JJ nodding then walking toward Morgan and Emily as she already knew which four agents he was talking about. "The buildings around the daycare are evacuated already, correct?" He asked.

"We got everyone out as soon as we could" Sheridan replied.

"I need your officers to find an empty building that's big enough for all these work stations to be moved inside. It needs to be close to here and between fifty and a hundred feet from the daycare. Do you think you can find a place like that?"

"I've got somewhere in mind" Sheridan said with a nod as he glanced round.

"When you have the place I need my technical analyst, Garcia, to be put in first. She's got some equipment with her so if she needs something make sure she gets it. The maps and blueprints can stay here but I want copies moved inside encase of an emergency. Reid can help with the geography and planning but he'll need someone who knows the area around the daycare. Is there anyone who knows the Monday schedule but isn't being kept hostage?"

"One of my officers is bringing in a kid who has an apprenticeship there. She didn't show up for work today but she's been working Monday's for a few months now"

"Alright. My team will need to talk to her first and perform an interview. When she gets here I want you to make sure she's taken straight to Agent Morgan and Agent Prentiss" Hotch instructed.

"Which ones are they?" Sheridan asked with a little laugh.

"Reid, Morgan, Prentiss" Hotch began while pointing out the agents. "Rossi, Garcia and Jareau. We don't expect you or your officers to learn all our names so agent will suffice" He added then turned and inspected the scene in front of him.

Sheridan took in the information then took a step forward and glanced over his officers at work. "Be honest with me, Agent Hotchner. How many kids are we gonna get out of here"

This started off as something fun to write when I had writer's block but I liked the idea so I decided to turn it into a proper story. I've been trying to decide between this and two other stories I've written on which one to post but instead of picking one I choose to post them all and whichever get's the most positive feedback will be the one that I'll update the fastest. Depending on if this is the most popular of the three stories; the next chapter could be up within the next week. Please review if you've got time!