OBLIGATORY DISCLAIMER: I don't own Criminal Minds, or any of its associated characters, plots, scripts or episodes.
There were no discussions. No polite 'heads up' as requested; just a vellum envelope with his name neatly written across the centre. It was somehow a shock that he'd choose this way to leave, formally submitting his intentions to his reporting line. Yet this was a proven method of communicating for him, putting in writing that which he was too much of a coward to do face to face.
Hotch wondered which department had proven successful in their poach. White collar perhaps? His speedy absorption of vast quantities of paperwork would be a boon there. None of the more physical arms of the Bureau would have even approached, his skill at arms preceding him for years.
Staring at the envelope wouldn't answer the question. Open it, find out where he was going - then enlist Garcia to block the move until he could be talked out of it - that was the route to take.
Hotch picked up the envelope and the letter opener that had been his secret Santa gift years before. The fold tore with the satisfying ripping sound indicative of high quality stationery and the single sheet of paper contained within slid out onto the desk. Unfolding the heavy weight paper he could only stare at the few lines contained within.
I hereby tender my resignation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Effective immediately.
No explanations; no destination; just a small c.c. at the bottom to the HR department.
Hotch stood and crossed to the window of his office to look down at the bull pen.
There was the empty desk. To a casual observer it looked no different to how it looked when they went on a case but knowing what he knew he could see the signs. The missing pen, the absent coffee mug. All pointing to the undeniable fact; Spencer Reid was gone.