"So, we both know why you're here."

It was a statement that carried a slight edge of censure, which is exactly what Dr. William Fletcher intended. He'd spent quite some time researching this particular patient's background, which is why he wasn't surprised when he received a surly glance instead of a verbal response. He chose to ignore any implied criticism. This was an alpha male who'd been caught skirting the well-defined limits of the Department of Justice. Of course he would be resentful of being forced to backtrack and follow the procedures he should have honored in the first place.

They treated him like a criminal, and when they realized they were wrong about that, they used him to bring the real unsubs down, and now they're trying to save face by treating him like a schoolboy. Having to see me must seem like a punishment to him.

When silence ran a little longer than was comfortable, Fletcher tried again.

"Mr. Hotchner…your Section Chief and the Director thought it might be a good idea for us to meet; maybe talk a little."

"If you say so." A noncommittal shrug accompanied the terse reply. Still, it was progress of sorts.

"May I call you Aaron?"

"May I call you Billy?"

Fletcher's professional smile slipped a little, but was quickly back in place. "I'd prefer Dr. Fletcher, or just Doc, if you don't mind."

"Then I'm Mr. Hotchner. Or just Agent."

The doctor took two slow, even breaths; a method of bolstering his patience. "As you wish…Agent." He leaned back in his chair, studying the man sitting on the edge of the couch. Fletcher had chosen the piece of furniture for its inviting, overstuffed comfort. Yet this man was making a determined effort not to relax.

He's a profiler. Long time now. Undoubtedly as adept at reading people as I am. And he's irritated about being here. He's gearing himself up to spar with me. This could get complicated. "Would you like to lie down? You look as though you could use a little rest."

"I'm fine. I'm not tired and I don't need a psychiatrist."

The doctor's tone, cordial until then…changed. It went flat, attaining a level of factuality that was sad, but firm, refusing to allow the often necessary human tactic of evasion. "You're not fine, Mr. Hotchner. You were drugged, and manipulated, and traumatized, and you hid that fact from, well…from everyone in the Department."

Another period of silence garnished with the occasional flickering of the patient's dark, angry eyes as he read his physician-adversary in small, surreptitious doses.

"Agent Hotchner be fair." Fletcher's voice strove for a cross between cajoling and soothing. "If any one of your BAU team had suffered what you did, you'd have insisted they receive care." Silence. "Wouldn't you? Agent?"

Hotch studied his hands. They were clasped in his lap as he forced his spine to stay rigid. He was trying hard not to knead his knuckles. It would be a dead giveaway to this persistent psychiatrist that stresses and tensions were roiling inside him.

Fletcher's eyes narrowed. He scanned this slender, suited man from head to toe; from disobedient cowlicks to spotlessly shining wingtips. Standing, he moved past the couch and his patient, heading toward the windowed wall behind them. He needed a moment to regroup. This is getting us nowhere.

Gazing out at the busy Quantico afternoon traffic, the doctor fancied he could feel the agent's effort to remain stoic, unbending. He turned from the view and watched the Unit Chief's stiff posture, rigid in the narrow confines of his dark, perfectly pressed suit.

A wave of sympathy washed through Fletcher. He's not stupid. He knows he could have used some help. Probably still could. But they shoved a gun in his face and let the trauma of his job spill over onto his young son. And now he's hurting and…and maybe what he needs most and first is an apology for how he was treated. The doctor sighed a deep, regretful breath. Imagine giving yourself as completely as he does to the Bureau, and then being doubted and accused and…

Fletcher didn't bother to finish the thought. He had an idea how to proceed.