Stepping Up to the Plate
Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds; if I did I would demand a re-write of the last two seasons.
"People, I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV but I do believe our JJ is in labor!"
Garcia's excited voice caught the attention of both Hotch and Prentiss as the technical analyst led JJ into the room. Hotch's calm, "I'll get the car," hadn't yet faded from the room before he was out the door on his way to the garage as Prentiss abandoned her paperwork and took JJ's other arm.
"Agent Todd, I hope you're ready because your job starts now!" With those words, Prentiss and Garcia left the nervous liaison alone in the bullpen, surrounded by the suddenly ringing phones as the two women led their friend out the door and to the elevator. When they got to the front door of the building Hotch was already waiting for them, JJ's go-bag in the backseat of the SUV. As he approached to help the women Emily's phone rang; it was Morgan calling for information and unable to reach Garcia in her office. Remembering the case, she looked to Hotch for guidance; they still had an ongoing case so someone had to stay behind and help Jordan. At that moment, a contraction hit JJ hard and nearly took her to her knees, almost bringing Garcia down with her. Hotch caught her around the waist just before her knees buckled and settled the matter with a quick order, "Prentiss, you stay here on the case; keep me posted. Garcia..." He didn't get to finish the sentence before JJ cut in.
"Pen, stay here. I'll be ok. The guys need you."
"Are you sure Buttercup?" The notoriously weak-stomached analyst was already cringing every time JJ did but was determined to help.
JJ smiled at her friend as best as she could, "It's ok; the guys need our tech goddess here. I'll be fine. Go on." Another contraction cut off anything else she might have said and Hotch quickly helped her into the SUV. Shutting the door, he looked at the two worried women, "I'll stay with her. Go find out what Morgan needs, update the others about JJ and call Will. I'll call as soon as I can." Not waiting for an answer, he rounded the car, slid into the driver's seat and took off; the women could see the flashing lights kick on a moment later as the SUV sped away.
Prentiss turned to her quirky friend, "You ok with this?" It went without saying that Penelope would be worrying about her friend until word came and was 'super-duper' excited about the coming baby. However, she was surprised when the blonde nodded and turned back towards the building, "We both know I'd be useless around blood. Boss-man's been through this before, remember? He'll look after her until Will gets here. Let's go, the sooner we nail this sucker, the sooner we can get to the hospital."
"Good point. You call the guys and I'll get hold of Will. Let's just hope that he can get here fast."