Brady

Chapter 1

Reid left the BAU and walked back to his car. It had been a nasty case and he was glad it was over. It had involved children and that always un-nerved him; maybe not as overtly as it did Morgan, or the girls, but he did feel it.

It had been the first case he and Hotch had worked on since the Cross episode, and he had been afraid that his experience would adversely affect his ability. But with the team behind him, and Hotch figuratively holding his hand, he was feeling his rather fragile confidence returning.

His brain was doing its thing again. He had been terrified that after his ordeal, he wouldn't be able to do the very thing that he was in the BAU for. But he need not have worried.

His left arm was still a little stiff, but again, he wasn't in the BAU for his tough guy image. Morgan could more than cover that!

One thing that had been bothering him was flying. He hadn't been looking forward to travelling in the new jet. He hadn't wanted to add fear of flying to his ever growing list of anxiety disorders. He had felt his palms sweating when he sat in the plane. He rubbed them together nervously and He bit his bottom lip. But Aaron had understood, and he had sat next to him for the journey.

He couldn't imagine that Hotch had been nervous about it; he certainly hadn't shown any fear. But then did he ever?

It was good seeing Hotch taking the lead, stoic, unruffled, watching over him, taking care.

He was also pleased that, unless a case came up, they all had the rest of the week off. He was looking forward to reading some books, and driving. He had only moved back into his own place just before the case, and he had not had much of a chance to take his car out. He imagined a long open road and his foot down, windows open, wind blowing his hair. He smiled.

He thought about his Mum. Maybe he would fly out for a visit, take her a book.

It had been quite a while since he had seen her and he felt pangs of guilt. The longer he left it, the harder it became. Maybe he ought to try and make it a regular thing – once every six weeks or so, depending on any cases. His Mum probably wouldn't notice. A lot of the time when he did make it to see her, she had forgotten who he was.

But it would make him feel better.

He pointed the remote at the car and popped the locks. He swung his messenger bag off his shoulder and threw it into the car. As he walked round to the other side, he heard a voice behind him.

"Spencer Reid?"

He turned to face a man who he had not seen before. He stood slightly taller than Reid, long dark hair pulled back into a pony tail, and he was wearing motorcycle leathers. Reid did not know him, but there was something familiar about him…..especially around the eyes.

"Em……can Ihelp you?"

"Are you Spencer Reid?"

Reid's hand went to his gun and took a step back. "Who are you?"

The man took a step towards Reid, Reid took another step back.

"My name is Brady Reid. I am your brother."

…………………………………………………………………………………………...

"Can we talk?"

For a split second, Reid was unable to say anything. Then, "I don't have a brother."

Brady reached into a pocket. Reid tensed, his hand on his gun.

"I just want to show you something."

Very slowly, Brady took a photograph out of his pocket and held it out to Reid.

Spencer leaned forwards and took it.

The picture showed a dark haired woman smiling for the camera. Next to her stood a man that Reid instantly recognised as his father; a little older, not so much hair as Reid remembered, but there was no doubt. Between them, the young man who stood in front of him now. Spencer tried not to show his shock. He handed the photo back to Brady.

He had not seen his father since the day he had left. His Mum's words 'You are weak' still echoed down through time. Was this man claiming to be William's son?

Was it possible that he had a brother? That he really did have some family after all?

"Yes, we can talk." He said "Have you got transport?"

Brady nodded.

"Follow me then."

He guessed there would be no problem in talking, in fact his curiosity had been aroused. The photo could be a fake, but he needed to find out the truth.

But he didn't want this stranger in his home.

And he didn't want to be hanging around the deserted car park with this man either.

He got in his car quickly and lowered the window.

"We can go to the diner. It's not far."

Brady nodded. Reid closed the window and slowly drove towards the exit ramp.

…………………………………………………………………………………………...

Brady walked back to his bike

He checked that Reid was driving and not watching him. He flipped open his mobile and hit the speed-dial

"I've made contact, Kath. He's asked me to follow him. We're going somewhere to talk."

"Does he believe you?"

"I don't think he's totally convinced, but the photos should do the trick. I'll call you when I know where we are going."

"Make sure you do, Brady. I want to be there."

Brady snapped his mobile closed. He was excited to be helping Kath.

The last three months with her had been a roller coaster ride of sex and lust. He was intoxicated by her, the feel of her hair, the smell of her skin, unable to imagine why she had picked him to spend time with.

It didn't matter to him that Spencer was his brother. She was what mattered, pleasing her, making her smile at him.

With a thrill of anticipation, he retrieved his helmet, and followed Reid up the ramp into the Quantico traffic.