Facts: My mom has been in the hospital. I haven't slept much. I need to manage her care better as I am burning out of the caregiving business fast. I am getting help. I missed you all.
Chapter Two:
This had been the first time Reid had been summoned to the director's office. It wasn't as big as he imagined and Fickler had a grim look on his face.
"Thank you for coming in Dr. Reid," he said.
"I am happy to be of any assistance you might need," Reid said.
"You may not be so happy when you hear what I need you to do," he said.
"I'm here to serve sir," Reid said.
"Tell me first Dr. Reid, how familiar are you with Jeremiah Travers?"
"He is the fifth richest man in the world with a diverse stock portfolio," he said. "His specialties include biotech, telecommunications, and cancer research."
"Did you know his son Adrian was killed?"
"During a school trip to the Rocky Mountains. It was ruled accidental as he wandered off a trail with a selfie stick."
"Travers doesn't buy that theory. Three other children have been killed at Octavian School for Gifted Learners. All of the deaths have been ruled accidents, and the school has been keeping the incidents under wraps."
"How?" Reid asked, alarmed.
"By using money people like Travers throw at the school to maintain its reputation. The deaths on the surface look innocuous. A fall from a tree, drowning in the deep end, and a severe peanut allergic reaction. The school is throwing money at the parents to keep them quiet along with a mountain of nondisclosure agreements."
"How can my team and I help?"
"That is the thing Dr. Reid," he said somberly. "Your team can't help. Only you can and you're not going to like how."
"Okay, how?" he asked slowly.
"How much do you know about the Travers Medical Research Facility?"
"Only that it is located in a remote area of China, where research rules are lax. I understand the internet is full of conspiracy theories as to what might be there."
"What about de-aging serums?"
"De-aging?" Reid said, puzzled.
"What do you know about it? They say you know something about everything, Dr. Reid."
"The fountain of youth has been sought for centuries," he said. "Some say it is in South America. The goal of de-aging is to seek immortality."
"Dr. Reid, I feel I need to tell in as blunt terms as I can come up with now: Travers is blackmailing the FBI into using the de-aging serum he's been testing on apes on you with the goal of sending you undercover at Octavian as a student to apprehend the killer."
Reid gulped as the horror set in.
"Is there any way around it?" he asked with a tremble in his voice.
"If there is, I haven't thought of one. The fifth richest person in the world and he is using all his resources to protect his daughter who is still there and control the FBI."
"Why not just transfer her out?" Reid asked.
"She has friends and he's concerned about 'the greater good' and thinks managing the FBI falls under that umbrella."
"I don't have a choice, do I?"
"I am incredibly sorry Dr. Reid. I'd gladly do this in your stead."
"The research," Reid said numbly. "Tell Travers I want to see all the research and the odds of me returning to my normal age."
"I know the odds. Are your ready to hear them?"
"As ever, I guess."
"Seventy-thirty in favor of you returning to your normal age."
"It could be worse," he said with a shrug.
"Dr. Reid, if you get through this, I guarantee you a choice of jobs and pay at the FBI for life. I will make this up to you."
"No offense, Director, that is a big if."
…
"You took a position at the Undercover Division?" Prentiss asked looking over his transfer request.
"It was an offer I couldn't refuse," he said.
"I don't suppose you can tell me anything about it?"
"I wish. It is highly classified, and they requested me specifically."
"Six months is a long time. Are you ready for that kind of commitment?"
"It's an offer I couldn't refuse Emily. I'll have to be ready."
Prentiss pulled out a card with a number on it.
"Memorize it. If you feel you're in over your head and need a hand, this phone is untraceable, and I can get a lock on your location instantly."
"Thank you, Emily."
"I can tell there is a lot you're holding back Spencer. This mission must be extremely dangerous, and you must have a major stake in it. I am trusting you to take care of yourself and to seek out help if you need to."
"I will Emily, I promise," he said emphatically.
"I'll hold you to Spencer."
…
Will played with the boys in the yard as Reid and J.J. watched after brunch.
"Am I the reason you're leaving?" she asked.
"No," he said without taking his eyes off the boys.
"Is there anything we need to discuss before you go?"
"No."
"Are we going to be okay, Spencer?"
Reid looked at J.J.
"We're always going to be friends. What was said during that game put some strain on it, but we will always be friends. That is what is important."
"I'm glad Spencer," she said. "I couldn't live without your friendship."
"Neither could I."
"Promise you'll stay safe?"
"As much as I can."
J.J. watched the game and Reid focused on the boys. Soon he wouldn't be much older than them. The thought terrified him.
