Dave looked at Morgan and asked him about the ambulance. Morgan said medical assistance would have problem reaching them as it was kept at bay due to the danger at site.

"Hotch, I have to remove the bullet before it makes more damage, do you understand," as he put pressure on the wound.

"Yes...just do it," said Hotch as he fought to stay awake.

"Do you know what you are doing," asked Morgan.

"No. But, we have to take out the bullet before it nicks major arteries in there. He's losing too much blood".

"Morgan, how's Hotch?," asked Prentiss through his earpiece.

"He's in a bad shape. Where is the reinforcement? Has anyone spotted the shooter yet?"

"They're still looking."

"That's not good enough! He has to go to the hospital now!"

"Morgan..."

"Sorry Prentiss. I shouldn't have taken it out on you".

"Don't worry. Be careful."

"ya.."

Rossi who was listening to the whole conversation between the two young agents began to cut Hotch's shirt.

The wounded agent, with a shaky hand, open his wallet to look at the picture of his son.

Hotch nearly blacked out when Dave started to prod the wound. The blinding hot searing pain caused him to drop the wallet as he whimpered fighting to stay awake. Dave ordered Morgan to hold Hotch down.

"Keep him still! I can feel the slug...almost there...almost," said Rossi and few seconds later he took out the bullet and dropped it into an evidence bag.

He immediately wrapped the wound while silently prayed he did not make it worse for Hotch who thankfully had lost conscious.

Morgan checked Hotch's pulse and silently took off his jacket to cover his boss' stilled form.

Suddenly from the corner of his eyes, he saw movement at one of the nearby bushes and immediately pointed his gun towards it.

Dave follwed suit and picked up his sig sauer pointing it at the same direction.

Then an orange tabby poke its head out from under the bush.

"Don't kill the cat guys..." Hotch whispered. Both men looked at each other and started to smile.

"Welcome back Hotch," said Dave. Grimace in pain, Hotch tried to sit up and leaned against the SUV.