Disclaimer: I own nothing regarding Criminal Minds; I just thought it would be interesting to write a fic set in the future dealing with a tragedy that befalls Jack Hotchner. The spoilers range from season 1 through season 5, because that is the last season I watched extensively.
Warning: While this fiction is not particularly explicit, there is mention of rape. It's a Criminal Minds story, which should explain everything. If at all you are disturbed during the reading of this story, please let me know and I will send apologies. Also, make no mistake: there is character death in this story. You have been warned.
Happy reading!
5/5/2023
It's been a long journey and Spencer Reid is tired. The man holding him hostage has finally cracked.
"I'll kill you before they get you," he mutters, tightening his grip on Reid's neck. "You'll be dead before they can have you."
He has tried arguing, bargaining, and tricking the man. All he has to show for it are cuts that will never have the time to heal. Reid doesn't want to fight anymore. He wants to let go. Dehydration from his medication helped lead to his capture, but he's not entirely certain he wants it any other way. Maybe it's better that he won't have the chance to tell his colleagues about his illness.
He's been able to hide his schizophrenia for the past few years, but what happens when he progresses to the point of his mother? To the point of suicide to save herself and others from the vicious voices in her head?
Her locket is cool against the skin of his throat. It reminds him of the pages slipped into a young man's backpack—his will. Why he gave it to Jack is simple. He's worked extensively with Hotch's son, providing a mentorship that shall be honored even in event of his death.
Jack is the only one who knows that Spencer's mind is deteriorating. The only one who knows the terror he goes through each day just trying to keep some semblance of being normal. The only one he trusts. That must be why Jack returned the locket the last time they'd seen each other.
"You hear me? I'll kill you."
Reid doesn't care anymore. He is tired of fighting life. His only regret right now is not saying goodbye to Jack before leaving on this trip. Maybe Jack will forgive him. Maybe he'll forgive himself.
"Did you hear me?" The man shakes him, inadvertently digging the knife into Reid's back as he clutches him roughly.
The door bursts open before Reid can reply, and he feels disappointed as Morgan, Prentiss, a new kid named Thomas, and another old veteran, Elle, crowd into the room, guns aimed at his captor—and him.
"Put the knife down, now," Morgan orders in a voice less calm than what Reid remembers. "Put it down now."
Reid almost smiles as the knife is placed against his throat.
He's ready for the demands to begin, but he knows exactly what the man wants: the bloody marks on his face and torso; the deep wound in his side; the man wants him dead. No, actually, the man needs him dead, needs him to haunt him only in his dreams—which will be short: a trial, jail time, and lethal injection.
"Did you hear me?" the man whispers in Reid's ear. The knife traces the curve of his neck, caressing him in a manner that is more chilling than all of his high school classmates bullying him.
"Put the knife down!" Morgan yells again. Elle and Emily are edging off to the sides, advancing slowly while Thomas and Morgan distract the man with a couple of quick steps toward him.
"I remember my first attempt at killing." Reid can feel the man's smile as they step back again. The room is huge, with dimensions Reid isn't sure it should have. Each wall is long, maybe a hundred feet, and there is open space behind them. Emily and Elle are trying to get into that space. "Stop moving!" the man digs the knife into Reid's throat, giggling as blood trickles down onto his collar.
Reid leans back into the man suddenly, knocking him off balance and affording himself an attempt to move.
"Jack Hotchner." Reid freezes and the man is able to grab him again. "My first attempt was Jack Hotchner."
A/N: Thanks for reading!
