Chapter Four
"Two stalkers?!" Penelope asked, incredulously.
"And they're working together to torment her?" Hotch asked angrily. He knew he had to play this by the book, but he couldn't help fantasizing about putting a bullet between their eyes—or doing worse.
"That's what it looks like, I'm afraid," Rossi replied.
If looks could kill, Aaron Hotchner would be a serial killer.
"But, we're not gonna think about that now," Rossi chided, "I've got the grill going and Morgan's grilling burgers tonight."
"Babygirl, it'll get your mind off of it," Morgan assured.
"Okay," Garcia agreed, "but what are you gonna do, Rossi? After all, this is your house."
"I'm gonna make the most delicious chocolate cake you've ever tasted. And Aaron, here is gonna make fettucine alfredo."
"Wait, Rossi's letting you cook Italian?" Garcia asked.
"I learned a few things," Hotch replied smugly, "now do you want to cookout, or do you want me to show you what happens when you tease me?"
"I kinda like the second option," Garcia blushed.
"Oh!" Hotch exclaimed, swatting Garcia on the back, "lets go outside!"
The temperature was right and the sun was shining. The team was laughing like they didn't have a care in the world. For a moment, Garcia forgot all about her stalkers.
"Wow, Aaron, this is really good," she gushed, "you just might give Rossi a run for his money."
"Hey, hey, watch it," Rossi retorted.
"Thank you, honey," Hotch replied and gave her a kiss.
"What? I don't get no loving for my meat?" Morgan asked.
The team paused for a moment to process what he just said. His face turned red and his banged his head on the table.
"Burgers," Morgan clarified, "I meant my burgers."
"Sure you did," Garcia retorted, her mouth full of the burger, "but your meat is delicious. That is, your burger." Hotch playfully glared at her.
"All this laughing is making me wanna use the bathroom," Garcia said, "I'll be right back."
The team continued to talk and eat, when JJ checked her watch.
"Hey, Garcia's been in the bathroom for a really long time," she noticed.
"Ugh, I hope it wasn't those breadsticks," Lewis commented.
"Sorry about that," Rossi apologized, "I stuck 'em in the oven too long."
"I'll go check on her," JJ said.
"Garcia? Are you there?" JJ asked.
When she heard no answer, she tried again.
"Hello? Penelope? Are you alright? I hope Rossi's breadsticks didn't tear you up."
JJ walked into a stall. It was clear Garcia had used it—except her phone was missing. By the toilet, there was a note. JJ opened it and read it. Her face turned fifty shades of white.
"Garcia's gone!" JJ exclaimed, frantic.
"What do you mean she's gone?" Hotch asked.
"I checked the bathroom to see where she was. I found her phone on the floor! I also found her laptop case on the sink! She doesn't go anywhere without it!"
"What's that?" Rossi asked.
"It's a note!"
Hotch opened it and read it:
Penny's gone. You'll never find her in time.
"Penny?!" Reid exclaimed, "no one calls her Penny."
"It's the unsubs," Hotch stated. He paced around the yard and shook the note.
"They have her!" he yelled.
And just like that, the carefree Rossi mansion turned into a crime scene.
