Disclaimer: Nope still not seeing my name at the beginning of each Criminal Minds episode, so guess what that means.

Rating: T at least for language.

I don't think you can keep someone you truly love at arm's length on purpose; they'll always end up in your arms. ~Holly Nichole Miller

"If you believe in fate, believe in it, at least, for your good." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chapter Seven

Helplessness was a state of being unfamiliar to the guardians. They watched, they guarded, they suggested and when necessary helped their humans find the way back on the right track. But this, this situation was so far off the beaten path, the guardians weren't certain they even had the right map. However, believing in the Boy Scout Motto: Be Prepared, the guardians decided to throw their weight behind David Rossi's plan; while simultaneously putting the finishing touches on their own. They prayed it would be enough.


(FBI Main Office- Dallas, TX)

Once the briefing was concluded, Chief Parmley left the BAU team to build their profile and plan their strategy. The Chief had impressed them all with his knowledge, brevity and most of all his willingness to admit when he needed help. He had reassured them that anything they required was theirs for the asking and if any team member encountered difficulties, from any sector, he would take care of it.

Hotch stood before his fellow agents and a distractingly alluring technical expert, fighting an unexplained gut-wrenching dread. This situation was far worse than he had imagined. His team faced dangerous situations as a matter of course, but now they had to find a way to keep each other safe from the very agency that employed them. FBI agents and employees underwent continual behavioral tests designed to eliminate situations such as this. The unsub was either able to pass these exams undetected or had only recently suffered this mental break.

Both scenarios presented the likelihood for disastrous consequences. Aaron could already sense the tension building in his body and this time, some of it, wasn't directly proportionate to her immediacy.

Realizing they were all waiting for him to begin Hotch cleared his throat, "We need a working profile of this unsub as quickly as possible. Three victims in the time frame Chief Parmley described means our killer is already devolving. The next victim has already been marked. Most likely is already being poisoned."

Reid spoke up from where he was seated, paper work scattered around him. "Poisoning usually indicates a female killer. And the specificity of the chemicals used on the victims denotes someone with a highly developed knowledge of chemistry and human physiology."

"So we're looking for an intelligent female, employed by the FBI as a scientist?" queried Prentiss. "How much contact could each of theses agents have had with a laboratory analyst?"

Hotch shook his head before responding, "At this point I'm not willing to rule out male suspects, but I agree with Reid about the specialized nature of the poisoning."

"Plus, we can't simply assume that because a person has an advanced understanding of a chemistry related field that they might not work in another area." Spencer added. "I mean, look at me."

"The walking library is right," Derek agreed.

"Walking Library?" Reid whispered, seeming perplexed.

Derek continued unabated, "I think we need to see all the cases from the last five years that each of our victims worked on. Maybe there's an overlap in the personnel, someone they all worked with at one point that held a grudge, someone still employed by the Bureau."

"Garcia, will get that information." Aaron responded, trying appear casual (and not like his own tie was about to strangle him) Hotch looked at his agents, "We'll need interviews with the agents most recently assigned to work for each victim; as well as a list of all the clerks, secretaries, and assistants assigned to those units"

Penelope scribbled furiously, gaze trained to the note pad in front of her, acutely aware if she raised her eyes to acknowledge him that her precarious emotional balance would topple over. And that, unquestionably, she dared not risk.

Having finally managed to quell the tremors within him, Hotch built up a head of steam, outlining what needed to be done and fielding the other's questions and suggestions with the ease born from years of practice.

(Side conversation between Rossi and Morgan)

Derek meandered over to lean against the wall where Rossi stood watching the proceedings.

As casually as possible he asked, "Gonna let me in on the plan Dave?"

"Yes, but for the moment just back me up. And keep your eyes open." Dave replied in an undertone, gesturing vaguely with his coffee mug toward the photo board.

Morgan nodded dispassionately, wondering what the old man had up his sleeve. Anything was possible where David Rossi was concerned.

Rossi stepped forward, intentionally drawing the focus of the other team members. If his strategy went well he would have more people backing him up than Morgan. The difference was Morgan knew this was deliberate, the rest would deem it sensible.

"Aaron, I have a couple concerns I'd like to address before we go any farther." Dave said reasonably.

Hotch nodded, "Go ahead."

Never one to hold back when something was on his mind, Rossi nevertheless chose his phrasing carefully, "Given the victimology, the methods used to perpetrate the murders and the dynamics of our team, I believe that we should take extra precautions to ensure our own safety."

Judging by the micro expressions crossing his face, Aaron had reached similar conclusions on his own. Good, thought David, that will make all this easier to pull off. Or so I hope.

Quickly picking up on Rossi's train of thought Derek played along, inquiring earnestly, "What sort of precautions?"

Rossi walked over to the nearest chair, seating himself and crossing his legs casually while he stated, "Presuming Chief Parmley is correct and our unsub works in this office, I think it's best that none of us go anywhere by ourselves, especially us men."

"Agreed." Aaron said, sweeping his gaze across each team member until they had indicated agreement.

Before Rossi could draw breath to continue Reid interrupted, in true Spencer fashion.

"Also, I would recommend that we not eat or drink anything we haven't prepared ourselves or gotten directly from vending. One of the fastest methods to poison someone is ingestion."

Grateful to Reid for unknowingly aiding his cause Rossi ventured, "Calling to have food delivered to us directly and picking it up ourselves can eliminate that possibility."

"Everyone on program?" Aaron asked, somewhat relieved that his team had come up with these solutions themselves and he wasn't forced to make what were sensible precautions an order.

(Oh, how little does the boss man realize that things are never this simple when David Rossi, along with some outside influence, decides to put a plan into action. Although, if Rossi had been aware of the side effects of his plan, he might well have… Nope. He'd have still done it.)


Fear. It clogged her throat and squeezed her lungs. It made her heart race and sent her blood boiling to the point she wanted to scream at them. Were they blind? No. Being deliberately obtuse? Possible. Suffering from some kind of delusion that even though they were sitting around a conference table talking about extra safety measures and poisoning, that they really didn't believe in the likelihood they could truly be in danger? Maybe.

But if they mistakenly believed that Penelope Garcia was going to be silent to avoid hurting their egos, well they had best rethink and check their egos at the door.

"Sirs? ", Garcia said nervous as all hell, but unwilling to back down even if it meant facing their (especially his) wrath.

"Yes Garcia?" Two voices answered. Rossi's amiably, Hotch's cautiously neutral.

Steeling her resolve Penelope launched full force into her speech, "I understand that the teams have to go and interview people, but wouldn't it make more sense for J.J and Emily to accompany Derek or Reid? I mean so far all the victims have been men and while thus far all the poisonings have been gradual, that doesn't mean our presence here couldn't prompt the unsub to use faster acting poisons."

They were both staring at her, hell the whole team was staring at her. But the inscrutable looks from Rossi and Hotch were the most disconcerting. Penny struggled with the urge to beat him over the head with her laptop, possibly Rossi too, just to emphasize her point. Penny was virtually certain they would object to her plan to keep them safe. Not that she cared. If she had to test every drop of liquid, every morsel of food and low-jack each one of them with GPS, cameras and heart monitors to ensure they all made it home alive then so be it. Even so, Penny had to admit she was glad that, this time at least, Derek was agreeable to her suggestion.

"I think that's a good idea Baby Girl." Derek stated, noticing how Hotch's eyes flashed anger (and jealousy?) for the most miniscule of seconds.

He'd seen the tightness of the team leader's jaw muscles and if the man wasn't careful he might wind up breaking his own teeth. Additionally, Morgan had to hand it to Rossi, the old man had been right. Baby Girl and the Boss (who'da thought?). But right now the most pressing issue was keeping everyone safe, even if they refused to concede they could be in danger.

Prentiss chose that moment to throw in her two cents, "Garcia's right, at this juncture there's no indication the unsub targets women in any manner; having us," pointing to herself and J.J., "partner with Morgan and Reid could grant a higher level of protection than two male officers together."

J.J. nodded her agreement, voicing her opinion in the matter, "Penny made a good point. We've already established the killer is devolving, fairly swiftly it seems, and the poisoning could easily become more rapid. After all, now that we're here what does it matter if the deaths appear to be from natural causes?"

"At the very least the girls can get us medical attention more quickly." supplied Reid, oblivious to the implied morbidity of his statement.

Rossi, J.J. and Prentiss gaped at Spencer disbelievingly, as he gave them the small half smile he used when anxious.

Morgan groaned, "Geez, Kid."

Refusing to allow the jolt he felt at Reid's statement to show on his face, Aaron cleared his throat drawing the team's focus back to him.

"Very well then, J.J, you and Morgan interview Tanner's group. Reid, Prentiss take Rudisill's agents. Rossi and I will speak with the team Agent Miller supervised." Hotch nodded toward his agents in turn and concluding his instructions began heading toward the door.

Rossi unfolded himself from the chair as if to follow Aaron out of the room, while surreptitiously catching Derek's attention to indicate the younger man needed to stop Hotch.

Morgan had intuited the meaning of Dave's rapidly shifted gaze and minute finger waves and planted himself solidly in Aaron's path.

Taking in Morgan's sudden appearance in his chosen trajectory and the brawny man's body language Aaron prepared himself for what was bound to be an unpleasant exchange.

"Morgan…"

"Uh-uh. Not this time boss."

"Morgan, there's no time for this. We have interviews to conduct and a killer to catch."

"I know that Hotch. And I also know any interviews you and Rossi need to do can be done in these rooms. Those agents work two floors down. It's not a strain for them to come to you."

Derek was, excuse the dreadful choice of phrasing, dead set on this little strategy modification and he hoped Rossi would forgive him. But he figured if Dave was forced into the same position then maybe Hotch wouldn't stay pissed off as long. And he knew Penelope Garcia would do everything in her awesome Goddess-like abilities to make certain the two senior agents stayed safe whilst under her watch. Derek figured Penny had already hacked the video camera system and would have sound recording up in no time; he fully expected the possibility of thermal imaging and poison detecting equipment to be set up in the conference rooms by the time they returned.

This way really was the best plan. Keep the bosses safe, check. Keep Penny safe, check. Give Rossi time to work his magic on Hotch and Baby Girl, check. Still be able to conduct necessary interviews, check. He could always ask for absolution later. At least they'd be around to give it.


(THE UNSUB)

Satisfied that his afternoon energy drink now contains enough chemical to give him that final jab towards that last dirt nap, I discover I can't quit smiling. I walk through the maze of corridors and offices, unnoticed and therefore unmolested by security. Security, pah! What a pathetic joke!

I hum under my breath, lost in wondering how long it will take before he collapses. Will he last out the day here only to crumple to his death on the floor of his apartment? Or will the stress of the job be enough to raise his blood pressure and then POP!

Oh, how I hope it happens here. Imagine the panic as the rest of these fools rush around, trying in vain to save him. And the fear, now that the BAU idiots are here, fear will spread like wildfire through the ranks. My smile widens as I think about how Chief Parmley has unknowingly helped me. I would laugh, but that would arouse suspicion. I can almost smell the waves of terror emanating from the pathetic masses of oh-so-superior Special Agents of the FBI. That smell is intoxicating, better than the costliest perfume in the whole world.

That's really the worst part about my plans, the not knowing where they'll be when it happens. Still, it's okay if I'm not at every scene. I don't relish the idea of life in a cage and not being present at all the incidents keeps me under the radar. But, oh what wouldn't I give for it to happen here, right under the noses of the experts from Washington. The looks on the faces of those D.C. dickheads will be priceless. Good thing I'm constantly in and out of that unit and half a dozen others every day as a matter of course. There won't be a need for me to invent some lame excuse to be up here.

As I wait for the elevator I press the files tightly to my chest, trying to control the maddening glee within. The old man was right I'll admit. Why join'em when beating them is soo much more enjoyable.


(Back with the BAU Team)

Having spent the last fifteen minutes listening to Derek and the others trying to argue some sense into Aaron and Rossi, the last of Penny's emotional restraints gave way to the pressure cooker that was churning inside her heart.

"Stop it!" Penny yelled.

And they did, all of them.

"Why can't you admit that Derek's right?" Penny blurted with uncharacteristic vehemence.

This garnered a smile from Morgan and dumbfounded stares from all the others. Startled by the intensity of her own outburst Penelope, wrung her hands nervously as her gaze danced back and forth between Rossi and Hotch.

"Forgive me sirs, but both of you fit the victim profile. It's not that far fetched to think the unsub might decide to target one or both of you." Penelope gushed, with tears threatening to choke her.

Aaron stood silently, unprepared for the roiling miasma of feelings that coursed through him. Rossi gazed quietly into his coffee, trying to appear disapproving and outraged. (When in fact he was having a difficult time trying to control the urge to laugh.) Aaron opened his mouth to launch another protest, only to have the words wither away as Penelope spoke again.

"I don't care if you don't like this. The two of you are staying in these rooms. Here at least we can protect you, somewhat. And don't even think about giving me that crap about not needing protection. If any of the rest of the team or myself fit the profiles as much as you two fit these, you would have no problem ordering them to stay here." Penny felt her throat closing up as her emotions overwhelmed her, she managed to whisper in a strangled voice, "If we didn't at least try, whatever we could, and something happened to you how could we… we'd just be…I'm not strong enough to stand over another casket."

Trembling with fear Penny rushed into the adjacent room, where her equipment had been setup and promptly slammed the door behind her, leaving the BAU team staggered by the ferocity and truth of her statements. J.J. and Prentiss recovered first, glaring at the two supervisory agents as they went to the other room to comfort Garcia. Derek stayed where he was blocking the door, giving Rossi and Hotch an 'I told you so' look. Reid looked uncomfortably like he'd rather be anywhere else right at this moment. Rossi set his coffee mug down and ran his fingers through his hair, appearing properly abashed at his prior mutinous statements.

But it was Aaron whose reaction stunned them all. He loosened the tie that had been threatening to choke him all day and grabbing the nearest chair slumped down in the seat. He leaned forward holding his head in his hands and for a moment Rossi and Morgan feared Hotch might have broken under her last comment. In a small way, he did.

His voice barely audible Hotch said, "She's wrong, you know. She's the strongest of us all."

Derek nodded, "Yeah, boss. She really is."

Rossi sighed, "She's also right."

Dave looked toward Morgan smiling ruefully, "Tell her we'll stay here. No more arguments. That we'll only leave these rooms when the entire team leaves together. Right Aaron?"

Any thrill Derek might've had about winning an argument with Hotch and Rossi (half-hearted as Dave's disagreement was) faded as he watched his boss nod in acquiescence whilst continuing to cradle his head as if in pain. Man, he really hated this. But as his Goddess had pointed out they had to at least try and keep them safe. Derek wasn't sure he could live with himself if Rossi or Hotch died because of something he hadn't done. And he was certain he couldn't bear up to seeing Baby Girl bury her heart in the ground with Aaron Hotchner. Because as sure as the sun sets in the west, Derek Morgan knew that's what would happen.

This wasn't exactly the way the guardians had forseen David Rossi's plan going; trust in Morgan to not only modify that plan, but also speed things along between the two souls that desperately needed the help. And though his guardian would have preferred that Aaron had capitulated sooner and given in based on the love that bloomed in his once bleak heart, for a while at least, guilt would work just as well. On another note, Penny's guardian resolved to have a word with David Rossi's guardian, just to be on the safe side. Truly the guardians didn't want to overlook anything, not even if the possibility was miniscule that he might be in more danger than even they knew.


Author's note: WOW! This chapter was like pulling teeth without novicaine. It really took a while. Sorry about the delay. Had some serious Family matters arise that had to be dealt with, but now that this chapter is done I hope the next ones will fall into place rather rapidly. As always thanks for reading and review review review.