Forever is composed of now—Emily Dickinson
Ellie . . .
Reid swore under his breath and pulled into the nearest parking spot. I put a hand over my mouth.
'Spencer, what's happening?' I asked shakily.
'I don't know' he replied 'Come on'
We got out of the car, Spencer flashed his badge to a young officer and we proceeded forward. Morgan and Garcia were already there, the latter looking a little disheveled.
'What happened?' Reid asked of Morgan.
'They found a bomb' he explained shortly.
I felt sick. A bomb. 'Where?' I asked.
'In Kevin Lynch's mail' Morgan said, shaking his head.
Garcia whimpered. I clapped both hands over my mouth. In someone's mail. Who would do such a thing? Reid rubbed Garcia's arm affectionately.
'Do they know who sent it?' I asked.
'No' Garcia whispered.
I felt sick and felt the ground tilt a bit beneath my feet. Morgan grasped my elbow. 'Woah there Ellie, stay with us now' he said and Spencer's eyes flashed with concern. He took my other arm and Morgan let go. I leant against him.
'What's the matter?' I heard Garcia ask dimly.
'Too much stuff happening in the one week' Morgan said.
Spencer wrapped his arms around me, trying his best to shelter me from the way everything seemed to crowd in on me. I'd never felt like this before. And it was scary. First I had been accused of murder, then got attacked by a crazy bitch and now the place I had just arrived at had nearly been blown sky high.
'It's ok Ellie, I'm here' Spencer murmured. 'When are they going to let us in?' he asked Morgan urgently.
I felt sick and I lurched again. Morgan put his hand on my back so that Spencer didn't drop me.
'I don't know' he replied.
'It better be soon' Spencer ground out.
'We can't have her fainting here!' Garcia cried, panicked.
'Spencer . . .' I moaned, and then my world went black.
Reid . . .
Reid caught Ellie as her knees buckled beneath her. 'Woah' he said and pulled her against his body, her head leaning on his chest.
Morgan removed his hand from her back and Reid knelt so that Ellie wouldn't fall further. He shook his head sadly. 'This is not good' he said.
Garcia bit her lip. 'She looks exhausted' she said.
Reid nodded. 'She was fine in the car though' he said, sounding panicked.
'Hey man calm down, she'll be ok' Morgan reassured him.
'It's Rossi's reaction I'm worried about' Reid said.
'What's going on here!'
Hotch had arrived. He was dressed as normal and held his briefcase in one hand and Go Bag in another.
'Ellie fainted sir' Garcia said quickly.
Hotch moved closer and put his stuff down. 'Why?' he asked, feeling her pulse.
'Over tired' Morgan speculated.
'Or she can't handle any more drama at the moment' Reid finished.
Hotch nodded. 'They've cleared the building and their letting people in. Take her to Rossi's office and wait with her until she wakes' he said.
Reid nodded, his gaze still fixed on Ellie's face.
Rossi . . .
The smell of cooking pancakes filled the condo. Rossi hummed a tune as he flipped pancakes on the griddle. Emily was still asleep on the couch. She looked so peaceful, so perfect that it felt like a shame to wake her. So to keep himself busy until she woke he decided he better have something for her to eat when she did come around.
It was funny. Though he felt sheer and utter rage at Cooley's actions last night he was absolutely stark happy today. Emily was his. She loved him and he hadn't felt that way about anyone, not even his first wife. Of course that didn't meant that son-of-a-bitch Jon Cooley was getting away with anything.
'I don't which is funnier, you in a pink apron or the mess in the kitchen' he heard.
Rossi turned and saw Emily leaning against the door frame, smiling softly. He waved the spatula at her, in mock warning.
'Watch it Prentiss or these pancakes hit the trash can' he said.
'Oooh I'm so scared' she teased back, moving towards him.
He grabbed her waist and pulled her to him. Quickly covering her lips with his own so to shut up her words, he smiled. Emily broke off and grinned impishly.
'Morning' she whispered.
Rossi stroked her arms where he held her. 'Morning cara' he replied.
'I look like shit and you still call me Cara?' she asked incredulously.
He rolled his eyes. 'You are without a doubt the most beautiful thing in this room, besides me of course' he grinned, poking her side with the spatula.
She stuck her tongue out at him. 'Asshole'
'Not nice babe' he replied releasing her so he could remove the final pancakes off the griddle and put them on the plate.
'They smell wonderful Dave' she said, tying back her hair.
'Thank you, I try'
Soon after the plate was cleared and Rossi was feeling the need to kiss Emily again his home phone rang. Emily grinned knowingly at him. 'We're late aren't we?' she noted.
'No' he replied getting up 'Hotch gave us both the day off so you can get your spirits back up'
Emily smiled softly. Hotch truly was nice when he tried. Rossi grabbed the phone.
'Rossi'
'Hey it's Morgan' Rossi sat back down next to Emily and placed the phone on speaker.
'You're on speaker, Emily's here'
''Sup Emily' Morgan teased from his end.
'Not much, so what's happening your end?' she replied happily, but Rossi wasn't fooled. He saw the downcast look that had been creeping into her eyes through the morning.
'You guys are on speaker with everyone here. We have to let you guys know that a bomb was found in Kevin Lynch's mail this morning' Hotch said.
Emily choked on the mouthful of coffee she had just taken. Rossi's eyes bugged and he hit Emily on the back a few times.
'What?' he managed to hiss out.
'Simple structure really' Reid said dryly.
'They hid it in a floppy disk' Garcia's voice chimed in.
Emily shuddered. 'That's horrible' she said.
'Was anyone hurt?' Rossi demanded.
'I'm fine Dave' Ellie's voice laughed down the line. Rossi heard Morgan, Garcia and Reid's laughter join in. He swore that Hotch even had a little chuckle.
'Do they know who or why?' Emily asked.
'They caught the suspect running away from the building, he had two more floppy disk bombs in his pocket' Morgan explained. 'We're being asked to analyze him, find out why'
Emily looked at Dave. 'We'll be there soon' she said.
'No, you won't' Hotch snapped. 'You need to take today off Prentiss, no buts about it'
Emily rolled her eyes. 'You can't make me . . .' she began but Rossi interrupted.
'But I can' he snapped. 'Don't worry Hotch she won't leave my sight'
'Good'
'Hang on! Not good! We're needed there!' Emily said.
'Bye guys' Reid and Ellie chimed.
Then the line disconnected. Emily glared at Rossi. 'I am a big girl Rossi I can take care of myself' she snapped.
Rossi glared back. 'You are not in a good shape to go to work today. That's why you are staying here, with me' he replied.
'God, you are such an asshole when you want to be!' Emily shouted, standing forcefully.
'No, I'm merely looking out for the well being of the woman I care about!' he shouted, standing so he was at eye level with her.
'If you cared about me so much you'd let me make my own decisions!' Emily retorted.
Rossi threw his hands up into the air. 'God help me' he muttered darkly.
'Don't even try to make it seem like you're the victim here David Rossi! You could have not told Hotch, you could have left things be! But no! You had to assume I'm weak and can't deal with these things on my own!'
'Be rational!' Rossi snapped.
Emily's hands balled into fists. 'I am being rational Rossi, you're just bordering on insanely ridiculous!' she said quietly.
Rossi saw the look in her eyes. It was the same look she had worn when she had looked Matthew's killer in the face for the first time. Sheer fear and anger. He knew he had to work fast or she'd hide herself behind a barrier. He suddenly felt very bad, and very guilty.
'Emily –' he began.
'No!' she snapped. 'Clearly we were a mistake'
With that she gathered up her things and made for the front door. Rossi closed his eyes as the door slammed shut. He counted to ten, slowly. Then he went after her.
Emily . . .
Emily felt like she could throw something, or someone, as she ran down the stairs. She knew Rossi wouldn't be that far behind so she sped up. Her head still throbbed a little but she ignored it. It was only when she reached the car park that she realized that she had no way to get home, her car was back at her apartment.
'Figures' she sighed, and fished around in her bag for her phone to call a cab.
'Emily!'
She turned and saw Rossi running towards her. She rolled her eyes and flipped her phone open. Rossi reached her and tugged the phone out of her hand.
'At least let me drive you home' he said gruffly.
She stared at him steadily. His eyes were darker, heavy with unsaid emotion. 'Fine' she said.
They were sitting in the car when it happened. Emily's head was leaning against the cool glass of the window and Rossi was staring straight ahead, seemingly lost in his own world. Emily's phone beeped to indicate a received message. Emily dug it out and almost vomited at the words.
Message From: Jon Cooley
Emily babe, I love you. Call me so we can talk about this. I love you xoxo
Emily felt her throat constrict. 'No' she whispered.
Rossi heard the fear in her voice and pulled the car over. 'What is it?' he asked.
Emily handed him the phone wordlessly. Rossi stared blankly at the screen for a moment then his eyes narrowed.
'Son-of-a-bitch' he growled.
Emily felt her eyes fill with tears. She'd never felt this scared in her life. She hung her head forward so her hair would hide her tears from Rossi.
'Cara don't' he whispered and reached out to touch her shoulder.
'I'm so sorry to bring you into all of this' she whispered.
Rossi smiled weakly. 'Emily I'm in this of my own free will no other reason than that I care about you' he said quietly.
Emily looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy. 'Dave I-' she whispered.
'No let me finish. I was wrong in what I said back there, but I only said it because I care deeply for you' he said quietly.
Emily blinked. 'Thank you' she whispered 'I guess I was wrong too'
'We're both pretty stubborn people aren't we' Rossi murmured.
Emily wiped her eyes and leaned forward, 'Guess so' she said.
As Rossi claimed her lips he felt relieved that she had forgiven him. He also felt sad though; Cooley was beginning to grind her down.
When they broke apart he stroked her cheek. 'I'm taking you out for lunch, we have a lot to talk about' he said.
'That we do' she replied before kissing him again.
Ellie . . .
I spun myself around in Garcia's spare office chair, my feet curled up underneath me. I was chewing on a Curly Wurly, the sweet taste of chocolate filling my mouth. Garcia was tuning up her "babies" as she called them, which were really just a huge system of computers.
'So tell me about the team' I said, flicking a bit of lint of my arm.
Garcia smiled. 'My favourite topic' she said happily. 'Who shall we start with?'
'Well I know Dave so how about Emily?'
Garcia took a screw driver and began tightening the screws on a hard drive. 'Emily's very down to earth, very practically. But don't get me wrong she is passionate about justice'
'I noticed that' I mused, taking another bight of Curly Wurly.
'Her mums in politics so Emily hates politicians full stop. Her and her mum hate each others guts' Garcia went on to say.
'Oh' I said softly.
'But she really likes Rossi; she's got it soooo bad for him' Garcia chirruped 'Has been ever since he started here'
I laughed at that. 'It's painfully obvious' I said. I was careful to make no mention of their relationship. It wasn't my place to tell anyone.
'Ok next on my list: Hotch, what's his deal? He hardly ever smiles' I commented.
'Hotch has been through a lot' Garcia informed me, dropping the screw driver and taking up pliers. 'He divorced his wife, they have a son, Jack, who's just absolutely gorgeous'
'Aww' I said. 'That's so cute'
Garcia's smile widened. 'Yeah but I think underneath it all he's a big softie who doesn't know how to express how he feels'
I cocked an eyebrow. Did Garcia have some feelings for the big boss? I'd have to do some digging into that I think.
'Ok next; Morgan' I said.
Garcia sighed happily. 'My chocolate god' she said dreamily.
I gaped. 'Are you two –' I trailed off.
Garcia stared at me, shock plastered over her face. 'God no. Sweetie Derek and I are only good friends. He's like an older brother. Besides I know who he's into' she finished an evil grin on her lips.
'Do tell' I said, leaning forward and chucking my finished Curly Wurly into the bin.
'He has a thing for JJ' Garcia whispered.
My mouth flopped open. 'No way! Well I caught him staring once but I didn't think that . . .'
'Oh believe me it's more than that' Garcia said.
'So tell me about JJ' I said, eager for more information.
'Certainly. She's a strong girl, tough as nails. She has to be, being media liaison. Doesn't take crap you know' Garcia said. 'She gets along with everyone. Tends to mother Reid a bit but who doesn't?'
'Reid' I said allowing the name to roll off my tongue 'Tell me about him'
Garcia looked at me and then grinned. 'You my dear have a thing for our gorgeous genius don't you?'
'Maybe' I said blushing. 'I thought he might have a girlfriend, he's a great catch'
'I only recall one time where Spencer has ever dated, actually no two. He went with JJ to a football game once and he dated a film star called Lyla but it didn't work out' Garcia said, smiling at me knowingly.
'Oh really' I said trying to sound uninterested.
But Garcia saw through that. 'Whatever you reckon Ellie. Oh yeah his mum is a schizophrenic' she said sadly.
I felt my heart sink a little. Poor Spencer. 'Oh no. Poor Spencer' I whispered.
'He visits as much as he can. But with our line of work it's hard. So he tends to write as much as he can'
'He's a good guy'
'That he is'
My phone vibrated against my pocket. I dug for it.
Caller ID: Spencer Reid.
I smiled. Speak of the devil.
'Hey Spence' I said happily.
'Hey Ellie, feeling better?' he asked, he sounded worried.
'Spencer, I feel fine. Chill ok' I laughed.
'Ok. Listen can you put Garcia on real quick'
'Sure' I said and handed Garcia the phone.
'Hey wonder-boy' she teased. 'Yes. No. Can do'
She hung up. 'Come on. They need our help with the guy who nearly blew us up today.'
I nodded heavily. I'd rather have stayed in Garcia's office. But I knew I had to be strong.
Reid . . .
Reid stared at the guy they had caught with the bombs. He was a short guy, with horn rimmed glasses and greasy mud coloured hair. He looked defiant rather than scared. Morgan was standing next to him and JJ was next to him.
'His name is Ryan Hart. According to Garcia he's been tossed from job to job because he has a fiery temper'
'Classic arsonist profile' Morgan said.
'The only thing remains is why' Hotch said as he came into interrogation with Ellie and Garcia hot on his heels.
Reid smiled at Ellie and received a show stopping smile in return. Garcia winked at him. She knew how he felt already, damn it.
'Reid, you and I are going to interrogate' Hotch was saying.
'Good cop, bad cop?' Morgan asked.
'Yes'
'This is going to be fun' Morgan said happily.
Reid followed Hotch into the room. Morgan beckoned Ellie closer.
'IF you want to learn interrogation it's these two who will teach you. Don't be scared when Hotch gets angry, he's only trying to scare Hart'
Ellie nodded. 'So Spencer is good cop, Hotch is bad cop?'
'Yeah'
Hotch . . .
'Tell me Hart, do you enjoy making people suffer?' Hotch said.
'No'
'Do you get off on watching pain, does it excite you?' Hotch said, his tone low and deadly.
'No'
Reid leaned forward in his seat. 'Ignore him Ryan; he's trying to scare you. Keep your eyes on me ok. My name's Spencer' he said.
'Don't undermine me Reid' Hotch snapped.
'I'm not. But your bullying him, that won't do him or us any good' Reid explained.
Hotch's glare deepened. 'Shut up Reid. Now you listen to me Hart. You're facing serious charges here, trying to blow up a government building, not a smart move genius'
'You wouldn't understand' Hart snarled.
'Help us too' Reid said, slight desperation in his tone.
'Why should I, and how the fuck did anyone like you get to be FBI. You look like a noodle with wax hair' Hart snapped.
Hotch threw a pile of photos down on the desk. They were of Kevin Lynch's injuries, minor on his head and major on his arms and torso.
'Does this make you feel good!' he said, his voice raising a decibel.
'Don't show him those!' Reid cried 'It's against code, you know that Hotch'
'Someone threatens my colleagues and friends, regulations can get fucked!'
Hotch rarely swore. Behind the glass Ellie felt fear clench her heart for Spencer. She knew that Hotch was just pretending but all the same she felt so much fear.
'Ryan don't look at those. Besides only one person was hurt, it's not that bad' Reid said quickly.
'Only one?' Hart asked, an unusual tone colouring his voice.
'What? Did you want to get more!' Hotch snarled.
'Y-no!' Hart said, fear starting to show in his voice. 'You don't understand!'
'We're trying to' Reid said 'But we need your help!'
'How do I know I can trust you?'
'You can, we're the FBI'
'Reid if you do not shut up I can and will fire you!' Hotch snapped.
'Hotch you won't get anything if you keep threatening him!' Reid cried.
'What's your great idea genius? Chess party?' Hotch said nastily.
Ellie . . .
I hid my eyes as Hotch and Spencer faced off. I knew it was an act but I couldn't help feeling a little afraid. Morgan touched my arm.
'Hey sweet heart don't stress yourself. Reid can handle it, he's been through a whole lot worse' he told me.
I nodded mutely. My phone vibrated against my pocket. I dug for it.
'Hello?'
Hotch . . .
Hotch had never felt so frustrated during an interview, the only time he'd felt so much more frustration was when he was chasing Foyett.
He decided that Hart needed more encouragement if this was going to go anywhere. He looked at Reid whose eyes said: go for it.
'Ok that's it!' Hotch said heavily. 'I'm done with beating around the bush'
'Hotch no' Reid warned.
'What's the matter?' Hart demanded.
Hotch got behind Hart's chair and shoved it forward so he was really close to the table and the photo's of Kevin's injuries.
'Look closely scumbag' he shouted. 'Look at the pain you've cause Kevin Lynch, one of the FBI's best technical analysts. You've destroyed his life and his looks. He may never regain proper use of his right arm because of you! You are the lowest of lows? You know what we call bombers like you? Cowards? Fucking yellow bellied cowards! You hear me Hart?'
Hart was shaking with rage and frustration now. All he needed was one more push and Hotch knew it.
'What are you going to do now coward? Blow me up?' Hotch snapped. He laughed nastily. 'You got no floppy disk bombs have you coward?
'Hotch stop!' Reid cried.
Hart exploded. 'Lynch is a fucking tool. He ruined my life, got me fired from my job! He had to pay ok? I didn't mean to put FBI into disarray but Lynch is a jackass. Revenge is a dish best served in a floppy disk bomb! He can kiss my ass that dickhead!' Hart shouted.
Hotch and Reid stared at Hart who was breathing deeply. Reid shook his head sadly and stood up slowly. Hotch led the way outside the interrogation room. Ellie was on the phone.
'I sort of feel sorry for him' Reid murmured.
'Me too but it's the law' Hotch said heavily.
Ellie …
'Hey its Dave'
'Dave, hi! How's Emily?' I asked.
'She's so much better now' he said happily. 'I'm just checking in on my other special girl'
'She's ok' I teased 'I just watched Hotch and Reid do a good cop, bad cop interrogation'
'You feeling ok?'
'Yeah a little shaken but I'm fine. Look I got to go, Reid looks like he needs to do some venting' I said noticing how lost Spencer looked.
'Ok take care bella'
'Essere al sicuro. I love you' I said in Italian and hung up.
'You ok?' I asked Spencer. He looked up and gave me a weak smile.
'I will be. Hotch is . . . intimidating' Spencer said and trailed off.
I smiled and patted him on the shoulder. He smiled back.
Next time: Rossi and Emily's lunch date. Ellie makes a life changing decision. The team receives and new case.
Translation:
Essere al sicuro. I love you – Be safe. I love you.
