Chapter 9
Two weeks after the whole ordeal, everything was back to normal. Hotch took some time off to be with Jack and to talk things out with Haley. They would always be divorced, but they at least knew they were on good terms. They decided to be friends.
Hotch returned to work—where we belonged. He claimed his position as Unit Chief once again. Before the case briefing, he stood up and made an announcement.
"Before we get started, I want to thank you all for believing in me. I know it was a hard journey and it was difficult to keep our emotions in check. But thank you all for helping me prove my innocence and for getting the unsubs. We do it everytime, and I'd like to think this case was no different."
"Hotch, man," Morgan started, "we'll always have your back no matter what."
"We know you didn't do those things," Prentiss clarified.
"I know," Hotch said.
"You know, if it helps," JJ started, "Strauss was transferred to a women's prison. It's just a matter of time before she's a prison bitch."
The team couldn't help but laugh.
"Okay," Hotch said, "We really need to get started. Three women have gone missing in Florida-"
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
"Not again," Morgan groaned.
"Agents," Agent Fuchs started, "I'd like you to meet your new Section Chief Mateo Cruz."
"I'm really looking forward to working with you," Cruz stated, "Ten years of field expereince and being a Texas Ranger—well, it's kinda nice to have a desk job!"
The new Chief turned to Hotch.
"Agent Hotchner, I've heard a lot about you," he said.
"All good things—I hope?"
"Excellent things about your leadership," Cruz answered, "I must admit the circumstances of why I'm here are..." The new Chief searched for the right word, clearly disgusted with Strauss.
"I'm Agent Jareau, the Media Liason, but everyone calls me JJ," JJ introduced. The rest of the team introduced themselves as Hotch and the IA agents stood and watched.
"Agent Hotchner," Fuchs started, "I do believe I owe you an apology. I was a royal jackass to you during the case."
"It's okay," Hotch assured, "I know how it is when evidence leads you to someone you don't want it to."
"Yeah, well, that still happened," Fuchs answered, "the evidence did lead us to one of our own. I just never thought she'd...she'd do that and I'm sorry."
"We jumped to conclusions," Griffith added.
"He listened," Fuchs pointed out, "I didn't at first and I'm ashamed of myself."
"If it helps," Griffith interjected, "Strauss has already been made a prison bitch."
"Oh, we were just talking about that!" JJ laughed.
"Oh, it's bad," Fuchs said, "you don't—you don't wanna know, but karma's a bitch."
"What about the Felixes?" Hotch asked.
"Twenty-five years to life," Cruz answered, "no chance they'll ever get out. But Erin Strauss did leave us with a hell of a mess to clean up."
"Look, we can't wait on this case any longer," JJ said.
"Gather up the team," Hotch commanded, "We leave in thirty minutes."
Having Hotch in control again was great. Finally, things were back to normal. Hotch had his teammates—his family who believed in him. Things were finally back to normal. Take that Strauss!
