On the Downtown Corner
Three weeks had gone by since Elle and Liv had arrested Jorje Santos, formerly Eduardo Leon Marquez for the rapes of Marisol and Lupe. His trial was concluding today and Elle was eager to hear his sentence. She knew they would have to send him down to New Mexico to be tried for the four rapes he'd committed in the 1980s but she would be satisfied.
"All rise for the Honorable Judge Elizabeth Donnelly," the bailiff bellowed. The entire courtroom stood and Liz walked in, motioning for them to sit down.
"Has the jury reached a verdict?" she addressed the foreperson.
"We have your Honor. On the first count of rape we find the defendant guilty," the foreperson answered.
"And on the second count of rape we also find the defendant guilty," he read.
"Thank you. The jury is dismissed with the court's thanks," Liz said and the twelve jurors exited the room.
"As is my duty, I remand the defendant to the custody of the Albuquerque police department for further trial and sentencing," she said, slamming her gavel down, dismissing court.
Liv and Elle walked out, both grinning. They were met by Reid. He and Elle exchanged a brief kiss as they walked out o the court room.
"How'd it go?" he asked.
"They found him guilty on both counts. He's being sent to New Mexico to stand trial," Elle answered, her hand linked with his.
"Hey I'll see you two later," Olivia called, heading towards her car. Elle waved and the pair continued down the street. The walked in silence for a few blocks.
"I've been meaning to ask you something for a while," Elle finally said.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Why did you come to New York in the first place? I didn't tell you I'd moved," she responded.
"I came to find my father. I…I hallucinated about him…when he left us," Reid admitted. His time in the rehab facility was almost up and he'd be going back to Quantico.
"Did you find him?" she asked hesitantly.
"I found his address but I never made it there. Will you come with me?" he answered. Elle nodded. She finally spotted where she'd parked her car and they climbed in. Reid gave her the address and they maneuvered the busy city streets. As they waited at a red light, Elle flicked on the radio.
"And just this morning the Quinceañera Rapist as the police have dubbed him, was found guilty on both counts of rape. He stands trial in New Mexico in the coming months," the reporter announced. Elle groaned and shut it off.
"I don't need to hear any more about the case. It's over," she sighed as the light changed. Some twenty minutes later they pulled up to a nice brick house. Reid climbed out and Elle followed. They made their way up the front steps and he knocked three times. Footsteps could be heard from within and the door was pulled open.
"Dad," Reid said, starting to choke up.
"Spencer?" William Reid remarked, taking in the young man before him.
"My God, it's you," he breathed, ushering his son inside. Elle followed quietly.
"What are you doing in New York?" William asked, sitting down on the couch. Reid and Elle took seats in the chairs facing the couch.
"I actually was looking for you," Reid answered.
"I…I joined the FBI a few years ago," he added.
"No kidding. You always were a genius. Too smart for your age though if you ask me," he said.
"I think…we need to talk. About the day you left," Reid breathed.
"What's to talk about?" William asked.
"You let me with my mentally ill mother who I took care of from the time I was twelve until I turned eighteen and committed her to an institution. Don't you think that was a little unfair?" Spencer explained, trying to keep his voice even.
"You're right. I shouldn't have just left like that. But I had my reasons. Your mother wasn't taking her medications and you know how she got when she didn't take them," William rebutted.
"That's not an excuse to just cut off contact from your only son for half of his life," Elle interjected.
"Who are you?" William asked.
"You're soon-to-be daughter-in-law," Elle replied coolly.
"I know I wasn't the best father, Spencer and I am sorry for that. But it looks like you turned out just fine with out me," William admitted.
"Thanks…" he trailed off. He couldn't bring himself to tell his father about the drugs.
Just then Elle's phone rang. She quickly excused herself to take the call. She poked her head back in.
"Cragen needs to talk to me…do you want me to swing back and pick you up when I'm done?" she addressed her fiancé.
"No…I'll go with you," Reid answered. He stood, reaching into his bag and pulled out an envelope.
"Here's an invitation to the wedding. I hope you can come," he said as he and Elle left the building.
"You ok?" Elle asked once they were back in the car.
"I will be. I really appreciate you coming with me," Reid answered.
"So you're Mom is going to fly in from Vegas for this?" she questioned with a smile.
She'll survive. Besides I'll just make sure she doesn't see my father," Spencer explained. They pulled into the police parking garage and headed up to the squad room. They parted ways at Cragen's door.
"Have a seat," Cragen said. Elle sat.
"I've talked with Agent Hotchner at length about your history with his unit," Cragen began.
"So should I go back up my stuff?" Elle asked.
"No. He said you are a fine law enforcement officer who gets a little too involved in some cases. You fit right in with the rest of the squad," Cragen answered. That wasn't what Elle was expecting to hear.
"Thank you, Sir," she said, after a minute.
"Just…next time the FBI is called in, let them do their jobs," Cragen added and Elle smiled, giving a nod. On her way out she ran into Hotch.
"Thanks for putting a good word or two," she said.
"We all make mistakes, Elle," Hotch said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Agreed. I guess this is as good a time as any to put this all behind us once and for all," she sighed, offering her hand. He shook it firmly.
"Oh I hope you and the rest of the team are staying around for the weekend. Wouldn't' want you to miss the wedding," Elle called.
"We'll be there. Bullet proof vests and all," he replied.
"Humor is not your forte, Hotch. Don't quit your day job," she chuckled.
Saturday rolled around quickly and Elle was fussing with her veil when Liv walked into the bathroom.
"You look beautiful," her colleague commented.
"Thanks….I'm really nervous that I'm going to mess up," Elle admitted.
"Oh come on you'll do fine. Come on, they're about to start," Olivia assured her, dragging her out into the hallway. They were met by Gideon.
"You look amazing, Elle," he breathed, giving her a quick hug.
"Thanks for walking me down the isle. I know it was short notice," she apologized.
"Your father would be proud of you," Gideon commented just as they started up the isle. Gideon passed Elle off to Reid and the ceremony proceeded without a hitch. Reid looked out at the small gathering. His father had made it and he and his mother were actually sitting together, enjoying themselves.
"Do you, Spencer Reid, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?' the minister asked.
"I do," Reid answered, sliding the thin gold band onto Elle's finger.
"And do you, Elle Greenaway, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" he repeated.
"I do," she repeated and slid the ring onto his finger. They shared their first kiss as husband and wife and raced off down the aisle. As they started the small receiving line Elle couldn't help but smile at each guest. When Hotch reached her he opened his suit jacket. He was wearing his bullet proof vest.
"Cute, Hotch. Really cute," she giggled as she hugged him.
We can see the problems and flaws of the most dangerous creatures the human race has ever seen. But we are blind to those chinks in our own armor. Only after we have experienced the incredible do we realize our own mortality.