Chapter 10: Case Closed

Hotch was about to get inside the SUV when Emily stopped him.

"It is my turn, sir"

"Do not worry, Prentiss. I can drive back"

"I am sure you can Hotch, but I am not so sure you should, and before you deny it, I know you are dead tired and I can bet you had almost no rest last night, so just hand me the keys and get comfortable, you can even follow my bad example and rest a bit."

"I better not ask how you know I had a lousy night, that would not be good for my self esteem. I guess you are right, maybe you should drive, at least for a while. Maybe later we can grab something to eat and trade places, is that good enough for you agent Prentiss?" asked a tired but a bit more relaxed Hotch. He knew she was being prudent, he was too exhausted to drive, especially under the rain that was falling harder with every passing minute.

"Yes, sir. That would surely be all right with me," answered Emily with a mock frown. She had been correct, he was so fatigued he did not even really try to fight her suggestion. Everyone had known yesterday's visit to the Williams household had been draining, she had noticed how he had been terribly quiet (even for him) during dinner, and once again everyone had noticed how his eyes were red this morning from lack of sleep. A couple of hours of sleep would do wonders for him.

As she predicted, after only ten minutes on the road, Hotch had fallen asleep. He tried to discuss the case but she told him to close his eyes for a little while because she wanted to pay attention to the road. It had been a half truth, she wanted him to sleep but going up and down these mountains with rain was not fun. They had driven about an hour when Hotch's cell rang. He was so out of it that he did not answer until after the fourth ring. It had been Morgan. The case was over. The team had found Ryan Jackson inside his apartment. It had not ended well. He had been surrounded and instead of giving himself up he committed suicide. Inside his apartment the team found the weapon he utilized to murder the five victims plus photos and newspaper clippings of all of them.

"…Rossi is finishing up all the reports along with the detectives and JJ is working on the press release " concluded Morgan.

"Fine. Morgan get our stuff ready and talk to the pilot, we will be leaving tonight. Emily and I will meet you at the airstrip," said Hotch.

"Tonight? Hotch, are you sure?

"Come on Derek, someone told me you guys are in a hurry to get back to Virginia, it seems you have a previous engagement to honor, that would also give Reid enough time to fly tomorrow to Vegas and celebrate with his mother. We will meet you around 7pm, be there"

"Alright, Hotch…thanks man" a surprised Morgan ended the call. He wasted no time in getting things done and telling the others they were flying home that same evening. JJ phoned Will with the great news, she was going to see her family this evening. Rossi was glad he did not cancel his reservations, maybe Aaron would enjoy coming with him and doing some fishing.

Emily could see Hotch's whole body relax after he spoke with Derek. The case was closed. The BAU team was going home. Suddenly, she figured out that not only was Hotch worried about the case; he had been seriously concerned about all of them. He knew they were tired of being on the road, of not having time for themselves or for their loved ones, time to relax and enjoy life, time to forget the dark world they had to immerse themselves every time they had to catch and unsub. She looked at him and smiled, a smiled that understood all the weight that he had been feeling. He looked back at her and gave her a full,relieved smile. She was about to ask him something when the unthinkable happened…