A/N Names Hotch:Warrior Poet, Garcia:Angel, Morgan: Sir Teddy, Emily: Shield Maiden, JJ; Princess, Rossi:Noble Lady
The team started work early the next day. Emily had stayed up late and had written down her findings about Reid and Elton's relationship in college. Rossi brought it in the next morning and everyone took turns reading it over. It didn't help much, Reid and Elton were partners and they did spend a lot of time together. However no one thought their relationship was one sided. From this it seemed that Elton's dislike started when Reid rejected a career in chemistry and then further deepened as Elton failed to find success. At ten JJ hosted a press conference and Hotch left to consult with Dr. Cline
"So JJ how did it go?" Rossi asked as everyone gathered in the conference room at 11
"I think it went fine, I said Elton was responsible for the bombing of the house, and was being looked for by the FBI in a series of assault cases including one involving a Federal Agent. I warned the public that Elton was armed and dangerous and not to approach him. "
"Sounds good, I hope we find him quickly."
"I spoke to Dr. Cline both Dr. Quest and Dr. Rhoades have permanent scarring in the cerebral cortex and the occipital lobe. Dr. Rhoades has less damage than Dr. Quest in the cerebral cortex. "
"Why is that Aaron?" Rossi asked
"Dr. Quest kept working and pushing herself while she was blind, Dr. Rhoades took a sabbatical until while he regained his sight and then for a month afterward."
"So what does this mean for Reid?" Garcia asked
"Dr. Cline has a better idea of what happened, but the concussion and the way Reid was pushing himself it's hard to say. Dr. Cline is still going over the data."
They worked till two when Section Chief Erin Straus called Hotch into her office. They talked for half an hour before Hotch returned
"Dr. Quest and Rhoades both saw the press conference and contacted the media. They told them about Elton blinding them and other scientists; they also told them that Elton had chemically altered their brains as well and named Reid as one of the people Elton attacked. Straus has ordered an internal investigation of Reid, she has also assigned Agent Todd to work with us."
"What, Reid's a victim, how are earth can she consider him a suspect." JJ said
"Reid was corresponding with Elton, helping him with chemistry. For all the Bureau knows he was helping Elton find efficient means to blind people. His obsession with Reid could be viewed as a falling out between partners. It makes more sense than our theory of a grudge from college."
"How is the investigation going to work?" JJ asked
"Strauss has ordered Reid's apartment, his desk, and all his electronic history be looked at. She has also ordered Kevin Lynch to look into any connections between Reid and Elton's known victims. She wanted Reid interviewed as well but I was able to dissuade her. However she did insist that Reid answer some questions so Dave and I will work together on that after work."
"Of course, did she say anything about Morgan?"
"Strauss wanted a formal suspension, and a write up but I was able to dissuade her. Until Elton is found though Morgan has to stay away from Quantico."
Hotch ended the discussion and everyone went to work. At three Agent Todd joined them at three, at five they had numerous false sightings of Elton but no solid leads. Hotch decided to call it a night. As they were leaving Agent Todd came running over
"Agent Rossi, Agent Hotchner, Chief Strauss wants me to go with you when you interview Dr. Reid. "
"Reid is not allowed visitors, especially unannounced ones." Rossi said
"Chief Strauss is worried that the BAU is covering something up, she wants an impartial observer to make sure everything is done properly. Please Rossi understand I don't this anymore than you do. I worked with Agent Reid, I'll be as kind as I can."
"It's fine Dave, do you know where Agent Rossi's house is? If not we can give you a lift." Hotch interrupted
"I've got GPS, if Agent Rossi can give me the address, I'll find it."
Agent Mason left and Hotch and Rossi walked over to their cars. Hotch called Emily and told her Agent Mason was coming and to give Reid coffee. When Hotch got to Rossi's he found Reid waiting in the living room dressed in slacks and a button down shirt. He had a mug of coffee in his hand and seemed calm.
"Reid its Hotch, has Emily told you what's going on?" Hotch asked taking Reid's hand
"Yes, Hotch I can still think you know."
"I know that, listen just short, simple answers. Don't think too hard or try to give a lot of information."
"Understood, I can manage. I don't understand why Strauss is doing this now; Why not when Garcia discovered the other victims."
"We had to alert the media about Henry Elton, some members of the press contacted the FBI wanting more information. Strauss is just covering all her bases."
"I understand, but" Reid tightened his grip on Hotch's hand "Please don't let her see me when I you know…."
"I promise, we will end the interview as soon as you get a headache" He said squeezing Reid's hand
Reid returned the gesture and let go. Rossi came in from the kitchen with water and coffee. Agent Todd arrived a few minutes later, Reid stood and took her hand
"Agent Todd it's good to see you again."
"Dr. Reid likewise, you seem to be doing well."
"I manage, why did Strauss assign you to this case?"
"I know the team, I work in Counter Terrorism we were the first people who suspected the blinding attacks were linked. I also volunteered I missed working with you guys and I wanted a chance to help."
They both sat down and Hotch produced a tape recorder.
"Reid I am going to ask questions about Henry Elton. You're not a suspect, just be open and honest, this will help us catch him."
"I understand ask away…"
The interview went on for twenty minutes covering old ground. Reid had met Henry Elton in Graduate school; they had worked on their thesis together, and had remained friends after they got their degree. After Reid joined the FBI they drifted apart. Two years after Reid joined the FBI Henry Elton had sent a letter asking for help with a chemical compound he was working on. They had swapped letters back forth working on various chemical problems. Reid did not see Henry Elton in person until Washington, when Elton had blinded him. The FBI had everything Elton had given him over the years. By the end of twenty minutes Reid was rubbing his head and Hotch ended the interview
"It's alright Spencer, you did good. Let's go to you're room okay."
"Yes, it was nice seeing you again Agent Todd." Reid said extending his hand
"Yeah, I hope you recover soon." She replied
Hotch handed him his cane and Emily and Reid left. Rossi handed Todd the tape recorder and showed her to the door.
Emily came into the room five minutes later, seeing Todd was gone she signaled for Reid to join them.
"You are a good actor, how are you feeling?" Hotch asked
"Slight headache it could be worse. Emily let me sleep for most of the day that helped." Reid said clearly in a great deal more pain then admitted to
"I am going to order pizza if that's alright with everyone." Rossi said
Everyone agreed, the pizza came and Reid jumped and headed to his room. Hotch stopped him and brought him to the dining room. They ate, then Emily and Hotch left. Rossi tried putting on the TV but Henry Elton dominated the news, it was a huge news story an FBI Agent a victim of a serial blinder. Eight scientists blinded, what was their connection, was the government working on some secret project. Rossi quickly shut off the TV and read to Reid until it was time for bed. The next morning the team got to work, by 11 Am there was bad news
"Dr. Brothesil's office was bombed. The two doctors, their nurses and the receptionist are all at the hospital they've been blinded. It was a smoke bomb similar to the one Henry Elton used at his house in Washington. " Hotch said after getting the call from the local police
"Are we sure it's Elton?" Jordan Todd asked
"No, the bomb techs are still securing the area. As soon as it's safe I'm going to send you and Emily down there. JJ get in contact with the press try to keep them from connecting this to Elton. I'm going to go down and interview Dr. Dr. Brothesil and his staff."
Strauss came in to the conference room just then
"Aaron, this is getting out of hand, I want you to bring in Agent Rossi and Agent Morgan. Send Agent Morgan to the bomb site along with Agent Todd. I want Agent Rossi and Agent Prentiss to go the hospital and interview everyone who was in the office. Agent Jareau I want you handling the press, I don't want any connection between the bombing and Henry Elton. Agent Hotchner I want to you run point with me."
"Ma'am with all due respect Agent Morgan is unofficially suspended and Dr. Reid cannot be left alone."
"This is an all hands on deck situation, if Elton is responsible the fallout is going to be huge. Agent Todd has told me Dr. Reid seemed to be doing well despite his blindness, and I trust you to be able to keep Agent Morgan in check. If Dr. Reid cannot be left alone then bring him here and watch him yourself." With that Strauss left the room
"Hotch you can't, you said yourself Reid can't travel. Quest and Rhoades both have permanent scars, if you bring Reid in it will hurt him." Garcia burst out
"Strauss is in charge and if this is Elton he's devolving at an alarming rate. I'll talk to Rossi and work out a plan. For now we'll follow Strauss's orders."
Everyone was unhappy but fell in line. At noon Morgan accompanied Reid to Quantico, before setting off with Agent Todd to the bomb site. Reid had taken a Vicodin before coming and Hotch met Rossi, Morgan and Reid at the elevator. They quickly ushered Reid up the stairs to Rossi's office. The blinds were closed; Garcia had placed cushions and blankets on the couch and the floor. Emily had set up a sound system that was currently playing Tchaikovsky's ballets. Reid was in pain, but the pain was dulled by the opium. They helped him lie down on the floor and covered him blankets. The plan was for him to sleep for much of the day. The men left the room, but left a radio so they could hear if he needed them. Morgan and Todd left for the bomb site. Rossi and Prentiss left for the hospital, JJ was already in her office handling the press. Hotch worked with Strauss in the conference room, while Garcia worked in her office. Every half hour JJ, Hotch or Garcia would check in on Reid who slept soundly for three hours. By three everyone was back in the conference room, except Morgan who was checking on Reid
"Hey pretty boy it's me Sir Teddy, we're at Quantico in Rossi's office."Morgan said kneeling down and taking Reid's hand as he woke up
"Sir Teddy, Noble Lady's office at Quantico, because of my false friend." Reid said slowly still feeling the effects of the drug.
"That's right, come on why don't you sit on the sofa and I'll put on a book on tape. Would you like Lord of the Rings, Isaac Asimov, Shakespeare?" Morgan said helping Reid up and guiding him to the sofa.
"Lord of the Rings please and some coffee."
"I'll need to check with Hotch about the coffee." Morgan said playing the book and quietly leaving
Hotch said no to the coffee, but allowed Garcia to bring him hot chocolate and cookies. Once everyone was in the conference room Hotch started the meeting
A/N I finally shook off my writers block for this story. I tried to keep Strauss in character, the media is having a field day with the Elton business. Hotch doesn't want to risk anything happening to Reid which is why he is complying for now. Let me know if you think I got them right. If their's anything you'd like to see. Thank you to all my wonderful reviewers, followers and favorites I appreciate your support. Please click the Review button and make me very happy