Spencer got out of the SUV in front of Mr. Corbin's house. He wanted to return his daughter's watch to him, and tell him that Mattloff was going away for life. He'd changed his plea to guilty. I stayed in the car with Hotch, watching the back of his head from my seat in the back of the car.
I couldn't bring myself to face Mr. Corbin after that. I had told him it would be alright, I had promised. But I couldn't even get myself to believe it some days. "You were right earlier," Hotch said turning around.
"Right about what?" I asked, not meeting his gaze.
"About Reid doing the right thing, bringing you along. He shouldn't have put you in danger, but he was doing the job. That's what counts." I looked into Hotch's eyes; any trace of anger from earlier was gone now. "Something is bothering me though, Sara."
"What's that?"
"He left you with a gun you don't even know how to use."
My eyes widened slightly, more memories coming back; I managed to suppress them though. I looked out the window again; I could see Mr. Corbin and Reid still talking. "I know how to use a gun," I mumbled.
Hotch looked both surprised and concerned, "When did you..?"
"I've never actually used one," I interrupted. "My mom and I bought one after Dad left. She took a lesson and then showed me. She told me I should never have to use one though," I explained. I could see he understood.
"Regardless, I think you should learn."
"I could ask Spencer," I shrugged.
Hotch looked amused and smirked, "I don't think that's a good idea, he's failed his gun qualification a few times. Call me or Derek or Emily if you want to learn."
"Alright, thanks," I smiled back. Hotch really was nice, despite the cold face he often gave to the world.
Spencer got back in the SUV, Hotch turned around and we started the long drive back to Quantico. I fell asleep to the voices of the two men chatting in the front.
