A/N: Thanks so much to everyone that has reviewed, story alerted, author alerted, and added to favorites. I am so glad that you like this story. Sorry for the long wait for anything from me but it has been a rough time. It's always the little things that you miss most: no more begging to sit in my chair because she has claimed it and won't share, no more furry little paw tapping at my leg to get me to go to bed.

Chapter 12

warnings: a super short chapter so you have something while I am working on the next chapter. And, there might be a one-shot in the near future.

x-x

The two men walked into the PD and were met by Sam. "Hi guys. I was just heading down to special programs. Do you want to follow me?"

"Sure." Morgan answered.

Spencer stood with his head bowed and wringing his hands almost manically.

"You're looking good Spencer. Derek told me you are taking self-defense classes." Sam added.

"Yeah, Anthony's a great teacher." The younger man mumbled.

They reached a medium-sized conference room with eight other people having snacks and talking in small groups. "This is it; come on in and meet everyone." Sam walked in first and quietly announced that Spencer had arrived.

For the next thirty minutes, Spencer was quietly approached by each of the officers and the program director. It was far better than Derek had hoped, and he was surprised the men knew exactly how to approach Spencer without overwhelming him.

On their way out, Officer Dan gave Morgan a file with updates on the case against Eric. Spencer lost all color from his usually pale face, and Derek hurried him out to the car. He was frustrated that the visit had ended on a sour note after the young man had enjoyed meeting the officers that would see him on the streets. Some Garcia-time was definitely called for tonight.

x-x

November 15

Morgan sat in the waiting room and twiddled his thumbs waiting impatiently for Spencer to finish his appointment with Dr. Shelton. The clock read 3:55, only five more minutes. Darcy kept glancing his way, and he knew that he was really getting on her nerves today. She was just about to scold him again when the inner office door opened. He immediately jumped out of his seat. "How did it go?" He asked the young man but glanced toward the doctor.

"Fine."

"Dr. Shelton, may I have a word with you?" Morgan asked.

"Of course, Derek. Come in."

"How is he really doing?"

"Not bad, he is a very strong person. The stutter is almost gone, and he feels better about trying to run some errands for you now that he met the officers from the neighborhood. He's making progress and I think we should consider taking him off the anti-depressant and possibly only using the anti-anxiety medicine on an as needed basis."

Relief washed over Morgan. "That is great. I did some digging and I've located his mother. I was wondering if you thought it would be a good idea to take him out to see her?"

"Have you talked to her doctors?"

"Yes, they think it would be okay. It does have the potential to be unpredictable because she talks about him all the time but hasn't had any contact for years. Right now her condition is stable with her current meds. I was hoping to make it over the Thanksgiving Holiday."

Dr. Shelton made a couple of notes in Spencer's chart. "I would run it by Spencer first. Don't plan the trip yet, but let him know that you found her and he can have contact if he wishes. We'll hold off on any changes to his medication until after the holidays."

Derek thanked the man and left the office with a smile on his face.