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Chapter Twenty-Eight:

Felix and Anna were hanging out in the green room of a late-night talk show host's studio. There was also a rock musician and an A-list actress. But neither of them cared who else was in the room as they watched their phones.

"How does he always get into hostage situations when he's away from us?" Felix said.

"Devil's Night is one of the most dangerous times of the year," Anna said. "He asked for the time off months in advance. We couldn't force him to stay if we wanted to."

Brenner suddenly emerged after hair and makeup looking nervous. "Any news?"

"Nothing new," Felix reported. "He is still in Buffalo being held at gun-point in a clothing boutique."

"He was only there in the event the killers returned to their store but that wasn't where the kidnapping victims were being held," Brenner said pacing.

"How do you know so much about the case Senator?" Anna asked.

"I am guessing here," Brenner said. "The FBI had split up to two different locations. The store is associated with the killers. Reid told me that he was there in backup mode only."

Anna saw the look of concern in Brenner's eyes. "He texted you, didn't he?"

"Only to say that he expected to meet up with us in Nevada by All Saints Day after they cleared the store. So he must have thought the case was almost over."

"He'll be fine Senator," Felix said.

"Yes he's gotten through worse situations," Anna chipped in.

"I hope so," Brenner said.

"Please Nicolet, this doesn't have to end this way," Reid said with his hands up. He had to drop his gun to prevent the woman from killing a hostage.

"It didn't start out that way," she said crying and raising her gun at random people hiding between the clothing racks. "We just wanted the one loan officer to pay for ruining our business and then thought we were doing the world a favor by killing more of them."

"Nicolet, you were treated badly by Bennet Cord. We know that now. If you let me and these people out I'll make sure that City Hall knows that."

"It's too late for that now. We are just killers to everyone."

"But not to me," Reid said calmly. "I know you and Gracelyn were not given the chance to pay back properly. If there is something that I have learned personally over the past year is that a lot of people have been deeply wronged. Please try to find a way to make this better by dropping your weapon and letting everyone go."

Nicolette looked at him. It felt as though she was looking at his soul the way she was gazing at him. She had made up her mind.

"Thank you Agent Reid," she said. "For seeing me differently." She put the gun to her throat and fired.

Reid went through the motions in searching for people hiding in the store. It was safe now. It was safe. He gave his statement. He left his gun in the store for the purposes of evidence. He didn't care if he never saw it again.

Rossi arrived on the scene and approached him but Reid zigzagged away. He dialed Anna on his phone. She answered on the first ring.

"Reid, are you okay?" she practically shouted. "They just reported the threat had been neutralized."

"I am really not okay Anna, but I want to get back on the trail as soon as I can. How is the Senator?"

"A bag of nerves worrying about you and wanting to cancel this late-night gig but she can't as it might raise too many concerns and screw up her schedule."

"Can you put her on the line?"

"The show is about to start but I'll try."

He could hear Anna running and arguing with producers. Then he could vaguely hear Brenner's voice in the background. Finally she came on the line.

"Reid how are you?" she asked urgently.

"I'm safe and so are the hostages," he said in a dull tone. "I look forward to getting back on the trail."

"What else is going on?" she asked sternly. "I've known you long enough to know something is off. Tell me."

"Senator, I am very tired of violence and I'm ready to do the world some good now from different perspective. It is probably a little a shock and fatigue speaking but I am ready to apply for a permanent position on your staff. Before go on stage just know that I am ready to move forward with you."

Brenner didn't say anything for a moment. "Thank you Spencer," she said finally.

"You're welcome Senator."