Chapter 50
Spencer was speechless. The tears pooled in his eyes. "How old is she?" he asked in a heavy voice.
"About a year now."
"Gregor, where are they? I need to know."
From the hallway, Morgan was announcing his return, "Reid, I think we should get going." He walked into the living room and noted Spencer's emotional state. "What did I miss?"
"Nothing," said Reid, looking away as he wiped a stray tear that had fallen.
Gregor took over the conversation now. "My book was released. Remember? The one I told you about?"
"Oh, yes. Congratulations," said Spencer downcast.
"Would you like a copy?"
"Yes, of course."
Gregor slipped away and returned before Morgan could even question Reid.
"Here it is. Let me sign it for you." He scribbled in it, closed the book, and gave it to Reid.
"Thanks," he replied. And when he opened it, he wanted to sing. Right under Gregor's signature was a location in latitude and longitude. He nervously rose to his feet and said, "Well, we should get going. Morgan?"
"I'll see you out," said Gregor.
They got in the car and Gregor said, "I hope we can meet again, Spencer. Why don't you drop by in November? The weather is lovely then."
"I will," said Reid. "Thanks."
Morgan drove off suspicious of Reid's mood swing. He had been disturbed when Morgan returned from the bathroom. But whatever Gregor wrote in the book gave him hope. That and his veiled reference to the month of November. And the way Reid thanked him, like from the depths of his soul. Just let it go, Morgan. And that's exactly what he would do, for now.
The seasons passed, and soon enough November came. The cold, biting winds had arrived and Spencer requested some vacation time to see his mother. He spent a few days with Diana and took his leave. Now he was at the airport.
"Aren't you in the wrong terminal?" asked Morgan. "Flights to D.C. are over there."
"Jesus, Morgan, you scared me!" cried Spencer dropping his suitcase. "What are you doing here?"
"I've been following you," he said flatly. "Where are you going, Spencer?"
The PA announced, "United Airlines now boarding flight 1025 to Houston, Texas."
"Flight 1025, huh?" said Morgan smugly as he took out his smart phone. "Let's see here. Connecting to Miami and then arriving at, well what do you know, Lima."
They stared each other down.
"I think you're making a big mistake, Spencer," he finally said.
"Well, S.S.A. Morgan, if you're not going to arrest me, then step aside."
He did step aside, and Spencer went on his way.
"Damn it, Reid!" he yelled back at him. "I wish you had never met her. That girl was your undoing."
Spencer looked back and smiled at his friend. Indeed she was the undoing of Dr. Spencer Reid. And he turned around to board his plane with such hope: to reunite with Alison and to meet his daughter.
Fin.
Author's note: Thank you very much for reading! And I especially appreciate your kind reviews. I'd like to write a sequel this summer. So, until then ...
