Time jump:

They parked their vehicles a block away from Knocks home. Morgan and Emily parked on the opposite side of them. The rest of the team were on standby in a large van. Once the guards were contained, they were to pick Morgan and Emily up.

Hotch jumped out of the blacked-out sedan. Jogging over to Morgan and Emily's car, he dropped onto his back. Sliding underneath the car, he grabbed his knife and sliced a few hoes. The car immediately began leaking the oil. Morgan drove the vehicle until stopping in front of the gate.

Jumping out of the car, he slammed his door. "Piece of shit! I told you this thing was not worth the money you paid."

Emily climbed out with a scoff. "Just fix the damn thing."

"Fix?!" Morgan popped the hood open, allowing the smoke to fly away freely. "Fix this?! This thing is gone! It's a piece of junk!"

Nathan and Frank crept by the right side of the house. Frank glanced back to the front, seeing the guards entertained by the two agents. Clay and Hotch took the left side, taking cover behind an old shed.

Clay gestured to a small window. "Think you can fit through that?"

Hotch frowned, eyeing the panel. "Why not take the back door?"

Clay chuckled. "Sure, why not." Following behind him, he mumbled a low 'Buzz kill'.

Hotch rolled his eyes. "Shut the hell up and hurry up."

Clay pushed up against the side of the door, watching as Hotch did the same thing. "We're in position. Frank? Nathan?"

'In position.' Frank answered.

"Nathan and you will take the bottom floor." Hotch ordered. "We will take the top."

Clay nodded. "Alright, Henry is our priority."

'Anyone gets in our way?' Nathan asked.

Hotch shared a look will Clay. "Get them out of the way. Don't care how."

Frank glanced a Nathan. In a way, they knew the longer it took to find Jack, the more they were losing Hotch. "Understood."

Hotch took a deep breath. Everything in him prayed to every holy being that jack was here. "Garcia lights out."

The moment lights went out all four busted into the house. No one spoke, swiftly moving through the house. Hotch aimed his weapon towards the top as he walked up the stairs. Movement could be heard as the guards barked out orders. Reaching the top of the stairs, Hotch motioned Clay to take the left. He took the right, pulling down his night vision goggles. Turning the corner, he froze at seeing someone coming his way. Sidestepping into an open room, he leaned against the side and waited for the individual to walk by. Coming out from behind the man, he wrapped his arms around him pulling him into the room. Hotch's hand was over the man's mouth, preventing him from calling out for help. He needed to react quickly. Moving his arms into a lock around the man's neck, he efficiently caused the man to pass out. Laying him on his stomach, Hotch grabbed his zip ties and tied his hands. Running towards the door, he peaked out before continuing his sweep.

'Two down. No Henry or Jack.' Nathan's stated. 'First floor has been swept; we're joining you.'

"One down in the first room to your right."Hotch stated.

'Still no sighting in the left side.' Clay called out.

Hotch pushed open door to a bedroom, finding it empty he checked the next and the next. The more he searched the more desperate he was becoming. Coming to another turn, he peeked over around the corner. Moving on he pushed open a door only to find it empty once more. Before he had time to turn around, something or someone tackled him into the room. With a loud crash, he was thrown against a dresser. Blocking the incoming blow, he countered with a punch to the attacker's ribs. Not letting him recover, he followed the punch with another to the face. Just when he was about to take a breath, someone else slammed into him.

"What the fuck!" Hotch growled.

The new attacker pulled out a knife, twirling it around in his hand. "Who the hell are you?"

"No point in formalities." Hotch jumped to his feet cursing at not having his knife on him, he must have dropped it in one of the tackles. 'Shit, now what?' Shrugging off his shirt, he wrapped it around his arm. There was a saying that if your opponent was holding the knife wrong you have a chance. If he was holding it correctly, run. To his rotten luck, the man was holding it correctly. Hotch jumped back at the swing of his knife. Using his covered arm, he blocked the incoming stab. Punching him twice in the stomach, he stepped back. Tackling the man to the ground, he maneuvered them to the point Hotch had him in a death hold. The man fought and squirmed to break out of the hold. Hotch clenched his jaw to stop himself from yelling when he felt the knife go into his side. Adding pressure to the hold, he kept squeezing only this time he didn't stop at the sign of him just passing out. Feeling the body go limp, he tossed him aside. Hotch laid there for a few moments trying to catch his breath. It's been ages since he has taken on two at a time.

"Aaron?" Nathan peeked into the room, letting out a sigh of relief at finding him breathing. "Where the hell is your earpiece?"

Aaron's hand flew to his ear, frowning at not finding it. "Must have dropped it the struggle." Jumping to his feet, he hissed at the pain shooting up his side. "Shit."

Frank was by his side in a flash, pushing him into a chair. Using his flashlight, he growled at seeing the injury. "You're hurt." Grabbing the shirt wrapped around Hotch's arm, he pressed it against the wound. "What was it?"

"Knife."

Frank scoffed. "Did you not learn what I have told you about knife fights."

"I never remember everything you say." Hotch groaned. "I usually just tune you out."

"May I remind you I am currently holding a shirt against a wound." Frank grumbled. "We need to get you to a hospital."

"No!"

"Aaron." Frank sighed. "You are losing too much blood. I can't stop the bleeding and you need stitches."

Hotch shook his head. "Where is Knocks?"

"Nathan has him." Frank replied. "He attempted to escape through the back." He shook his head at feeling the blood flowing over his fingers. "We need to stop this bleeding."

Hotch nodded. "Nathan can fix it."

Frank huffed at the stubbornness in this man. Clicking the mic, he sighed. "Let's get the hell out of here. Nathan, I need your help with Hotch."

'Copy that.'

Hotch hissed at having to be moved, but he sucked it up. Using all his strength they made their way back to their awaiting cars.

Clay did a double-take at seeing his brother coming in bloody. "What the fuck happen to you?!"

"Slipped and fell on the pointy end of a knife." Hotch bit his tongue at slipping into the seat.

"You always were clumsy." Clay tried joking it off but seeing the amount of blood was making him nervous.

The entire ride they made sure to keep Hotch awake. Frank kept the already soaked shirt against the wound. Pulling into the driveway of their new location Clay took Knocks over to the farm by the house and handcuffed him to a post. Frank and Nathan worked in helping Hotch into the house. Based on the trucks, they knew Hotch's team had arrived.

"Hotch!" Kate yelped at seeing her bloody boss. Clearing the couch, she helped lay him down. "What happened?"

"I slipped and fell-"

Kate pinned him with a glare that could rival his own. "If you finish that joke, you will be in even more pain."

Hotch scoffed. "Noted."

Nathan removed the shirt, cringing at the sight. "Can you keep the pressure, while I grab what I need?" He handed her his knife. "Cut his undershirt off please."

Carefully lifting the shirt away from his chest, she began cutting it. "Let me know if I hurt you."

Hotch chuckled weakly. "Believe me, this is the least of my pains."

A loud gasp had both agents jumping. "Bossman!"

JJ came in running having heard Garcia. "Aaron what happened?!"

"He has a knife wound on his side." Kate replied. If she knew Hotch, the man would reply with another joke. "It's not too deep, but we still haven't stopped the bleeding."

"He needs a-"

"No." Hotch growled. "Nathan will take care of it."

"Hotch..." JJ sighed.

Hotch tossed her a glare. "No hospitals. We need to remain under the radar. By now local PD had to have been aware of what happened with Forks. I get emitted and they will know we had something to do with this."

JJ nodded. "Alright. No Hospital."

Nathan walked back into the room carrying a tray of equipment. "Alright, Aaron you ready for another one-on-one?"

Hotch rolled his eyes. "Last time I was knocked out."

"True." Pulling the coffee table closer to him, he sat on the edge. "This is not going to be easy. I need to disinfect and stitch you up. Which means I have-"

"Stop with the step by step." Hotch groaned. "Just do it."

Nathan glanced at Kate, gesturing to Hotch's hand. Kate gave JJ a look, who in return gave her a nod. Taking his hand in hers, she winced at the tight grip. Removing the shirt off the wound, everyone flinched at the angry coloration. Nathan got down to work, cleaning around the wound. Grabbing a gauge, he soaked it with antibiotics and cleaned the inside. Hotch clenched his jaw, tossing his head back and giving a muffled growl. His hand gripping tighter at Kate's smaller one. Nathan although kept his features relaxed, was hating seeing the man this weak. Grabbing the needle and thread, he exhaled deeply as he began stitching him up. Pinching the skin together, he pushed the needle through the skin. By the time he finished, Hotch had knocked out.

Tossing everything into the trash, he leaned against the wall. His eyes studied the woman currently holding her Friends hand. Her shoulders were tensed and her eyes wouldn't waver from her boss. Glancing around he made sure they were the only ones in the room. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but Hotch is dating the blonde chick?"

Kate nodded. "Her name is JJ."

"Right, JJ." Nathan mumbled. "Still haven't answered my question."

"Yes."

"And yet you are the one sitting here." Nathan shrugged.

Kate tossed him a glare. "What are you trying to say?" Nathan shook his head. "JJ has her way of dealing with things. When Hotch gets in his ways and out of control, I am the one that steps in. It's an understanding JJ and I have. I don't know who the hell you and I sure as hell know you are not standing there judging me. You may know Hotch, but you sure as hell don't know me." Giving Hotch one last look, she shoved past him. "Asshole."

Nathan huffed in annoyance. "Well, that went well."

"What the hell did you do to her?" Hotch moaned slightly as he sat up.

"Nothing just tried to make conversation."

"By making assumptions?" Hotch raised a brow.

Nathan shrugged. "You know I have no people skills."

"Kate?" Hotch called, getting no response. "Kate!"

Kate walked back into the living room. "Hey, you're awake."

"Yeah." Taking her hand in his, he offered her a smile. "Thank you and ignore whatever the hell Nathan told you."

Kate shrugged. "Doesn't matter. Clay has Knocksin the barn"

Hotch nodded. "Let's get this moving."

Everyone piled into the barn. Morgan, Reid, JJ, Rossi, and Kate all stood against the wall. Clay had moved Forks into a chair right smack middle. Frank, Nathan, and Hotchner walked in last. Nathan carried a bag of items, tossing them at the feet of Forks. Said man jumped at the sudden bang.

"Who the fuck are you people?" Knocks yelled. "Coming into my house! Taking me out of my bed! Do you know who I am?!"

Clay rolled his eyes. "Why is that always their go-to statement?"

"I mean we clearly don't give a shit who the hell they are." Frank mumbled.

Hotch stopped in front of Knocks. "We know you are connected to a ring of child trafficking." He stopped Knocks before he could try and protest. "John Miles has given up the entire organization. So, unless you want to end up dead like your friend Clinton, I suggest you tell me what I want to know."

The man shook his head. "I don't have to tell you anything! I don't even know what the hell you are talking about."

Nathan stood beside him. "Look man we can either do this the nice way, which is we ask you tell or..."

"We ask, you scream, bleed and cry and then tell us." Clay added.

Knocks laughed. "You are cops. You can't touch me!"

"Correction, they are Agents." Nathan gestured to Hotch's team. "We are not. Their rules don't apply to us."

Hotch glanced at his team. "Morgan take the team back into the house."

Kate frowned. "Hotch?" Seeing the look on his face, she took a step back. "I am not going anywhere."

"I need you all to leave." Hotch ordered. "This isn't something I want either of you to see."

Morgan shook his head. "You need to understand something, we are with you all the way."

"So do whatever you have to." JJ jumped in. "We aren't leaving."

Hotch growled at their determination. "Fine. Clay."

Clay walked over to knocks. "We are going to play a game. It's really simple, we ask you to answer. If you fail to answer or your answer isn't to our satisfaction, you will get hurt. The longer you hold out, the worse the pain will get. Understand?" Knocks simply stared at him. Groaning at the punch he got across the face. "Starting badly already. Do you understand the rules of this game?"

Knocks nodded. "Y-yeah."

"Good." Clay grabbed the photo that was handed to him. "You work with...untouched children am I right." Getting a nod from Knocks, he threw another punch. "Use your words Knocks."

"Yes!"

"How do you get ahold of these children?" Clay asked.

"I-I usually get a call after a certain number of...packages have been accumulated." Knocks coughed. "I pick them up, put them up, and wait for the bidding."

"Good." Clay showed him the photo. "Where is he?" Seeing the photo Knocks shut down. Clay gave a frustrated growl. "Back to square one." Punching him a few times in the face and body, he asked him the question once more. "Do or did you have him in your possession?" Handing the photo of Jack's picture to Reid, he glanced at Hotch. "I keep hitting him and I will kill him. Bump it up."

Hotch turned to Nathan and Frank, who each gave him a slight nod. Hotch shrugged off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. Nathan grabbed a hoes from the corner. Frank handed hotch a cloth, which by the looks of it, it was Hotch's bloody shirt. Hotch stood just behind Knocks, placing a hand on his shoulder he leaned in closer to the man's ear. "I am going to ask you a question. Unlike my brother here, I am not going to go easy on you. I only ask once." Pulling the chair down, it hit the floor with a loud thud. Knocks head bouncing against the hardened floor. Ripping the shirt into a long thread, he stood with each leg on either side of Knocks. "Where is Jack?"

Knocks stared into Hotch's eyes. He was searching for any tells of a bluff. Anything that could give him hope. Hope this wasn't where he would die. He smirked at the flicker of doubt in his eyes. "He's long gone."

Hotch placed his shoe on the man's chest, adding pressure just over his chest. "You know I don't have to add too much pressure to your chest, for it to cave in." He was quick to give Reid a shut-up look. He knew the kid had a statistic for that. "But, although that would be a slow death for you, I don't want that. Yet." Crouching down he placed the shirt over the man's face. Clay grabbed the hoes letting the waterfall over the shirt. Knocks gagged and thrashed desperately for air. Counting to ten, Hotch pulled the shirt off him. "Where is he?!" Knocks gasped for air. "I am not going to ask again!" Getting no response, he repeated the action. Counting to ten, he pulled the shirt off. Giving the man time to answer, he repeated it once more before pulling it away. "Nathan get the cords."

Nathan raised a brow. "Big brother rubbing off on you?" He quickly stepped back at the glare he revived. "Getting the cord."

Hotch stepped away from Knocks, focusing himself to take in even breaths. But he was over his limit. His blood was rushing throughout his body. His heart beating like drums against his chest. Glancing down at his hands, he noticed his hands were clenched. Forcing them to open, he clenched and unclenched a few times. The veins in his arms popped from the strain. He knew he couldn't keep going on like this. It was bringing back so many unwanted memories. So many of his team didn't know.

"It's set." Nathan announced. "In the chair?" He glanced at his friend, seeing the man zoned out. "Aaron!"

Hotch snapped from his daze, looking at the group in front of him he hardened his features. "Chair is fine. He won't be able to stand regardless."

Kate watched her boss. Studying him. The man was close to losing it. She hadn't been there when the whole Foyet thing happened, but she's heard the story. And if she wasn't wrong, she could see that man peaking through. She wanted to order him to stop, but that would just fuel him. Instead, she took Reid's hand in comfort and stood in the back.

Hotch grabbed the cables hooking them onto the cuffs, he stepped back. "You are about to have a high voltage of electricity run through your entire body. And like my buddy, I might forget to fillip the switch. So you will have only one chance to answer my question. Starting now."

Knocks was breathing in heavy pants. His mind working double time. He knew he wasn't going to walk out unharmed. He either talked and didn't die. Or stayed quiet and tied to electricity. "What's it to you? I have been doing this for years and not once have you Fed or not known of us. Why the sudden interest? You answer me this and I will an-" He yelled as the current of electricity ran through his body. His muscles tensing causing his body to spasm. "Alright! Alright!" Knocks jerked forward. His heart beating at an inhuman speed. "H-he was the first to be auctioned off. The first to leave didn't even last half a day with me."

"Who took him?" Hotch demanded.

Knocks shook his head. "We don't give names man. It's all anonymous. They did. I set up a meet site and leave the package there."

"He is not a package!" Hotch yelled, gripping the man's face. "You took the son of a federal agent! My son!"

Knocks eyes widen. "I-I didn't know. He wasn't even supposed to be in the headcount."

JJ frowned. "What do you mean?"

"That kid was an extra. All I was told was that he was a last-minute addition." Knocks replied. "I usually make sure to know where and how we get these kids. For reason like this. To avoid any detection."

Nathan scoffed. "Well, you fucked up now."

"Where are the rest of the children?" Hotch asked.

Knocks kept his mouth shut, groaning at the punch he got. Spitting out the blood and tooth, he nodded. "They are in a warehouse by the docks. Eight miles from my place. But your son isn't there." His eyes turned to Hotch. "It's nothing personal man. It's all business for me."

Hotch threw another punch. One after another. "The moment you touched my son, it became personal. Where are your records?"

"My laptop." He whispered. "I keep a file of all my sells."

Hotch shoved him back, letting him fall. "If I find anything else. Anything you failed to tell me, I will come back for you. And I promise you, you will not walk out of here alive."

Nathan stayed behind to settle Knocks down. Handcuffing him against the post, with his hands above his head. Hotch had done some major damage to him. To the others, it looked like a little electricity and punches. But he saw beyond that. Kneeling in front of Knocks, he ripped the man's shirt open. He had major bruising on his chest. When Hotch stated he could crush the man's chest, he had actually broken a few ribs. If left too long untreated, he was sure to die a slow death. He was sure the broken ribs were going to cause even more damage.

"If I were you, I'd make peace with you god." Nathan said. "I doubt you will be coming out alive from here. Because if the brothers don't kill you, I will."

Hotch stayed behind in the front yard. He needed to take a quick breath. They were close, he knew that much. He also knew his son was a fighter. Taking a seat on the steps to the porch, he wondered if any of this would have happened if he'd just taken that transfer. Haley would have still been alive. Jack would be with his mother and he'd still have his wife.

"You're the missing boy's father?"

Hotch turned to see a young boy standing just beside him. Garcia had told him about Kilroy. He wasn't too happy with having a child in the middle of all this, but it gave her some comfort. "Yes. His name is Jack."

"I had a best friend named Jack." Kilroy sat next to him.

Hotch watched the boy. He sat next to Hotch but kept enough distance to run if needed. His shoulders were stiff and he was picking at his nails. The kid couldn't be any older than 10. "Where is he?" The look on the boy's face told him everything he needed to know. "How old are you?"

"11." He glanced at Hotch. "Your son?"

"6."

"Can-can I do something?"

With a raised brow he nodded. "Sure, what is it?"

"When I ever felt scared or sad, my mother would hug me tightly. She'd say a hug was one of the best cures." His eyes watered slightly. "I miss her hugs." He turned to Hotch. "You look like someone that needs a hug right now."

Without waiting for Hotch to react, Kilroy wrapped his arms around his waist. Holding the agent close to him, he buried his face in Hotch's chest. "You will find your son. And all of this will be nothing but a nightmare."

Hotch sat stunned for a while. Slowly he placed his hands on his back. Holding the boy closer to him, he let out a shaky breath. Resting his cheek on top of Kilroy's head, hotch swallowed down his emotions. Tears slowly began to fall. "Thank you."