"Come on my lovelies! There is a case," Penelope Garcia said, and five profilers followed her to the conference room. Spencer took his usual seat by his father as they all settled in for the case briefing.

"We will be travelling to Los Angeles, California, the city of angels. This city has become known as the city of demons because of the recent string of murders. Cassidy Cadence O'Malley and her identical twin sister, Kelly Kachina O'Malley, were abducted from the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Their bodies were later found 24 days later at the doorstep of the LAPD. Identical twins Yuri Tatianna Kuznetsov and Dasha Alena Kuznetsov are missing, not yet having been found."

"Wheels up in thirty," the older Hotch said, and the profilers all went and grabbed their go bags. They all met at the plane exactly twenty minutes later and took their seats, Spencer next to his father as usual. Aaron laid a pillow in his lap.

Spencer laid his head down in his father's lap, smiling when Aaron's fingers started combing through his hair. "One thing I noticed right away is the victims' immigration status. The O'Malley twins were sent from Ireland to live with their aunt after their parents were killed by a drunk driver." Spencer paused, taking a deep breath before continuing.

"The same day they arrived in the United States, the Kuznetsov twins were sent over to live with their grandparents from Saint Petersburg, Russia, after their parents doth died from natural causes months apart. We need to talk to ICE officials who manned the point of entry at which the twins arrived."

Spencer's father gently stroked his cheek. "Good job son. I am so proud of you." Ever since the adoption, Spencer had been opening up more to Aaron.

After learning how William Reid hated Spencer, he strived to act the exact opposite. Aaron was always affectionate towards Spencer, not hesitating to tell him that he was loved. He also never missed an opportunity to tell his son how proud he was of him.

"Once we land, it will be late. Why don't we get some rest then hit the ground running first thing tomorrow morning?"

Everyone agreed with the elder Hotchner, and as soon as they landed, six weary agents checked into the hotel. JJ and Emily ended up sharing a room. They always did, being the only two women on the team. Dave roomed with Derek, and Aaron roomed with Spencer.

"Dad, can I ask you a question," Spencer asked as his father tucked him in. Aaron combed through Spencer's hair as he replied. "You can ask me anything son."

"Why did William hurt me?" Spencer was a genius, but he still retained much of his childhood innocence. "I don't know buddy. What I do know is that he has no idea what he is missing. You are an amazing son, and I could not be more proud of you as the days slowly pass."

Spencer smiled as he grabbed his father's hand. "I love you dad," he said, slowly drifting off to sleep. 01:00 hours found Spencer crawling into his father's arms, tears pouring down his face because of the latest nightmare.

Hotch made it clear that Spencer could do so, but it took him awhile to feel comfortable with it. Aaron subconsciously squeezed Spencer closer. The young profiler soon drifted back to sleep in his father's loving arms, peace finally falling over him.

"Spencer son, come on buddy! Time to get up." Aaron smiled as his young son rolled over, ignoring him. He looked to be so young and innocent."Spencer Aaron Hotchner, we are due at the station in twenty minutes."

That did it. The younger Hotchner was dressed in under five minutes, smiling gratefully as his father shoved a coffee thermos in his hand. He used the other hand to secure his weapon to his hip before they left.

They arrived at the station with five minutes to spare, and they were greeted by the chief. "Hello, I am Chief Dexter Molinax. Thanks for coming."

"I am SSA Aaron Hotchner, and this is Dr. Spencer Hotchner, my son. The rest of our team is interviewing family and friends of the victims."

Spencer stood shyly beside his father, sipping his coffee. Something about the police chief seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it...