Reid enters the main dinner hall. The place is packed. Over a thousand students attend the school and almost all seem to be in this one room. Slipping in through a side door he considers his options. He could just head back to his dorm room and start making connections tomorrow, it's late and he isn't hungry despite the tantalising smells wafting his way. Somehow, he had expected the offerings to be more Dickensian in nature to match the schools overall old-worldly feel, but the scent of cooked cheese, French fries and fully loaded hamburgers draw him in. Familiar and comforting, suddenly he thinks maybe he should eat something, after all Morgan would be pissed with him if he didn't. Right?
Reid squeezes though the crowds milling around tables and finds the end of the dinner line. Another surprise to add to his list. Kids were clumped in groups, pushing and shoving each other, some playfully, and not so. Either way it was a stark contrast to the zombie-esque movements he'd witnessed at the end of school day only a few short hours ago. Despite that, or maybe because of it, he manages to slip between the crowds with ease, get his food and find somewhere to eat without trouble. Finishing his last couple of fries, looking round the still crowed hall something else catches Spencer's eye. Or rather the lack of something. There were no teachers. He scanned the back wall where the main doors were and along the side where he'd found his way in. No one. The serving queue still winding like a snake through the centre of the large hall revealed only kids too. Other than the kitchen staff, identifiable by their aprons and hair nets there wasn't another adult in sight. Wondering if he'd found himself stranded in a live action Lord of the Flies, hair prickled on the back of his neck from the hum of excitement in the room.
Straw in mouth, sucking the last of his soda until the final drop Reid tries to blend in as he moves around the room. Students were in groups, talking, sharing. The different groups had mixed, goths were with Jocks, geeks with the EMO's, but whispers of the same conversation was entering his ears; "gone" "missing" "FBI". Getting close to one particular group Reid edged himself in, choosing to stand next to two other boys who were tall and skinny like him. He figured they were his best bet if he wanted to go unnoticed.
"I heard she left last night."
"I heard she went mental and they committed her."
"What and Janus? No way, Janus was solid."
The conversation continued in the same vain, plenty of words and very little information. Reid got the general idea though. Two kids were missing. Had been since yesterday. And everyone here knew the FBI were investigating. Great. His retired FBI Agent Grandfather is probably making him look very suspicious right about now.
Several conclusive thoughts raced through Reid's mind at that moment. The speculation of the FBI was the least important, after all no one would be expecting the FBI to put a student undercover. And no one ever believed he was FBI. Even the local Leo's who invited them, been introduced to him, usually asked twice. He knew he needed to call Hotch and update him, but first he needed more information. How he was going to get that information and quickly, without blowing his cover, was a problem. He's not exactly known for his socialising skills. But then he's not him right now, is he? He's Spencer Hotchner and if he's anything like his Dad then he doesn't need to socialise to get answers, he can just glare at the other kids and make them tell him everything.
...
The team had regrouped in the hallway outside the main room where Gables was currently being watched by Carmichael.
"So, what do we do about him?" Rossi snorts, well aware they have nothing to hold Gables on despite feeling they'd all be safer if he wasn't a part of the investigation anymore.
"JJ will have to take him back, otherwise it'll look suspicious." Hotch levels her with a look. "Keep an eye on him." He hopes she gets the double meaning.
JJ nods, and affording each of her colleagues a look of assurance, opens the door to get moving back to the school.
"And us?" Prentiss demands, tone pitched just below shrill, indicating it was more accusation than question.
Hotch scans the room of tired faces. "What did Garcia have on the new missing's?"
Prentiss hands him the print out she'd retrieved. "Beth Renard, daughter of French ambassador Jean Renard. Beth's been at the school since the start of the winter term. No clear social circle or interests other than Sarah the roommate. They've absconded together before, but always returned after a few hours. Garcia's searched and found that Sarah's been a runaway from several boarding schools before this one, also has a juvenile record involving drugs. Beth and Sarah both have sanctions for smoking pot in their dorm."
"Janus?"
"Janus is an unknown. Like Gables said he turned up at the school, fees paid up for the year in cash. The clandestine international element is apparently a barrier our queen of everything technical cannot cross. At least legally."
"Cash?" Hotch looks up from the file he's holding, ignoring the 'legally' comment.
"Ahuh. Seems the school doesn't mind how they're paid. Garcia's still trying to find connections and track his parents but no luck yet."
"Okay," Hotch checks his watch. "Morgan should be calling to check in. I'll update him with what we know. Get him and Reid looking into these kids. Maybe Reid will have better luck getting something from their classmates. There's nothing else for us to do here tonight."
Hotch catches Rossi's eye, showing him he is acknowledging the need to have some faith. Letting Reid do the job he was chosen for.
"Let's head back to the hotel. Get some rest, tomorrow's going to be a long day."
...
Reid was just making his way through the crowds, about to try his glare and spill approach when a bell that he hadn't had the pleasure of hearing before almost pierced his eardrum. His ear continued to ring long after the bell stopped and the tall wooden main doors opened, swinging inward to hit the walls with a deafening thud.
"Everybody be seated." A deep voice bellows.
The hall falls into instant silence at the instruction. A tall man, the one with the booming voice, walks down the centre of the diner hall like Moses parting the sea. Students jump out of his way, fighting to take a seat at the various benches darted around the hall. Reid squeezes into an empty space, pleasantly surprised to find the group he'd accidently joined didn't tell him to move.
The tall man was followed by a procession of other teachers, some of which Reid had met today. Notably absent though was Principle Gables. Once the procession reached the front of the dinner hall several other adults entered without ceremony. Morgan being one of them, still wearing his gym kit he'd been wearing earlier. Reid watched his friend slip into the room through a side door followed by an older woman who then shut it firmly behind her. His home room teacher, the annoying Miss Abby Henderson joined on Morgan's left. Narrowing his eyes at her obvious attempt to get closer to his friend Reid's attention was only drew back to the front when the tall man started talking again.
"It is with regret that I inform you that two of your fellow Students, Beth Renard and Janus Novak have ignored the warnings and left the school of their own accord."
A rumble of mutters roll like waves across the high ceiling room. By the look on everyone's face though no one is surprised by the news.
"I remind all of you that there is still a curfew in effect and that no one is to the leave the communal buildings after the school day."
Well that explained the lack of rush after class. No rush because nowhere to go. Explained why the dinner hall was packed out too. Reid wonders how everyone knew what was happening except him. Maybe his method of head down and get on with it wasn't such a good approach after all. This school obviously ran on the exchange of information. A series of Chinese whispers. Despite lacking efficiency, he can't deny its success here, after all everyone else seemed to instinctually know where to be this evening.
"You're a liar! Beth wouldn't just leave!"
Heads turn at the shout, but the tall man (who Reid makes a mental note to find out his actual name) continues to address the students as the girl, Sarah according to boy sitting next to him, is escorted from the room by Morgan. Miss Henderson following close behind. The rest of the faculty seemed lacking of the personal sentiment usually associated with those who choose to work with children. Though looking around at the abundance of bored sullen faces he wonders if 'choose' is the right word. There's no mention of Rebecca Mills or Daniel Oliver as tall man continues to place blame on the students for leaving in the first place. To Reid he sounded like a lawyer trying to separate the school from any liability and the thought brought a sardonic smirk to face. Suddenly he was glad his Mom never had the money, or the mental capacity to send him to an upper class high school more suited to his IQ. The Vegas High school he attended may have been lacking in some basic amenities, but at least he knew the teachers gave a damn about his education.
Reid was so bemused by everything going on that he didn't realise the impromptu assembly was over until the kids started to disperse around him. He was still sitting, trying to process all he'd just learned when a voice broke through his subconscious.
"Well that was anticlimactic."
The words are breathed directly into his right ear from behind and Reid jumps, dropping the empty soda he forgot he was still holding. Turning around he finds himself face to face with a girl, brown eyes and hair, bangs covering one half of her heavily make-upped porcelain face.
"I'm confused." He blurts, belaying some of his nervousness at her closeness.
The girl, who's looming over him and showing no intention of backing off, smiles. "New kid right?"
Her blood red lipstick gives her a look far too reminiscent of a Chelsea smile. Reid suppresses the urge to say as much.
"How'd you guess?" He forces a thin nervous smile of his own, wincing when his voice cracks a little at the end.
"We were in religious studies together. Miss Henderson introduced you. You're grandfather's that famous profiling guy."
His cheeks heat at the memory. That woman was going to really make it hell for him here.
"Spencer." He spouts, letting out a nervous chuckle. "Weren't you thrown out?"
Reid sees her eyes flash and instantly wishes he had even an ounce of the cool Morgan possessed.
"Yeah," she laughs off his clumsy aside, "I don't think my hypothesis that Catholic penance is just religious BDSM didn't go over well with Ms stick up her arse Henderson." She holds out her hand, "I'm Jessica."
Reid takes it with some trepidation. Her accent resonates with him, distracting him from the BDSM comment as Jessica advances closer, dark eyes looking him up and down. Feeling the table edge pressing against his upper thighs, Reid finds himself leaning back, propping against it, giving her a slight height advantage.
"You're English?"
He knows it's stupid the second the words are out, but is too preoccupied in mentally kicking himself for getting himself cornered for the second time in one day, losing any hope of regaining control of the situation.
"Sort of, born in England but I've not lived there in years. How old are you?"
She speaks so fast his mind spins and it takes him a second to catch up with the swift topic change. As he tries to size up Jessica's intent, it makes him wonder if this is what Morgan and the others feel like whenever he talks, and why they tell him to slow down.
Unperturbed by his obvious discomfort Jessica tries to close the minor gap left between them.
"Seventeen" He squeaks suddenly, as if answering will make her back off.
"Ooh a toy boy." She grins.
Reid flinches, tries looking anywhere but at those blood red lips. In fight or flight mode he hits the table with both hands, propelling himself forward. Jessica steps back easily as if anticipating the move, allowing him his escape and doesn't even try hiding her laughter.
"Relax I'm not really into younger boys."
Regaining his composure now his exit is route is clear and accessible Reid glares at her. Younger?!
"Made some "unwise life choices" as my mother would say." She answers, misreading his look. "Missed a year, but I need to get my diploma before I get my trust fund." She shrugs. "What's your story? You look too young for a junior. You smart or something?"
Too young! Reid really wanted to scream. He was a goddamn grownup! Granted his current close shave, short haired look didn't support that argument, but for god's sake-
"No, average," he forces his tone casual, holding back his trademark 'I'm a genius actually'.
Jessica eyes him with something of curiosity. "Well at least looking at you will make it fun to past the time here."
Reid feels his face heat for the hundredth time. As if it's not embarrassing enough to be treated like a baby by his team, now an eighteen-year-old is teasing him for his looks. He's had limited experience with girls at any age and after only one day back at school this is all making his head hurt quite frankly.
Trying to process the sudden flip from being an adult with adult privileges to someone not even legally allowed to drink, Reid barely registers Jessica laughing and blowing him a kiss as she walks away, following a group of kids he now sees have been waiting for her by the door. Still flustered, Reid offers a short little wave in return, trying and failing to look anywhere near composed.
The smell of hamburgers is still in the air and deciding he's had quite enough excitement for one night retrieves his dropped soda cup, procures a refill of the only caffeine available to him and retreats to the peace and safety of his dorm room, so he can think on exactly how much of this evening he's going to share with Hotch.
...
They arrived back at the hotel shortly after ten.
Rossi had retreated to his own room, which left Hotch and Prentiss in theirs still trying to maintain their husband and wife cover. It wasn't too hard. They were each very private people and aware of the others boundaries, so could share space comfortably without feeling the need for conversation. While Emily was getting ready to call it a night as ordered Hotch finds himself staring at case files scattered across the small motel table, smiling nostalgically. The quiet made a stark change from the almost constant chatter he's usually afforded in the evenings by a certain young genius who, when given the opportunity, doesn't stop talking until he's told to, and sometimes not even then.
As if on cue Hotch's phone started to buzz, vibrations sending it dancing across one open folder into his eyeline. Hotch recognised the number immediately.
"Reid?"
"Yeah it's me."
The voice sounded distant and whispery, but unmistakable all the same.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." There's a pause and Hotch waited. "We've been sent to our dorms for the night. You know there's two kids missing?"
"Yes. Gables knew before we arrived. Watch your back with him, we don't know who's side he's on."
The snort of dissatisfaction sent a chill down Hotch's spine. Reid sounded… old.
"Look something's changed here, there's a man in charge and it's not Gables. I don't know who he is, but he talks like a lawyer. I'm going to try and find out more tomorrow."
Hotch hears a noise, a commotion in the back ground. "Reid?"
"I've got to go."
"Reid-" the call drops, leaving Hotch uttering a useless, "be careful." to the dial tone.
Prentis looked up from her slouch in bed. She wasn't asleep, just reading. "Everything okay?"
Hotch stares intently at the cell in his hands until the screen blinks off from none use.
Seeing Hotch not moving Emily takes it as an invitation and gets up from the sofa bed to join him at the table.
"You still concerned?" She asks softly, pouring them both a drink of Rossi's scotch.
Hotch smiles sadly, doesn't ask why she has it and nods his surrender to finish their conversation from the other night.
"Did you know Texas was the first time I've ever really had to reprimand Reid in the field?" He starts, tone light and almost playful.
"What about physics magic?" Emily grins, playing along.
"Gideon used to take on the role of disciplinarian. I only had to be a hard ass in the practical things. It's harder than I thought."
"Do you think this is about Gideon?" She blinks at him, taking a sip before resting her glass back on the table.
Hotch twirls his between his fingers. He's never been much of a drinker. "No I think this about it being the year anniversary of his kidnapping and no one's here to see him through it."
When no answer is forthcoming, her smiles drops, she sighs. "Look, you had to address it, he was being unprofessional."
"And so was I," Hotch blinks this time, staring at the table through his glass. "I shouted at him and ordered him to behave. I treated him like a naughty kid on the playground, it's not surprising he acted like one right back. I- I feel we're stuck in this, this loop where I'm constantly setting the boundaries and he's constantly pushing to see how far and fast he can break past them."
"Oh, my god" Emily falls back in her seat, mouth open.
Hotch looks up, perturbed. "What?"
"You're just as susceptible as the rest of us." She laughs. Taking another sip to calm down. "Sorry, it's just you seem so … never mind. Conversation for another time." She swallows and is grateful when Hotch allows her to continue. "You're having doubts about your actions?"
"Yes." He shrugs, not really seeing the funny side.
Emily's eyes soften, the amusement faded to muted sympathy and what he hopes is understanding. "You really shouldn't. Reid's… good at seeming vulnerable, it's his secret weapon, but don't underestimate him. He knows how to use his adorableness for evil. Count on it."
"He can be sneaky when he wants his own way." Hotch agrees, thinking on all the times Reid had circumvented him or twisted his words in order to come out on top in an argument.
"Bet he ran rings around his parents."
"I doubt they'd have noticed."
She frowns and Hotch curses his mouth. He really didn't drink often. Prentiss wasn't with them for the King Fisher Case so unless Reid had shared, she wouldn't know. "Reid's mom's a paranoid schizophrenic. His Dad abandoned them when things got too hard. He was only eight."
"Huh." Prentiss hums, taking another more generous sip now she's used to the taste. "Explains why you're so protective of him."
Hotch can't help but stare at her, her reaction more like she's discovered a missing piece of a puzzle than learned something surprising about her friend. "I'm not trying to replace his father."
Only that's exactly what he's doing on this case isn't it? Oh shit. He hadn't even considered how this charade would impact on Reid's already fragile emotions. Prentiss did clearly, her smug smile telling him she'd made the connection long ago. They share a long look and Hotch decides he's already done too much thinking tonight. He reaches to turn off the lamp.
Emily quickly stands, moving back to her bed and climbs under the covers ready for the room to be dark before saying. "Oh, and you were wrong before. You're here."
With that Hotch flicks the switch and both lay on their respective beds, pretending to sleep.
