Rescuing Of Innocence-Ch 4
Hotch looked up about 30 minutes later to see a woman walking toward him, she held out her name and said, "my name is Natalie Hilliard and I'm with Social Services". Hotch said, "Aaron Hotchner, I'm with the FBI, me and my team are here on a case", Natalie said, "is that when you found the minor child"?, Hotch nodded his head and said, "it is, she was hidden in her toy chest and it took a few minutes of coaxing to get her out of the box".
Natalie said, "is that her, is that Tracey"?, Hotch said, "it is and before you go over to her I need to show you something", Natalie nodded her head as Hotch held out a picture of Traceys parents. Natalie said, "the resemblance between her parents and the couple that's with her now is remarkable".
Hotch said, "it is and they are the only two that she will go to, she gets very scared if she's not with them", Natalie said, "so let me guess you want me to put her into their custody for the time being, is that correct"?, Hotch said, "that is correct". Natalie said, "let me go over and talk to them before I make my determination".
Derek and Penelope looked up to see Hotch and a woman that they assumed was with social services walking toward them, Derek kissed Penelope on the top of the head and said, "here goes sweetness". They both took deep breaths and plastered smiles on their faces as Hotch and the social worker stepped up to them.
Tracey woke up and when she saw a strange face she pulled herself closer to Penelope and said, "mommy, mommy no" as she tried to get away from Natalie. Penelope said, "it's okay sweetie, she's not going to hurt you", Natalie looked at Hotch and said, "I see what you were telling me about".
Derek said, "we know that this isn't normal or protocol but what are our chances of getting to keep her"?, Natalie said, "well I can agree to a temporary hold on her so that way you two can keep her". Hotch said, "we will be here trying to solve this case so we will be here for a few days at least".
Natalie said, "alright", she looked up at Penelope and said, "Ms"? and Penelope said, "Penelope Garcia", she said, "Ms. Garcia are you okay with keeping her for now"?, Penelope said, "oh yes, yes mam, very comfortable". Derek said, "we both do mam and we will do whatever it takes to keep her safe".
Hotch said, "she will be with us the entire time, mainly Penelope and Derek", Natalie nodded her head and said, "I'll get the paperwork started", Penelope smiled and kissed the top of the little girls head. Natalie grabbed her bag and started to walk away and said, "but for now your custody is only temporary".
Derek wrapped his arm around Penelope and said, "thank you, thank you mam", Hotch blew out a deep breath and smiled as Natalie walked over and sat down to start working on her paperwork. Penelope looked at Hotch and said, "okay so we have her for now but what's going to happen to her when this case is over"?, Hotch said, "we'll worry about that when the time comes but for now she's safe and sound here with the two of you" causing Derek and Penelope to smile as they cuddled the little girl between them.
Across the police station Dave sighed and said, "something tells me that when this case is over you're looking at Traceys new family" and the rest of the team grinned and nodded their heads yes in agreement as they watched Derek wrap his arm around Penelope and Tracey and lead them from the room
