Hope everyone is staying safe out there. May this chapter and whatever reading you might do provide some solace from the craziness. Enjoy.

Chapter 12: Search

Spencer Reid was provably a smart man; a genius, but he didn't trust that he was understanding what he was reading. On the surface, it looked like Emily entered in a contract with James Hadley to undergo fertility treatment and allow them to use her eggs to have a baby. But that didn't sound like Emily. Did it? He would argue that maybe it did. Emily was generous to a fault, sometimes to her own detriment, and she was always more worried about others and their wellbeing than her own. So, would having a baby for someone else really be out of the realm of possibilities? He didn't know.

He took a moment to smile. He could see Emily as a mom. It was a nice picture. She was so nurturing with every member on the team and with Henry and Jack, that he knew she would be an excellent, loving mother. It was in her nature. It made him happy to think about how happy that would make her. He could really picture it all. Emily, he truly believed, would make a wonderful mother. But that's when the smile faded.

If she did, in fact, donate eggs and they were used, then she wasn't really a mother… was she? He didn't falter in his belief that Emily would put her own feelings aside and do that for someone she loved, but he couldn't help but wonder what that would have done to her. She would be hurting. He just had so many thoughts and just as many questions about the situation. But, honestly, he didn't think he'd believe any of it until he heard it from her, and there was no proof that Nathaniel was her son, biologically. Right? Just because she might have donated, that didn't mean that he was hers.

Spencer had to not think about it. It was time for work anyway. He hid the papers in a safe place and left to get to the subway. It was going to be a long day for all of them, Emily included.

As the team was gathering at the office, Emily was just arriving in the states. As restful as it was to be in the air and, presumably, away from danger, the lack of adrenaline from being on high alert allowed her body to finally relax in a way it hadn't in weeks. Good as that was for her mind to take a break, her body didn't like it as much as it should. Relaxing, in combination with the small cabin and lack of walking abilities only made her muscles tighten with tension and soreness. Damn leg was ruining everything.

"Nate, how are you doing?"

"I'm ok," he quietly answered.

"Yeah? What do you say we get off this plane and go somewhere cozy and safe where we can shower and eat a real meal?" Emily asked.

"Sounds good."

"Ok." Emily stood and grabbed her purse. Nate was at her side, holding on to her protectively as if to help her walk. She pulled him a little closer as they waited for the stairs to be lowered. Eduardo was waiting for them there and helped them down.

"There's a car waiting over there," he said, pointing to a lone town car.

"Thank you, Eduardo… For everything. We owe you one."

"No, no. It was my pleasure."

He escorted them to the car and Emily thanked him once more. Emily was reluctant to trust that the driver was on their side, but, at this point, she had no burner phone left or any transportation options. Plus, her mom set it up, so she had to trust it. That didn't mean she wouldn't be weary.

The man had specific instructions on where to take her. Under an assumed name and using the shadow account her daughter shared with her, Elizabeth rented a secluded cabin just outside of Alexandria. Emily wasn't used to letting other people handle her "arrangements," and last time she did, she ended up "dead," hiding in Paris, but what other choice did she have here?

They took a lot of back roads and out of the way streets to end up at the accurately described secluded cabin.

"This is where we're staying?"

"Yeah. Don't like it?"

"It looks cool. And there's a river. Can we go fishing? I've never been fishing," Nate excitedly asked.

"We'll have to see."

"Alright. Let's go."

Nate eagerly exited the car while Emily struggled. The driver was at her side, opening the door for her.

"A hand, ma'am?"

"Yes, thank you."

He offered to escort her to the door and, worrying about her ability to make it on her own, she was much obliged to accept. Nate was running around checking out the yard when Emily reached the door. She called for him to come on. It was time to head inside.

"I was told to give you this," he said, passing her a key.

Thanking the kind escort one more time, she gave him a generous tip with what she had left of American money and sent him on his way.

"Ready?" she asked Nate.

"Uh huh. This place looks cool."

Emily smiled and opened the door, pushing it so Nate could go first, and she could hobble in behind him. She had to hand it to her mother. She had good taste, expensive taste, but good.

"Why don't you look around, Nate?"

"Will I have my own room here?"

"Maybe. You'll have to check."

"Ok." Happily, he ran off searching the place from top to bottom.

As he wandered, Emily began to make her way over to the couch. Just standing as taking its toll. However, on her way, she noticed a box on the dining table and altered her course. There was a folded note laid on top of it that Emily grabbed first.

Emily,

I didn't know what you'd have with you, if anything, so I took the liberty of picking up a few things you might need. If you make a list, I'll be sure to get whatever else you need. The kitchen is stocked and there are fresh linens. This place is completely private and has a closed security system, so it's safe here. Please get in contact once you are ready.

Mom

Putting the note down and reaching for the box, she pulled the top apart. Inside were clothes, a burner phone and a few essentials.

Thank you, Mom, Emily thought. She was thankful for the change of clothes. Unfortunately, there wasn't anything specifically for Nate. She believed there was likely a washer and dryer in there somewhere, so at least she could wash his outfit and he could be in clean clothes. She rummaged through the box to see what there was for clothes in there. There was a night shirt in there that would probably work for Nate.

"I'll have to do laundry," she told herself.

She could hear Nate's feet as he ran around upstairs, no doubt exploring every little crevice he could. Deciding to give him time to keep having fun, Emily decided to go make them something to eat. Her stomach was rumbling. She and Nate snacked on the plane, but they needed real sustenance. A full pantry was like a dream.

As Nate had his fun, Emily prepared a simple meal for them. Pancakes. The mix was there, she could make extra to save for later, and they were good any time of day.

"Nate, come into the kitchen. I made food."

He came bounding in just as fast as he initially left. While he ate, Emily asked about the place.

"Do you like it?"

"Yeah. I still want to fish."

"We can look for fishing poles later."

"Awesome!"

"Find a bedroom you liked?"

"Yeah. There was one with bunk beds and lots of toys. I like that one."

"Great, then it's all yours."

"There's a big bedroom right next to it. You can use that one. It's pretty."

"I'll check it out."

"Can you get upstairs? There's no rooms down here."

"I'll do my best. Let's not worry about that."

Honestly, she was just happy to see he cheered up a bit. She knew that she'd have to find out more about James and Vince soon and tell him about it, but she wanted to live in ignorant bliss a little longer.

"So, Nate, after we eat, I want you to hop in the shower or take a bath while I wash your clothes. There are a few shirts and a pair of shorts that we can try to work with for you to put on after, just until the clothes are done."

"Does that mean I can't play outside?"

"Not today. Maybe tomorrow, ok? I don't want you out there alone and I have a lot to do in here. Plus, I'm tired. There's plenty we can do in here. I'm sure of that. We'll keep busy and have fun."

"Alright," he sighed.

Emily asked him about the place in detail, trying to get a lay of the land without much leg work, and once they were done, she helped him bag up the cast to make it waterproof and sent him to get cleaned up. As he did that, Emily grabbed the box of clothes and headed for the stairs. She had finally met her match: a torn ACL, a box to carry, and a long staircase…

It was a struggle. Bending a leg was pretty key to easy stair walking and one of hers was locked in a brace for safe keeping. But hey, she did it without tumbling down, so it was a win for her. She looked around, searching for the room Nate claimed and the one she'd use. She found them both at the end of the hall. Emily left the clothes for Nate in the bathroom next to clean towels that were stored in the linen closet before retreating to the laundry room, which, thankfully, was right next to the linen closet upstairs. With his dirty clothes in hand, Emily loaded the washer, quickly changing out of the dress she was in and into the pajamas from the box. It felt like a lounge day. As much as she wanted to soak in the tub while the wash was going, she decided that would wait until Nate was in bed.

But, while the load was going, Emily took the time to go into her room and relax for a moment. She planned to call her mother soon, but wasn't looking forward to it at all. That was a problem for a little later. She laid on the bed and just listened to the quiet. She could hear the shower water running, the washer going, and the outside noise, but it was peaceful, and the first true moment she could let her body relax in a normal bed without complete and utter fear for their safety. Her mind didn't shut off.

As soon as the opportunity presented herself, she needed to find a way to learn what happened with Vince and James. One of them was dead and she had yet to figure out which. On top of that, she had to try to find a way to absolve of herself of the murder and assault. Who was behind it, she knew, but proving it would be more difficult. As would finding out how she was tracked. It all just didn't sit right with her. She knew she covered her trail well. She tried to clear the thoughts. She had more important things to focus on first.

Before she could even attempt to start on the next thing she wanted to get done, Nate came into the room, swimming in the clothes she gave him. His hands were gripping the sides of the shorts and the shirt was long enough to be a dress.

"The clothes are eating me," he told her, making her laugh.

"It does look that way. Don't worry. We'll get you into clothes that fit very soon, and I'll see about getting you some new ones."

She pulled him closer to her and fashioned a drawstring on the pants to make the extra room a little more manageable. They were big, but not so big that he couldn't wear them with a little help. She had him tuck in the hem of the shirt so that it didn't hang as low.

"See. Better already."

"Thank you."

"No problem." She kissed his cheek. "So, there are a bunch of toys in your room? Any games?"

"Yeah, a ton."

"Well, I'm going to make a phone call and put the clothes in the dryer. Pick out a game for us and we can play once I'm done."

"Alright."

Once he was in his room, Emily decided not to put the call off any longer. She did just as she did the last time and called the office switch box and had her call transferred to her mother.

"Ambassador Prentiss."

"Mom."

"Emily?!" There was relief and excitement in her voice. "You made it. You're ok."

"Yeah."

"Did you find everything. The place is very private. No one near you for miles and a security system that's top of the line."

"I know, Mother. Thank you. It's great."

"I hope the clothes were to your liking."

"They were. Thanks. Listen, Mom, I wanted to talk with you, but I'd rather not do it over the phone. Any chance that you can get here without being followed?"

"Emily, of course. You're not the only one who snuck out of the house as a teenager. I'm perfectly capable of getting from point A to point B without anyone knowing."

"Umm… Ok?"

"Should I come now?"

"Just one more favor. Can you pick up a few more things for me?"

Elizabeth said yes and asked for a list, though became increasingly curious the more Emily spoke. Clothes in a size and style meant for a young boy, children's toothpaste and toothbrush… All that had her questioning.

"Who is all this for? Do you… Do you have a child with you?"

"I'll explain when you get here. Please be careful."

Elizabeth told her that she would get everything, but she expected all the details the moment they saw each other.

"We'll talk, Mom. I already told you that."

"I have a few things to do before I can go. I'll shop as soon as I can."

Emily hung up with her mother knowing she had only a few hours to prepare both herself and Nate for the woman's arrival. The next thing she wanted to do was find out which one of the men was dead. James or Vince? She needed to know, and she needed to tell Nate, but she didn't know how to find out without reaching out to Clyde or someone from her team. Doing that, though, could be traced to her, and she wasn't sure she could take that chance. Bardolino or someone working for him seemed to know her a little too well. So, she supposed she'd have to wait a little longer.

In the meantime, Emily finished the laundry and brought the clothes to Nate who was happy to have clothes that actually fit again. After he changed, the two had a quiet day together. They played games and watched TV as they waited for Elizabeth. And, as it neared nighttime, Emily decided it was time to explain their coming visitor.

"So, Nate. My mother is coming over for a little while."

"Your mom?"

"Yeah. She wants to speak with me, and I asked her to bring some clothes and some other stuff for you."

"Cool."

"I'd like for you to meet her. Are you ok with that?"

"Sure," he said. He didn't mind meeting new people. "Does she know my dads?"

"Actually, she knows your daddy because James and I were very good friends growing up."

He asked a little more about Elizabeth before sneaking in questions about his fathers. Emily assured him that she didn't have any new information, but she was going to do her best to find out more. She wasn't lying, but it was hard for an eight-year-old to just accept that.

Fortunately, before he could jump into any more questions about his fathers, especially the ones she had been tiptoeing around, there was an alert from the security system. Someone was driving up the driveway. There was a momentary panic before she saw that it was her mother. Then the panic didn't quite subside.

"I think there was ice cream in the freezer. Want some?" Emily asked Nate, hoping to be able to talk to her mom alone for a moment before introducing them.

"Yeah!"

"Go ahead. Not too much, ok?"

"Whipped cream too?"

"If we have it."

"I'll check."

Nate raced off just in time for the knock. It was a gentle tap on the door, and Emily was grateful for that because she was sure her mother had a key and could just walk in.

Taking a deep breath, Emily opened the door, standing behind it to hide what she could of her injuries. Without make up, there was no hiding the rest.

"Hey Mom, come in."

"Emily. Oh. I'm so happy to see you." Elizabeth, very maternally, brushed the hair off Emily's face and pushed in behind her ear. Then she stiffened. "What happened to your face?"

"It's… It was an accident," Emily explained, pushing her mother's hand away.

Elizabeth didn't believe her and couldn't let it go that easily. She put the bags of stuff she brought with her down and told Emily to close the door. "I want a better look at you."

Reluctantly, Emily did as told, looking away as her mother took stock of the situation.

"Emily!" she yelled. "You said on the phone that you were ok. Nothing about any of this looks ok. What happened to you? Your leg? Is it broken? Should you be walking on it?"

"It's not broken, Mom," Emily assured her. "And I am fine. I have a headache though, so please no more yelling."

"Here," Elizabeth reached into her purse and pulled out a pill bottle. "Take these."

"Thanks."

"Take them and then sit down, so you can explain to me what happened, why you need all this stuff, and what is going on with all the secrecy. I swear, Emily, I feel like we're playing hide and go seek or playing out a James Bond fantasy. I deserve some answers."

"I know you do, Mom," she said with a sigh, waving her mother toward the couch.

As Elizabeth moved deeper into the cabin, Emily paused, listening for Nate in the kitchen. She could just make out the clatter of a spoon against the glass bowl. She was sure he was going to eat his weight in ice cream if she didn't go and check in on him soon… Let him have his fun, she thought.

Emily slowly made her way to her mother, limping and holding on to anything that could hold her weight as she did. Elizabeth watched her carefully. There was a lot her daughter wasn't telling her and now she needed some real answers. Unable to see her daughter suffer just by walking, Elizabeth stood, met up with Emily, and offered an arm.

"Let me help," she said.

Emily couldn't argue that she could handle it. It seemed that the travel and the lack of medication that she was supposed to take were weighing on her. The immobilizer felt tight and everything hurt. A little help sounded nice. So she offered a grin and a nod before leaning on her mother.

Making it to the couch, Emily could barely sit before a loud bang caught their attention. Elizabeth asked, "Is someone else here?"

"Yes," she answered, and before finishing the thought or even ask if everything was alright in the kitchen, Nate came running into the room with a big bowl in hand.

"Emily, I made you some… Oh… hi," he said, stopping mid trek when he noticed Elizabeth. "Emily, is this your mommy?"

She nodded.

"Hello," Elizabeth offered. "I'm Elizabeth."

"Mom, this is Nathaniel. Nate, this is my mother, Elizabeth."

"Ice cream?" Nate held out the bowl and spoon that was originally for Emily.

"Oh, no thank you, Nate."

He turned to the other woman in the room. "Emily?"

"I don't know Nate. That's a pretty big bowl. I don't know how I could ever finish it."

"I can help," he eagerly told her, showing her that he had two spoons. "We can share."

"And how much have you already had?"

"Just a teeny weeny, tiny bit."

Emily laughed. "I'm sure."

Elizabeth saw a window of opportunity with the boy. He, too, appeared to have been hurt. He had similar fading bruises and a broken arm. Whatever happened to Emily could very well have happened to Nate. Knowing her daughter, she realized she was more likely to get the unfiltered truth out of Nate than Emily, so she smiled and said, "Why don't you sit down with us, Nate?"

He looked to Emily who had a tight-lipped smile, but nodded that it was ok. He sat next to Emily. Elizabeth returned to her seat in the armchair. Sitting toward the edge of the seat, legs crossed, Elizabeth observed their interactions. Emily took a spoon from Nate and stole a bit of the ice cream as he whispered something to her. He was a cute kid, but who the hell did he belong to?

"So, Nate, what happened to your arm?" Elizabeth asked him, breaking her quiet.

"A car hit our car and it broke."

Eyes narrowed at Emily, she said, "Is that so?"

"Uh huh. We were driving and the car was going crazy following us. Then bam! He hit us."

Emily sunk into her seat knowing that she wasn't going to be able to control what was told and how. Her mother was better than she gave her credit for. Then again, she always knew how to work a situation. Emily inherited that ability.

"Wow. That must have been scary."

"It was, and it hurt. But it was scarier after. Emily couldn't walk right, but she tried to help me, then a guy attacked her. And then she wouldn't wake up, so we went to the hospital. But I got a cool cast and Emily kind of did too."

Surprised, Elizabeth yelled, "What?! You were attacked?!"

Emily shrunk into the seat more, as if trying to become woven into the fabric. "Mom, it's not like that."

"Then what exactly was it like, Dear. Please, enlighten me."

"Can we not do this right now?" Emily asked, head bobbing toward Nate.

"Fine," Elizabeth huffed, angered by her daughter's clear omissions. "Nate, why don't you tell me a little about yourself? How old are you?"

"Eight."

"Where are your parents?"

His shoulders slumped. "I don't know," he sadly responded. "My dads took me to England to see Emily and then we went on a trip, just me and her."

Elizabeth looked to Emily curiously, another piece of the puzzle coming together. "Do you like to read, Nate?"

"Yup."

"There's a bag over there on the floor. Inside are a few books and even some pajamas for you."

"Take them up to your room, Nate. Wash the ice cream off your face, brush your teeth, and I'll be up in a little while."

"I can't stay?"

"Mom and I need to talk," Emily explained. "Grown up talk. But you can come hang out down here after. Alright?"

"Fine."

They waited silently as the boy tried to delay his exit, searching through the bags, but once he was gone, Elizabeth was not hesitant in the least to jump in. "You were in a car accident and attacked?"

"Well, I wouldn't say it was an accident, but yes." No point in lying.

Elizabeth rubbed her face. "Aaron Hotchner and Clyde Easter paid me a visit."

"They did?" Emily asked.

"They were looking for you. Worried about you. And now I truly understand why. They asked a lot about James as well. At the time, they didn't believe you were hurt, but they said that James and, whom I can now assume was, his partner were. Now I can see that they were wrong. What are you involved in Emily? And who is that boy?"

Before she could answer any of her mother's questions, she had to know, "Is James… How bad? How bad was he hurt?"

"Emily!"

"Please, Mom. I need to know."

"James was very badly hurt. He's in the hospital and they don't know yet if he would be ok."

"And Vince?"

"Who?"

"The other guy."

"Dominic? Did you know him?"

"Yes."

"I'm… I'm sorry Emily. He died."

A shaky breath left her body as she forced the tears away. She knew it was one of them. She hoped the news got it wrong, but she knew. Still, it hurt. Elizabeth saw this and moved next to her daughter, hugging her, whispering that she was sorry.

"Please, Emily. I want to help you. Tell me everything."

"Nate is James' son. Their son. They came to me for help, and I… I got them hurt… Killed."

"No… No, Emily. I know you. You didn't do this." Elizabeth held her daughter tighter. "Whatever happened wasn't your fault."

"I was supposed to keep them safe. I shouldn't have left without them. I should have tried to help." Normally, Emily would never confide in her mother like this, nor be so openly emotional, but she couldn't hold it in this time. "I have to tell that little boy that his dad is dead. How do I do that?"

"It'll be hard, but you'll get through it. You can do this Emily."

Elizabeth held her until she calmed again. Once she was more stable, she, again, asked who attacked them and what happened. Emily didn't say the who, but she explained that someone was searching for Nate and Emily was trying to protect him.

"Your friends said that you're being accused of the murder and attack."

"I know…"

"Why didn't you tell me… or anyone?"

"There was no time. I had to take Nate and go. Then there was the crash and…"

"And you were attacked."

"Right."

"What did the doctors say? Did you stay long enough to get checked out?"

"Nate's fine. His arm is broken, has a few bumps and bruises, but the doctor said to give him a little pain reliever if necessary, otherwise he would just need some time to heal."

"And you?"

"Tore my ACL."

"And?"

"Just a mild concussion. I'm fine."

"When did this happen? A concussion is serious. Were you even supposed to be flying?"

"Probably not."

"Damn it, Emily. You always do this. You're so cavalier about your own well-being." Shaking her head in anger, Elizabeth told her, "I'm going to call my doctor friend. He's discreet and works on call, so he can get here within the hour. He can check on you and Nate."

"That's not nec–"

"Don't argue with me. I'm going to call, and while we wait for him to come, you're going to tell me more about what happened because, like it or not, I am your mother and I am in this now."

Elizabeth stepped away to make the call while Emily let everything sink in. Everything she tried to prevent seemed to be happening. Her team, her mother, her family were all involved. She tried to keep them out of this. James and Vince were either hurt or dead, and she wanted to prevent that… Was she any good at what she was doing? She knew that now was not a good time to doubt herself, but how could she not?