Lorelai was sitting on her desk. They had been home for a few days. They were all back at work. Lorelai had received an email from Emily with the research she had told her about genetics and predisposition to violent sexual crime. She opened it and was reading it, no one else was in the room or so she thought. She felt a body behind her. She looked up to see Rossi standing there.

"Agent Rossi. What can I do for you?" She asked

"Interesting reading material." He said

Lorelai shrugged. "Just good information to know."

"What has peaked your interest in this?" He asked

"Always looking to expand my knowledge of things. Someone did some research for a case, and they sent me the information is all." She said

"Doesn't have anything to do with your biological grandfather in prison for a string of sexual assaults?" Rossi asked

Lorelai took a breathe. "Who told you about that?"

"Your dad." Rossi said

"Who told him?" Lorelai asked

"Not sure. You'd have to ask him that." Rossi said

Lorelai nodded.

"Do you worry about a genetic predisposition to crime?" He asked

"Yes…" She admitted

"Who sent you the email? Who is helping you?" Rossi asked

"Respectfully I'm not going to answer that." Lorelai said

Rossi sighed and shook his head. "Well, you can read that on your own time. There is a case. Hotch wants us all in the conference room." He said

Lorelai closed out and logged out of her computer before going to the conference room. The new case was taking them to Washington state.

They had been in Washington a few months ago trying to track down a serial killer but they had no luck. They had come home but a new lead was calling them back their.

They headed to jet before long and headed to Washington. When they got to Washington they got to work right away on the new lead. Lorelai was working at the station when an officer came into the conference room.

"Where is Agent Hotchner. Sr." He asked

"Out following a lead. What can I do for you?" She asked

"I got a call from a police captain in Idaho. Seems they had a couple murders that fit the same pattern." He said

Lorelai took a breathe "Where is Idaho?" She asked

"A town. Called Small Town." He said

"Alright. I'll let Agent Hotchner Sr know." She said she called him on the phone in the conference room

"Hotchner." Aaron said answering the phone.

"There has been connections made to a couple murders in Small Town Idaho." She said. "Captain Duluth. Called the captain here." She said

"Okay." He said

"Do you want me to go with another agent?" She asked

"I'm sorry. Your offering to go to Small Town Idaho?" He asked

"Yes sir. I am." She said

"Lorelai are you sure?" He asked

"Were at work…" She said

He cleared his throat. "You're right. Are you sure Agent Hotchner?" He asked

"Yes sir. I'm sure." She said

"Alright. You can go with Agent's Rossi. I'll let him know to go back to the station and pick you up." Hotch said

Before long Rossi was there and the two headed to Idaho. On the drive there Rossi looked over at her. "I'm surprised you are being sent with me." He said

"I'm over it." She said

"Bullshit." Rossi said

Lorelai looked out the window. She didn't like being called out

"I'm sorry. Didn't mean to come off so harsh. But I know your lying to me." He said

Lorelai nodded. "I'm sorry. You're right. I guess the better thing to say is I'm ready to move on."

David nodded. "You know if you get overwhelmed let me know." He said

Lorelai nodded.

They got to Idaho and went to talk to the victims families and the police captain and got the information they needed.

They were talking to one of victims father who was not being very cooperative.

Lorelai took a breathe. "Mr. Costa. I get it. You don't trust the police from this town. You're from this town. You look to be around the same age that the former captain would be. Maybe you were his friend. But this is about your 11-year-old daughter. She was murdered."

"Do you know the last time the FBI came here they took down the entire police force and closed down the only foster home for over 1000 miles?" He asked

"Do you know the girls in the home were abused daily and some of those girls were sold into sex trafficking. And that the police forces covered it up?" Lorelai asked clearly annoyed

"Agent Hotchner." Rossi said in a warning tone.

Lorelai took a breathe. "But again, that is not what we are here for. We are here to find a serial killer." She said her voice back to normal.

"You wont do jack shit." He said. "You'll just make this town even worse." He added.

"Mr. Costa. If you do not want to cooperate here we can take you to the police station." Rossi said

"You'll arrest me. Really? My daughter has been murdered and you will arrest ME!?" He yelled the end

"Yes. Because you wont cooperate and answer our questions here." Lorelai said anger in her voice.

"I don't know anything I haven't already told the police." He yelled again

Rossi knew they were not getting anything else out of him. "Agent Hotchner lets go." He said

Lorelai ignored Rossi. "Mr. Costa, tell me the truth. You know who did it and you are covering for them. You're pissed they closed down the foster home because you had to deal with your daughter instead of sending her to that home." She said

"Agent Hotchner that is enough." Rossi said sternly. "We are leaving now." He said

Lorelai stared down Mr. Costa.

Rossi was pissed by now. He whispered in the young agents ear "You have five seconds to get up and start for the door. Do not make this worse on yourself." He said

Lorelai took a breathe and stood up. She walked out of the house and to the car where she got in. Agent Rossi followed saying bye to the other man. He got into the car and started driving.

"I thought you said you could handle being here." he said clearly angry with her

"Whatever." Lorelai said

"Agent Hotchner. Knock it off." He said

Lorelai rolled her eyes.

Dave took a breathe. "I think its time we head back to Washington."

"We have more to do here though." She said

"Lorelai. You cant handle it." He said

Lorelai looked down. "I'm sorry…" She said

"What the hell happened there?" He asked

"I don't know…" She said

"Do you know that man?" He asked

"No." She said

"Than explain it?" Rossi asked

"It was the smell in that house." She said

"What smell? The cigarette smoke?" Rossi asked confused

"Yes. Combined with the small of marijuana and garbage. It didn't matter that it was in that town. The combination of those smells…" She said

Rossi nodded.

"I'm sorry. I was so out of line. I know." She said

"You were very much so." He said he pulled into the parking lot of the police station. "You are already in enough trouble. Do not push your luck do I make myself clear?" Rossi asked

Lorelai nodded "Yes sir."

They both went inside the station and started to get to work there. After a bit Captain Duluth came into the conference room. "I don't know what you said to Mr. Costa, but he is here and will only talk to you." He said pointing to Lorelai.

Lorelai looked up at Rossi

Rossi got up and left the room with Captain Duluth and Mr. Costa came into the conference room when he was led there. He sat down.

"You were in that home weren't you?" He asked

"Is that what you came here to talk about?" She asked

"No. But I looked up your name. I intended to do some damage to your carrier." He said

"Well, you would have the ammo. What changed your mind?" she asked

"When I realized who you were." He said

"So, you care more about being helpful when you know who I am than when it helps your daughter?" She asked

"I have a hard time trusting the FBI when the last time they came here a lot changed." He said

"Made it harder for you to get your drugs?" She asked

"That's not fair." He said

"Well, if I'm wrong than tell me." She said

"Weed is legal." He said

"So is alcohol but doesn't mean it should be overused to the point where your children end up in a foster home or murdered." She said. "Not that I am blaming you for your daughter's murder. Unless you did it." She said

"No. I didn't. But I will answer your questions." He said

"Where were you when your daughter disappeared?" She asked

"I was at home. She was at school. She was supposed to walk straight home but she never made it home." He said

"She tell you about anyone bothering her?" Lorelai asked

"No. She was well liked is my understanding. Smart, musically talented." He said. He cleared his throat. He was clearly trying to hold it together.

"Who is her mother?" She asked

He gave her the name. "She's died in childbirth."

"A lot of that in this town it seems." She said

He nodded.

"Anyone have anything against you?" She asked

"There is a list. But this is a serial killer." He said

"Yes. Likely random targets but this is a small town. Our unsub picked this town for a reason. They might have a tie to it." She said

He took a piece of paper out of his pocket and handed it to her. "These are the people who I can think of." He said

"Thank you." She said

"Why did you change your mind? Do you know me?" She asked

"It's a small town. Everyone knew everyone." He said

"Sure. But I feel like there is more." She said

"I loved your mother. We dated in highschool. Till she met your father. I owed it to your mother to be kind to you." He said

"Why if she left you for my father?" She asked

"I cheated on her. I drove her to him." He said

"Ah. I see." She said

"Your father didn't believe he was your father… He thought your mother cheated on him. With me. But that is so far from the truth. She hated me after I cheated. We never hung out after that." He said

"Oh." She said. "That's why he hated me I guess."

"Maybe." He said.

"We will find your daughter killer." She said

He nodded. "I believe that." He said

Lorelai showed him out before going back to the conference room where Rossi was again. She shared the information prevalent to the case.

"What changed his mind?" Rossi asked

"He looked me up. Realized who I was. He knew my birth mother. Apparently they were a couple till he cheated, and she and my father got together. He felt he owed it to her to help her daughter.

Rossi nodded. "Your damn lucky." He said

"My Karma is being nice to me I guess." She said

Rossi nodded. "Well, I think we've got everything we can from here. Lets head back to Washington." He said

Lorelai nodded and they both packed up.

Lorelai went to the Captain's office.

"Agent Hotchner what can I do for you?" he asked

Lorelai smiled. "Thank you for helping Agent Reid when he came awhile ago."

He nodded. "So, you got your sketchbook I take it."

"Yes. And he told me your reason for being so willing to help was because you knew about what the girls in that home went through." She said

He nodded. "It was hard to come from outside and not be told everything about this town. People talk." He said

Lorelai nodded. "I get that. Well, I will leave you to your work. Thank you again. We are heading out back to Washington." She said before she went and joined Rossi at the car.

They started the drive back. It was quiet at first.

"I'm taking it I'm getting my ass handed to me at some point." She said

"You'd be correct." He said

Lorelai sighed and nodded.

"You understand why?" Rossi asked

"Yes sir." She said. "Doesn't mean I have to like it."

"I'm pretty sure your not supposed to." He said

She nodded. "I also take it your going to be telling Hotch." She said

"Nope." He said

"What your not?" She asked clearly confused

He gave her a look.

"Ah. Because I am." She said

Rossi nodded

"Any chance I can convince you that I wont do it again? And we just keep it between us?" She asked

"Not a chance." He said

Lorelai sighed

"You messed up kid you need to deal with the consequences." He said

Lorelai nodded and looked out the window. She let a few tears fall.

They were quiet. "You okay?" he asked after abit

"Yes Sir." She said her voice shaky.

"Are you crying?" he asked

"No sir…" She said

"Come on. Yes you are. What's wrong?" he asked

"You know what's wrong." She said

"Okay. I get you don't want to be in trouble, but you've been in trouble before." He said. "Don't think its ever upset you this much." He added

"Its just. It's been awhile. I know your disappointed. And the others will be to when they find out." She said wiping at her eyes

Rossi let out a breathe. "Well. Yes this is true." He said. "And it has been awhile. It just means your not as ready to be in this town as you thought."

"I cant blame it on being in this town. If I could use that as an excuse I would. But its not this town. Its shitty parents." She said

Rossi nodded. "Thank you for being honest. I was going to be a little lenient because of this town." He said.

Lorelai sighed. "Great. Honesty gets me in more trouble."

Rossi smiled abit. "Okay. I don't want you to be afraid to be honest, so I wont go harder on you." He said

Lorelai nodded.

"Lorelai. You screwed up today yes. And yes I'm disappointed. But that doesn't mean you haven't changed. We all make mistakes. We all cross the line sometimes." He said

"Yes. But you don't have to deal with the consequences the same way the rest of us do." She pointed out.

"Would you rather this be handled on the books? That is an option if that is what you would prefer." Rossi said

"Oh, that's not fair." Lorelai said

"Well, that is the consequences I have to deal with when I cross the line." He said "I don't get the option. You have the options. You pick." Rossi said

"Off the books." She mumbled.

"What was that?" He asked

She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Off the books."

"Is that the second time you roll your eyes at me today?" He asked clearly unimpressed

Lorelai looked out the window and mouthed 'fuck'

"I asked you a question." He said sternly

"Yes sir. It is." She said

"Roll your eyes at me again and there will be no lenience. Got it?" he asked

Lorelai nodded. "Yes sir. Sorry." She said

David nodded. "I have to admit I'm surprised you haven't grown out of that bad habit." He said

Lorelai took a breathe. "Maybe. Cases like this. Make me… feel like a child again."

"The town making you feel that way or the crappy parents?" he asked

"Both probably have that effect." She said

David nodded. "You are not that kid anymore. You are strong, smart, brave, kind, generous, loyal. You made a mistake. Doesn't make any of those things any less true." Rossi said

"Thank you for saying that." She said

"It's the truth." He said

Lorelai smiled "Well thank you."

"But you're not free from the consequences of your actions." He said

"I know." She sighed. "I will tell Hotch. I will accept the consequences."

The rest of the car ride was quiet.

When they got back and gave the new information to the team nothing changed. They still had no new leads, and they were no closer to finding their unsub. Before long they were back on the Jet heading home with the case still unsolved.

After a bit on the jet, she got up and tapped Hotch's shoulder. "Can we speak. Alone." She asked before she went over to the section of the jet with just two seats facing the table in front of it.

Hotch got up and went and sat with her. "Did I make a mistake allowing you to go to that town?" he asked eyebrow raised.

"I don't know." She admitted.

"What happened?" He asked

Lorelai told him what happened. The conversation was quiet so no one else heard.

Hotch took a breathe when she was done. "Anything else?" He asked clearly annoyed

"No sir." She said holding back the tears that were forming in her eyes.

"Lorelai. Did this happen because of the town?" He asked

"No. I think it has more to do with shitty parents." She said.

"You need to get past that." He said

"I know. I will work on in." She said

"How's therapy been going?" he asked

Lorelai looked down.

"Yeah. I had a feeling you stopped going." He said

She looked up.

"You didn't seem to be taking the time to go." He said. "Why did you stop?"

"My therapist moved to another state. She gave me a reference. And I did go see the new therapist a couple times, but I didn't feel comfortable with her." Lorelai said

Aaron nodded. "You have one week to find a new therapist." He told her

"Yes sir." She said

"And if it takes your awhile to find one that fits that's okay. As long as you are trying to find one." He said

She nodded.

"Now about what happened on the case. I take it Rossi is handling it?" He asked

Lorelai nodded.

"Okay. Well, I'm not impressed about your choices. You know better. Your not a kid anymore there is no excuses." He said

"Yes sir." She said tears welling up again.

Hotch took a breathe hardening himself to continue the lecture. "I let you go to that town because you let me believe you could handle it. Were you lying to me?" He asked

"No." Was all she could get out without bursting into tears.

Aaron sighed. "Than what happened?" He asked

She looked down. "I thought I could. I guess I was wrong…"

"Look at me." He said

Lorelai shook her head.

"Wasn't giving you an option." He said sternly

She still refused.

He shook his head. "Do I need to threaten to use my belt to get your attention?" He asked

Lorelai looked up. Tears rolling down her face. "N-No sir." She said her voice shaky

Aaron sighed and his anger melted. "Lorelai… What is going on?" He asked softly

"I messed up. I'm sorry sir. It wont happen again. I accept the consequences." She said

"Lorelai. Come on talk to me." He said

"I don't know what else you want to hear." She said softly

"Right now, what I'm seeing is the sixteen-year-old who I took in not the agent I know you are." He said

"Maybe I'm not the agent you think I am." She said

"I know for a fact you are. And I don't think whatever is going on is solely to do with being in that town." He said

Lorelai shrugged. "I don't know what to say." She said

"The truth." He said

"I'm not sure what you think the truth is. I've told you what happened." She said

Aaron sighed. "Okay. Well Rossi is handling the consequences. Get a new therapist. The lecture is done. Do it again and you will be suspended." He said

Lorelai nodded. "Yes sir." She said

"Can we drop the boss, employee status for a moment?" Aaron asked

"Like you haven't already?" She asked

"What's going on? You seem very upset. More so than past similar situations." He said

"I'm just disappointed in myself. I let my past affect my reaction. Again." She said

"Yes. You did. But you will accept the consequences and the slate will be wiped clean." He told her

"I just… Your right." She said taking a breathe and putting a fake smile on her face

"You just what?" He asked not buying for one second that she was okay.

"Nothing." She said.

"Lor. Come on. I cant help you if you don't talk about it." He said

"Nothing to talk about. I'm just upset with myself. I'll get over it." She said

"Sure, there is nothing else going on?" He asked

"Yes sir." She said

Aaron nodded. He didn't believe her for one second, but he couldn't force her to talk about it.

They landed and everyone started to head their own way home. Rossi stopped Lorelai.

"You want to deal with this today or wait till tomorrow?" He asked her

"Which ever is easier for you. I'm sure you need to get home to Jules." Lorelai said

"She likes the sitter better than me anyways." He said with a chuckle.

"Not likely." Lorelai said with a smile. "It can wait till tomorrow."

Rossi nodded. "Okay."

Everyone went home. Except Lorelai. She went to a bar and got herself a beer. A few beers.