"That can't be true." John muttered, backing away a bit, removing temptation to punch this man who couldn't leave well enough alone.
"I don't have proof yet, it is a theory." Reid said, looking between the two parents. "I've tracked enough killers, though, to know they follow a pattern, and if our kidnapper is following his timeline… Peter may still be alive."
"Oh my God," Alexa moaned, covering her mouth. Her eyes fell closed as tears spilled forth. She didn't want to believe it might be true until she was certain… but she couldn't help it, just the thought she might hold her baby again.
"Pattern, what the hell are you talking about?" John yelled, not nearly as willing to accept this as his wife. "Is this really what you do, read over papers and look for clues like your Sherlock Fricken Holmes? This is a load of crap, give me something better than a god damn theory."
Reid swallowed his temper, gritting his teeth before he answered. "It's difficult to explain. I need to discuss it with my team. Come into the conference area, I can describe it in detail."
Alexa was more than willing to follow, but John took her arm. "Look, this wouldn't be the first time my wife has fallen for someone's stupid scheme. I can't tell you how many psychics she's called over the years, how many easy money schemes she's gotten us into. So how do we know you're not using her grief to get back at us for putting you in your place in all those times?"
Reid was disgusted. This man actually believed he would use a child for his own retribution. He wanted to tell him off, to say something cruel and insulting to make himself feel superior for once. Maybe then he could get them to listen. He couldn't bring himself to do it, cowering slightly as he hung his head a moment, then he cleared his throat to speak calmly.
"I don't know what I can say to convince you." Reid informed. "I'm about to explain it to my team. You may not trust me, but even you know I wouldn't bring it to my team unless I believed it's possible."
"He has a point, John." Alexa argued. "Let's just… listen to him."
He glared at his wife and his hand twitched. For a split second, Reid was about to step between them, thinking John was going to hit her. But he didn't, and John backed off.
"If this is nothing but a load of bull, we're taking the girls and we're leaving. Do you understand me?" John asked.
Alexa wanted to say no, that he could leave now if he wasn't as interested in finding Peter as she was, especially if there was a chance he might have survived, but she hung her head and nodded. She couldn't stand up to him either.
"Jeremy and Harper get to sit in on it, too." He said, looking to Reid with way too much command in his voice.
He was taken aback, forgetting to speak at first. "They don't need to be a part of this."
"Oh, what's the matter, the big strong FBI man is afwaid?" He asked in an obvious baby voice. "I'm sure you're little girlfriend will back you up if you get upset again."
"She's not my girlfriend, she's my wife." Reid corrected. He wasn't sure what he wanted more, to hang onto his temper or let it go and finally have the courage to strike this guy, as he always wanted to do as a child.
"I don't mean her, I mean that blonde number who thinks she's so damn tough." John corrected. "Does your wife know you're screwing her or is the misses just a bitch by nature."
"Don't you dare talk about my wife like that." Reid ordered, taking a step closer to him. It was the first time in his life he was actually taking a stand to this man. "Just because you don't respect your wife doesn't mean I don't. I would never do anything to hurt her, she's upset for her own reasons, it has nothing to do with us. I better not hear you talk about her like that again."
John let out a laugh, but backed away. "Whatever… numb nuts."
Reid glared at him as he stepped off. How dare he speak about Riley like that, he felt his limbs shaking in fury. They could insult him all they wanted, but when it came to her…
"I'm sorry," Alexa said. "John… he just…"
"Don't defend him to me." Reid turned his anger to her, though it fell a considerable degree. "Be in the conference room in three minutes or I'm starting without you."
"Yes, sir," She uttered, like some meak intern in the unit would respond. As she began to walk away, Reid turned, calling back to her.
"Alexa…" She stopped in her tracks, looking back at him in trepidation. "What did your husband mean? What did Agent Jareau say to him?"
"She uh…" She couldn't help but smile. "She just put him and the others in their place, something people should have been doing a long time ago."
With a half smile, Alexa hurried after her husband. Reid couldn't help but grin faintly, glancing at the conference area where his team was gathering. What would he do without these people?
Just before he started over to join them, he felt a tug on his arm. Turning, Reid came face to face with Riley. He knew that look. She wanted to apologize, but it hurt to think his friends were being more supportive than the woman he was sharing his life with.
"Hi," She said softly. "Can I talk to you?"
"You don't have to say it." He said coolly. "I know… you're stressed. I understand you're going through a tough time."
He was angry, as she had anticipated. If he knew the truth, she knew he wouldn't talk to her like that. She was in fact going through a tough time, in a full body ache from trying to deal with this life changing decision. She was feeling nauseas and lightheaded again. Her stomach felt like she had guppies swimming inside her… was that because of nerves… or because… of…
"Spencer, we need to talk." She managed to say. "It's important."
He turned fully, giving her a shrug. It was apparent he wasn't that interested. "What is it?"
"Not here," She shook her head. "I'm sorry I lost my temper, I'm just… I wasn't thinking straight. We needed to have a long discussion when we get home."
"Why can't you just tell me now?" He complained. Honestly, how bad could it be?
"Because it's serious." Riley explained. "Look, we'll talk about it when we get home… or better yet, when we get to the hotel tonight." Riley wasn't so sure she could last until Quantico. "It's just… it's something important and I can't… deal with it without you."
"Well, you might have to." Reid muttered. He wasn't quite ready to forgive her yet. "Riley… I can't just push all this aside because you're having some little problem. I know you don't feel well, but that's not an excuse to bite my head off. You humiliated me, in front of the four people who made my life a living Hell."
"I know," She answered. "And I feel horrible for that, if I could take it back-"
"You can't." Reid interrupted. "It's not fair, Riley. I'm always there for you when you need me, I've fought for you, I've lied for you, I've protected you… you know I would die for you… and the one time I need you to just be there for me…" He shook his head, looking away from her. One hand ran anxiously through his shortened hair, wishing it were long again. "Whatever, I can handle this myself. I'm sorry about your problem, but you're on your own this time."
Riley felt the sharpest pain in her chest, like Spencer had literally grabbed a knife and plunged it into her heart. Her eyes glistened as she met his; she'd never seen them glow so furiously. For split second, she wanted to just blurt out the truth, but her stubborn instincts were too strong to ignore. "Okay."
Reid hated to cause her pain, but he was angry. He didn't mean most of it, because she had been there for him every time before. He was just deflecting the wrath he wanted to unleash on the others on her… but some of it was true.
"If you want to go back to the hotel, I understand. I'll see you there." Reid said, a little more lightly.
"No," Riley said sternly. "I am here for you, believe it or not… shall we?"
They walked in silence to the conference area. Riley allowed Reid a step ahead, willing herself not to cry. Easier said than done today. They were falling apart already and he didn't even know the truth yet.
Morgan was feeling a little better. Hopefully, he wouldn't have anymore cramps today. He and Emily had been hitting the workouts pretty hard lately, training for that marathon next month and all. Maybe he was just overdoing it. He'd tell her, when they got to the gym on Monday, they'd better start taking it easy.
They hadn't found much at the Hillman residence, but what they had discovered, they were ready to present to the group. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary, mainly just describing what kind of boy Peter was. But, if Reid did have an epiphany as everyone suspected, it might mean a lot when building the profile.
He sat alone at the table for awhile before Emily came in, carrying a cup of what he thought was hot coffee. He wasn't much in the mood for it, but he accepted it anyway, giving her a smile. As he went to take a sip, he took a sniff, backing away a bit.
"What the hell is this?" He asked.
"Oh, it's raspberry and chamomile tea." Emily explained sitting down. "It's supposed to relax your muscles and minimize cramps."
"Hmm," Morgan muttered, taking another whiff. It smelled sweet, like fruit and flowers. "Thanks… where'd you get it?"
"Oh, I always carry a few bags of it in my purse." She explained with a smile. "It helps with… all kinds of cramps."
He let out a laugh, "Well, thank you for looking out for me. I hope our cycles don't link up."
She let out a laugh, stopping herself from touching him just in time. Garcia and JJ were coming into the conference room. Emily was hoping to put this conversation off until they got home. It seemed that wasn't the case. Morgan took immediate notice that Garcia sat in the farthest chair away from him. JJ watched the scene cautiously, anxious to know what was about to happen. She wanted answers just as much.
It was like the girl of many colors hadn't even seen there were others in the room, let alone her favorite person. After a few long tense moments of silence, Morgan spoke up. "Hey, Crazy."
Nothing. Not a word, not even a flinch that she heard. Garcia simply focused on her computer. Emily wanted to call over, to beg her friend not to be mad, and just let them explain, but now was not the time nor the place.
Morgan wouldn't give up easily. "Penelope," he said sternly. "Did I suddenly become so hot, I'm became an eclipse and… you can't look directly at me?"
"Actually, Morgan, an eclipse occurs when an astronomical object is obscured, not necessarily the sun, but it's typically what we see. It has nothing to do with an increased temperature." Reid said as he walked in, Riley right behind him, whose saddened expression did not go unnoticed. "What's going on?"
"Well, Agent Morgan can't seem to take the hint that I have no interest in speaking to him." Garcia explained, flashing Reid a pair of dangerous glowing eyes. "I don't take kindly when my friends lie to me, nor keep secrets. Which reminds me, I'm mad at you as well."
"Keep secrets? Lie, what the hell are you talking about?" Morgan asked, noticing how Emily was contorted like she were the one with the upset stomach.
"I don't know, Derek, maybe your girlfriend can enlighten the truth for you." She snapped, glaring at him before returning to her computer.
Confused, and secretly worried, Reid answered. "Garcia… Morgan doesn't have a girlfriend."
"Oh, really?" She asked with a very dangerous smile, willing shoot poison darts to her eyes. "Well, then, you might want to have a conversation with your wife, because she seems to be under a different impression, that of which Morgan getting down and dirty with his own partner, Agent Prentiss."
"What?" Morgan asked, fear and fury flying all over his face. He turned to Emily, seeing her cringing as if she'd just been struck with a migraine.
"Yeah…" She said, opening her eyes. "There's something I need to talk to you about."
"Little something you forgot to mention, I think." He responded. Morgan was completely blindsided. He'd never expected to handle this today… or anytime soon, for that matter.
Reid looked at Riley in shock. She was usually so careful at keeping secrets… if she blurted this out, she must have done it on purpose. "You told them?"
"It was an accident." She whispered. "I feel horrible."
"You should," He answered. "What is the matter with you?"
"Spence," JJ urged. Riley was already on edge, this was the last thing she needed right now. "I was there, it really was an accident, it just… came out while we were talking."
"Well, it must have been a pretty intense conversation." He said, shooting his wife another glare. With that, he stepped away to go to the white board. Between the cold war fued between the couple, the death stares coming from Garcia at Morgan and Emily, the room was filled with an unbearable tension. JJ couldn't help but blame herself. She knew Riley had to know at some point, but none of this came out before she brought up the possible pregnancy. It was true to the saying. Ignorance often is bliss.
Reid was hoping Rossi and Hotch would come in next, that way they could get started immediately. Bad luck always followed him around, it seemed, and as he was hanging up the pictures of the six missing boys, he heard the unmistakable chatter of John Hillman and his cronies.
"Alright, let's get this over with." Harper commented, taking the seat beside Garcia. She, who was already in a bad mood, shot the wicked girl a dirty look. How dare she think she had the right to breathe the same air as her, let alone be in this meeting.
"What are they doing here?" Morgan said in a much too obvious loud voice.
Reid turned slowly, "I suggested – to John and Alexa – to sit in on this so I can explain where their son might be."
"Reid… we don't typically allow that." JJ insisted. It was true, though normally because a family was so distraught, they wouldn't want to know what was happening with their child. These people didn't seem to care much for Peter's whereabouts, other than his mother. Mostly, though, she didn't want them to upset her friend. Already, she sensed something bad was about to happen. That was the last thing he needed right now.
"I can understand the parents being here, but as for the Bundles, you don't even need to be at the precinct. Isn't that correct?" Riley pointed out.
"Very true," Emily said bitterly, just as disdained by this as the others. "This isn't information most of you need. I think we can justify Mrs. Hillman being in here, but if your concern is not for Peter-
"I don't care!" Reid cried, "Just… let them stay! I don't want to argue anymore."
He turned back to the board, focusing on the pictures of the boys. His whole body was vibrating with anxiety. He should have thought this through before he invited them.
"Somebody's touchy." Jeremy sniggered.
Morgan sat up, his voice slow and dangerous. "If I were you, I'd keep my mouth shut. All I need is a reason, don't give it to me."
"Is that a threat?" Jeremy asked, not in the least bit intimidated.
"That's a promise." Morgan swore, and leaned back in his chair, appearing relaxed. Emily was the only one who could see his hand resting on his abdomen, just out of sight under the table.
Rossi and Hotch arrived at long last. Their unit chief looked at the family members curiously.
"Reid invited them." JJ enlightened before he could ask. That famous cold and deadly gaze of Aaron Hotchner landed on the group. They may not have been intimidated by Morgan, but that look had powers no one could explain. None of them said a word.
"Very well," Hotch answered, though it was obvious he wasn't thrilled about it, but decided to give Reid a little flexibility. It might be a good thing. "Alright, let's get started. I want to be able to form a profile before dusk, so we need to get down to business. What did we find at the Hillman home?"
"You went into my home?" John asked, outraged. "Damnit, we have rights. You can't just walk into my home. I'm going to have your badges for that!"
"I gave them the key." Alexa explained, attempting to stand her ground. She wasn't doing so well, obviously. "They had my permission."
"We didn't need it, though." Reid said, the only one in the room still standing. "Your son is in what is now a federal investigation. The FBI has every right to be here and your home is considered a crime scene."
"Federal investigation?" Emily voiced. "This has crossed state lines?"
"Yes," Reid nodded. "All the missing boys were taken from Vegas, but some of the bodies were dropped in in Utah. This isn't primarily based in Nevada anymore."
"So there have been other victims?" Rossi questioned.
"Yes," Reid said, feeling in his element again. "It's a subtle pattern, but follows an evolving timeline. A little over a year ago, it started with Lawrence Oliver." He pointed to the first picture on the board, quickly writing two dates beneath it, only a day apart. "He was a six year old who disappeared without a trace while playing in his backyard. His mother was watching him through the kitchen window and, while she turned her back she claimed, he was gone. His body was the next day on a Nevada highway, killed by suffocation."
He moved to the picture Meredith had been holding, writing another pair of dates, just as close together. "Henry Filmore was seven. He disappeared a week after Lawrence was found. He was walking home from school, as he had done on a regular basis for the last year. He, too, died of suffocation and was found within twenty-four hours, still in Nevada."
"So when did he start crossing state lines?" JJ asked, curious.
Everyone watched in amazement the enthusiasm Reid had, something he almost never showed in a children's investigation. Riley couldn't help but glance at the four civilians. Though they tried not to show it, it was clear they were amazed at his intellect. Of course, that wasn't necessarily a good thing.
"That happened on the next case." Reid said, going to next picture. "Shin Tachibana, seven-years-old. His parents were Japanese immigrants who lived in San Fransico for a little over seven years before moving to Vegas. Shin disappeared while out shopping with his mother, who didn't know the area very well yet. He was the first boy to lengthen the timeline. He survived over two months before his body was found on a Utah freeway. He died of a broken neck."
"Are we even sure these boys are connected, then?" Rossi wondered, not entirely convinced by Reid's theory.
"Yes, because one week after his death, Richard Dubois went missing. He was five-years-old and was sent by his mother to visit his grandparents. He disappeared the same way Peter did, right out of his house. The only clue the grandmother could give us was she had taken him and his brother to the playground every afternoon that week." Reid continued. "He was found in Utah nine weeks later, close to where Shin was discovered. He, however, had drowned."
"That's odd." Emily mentioned. "There can't be that many bodies of water in that area, it's mostly desert."
"Exactly, and the most recent death, Eddie Gereedo, was also a drowning, found just after eight weeks. He was six-years-old and also was removed from his house. His parents were a feuding couple in the midst of a divorce." Reid explained. As he finished writing that information, he went under the last picture and, in complete silence wrote down the rest of the timeline.
"He disappeared about four months ago." He said as he turned around. With his dry erase marker, he pointed out the date of Peter's disappearance. "Eddie was found exactly one week before the next and most recent victim was taken… Peter Hillman."
Silence filled the room, no one able to deny what this could mean for the fate of that little boy.
"So…" Alexa murmured. "You're right… he could still be alive."
"The bodies are found in plain sight, usually dumped within 24 hours of their deaths. If we haven't found him yet… I think we have every evidence to rightly believe so."
Hotch was reluctant to make that call. He wanted to disprove Reid's theory. It was standard procedure that without any contact from the kidnapper, no ask for ransom, and no solid proof the child was living, they had to work the case as if the child were dead.
He, however, had a vice today that even he couldn't explain. He looked across the table, his eyes landing on the poor distraught woman he suddenly found himself very fond of. She was a good woman, someone who would die for her children. The mark of a good mother. Maybe, even if it were false hope, it was the right thing to do this time.
"If that's the case, we need to work fast." Hotch spoke up. "I understand all the boys found in Utah, but what about the first two? They were killed sooner and suffocated. A quick, but painful death. How could they be connected?"
He had almost forgotten. The most important link in the chain. "Every single one of these boys is a twin."
The team hadn't been expecting that. "Are you sure?" Garcia wondered.
"When you gave me that list of missing twins, I knew something was off." He explained. "They weren't always killed at the same time or same way, but there was an element that was too familiar to ignore." Looking to the others, he indicated each photo. "Lawrence was playing with his twin sister, but she wasn't taken. Henry's identical twin brother was a part of the school choir, he had practice the day he was taken, otherwise, the two would have been together. Shin's identical twin was holding his mother's hand when Shin ran off and was snatched."
"Richard's grandmother said she'd taken him and his brother." Emily noticed. "I assume that means twin brother?"
"Fraternal, yes." Reid answered. "And Eddie had a twin sister, like Peter and Lawrence. The twins were never around when the child was taken. The unsub doesn't have a preference of what kind of twin, he doesn't even care about the other twin… he just wants the one. He doesn't divide and choose a weaker… he specifically picks one."
"That's odd." Morgan noted. "Normally if he's interested in twins, he wants both. It's more of a challenge which becomes more of a reward."
"Then why does he only want one?" Rossi wondered.
Before anyone could think of a theory, John let out a moan. "This is a complete waste of time. You're sitting around here, talking about other kids when you should be out there looking for mine! If my son's alive, who cares about the dead ones?"
"Their parents do, Mr. Hillman." Hotch retorted. "These boys deserve just as much justice as Peter, dead or alive. Our job is to study human behavior, which gives us a narrow view of who we're searching for. This will lead us into the right direction, not driving aimlessly through town, interviewing suspects that have no connection to the child. We look at facts, evidence, we study the manners of the killer. Believe it or not, we've learned more about your son's captor in Dr. Reid's presentation than the police have in the last eight weeks."
"And what would that be?" John demanded.
"That he's a twinless twin." Riley cried, as if she were the only one who found the answer to the most puzzling riddle.
The entire room looked at her, including her husband. While the others were confused, Reid paused to consider that. "It makes sense, doesn't it?" She asked, watching with hope and worry.
"It is plausible, yes." Reid nodded. Though he agreed, his icy demeanor towards her didn't shift at all, not even wanting to look at her.
"What's a twinless twin?" Garcia questioned.
"It's a rare psychological condition." Riley began to explain, ignoring how much she hated when he was angry with her. "Like we said before, twins form an unbreakable bond that begins in the womb. They're connected their entire lives. There are a lot of myths and theories on it, but there is some truth to it. It's not physical or extrasensory sense. It's more mental, emotional. For example, at a young age, twins will develop a gibberish language that only they can understand. Some cultures even believe the souls of twins are mated to each other."
"So, if one twin dies, it can greatly affect its living sibling." Reid continued without missing a beat. "Even if the child dies in utero, that person often feels a disconnection to the world… like a part of them is missing. That person will find any way to fill that empty part of themselves, striving to great success or plummeting into a world of pain and despair. Often times, it's both. Both Elvis Presley and Liberace were twinless twins."
"So you're saying… the unsub is a twinless twin and that's why he only wants one of the set?" Morgan questioned.
"It's possible if this guy lost his twin brother, he could be reliving the death over and over." Rossi said. "Taking both boys or a boy and a girl would ruin the fantasy… though the cause of death keeps changing is still unknown."
Before anyone could speculate, Harper cried out. "That's sick! That's disgusting to even think about, I can't believe any of you would even talk about it."
"It is a horrible subject, Mrs. Bundle," Rossi agreed, "but it is what it is. Just because it's against the laws of the government or society doesn't stop people from doing evil things."
"That's why we all have a job." Morgan added, his tone harsh.
Jeremy got out of his seat. "Wow, I think we owe Spencer an apology." He said, obviously bothered by what he was hearing. "I never thought we screwed him up so bad, he'd turn out all dark and demented, actually liking something like this."
Reid was stunned. "You honestly think you are the reason I do this job? I don't do it because I enjoy seeing this horror every single day; I hate it. I do so other people don't have to experience it."
"Why would you willing have this in your life?" Harper asked, absolutely disgusted.
Though Reid didn't feel brave enough to speak up for himself, the others weren't about to let these obtuse strangers insult their friend. "I don't think you're really insulted by Dr. Reid's career," Emily spoke up, folding her hands over the table as she surveyed them. "My expert profiling skills tell me you're more ashamed because you know he's incredibly strong to do this job while the rest of you lead a worthless and small existence. You don't make a difference on the world like he does."
That cut all them right to the bone, and John got out of his seat, furious. He seemed to grow larger in his ferocity, towering over the table. He wasn't about to let anyone make him feel inferior. "Worthless and small… wow, that brings me right back to high school. On the football field, in fact."
Reid suddenly looked panicked, and he couldn't hide it fast enough. John smirked, knowing he once again had the upper hand.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Garcia demanded, baffled.
"Nothing, Baby Girl." Morgan answered at once, getting out of his seat. John Hillman had nothing over Derek Morgan. He looked almost desperate to reach for his gun. "I think you need to leave now."
"Oh, are your little friends going to stick up for you?" John asked with a smile, giving Morgan only a glance. "I can study human behavior, too… and judging by the confused faces, most of them don't know what I'm talking about."
"You need to leave." Reid said, his voice wavering. He never wanted anyone to know about it. He could barely live with the fact that Morgan knew… if everyone knew… he wouldn't be able to take that. It was too humiliating.
"You really don't want them to know, do you?" John laughed; he was practically giddy. "About how we lured you to the field because you were so in love with Alexa."
"Shut up." Reid whispered, looking away. The only way out of here was right behind John. There was no way to escape… this couldn't be happening to him. He'd been humiliated in front of crowd before… but these people… he couldn't be made so weak in front of his friends. He'd never be able to live it down.
"You need to leave," Riley said forcefully, glancing at her husband in worry. With no idea what to do, he turned towards the board, his entire body trembling with anger and shame. She hated to see him like this, wishing she could endure this pain for him.
Behind John, Harper and Jeremy were watching this with the greatest amusement. It was like a National Geographic special, a pride of lions focused on an injured zebra, and they were just about to make the kill. "What was going through your head when we did that, Spencer?" John wondered. "When we stripped off all your clothes and tied you up? Almost the whole school was there laughing at you, throwing things at you, not one person gave a damn… that must have been so embarrassing. I bet the killers wouldn't be so intimidated by you if they knew how pathetic you are."
"Enough!" Riley cried, getting out of her chair. She was beyond furious, how dare these people come in here and mortify her husband. A man worth thousands of them in every way. "You have no right to stand here and treat him like this, especially not when he's trying to help your child. You treat him like dirt because you know how much he's worth to the world. When you, any of you, could disappear right now and no one would care. No one would even remember."
"You can't talk to him like that," Jeremy said, going over as if to teach her a lesson.
"I certainly can." Morgan said. "If you say another word to him or any of us unless it's about this case, this entire team is leaving and no one will ever find Peter. Is that what you want?"
"Guys, please just let it go!" Alexa begged.
They wouldn't listen. Jeremy shifted directions, walking towards Morgan. "Why are you on this team, exactly? Are you just around to act as Spencer's body guard or are you just the token muscle of team?"
"Why don't we take this outside, I'll show you what my muscles can do." He said in a dangerous tone, getting right in the younger man's face. He gave him a intimidating shove in the shoulder, waiting for him to retaliate.
"That's enough." Hotch ordered, preventing a fight from breaking out. "Morgan, back off. Mr. Bundle… I suggest you and the others step away now, go back to the lounge or the break room so that this team can discuss this in private."
Morgan and Jeremy stared each other down for a long time. He seemed to realize he was no match for Morgan, but didn't step back too quickly. At last he turned and followed his wife out of the room.
"See you, Spencer," John said with a happy smile. This was highly satisfying for him, and as he took a glance at Riley, he knew his next move would just be icing on the cake. If this got under Spencer's skin… it would be nothing to how he could manipulate her.
Alexa waited for them to go. She was almost as humiliated as Reid, and didn't exit right away. "Spencer-"
"Just. Go." Reid yelled. He was so angry, he wanted to break something… like her neck.
She didn't need to be told twice. Backing away, she muttered, "I'm sorry," and hurried out of the conference room. The team was alone now.
They didn't know what to say. Behind Reid's back, everyone looked to each other in panic. What exactly did a person say at a moment like this? They wanted to tell him it didn't matter to them, that they loved him. He had no reason to feel shame in front of them.
"Spence," JJ began.
"Please, don't." Spencer mumbled, shaking his head.
None of them would listen. "We are… so sorry, Reid. We had no idea." Garcia softly said.
"Of course you had no idea!" Reid yelled, at last turning around. "Do you think I wanted any of you to know about that! That was worst, most embarrassing moment of my life, a moment I wanted so badly to just forget! And now I never will because all of you know about it!"
"Reid, we're not judging you, if that's what you think." Rossi assured, speaking just as gently as the others. Most of them had never seen him so distraught, even under the control of psychotic killers. "It wasn't your fault that happened, they're the jerks who did it. They're the ones who should be ashamed."
"It doesn't matter," Reid muttered shaking his head. He needed some space; it was starting to feel like the walls were closing in. He couldn't be held responsible for what he might do if he didn't step away. "I can't… deal with this right now."
"Spence, talk to us." JJ urged, placing a hand on his arm, but Reid just shrugged her away. Forcefully.
"No!" He yelled, shoving her away so powerfully, she stumbled back slightly. "Get this through your head, Jennifer… all of you, listen to me now. Leave me alone. I don't want to talk, I don't want to be near anyone. I hate all of you for making me come here. I can never forgive any of you for this." He glared at Riley as he hurried out the door. "Especially you."
Without another word, he hurried out of the room. Riley opened her mouth to call after him, begging him to stay, but stopped herself before she made a sound. This was all her fault; she should have trusted his judgment when he didn't want to come. Nothing good had come from this trip.
She wanted to run after him, to pull him somewhere private and wrap him in her arms until he broke down, letting out his pain until he felt accepted and loved, just as she had many times before. This however, was not one of those times. She, like everyone here, knew, no matter how much they cared about him… they had to leave him alone. To give him time to just be.