Reid knocked on the open door. Hotch looked up from his papers with a tired smile. "You heading out?"

Reid stepped into the office. "I need to talk to you about something."

"Sure."

Reid nudged the door shut and slipped into one of the chairs across from Hotch.

"I need to go out of town for a couple of days. Personal matter."

"Is this about your father?"

"The last appeal was rejected. It's set for Saturday night."

"There's always clemency."

"He killed six police officers in five weeks. One of them was the governor's older brother. There's no way he's going to grant clemency."

There was a long pause. Hotch watched Reid who sat stiffly in his chair, his eyes on the floor.

"You don't seem too thrilled about this little road trip."

"I'm not. But I promised my mother I would see it through to the end."

"I wish I could say something that would make this easier."

"I appreciate the desire."

"Take as long as you need. And call me if you need anything. Any time. Halley will understand."

"Thank you, sir." Reid got up slowly and walked to the door.

"Reid." He stopped with his hand on the knob. "I mean it. Anything."

Reid nodded and walked out of the office.

"Hey, Reid." Morgan looked up from his desk. "How about you come with me and catch a movie tomorrow?"

"Can't." Reid slipped on his jacket.

"Sunday then. I'll even buy you a burger afterwards and you can tell me all the things they got totally wrong."

"Can't." Reid grabbed his bag and walked towards the stairs.

"Hey, Reid," Morgan called out as he reached the door. "Have you seen the crime scene photos from the Sherwood case?"

"On my desk, help yourself." Reid said and slipped out without another word.

"That was weird, even for Reid." Elle remarked from her desk.

Morgan shrugged as he searched Reid's desk for the file. "He's tired. We all are. Probably focused on getting to his bed."

"Suppose so."

Morgan spotted the file. "Got it." He dropped into his chair, opening the file. A slip of paper fell out. "What's this?" He unfolded the paper, gasping as he scanned the contents. "Oh my god."