Title: The profiler's daughter

By:Macgatefan

Summary: I am just starting on Criminal Minds fanfic. I posted a one-shot a while back, but I decided to expand on my love of Hotch angst and gave him a daughter as I'm doing a rewatch. Jack is not in my stories when she is. Nothing against Jack as he's adorable. I'm currently working on a fic with Hotch and daughter Katie relationship. she is a lot like him but does have some qualities of Haley as well. I tried not to make Haley out as the bad guy, but Katie does have a better relationship with Hotch. Please see my profile for a bio on her. Also. Each section I've written will contain spoilers for an episode that I use as a catalyst for things that happen in this story. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: criminal minds and all related characters are property of CBS and Paramount.

Katie is my creation.

Aaron shut down his computer it was rare he was in town on this day, so he wanted to be home for his daughter's birthday. Katie was a wonderful surprise as Haley had trouble conceiving and it took time for the fertility treatments to work. He never thought she would take after him much to Haley's chagrin

3X07 About Face

"Kathryn, you have a letter," Haley called. She shook her head. She wished her daughter had friends her age not just her husband's the BAU, it could be worse, they could be serial killers. At least Aaron and his colleagues can keep her safe by teaching her what they know and how to protect herself. Some of the moms at Katie's school didn't know where their daughters were half the time."

She ran downstairs. It had been a while since she heard from her uncle and Godfather.

her mom barely spoke to her unless it was to bash her dad and when they did her mom was usually yelling at her for going out too much. It wasn't as though she was going on a pleasure cruise, no she usually went to the library with her best friend Gina to study or do homework. Her mom always seemed to want to get her to think poorly of her dad, but Katie never did. The way her uncle told stories about him he was a real-life superhero. Why couldn't her mom see that?

Katie Kat, happy birthday kiddo! I hope everything is going well. Good luck in 8th grade. I Know you'll do well. I hope to see you soon! I must admit Paris Kentucky is not as exciting as the name would

suggest. Nothing like Paris, France at all. My book tour is just about done. Ill be heading back soon and I can't wait to see you!

Love, Dave

Birthright 3X11

"Katie were leaving!"

"What, mom? What are you talking about?"

"You and I are moving out. I'm done!"

"NO!"

"Kathryn! No arguing, we are going now."

Birthright "What the hell? You want to leave without telling dad? So, you can be with your lover?

"Watch your mouth, young lady, and yes. I'm tired of this. He loves that job more than our family. More than you!"

"That's not true and I don't want to leave him. I'm staying!"

"Of course, you are, two peas in a pod. Never mind he was never around to see you grow up. And he's still at work, not even bothering to call you." "At least Christopher spends time with you."

"Mom, stop. That man has nothing on dad. I love him. There's no way I'm leaving!"

"Fine, but I can't live like this anymore. If you're sure, you can stay here, and we'll discuss it further when your father comes home."

Katie had no intentions on discussing it further, no, she already made her decision.

Hotch arrived at a dark and nearly empty house. "Haley? Katie?"

Katie rushed downstairs when she heard her name, forgetting about the coat she dropped. She slipped and fell right into her dads arms. Smiling she said," My hero."

The smile faded when he realized what happened. "Where's your mom?"

"She went to grandma's. I'm sorry, I tried to get her to stay!"

"And she left you alone? On your birthday?"

"Well, I told her I wasn't going to leave you."

"But, sweetheart, I'd rather you not stay home alone until you're a little older."

Oh dad, you're so paranoid."

"you're right, I am, do you know how many children are abducted from their homes at night?"

"I'm sure Spencer can tell me. Dad, I'm 15. How uncool will I be if I can't stay home by myself?

Hotch kissed the top of her head. "don't be in such a hurry to grow up, Kit

Kat."

Soon they were driving somewhere but he wouldn't say where he was taking her. She grinned when she saw the familiar sign.

Kabuto Hibachi grille' "OMG are you serious? We haven't been here in forever!"

"Just for you honey. You can thank Dave for getting us the reservations."

Katie got out and followed her dad inside. She saw her extended family had already arrived and were sitting at a hibachi table. They let out a cheer as she sat down. The last time she was there was for her 8th birthday. Just her parents had taken her. She grinned this was a special day indeed.

She jumped when arms wrapped around her from behind. "Tanti auguri, Katharina!"

"Uncle Dave!" she exclaimed with a grin. I thought you couldn't be here."

"I never miss a chance to celebrate my favorite girl."

Aaron watched Katie laugh in response to something Derek said. It was good to see her smiling although sometimes he wished she had an easier time making friends. She only had Gina in her life, and he never understood why. She is a good kid but never seemed interested in making a lot of friends. She once told him she was content to have one good friend who trusted her and whom she trusted. He never pushed it because she was happy.

About an hour later they arrived home. "Oh God I'm stuffed!" Katie exclaimed. "Thank you for a great night, Dad!'

'You're welcome, good night"

"Good night…'She trailed off trying to decide if she should tell him.

"Katie?"

"Can I talk to you about something?"

"Of course,"

She sat down and took a deep breath. There's this jerk at school that likes to bully girls who reject them then punch the guys they choose over him."

"Has he tried to hurt you?" He asked becoming protective! Dad

"No. I just wanted to get your advice on how to deal with him."

"Katie, just be careful. Don't give him a reason to get angry with you."

"But what about me? I got angry, is that ok?"

"What happened?"

"He killed his dog for sympathy. The dog looked just like Pooka, so I got mad and told him. I never mentioned it to him, but he knew. "

"How did you know he killed the dog?"

"It was going around school. I asked and he didn't deny it."

"Who is it?"

"Devon Williams."

"I'll talk to your teacher when I get back don't do anything, understand?"

"I won't.

It was 6 pm the next evening and she just finished her homework when the phone rang.

"Mom, hi, what's up?"

"Is your dad home? I need to talk to him."

"Not yet. I'll have him call you."

After nearly a week the team was flying back home. As usual they were all physically and emotionally exhausted.

Once the plane landed, Hotch's cell rang. "What? Mom, calm down. Yes, were driving back to the office now. Tell me what happened."

"Hotch, everything ok?" Rossi asked when he hung up.

Hotch took a deep breath explaining that Katie had gone off to check out something suspicious with a friend last night and hasn't been home."

"What were her suspicions? Does your mom know?"

"No, neither does Haley."

"Maybe her friend's parents?"

"His phone rang again. It was Haley "Aaron, our daughter is missing! Find her now! As usual you're more concerned with other families and not your own."

"Ha- "he began.

"No, shut up and find Katie or I'll make sure you never see her again!"

Aaron hung up and Rossi saw the look in his friend's eyes. "" Now, Hotch, where does this friend live?"

Upon arrival Gina's father rushed outside "Aaron! Do you know where the girls are?"

"No, I'm sorry, I don't. I just got back, but I 'm having my tech analyst tracking Katie's phone. She's checking voicemails and text messages. When did you last see them?"

"Around eight last night. They came over, ordered pizza, ate, then left. Gina said they had something important to deal with, that's all."

Hotch's next call was from Garcia. She said there were no unusual text messages, but Katie did call a number repeatedly for about twenty minutes. The number belongs to 16-year-old Devon Williams."

"Katie, what are you doing?" he whispered.

"Hotch, who is he?"

"Only the biggest bully at Quantico High according to my daughter. He likes to start rumors about girls who are not interested and beat up the boys they chose over him. He likes her but she wasn't interested, she says he has the personality of a serial killer. Killed his own dog to try to gain her sympathy, but didn't work, just got her mad."

"Of course, it did especially since her dog was hit by a car, she loved Pooka."

The rest of the team pulled up behind them. "What are you doing here?"

"Hotch," Morgan said, "you really asking that? Garcia told us about Katie. Were here to help find her.

"They turned at the sound of horns honking and tires screeching. A van pulled up to the driveway and the door slid open.

"Is that Mr. Hotchner? What perfect timing. Here's your daughter and friend!" He exclaimed shoving both girls out of the van.

Neither girl moved as the van drove off. Morgan took down the plate while Hotch and Rossi checked on the teens. Aaron's hands shook as he placed a hand on Katie's shoulder. He let out a small gasp at her state. She had a black eye and a large bump above her left ear, it had been bleeding at one point, but it was now dry and matted in hair. He decided against moving her further. "Prentiss, call 911," he said trying not to let his voice crack. "Dave?"

"I'm sorry, Aaron, but Gina's gone."

Katie began to stir. "Dad?"

"I'm here."

"Where's Gina?"

"With Dave."

"What the hell is going on, Aaron? Why is my daughter dead?"

Katie looked up at him, horror on her face. "Gina's dead?"

"Yes, she is," mark replied, yanking Katie to her feet. He pushed Hotch away when he tried to help her.

Mark now had his hands on Katie's shoulders and started shaking her to get her to talk. Katie felt dizzy and nauseous and suddenly got sick all over him. He let her go and she sank to the ground crying.

Hotch hugged her. "This is my fault, daddy. It was my idea to go talk to him."

"But why did you?" he asked, "We talked about this, and I said that its no use talking to kids like him."

"I know but I think he could be a nice guy if he had someone to talk to."

"What an idiot you raised Hotchner! She got my daughter killed."

Now Morgan was mad "Shut up man, if there were more people like Katie, there would be less like that jerk Devon."

The ambulance arrived when the paramedic came over to Katie, hotch realized she lost consciousness again. He slowly got to his feet and took a deep breath. Mark's wife had come out, but mark was nowhere to be seen and Gina was gone as well. A Large crowd gathered once the coroner pulled up. Morgan looked all around but couldn't find mark. Instead heard a gunshot, Hotch cry out in pain and fall to the ground.

"Drop it, mark!" Emily exclaimed.

Rossi was not pleased but he told others to figure out the mess with Gina's father. He was going to the hospital with hotch and Katie.

The younger agent nodded and went to talk to Emily and Derek.

Rossi saw an incredibly angry Haley heading towards him. "Where is my daughter?"

"She was taken back for a CT scan."

"And Aaron? He can't even be here with his daughter right now?"

"Aaron was shot, Haley."

"What oh my God? What the hell happened, Dave?"

"That's what we're trying to figure out. We'll have to wait until Katie wakes up or Morgan and Prentiss finish questioning Mark franklin."

"Excuse me but I'm looking for the Hotchner family. "I'm Ms. Hotchner. Is my family all right?"

"Your husband is still in surgery, and it seems like your daughter has a serious concussion and the swelling is significant, so she won't wake up until it goes down." "But she will wake up?" "I'm sure she will."

"Can I see her?"

"Of course."

Garcia was mad. She was mad at the kid who hurt Katie and her friend, mad at the man who shot Hotch. She was so mad that she wanted to slap Haley for blaming Hotch for this. Where was the help for a teenager? Why was this clearly unhinged teen still allowed to bully kids and get away with it? Katie is a sweet girl who just wanted to help those who had been bullied by Devon Williams and everyone made it out to be her fault? It made no sense to her.

Hotch laid awake in bed. The pain in his chest was too much as the meds began to wear off. He kept thinking of Katie and how she was going to get through the loss of her friend. She had known Gina since they were in kindergarten. They were inseparable and would do anything for each other.

"What did you say?" Garcia asked Morgan "Katie took the torture for Gina?" Yeah, and apparently impressed Devon enough for him to mention it. I think he likes Katie even more now."

"Lovely, just what a girl wants: to be liked to a budding serial killer."

JJ nodded. "Right. Who's to say he won't come after her when his sentence is up?" she asked.

Rossi entered. "Then we'll be there to keep her safe."

Devon just glared at Rossi. "Do you know Katie well? She's hot. I decided to have her would be easy if I threatened Gina. I was right She fell for it, and I had my way with her. I think it was her first time too, she was so scared. But don't worry, I made sure to make it good for her."

Rossi was ready to beat the crude out of this kid for Hotch. He would never allow his friend to watch the video of this interrogation. If you could call it that. Rossi barely said a word let alone ask a question. The moment he entered Devon started bragging about what had done to them. No remorse whatsoever. Not that it was expected.

He had to leave the room to get some air, so he stood up and went to the door. "What's the matter Agent?" Devon asked, "did I hit a nerve?" I hope you tell her dad what I said. Just let him know he couldn't protect his little girl."

The police chief knew how personal it was for Rossi and his team. "It's a good thing this kid likes to brag. He didn't ask for a lawyer because his dad is one. Let us know when he gets here. I'm sure Agent Hotchner will want to press charges."

"Of course."

When Emily arrived to check on the unit chief, he was getting out of bed. "Um, Hotch, what are you doing?"

"I need to get out of here before that kid lawyers up."

"He did already, his father is a lawyer. Jack Williams."

"Really? Jack Williams?"

"Do you know him?"

"Yeah. He was a law student when I was prosecuting."

Hotch was buttoning his shirt when a nurse came in. Emily watched in amusement as this old lady put her boss in his place and told him to "get his ass into that bed now!" She didn't think she'd ever seen him move that fast. Aaron looked up at Emily, face red in embarrassment.

"Don't speak of this to anyone."

She shrugged. "we'll see."

Katie yawned as she tried to get comfortable. "I tell you, young lady, it's always the men who think they're invincible and can leave whenever they damn well please."

Katie smiled "My dad, is it?"

"How did you know?"

"he's impatient especially when he's working on a case."

"Probably more relentless when his only daughter is at the core?"

"Something like that"

Aaron arrived at the office after finally being released from the hospital, Katie was still under observation for headaches. He sat down and logged into his computer, The most annoying part of being out for so long was the email that accumulated. He stopped on one with an attachment he was curious as to the subject line and wasn't familiar with the email address. He called Garcia to check on the origins. She furiously typed and jumped back at a loud beep and the video played. It was Rossi's interview with Devon Williams. She knew no one wanted hotch to see it but she couldn't stop it.

Devon just glared at Rossi. "Do you know Katie well? She's hot. I decided to have her would be easy if I threatened Gina. I was right She fell for it, and I had my way with her. I think it was her first time too, she was so scared. But don't worry, I made sure to make it good for her."

Dave went to the door. "What's the matter Agent?" Devon asked, "did I hit a nerve? I hope you tell her dad what I said. Just let him know he couldn't protect his little girl."

Garcia glanced at Hotch his face was pale and he looked as though he was about to hyperventilate. She sent a quick text to Morgan, who rushed in. "Garcia, what happened?" Morgan asked standing next to Hotch who looked ready to be sick. "Uh…I saw the interview, "Hotch said quietly. "His face was red, and he grabbed his chest.

"Hotch!"

"Oh God, "Penelope gasped out as he dropped to the floor.

Back in the hospital, Penelope was a mess. She blamed herself for this why couldn't she turn off that video. She may very well have given her boss a heart attack.

"Pen." She looked up to see Kevin "It wasn't your fault there was a trojan horse in the file that you had to be looking for to turn it off. It shocked you both so much that you didn't have time to think about it. Someone sent that to Agent Hotchner on purpose and only you can help me figure out who."

Penelope nodded. "Oh, thank you! Let's get this jerk!"

They thought Katie was asleep, but she heard everything. Her eyes opened when a hand took hers. "Uncle Dave, is dad, ok?"

"of course, he was released 2 days ago."

But ended up admitted again. Heart attack."

"How did you know that?"

"Mom was in here when she got the call. She thought I was asleep. This is all my fault I shouldn't have gone after that jerk! Gina would still be alive, and dad would never have been here in the first place. Mr. Franklin was right I'm such an idiot, I will never be able to do what you all do. Just kill me now! I'm worthless, there's no point if I'm going to get the people, I love hurt or worse!"

Dave sat on the edge of her bed, placing an arm over her shoulder. "Easy, kiddo, none of this was your fault. It was Devon and his narcissistic nature. You have a kind heart and want to help someone in need, that's not a weakness. Its something the world needs more of." There was a knock on the door and Katie grinned when hotch came in.

"Hi daddy! They're not going to admit you?"

"No, the doctor thinks some quality time with you and an appointment with a cardiologist tomorrow is in order. I also heard you might be released tomorrow too."

"There is a rumor."

The next day Katie's rumor turned out to be true. She looked up at Dave and gave him puppy dog eyes, "This day would be better if I could get some homemade lasagna and tiramisu."

"Only you can get me with those eyes. Very well, Bella, lasagna it is."

"Mille grazie, Zio(thank you very much, uncle)!"

Katie giggled all the way to the car as her dad pushed the wheelchair. "No fair, I was in the hospital too, but I don't get lasagna."

"Daddy, I'm sure uncle Dave will let you have some too."

Aaron helped Katie up and got her into the car. By the time he got to the drivers side, her eyes were squeezed shut, pain etched on her face.

Katie?" he asked taking her hand.

"I'm ok," she gasped out, "Remember, Doc Denton said the headaches will come and go for a while. "Now let's get home, you should get your ass back into bed!"

Aaron stared at her for a few seconds then she started to laugh." What's the matter? Did you really think Emily would keep that a secret? Everyone knows."

He shook his head and watched her head inside.

'Oh, dad, can you come up in about five minutes?"

"Sure."

Katie put her pajamas on then curled under the covers it certainly felt good to be in her own bed.

Her head ached and knew it was time to take her pain meds. She didn't have to get up because her dad came in with a glass of water and pill bottle. "Thanks."

"I knew you would need these soon. I could tell you were in pain before you came up."

"I should just not try to hide anything from you,' Katie replied.

"Never knew why you did."

"Hey, a girl can try" she smiled then sat up, moving closer to hug him. "Dad, I can't believe how stupid I was. Please don't be mad anymore. I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

"Whoa, wait a minute there. Who said I was mad?"

"Mom did."

"Oh Katie, I was never mad at you. I'm glad you're still here with me. I was scared, yes, but you're strong and that strength is why you're here."

"Maybe but it didn't help Gina."

"No, were not going there. What happened to Gina is not your fault Devon made that choice."

Penelope 3x09

A few months later Katie was feeling more like herself. The headaches had finally stopped. Now she had to ask if she could go to a friend's party over the weekend. It came on the heels of Penelope's attack, and she had a feeling her dad was going to go into protective mode again.

And oh boy she wasn't wrong She never seen him so angry after she asked about the party of course she wasn't nice either. In fact, she was so mad that her friends were able to convince her to sneak out. She figured it would be easy since he was most likely going to work and later may end up out of town. Katie had never been asked to go out with anyone before Gina. She never figured out why, but she believed the situation with Gina changed her outlook in life, it was too short to sit at home.

So, Katie went to school for now, planned everything with Tanya then went home after. She told her mom they were going shopping then to see a movie. And, again, it all went south for her. She heard kids shouting and a fight broke out among the older kids there. It wouldn't have been so bad if gunshots weren't fired.

Tanya screamed and grabbed Katie by the arm "We have to go. Now "

"Wait! We Should call 911?"

Tanya gave her a look. Are you nuts? We have to leave, or I could end up like Gina!"

"But Tanya what if someone is seriously hurt?"

"You know what? I don't care. Are you coming or not?"

Katie took a breath and nodded. "Fine let's go."

"And where are the two of you going?" Katie frowned when she turned to see a police officer standing behind them. Tanya cursed then said "Just wanted to turn her in, sir. She was selling drugs."

"Tanya!"

"What? Don't feign your innocence because your dad is an FBI agent."

Her stomach did flip flops. This wasn't good.

The officer seemed less interested in Tanya and went over to Katie to frisk her. She let him and was surprised to see him pull out a bag of marijuana and a wad of cash. Glancing up at Tanya Katie caught a smirk. "You set me up!" she exclaimed lunging at the girl. The officer grabbed her arms a yanked them behind her back.

"Now now, calm down or I'll add resisting arrest to your charges." She did so and allowed herself to be taken away.

Katie sat by herself in the corner of the holding cell. There were some strung-out people in there. Her mom decided she could stay overnight for lying to her. She wasn't sure how she was brave enough to fall asleep, but she did. "Kathryn Hotchner, time to go. Your father is here." She didn't expect him to be home so soon, but mom must have called him.

Aaron paced in the lobby. He never thought he would be at a police station to pick his daughter up for possession of all things. He didn't believe Haley at first when she called him.

He didn't believe it until the officer talked to him and he saw his disheveled little girl walking from the back with cuffs on.

He remained calm because Katie didn't respond well to anger, and it looked like she'd been through the ringer.

He didn't speak up until they were in the car. "Kathryn, would you like to tell me what the hell happened? I told you not to go to that party. Then you lied to your mom about it. I raised you better than that. Now you're going to have a juvenile record and it's not something you can just get rid of no matter what position your father holds,"

This calm anger seemed more unnerving than the yelling. She could hear the disappointment dripping from every word. She wanted to say something, but it probably wouldn't go over well.

She took a breath and nodded.

"Go ahead and say what you want to say." Right now, she hated profilers. "I feel like there's all this pressure to be the 'good girl' but because of that I have no friends.

No one wants to be friends with someone whose father is an FBI agent. They feel like they can't be themselves around me and ill tattle."

Katie tried to hold back her tears, but it was hard when he went from calm anger to a father with guilt. Great, she thought 'I upset him. She knew how much her mom guilt him to the point he would stay in the guest room alone.

Aaron nodded in understanding. They had a lot to talk about but first they both needed sleep. "Come on, you probably want a bath and your bed. I'll make you an omelet for lunch.

Katie nodded although she felt nauseous. Hoping she'd feel better after a bath and sleep she headed upstairs.

Aaron went to his room but just lay in bed. According to Katie's statement she believed the drugs belonged to Tanya and He agreed especially when Garcia found some unsavory things in the past on this girl's record. She's been picked up on suspicion of assault and tampering with evidence at 12, but now Katie was stuck with the consequences of trusting someone too easily.

Katie woke up to an email from Tanya, she immediately deleted it. She'd rather not have any friends if this is how she gets treated.

She heard a knock on her door. Come in."

"We need to talk honey"

Dad explained he was going to meet with his ex-law partners to discuss what was going to happen. If they could request community service since this was a first-time offense.

"But dad, it wasn't mine. Can't we prove that? Oh my God, you think I was selling it, don't you?"

"No, I don't, but I can't defend you which is why I asked Stan."

"This won't get you fired, will it?"

"No, Katie, but it will be on your record that colleges look at."

"Shit, I didn't think of that."

"I just ask that for the next four years you apply yourself and think before you act. Use your instincts about people. I know you have good ones."

"Yes, Sir, I will."

3X20 Lofi and 4X01 Mayhem

Katie jumped onto her bed after a long day at school. She grabbed the remote to turn on the tv. Homework could wait until tomorrow. First, she was going to veg out until dinner. Her eyes slipped shut as the newscaster droned on about recent killing spree in New York. "The NYPD has requested help from the FBI's behavioral Analysis Unit. They should arrive later this evening."

Katie's phone rang it was her dad confirming what they said on the news. "You all stay safe, daddy. Love you."

"Love you too, just make sure to check in with your grandmother. Oh, I don't want any more calls with bad news."

"Neither do I."

Katie went to see her grandma after listening to the news. She didn't normally worry about her dad she knew he was good at what he did, and his team were trustworthy. Something just felt wrong about it.

She entered the house. Immediately she could smell the famous pot roast she loved."

"Hi Kathryn."

"Hi gran, dad call?"

"Yes. He's supposed to call back later after they deal with some things."

The two sat down to dinner, enjoying the meal in companionable silence. By the time for dessert Katie realized it was nearly 9:00 and no call yet. They shared a glance. "Check the news, dear."

"According to the FBI, the spree killer has gone from shooting to bombing. There is word that an SUV parked at federal plaza was blown up, but we have no further information right now. Please stay tuned and remain in your homes." Katie sank onto the couch, Gran joined her.

"Think I should call?"

"Give it a try. He might just be busy."

You've reached SSA Aaron Hotchner, unit chief for the FBI's behavioral Analysis unit. Please leave a message."

Katie jumped when her phone rang. It wasn't her dad, it was Dave. "Hello?"

"Katie, have you been following the news?"

"Yes, what happened? Is dad, ok?"

We couldn't get a hold of him earlier because cell towers were down, but we found him at the local ER."

"ER? Is he okay? Was he in the explosion? God, was it bad?"

"Take a breath. he's still breathing. He was hit by a concussive wave and busted his eardrum but he's going to be fine.

"Good. I told him no scary calls!"

'Sorry I had to make one to you. We'll make sure he gets home in one piece."

"Thank you."

Katie was finishing up dinner when she heard the front door open Derek drove her dad home because he couldn't fly with a burst eardrum. She knew it could have been much worse, so she wasn't complaining that it took so long for him to get home.

"Oh, miss Katie does it smell good in here!"

"Thanks, help set the table?"

"Certainly," Derek replied giving her a quick squeeze."

"Did we invite him?"

"Of course, its payment for him driving you."

"You mean that was your idea?"

She smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek.

4X09 52 Pickup

Hey Katie Girl!"

"Hi Derek. My dad's ok right?"

"Yes, he is. Sorry to worry you."

"No problem. What's up?"

"Can you come over here after school? Spencer is going to try the moves he learned from yours truly on you."

Katie tried not to laugh. "In front of my dad?"

"Trust me. I mean your dad knows you've had a crush on him for a while now. We all do."

She sighed "I don't know why I even bother trying to hide anything from you guys. What do you want me to do?"

"Ok, how about this…?"

Katie glanced in the mirror and nodded in approval. She hoped this worked. She would really hate to embarrass Spence at work, but she trusted Derek to make this happen with as few people as possible. She texted him to let him know she was coming up.

"Hey!" Derek said. Girl you look amazing."

She smiled "I'm spoken for, remember?"

"Yeah, yeah. Your dad and Reid are in the conference room. Do your stuff."

"Ok, here I go!"

The two looked up from the folder they were reading. "Katie, what are you doing here? "Hotch asked.

"Spencer, Derek said you needed to see me?"

"OH, right I'll be right with you."

Hotch set down the folder he had an idea that he was going to try his hand at the bet. "It's ok Reid, just don't be too long. I have to get something from my office anyway."

Katie stepped closer to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "What do you need Spencer?"

Looking through the window, Emily said "Wow she seems good at this.

She whispered something in his ear as Hotch came back in "Spence?'

"Katie, your eyes shine like diamonds in the sun."

Hotch was surprised Katie responded to that. Suddenly she launched herself into his arms, lips on his."

Derek and Emily laughed, and Penelope grabbed their arms. "Guys," she said they looked to see anger on Hotch's face as he pulled them apart. Just what is going on here? How long have you been dating? Kathryn?"

"I…" she began "Were not."

Could have fooled me! You wouldn't actually fall for that line…would you?"

Morgan felt bad that the Katie was being yelled at. What was wrong with Reid dating his daughter anyway? The kid already had trouble with women this was going to give him a complex and change the team dynamics. "Hotch, easy there. This was my fault. They're not dating we were just pulling a prank. We tried to help Reid win the bet, that's all."

"Wait a minute," Katie said "Win a bet? You didn't tell me that. What the heck is going on?"

"I had a bet with your dad I could use a pickup line on someone and have it work."

Katie was furious now and directed it at Derek "That's what this was about? You used us? You played a trick on the wrong Hotchner!" She exclaimed, kicking him in the groin."

"Kathryn Elizabeth!" Aaron said. "that's enough. Now go home, we'll talk about this later."

"Morgan, please don't use my daughter like that ever again. Are we clear?"

"Yes, sir."

Katie cried on her way home. They used her crush on Spencer as a joke. She never knew Derek could be so cruel. And she was sure dad wouldn't let her date him in the future if it ever happened. Spence probably isn't interested in the slightest now."

Once she was inside, she received a facetime call. It was Spence. I'm sorry," she said once she answered. "Its not your fault, Katie. I should have known Morgan would try something like this, but I wanted you to know I wasn't lying about what I said. You're beautiful"

"I think you have more game than Derek. I really like you but now it seems tainted, like it can never happen."

"No, this isn't Romeo and Juliet. Give me some time to talk to your dad first."

"Ok."

Rossi heard about what happened then immediately went to talk to Hotch

"What is it, Dave?" Hotch asked without looking up.

"Did you really accuse Katie and spencer of dating behind your back you do realize those two are the least likely to hide something like that from you. "You didn't see the kiss she planted on him. It was way too familiar."

"Katie has had a crush on him since she was ten. She's 16 now, she's grown up and you need to accept that."

He's almost 30, Dave, he's grown up too.

"Yes, and he respects you too much to hurt you, let alone Katie. You trust him with your life, why not with your daughter?"

4X23 Roadkill

Finally, after weeks of not talking to her dad he apologized for what he said and told her he approved of them dating but not until she turned 18. They could go out as friends only.

Eventually Katie turned on the flirting. Sometimes Spence would act awkward, but he always made the sweetest gestures to her.

She had just returned home from seeing a movie with him when she heard a thump come from upstairs, like a body falling. Katie ran up "Dad? Dad, are you ok?" She checked his room and realized he was in the bathroom. The door was closed but the light was on. She knocked on the door. "Dad?" no answer. "Dad answer me." She closed her eyes to not see any nakedness then turn the doorknob. He didn't yell at her for coming in, so she cracked a peek and noticed he was on the floor. Going into panic mode, she knelt beside him. She saw no head wounds or wounds of any kind, but he wasn't responding to outside stimuli.

Katie felt a panic attack coming on as she sat in the waiting room. Please be ok, " she whispered. "Please. "Footsteps rushed towards her, and she saw the familiar pair of chucks. "Oh God, Spence. He still didn't wake up by the time we got here. What's taking the doctors so long?"

The rest of her family came over. "I just talked to them, Katie," Dave said. It was a complication from the car accident he was in on the last case."

"He? What? He never said anything, I thought he seemed pale and out of it a few times before I left earlier. I shouldn't have left him alone."

They all tried to reassure her. "Don't worry, Katheryn, ill talk to your father about being more considerate. I know he doesn't like hospitals, but he needs to let someone know when he isn't feeling well."

Katie smiled at her grandmother. She still tended to smack her son playfully when he says or does something stupid."

4X24 To Hell / 4X25 and back / 5X01 Nameless Faceless

Katie arrived home. She tossed her backpack onto the floor calling out for her dad. She frowned when he didn't answer. His briefcase was on the couch, so she knew he had to be home. She noticed the broken glass on the floor and her eyes trailed to his cell phone that was under the table then to the splash of red on the carpet. It was not wine!

Suddenly his phone sprang to life. Not wanting to disturb any evidence she glanced at the caller ID. It was Emily Prentiss, calling. The moment the phone stopped ringing the doorknob turned and Emily was standing there.

"Katie?"

"Thank God you're here!" Katie cried. "Something happened to dad! There's blood on the floor and a bullet hole in the wall! Please help me find him!"

Emily placed a hand on her shoulder. "You have to take a deep breath, okay? You're going to hyperventilate. Let me call Penelope, we need to get a CSU team here as soon as possible."

Katie nodded and sat down on the couch, staring at the bloody carpet as Emily made the calls. The agent spoke with Reid a few times about the case they were working on and then Pen to try and figure out where her father was. It was the longest 45 minutes of her life. She was so worried about him and all she could think was the worst.

Emily's phone rang again and there was a look of relief on the agent's face. "She found him!"

Almost an hour later, Katie silently cried, holding her father's hand as she listened to the nurse. He had been stabbed nine times. Nine times! She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Finally, she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Sit down, honey. He probably won't wake up for another hour, but we can stay here."

That hour passed and he still wasn't awake. Katie strained to hear the conversation in the hallway. Something about George Foyet. She remembered he was the serial killer who escaped a while back. She gave his hand a small squeeze as the nurse came in to check on him.

"He's going to wake soon, dear."

And that's when he stirred.

Hotch lay in his bed half-conscious. He wished he didn't remember everything in vivid detail, but he did. He was also freaking out because he hadn't heard from Katie. When he sent her a text to say he was on the way home she replied and said she was as well.

Unfortunately, he was so out of it he could barely move. That and the pain was horrible. Not as bad as earlier since he was on pain medication luckily. Hotch blinked when he heard her voice.

Opening his eyes, he saw Katie sitting beside him. "I was so scared," she said as she stepped closer to him and took his hand. "I saw that blood and thought the worst!"

"I'm still here, Katie."

She nodded, tears in her eyes but with a smile of relief. She took his hand. "Good! Just don't scare me like that ever again!"

Dave and Morgan came in a few minutes later with Emily. He could tell they wanted to know what happened. "Hotch, are you sure…?" Dave trailed off, glancing at Katie.

She crossed her arms and glared at him. Hotch sighed. "It's okay. It's better she learns about it from me," he replied. "How did I get here?"

"Foyet," Emily replied. "He dropped you off along with Morgan's creds."

"What did he take?" Hotch wanted to know.

"The only thing we found missing was a page from your address book. From the B's," Emily told him, handing him his clothes. "What's wrong?"

"Haley's maiden name is Brooks. I list her there in case it falls into the wrong hands," he explained finding the photo of his family in Morgan's wallet.

"What are you saying, Dad?" Katie asked.

Hotch took her hand. "Katie, it means that you and your mom have to go into witness protection."

Her eyes widened. "We have to what? No way, Dad! We can't leave you alone! What if he comes after you again?"

"Don't you understand, sweetheart? I can't keep you safe!" Hotch exclaimed, tears in his eyes. She shrank back, letting go of his hand. He closed his eyes. "I'm sorry," he replied. "I'm sorry that I'm not strong enough to protect you."

She shook her head. "Of course, you are! He caught you off guard. It happens and don't tell me it doesn't!"

Hotch frowned then noticed the others had left the room. Most likely to contact the Marshal Service and Haley. He took a breath. "I don't thank you enough."

"What?"

"Katie, you have always been understanding with everything that I do. I have missed so many dance recitals and plays and you never get angry. I know it has to upset you."

Katie shrugged, sitting down in the chair beside him. "It's who you are, dad. You're the best at what you do, and I feel safer with you out there. I love you so much more for it!"

He had no idea what he did to deserve such loyalty from his daughter, but he wasn't going to take her for granted. He pulled her towards him for a hug despite the pull of his injuries, he held her tight. "I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too."

Dave entered the room again. "What do you remember?"

Hotch didn't want to go into detail. Especially not with Katie in the room. "I..." He couldn't breathe and suddenly he was having a panic attack. The nurse ran in as the heart monitor went crazy. "Should have made the deal."

Emily pulled Katie from the room as the nurse attempted to calm him. It worked after a few minutes, and she beckoned them back in. "Just try not to excite him too much," she said.

"Sorry," Hotch said as they came back in.

"Nothing to be sorry for, Aaron," Dave replied.

"After the first one... It kind of goes blank."

The three in the room glanced at one another, clearly not believing him, but they decided they wouldn't press him on the issue. Dave and Emily left the father and daughter to spend some time together. Meanwhile they had to see about finding Haley.

Katie eventually fell asleep on the chair next to her father. She woke up almost an hour later to her dad's nightmare.

He assured her he was okay. Her mom arrived just then. "Aaron..." She spoke. "How do you feel?"

"It's a lot worse than it looks," he lied.

"Are you sure we need to be in protective custody?" she asked.

"Yes, I'm sorry, but It's the only way to keep you both safe."

Haley frowned. "But Katie's in school and I have a job now!"

"I know," Hotch replied. "And I'm going to spend the rest of my life making it up to you, I promise."

Katie took her mom's hand. "Are you sure we're in danger?" She wanted to know.

"Yes, Katie."

Haley looked out the door to see his team there and frowned. "How can I keep her safe?"

"You're strong and you're a great mother," Hotch said. He looked over at Katie. "you're not alone

Katie nodded in agreement. "Never, mom!"

"Can you catch this guy?" Haley wanted to know, tears falling.

He nodded. "I can and I will."

Hotch watched as the two most special people in his life walked away... for now. Then he was alone. Foyet may have won the battle, but he was not going to win the war!

5X09 100

It was another boring day for Katie Hotchner, or as her current ID stated, Katie Banning. She sighed her boring day consisted of going to school in an unfamiliar place doing homework and crying herself to sleep in an unfamiliar bed. Each morning she prayed she would wake up and her dad would be there to pick them up but each morning she was disappointed.

She asked Sam, the Marshall who was charged with keeping them safe, how her dad was doing, and he would give the same response every time: He is good, he was keeping busy, and he missed them.

Katie knew the second and third to be true, but if he really felt like she did the response would not be 'good'. She sighed again as she pulled into the driveway. There was no sign of her mom's car. She frowned because she usually beat her home.

She went inside and was relieved to find nothing out of place. Katie tried her mom's cell, but it went straight to voicemail. There was no response from Sam either. She started to get worried but wondered if she was just being paranoid.

Katie shook her head and dialed her dad's cell, but voicemail again. That only meant one thing. It was something that her mom told her when they went into protective custody. Not even Sam knew about it. She needed to stay away from home and his house.

So that is what Katie did. She was not sure how long she should wait but wait she would. At least until she knew it was safe.

Hotch sat in the ambulance, the emotional pain worse than the physical. There had been no word from Katie. He suddenly felt tired and fell asleep. He was jerked awake by the sound of the ambulance doors opening. He was surprised, frustrated, tired, and in a lot of pain as well and he did not know what to do. he stayed that way for another ten minutes because the ER was busy today which meant he was alone with his thoughts. It felt like it took forever but once they were finished, in a private room. He was alone for a while, and it was not a good thing as he tried to make sense of what happened.

Hotch kept trying to figure out what he could have done to save Haley. He would have died for her, but he was not fast enough. He could only imagine what her parents were going to say to him. What Katie would say to him when they found her.

Soon Hotch found himself drifting off to sleep again from the painkillers.

Elaine Hotchner sat in the beside her sons bed. When she received the call from David, she hoped it had been a mistake, but it wasn't . her beautiful daughter in law had been murdered. She was concerned for Kathryn now. No one knew where she was, the Marshals refusing to allow them to track her by the phone they gave her.

Katie kept wandering around the house for an hour, not sure what to do or who to turn to. Her cell phone would not keep a charge so she could not call anyone. had been three days, and after careful thought, she finally decided to head to the BAU. It was the only place she knew she would be safe for certain and the only place she could get all her answers.

Glancing at her watch she knew it would take her about four hours to get there. She got in her car and nodded. It would take her less than that! He parents needed her. Katie stepped on the gas pedal. She ended up turning on the radio too. Listening to her mind producing scenarios was not helping her any.

At least music could temper that for a little while. Once the strains of the Beatles ended a news update began. Something about the President and local community banning together to help the homeless.

The next piece of news, however, caught her attention:

We have finally received a statement from the FBI regarding the attack on their agent and his family. The agent, Aaron Hotchner, works for the Behavioral Sciences Unit in Quantico. His family had been in protective custody for a little over six months because of a serial killer known as The Reaper.

The Reaper was responsible for the stabbing deaths of multiple victims as well as the death of Agent Hotchner's wife. Their daughter, Kathryn, is still missing. If you have any information on her whereabouts, please contact the FBI hotline at 1-800-555-1621.

She had to pull over during the last paragraph. Her mother was dead. She learned about her mother's death from a news report on an oldies station. Katie cried for a good 15 minutes. She tried to remember the last thing she said to her.

"See you later! Love you!"

Katie was never going to see her again. She took several deep breaths and glanced down at her phone. It was about ten percent charged. Maybe should get a call into the Bureau. She could only imagine how her dad was doing right now.

She dialed the number, and the cheery rep was lucky Katie was not next to her right now because she would have punched her in the face. "I'd like to speak with SSA Rossi. This is Katie Hotchner."

"Excuse me? May I have your real name please?"

Katie knew the rep was only doing her job, but she was exhausted and upset. "This is Katie Hotchner! I need to speak with SSA Rossi right now!"

"Yes, yes, of course, Katie."

And that is when the call disconnected. Katie screamed and threw her cell phone against the dashboard in anger. She took several deep breaths as she cried and picked up the phone that bounce onto the front seat. Katie closed her eyes and put the charging cord back. She was not sure she would get any calls on it anymore, but it could not hurt. Maybe if it stayed on Pen could locate her at least. Soon she was on her way again.

Rossi frowned as he glanced at his watch. Hotch was safely in the hospital, but they still had no word on Katie his thoughts were with the man down the hall reliving the horror he went through two days ago. The fact that his 16-year-old daughter was still missing was an added weight.

"Um, excuse me." They all looked up to see Kevin there out of breath. "Agent Rossi, the hotline just got a call from Katie."

"What?" He asked. "Why the hell didn't they put her through?"

"The call was dropped. I tried to ping it but, well, it's witness protection phone, so..." Everyone glanced at one another. "I have a recording of the call."

Rossi nodded and followed him, Garcia in tow. "Sir, maybe I can figure out a way to ping her phone. Someone in the Marshal's office has to help out considering what happened."

Kevin glanced at them once they were in his office. Rossi nodded and hit play...

"I'd like to speak with SSA Rossi. This is Katie Hotchner."

"Excuse me? May I have your real name, please?"

"This is Katie Hotchner! I need to speak with SSA Rossi right now!"

"Yes, yes, of course, Katie."

His stomach churned at the anguish in her voice. He prayed to God she was okay. Rossi glanced at Garcia who was crying. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Start doing what you can. I'll contact the Marshals."

Rossi had to believe that he was that good at negotiating, but it turns out the Marshals were eager to help now that they had evidence Katie was alive. He was not going to tell his friend they had even considered his daughter dead.

"Garcia."

She accepted the information and began typing. "Got it! The last location shows her on South 95. She must be heading here! Oh, thank goodness, little Hotch!"

"Let's tell the others," Rossi said.

It took forever but Katie finally pulled into the visitor's garage in Quantico. She parked and got out of her car. She was exhausted and surprised she could stay upright. It was then she realized she was going to have to go through various security checkpoints.

Tears formed in her eyes again. All she wanted was to see her dad... her family. She was about to break down again when she heard a familiar voice. She turned and immediately ran towards him. "Derek!"

"Hey, Katie, it's okay! I am glad I came down here. Reid calculated how long it would take you and we didn't want you to have to go through security."

She nodded looking up at him. "Is it true?"

"Is what true?"

"About mom. I heard something on the news, and I know it's probably true, but I was hoping that it wasn't because you know how they sometimes get things wrong, and..." She trailed off when she saw the look in his eyes. "Oh God."

Morgan pulled her close as she cried again. She lifted her head after a few minutes. "I'm sorry."

"Hey, don't worry about it. Your dad is anxious to see you," he said, keeping an arm around her shoulder as they headed to the employee elevators.

"Where's he? Is he okay?"

"In a meeting with Strauss. He has to give his account of... everything," Morgan explained.

Katie frowned. "Oh. You can tell me, right? Dad will not. I need to know, Derek!"

He hesitated but after a minute he caved as they entered the elevator. "I'll tell you what I know, okay? We were all on the conference call when Foyet called your dad..." Each minute she listened her heart became heavier. Her family had been in trouble and there she was running away in fear. "He talked to your mom, he talked to you dad, taunting him about you, your mom and That's when..."

"When he killed her," Katie whispered as the elevators opened.

Katie was shaking as she followed Derek to the elevators and into the BAU department. She did not see her father or the others. She was halfway to the conference room when her dad appeared in front of her

"Katie!" he cried as they hugged. "My girl, I knew you'd make it back to me."

"Soon they were in the conference room, and they were making sure she had food and something to drink. Katie always loved how close this team was. They were always there for her father and now even for them. She was beyond grateful. When Katie felt overwhelmed, she moved over to the couch, and everyone seemed to understand her need to have a few minutes.

It didn't last long of course because soon Garcia was sitting beside her. "I'm sorry, Katie."

"Sorry for what?"

"I should have done everything I could have to get a hold of you."

Katie shook her head. "No, it wouldn't have worked anyway. It's the stupid phone the Marshals gave me. It cannot hold a charge and they would not give me a new one. They said I should not have one anyway, but it was the only way I could stay connected with… with mom. I cannot believe I was hiding when she needed me! Maybe I could have helped her!"

"Oh, honey, you can't do that to yourself," Garcia said, pulling her into a hug. "Your mom kept you safe on purpose. You survived and that was the most important thing to her."

"I guess," she replied, leaning back against the couch.

Before Garcia could respond her dad appeared in the room He looked "Katie?" he whispered She smiled, tears pooling in her eyes, and she took him in. He had bruises and cuts all over his face,

"Katie!" Hotch held her close again.

" I'm sorry I couldn't get to you sooner," she told him as they pulled apart. She frowned. He was pale and the bluish-black bruising was prominent on his face. It was then Katie realized how close she came to losing him as well. She traced the bruise with her finger. "Are you okay?"

"It's just a concussion and a few bruised ribs," he told her. "And I was only in the hospital overnight for observation."

Katie stood tall shaking her head. "'Just'? 'Only'? You are lucky that is all it is! Do you realize that I almost lost you too?"

"I know honey," he replied, hugging her close. "And I'm sorry."

She looked at him in disbelief. "Sorry? For what? This wasn't your fault!"

"Of course, it was! He was coming after me! He wanted to get back at me and this is how he did it! Why do you think he let me live? To come after my family because of the decisions I made. Katie, I'm the reason she's gone."

Katie stared at him and her heart broke. He genuinely believed it was his fault that any of this happened.

"No way, Dad. It was all him. None of this is on you. That is what you always say to me. You have to believe it for yourself too."

Katie looked over at Dave who nodded. "Katie, Pen needs to see you in her office. Why don't you go with her, and I'll bring your dad when it's time to go home okay?"

Katie gave him a grateful look and followed Penelope away from the conference room and to her office. "How about some ice cream?" She asked.

Rossi watched his friend with a frown. Hotch had not moved a muscle since Katie yelled at him. He looked over at Emily and Morgan and they nodded leaving the room. Finally, Rossi placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Aaron., you know she's right."

Hotch blinked looking up. "Do I?"

"Damn it, Hotch of course you do!"

"Yes, you need to stop blaming yourself for something beyond your control. I know that is what is bothering you the most here, Aaron. You were not in control. And of course not, Foyet had control. That does not mean you are to blame for any of it! Haley certainly didn't feel that way, I could tell."

The younger man nodded, running a hand through his hair. Rossi could tell he was trying not to lose it. Not that he could blame Hotch if he did but it was disconcerting since the man was always in control of his feelings, of everything.

Finally, Hotch took a deep breath. "You're right. I need to tell her everything."

Rossi frowned. "Everything? Maybe not everything."

"She needs to know," Hotch replied. "I can't let her find out about it online. Eventually these things get out. You know that as well as I do. I'd rather her hear it from me."

"You're right, Aaron. Just know that we're all here for you both."

Hotch smiled sadly. "I know. Thanks Dave."

5X10 Slave of Duty

Hotch decided it was time to talk to Katie. He just wanted to wait until after Haley's funeral. He had a few more weeks of bereavement time to take so he had a lot of time to think about things. Katie had gone back to school and seemed to be doing okay considering.

. Katie seemed quieter than usual. She would come home and just shut herself in her room.

Aaron decided making her favorite foods would help. He hoped that he could get her to eat something other than potato chips.

Hotch had just finished cooking when the door opened. Katie locked the door behind her, muttered a hello, and went directly into her bedroom. He frowned. This was the first time since Haley's death that she did not greet him with a hug or a kiss.

Turning off the stove top, he took a deep breath. Dinner could wait. At least she hadn't shut the door. Hotch took that as a good sign as he knocked. "Katie?"

She was at her desk, books surrounding her. "Hmm?" she replied, not looking up.

"I was wondering if we could talk."

Hotch watched her body language. She stopped writing and just sat there staring at the notebook in front of her. After a few seconds she finally turned to face him. She obviously hadn't been sleeping very well. Not that he could blame her.

"Katie..." He began moving towards her.

Instead of accepting the hug Hotch was about to give her she shook her head as she got to her feet. She wrapped her arms around herself and took a breath. "I'm sorry," she whispered, sinking to the bed, tears coursing down her cheeks. "I tried, dad, I tried."

"What did you try, honey?" Hotch asked, sitting beside.

"Being strong for you. I held everything in because I saw how much it hurt you that this happened. You still blame yourself and I didn't want to remind you of that."

Hotch shook his head. "Katie, just because I blame myself doesn't mean you can't tell me how you're feeling. It doesn't mean you can't grieve for your loss."

"Tell me what happened."

"Are you sure you want to know?"

Katie nodded, grabbing onto his hand. "I'm sure. I need to know, dad. Start from the beginning and don't leave anything out. Please!"

Hotch took several deep breaths as he closed his eyes and began. It was a long and draining story, but he knew it would help to get everything off his chest. Even things that he didn't tell Dave. He couldn't look Katie in the eye as he spoke, but he felt her hand in his and that was good enough.

Finally, he got to his last conversation with Haley. The tears fell freely from his eyes, but he didn't wipe them away. He could hear Katie sniffling beside him as he told her Haley's final words for them.

Next Hotch paused because it came to the point where he would beat Foyet to death. Where he would find Haley. He wasn't sure he could continue. Katie placed a hand on his cheek and forced him to look at her.

"I know this is hard for you. It's hard for me too, but I think it's really going to help us move on, daddy. It's okay. Just take your time. Nothing you say is going to change how much I love you. Remember that."

Hotch nodded and spoke again. "I went a little crazy on Foyet. I couldn't stop myself. After what he did to your mom I couldn't find you, and..." He shook his head.

" Hotch replied. "It was worse at the hospital. I just wanted to know you were safe."

"I'm sorry I wasn't there," Katie said.

"It wasn't your fault. You did exactly what you were supposed to do. I was just too out of it to realize where you were."

Katie nodded. They discussed that if Katie couldn't get a hold of her mom, she would not try to locate her and would stay under the radar. She did

"Dad, I was so scared out there alone. I didn't know where mom was, and my stupid phone wasn't working then I couldn't get a hold of you! Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and just came home. I didn't tell you but when Derek told me about mom it wasn't the first time, I heard about it."

Hotch pulled her close. "What do you mean?"

"I heard it on the radio."

"Katie..." He whispered as she cried. "I'm so sorry, baby."

She shook her head. "It was horrible. I had to pull over and I just cried. They didn't say anything about you, so I thought of you and that gave me the courage to drive home."

Hotch couldn't answer her right away. He merely held her as tears streamed from his eyes. He too hadn't really grieved for Haley. True he lost it as he held her in his arms but that was the initial shock. The fact that now he was truly realizing that she was gone. That he would never see her again was killing him.

Katie's arms wrapped tighter around him, and he could hear her sobbing into his chest. They stayed that way for a long time. When they were finally done, they slowly pulled apart. It was dark by this time. Hotch wiped the tears from Katie's cheeks.

"How about some spaghetti and meatballs, your favorite?" He asked. "You haven't been eating much in the way of dinner."

She nodded. "I know. I just didn't have an appetite."

Her stomach rumbled and Hotch chuckled "Well, sounds like you're ready now! Why don't you start on your homework?"

"Okay," she replied as he got to his feet.

"Dad?"

"Yeah, Katie?"

"I love you."

Hotch smiled, the weight and guilt of Haley's death finally lifting from his shoulders. "I love you too."

Katie was trying. Especially after the conversation she had with her dad. It had been two long months since her mother died. They said it only got better as the days went by, but she couldn't figure out how it could. Her beautiful mother was gone. She wasn't going to be there when she went to college. She wasn't going to be at her wedding. Yes, it was true they argued sometimes but they had grown closer while in witsec.

Katie tried very hard to be strong for her dad, but she didn't think she was doing a very good job. She hardly ate, she couldn't sleep, and the headaches were horrible. She refused to say anything to her dad about it. He felt guilty enough about what happened even though it wasn't his fault.

She glanced down at the books and papers spread across her desk. Her grades were slipping, and she knew that sooner or later her teachers were going to notify her father. Katie just couldn't concentrate on such meaningless things like Algebra.

She laid her head down on the desk to quell the pounding in her skull. Taking a deep breath, Katie drifted off to sleep…

It was quiet when she woke up. The sun had gone down. She glanced at her phone, but she didn't see any missed calls or texts. Katie frowned. Usually, her father would text her when he was on the way home.

Katie jumped at the loud bang that reverberated through the empty house. It sounded like a gunshot. She reached for her phone only to see that it wasn't working. She glanced at her laptop, and it was the same. She wasn't going to be able to call for help.

She heard footsteps coming up towards her room and suddenly the door slammed open. It was him. George Foyet. The man who stabbed her father and killed her mother. "Well hello Miss Katie. I've been looking all over for you!" He said, teeth bared.

Katie stood, shaking her head. "Y-You can't be here. You're dead!"

"Well, true, your dad did kill me," Foyet replied. "Remember? Your dad killed someone. He's killed many people, just like your mom."

"No! That was you! It was your fault!"

Foyet shrugged. "Hey little Hotchner, this your dream. Your mind. I can see you're subconsciously trying to convince yourself that it wasn't daddy's fault. Are you sure about that?"

"Yes, you bastard!" Katie exclaimed, tears falling. "I AM! It was you! All you!"

"Katie? Katie, honey, wake up. It's just a dream."

She sat up quickly almost falling off the chair. Her heart was racing as she looked up to see her father standing there, concern in his eyes. "Dad... I..."

He pulled her into a hug, but she didn't return it. "You're shaking! Do you want to talk about it?"

"Just a bad dream is all," Katie lied, pulling away from him. She didn't want to admit that she needed help. She thought she had gotten over the worst of it, but she obviously hadn't. "I'm fine."

"Katie."

"Dad, I'm fine!" She exclaimed.

He frowned clearly not believing her, but he let it go. "Okay, but I'm here if you need to talk, okay?"

"Yeah."

She heard him sigh as he left the room and immediately felt bad. Their relationship was taking a downturn she knew. They hardly spoke and they rarely did anything together. It wasn't his fault. She knew he had a lot on his plate. Katie just wished she could talk to him without making him upset.

When they first talked about everything that happened, she was stunned and a little concerned at the emotions coming from her father. She had never seen him so upset. He was just torn apart at what happened. It was hard seeing your superhero fall to pieces right in front of you.

Katie shook her head then glanced at the papers and notebooks strewn across her desk. Instead of starting on her homework she got up and laid in her bed. She was on her side, and she could see a photo of her with her mom staring back at her. Squeezing her eyes shut, tears began to fall. Eventually she cried herself to sleep.

Hotch was worried about Katie. After he told her about what happened he thought they had gotten through the worst of it, but something just wasn't right with his daughter. She was not the same. She barely spoke to him. He felt terrible now that he really thought about it. He had been so focused on making sure things were good at work, he never spent the time thinking about how Katie was doing. Haley would be so disappointed in him. Especially since Katie was a lot like him.

Feeling like it couldn't wait any longer, Hotch knocked on her bedroom door. The lights were on, but she didn't answer. He quietly opened the door. "Katie?"

He glanced over to see her homework was still in a mess on her desk. Turning he saw she was curled up on her bed. She seemed to be shivering so he reached over for the blanket and covered her. Placing a kiss on her cheek he whispered that he loved her.

Hotch felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He turned off the light and left the room. He frowned when he saw it was the BAU. There was a knock at the door and Jessica entered. "Hi, joining us for dinner? "She smiled. "Thanks for the offer, but I have a date tonight."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, and that's all the details you're getting Mr. FBI Agent! Before I go, what is going on with Katie? Is she sick?"

Hotch took a deep breath. "I think she's suffering from depression. I can already tell she hasn't been sleeping well and she's starting to skip dinner."

Before Jessica could reply there was a loud thump from Katie's room. The two rushed to see what happened. Katie was standing by the bedroom door with a look of pain and confusion on her face. "What's going on?" She asked when realized the two adults were standing there.

"Are you okay?" Hotch asked.

"I ran into the door," she said with a chuckle. Suddenly the smile disappeared from her face. "You know it's your fault, right dad?"

He blinked. "What are you talking about?"

"Everything!" Katie exclaimed as she went to her desk and shoved all her books to the floor. "Just everything! You got mom killed! She won't be at my wedding! He told me it was because of you! That deep down I knew, and I just didn't want to admit it. Well, I'm admitting it now! I hate you! I hate you so much I can't..."

Katie trailed off as her knees gave out. Hotch caught her before she hit the floor. Her head lolled to the side, but she was still conscious. "Katie! Honey, answer me please!"

She looked up at him with a glazed expression. "My head hurts, and I don't want to be angry with you. I'm sorry, I know it wasn't your fault and I don't hate you."

Hotch glanced up at Jessica."

He carefully lifted Katie and laid her on the bed, sitting beside her. She snuggled close to him. "Katie, I'm the one who's sorry. I haven't been there for you"

Katie frowned but did not answer at first. Finally, she said, "I just... I had a horrible dream, Foyet was here, and he kept telling me it was your fault and I told him no repeatedly, but he would not listen to me. I couldn't... I..."

Katie began hyperventilating. "Sweetheart, you need to calm down," Hotch said. "It was just a dream. I know you don't hate me."

After a few minutes Hotch felt Katie finally relax and soon she was asleep. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He should not have let this get so far. He should have been there for her.

Hotch sat with Katie for another half hour before he carefully moved from underneath her. He covered his daughter with a blanket and, brushing the hair from her face, gave her a kiss.

He took several deep breaths then went out into the hall, that is when it hit him. Jessica was supposed to be on her date, and he missed a call from the BAU that he never returned. First, he glanced at his phone. No voicemail but JJ did text him a few times. He answered that he was dealing with some things at home, and he would be there in the morning.

"Jessica, I'm sorry.

"Don't worry, Aaron, it's okay," she replied. "I'm just meeting him a little later. That is if you're all okay?"

He shook his head. "We may not be okay for a while, but that doesn't mean you need to stay here. I just need to be here for Katie.

I may take off a few more weeks. I know I have the time, but Katie needs more help than I originally thought."

"Hey, don't blame yourself. She was surprisingly good at hiding it. She was just worried about upsetting you. And don't give me that "It doesn't matter if I am" because, to her, it does! Almost, if not more than it is bothering you when she's upset."

Hotch nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Jessica. For everything you've done for us."

"Aaron, I love you both just as much as I loved my sister. It's not just for her I'm doing this, okay?"

"Okay."

"Now I better get going! Don't want Mike to get the wrong idea."

He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "How serious is this? Do I need to do a background check?"

"Ha! You're so funny! No, you don't, but I'll let you know if I change my mind"

Hotch decided to just order pizza instead, he just didn't feel like cooking. He made sure to pick Katie's favorite toppings, though.