Chapter 10

Reid stood at the front of the room and wondered just what had possessed him to agree to this. Not even a month there and the Director had approached him the day after the dance to invite him to the cafe.

"The cafe?" Reid echoed uncertainly. "I do have time. Is something wrong?"

The Director waved a hand. "Not at all. I just want to suggest an idea to you and discuss it with you. How about I treat you to a coffee and we can talk?"

It wasn't long before they were both seated at a table under an umbrella and sipping at iced coffees. "So, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?"

"I have to say, Dr. Reid, that you are one of the more gifted individuals I've ordered brought in," the Director told him. "Even among the other gifted, you stand out."

Reid shrugged and looked down at the table. "I don't know about that."

"You should give yourself more credit," the Director assured him. "It's clear to me that you've been working very hard at settling in. I can see that you've been attending your classes and activities faithfully and you've been making an effort to mix with other residents. On the whole, I am very pleased with you."

Reid shrugged again, feeling uncomfortable. "I know from my work that a kidnapping victim who only sits and worries about his situation just makes it harder for himself. Adjusting to a new life is difficult enough."

The Director gave him a warm smile. "I'm pleased to hear you considering your situation in such a beneficial manner, Dr. Reid. Very, very pleased. Still, I have noticed that at times you seem to be having difficulties."

Reid's chest tightened. "What do you mean?"

"I always observe each of my new arrivals, and while there have been times when you seem to have settled in, there are other times when your voice is just a touch too loud, your movements too quick, and your smile a bit too wide. It's like you have a great deal of nervous energy that you're trying to expend, and I think often you're not even aware of it. You're still feeling nervous and agitated a great deal, aren't you?"

Reid took a sip of coffee to give himself time to think. "What will happen to me if I say yes?"

The Director gave him a fatherly smile and patted his hand, making Reid jump. "Nothing bad at all. I don't wish my residents to feel bad or to be miserable. What kind of caretaker would I be if I allowed that to happen? No, I asked you here today to talk to you and to offer a few options that might make things a little easier for you."

Reid's attention sat up and took notice. "How so?"

"There are a few options. The first is that I can request to have Dr. White set you up with a counselor. Talking about your situation and your feelings about it may help relieve them."

Reid thought about it. He'd sat down with a counselor before, but only a few times, and most often only when required to by the FBI. He wasn't sure about the impartiality of any counselor here, though. "Let me think about that one. You mentioned a few options? What else could we try in the meantime?"

The Director nodded as if he weren't surprised by Reid skirting the issue of a counselor. "Some more physical activity may help; you could burn off all that nervous energy, but I know that you do have some issues with coordination that make such things challenging for you."

Reid fought down a laugh and cleared his throat to cover it. "You're understating the case, actually." His yoga class that morning had been an embarrassment. "Any other options?"

"A round of relaxation," the Director continued. "You'd be going to the wellness center each day for some massages and other activities designed to induce relaxation."

A stranger putting their hands all over him? "Um...I'm not really comfortable with that idea. Please tell me there's another option."

"Teaching classes."

Reid's brain refused to process the Director's answer. "Classes?"

"You'd be putting that formidable brain of yours to work," the Director elaborated. "You'd be working on designing your instruction, planning your lectures, constructing projects for your students, and conducting your own research. You have PhDs in chemistry, mathematics, and engineering and bachelor's degrees in sociology, psychology, and philosophy. I know there are other subjects you could teach, as well. How does something like this sound?"

Reid stared at him. "You're serious? What about when I start working on projects? Would I still be able to teach?"

The Director considered Reid's question thoughtfully. "I think that could be arranged, as long as you agreed to enough leisure time so you're not overwhelmed. While the mind thrives on stimulation, too much can be detrimental, as I'm sure you're aware. What do you think?"

Reid thought about it. It sounded...well, fun! He enjoyed teaching the occasional class when one of the nearby universities invited him and he thrived on the intellectual challenge of designing and planning courses, so this sounded ideal. "Are you sure?"

"Of course," the Director assured him. "How soon would you like to start teaching? I can make arrangements for you."

Ideas rushed through Reid's mind. "If I started teaching next week, do I still have to go to the rest of my activities this week?"

"I'm afraid that's still required of you, Dr. Reid, and you'll still need to sign up for a few next week."

Reid sighed. "Oh, well. Can't have everything, I suppose."

The Director gave Reid a warm smile but didn't say anything.

"I'd love to teach," Reid said at last, thinking about a mathematics course that he'd like to start with. He had a strong feeling Mara would sign up for it once she heard about it.

The Director's smile widened and he positively beamed at Reid. "Wonderful! I'll make the arrangements and then send you word about when and where and so forth. Think about the course you'd like to teach and then send me a message outlining it and you'll be able to teach next week."

That was how Reid had come to be standing in this lecture hall in the arts center. Reid's class had been listed in the campus newsletter the very next day and he'd gotten his class roster that morning. Mara, of course, had signed up to take the three week course, and to Reid's surprise, James had signed up as well. He hadn't struck Reid as a math person, but he supposed people had hidden depths. Reid hadn't recognized any other names on the roster, but he was looking forward to getting to know them, once he got over his case of first-class nerves. No matter how often he taught a class, he always felt a little nervous beforehand.

Mara was the first to arrive, rushing in the door and struggling to pull a notebook out of her bag at the same time. "Hi, Reid!" she said happily, waving as she practically skipped to a seat in the front row.

"Hi," Reid said, trying his best to hide how amused he was at her enthusiasm. "Having trouble with your bag?"

She dropped into a seat with a sigh. "Always. I shouldn't buy spiral-bound notebooks since they always get stuck on the stupid zipper, but I never remember that until I'm wrestling the notebook out of my bag."

"How about I remind you?" Reid suggested. "If I see you with another spiral-bound notebook, I'll remind you to buy something different."

"Deal!" Mara said brightly, then she looked at the board. "So, what's Holistic Mathematics?"

Reid grinned. "Well, it's mathematics taught from a conceptual perspective and it takes into account historical figures and their discoveries and the historical milieu of the time. I think you'll like it. Remember how excited you were when we covered Euler and Gauss?"

She bounced in her seat. "Oh, I can't wait! What's taking everybody so long to get here?"

Other students started trickling in then, and Reid took their names as they arrived. The only person that hadn't shown up had been James. Reid waited a few minutes for him, just in case, but finally he started the course. "Good afternoon, everyone. I am Dr. Spencer Reid, and this is Holistic Mathematics. Thank you for being here. In this class, we're going to be studying mathematics as it relates to history and the prevailing philosophical thought of the time, and we'll be covering primes, combinatorics, infinity, and…"

The door banged open, startling all of them, and Reid got a shock when he saw Bell wrestling James into the room. For a moment, he just stared, then his teacher brain kicked in. "Excuse me, but what is going on here?"

"Sorry to interrupt," Bell panted once he'd wrestled James into a chair. "Mr. Norwood here was being difficult about being where he was supposed to be."

James surged to his feet and shoved Bell away from him. "We're not going through that again! I told you that you can bring me here, you can keep me on a short leash, but you can't make me settle in and join in activities as if nothing's the matter!"

"I can always go to the Director and tell him that you're being violent," Bell threatened, and Spencer saw a few of his fellow residents pale.

Reid got between them. "I'm sure that won't be necessary," he said quickly. "You've gotten him here and since this is where he's supposed to be, then there's no problem, right? Could we get started with the class, please?"

Bell gave one final glare to James, but he nodded and moved to stand in the back of the room. James dropped into his seat, and Reid returned to the front of the room.

"Okay, as I was saying, we're going to cover primes, combinatorics, infinity, topology, and other major concepts in mathematics." Reid turned to the whiteboard and picked up a marker to start writing. "Our first concept is primes. Primes are the fundamental building blocks of mathematics and there are an infinite number of primes. The fundamental theorem of arithmetic states that each whole number can be broken down uniquely into a product of primes. The concept of a 'number' actually predates written language, and numbers and primes have been known to humanity for the past 20,000 years. Now, when you study primes, you must keep in mind that they are infinite. The largest prime number ever found consisted of…"

While Reid taught and wrote notes on the board, he kept an eye on his learners. Mara was watching him intently and jotting down notes in her notebook and James was sitting in his seat, doodling in a notebook of his own. Bell was still hovering in the back of the room, and the others were studiously ignoring him. To say that the atmosphere in the room was tense would be an understatement. Bell's threat hung heavy in the air and Reid hoped sincerely that no one was going to be punished for James's outburst.

An hour and a half later and Spencer wrapped the class up, providing some handouts to his students as they headed out the door. Mara hung back for a question and Spencer was just packing his bag when he realized that James was still in his seat and watching him.

"I hope you weren't too bored," Spencer said, sensing that James wanted to talk to him.

"Nah, you're a pretty good speaker," James told him. "What you were talking about is interesting, too. I never went to college, so hearing a lecture like that was a new experience for me. I just went straight into the police academy."

"I bet you learned some interesting stuff there," Reid said, thinking of Derek's stories about being in the police. "My coworker was with the police before joining the BAU and it was always great to hear him talk about it."

James left his seat and moved to where Reid was standing. "I was wondering if I could get your professional opinion as a profiler." His voice was low enough that Reid was sure Bell couldn't hear it from where he was watching.

"With what?"

James pulled out a folded paper from his pocket and unfolded it. "The Director gave me my new schedule this morning at breakfast. Practically everything I've been signed up for is academic, and the two activities that aren't academic in nature are designed to preserve my physical and mental health. I didn't choose any of these activities, and I was wondering if you could take a guess as to why the Director would do this."

Reid examined the schedule. James was signed up for Spencer's course, a course on the Age of Reason, English Literature of the 19th Century, Essay and Broadside Writing, Botany of Central America, Singlestick, and Mindfulness. Broadly, the classes could fall into categories like mathematics, history, literature, writing, science, physical education, and health. His brain rushed to the answer almost right away, but his conscious mind refused to take it in for a moment. "It looks like...hmmm."

"What?"

"It looks like the Director is trying to educate you."

Reid had never seen anyone look so confused in his life. "Why?"

"That, I couldn't tell you," Reid admitted. "While the curriculum is advanced, it covers all the major subject areas in a traditional curriculum. Just what his purpose was in signing you up for this could be anyone's guess."

Bell left his post at the back of the room and started toward them. "Sorry to break up the re-cap session, gentlemen, but Mr. Norwood's going to be late for his next class if he doesn't get a move on."

Reid glanced at Bell and checked his watch. "Ah, I'm going to be late, too. Would you like to meet me for a game of chess later? Say, around 4:30 at the Green?"

"Sounds great; you can teach me how to play," James said, grabbing his bag. "See you then."

Reid grabbed his own bag and headed into the hall and toward the other end of the building. This week, in addition to teaching a mathematics class, he was taking a class on papermaking and bookbinding, and another class on woodworking. He'd done a short, two-hour class on bookbinding his first week, but he wanted to do more. He'd enjoyed making his wooden wall art map and he found himself signing up for another class with Hector strictly on woodworking, and he was looking forward to it. The following week Wendy was going to be teaching a class on calligraphy and he had already signed up for that.

Reid's feet came to a halt suddenly as panic built in his chest. What the hell was wrong with him? Here he was, a kidnap victim and a prisoner, and he was looking forward to taking part in the activities that his kidnapper had arranged to distract him from his situation. A feeling of unreality settled on him then, constricting his chest and making his breathing shallow and quick. Feeling as if he couldn't get any air, Spencer rushed outside and crouched on the lawn, shaking and fighting to get a deep breath.

His mind seemed to take a step back from the world then, and he had vague images of one of the staff finding him and trying to get him to answer him, then he was sitting inside a car, and then there was a mishmash of sights and sounds that indicated he was in the wellness center. He came back to himself, lying down in a bed in a dim, comfortable room. He felt as if he'd been flattened by a steamroller. He shifted in the bed and then sat up, pushing the light blanket off of him. When had he arrived there? More importantly, who had undressed him and put him to bed?

A knock on the door startled him, and he put a hand on his chest to calm himself. "Come in."

A nurse peeked in at him and then grinned, striding in when he saw that Spencer was sitting up. "Hey, there," he said, coming over to stand by the bed. "Feeling better?"

"I think so," Reid said uncertainly as the nurse pushed a button to raise the back of the bed for him. "What happened?"

"Dr. White says that it was a panic attack, but he'll be in in a few minutes to talk to you about it. Is it okay if I take your vitals?"

Reid nodded and the nurse took a sphygmomanometer off the wall and a stethoscope from around his neck. "I must say, you look a lot better than you did when you were brought in."

Reid stayed quiet while his blood pressure was being taken and then spoke once the cuff was taken off his arm. "I still have no idea what happened. One second I was in the arts center and then the next, I was here. When did I go to bed?"

"An orderly and I put you to bed when Dr. White said that you needed to rest and relax, and you couldn't do that fully dressed." He looked at Reid and gave him a teasing grin. "What, did you think some hot lady nurse undressed you?"

"I was kind of worried about that, actually," Reid confessed. He checked the nurse's ID. "How long have you worked here, Nathaniel?"

"Just Nate," the nurse told him. "Two years, and it's been the best job I've ever had. The perks are incredible."

"I bet," Reid said flatly. "You do know, don't you, that all the residents are kidnapping victims?"

Nate glanced at him and then away. "Yes, I was told that when I signed on."

"And you're okay with that?"

Nate glanced at him again and took his pulse. "I was told that there's always a good reason why anyone's here. I'd suggest that you think about yours, and then think about what others' reasons might be. Not just residents, I mean." Nate jotted down Reid's pulse and took his temperature before jotting that down as well. He slipped the sheet into a manila folder, placed it in a holder on Reid's door, and left, closing the door behind him.

Reid thought about it. What had Nate been implying? Good reasons for being there. Okay. He was pretty sure that meant that...what? His tired brain was refusing to cooperate. Sighing, he dropped back into the pillows and pulled the blankets up to his chin. He must have fallen into a doze because he jerked awake when he sensed someone nearby.

"Ah, you're with us," Dr. White said, giving Reid a warm smile. "How do you feel, Dr. Reid?"

"Like I want to go back to sleep," Reid said truthfully. "Why am I so tired?"

"A panic attack like you experienced can leave you feeling exhausted," Dr. White explained, giving Spencer's knee a pat. "Can you tell me what happened or what you were doing just before you started feeling strange?"

How could he explain? Before he could stop it, his mouth betrayed him. "You'll probably report it to the Director."

Dr. White nodded. "Is that why you're reluctant to share it with me?"

"I don't want him to know. I wasn't breaking any rules; I can promise you that, but I don't want him to know, all the same."

"So, it was something you were thinking about?" Dr. White pulled a chair over next to Reid's bed and sat down. "If you're following established patterns of behavior, then ten to one you were thinking about your activities and you remembered the exact parameters of your situation and then became overwhelmed. Does that sound about right?"

Reid stared at him as if the man had just pulled a rabbit out of his ear.

"Thought so," Dr. White said, making a note in Reid's chart. "Like I said, there are patterns of behavior we can expect. Most patients I've seen break down long before you have, which says something for your mental fortitude, but inevitably, everyone who's brought here goes through this."

"Oddly enough, that doesn't make me feel better," Reid said flatly. "What happens now?"

"Generally, I keep such patients overnight and keep an eye on you to make sure you're all right. What you need most right now is rest," Dr. White told him. "However, if you feel well enough and if you agree to spend tomorrow resting in your quarters, I can release you."

Reid thought about it. He was not a fan of hospitals in any way, shape, or form, but the idea of getting out of that bed and making his way all the way to Beech seemed a bit daunting. "Would I be walking or biking back?"

"A car would take you."

That decided him. "I'd feel better in my room, I think."

"All right," Dr. White agreed. "I'll arrange for a car to pick you up in an hour and take you back. Until then, you rest here. When you feel up to it, go ahead and dress; your clothes are in the cupboard in the corner."

"What about meals?" Reid asked, doubting he'd be hungry, but he wanted to make sure all the same. "They're mandatory, aren't they?"

"I'll inform the dining hall and the Director so he's not wondering where you are. How's that?"

Reid nodded. "That's fine. Can I close my eyes now?"

"If you fall asleep, I'll keep you here overnight," Dr. White cautioned. "I wasn't joking when I said you needed to rest. Falling asleep immediately after something like this is not a good sign. It's in no way dangerous, but it's not a good sign."

Reid nodded. "I won't. I just want to rest for a few minutes."

Dr. White rose from his chair and moved it back to where he'd gotten it. "All right. I'll be back in an hour for you."

Reid settled back in the bed and wrapped up in the blanket like a caterpillar. There was something about wrapping up in a knitted blanket when you were feeling bad that was just comforting. He let his mind drift for a few minutes and almost fell back into a doze when he made himself get up and dress. He really wanted to get back to his room and crawl into his bed and not think for a while. He moved to the chair that Dr. White had vacated and was ready to go when Dr. White came for him. "Any better?"

"Some better," Reid said, standing up and stretching. "I can promise I'll stay in Beech tomorrow; I feel ready to do nothing more than relax and take it easy."

"That's exactly what I expect you to do. Nate has a wheelchair for you, he'll wheel you down to the doors and then you'll be driven to Beech. I'll expect you back in three days for a follow-up at my office, all right? The day after tomorrow, you'll be clear for moderate activity and a great deal of relaxing; I'll set it up with the Director. I'll see you soon."

Reid thanked him just as Nate showed up with the chair, and Reid was quiet all through check-out and the drive back to Beech. Keller had been his driver and he went inside Beech with Reid and saw him to his room and he didn't leave until Reid had curled up on his bed.

"Hey, kid?"

Reid looked up at Keller. "What?"

"I have to say, a lot of people like you, me included. A lot of residents try to take a bit of revenge on us once they're here, but you haven't. I appreciate that. Hope you feel better soon."

Reid hadn't thought that Keller had the depth of feeling for something like this, but once again, Reid was encountering a person with hidden depths. "Thanks."

"Anything I can get you?"

Reid looked to the bookshelves. "The Mysterious Island. And Gulliver's Travels. I feel like reading some adventure stories."

Keller fetched the books for him and Reid was deep in the story of Cyrus Smith and his fellow castaways when someone knocked on his door. "Come in."

The door opened to reveal the Director. "Dr. White told me you had a bad turn."

"I suppose," Reid said, sitting up and leaning against the headboard of his bed. "He said that usually happens with residents."

"Unfortunately, yes," the Director admitted. "Often, I think to myself that if I can keep them amused and pleasantly busy it won't happen, but it almost always does."

"If you know it happens, why do you kidnap people, then?" Reid snapped.

The Director held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I didn't come here to argue with you, Dr. Reid. I stopped by to let you know that arrangements have been made for meals to be brought to your room for you, and your friends will be allowed to visit you tomorrow, if you like. Now, it's your day to send a letter to your mother; did you want to write one today and have me send it, or did you want to wait a few days?"

Reid shook his head. "No, I'll write one today," he said quickly.

The Director nodded. "All right. Give it to the staff member who comes to take your dinner tray away and I'll see that it gets to her. I hope you're feeling better soon, Dr. Reid."

With that, the Director left. Reid waited until he was sure he was really gone before getting up and rifling in his backpack. He pulled out a pen, some paper, and an envelope, took a seat at the table, and started to write.

A/N: As you can see, the plot bunny still has me grasped in its diabolical fluffy paws. Ransom is now off the table and I am doomed to be writing for the foreseeable future. Someone send a care package via the sympathetic carrier pigeon, if you see him.