Title: Salutarem Via
Summary: After an international mission comes into light, Reid has to face the fact that his team will now need to know one of his biggest secrets: his life way from the BAU.
A/N: I am back with another chapter. Before we go into the drama of Reid's life, I just wanted to express my gratitude to all of those that have favorited, followed, and reviewed this story this far. You do not know how wonderful it feels to see that type of notification. It really makes my day, so keep them coming. Let's hope that I can keep up with all you awesome readers.
Also, this is a reminder that I don't have a beta. I would greatly appreciate it if you'd tell me where I have mistakes if you catch them. I try to edit as much as I can, but I am doing this by myself so I will miss things. I am sorry if that kind of thing annoys you. I understand entirely.
Again, I apologize for the lack of frequent updates. College is really kicking my ass this semester. Don't let that discourage you from reading. I will not give up on this story that easily. This is the longest chapter I have ever written almost reaching ten pages. The next one is shorter and should be out sooner. Fingers crossed.
Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds or its characters. If I did, Reid would be the focus in a lot more episodes and we would most definitely know more about Hotch's childhood or just in general. I really like Hotch.
Chapter Two: The Magic of Hope
"Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there's no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic."-Laini Taylor
Something about the last couple days seemed to be dream-like and surreal. Reid knew that all he could do was wait. He hoped that the lack of responses from the others meant that they were in hiding or at least hyper-vigilant. Still, his constant thoughts about his predicament started to take a toll on him. He slept less than usual which was not much in the beginning. When he could shut off his brain and doze off, he would be awaken by any slight noise or he would jump awake from his nightmares.
No, sleep was no longer part of his routine.
Coffee went from being an addiction to a lifeline. He could not stay up and became easily distracted. Caffeine kept him functioning during cases, but his super brain left much to be desired. Not working to its full potential, Reid had been having trouble with the tasks Hotch assigned him in comparison to himself. Most individuals did not work at the speed Reid's brain could on a regular basis. Only Reid noticed that he was not completely keep up with the rest of them most of the time, as he was never fully present during cases. His mind wandered away concentrating on Addie and the others.
Everyone sat quietly with Reid in the corner of the jet by himself. Hotch busied himself with paperwork while everyone else gathered together to talk to one another. No one really wanted to break the silence until JJ broached the sensitive subject, "I know we are all thinking this, so...has anyone noticed something weird about Reid?"
All of them did not notice that there was something off about Reid. In fact, most of them did not notice anything wrong at all except for Rossi. He was trying to profile him to get some sort of reassurance that the youngest member was actually fine. The problem with that was Rossi never could get an accurate read on the genius. Reid was too different, too unusual, too extraordinary. He did not fit into a perfectly kept box like most individuals did. Yes, humanity was complex and should not be limited to categories, but in all honesty, most people could be squeezed into those boxes without much of a fight.
Reid was not one of those people and for the last six, almost seven years Rossi had wondered why he had been the only one to realize how complicated Reid actually was. The team thought they had him profiled, but ever since Reid told him about Tobias Hankel, Rossi knew better.
Morgan shook his head and replied, "Nah, I think Pretty Boy just stayed up all night solving some impossibly hard math problem or maybe he was watching a weird foreign science fiction movie keeping track of all the mistakes. Seriously, JJ, you are reading too much into this. I'm sure of it."
Glover agreed chiming in, "I may not know Reid as well as you do, but I have to agree with Morgan. He seems like the type of guy that can just get so wrapped into what he's doing that time kind of gets away from him."
JJ's worry did not simply melt away. With on final glance at Reid, she nodded her head quickly jumping on board though not completely convinced, "Yeah, you, guys, are probably right."
Reid separated himself from the group on purpose needing to know what they have on him, what they thought about him. He effortlessly read their lips from the angel he positioned himself. A part of him resented how easily they could dismiss his behavior, yet he knew that it was better for his team that way. Everything he did was a well calculated action from deciding when to show more skill and competence to knowing when to pull back and become that frightened young agent that he used to be. He worked harder then anyone gave him credit, and he was extremely good at his job. An expert liar and manipulator, Reid used his profiler skills on his team in every dangerous circumstances. He drove most situations without anyone realizing what he was doing, and he preferred to keep it that way if possible. He knew the odds were against it. But...
If they did not confront him, he did not have to decide between keeping them safely oblivious to the whole situation or endangering them for his own sanity by telling them the entire truth. As he profiled them, Reid felt a pang of apprehension from Rossi's expression. He had to be more careful to throw him off his game. Rossi was a liability that Reid could not afford.
He returned to the papers in his hands. Hidden by the FBI folder, Reid was going over his notes about his ops mission from four years ago. He compared his knowledge with the information he uncovered while he used Garcia's system. New information presented itself a few years after he reinstated himself to the BAU. He just wished that was enough to have stopped all of this from happening.
Suddenly, he felt someone's stare on his person. He knew that it was impossible for them to be on this plane, yet his heartbeat still started to rise and his breathing hitched. He moved his eyes to meet theirs.
Hotch's glare intensified with Reid meeting his eyes. It sent shivers down his spine. Hotch knew more than he was letting on...he has always known more.
Reid acknowledged that part of the game years ago. Hotch was a smarted profiler then all of them, sometimes even Rossi. He also knew that he would truly never do anything with the information unless circumstances forced his hand. Reid appreciated his lack of involvement, yet as Hotch stared at him now Reid's mind calculated all the possible outcomes: one being that Hotch would interfere out of worry and curiosity and he would die because of his ignorance leaving Jack without a father and mother. Both killed by vile individuals with a superiority complex.
Reid quickly broke the stare not being able to meet Hotch in the eye any longer. Loyal and caring Aaron Hotchner who would do anything and everything for his team, and Reid lied to him probably every step of the way since he met him, especially recently.
The pilot announced their arrival. With a soft smooth landing, Reid packed his things rapidly. He needed to speak with the director as soon as possible. Stealing a final glance to his team, Reid was the first to step outside the jet and into the building not waiting for anyone else like he usually did.
In the bullpen, Reid relaxed slightly. He did not deserve anyone's love and loyalty especially not from this team or any of his pervious teams. The only person he has proven to be honest with has been Maeve, and what did that get her...killed by a psychopath. And Addie...smart, dedicated, Addie. Her life was on the line just as much as his and Manny's and the Samuel Twins'. If things kept going like this, they would all be dead in a few weeks time. Killed by a psychopath just like Maeve. But he could not think like that for right now. That happening to anyone else he cared about was not a possibility he would entertain. It caused him to much pain and it disorganized his thought process. He needed a clear head, if everyone left was to live.
Laughter irrupted from behind him, he swallowed the hurt in his chest and turned around. Masking his secret perfectly, Reid inserted himself in the conversation, "What's up?"
Morgan snorted, "Hey, man, you completely missed it. Glover, here, tripped and the way he landed...funniest thing I have seen in a while."
JJ's giggle and Rossi's chuckle could be heard mingling with Glover's grunting and Hotch's dignified smile (as close to a laugh Hotch does these days). Reid gave them a grin, "Sorry, I missed it."
His smile held a honesty that he had not presented itself in a long time. He was glad his team had time for laughter and joy and love. His heart thumbed in discontentment with his inability to just enjoy life that way before his death unless he saves them. He hoped he could save them.
Morgan calmed down and said, "I have to go. Savannah's waiting. See you guys later."
JJ and Glover mimicked Morgan's goodbye as they both had families at home anticipating their return. Rossi and Hotch walked to their offices stayed only for about ten minutes before both of them stalked out of them: Rossi toward the elevator and Hotch toward Reid.
Giving Hotch a final nod, Rossi opened the glass door and left them behind in the dimly lit room. As Hotch looked at him, Reid sighed softly with his eyes closed in frustration. He waited for his boss to broach the subject.
Seriousness covered his face and poured out in his voice, "Reid, you want to tell me what's wrong or am I going to have to pull it out of you?"
Weighing his options, Reid spoke out deciding that a lie would be better than the truth at least for now, "I...I...um...I'm having some pain trouble, but I should be fine. My doctor says I should be fine in time."
Hotch's faces seemed to both contract with worry and relax at Reid's revelation, "You could take some sort of medication for the pain, Reid. No one expects you to suffer needlessly..."
Interrupting him, Reid said, "I know that none of you expect me to, but I can't Hotch. I really can't go there. My doctor says it should only last a couple more weeks tops. I can make it through a couple more weeks. I am sorry that my work has suffered because of this. I promise I won't let it slip again."
Hotch frustrated with the situation murmured, "It is not your job that I am worried about, Spencer. You still run circles around us in a bad day for you and we are at our best. I am worried about your health, about you. Take some time off and focus on yourself. Get better. That's an order. Understood?" Reid nodded and Hotch continued, "Good. Now, I am going to my office and when I come back in about twenty minutes or so I do not want to see you here doing work."
"Yes, sir."
Reid watched his boss walk toward his office. Guilt settled in his stomach churning away. Nauseated by his actions, Reid thought it best to march on up to see the director now. He hoped what he was doing was enough to save them all.
He automatically traced the message back to its origin. He became paranoid thanks to his line of work, isolated himself from society as much as he could. When he realized how fruitless that was for someone like him, he vowed to never to return to espionage game. He waved goodbye to his pervious life that included his brother and turned to walk away forever. He did not glance back even once.
His goodbye was indeed definite until now.
Two words flipped his life upside down (or right side up depending on you view). There in the message were the last two words he ever yearned to see...Saving Path. God, he had the worst luck.
The message was untraceable meaning two things: it was legitimately from Reid or they had gotten much smarter since the last time. He put his money on the former which means his brother received one as well.
Pulling out the phone that was always off, he powered it up. He had a phone call to make directly to his brother. Waiting for it to be on fully, he formulated the conversation he wanted to have with him. As the light on the screen brightened, he sighed and began to dial the rarely used number, rarely used but never forgotten.
He waited only for one single ring. His brother did not even answer the call with a proper greeting, "Hey, Quinn, you got the message too. Is it real? Is it really Reid giving the warning?"
Quinn inhaled his words contemplating them more deeply before releasing them, "I do think it's real, Coby. I have to think it's true, because saying the opposite means that they are not only winning but that they have won. They can't win, so...yeah, it's really Reid. They really are coming. They really are watching."
Coby's breathing quickened with his heartbeat, "Guess, you were right. Should have gone into the nether sphere with you. They probably don't have a clue where you are."
Quinn shook his head adding, "They will now. I called you. I have compromised my position. Not that it matters. I was headed back to civilization so enough. I just wanted to call you first."
Coby rapidly mentioned, "You still have time to hang up. Ten minutes was the time interval they had last time and we left them destitute. What are the chances that there equipment has proved that much in the last few years. You can still be safe."
Quinn's next word chilled Coby thoroughly, "No. Not one of us is safe. I'm coming back just for that reason. No one is safe as long as they are out there us least of all."
Saying their goodbyes, both brothers hung up and replied to the message. After making sure that the message would not be discovered by anyone but Reid, Quinn rummaged through one of his desk drawers. With some determination, he wrapped his fingers around the desired object. Shiny reflecting the desk lamp's light, a card marked with his name: Quinlan Samuels Central Intelligence Agency: Langley. He imagined his brother's name over his...Jacoby Samuels Central Intelligence Agency: Langley.
They were identical twins, identical genius twins. Of course, they ended up working for the government and now they were on the run fighting for survival. Luckily for them, the whole team contained geniuses of some sort or another. All of their lives were on the line, and not one of them was going down without a fight.
He wondered who was still left alive out there. Adelaide's face flashed through his mind. Her beautiful green eyes filled with intelligence. Manuela's face followed. Her strong jaw and crooked nose warned off all danger. Schneider's old face passed his mind portraying exactly what a life in government work could do to you. Keller's face emerged with a smile on it. The way it would have been before the tragedy that broke them apart. He defied all stereotypes of someone in his profession, if only life had allowed him to stay that way. Then, there was Reid. Tall, and skinny, with a face so pretty, people confused him for a girl. His mind was certainly the sharpest of any person that he has ever encountered.
They all needed to be alive, because for every single death meant a victory for the opponent.
Looking at his ID, Quinn hoped that they could put a stop to this...that they could be the heroes they ventured out to be when they started. He hoped they were enough.
Hundreds of miles away, Coby looked at an identical card hoping for the very same thing.
Addie holds a quiet disdain for her office. Many of her colleagues kept theirs neat and crisp with awards, diplomas, and commendations hanging from the walls ready to attack everyone who enters with their impressive nature. She kept hers in a rather similar manner despite her hatred for the impersonal look of it. She knew people found it difficult to take her seriously in her position. She was a young and beautiful, but most of all she was a woman. Everything someone in this field should not be, so she followed office decorating protocol.
Her extensive collection of diplomas showcased her genius, and her medals on the shelves introduced her as someone with the capabilities of fighting with the best of them.
Her name was usually enough to get her through any door, nowadays. People found her intimating and scary. She made enough friends in every branch of government work that she pulled most of the strings without anyone really knowing it was she who made the decisions. The Attorney General of the United States was on her speed dial and the President considered her a personal friend of his.
She collected favors from powerful people and she reaped the rewards of it, not that it took much. Her father was a well-respected military man with quite the mathematical talent. A code breaker for the army, he still won awards for his services to this day. Her mother worked for the PR team for a former presidential administration befriending the family in the process. (She still gets birthday cards from the daughter). Before that gig, she was a big-time lawyer. Now, both her parents are retired and proud of their successful children.
Her older sister, Eloise, was a well-respected doctor who was considered the best surgeon in her field and already in medical books, a great compliment seeing as she just enter her forties. She just recently accepted a job in a government funded research lab. Her specialty was neurology and was studying the effects of drugs on the brain and consequently the effects it had on their learning ability. Her older brother, Dashiell, worked for the military designing weapons for a few years before accepting a prestigious tenured job at California Institute of Technology for both teaching the young and bright and doing research in robotic technology. They were a gifted family to say the least, all of them geniuses under the government's radar.
Addie made mental note to call her sister about possible medication for Reid's neck. Can't have him be in constant pain. She also needed to call her brother about a suspicious bombing not that long ago. He may have first hand knowledge about the bomb used.
But first thing's first...
She picked up her phone and dialed a number. As it rang, Adelaide prepared her speech in her head. She had to be firm and in control. No, second guessing herself.
The man answered his phone on the second ring, "Hello, Dr. Lancaster."
A smile crept on her stone face, "Robert, how are you doing this fine evening?"
She heard a gulp from the other side and a nervous response, "I am well. I hope you are too...well that is. I hope you are well and that you are having a splendid evening. "
Her voice transformed into a sickeningly sweet tone, "I will be well and the evening will be splendid after you do something for me. That is if you can?"
The hesitation on Robert's behave was obvious, but she knew he would give in to her, "Yes, of course. What do you need done?"
She straightened up in her chair and her voice was calculated and all business once again, "One of your agents will come to talk to you today about urgent business. He will ask you for something he needs, and you will give it to him. Whatever he asks, however impractically it may be for someone of his ranking, you will give it to him."
"Why would I do that? What is it for anyway?"
Addie sighed, "You do not need to know why or what. That is classified information that only a selected few individuals have the privilege and clearance to know. All you have to know is that he will come and you will do it. Is that clear?" She emphasized the word clearance to help get her point across. Despite Robert Blackwell's position in the government, he did not have the intelligence, ability, or connections to know the full story. He must be made well aware of exactly with who he was dealing.
"Yes, it is, but how am I to know what agent you are..."
Annoyed by his questions, Addie interrupted him, "You know who I am and what I do. You know the type of people with I am associated. Now, you are the director of the FBI. You know the type of agents you have, and which ones of your agents would be useful to me and my line of work. I have full confidence that you are intelligent enough to figure out which one of the few agents brave enough to come into your office will be the agent I am speaking about to you."
Silence echoed on both sides: Blackwell too scared to speak and Addie simply waiting patiently for him to find his bearings.
Nothing but silence from the other end, so she finished their call, "I am a very busy woman, so I must end this very delightful phone call. I hope you know that your cooperation is very much appreciated. Goodbye, Robert."
Hanging up, she called out, "Hey, Susana. I have another assignment for you, but before that I need you to get a hold of Javier Ortiz. It is extremely important. Also, I need to you to call someone about a specific type of flower..."
Susana nodded noting every single detail of her boss's request. She was not going to mess this up because one good recommendation from Dr. Adelaide Lancaster guaranteed a job anywhere she wanted and she wanted ops. Lancaster had a reputation for hand picking teams, and Susana wanted to make sure her name was on the top of the list, "Got it. I am assuming this is off the book. No record."
Adelaide memorized the eagerness the younger woman had and sighed, "Yes. Keep it discreet. I do not want anyone knowing about this. Understood."
"Yes, ma'am. No one will know." Turning around after she started to walk away, she proclaimed, "I will send in Ortiz as soon as I locate him."
Ten minutes later, Javier sat directly in front of her. His stoic face foretold nothing. He merely listened to her commands, and like a good little soldier he obeyed them without complaint. Javier was more than aware of Addie's predicament and he cared for her enough to do all that he could to ease some of the pain, some of the worry, some of the lingering sense of disaster. He ran his eyes down her contradicting face: filled with emotion and still not giving anything away.
Javier stood up telling her, "I will do everything I can, Adelaide. I promise."
She acknowledge his loyalty with a gentle smile playing on her face but not escaping captivity, "I know you will, Javi. I know you will. Thank you."
He walked out of her office shutting her door with determination to complete what she had asked so hesitantly yet so firmly in the only she could.
Her heart hammered on her chest steadily. She slowly exhaled trying to relax her tense body. Everything had to go perfectly for everyone's sake. She cannot dress for another funeral that was not her own, and if they had their way she would be buried six feet under in the next couple of weeks.
Before her unavoidable demise, she would ensure that no one else will die. She just hoped that she warned Reid in time to keep him out of the crosshairs. He would save everyone. He always did. He was like magic that way.
Reid knocked on his office door with fear settled in his rather troubled stomach. He knew there was no logical basis for his fear. He had the clearance to ask for his request, but he never did enjoying being in this part of the building: one of the many reasons why he never took any of the promotions that swung in his direction. The only time he accepted an offer led him to the situation in which he currently finds himself.
"You may come in."
With the permission to enter, Reid carefully opened the door. He ambled toward a chair and parked himself in a comfortable position. He confidently addressed the man before him, "Hello, Director Blackwell. How have you been since the last time I was in this office."
Blackwell stilled. He should have known Reid would be the agent Dr. Lancaster spoke of when she mentioned it was classified. He was the one that allowed Reid to consult with other agencies using him to gain more status around his colleagues. He had a genius under his command, one of the smartest people on the planet. How could he not brag?
"Agent Reid, I have been well. Thank you for asking. Now, I know you are a busy man, so let's get right to the chase. What can I do for you?"
Reid leaned back in his seat contemplating how to approach his desired target deciding that being candid and forthright was the best option, "I need you to set up an office for me with untraceable computers. I need it to be secure and locked. I need to be the only one with keys excluding yourself of course. Most importantly I need you not to ask me why and for you to keep this to yourself."
Blackwell listened fully aware of what he was going to say. Nodding his head, he planned how he was going to execute Reid's demands. With a fully formed plan in his mind, Blackwell told Reid, "I can easily do this. Agent McCurdy retired three weeks ago and his office is still unoccupied. Seeing as he was a technical analyst, his office has plenty of up-to-date computer systems. I will have someone double their security as soon as possible."
Reid gave him a hard look. He knew this cooperation from him was too easy, but Reid could not afford to be skeptical. He accepted with grace and gratitude, "Thank you, sir."
Looking him right in the eye, Blackwell asked, "Anything else?"
Pushing his luck, Reid held his gaze and replied, "Yes. I need this office space by tomorrow, if that is not too much to ask of you, sir."
His stare intensified wanting to deny his request and defend his title. Blackwell begrudgingly agreed, "Yes, of course, Agent Reid."
Standing up, Reid thanked him for his help, bid him a good night, and shut the door behind him. He let a big breath of relief. Everything went well just like he had hoped. Now, all that was left was hoping that he had not missed the team's message.
He raddled the knob keeping watch to make sure no one noticed him breaking and entering. He recognized that the young doctor was not a social but was at least well liked within his building. If someone saw him, they would defend the place and that was the last thing he needed.
Bingo! The door swung open revealing the comforts of a rarely used apartment. It held dusty shelves and old books. The kitchen strongly smelled of an odd mixture of Chinese take-out and coffee, yet the odor had a homey touch welcoming him to enter.
He swept the premise for anything out of the ordinary. When he found nothing, he crept to the coffee table in the middle of the living room lovingly placing one single flower front and center. Satisfied with his handy work, he slipped out the door and into the city noise without anyone acknowledging his presence.
She saw it, but she could not bring herself to believe it.
He found her, and he wanted to know about their safety, her safety. She knew that her behavior was childish, but she always admired him. He was smart, kind, sweet. The fact that he had good looks did not help minimize her undesired crush.
Now, back to reality, he sent a very direct message to her, a warning of some sort. She knew that this would come back to haunt them, yet she planted it deep in the darkness of her memory. They were coming for them, picking at them one by one.
She knew of Keller's death for he was stationed here in London when he disappeared. They crossed paths once or twice since the mission, but nothing meaningful happened. He had turned cold and distant. Not that she blamed him. Her thoughts carried her away and right to the pictures of her team. Schneider's papa bear look kept them centered. The Samuel twins kept things entertaining by switching places and playing jokes. Their caramel-colored hair flopped as they laughter not just with their mouth but their whole body. Adelaide's graceful confidence led them into battle more than just prepared but self-assured and certain of the team's ability to come together. Reid, well, Reid created the prefect plans with mathematical proofs to back up every claim. He kept them logical and always thinking.
She grabbed her ID from her pocket: Manuela Ferro International Criminal Police Organization: London Office. She transferred right after that mission. A year later, Emily Prentiss showed up taking control of the office: a constant reminder of him. She spoke of her family back in the states frequently including Reid.
Apparently, she was not the only one that found him remarkable and quite unforgettable.
She looked at the two words, Saving Path, deciding that she would follow his lead. She typed in her answer hoping that would not cause their demise. She hoped Spencer Reid was everything she built him up to be. She hoped for a miracle.
He called her afterward knowing that she would want to know. The phone rung three times before she answered frantically, "Please tell it is all good."
Keeping his professionalism, he replied, "Yep, it is all good. Not a thing out of place. No bugs of any sort...he should be fine, but I'll come back every two days to check."
"You did exactly what I told you, right? Down to the very last detail?"
He was in the warmth of his own car, so he permitted himself to laugh, "Yes, Adelaide, to the letter. I even left the flower in the table exactly how you told me. Front and center. I know what I am doing, Addie. I am good at my job, or you would not have hired me."
She relaxed exclaiming, "Javi, I know I am not being rational but don't throw at my face. I just want to make sure he is safe. This is all my fault, so I owe him his safety."
Closing his eyes, Javier swallowed his exasperation of the situation and merely replied, "I know, and I'm here to make sure that he does have it. So, everything will be fine. Go home and get some sleep tonight. You really need it."
Adelaide chuckled, "I will, and thank you."
He was not someone who spent much time wishful thinking, but with the quiet of night, Javier Ortiz did something he usually never did...he hoped that he could in fact keep that doctor safe for her. He hoped that Adelaide Lancaster would actually sleep tonight. Most significantly, he hoped that the bastards that were doing this would rot in hell for eternity, because anyone that drove Addie to the brink of irrationality deserved that and more.
Tired from being overworked, Reid just longed for a good night's sleep without the nightmares or commotion that forced him to spring into action before he realized it is nothing to worry over. Unlocking his door, Reid sensed someone had been in his apartment the moment both his feet crossed the threshold. He placed his hand over his gun and quietly inspected his apartment. When his eyes landed on the flower, he relaxed. There basking in the spotlight was a star of Bethlehem.
Reid knew that Addie was never far behind but it was good to have reassurance. She had hope that all would be well, and so should he for at least her sake. His mother used to tell him that hope contained a very powerful, mystical magic. That by hoping for something you willed it into existence.
Tomorrow, when his team prepared for another case, he would sneak into the building into his new and private office. Then he would know, if all this hope was worth the effort.
The next morning as he logged into the new system, the first thing he saw were three responses. Each reply only had two words whistling with the news that they were in fact alive. Each message read...Not Me. He exhaled all of the tension he had felt for days. Now, he hoped all of his other hopes would magically become a part of reality.