Hello again my Dearest Readers. I apologize for the long wait-work is crazy right now, and I have been too exhausted to write. I promise I will try to keep updates at least weekly from now on. Enjoy! Suggestions welcome-the team will soon be trying to give Spencer a cool childhood! As always, I do not own Criminal minds or cannon characters and am making no profit from this work.
Chapter 28
Hotch turned to face Diana Reid, his surprised expression drawing a laugh from Diana and a giggle from Spencer. His surprise turned to a grin as he responded "Usually I'm the one doing the interrogating" he laughed "but please feel free to ask me anything you like Mrs. Reid".
"Well, my main question is what interest does the Government have in my Baby?" inquired Diana with a suspicious gleam in her eyes that contradicted her light tone.
"To be honest, Spencer is nothing more than an unexpected victim to the FBI. To me, however, he is a sweet, lovable child who has been horribly abused and deserves to have a loving family and a bright future. I truly believe that I can provide that for him. I have a 5 year old son who is already excited at the prospect of having a brother, and a Sister-in-law who will quite happily look after Spencer as well as Jack when I am on a case. My team has already declared themselves as Aunts and Uncles and sworn to protect him with their lives. Your son will never lack for love, support, and safety with us."
"Well, Mr. Hotchner, you certainly paint a beautiful picture. How am I to be sure it isn't all a clever fabrication?"
"Talk to your son, Mrs. Reid. You know he would never lie to you. Ask him if he wants to be my son. No-one will ever replace you as his Mother, but surely you have no problem with someone replacing your EX-especially after everything he has done."
"Ha! You've got that right!" snorted the blonde with a bemused look on her face. "So, Spencer, what is it that you want? Do you want to go with this man? Do you trust him?"
"I love you Mommy, and if you were well I would want to live with you, but we both know that you need to live here. Aaron is a very good Daddy. He already saved me from the bad men 3 times, and he makes sure I have food and keeps me safe. And Aunt Penny gave me a box of like 50 books, and Aunt Emily and Aunt JJ got shot protecting me-but don't worry they are going to be ok. And Uncle Derek saved me from getting shot and Uncle Dave wants to be my Godfather and rented the whole top of the hospital to keep me safe. You would really like them all Mommy."
"I guess I'll have to take your word on that sweetheart. But I believe you. If you are sure you want this man to be your Daddy, I will give my blessing Spencer." responded Diana, tears brimming her blue eyes. "But remember this, AgentHotchner. If you ever cause my child the slightest pain or distress I WILL hunt you down and scratch your eyes out. That is a promise."
"I promise that you will never need to do so Ma'am. I care deeply for your son, and will make sure that he writes you regularly. I will bring him to visit you at least once a year as well." Hotch replied.
"That is acceptable. Thank-you. Please-just make sure he gets proper schooling, and sees a therapist so he doesn't end up in here. Promise me?!" implored the mother earnestly.
"Of course" promised Hotch with equal intensity. "Spencer will have anything and everything he needs."
"Alright then, I believe there are papers I need to sign?" Diana reminded.
"Yes, sign here, here, and here where the Xs are, and Dr. Norman-could you sign as the witness please" declared Rossi, pulling the forms from an inner pocket of his suit jacket and handing them to the tearful blonde, who read all pages carefully before signing where indicated and handing them over to Dr. Norman.
"Now," declared the fiercely protective mother, "Who wants to explain to me just how my baby almost got shot? And needed saving 3 times!?"
"Dave, could you please take Spencer out to see the garden while we talk? I really don't want him to have to relive anything…" Hotch requested quietly, turning to face Rossi.
"Hey little one, why don't you come with me outside for some fresh air while your Mom and Daddy have a little talk, and get to know one another, hmmm?" Rossi suggested, slowly approaching with a soft smile on his face, arms held open before him.
"Go ahead Spencer. We'll see one another again before you leave." Smiled Diana.
With his mother's encouragement, the tearful boy reached out to Rossi to be picked up, and laid his head down on 'Uncle Dave's' shoulder as he gently carried him from the room.
"Oh my God! He's so thin! And he's barely grown at all…Tell me the truth Agent. What did that bastard my worthless ex sold him to do to my baby?" cried the distraught Mother.
"Please, call me Aaron. After all, we'll be raising a child together," responded Hotch in a gentle tone. "Are you sure you are ready to hear this?" At Diana's firm nod, Aaron recounted the original rescue-including the 'Blue Man' incident, McCormick storming the basement, William's attempted abduction, Adrian Black and the now deceased Russian Mobster, and the final assault on the penthouse suite by Trinidad Jones. He also revealed the results of Spencer's rape exam, and the fact that all but 2 of his abusers were dead or in custody, along with his promise that he would not rest until the last 2 assailants were either dead or in prison for the rest of their lives.
Tears streaming down her cheeks, Diana sobbed "Oh, my poor baby! How did he survive all of that? Thank-you for finding him and saving him Aaron! I don't know how to thank you enough. I see how much you care for him, and it is obvious that Spencer already loves you."
Hotch sat next to the distraught mother and began "Mrs. Reid"
"Diana-please…after all we ARE raising a child together" interrupted Diana with a weak smile.
"Diana," began Hotch again with a soft smile, "Please know that you will never be left out of your son's life. He loves you, and he always will. He is incredibly intelligent, and truly understands that you have an illness that prevents you from being the mother you want to be."
"Thank-you for that, Aaron. You are a good man." Diana replied, wiping her tears. "So, tell me, just what do you and your team do for the FBI?"
Dave carried Spencer back into the room as Aaron was regaling Diana with tales of the latest prank war waging between Morgan and Prentiss, causing her to actually giggle.
"Oh my! That's hilarious! I am happy to hear that things aren't always grim," laughed the delighted blonde.
"Well, just between you and me, I'm actually the one who started it." Hotch revealed with a wink.
"Started what?" queried Rossi as he carried Spencer over to his mother and sat him in her lap.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" retorted Hotch with a grin, and Diana again giggled.
Spencer was extremely pleased to see his Mother laughing, and his face spit in a wide grin as he threw his arms around her neck and gave her an enthusiastic hug. He then began excitedly telling her all the interesting things he saw in the gardens, and the men stepped back to give them some time together.
After a half hour though, Hotch got a call from the Pilot informing the group that the plane was prepped and ready for take-off. He was loathe to break up the happy reunion, nonetheless he interrupted and informed the two that it was time to get to the plane. Spencer flung his arms around his Mom at the same time she wrapped hers around him and they exchanged 'I Love You's' and hugs. Taking the boy from Diana's reluctant arms, Aaron promised to call her as soon as they got home to Virginia safely. Nodding her thanks, she plastered a brave smile on her face and wished them all a safe journey, calling out a final "Remember-Mommy will always love you!" as the group exited the day room.
Spencer did his best to be brave for his Daddy, but eventually broke down in tears against Aaron's chest, while the man whispered soft comforting phrases into the boy's ear. Dave drove to the airport, stopping along the way for sandwiches to feed the whole team. Spencer looked up as they pulled up next to the jet, and excitedly exclaimed "Oh Wow! Are we flying home in that?"