Ch. 2

Thank you to Soccer2010 and Mellowgirl for reviewing. I know almost nothing about Hayley Hotchner everything I wrote is based on what I imagine she would be like. Please read and tell me what you think I really would like some more feed back.

It was the longest plane ride any of the BAU team members had every taken. No one had spoken much since the doctors had pronounced Hotch dead. Everyone was acutely aware of Hotch's casket riding in the cargo area of the plane. No one had talked to Hayley Gideon wanted to do that himself when they got back to Virginia. Gideon looked around the plan at the devastated team. J.J. was curled up on the couch next to Reid not quite touching but close enough that she was asking for comfort without demanding it a soft sob escaping every now and then. Reid sat beside J.J. totally oblivious to J.J.'s silent plea for attention. Gideon knew he was playing the whole scene over and over in his head trying to figure out what he could have missed that may have saved Hotch's life. Morgan was staring out the window but Gideon knew he wasn't seeing the scenery his mind too was playing the events of that morning over desperately trying to figure out what happened and how the shooter had gotten a way. Prentiss was sitting in the seat across from Morgan pretending to read. Because of her short time on the team Hotchs death would be the easiest on her. Not that her pain would be any less real than anybody else's. Gideon knew that the truth of the situation hadn't fully hit any of them yet he just hoped when it did the team was strong enough to survive.

Gideon still wasn't completely sure how he was going to give Hayley the news. It was never easy having to tell someone that a loved one was gone. But this was Hayley and Gideon was at a complete loss for what to do. There were no words to make this better to make the pain stop. And Jack Gideon didn't even want to think about him at two years old Hotch would only be the man who had died when he was a baby to Jack. Gideon swore that it would be his responsibility to make sure when Jack was old enough that he understood that everything his dad did was so that Jack could live in a better world.

After two agonizing hours the plan finally landed. As Gideon gathered his things to get off the plane he could feel the others eyes on him waiting for him to say something. He didn't know what to say to them the truth was there really was nothing to say. He had to concentrate on Hayley right now. Gideon knew he had to say something or the plane was liable to explode just from the tension and expectation.

"If anyone needs to talk everyone has my numbers also there are counselors available if anyone feels the need to talk privately," Gideon said, and left the plane.

Gideon could hear footsteps coming up quickly behind him. "I want …I need to go with you to see Hayley," Morgan said, coming up beside Gideon.

"Are sure? It's not going to be easy," Gideon said.

" Yes I'm sure. And I know it's not going to be easy. I have to do something or I'm going to go crazy or maybe I'll just go to the nearest bar and get drunk off my ass," Morgan said.

"Well we don't want either one of those things. You think Reid will be alright?" Gideon asked.

To Gideon surprise a small smile crossed Morgan's face.

"J.J. finally gave up on the whole subtlety thing and ask Reid if he'd come to her place for awhile said she didn't want to be alone right now. J.J. invited Prentiss too so I figure if the kid doesn't shit himself or die of a heart attack he'll be fine. They all will at least for tonight," Morgan said.

"Alright then I guess your with me," Gideon said.

The car ride over was a silent one. Both men lost in their own thoughts. It was nearly two o'clock when Gideon pulled the car into the driveway of Hotch's house. Gideon and Morgan both sat in the car looking at the house until the front door opened and Hayley Hotchner stepped out. The concern on her face was obvious even from a distance. Gideon was the first one to get out of the car.

"Good evening," Gideon said, forcing a smile. Gideon heard the passenger door open and Morgan step out of the car.

"Gideon where's Aaron?" Hayley asked.

"Why don't we go in the house?" Morgan suggested.

Hayley opened the door and waited as the two men walked up the driveway.

"Where's Jack?" Morgan asked, looking around.

"He's at a friends house I wanted to get some heavy cleaning done and that's near impossible with Jack running around getting in to everything. Now stop trying to make small talk and tell me where my husband is," Hayley demanded staring at both men.

"Hayley," Gideon started, but was interrupted.

"Just tell me Jason is Aaron injured or is he dead?" Hayley asked, her gaze unwavering.

Both men looked at each other.

That was the only answer Hayley needed.

"How'd he die?" Hayley asked. "He is dead isn't he because if he wasn't one of you would be reassuring me that he was okay," Hayley said.

"I know this doesn't even begin to cover it but Hayley I am so sorry," Morgan said.

"Your right it doesn't," Hayley answered.

"Is there anything we can do?" Gideon asked.

"Yeah go back in time and save my husband," Hayley answered.

"You know if I could I would," Gideon answered.

Hayley stared at both men for a minute before answering.

"I know you would and I'm not angry at you not really. I know all of you loved Aaron and he loved you. Hell he spent more time with the team than he did with us. But I didn't resent him for that I knew what I was getting into when we got married," Hayley said.

"Hayley you and Jack where the most important things in the world to Hotch," Morgan said.

"I know if I didn't believe that I never would have survived all these years. I just wish I had told him before he left. I guess that's what I get for believing we had all the time in the world," Hayley said, with a sad smile.

Trust me just hang in there I really think you'll enjoy it.

Thanks,

Mouse