Ch. 4

Thank you to everyone who took time to review. Okay I have to warn you this chapter is the saddest so far. I had to stop several times while I was writing it and the one person who has already read it cried. Just please hang in there I really think you'll be glad you did.

Since Garcia was upset Morgan decided to stay with her.

So Gideon drove back to the BAU office lost in his own thoughts. Hotch had been like a little brother to Gideon. If he could have done anything to change what happened he would have. The empty office hit Gideon like a physical blow. Gideon stopped and looked around the empty bull pen. In his minds eye he could see his team busy working at their desk. Looking up he could see Hotch busy at his desk, Gideon felt tears stinging his eyes and a hard lump forming in his throat and stomach. He had to pull him self together. Hayley was what was important at the moment. Gideon sighed and headed for his office to make some phone calls. Gideon decided to call Hotchs brother Sean first he really didn't think he had the strength to deal with another hysterical woman. After calling Sean Gideon wandered over to Hotchs office. He should really get some boxes from house keeping and start packing up Hotchs office. But Gideon knew he wasn't ready for that step yet. Gideon put his hand in his pocket and pulled out the bag that contained some of Hotch's personal belongings. Gideon had forgotten to give it to Hayley it had Hotchs wedding band, watch and key ring. Gideon used Hotchs keys to unlock the desk draw. To his surprise the first thing he saw was a picture of the team that was taken a Reid's twenty-fifth birthday party. It had been Morgan's idea for everyone to pretend they had forgotten Reid's birthday. It just so happened that they were in Kansas they had just found a child who had been kidnapped by a delusional neighbor. When Reid's birthday rolled around. Morgan had convinced the restaurant staff to go along with his scheme.

Flashback

" Alright everything's all set up with the restaurant staff," Morgan said, shutting the curtain that hung from the doorway of the private room.

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this," Hotch said, shaking his head.

"Relax we all need this it's a good way to unwind," Gideon said, clamping Hotch on the back.

"Are you girls about through?" Morgan asked, J.J. and Emily who had hung a Happy Birthday banner and where now stringing crape paper around the room.

"All done," J.J. said, jumping down from a chair.

" Alright I'm going to call him," Morgan said.

"Hey kid I hope you didn't want to go home any time soon," Morgan said, when Reid answered his cell phone.

"What are you talking about?" Reid asked.

"I went to the China Palace to get some lunch and one of the employees started screaming. I showed my badge and got through there's at least five mutilated bodies thrown in the ally. I've called the others so hurry up and get your butt down here. I'll send the directions to your phone. See you soon," Morgan said, hanging up.

"Five mutilated bodies did you have to be so gross?" Emily asked.

A few minutes later everyone was waiting in the dark when the curtain was pulled back by a puzzled looking Reid.

Morgan turned on the lights and everyone jumped out yelling surprise.

End Flashback

The picture had been taken by a waiter shortly after Reid had opened his presents. It was one of Gideon's favorite pictures it was not only one of the few pictures of the whole team. But what made this one really special was the fact the Hotch was smiling.

"I'm really going to miss you," Gideon said, finally giving into his emotions

I hope I didn't upset anyone to badly. But please just stick with me and please don't forget to review. Until next time.

Mouse