Chapter 5: How I know you.

"I think the important thing to understand is no matter how different someone may be in this universe Morgan, we have to treat it like we've known this. We can't flinch."

"Easy for you to say: only small children and myself seem to be able to hear you."

"So, then, I'll have the reaction for the both of us." The ride to meet up with the team seemed to be a long one. A ride through cacti and desert to a destination that seemed uncertain. Morgan looked over to notice Reid over looking himself and making a motion that looked like he was 'dusting' off his clothing.

"What is it kid?"

"Am I doomed to wander the after world in this?" Making a gesture to his clothing. "If I knew this is what would happen; I would have chosen another outfit."

Morgan let a small chuckle. "I think it fits, its how I would remember you."

"But you don't even have to wonder about 'remembering me' I'm currently stuck with you."

Noticing Reid's slight somber attitude Morgan focused on the road. It was just in time to change the subject.

"Where're here."

"Great."

They pulled up to a section of housing and out front of the one house stood their section leader: Aaron Hotcher. Next to him their media liaison, Jennifer Jareau. They seemed to be reviewing a file. Everyone's hair seemed the same, outfits deemed ones they would be expected to wear. So far, so good.

"Stay in here."

"What? Why?"

"I'm going to try to bring you up into a conversation and I would not want to hurt your feelings if they don't know you, Reid."

"We've already established that I don't exist."

"What we don't know though Reid: is why." He gripped the steering wheel. "If you were killed working on a case-"

"Who says I was even born Morgan- I'll - I'll be fine."

Before he had a chance to interfere Hotch was at his car window; ready to brief him on their current situation.

"Morgan, thanks for joining us." Hotch nodded to his fellow agent. "It wasn't necessary for you to cut your vacation short; but I appreciate your dedication."

"Well, when I spoke to Penelope it sounded like a rough one, figured my time would be valuable spent here."

"Well, then, let JJ take you inside and bring you up to speed on things."

She gave him the 'This is a doozy' look and he followed. He exited his car shortly after to meet up with JJ, when Reid finished his thought for him, appearing next to him in what felt like an instant.

"We've been here before, Morgan."

"I know."

"Oh, so you already know?" His eyes quickly met those of the liaison. Her confusion was mixed with a bit of sarcasm. Sarcasm was not something JJ should always have to use, it looked like she almost was holding a secret. A secret Morgan had the feeling he should know about.

"Oh, nothing… hum. Bring me up to speed JJ."

"We're at the house of Amy and Craig Bridges, their five year old son Michael was recently abducted." It was official. Derek Morgan was officially in the Twilight Zone. He had worked this case just about a year ago.

"Morgan… why are we re-living this case?" Reid looked over the files JJ was reading over.

"Five-year old Ethan Hayes was abducted from his own front yard two weeks ago. His mother wasn't in the house more than a minute t two when he was abducted. The police found his body in the desert one week later. No signs of abuse, his clothes were changed, his nails were clipped and his hair was combed. No signs of abuse. Yesterday Michael Bridges was abducted; the unsub called his parents taunting them, calling them bad parents. We figure we have six days to find Michael."

Morgan just stared. Was this really happening.

"Emily is currently inside speaking to Mr. and Mrs. Bridges. We're waiting for another call from the unsub." Still no reaction. "Please tell me you two can work civilly on this case."

The last part of her sentence caught her off guard.

"Civilly? Why wouldn't we work civilly together?"

"Yeah, we always get along well with Emily." Reid spoke.

"Oh come on Derek." She leans over. "Do you really think we wouldn't know, or notice."

"Me and Prentiss?" She gave him a 'duh' look.

"You and Prentiss? Really? Hmmm, I guess I could see-"

"Oh, knock it off." To JJ he was turning to the wind.

"I guess you are still in denial. Well, head inside. I'll pretend I said nothing."

Morgan proceeded to walk towards the house. For a moment he looked back to see the angelic Reid and JJ standing next to each other. Reid looked down at JJ, something was out of place. Where was her engagement ring?

"Hey.. Morgan…" He quickly gathered himself and walking into the house after him. "Think since we know how this case pans out we can just solve it today, save the kid some more trauma in his life of being breast-fed at age five and continue to try to figure out why we're back here?"

"I think we were brought back to this case for a reason Reid, I think it would be hasty if we used our knowledge to solve something prematurely. If we don't this out as we're expected to, it could mess things up further. We could loose the point."

"What point is there." Reid's voice seemed to echo, and the echo sounded very feminine. Derek looked to his right, standing in the doorway was Emily Prentiss, not looking very impressed. "What point, Derek?"

"I, uh,"

"Have a good vacation?"

"If you can call it that."

"I see." She approached him. Overlooked him. "You look like hell." He laughed. Crossing his arms he nodded to her.

"Wow, she's got business with you." Reid backed away from the two, momentarily brushing against Prentiss. She shutters.

"Oh, that was weird." Morgan gave a slight laugh.

"What's funny?"

"No, nothing."

"I just got the chills, and no, it's not from seeing you." Both Reid and Morgan laugh.

"Alright, look, whatever happened between us-"

"You sure it's something that easy to dismiss Morgan?" Reid asked.

"We can overlook it for the time being and work on this case."

"Oh, sure thing Derek. Let's 'overlook' it." Immediately crossing her arms and building walls around her, Emily turned away.

"Rossi with Hotch looking at the other body?"

"Rossi?"

"Yes, you know, David Rossi?"

"David Rossi?" She laughed. "The David Rossi? Famous BAU author, one of our founding Fathers, retired, probably on a yacht with some numbered wife, David Rossi?"

"That's the one."

"Oh, what dream world have you been living in!" She pats him on the back. "And I'll go and get Agent Ryan, and together we can get them to sit down with Gideon, because he's still around, and have a round table discussion, and together, those three can solve this case in three minutes." They moved towards the kitchen.

"I bet I could solve it in two."

"Don't get cocky Derek."

"Yeah, don't get cocky." Repeated Reid. "You said let it ride out…"

"Right. Sorry."

"Note to self; Still no Gideon, no Rossi, JJ has no ring-" Reid began speaking to himself.

Derek stopped.

"What do you mean JJ has no ring."

Prentiss was next to Amy and Craig. They all looked confused, but not as confused as JJ who has just happened to walk into the house as well.

"What are you talking about Morgan? What ring?"

He turned to her. "You're engagement ring."

"You're engaged!" Prentiss looked at Morgan and JJ accusingly. "Really? You two!"

"NO!" All three voices echoed (Morgan, JJ and Reid).

"I guess you and Will-"

She held files close to her and looked at Morgan. "Who's Will?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt this strange moment, but can you tell me anything about my son, he's missing, remember!" Amy stormed out of the room. "Such dramatics! Who cares if you're seeing her, or he's seeing her"

"Yeah, Morgan who are you seeing?" Reid taunted. Morgan turned red, embarrassment took over, elevating his voice.

"No one Pretty boy, now knock it off! Let's find this boy before it's too late!"

"Note to self; No Gideon, No Rossi, No JJ/Will/Henry, you've got something going with Prentiss, and me, oh right, I still haven't even been told if I exist yet."