**A/N: Hi everyone. Sorry for long hiatus. But thank you to everyone who kept reading and reviewing.

To make up for my time away I will publish two chapters today! And I hope to be able to update much more regularly.

Thanks again everyone, keep reading and reviewing (Also, I know JJ is gone in the series but I'm keeping her, 'cause I like her)**

Chapter Eleven

'In a moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.'
Theodore Roosevelt

"Spencer," Lauren began. " I think I—"

"Lauren?" A worried voice called. She flicked her head to the side to see Hotch jogging towards her, anxiety creasing his brow. "Are you ok?" He asked as he reached them. "You left so quickly." He held her at arm's length, seemingly examining her for physical damage.

"I'm fine, Hotch. It was just so hot in there." She said, trying to calm the head of the BAU. He didn't seem to entirely believe her as his thumb caught a tear that had earlier streamed down her cheek. He looked accusingly at it. "I'm fine." She repeated, covering the tear with her hand in his. "Spencer was here anyway." She said looking around Hotch. Spencer stood awkwardly with his hands in his pockets and his gaze lowered.

"I should get back inside—"

"I think that's a good idea." Hotch agreed sternly after Spencer had barely finished speaking. Lauren didn't agree, she didn't want him to leave but she said nothing and let him walk back inside. "Are you sure you're alright?" Hotch asked yet again.

Lauren looked up. "Yes, Hotch." She smiled and went on to tip toe to kiss his cheek. He didn't seem too surprised by the action but she noticed how he glanced around to see if anyone had seen. It made her smile widen.

Back inside the building the team had assembled, apparently waiting for her and Hotch's arrival.

"They've found her." Emily said excitedly, confusing Lauren.

"The victim?" Hotch asked, obviously also confused.

Emily nodded. "She's still alive." Lauren's eyes widened.

"Where was she found?" Hotch questioned.

"The Prince George Ballroom." The team looked to Lauren after Emily's words and she nodded to indicate it was a wedding hotspot.

"At least she's still alive." Morgan said, releasing a long breath.

"…Barely." Emily corrected Morgan, seemingly trying not to have to reveal this information. "They will have to pump the drugs out of her system. It seems to be an over dose of morphine."

"Morphine?" Spencer asked. "That's a common medicine used in 'Angel of Death' mercy killings." He explained. "It's the most common motivator for female serial killers. They feel as though they are delivering mercy for those that suffer. Most work for nursing homes or hospitals."

"But she's a photographer." Lauren said confusedly as the team mobilised to head to the hospital.

"It's possible she read an article about an 'Angel of Death'." Rossi said. "It's possible that is what spurred her on to begin with."

"Remember the way she reacted to Morgan's actions?" Emily asked.

"Yes, it's possible she feels she is delivering mercy to the 'beauty' from their fiancé or husband." Spencer reasoned. "It's possible the unsub suffered spousal abuse." He added.

"Let's hope the victim makes it through. She could be a great help to the case." Hotch said with a hopeful tone.

Arriving at the hospital, the front was flooded with media. Vans with channel numbers blocked ambulance bays and cameras flashed like crazy as the team arrived. JJ was the first to get out. "We have no statement at the moment, little information is known about the victim." She began, diverting the media's attention. It was the first time Lauren had seen JJ at her job, and she was very effective at it.

But now without the sea of the media the BAU team were free to enter the hospital. They didn't even need to introduce themselves as the team were shuffled towards the correct room. The hospital door was shut and two large policemen stood outside on guard.

"We're with the FBI." Hotch said, flashing his badge to the doctor waiting outside. "How is she?" He asked. The doctor lowered his gaze sympathetically.

"We began to remove the drug affecting her system-."

"Well that's good isn't it?" Lauren interrupted excitedly. But the doctor obviously hadn't finished.

"But it wasn't morphine, which would have been quite easily removed. I'm afraid she has been injected with a paralytic drug." He said, flicking through the charts he held. "Tetrotodoxin."

"That's a presynaptic neurotoxin." Spencer said and Lauren looked to him now, even more impressed by his knowledge. "But there's no known cure for it."

"Is that the puffer fish poison?" Emily asked.

"Actually, although tetrotodoxin has been found in certain types of fish, including the pufferfish, it's formed by bacteria." Spencer reeled.

"It doesn't take much of it to kill someone." The doctor said sadly. "She is awake, but I don't think she will make it through the night. I'm sorry." He apologised before walking away slowly.

"So she's going to die?" Lauren asked, trying to pry some normal answers from someone. She looked to Spencer who gave a weak smile. She groaned and leant against a wall.

"Emily, go speak to the victim." Hotch said. Emily obliged and opened the door calmly before entering.

Spencer looked over Lauren as she leant heavily on the wall. He moved towards her slowly, trying to think of something reassuring to say but nothing came to mind. How could you brighten someone up from knowing someone else is going to die?

"Do you ever feel like it's not worth it?" Lauren asked suddenly. Spencer looked down at her confused. "Every time we catch a bad guy, another one springs up in their place. How can we protect people from that?" Her voice was strained.

"We do it because it's right." Spencer said stating the obvious. "Once we catch this unsub, yes, there will be another. But if we didn't catch any at all, how do you think the world would be now?" His words obviously sunk in to Lauren as she glanced up at him.

"You're right." She said softly. "I think I just need some air." She gave a soft, fake smile and moved away down the long white corridor. It took a few moments before Spencer took a step to follow her. But he was halted by a hand on his shoulder. Hotch walked past Spencer after stopping him and shook his head. Spencer took this as an indication not to follow but he was desperate to. Knowing Lauren was upset was bad enough, but not being able to help was killing him. He watched after Hotch as he walked down the corridor following Lauren.