A Genius in a Bowtie Chapter 5
'Well I am finally free,' River thinks as she teleports herself to her parent's front door. 'I hope they're not too angry at me' she laughs as she knocks. "Hi Mother dearest it is nice to see you."
"River, oh my gosh are you all right? You have been gone for ages, please do come in. Rory you better get the wine; someone has come to visit it us." Amy say with a hint of disbelief in he voice; she can hardly believe here daughter is finally standing in front of her.
"Amy why do we need whine a 11am on a Sunday." Rory asks as he walks around the corner.
"That's why you big dummy." Amy says as she points to her daughter standing I the doorway.
"River. How nice of you to join us, I will get the wine straight away." Rory replied as he backed out of the hallway into the kitchen.
"Please Melody tell us why you haven't been around for a year and a half. We have been so worried about you! We called up Torchwood and got Jack to track down The Doctor. We couldn't find you or him. We know when you don't want to be found no one can find you but The Doctor isn't that good so we found him and got him to look for you but even he couldn't find you. Speaking of the doctor we should ring and let him know you are here." Amy says pleadingly to her daughter.
"Mum, Dad. I know it had been a while but there is a good reason for it. I have had to lay low and actually spend some quality time in Stormcage. I don't know how he did it but he is slowly erasing himself from the universe, so they let me go because the person I supposedly killed doesn't exist any more. As soon as I could I came to earth to find The Doctor and hide with him but I though I would come a visit my parents first. Oh and on the note of the doctor, please don't contact him I would like to be the one to find him and surprise him, we are married you know," River said with a twinkle in her eye.
"Please don't remind me Melody," Amy said as she rolled her eyes.
"Well The Doctor said he had an important job in America but that is all we can give you on his whereabouts. He was very secretive while he was here, more so than usual." Rory stated.
"Well thank you for this information and the lovely wine, but I best be off to find my husband. But don't worry I will try and call or message you regularly now that we are on the same planet at the same time." River said with a wink as she gave her parents a hug and the vanished is a flash of electricity.
"I am so glad that she is safe" Amy said to Rory.
"Well it is the famous river song we are talking about here, our daughter. She is as resilient and stubborn as they come. She will be fine. But I do wonder how the doctor is going to react." Rory reiterated
'Well that went a lot smoother than I thought It would.' River said to herself. 'Why does The Doctor have to be so hard to find? I seriously can't believe how good he had got at hiding. No trace of artron energy anywhere. This is unbelievable. I will have to commend him when I find him. But what to do, how can I make him notice me …ah yes I know' and with that River vanished into a cloud of electricity.
"Do you think we should contact The Doctor and let him know River is safe?" Rory said.
"Well she said not to. And to be honest I don't think you would like to be on the wrong side of your daughter and your wife." Amy said with the evil eye to her husband.
"Yes, you're right. Imagine I didn't say anything."
MONDAY
*BZZZZZZ*
*BZZZZZZZ*
"Oh for the love of Rassilon what is it now" Reid mumbles as he is disrupted from his not so peaceful slumber.
NOTIFICATION
Breaking News - Harvard University Archeological students have discovered strange markings on previously hidden artifacts in Manteo, North Carolina.
"GERONIMO" Reid shouts as he reads the notification, this is what I have been waiting for he thinks. It has all the markings of River Song; I wonder if she has finally made her way to Earth? I can't believe it, I have to go and have a look right now. Reid thinks as he dresses quickly, but before he can even put on his shirt he is interrupted by his phone yet again.
"No, No, No. This can't be happening, I have to go find River now" Reid whines as he looks to see who could be calling him now. It was JJ.
"Morning JJ, there is a case I presume."
"Wow Spence that was quick I was expecting you to still be asleep, ha. Well you are correct Hotch wants us soon so I will leave you to get ready."
"Yes JJ I was awake I couldn't really sleep, I will let you ring and wake up Morgan and Rossi, I just know how much they love the early morning phone calls. I shall see you soon."
"Thanks a lot Spence, yep I shall see you in the conference room."
"Hi there team, I know it is early but we have got a call from Manteo PD requesting our help in solving a serial stalker. Now I know we don't usually consult on these types of cases but with the news coverage and increasing threat levels they wanted to be safe not sorry." Hotch says.
"Well that is definitely up there as a first, beings sent somewhere before mass killings." Emily says.
"Well it is only a short flight so wheels up in 30. We shall discuss further on the jet."
'Oh so maybe this case isn't so bad after all. I might be able to find out if River is on Earth once and for all ' Reid thinks as he packs up his things and walks out the room following the rest of his team mates.
"Hi I'm Chief Daily I am assuming you are Agent Hotchner?" A large burly man with short graying hair said to the team.
"Yes, I am Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner, this is Supervisory Special Agent, David Rossi, Derek Morgan, Emily Prentiss, Media Liaison Jennifer Jareau and Doctor Spencer Reid."
"Well it is good to meet you all, if you would just follow me into our conference room we set up that would be great. We all really appreciate you comin' in to help us out. We have had this serial stalker over the past few weeks, to begin with it was just some phone calls where residents would pick up and just hear breathing then those same people were getting knocks at the door but know one was there. It stopped but has started up again once the archeological dig came to town. Some of the students on the dig are complaining of being followed and watched as well as some tourists that have come to town because of it. Their suspicions have been confirmed with them finding surveillance photos in their things when they come back the next morning, some have even contained death threats and blood. We have had tests run on the blood and it was found to be animal, thank god. We have been trying to keep this all under wraps and the head of the dig has been really understanding about this matter. With all this extra attention on the town now because of the dig, we just don't want the threats to escalate to any deaths. We have also had some residents coming in with reports of the same thing once the dig came to town, but we don't believe them to be related, just rabble rousers."
"We totally understand chief, if you could get us the files you have we shall begin to look over those to see if we can help you narrow down the suspect pool." Rossi states as the Chief starts to leave the room.
"Oh Chief, if you could also bring in some maps of the surrounding areas that would be great, thanks." Reid cuts in.
"Ok team, as soon as we get a better understanding of who as been targeted I wont be sending anyone out, at the moment we shall just gather information." Hotch says to his team.
"Well Reid, what do you have so far?" Hotch asks as he looks up to the board that is currently covered with notes and maps with pins in.
"Well, I believe we have 5-7 people that the UNSUB targeted first with late night phone calls and prank knocks which I have coded in blue. The red are the tourists and archeology students that have been perused in the most recent attacks; the green marks the towns residents that the chief believes are just rabble rousers." Reid regales the team.
"From this it shows that the UNSUB seems to be from the town as they are comfortable in all areas of the town, the shear spread of victims is making it difficult to pin down an approximate geographical location on where the UNSUB may reside. As you can see there is not much of a geographical pattern to the attacks, except the students in the archeological dig." Reid further rambles as he points to various areas of the maps.
"Reid, you are making it sound like these attacks are just by a group of rowdy teenagers, they would know their way around town and probably dared each other to take the photos and place the threats, they were probably trying to one up each other." Emily says in a huff.
"Emily it might seem that way but, this kind of attack take much more planning and patients that what teenagers would possess. Yes they would know their way around town but would they really attack tourists and those on a secure archeological site? Maybe the first attacks were from kids but the second wave is not. The second attack is clearly going after the archeologists and what that dig represents." Reid succinctly states.
"Well this is a good start. Morgan you ring up Garcia so she can start on background information on all the victims to see if they have anything in common so we can get a better lead. Once you are finished with that Morgan you and Emily can go and visit the residents pursued in the first attack; Rossi and JJ, you follow up the tourists that have been attacked and try and keep it under the radar, we want this out of the press for as long as we can considering all the reporters that are around, finally Reid, you are with me, we are going to the Dig site to talk with coordinator and the affected students."
'Can this really be happening, can he read my mind. No don't be ridiculous Doctor, of course he can't do that he is human. This will be great I finally get to see what all of this fuss is about and if it is River's causing. Play it cool though Doctor, you are with a bunch of profilers, they will start to ask too many questions I can't answer if I don't keep in character.' Reid thinks to himself
"Sure thing boss, it sounds exciting to see what they have found, especially considering all of the reporters."
Hotch and Reid pull up to the dig site and Hotch shuts the car off. 'This is ridiculous Reid thinks, why am I so nervous, I hope Hotch can't tell. Deep breaths Doctor, deep breaths.' Hotch hops out of the car before Reid which leaves him with the perfect opportunity to complete one final check of his appearance, 'I hope she is here' he muses as he straightens his bowtie and slicks back his hair before hopping out of the and scanning the site for the unmistakable golden hair that can only signifies his wife.
"Hi, I'm Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner and this is Doctor Reid we are looking for the person in charge of the dig." Agent Hotchner asks a blond headed woman who was walking by.
"Oh, yes, we were expecting you, I shall take you to her right away," she replies.
'No, it can't be, that is Anita, I never forget a face, that is definitely her, I hope that means I will finally get to see River.' Reid thinks.
Hotch looks over to Reid just in time to see a flash of what he could only describe to be want, hope and longing followed by a cool, calm and collected mask that he thought could even rival his own. He filed this piece of knowledge away to be mulled over at a later date. And with that they both followed the blond into a tent not too far away.
"Miss, the FBI is here to see you" the blond says as she enters the tent.
"Oh yes, good good, send them in, I will be there in a moment." A beautiful voice returns. A beautiful British voice to be exact.
Hotch and Reid walk though the door of the tent just in time to see the body the voice belonged to walk out and around a partition while tying up her hair. And with that Reid forgot how to breath, 'Oh Rassilon I am so glad for the repertory bi-pass other wise I might pass out. I have finally found her. Why does Hotch have to be here now, it is torturous not being able to go and give her a hug. It has been too long' Reid thinks as he lays eyes on the unmistakable body of his wife. The beautiful golden curls she has just put up down to her incredibly sexy waist and legs. How on earth does she make everything she wears look soooooo good' he continues to think but is broken out of his musings when he hears the voice of his boss.
"Hi, I'm Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner and this is Doctor Spencer Reid, we are here about the stalking and death threats and to see if we could talk to those affected to get a better understanding of what is happening and how they are being targeted."
"Good, good, yes this whole stalking thing is frightening my students I shall call them into my tent so you can start to talk. Oh how rude of me, you don't even know my name yet, I am Professor River Song, Head Archeologist on this Dig."
"Well it is a pleasure to meet you. If you could call in the students that would be a real help, we will try to be as quick as we can and stay out of your way so our presence doesn't affect you dig too much. Thank you for your cooperation" Hotch continues.
"Um, if you don't mind my asking, but what have you actually found?" Reid states, which brings his wife's curious gaze to his.
"Ah well, I cant give too much away; Spoilers, but I will say this as we haven't uncovered too much yet, it is some form of language, writing if you will. But if you don't mind me asking a Doctor of what exactly? You look terribly young to be one, but I guess I can't talk, I am considered to be too young to be a professor of Archeology" She says with a smile.
'This can't be, he couldn't have regenerated again, but he looks so different. Hang on, now that I think about it, the hair is there, maybe a little longer, but he has definitely kept the distinctive dress sense. I guess some things don't change.' River thinks.
Reid watches as his wife's curious eyes gaze into his with a hit of confusion and wonderment. He watches as he sees the cogs in her brain turn as she figures out that he hasn't regenerated, he is just using a perception filter the blend in with humanity. 'I really hope she doesn't blow my cover. I hope my accent doesn't slip, ARGH keep it cool, keep it cool, WHY did she have to say spoilers like that. It is my weakness!' Reid thinks.
"Ah well yes, that is completely understandable, I am a Doctor of many things but I have PhD's in Mathematics, Chemistry and Engineering as well as BA's in Psychology and Sociology. I am also partial to linguistics so if you need anyone to look at the mysterious writings I would be happy to help… in my own time of course" Reid states as he looks over to Hotch who has his unreadable mask on.
'Oh my gosh he is using a perception filter to mask his appearance so he can appear human, it is definitely him. I wonder if our physic link will work now we are in close proximity, well it wont hurt to try. Ah it does work. So boss doesn't know does he, well don't worry sweetie I wont blow your cover but as soon as we are alone you and me are having a chat.' River sends though their mental link.
"I shall keep that in mind Doctor Reid. It is always handy to get another opinion on these things" River says "Anita if you could go get the students and bring them here Agent Hotchner and Doctor Reid can start on their interviews."
'Oh thank you so much River, you're right Hotch doesn't know and I would like to keep it that way. I have to continue with the interviews and it will be hard to talk with this case going on, the team are all over me. When this case is finished you can meet me at this address and we can talk.' Reid sends through their mental link.
'Your welcome sweetie. Holding off to talk to you that long will be hard but I will try. Oh and just to let you know your perception filter looks handsome dear.' River sends with a wink.
The case moves slowly over the next few days and as it turns out, Reid was correct in stating that the first wave of 'attacks' were by teenagers; however, the second wave affecting tourists and the Archeological students was another matter entirely.
THURSDAY
"Hotch, have you seen how Reid has been acting lately, I wouldn't have noticed it if he wasn't so down before but it seems as though he is fine now, like there wasn't anything wrong before." Morgan states as he walks into the police station with Hotch.
"Yes I have seen that he seems happier now, maybe he has been able to work though whatever was bothering him. We better get ready to give the preliminary profile."
"The suspect or UNSUB is in his mid to late forties early fifties, he is a bit of a loner, an outcast because of the way he expresses his views, he wants to be heard in all topics, especially political and to do with the town. He has lived here all his life and probably has a menial job where there isn't much recognition or room to air his opinion. This person looks down upon disruption and desecration of property especially that of ancient times hence his attack on the Archeological students and the tourists who have come to see what all of the fuss is about. However, don't be fooled by his brash and abrupt nature or the fact he is a loner, he has meticulous and well thought out plans which have kept him from being on the radar and if not caught soon would not hesitate to attack to make his point known."
"Ok fellas, you heard what they said, this has to be handled with the up most discretion, now go" Chief Daily says to his officers.
FRIDAY MORNING
"Hey baby girl, do you have anything for us yet?"
"Yes I do my chocolate god, I was about to ring you with the good news, I have narrowed the list down to three possible bad guys, their names are James Curtly 45 Janitor, next we have Chris Tombly 51 he was a history teacher but now retired and is working as a postman and third is David West 48 mechanic assistant."
"Well from the profile I don't think it is James or David. Chris Tombly fits the description to the tea. Love of history yet is now a postman, that doesn't seem too fulfilling and it gives him the perfect opportunity to gain access to the Dig site as well as stalk the tourists." Rossi said as the rest of the team agrees.
"Garcia the address..." Hotch starts
"Already sent to your phone, have fun catching the bad guy." Garcia out.
"Hotch I know this is an odd request an I understand if you don't grant it but Professor River Song has asked for my consult on the writing they were able to uncover on the Dig. I was wondering if I could go and take a look while you go an arrest Chis Tombly."
"Well that is definitely out of protocol but so is being asked to consult on an Archeological dig. I don't see any harm in going to give your opinion we have more than enough man power to go and collect Mr. Tombly. As long as you are back in time to be packed so we can leave for home you may go." Hotch says. The team take on a brief look of disbelief and the information just heard and watched as Reid rushed out the door to go and consult.
"Thanks Hotch, I will see you in the lobby of the Hotel." Reid says as he rushes out the door.
"Well I was not what I was expecting. Does he even like Archeology. You do realize how big of a thing it is for him to be asked to consult on something like this" JJ, Morgan and Emily all state at once.
"Professor River Song, you called for a consultation" Reid says as he is lead to her tent by Anita.
"Ah yes, thank you for coming, I thought it only fair for you to give your opinion on the text my students have uncovered, you are partial to linguistics after all" River says as she dismisses Miss Evangelista. "Right this way if you would please."
FRIDAY EVENING
"Thanks everyone for your excellent work again this week, I am so glad we could have a case that didn't have any casualties. Please enjoy your weekend off and be ready for paperwork bright and early Monday morning." Hotch says to his team as they disembark the Jet.
"Thanks Hotch, we shall see you on Monday." The team say as they all head for their cars.
TBC
AN: Sorry guys for the really long wait between chapters. I have found it really difficult to come up with ideas of how Reid will see River again. Was she just going to waltz up to the TARDIS or was show going to find him at the BAU. Were the team going to come looking for him and find her answering the door to his apartment. Don't worry though the next chapter will be coming soon but could be a bit shorter than usual. It will depend on my inspiration. See you next time.