A/N: There's a tiny bit of baseball. Hey! It's the start of the season.
Chapter 6
Caleigh's phone rang a little before three that afternoon. "Hey Caleigh. It's Alex. I've got an update for you."
"Alex, thank you for calling. But can I call you back in a half-hour?"
"Bad time?" Alex asked.
"Umm, I'm about to open up Logan's poopy diaper and the twins are standing in the bedroom doorway, wanting an after nap snack. Give me twenty minutes."
""They're up early," Alex smiled. "Call me when kid central is under control."
"Thanks Alex," Caleigh said, ending the call.
She returned the call at the time she told Alex. "Hey Caleigh. Everything under control now?" Alex grinned.
Caleigh smiled. "Yes they are. Zach called two hours ago. He's back in North Port. Three kids just had apple slices and are now off doing their thing. We can talk."
Alex started his update of what transpired that day. "Erin was able to blow apart Delaney's so called back-up witness."
"With some major investigative help from you," Caleigh commented.
Alex shook his head. "You know that how?"
"Alex," Caleigh said, "Aaron is a former federal prosecutor."
"I know that."
"What you don't know is this. We've already talked about the BAU not being involved in this case, which Aaron understood from day one."
"And deeply appreciated by Erin and me."
"That said Alex, I was involved in this case. The SAC of the BAU does not let his daughter-in-law get involved in a trial without back-up."
"What are you telling me?"
Caleigh smiled. "Aaron has had a spy in that courtroom from day one. Agent Seaver is just not with the BAU."
"Who?" Alex asked.
"The good-looking blonde sitting in the back row of the courtroom gallery," Caleigh answered.
Alex shook his head. "Damn. I thought she was just some college kid doing a journalism assignment."
Caleigh grinned. "Alex, that kid, along with her partner, after being undercover for eight months, took down a major sex trafficking ring the end of February. Agent Seaver was briefly on Aaron's team some years back. I'll spare you the details. But Aaron knew Agent Seaver's boss had her on the bench. And that she'd be bored as hell. She jumped at the chance to help."
"Wow," Alex said. "What don't you know?"
"First off, Erin blew Galvez's witness out of the water thanks to some bad ass investigative work by you," Caleigh smiled. "Thank you."
"I was doing my job. But damn," Alex said. "Seaver is good."
"Yup," Caleigh smiled. "Her second report was that she guessed Galvez went to Erin for a plea deal. To quote what she told Aaron. 'His ass is fried'."
"Galvez tried," Alex reported. "Erin made an offer. Galvez didn't like it."
"I also know that Novak let the jury go home early to enjoy their weekend and closing arguments are Monday morning," Caleigh added.
"You're up to date," Alex said. "What's up with you getting back to Atlanta on Monday?"
"Jack is on spring break next week," Caleigh said. "My life is easy. He'll fly down with the kids and me to Atlanta. I've got back-up with three kids and a dog." Alex smiled.
"Jack will get a couple days with his friends he has down there. The three of them will over-use our heated pool. Zach will be home from North Port and snoring in my ear Monday night. Then he and Jack leave Wednesday afternoon to fly to DC for the Nats' home opener on Thursday. My husband is on the road to start the season. But he'll be back home with his folks, delivering Jack back there. And he'll hang out with them since they don't have a game Friday night. I'm sure drinking and playing cards with Uncle Dave will be involved."
"Uncle Dave?" Alex asked.
"David Rossi, Aaron's senior profiler on the team. He is one of the agents that started the BAU. He and Zach are extremely close."
"Erin has her closing statement done. It's damn good. She's already looking ahead to the sentencing part of the trial. She's thinking about calling the BAU for some assistance."
"Alex, Aaron feels the same way," Caleigh said. "He asked me to plant a seed. The sentencing phase is when you two could use the BAU and their profiling. Phil is a serial rapist. Let them help. And Uncle Dave has the creds."
"I'll pass that along to Erin," Alex said. "Have a good weekend Caleigh and a safe trip back to Atlanta. I'll keep you in the loop."
"Thanks Alex."
-00CM00-
Sunday after church, Aaron, Beth, Jack and Molly came over to the house. Caleigh smiled at Aaron and Beth. "You all packed up and ready to go?" They were meeting Merrill and Sela in the Smokey Mountains. The two couples had rented a condo outside Gatlinburg, Tennessee from Sunday through Thursday.
"So ready," Beth smiled. "Jack isn't only one getting a spring break."
"The BAU is going to be deserted for a week," Aaron added. "Everyone else wanted off for the week for the same reason. Cruz approved."
"What about Uncle Dave?" Caleigh asked.
"He and Livie are going to the cabin," Aaron smiled.
"Molly is coming with us," Beth grinned.
Caleigh looked at Jack. "Have you decided where you're staying tonight?"
"After dad and Beth leave, I'm going to get my car out and then hang out around home the rest of the morning. I'm meeting Ben and Kyle at the multiplex at one. We're going to see Shazam together. Then I'll come back here for the night."
"That works," Caleigh smiled.
Aaron and Beth said their good-byes to everyone, deeply hugging their grandkids. Jack petted Molly. "I'm gonna miss you girl." Molly nuzzled up to him to get more love.
Caleigh hugged Aaron and Beth. "Tell the Dobsons hello from all of us."
"Will do," Aaron smiled.
Later that afternoon, Caleigh smiled at Jack as he came into the home with his suitcase. "How was the movie?"
Jack smiled. "It was great!"
"Here's the plan. The kids are eating up the last of the chicken nuggets in the bag in the freezer. That will be empty. The fridge is empty except for a gallon of milk and juice for in the morning. Mom is bringing an egg bake down for all of us that I'll bake in the morning. That leaves take-out for you and me tonight."
Jack smiled. "You order the pizza at Papa T's, I'll go get it." He looked at Caleigh. "What about Thursday night when Zach and I are here after the game?"
"Get drive through on the way home. You know Beth will spoil you two on Friday."
"True that," Jack smiled.
-00CM00-
Maria Galvez gave an impassioned final argument to the jury Monday morning. Stephanie Holden looked at Alex and whispered in his ear. "How can she do that in good conscious?"
"The five-figure retainer that Delaney's parents paid her," Alex whispered back.
Erin Reardon's closing argument was just as powerful. Novak delivered his jury instructions and the jury went to their room to do their solemn duty.
Around the same time, Caleigh and Jack were getting the kids into the car service vehicle, complete with three kids' safety seats. After Cassie, the driver, got Jack's suitcase into the trunk, she looked at them. "Need some help?" she smiled. "Why I'm assigned this vehicle. Been there, done that with my three who are now in middle and high school," she grinned.
"We're good," Caleigh smiled as Jack got Logan buckled in. "We're just missing one," Caleigh added.
Jack leaned back out of the car and sent out a whistle that matched his brother's. "Come on Lex!" She sharply barked back. Jack smiled at Caleigh. "I think the morning dump is getting taken care of."
"Ya think?" Caleigh said. She grinned, looking at Jack. "Who do I text to take care of that? Mikey or Bub?"
"You're evil," Jack grinned back. Lexie sped around the corner of the house and jumped into the car.
"We're good to go," Jack smiled at Cassie, getting in, sitting next to Logan. Caleigh got in the front passenger seat.
After the Gulf Stream was settled into its flight path, Taylor yawned and looked at Caleigh. "Mama, I need help in that bathroom."
"You got it," Caleigh smiled, taking her hand.
Jack got Trevor tucked in the couch across from the two seats. He pushed a button to raise the two leg rests. Lexie jumped onto the couch and curled up next to Trev. He put his around Lex and conked out. Jack moved to his chair in the two-top seats and pulled up Logan that was sitting there, blankly staring out the window. "Nap time for you and me Lugnut," Jack smiled, sitting down and putting Logan in his lap. Caleigh and Taylor joined them a few minutes later in the other seat. Jack put his leg rest up, leaning the seat back as far as it would go. Logan stretched out on Jack's chest and conked out. Caleigh, snuggling Taylor, put her feet up on Jack's leg rest. She napped with her daughter.
By three-thirty, the five of them were back in the Lawrenceville home. Caleigh let the kids out the patio door to the large backyard that included a huge swing set. Lexie joined them. Jack took his bag to his room. He came back out and joined Caleigh in the kitchen. She handed him a note, shaking her head. Jack read it.
Fridge and freezer are all stocked. Beer fridge stocked as well. Chocolate chip cookies in Tupperware on counter. Pan of lasagna in fridge needs to be pulled to get to room temp when you read this. Bake two hours from now at 350˚ for 45 minutes. Can't wait to see y'all tomorrow! Luvs, Gabby
Jack smiled. "I think you've been missed." Caleigh pulled out the lasagna.
Just then, her cell pinged with a text. She looked at it. "It's from Erin," she said, looking at Jack.
She read it and shook her head. Jack noticed her eyes welling with tears. "Caleigh?"
"It took the jury less than two hours to convict Phil."
Jack looked at her. "Cal, I'm not Zach. But could you use a hug?"
Caleigh smiled at him, wiping away a tear. "Yes brother, I could."
When Zach got home that night, the kids were sitting at the nook counter, enjoying some of Gabby's cookies with glasses of milk. Zach hugged them all and then deeply hugged Caleigh. "Dad texted me the news."
"I'm so happy for Stephanie," Caleigh said. "The win is for her."
After they got the kids in bed, Zach and Caleigh came down the steps together. Zach put his arm around Caleigh. "There's more." Caleigh stopped and looked at him. "When the jury forewoman announced the verdict, Phil screamed at them. 'I didn't do anything wrong'."
Caleigh shook her head. "Why does that not surprise me."
"Dad said the same thing."
"On to better things," Caleigh smiled. "Miguel has some big news for you."
Zach looked at his watch. "It's after nine. I need to chase the guys out of the pool. Miguel and Rashad have school tomorrow."
"They've all got hoodies. Have them help you put the cover back on."
"Yes dear," Zach zinged, walking to the patio door. He came out onto the patio and moved to the side of the pool. "Guys it's after nine. Let's shut it down for the night. We need to get the cover back on and you three need showers."
Miguel climbed out first and took the towel Zach handed him. "Cob," he grinned, putting the towel over his shoulders. "I got scholarship. Gwinnett Technical College. Be a welder." While Miguel enjoyed all his wood working tech classes, he fell in love with welding. It was the perfect fit for him for a future career.
"Congratulations Miguel," Zach grinned. "I'm so, so proud of you."
"Proud of me," Miguel smiled back.
"You should be. That's amazing news," Zach said as they shared a high five. The boys pulled on their hoodies and along with Zach, made short work of getting the pool covered for the night.
"Get in the guest house and get your showers done," Zach pointed. "And don't fart around. You two have school tomorrow," Zach said to Rashad and Miguel.
"I don't," Jack grinned.
"Shuddup," Rashad growled. Miguel just shook his head at Jack.
The next morning, it was a toss-up to who was happier to see whom. Gabby or the kids and Lexie.
Later that night, it was the usual neighborhood welcome back party with two Weber grills full of chicken. Zach and Andy were doing the cooking. Pedro and Josh enjoyed talking with the guys and keeping the cooks' coozies filled with beer bottles.
Zach looked at Josh. "Rashad is going into HVAC? What about college?"
"The more he thought about it," Josh explained, "the more he said he was done with book learning. And he didn't want the student loan debt.".
Andy shook his head. "If that's what he's really worrying about, he can forget that," he said, pointing at himself and Zach. "That said, if he wants to learn a trade, and one that is in high demand, good for him." Zach pointed at Andy.
"That's what Mo and I told him," Josh smiled. "He already has accepted an apprenticeship." Zach and Andy looked at him. "Jake," Josh said, looking at the guys, "the HVAC guy that takes care of our four homes made him an offer. Rashad goes to Gwinnett Tech fulltime next fall. Next summer, he works with Jake. Getting paid seventeen dollars an hour." Zach let out an appreciative whistle. "When school starts again in the fall, he goes to school in the morning and works with Jake in the afternoon. When he graduates the next spring with his associate degree, his apprenticeship will be done. He starts full-time as an HVAC tech in Jake's shop. Mo and I just have to pay the tuition."
"That's already taken care of," Andy smiled.
Pedro shook his head. "You two bought the boys' cars."
"So?" Zach said. "You two take care of our homes for four months. The other eight months, you back our wives."
Like always the food and camaraderie between the neighbors made for a wonderful evening. The three Hotchner kids and the two Mintons enjoyed the spoiling they got from Mo and Alec.
Wednesday afternoon around one, Zach, Jack and Andy walked into the Braves' clubhouse at Truist Park. "It's good to be back," Andy smiled at Zach.
"Yes, it is." They walked in and greeted the guys that would be their teammates to start the season. Jack was welcomed as well.
After the flight to DC and getting settled into their room at the JW Marriott, Zach looked at Jack. "Where do you want to go to eat?"
"How 'bout the Hard Rock down the street?" Jack smiled.
"Works for me," Andy grinned. Matt Olson, Sean Murphy and Austin Riley joined them.
The next morning, about the time the boys were hitting the breakfast buffet at the hotel, Aaron and Beth were making their way home. Aaron's phone that was synched to the car's audio system rang. "Hi Dave."
"How were the Smokey Mountains?"
"Beautiful," Beth said. "The foliage is starting to break out. We had a great time."
"Merrill and Sela said to tell you hello," Aaron added.
Dave smiled. "Aaron, I got a text from Cruz yesterday. He received a phone call from ADA Reardon since the team is out this week. She asked for the BAU's help in presenting a profile of Delaney during the sentencing phase. She asked for me specifically."
"That's because Dave, I asked Caleigh to plant that seed with you specifically in mind if the subject came up in her talks with Reardon or her investigator. It did. She followed through."
"I got that Aaron from talking to Reardon. And since I was bored, I talked at length with Ashley last night. She nailed the serial part of the profile. She also gave me more insight into Delaney's overall behavior. That led me to do a bit more comprehensive look at his total psychology. One thing jumps out at me."
"What's that Dave?"
-00CM00-
Like always, Jack had a blast during batting practice with the team. Michael Harris, last year's National League Rookie of the Year playing centerfield for the Braves, went into the dugout after he was done hitting. He grabbed his glove and jogged out to centerfield to watch Jack shag balls. "Hey Jack!" he smiled.
"Hey Mikey," Jack grinned back. Just then, Ole hit a towering fly ball to Jack.
"You've got it measured Jack," Michael said. "But keep on the balls of your feet if you have to adjust as it gets closer." Jack did, making a last second adjustment to drift a bit more towards the wall. He caught the ball with ease.
"Nice," Harris smiled. "Great job." Jack tossed the ball to the ball boy. "Why don't you play baseball Jack?" They both watched as Ole drilled a ball into the right field seats.
"I used to play soccer. I'm good with my feet supporting me playing defense." He looked at Harris. "My hand-eye coordination to hit a ball sucks." Michael laughed. Jack grinned at him. "Besides, I like this better."
"I get it kid," Michael grinned back.
After all the pre-game, season-opening hoopla, Jack walked over to sit down next to the batboy the Nationals provided the Braves. "Hi. I'm Nick," he smiled as Jack sat down.
"I'm Jack," he introduced.
"I know," Nick smiled. "And this isn't your first rodeo doing this job."
"No, it isn't," Jack smiled.
"Have at it Jack," Nick grinned. "I'll enjoy an easy night."
In the visiting team's suite at Nationals Park, Alex Anthropolous welcomed Stephanie Holden and her boyfriend. Along with Alex McBride and his girlfriend. Sergeant Hernandez and his family. Officer Whitten and her girlfriend. And Erin Reardon and her entire family along with Office Lamko.
Andy pitched a two hitter and Zach had three hits, including a long homerun and four RBIs. The Braves spoiled the Nationals' home opener with a seven-run shutout. In a game time of a little over two hours. Zach and Jack were in the house with a pizza by eleven.
The next morning around nine-thirty, Molly barked at the garage door going up. Beth looked at Aaron. "Really?" The boys came into the home, naturally dressed the same. Hoodies with a t-shirt underneath, sport shorts and slides. They pulled off their hoodies and came into the kitchen.
"I wasn't expecting you two for another hour," Beth said, accepting Zach's kiss to her cheek and bear hug that lifted her off the floor with a smile. "I just started the oven warming."
"We were both in bed by twelve-thirty," Zach said. Jack was busy loving up Molly. Zach pulled the fridge door open and pulled out the apple juice container. Beth looked at him.
"I was shocked my wife left me some ice in the freezer bin for a nightcap," Zach smiled, pouring himself a large glass of juice. Aaron shook his head at Beth. Zach left the juice container on the counter as Jack walked in and greeted Beth the same way.
Jack looked at his dad after pouring his glass of juice. "Beer and pizza aren't bad," he smiled.
Aaron looked at Zach. Zach held up his index finger, sitting down at the table next to his dad. "But the nightcap he had was four fingers," Zach zinged, vertically putting his four fingers against his juice glass.
"Sorry," Aaron smiled. "You're not suckering me in."
"Good to see you dad," Zach grinned.
"Nice game last night."
"Thanks dad. I got an update from the general contractor on the plex next door," he nodded at out the window. "They're digging the basement today and laying the block on Monday."
Beth rubbed Jack's shoulder as they both sat down at the table. "John and Hannah are so excited about the build."
"I'm excited for them," Jack grinned.
Aaron smiled at Zach. "We all are. It's going to take a load off Jessica."
"Why Caleigh and I offered dad. She deserves it as much as grandma and grandpa."
Jack smiled at Beth. "It's gonna be great having them close."
"Yes, it is," Beth grinned back.
Zach's cell rang. "Good morning Caleigh," he smiled, putting the call on speaker.
"Zach, I just got a phone call from Alex McBride."
He immediately sensed her tone. "Cal, what's the matter?"
"They found Phil dead in his cell this morning." Aaron and Beth shared a look that Zach noticed.
"Care to share with the class?" Zach said, looking at his dad.
"Dave called it," Aaron said. He told them all about the call he got from Dave yesterday. "It fits his profile. He got everything he wanted his entire life, handed to him on a silver platter. He was looking at thirty-five to forty years in jail, doing hard time. For a privileged, prep school kid like Phillip Delaney with his narcissism, that wasn't a happy future."
"Zach," Caleigh said. "What about Stephanie?"
Zach shook his head. "Babe, she got her justice. Whether Delaney is rotting away in prison or already in hell."
"That's some strength in numbers," Jack said. Zach pointed at him.
"They're right Caleigh," Aaron smiled.
"Thank you all," Caleigh said. "I love you and miss you much."
"Back at you Caleigh," Beth smiled.
"Zach, have fun with Uncle Dave tonight. I love you."
"Love you too Cal. Hug the kids for me."
Like Caleigh predicted, Beth made the boys their favorite chicken bacon ranch pasta dish. Zach and Jack scorched their dad and Uncle Dave in cribbage. Zach and Dave crossed the street and got in the house. Dave took his overnight bag to the bedroom downstairs that Jack used and came back out. Zach was pouring another round.
"Don't you have to work tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow night Uncle Dave," Zach smiled. "And Murph is catching. I'm the DH."
"Sucks to be you," Dave smiled. "I know you love to DH."
Zach looked at him. "Uncle Dave, the older I get and playing catcher, I'm not so against being the DH. My knees and back enjoy the time off."
"Then I'll join you," Dave smiled, taking the glass Zach offered.
Zach smiled at Dave. "You're taking me out to breakfast in the morning. Just us."
"I'd like that," Dave grinned back.
XXXXX
A/N: RBIs are runs batted in. A shutout means the other team didn't score. DH is designated hitter. A person that hits instead of the pitcher. HVAC is heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
And I did a little follow-up on a previous story. I like doing the Heinz work.
Special thanks again to the OK Teach for doing the proofreading. As I was just starting my editing phase, she took a mini-vacation, enjoying a five-day weekend. Normally, I edit for two days and then send her the chapters. "Here you go." As in, clean it up. (Remember that CM line? But I always add please to begin. :D ) However, since I had six days to read and edit multiple times, I can proudly say my paper got an A-. She's tough. But fair. Luvs and hugs!
Thank you everyone for the favorite and following alerts, the reviews or just reading. It is all deeply appreciated.
*Knightly bow*