Things are going to start speeding up next chapter. Thanks to all my reviewers and everyone who has me on alert.

Chapter 12

Skylar did not like airports that much. Yes, there were a lot of new things to see but there were way too many people for her liking. That made her clingy and she rarely let go of anyone's hand. They stopped at one of the restaurants, the adults getting coffee and Skylar having juice. They still had over an hour until their flight. After that, they looked at a few of the shops before heading to the gate.

Carrying their guns meant Dave and Hotch showing their identification twice before they ever got on the plane, once at security and then at the gate when they checked in. After that, they sat down to wait for the plane. Skylar, holding her teddy bear, climbed onto her father's lap.

"Too much for you?" Dave asked and she nodded. "Don't worry. We''ll be home in a few hours." She just nodded again. "We can have a few days to ourselves to get settled in." He thought for a moment. "Although we may have to visit a grocery store if we want to eat."

"Need some help with that?" Garcia asked.

"I think I can handle it," Dave said, "but you can help me with something else, oh Oracle of Knowledge."

"And what would that be?" she asked.

"Once we get moved, I'm going to need a live-in housekeeper," Dave said. "I need you to find me the best company for that. I also need a good real estate agent."

"Derek has an agent he uses for his properties and he swears by her, " Penelope said.

"Morgan has properties?" Dave asked.

"He flips them," Hotch said. "You know, he might be able to help you find a place that you like."

"I'll talk to him," Dave said. "I have a feeling this isn't going to be an easy find."

Just then, two men in airline uniforms walked up to them. "Agents Hotchner and Rossi?" one asked.

"Yes?" Hotch asked. "I'm Agent Hotchner and this is Agent Rossi."

"I'm Captain Tom Anderson," the older man said. "I'm the pilot on your flight and this is my co-pilot James Allen. If I could see your identification, please."

Dave set Skylar on the ground then he and Hotch pulled out their id's. The pilot looked at them then handed them back. "Thank you," he said. "Just making sure everything is on the up and up."

"Not a problem," Hotch said, "we understand."

"We'll see you on the plane," the captain said, touching the brim of his hat. "Have a good flight."

"Thanks," Dave said and the two men walked away."

"Does that happen a lot?" Penelope asked.

"Every time," Dave said.

"It's regulations," Hotch added.

It was another thirty minutes before they boarded the plane. Hotch sat next to the window and Rossi the aisle with Skylar between them. Penelope sat across the aisle from them.. The flight was non-stop, less than two hours. There was a spot of trouble when they hit a bit of turbulence, shaking the plane a little. Skylar grabbed Dave's hand and wouldn't let go for half an hour.

It was a little before noon when the group landed. They gathered their things and made their way off the plane. It took ten minutes to find the baggage claim. When they started getting their things it was obvious they were going to need a cart. Hotch found a skycap and they started piling their things on his cart.

"Garcia, did you drive?" Hotch asked.

"Took a cab," she said. "I don't like leaving Esther in the parking lot when I don't know how long I'll be gone and I didn't want the others to know where I was going."

"I'll take you home," Dave said. "I have to drop Hotch at home as well."

"If you're sure it's no trouble."

"None," Dave said. "Why don't you three go up to the entrance and I'll pull the car around." He looked at Skylar. "Stay with Hotch and Penelope while I go get the car," he told her. "I won't be long, I promise." She gave him a smile then took Hotch's hand.

Fifteen minutes later, they were in the SUV and headed for Penelope's place. Hotch helped her carry her things upstairs then they headed for his apartment. They didn't have to pick up Jack because Jessica would bring him home later.

By the time Dave and Skylar got home, it was after two in the afternoon and they were both tired. Dave unloaded the SUV while Skylar wandered into the living room. She heard barking and she went to find it. Walking into the kitchen, she saw a large, black dog barking at the sliding doors. She stood watching him as he barked at her.

"I see you found Mudgie," Dave said, walking up behind her. Reaching over, he unlocked the door and opened it, letting in the black blur. The dog kept barking and running around the the two. "Calm down, you overgrown puppy," Dave said. "Sit." The dog sat, his tail wagging and his tongue hanging out.

"Hold you hand out and let him sniff it," he said. "That's how he learns who you are." Skylar held out her hand. Mudgie smelled it for a few seconds then gave it a lick. That made the little girl smile. She petted the dog's head and he gave her an excited bark. "Come on, you two," Dave said. "Let me show you your room." They walked back into the entry way. Dave grabbed two of her bags and the trio headed up the stairs.

They walked past Dave's room and the bathroom and into another bedroom. "This is yours until we find another house," he said. "The bathroom is right next door and my room is on the other side of that. I'll get the rest of your things then I'll help you unpack."

After an hour, the trio ended up back in the kitchen. It was close to four and neither had eaten since before they left for the airport. "I don't know about you," Dave said, "but I'm getting hungry and I don't feel like making a run to the grocery store. Any idea what you would like to eat?" She just shrugged and he sighed. "You and I are going to have to work on our communication skills until you decide to talk again."

Skylar lowered her head and Dave heard a sniff. "Whoa, whoa, wait a minute," he said. He picked her up and sat her on the counter. "Whether or not you ever talk, things are not going to change," he said. He gently raised her head. "You will be with me from now on." There was a bark. "Me and the dog," he amended. That got him a smile. "As far as communicating, we'll learn sign language if we have to. We'll go grocery shopping tomorrow. Now, do you want to order in or go out?" She pointed toward the door. "Out it is," he nodded. "See. We're communicating." That got a giggle. "Okay Chinese?" Head shake. "Mexican?" Another shake. "Burgers?" Shake again. "Italian?" That got a nod. "Of course. I can't wait until you taste your Nonna's cooking." She looked confused. "Nonna is Italian for grandmother. She will love you. Come on." He helped her down. "I know just the restaurant."

TBC...

Next chapter - A confrontation with Strauss