Preponderance

A Criminal Minds Story

"Daddy!"

Hotch smiled as the very excited voice flew through the hall followed by very hurried footsteps of his young son as soon as he shut the front door. He was completely exhausted, but it didn't stop the small burst of energy he received as Jack, his nine year old boy rushed into his arms. As he clutched his son he couldn't help but think of the mother who wouldn't get to hold hers again.

"Hey, Buddy, aren't you supposed to be getting ready for school?" Hotch wondered, raising his eyebrows at the pajama wearing child. Glancing at the clock he looked up at Jessica who was leaning against the wall with her arms folded.

"That's my fault. I woke him up late. And he just had to see Daddy…," Jessica shrugged, looking at him sympathetically. She had heard what had happened just a few hours before.

"It's alright. I was going to check him out anyway." Hotch assured her.

"You were! " Jack cried excitedly, jumping up and down, "Why? Wait, so I don't have to go to school today?"

"No, you don't have to go to school," Hotch stated, taking a deep breath. His eyes caught the sight of a bike in the entry way. "Jack, what's your old bike doing in the house?"

"I thought I would give it to Little Henry, his bike is too small for him now, and he didn't get one for his birthday… I don't use it. So he could have it. Would Aunt JJ be mad?"

Hotch flinched.

How was he supposed to tell his son that his favorite… and only cousin was dead?

"No. Aunt JJ wouldn't be mad," Hotch choked. Tears pooling in his eyes as he knelt next to his son. Jessica turned away.

"What's wrong Daddy?" Jack pleaded, his hand on his father's shoulder. His Daddy never cried. Not since his Mommy anyway.

"Jack, last night I received a call. I was told to get to Aunt JJ's house right away because something had happened."

"Are they alright?" Jack whispered. But by the look on his father's face he knew that something was wrong and it scared him.

"A bad man hurt Henry and his daddy Will, Jack I'm so sorry," Hotch hoped Jack understood what he was trying to say.

"Is Henry with Mommy now?" Jack whispered, his little body starting to shake. Hotch enveloped his son in a hug as the young boy started to sob. Jessica couldn't stop her own tears from falling. She knew JJ, and she's even baby sat Henry before. Such a sweet boy, she couldn't believe it.

"Yes. Henry is with Mommy."

After a long while Jack pulled away from his father while wiping tears from his eyes. A bad man had taken Henry from him just like one took away his mom. It wasn't fair. Henry was just little. Henry was his friend.

"Did you get the guy Dad?"

"Yes, we got the guy."

"Good. Do you think I can go visit Aunt JJ? I want to tell her that Mommy will take care of Henry in heaven." Hotch nodded proudly. JJ would appreciate that and maybe seeing Jack would cheer her up a bit. He knew how much she loved his son.

She was favorite Aunt JJ.

"Yeah, we could do that. Why don't you get dressed and we'll make her a plate of cookies and we'll stop by later. She's with Aunt Emily now, so we'll make her some too."

Jack nodded as he ran to his room. He just knew that he had to help Aunt JJ as much as he could because he knew how sad she would be. Just like how he felt when he lost his Mommy and even how he still feels now.

"Mommy, please take care of Henry," Jack whispered as he glanced at the photo of her on his desk.

Hotch collapsed into the kitchen chair as he put his head in his hands. He hadn't felt so helpless since he lost Haley, but he still had his son. If he had lost Jack that day too, Hotch didn't know where he would be right now. Jack was his everything.

Closing his eyes he shuddered as images of Henry's dead body flashed in front of him. He couldn't imagine the pain his friend must be going through. Her whole life was shot down right in front of her eyes. She witnessed her son take his final breath, and she could do nothing to stop it. Being a parent Hotch knew of the responsibility to make sure your child is safe. To give them a good life. A long one. But most importantly to love them forever.

He didn't know how she would ever move on? If she would ever be able to move on. But JJ was strong. They would really have to watch her next couple of months, but Hotch knew. He knew that he and the team would do anything for her and that they would always be there for her…

One cookie plate at a time.

Okay so I know that was short and not so good, but it was just the start. Thank you for all the reviews and for reading. I really am so grateful to you all. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or criticisms. And I honestly hope that you all have a wonderful day.

-HCB