Sex, Secrets, and Videotape
Chap. 5-Revelations
University Hospital
Somewhere in Las Vegas
Spencer sits in the waiting room, surrounded by the rest of the team. While the rest of them are waiting for Seaver to be released, as she only had minor, superficial injuries, Spencer was waiting for news about both Seaver and his sister. He sighed loudly, and checked his watch, causing JJ to shake her head.
"It's going to be fine, Spence. The doctor said ten minutes, and it's only been seven." He nods.
"I know." Just then, a blonde figure being wheeled down the hallway caused them all to rise. It was Seaver, being released to the group by an orderly, who passed on instruction to Hotch to have her be as still as possible for the next few hours. Morgan offered to drive her back to the hotel, and they left.
Hotch turned to Spencer, and spoke.
"Hey, Dr. Reid. Do you need me and JJ to stick around?" I shake my head, and he excuses himself to me, and picks up his jacket. JJ speaks to me.
"Please, Spence. Call if you need me." He nods, and assures her he'll be OK, and says that he will meet them tomorrow to fly back to DC. She smiles, and disappears down the hallway, her perfume leaving him a cloud of sweet-scented emotion as she did.
He sits back down in a hard, plastic chair, and looks around the hallway. How many times had his job found him sitting in a hospital just like this? He lost count, but now it was different; today it was his family member, not just another faceless victim, but his sister.
He grimaces as he spots his father exiting the elevator, but notices he is followed by a familiar-looking woman. He can't place her, but her auburn locks and green eyes are suddenly fresh in his mind, and he works his mental filo-fax, discovering that this woman is Stacey Jenkins, and is Elizabeth's mother, and that she'd watched him once or twice at the park when his mom would use the bathroom. He stood as they came closer, and his father speaks.
"Hello, Spencer. How is she?" Spencer ignores the woman at his father's side, and replies.
"She's good, all things considered. He hit her a few times, and drugged her. But no indications of sexual assault or major injuries." His father nodded.
"Great. This is Stacey. Stacey Stratford. You probably remember her as Riley Jenkins's mother." Spencer nods, curtly, and the woman smiles. He can see a resemblance between the woman and Elizabeth; while the girl and Spencer have the same coloring and body type, and their father's eyes, her hair is straight like her mothers, and her nose is pert.
"Hello, Spencer. It's nice to see you again, after so many years. Your father tells me that you were quite the hero, rescuing Lizzie from that boy." He shrugs.
"It was a team effort. She's not ready to see anyone just yet. The doctor said she'd come out." They settle into some chairs near Spencer, and he grimaces. He is not ready to talk; to face the betrayal, and instead, he stands up.
"I think I might see if Mom is up for some company. Tell Elizabeth that Agent Jareau will be here later to talk to her." He heads for the exit as the doctor comes out of a long hallway, striding towards him.
"Agent Reid? She's awake." He sighs, but nods, and stops the doctor, speaking to her
and motioning to his father.
"Her parents are here; William Reid and Stacey…something. If you'll excuse me, I need to get back to work." The doctor glanced towards his father and the woman with him, and sighs.
"Thank you. But she's asking for YOU." He sighed, but nods.
"Well, I'll come back later. Tell her that. After our father leaves. I really have to finish some work, though." The doctor shrugs and says she will, and he leaves.
One hour later
Las Vegas PD
Spencer enters the police building and heads upstairs to meet the gang before he makes a visit to his mother. When they spot him, they all look up in surprise. JJ speaks.
"Spence? Why are you not at the hospital?"
"Elizabeth woke up. Her parents were there; I didn't feel that was the right time to ask her what had happened to her." The others nod and turn back to their work, but JJ stands, crosses to him, and pulls him to a quiet corner.
"Why are you really here?" He considers lying, but thinks better of it, because he knows that while JJ is not a profiler, she is a mother, and thus, knows when someone is lying. He shrugs lightly.
"I didn't think I could handle it-the whole pretending to be a big, happy family thing. Besides, her mother was there, and I can't look at the woman without feeling like my mother was completely betrayed." JJ nods.
"OK, well, I am heading over to the hospital soon; do you want to come with me? Hotch and Derek are turning over the prosecution of the kid to the local PD, so Hotch gave us the evening free." Spencer sighs.
"Ok. I'll come with you. Then would you mind dropping me to see my mom?"
"Of course, Spence. Let me get a few things, and then we'll head out." He nods, and ambles back to the table where the others are gathered, finishing the last bit of the profile before turning the case back over to the local police. He smiles at Seaver.
"Elizabeth says that she hopes you're Ok, and thanks you for your reassurances that she'd be OK." Seaver nods.
"I am glad she's ok. The unsub-well, I never thought I'd say this about a teenaged boy, but he was scary." They all laughed, and then Spencer spoke to Hotch.
"Sir, may I see you for a moment?" The man nods, and leads Spencer to the same corner he'd occupied earlier with JJ.
"What is it, Reid?"
"May I go with JJ back to the hospital? I kind of left abruptly, but I think I should see her again, one more time, before we go home. And then JJ will drop me off to see my mother. I'll be back here later this evening." Hotch considers, but then nods and gives his consent.
"You may ride along with JJ. But please, try to not insert yourself into the questioning, OK?" Spencer nods in understanding, and then returns to the table as Hotch corners JJ and they speak in whispers.
Hotch tells JJ to keep a close eye on Spencer, and to encourage him to bond with the child, as everyone was aware that their resident genius was in pain, and perhaps a close family member could help him begin to heal. She agreed, and before she got Spencer and left, she called Garcia with an idea.
"Hey. Are you super-busy?"
"Not for you, Blondie. What's up?"
"I need a favor. Just a little something for Spencer."
"Name it."
"Make a file for him on his sister-everything that they have common. And arrange for her to spend her winter break in DC."
"Are you sure it's a good idea?"
"Yeah. If push comes to shove, she can stay with us. Will won't mind. And Spencer needs this."
"Ok. But if he freaks, it's all on you."
"I'm a big girl. I can handle it. Oh, and thanks."
"Welcome. Bye." The line goes dead, and JJ shuts her phone and turns to find Spencer. She is certain her plan will work. Or at least, she is very hopeful. She knows she will have to recruit the others, but doesn't figure it'd be too hard. She smiles at Spencer, and speaks.
"You ready?" He nods, and follows JJ out of the building and to a car, clutching his bag and a file that JJ needed. They ride in silence for a bit, until Spencer clears his throat.
"Do you know that she asked for me? That's the real reason I wanted to ride back with you." JJ smiled lightly.
"That's good. Maybe you should take a few days, stay on, and really spend some time with her, you know?"
"Maybe." He falls silent again, and she can't tell if he's thinking, or just being quiet. She speaks again.
"Spence, look, I know it's none of my business, but maybe this is your big chance. I mean, you don't have anyone else, and your father is sicker than he lets on, and when your mom goes-well, I just worry that you might not be able to deal well with it. Having someone to talk to, who shares your genes, I mean-that can help." He shrugs and sighs.
"I know. I was thinking about that, too. I just-I wonder if it's too late. I mean, she's not a kid. She's almost an adult, and I know that she's still young, but I just don't know what she's been told-about me, I mean, and can I work past the whole issue of my father's now-double betrayal?"
"I don't know, Spence. But I do know this-she's a kid. So don't blame her. Don't blame yourself, either. You were like, what, 10 when she was born? It's not your fault, either. Blame the parents, and then talk about it with your shrink, and move on. You have plenty of time. Invite her to DC." Spencer chuckled a little.
"Let's not get too ahead of ourselves."
"Just promise me you'll think about it."
"I will." They pull up to the hospital then, and enter the building. Once they arrive on the pediatrics' ward, Spencer notices that his father is gone, and the same doctor approaches him and JJ.
"Hello again. Elizabeth's parents have left, and she says that she is up for talking to you. But please, don't overwhelm her. Her mental faculties are slow; the drugs he gave her are slow to leave the system." JJ nods, and Spencer follows her down the hall towards the girl's room. Spencer muses that she has a private room, and wonders if it is mere coincidence, or his father's money. He didn't know, and actually, didn't care.
They knock, and a woozy reply comes.
"Come in." They enter the room, and Elizabeth smiles as they approach the bed.
"Spencer!" He smiles, and JJ gives him a pointed look.
"Hi, kid."
"They said you went back to work. I was hoping you'd come by before you went home. I want to talk." He nods, and then Elizabeth turns to JJ. "The doctor said you wanted to talk to me about what Clint did to me?" JJ nodded.
"Yes."
"Ok. Spencer, could you excuse for a little bit? You don't want to hear this." He nods, and glances at JJ, who smiles.
"Ok. I think I'll go get some coffee anyway. I have some phone calls to make."
"Thanks." He smiled at Elizabeth as he left the room, shaking his head. She turned to JJ, and smiled.
"Agent Jareau, right?"
"Yes. It's just a couple of things. How did it start?" Liz adjusted herself in the bed, and sighed.
"He offered me a ride to the Morris's after the funeral. I had just turned down an offer to go to breakfast with this boy that I actually like. But I wanted to go see Mrs. Morris, tell her that I was so sorry, and that I was glad she'd let me speak at the memorial. When I got into Clint's car, though, that's when I realized that something was wrong. He immediately locked the doors, and was driving really fast. He hit me, and that's all I can remember. I came to in that barn or whatever it was." JJ nods.
"Did he say anything to you?"
"Just that I was stupid for thinking that John-that's the boy I like-liked me back, and that I was too pretty for him, but I was starting to go "bad", whatever that means, and he needed to teach me a lesson about staining the name of brunettes or something."
"Yeah, we think he lost someone close to him that was brunette, and then the death of his grandfather set him off."
"I remember the girl. Her name was Amber. A colleague of Dad's handled the wrongful death case." JJ raised her eyebrows.
"Did you know her?"
"Not well, but we went to the same middle school."
"Ok. Can you tell me what happened after you came to?"
"Yes. Clint had me tied up; at first, it was my arms and my feet, and then later, just my feet, which how Spencer found me. I was bleeding from my head, and I remember that there was a makeshift bed in the building. I thought he was going to, you know…" JJ nods lightly again.
"But then he just started talking to me. It was totally weird. He was rambling on, not making any sense at all. He said that he was sorry, but he had to kill me to make a point, and that he loved me and always would. He also said that he didn't mean to kill Amina, but she had seen him dragging Reagan's body to the field, and so he had to kill her before she went to the police. It was after that that he started filming me, and then he got violent. I saw him chatting with some people online, and it seemed to fuel him, you know, make it more fun or something." JJ nods again, scribbling furiously, while the tape recorder she'd set up clicked off.
"Darn it. Do you mind waiting while I replace the batteries?"
"Of course." JJ nods, and excuses herself. She spots Spencer in the hallway, sitting in a hard plastic chair, and speaks to him.
"Hey, Spence. She's doing great, and we're almost done. You could probably come in now; we got past the personal stuff." He nods, aware that JJ was going to be asking the girl about a possible sexual assault and he hadn't wanted to hear about it.
"Ok." He stood and followed JJ back into the girl's room, and she smiled up at him.
"Hey, Spencer. Thanks for waiting. You can come in, if you want." He nods, and settles into a visitors chair as JJ resumed her perch on a bench under a window. She turns back on the recorder, and speaks to Liz.
"Ms. Reid, can you explain what happened when Agent Seaver showed up?"
"Yeah. She came barreling in, balls to the wall, and he went berserk. He had just finished taping the part where he'd strangled me, and then gave me the water, and was heading for school, or so he said. Then, this random blonde busts in, gun poised, all rough and tough, but he took her down really fast. Like I said, he was really mad. He grabbed a shovel, and just hit her with it. She fell like a china doll in an earthquake." JJ sighed, but nodded.
"Ok. Just a few more. You're doing great. When he gave you the water, did he tell you that he was drugging you?"
"No. But I could tell, because I felt woozy pretty fast, but I didn't make the connection until later." JJ continues again.
"Finally, I need to ask you about the raid. When the FBI showed up, what happened?"
"Well, Clint told me that he was going to let the agent go if I agreed to tell you people that I was lying, basically, and that I loved him and we would go away somewhere and live together, I suppose. Then, he went off into another room-I couldn't see what he was doing-then he came out with a gun and a vest, like I told your agent. Then I saw the door open, heard gunshots, and saw Spencer." JJ nods, satisfied, and stands.
"Thank you, Ms. Reid. That's really helpful. What is going to happen now is that we are going to turn the case over to the local police, because Mr. Meyer didn't die of his injuries, at least not yet, and you will likely be called to testify, as will the agents involved. Do you need anything else?"
"No, thank you. I think I'm OK. Can I talk to Spencer alone for just a minute, though?" JJ smiles, nods, and leaves the room, carrying her notebook with her. Spencer looks at Elizabeth, and speaks.
"Can I get you something?"
"No. I just wanted to say thanks. I bet this was awkward for you. But you took care of me, and you didn't have to." Spencer inhaled sharply, and then smiled lightly before responding.
"You're welcome. It's all part of the job."
"Yeah, but this is different. Look, Dad is sick, so I hope you spend some time with him before you leave. If you're interested, we usually have some kick-ass parties at Christmas time. Maybe you could come?"
"Maybe. I actually was going to see my mother before I left."
"Good idea. You know, I met your mother once."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I was twelve, and I was home sick from school, and it was a Dad weekend, so he took me with him on a Friday morning. Then he took me to a museum and out for lunch."
"You were sick?"
"Well, I had women's problems."
"I see." He grinned, suddenly realizing that he wanted to know more about the girl, but just then a voice interrupted their exchange. Elizabeth looked up and smiled excitedly.
"Hey, John. Come on in. This is Spencer. He's one of the FBI agents, and also is my brother." John entered the room, clutching a manila folder, and smiled at Spencer, who looked him over suspiciously. Liz continued. "Spencer, this is John. We were supposed to go to the Homecoming dance together, but now I can't, because I am stuck in here. You didn't have to come by, John. You should be at the dance, having fun." He smiled.
"I went to the game. Remember, the compromise? Anyway, you were voted Queen. The whole school took a vote, and you're going to get the crown when you come back." Spencer raised an eyebrow, and interrupted.
"Queen?"
"Yeah, I was voted Homecoming Queen, apparently." Spencer chuckled, and John continued.
"Anyway, I brought your homework. The blonde woman outside said that I could only be here for a few minutes; I guess they're monitoring who you come in contact with." Liz nodded.
"Thanks for bringing my work. I can't let my GPA slip."
"Nope. We need a valedictorian whose not a total nerd. Anyway, if you're free Sunday, and feeling OK, maybe we could hang out. My mom said you could come to my house, and we can watch a movie. I just got the Star Wars trilogy in Blue Ray." Liz smiles.
"We'll see. That would be fun. Thanks again, and I'm sorry for spoiling your plans." John smiled and shook his head.
"I'm just glad you're OK. I'm sorry you had to miss Amina's funeral, though. It was nice. I guess I should let you rest, though."
"Thanks, John. I'm glad you stopped by. I really will think about Sunday." The kid smiled and waved as he ducked out of the room, leaving the folder on the counter by the door. Spencer, who had witnessed the exchange with a mix of amusement and bewilderment, for he had discovered some interesting things. He rose then, and spoke to her.
"Liz, I should leave you alone now so you can rest. Dad said he'd come by later, after work, but your mother returned to Utah already. I think Agent Rossi will be your detail this evening, and then the police will take over until you are released, OK? If you need anything, let Rossi know, and he'll call me, OK?"
"Ok. Thanks. And thanks for being cool with John stopping by."
"Of course. I'm sorry you had to miss your dance. He seems like a nice kid, though."
"That's ok. There's more dances. And he is nice. Much nicer than Clint Meyer."
"Can I ask just one more question?"
"Of course."
"How did you know to play along with Clint Meyer?"
"I don't know. Instinct, I guess. It just kind of came to me. Why?"
"It's just-that's part of what they teach you in the FBI academy. You have potential, if you ever decide on a career in law enforcement."
"Thanks, but I am leaning towards engineering. Or maybe Physics." Spencer raised his eyebrows again, but nods.
"Both of those sound excellent. Like I said, I should be going. I think JJ is done with you."
"Ok. Bye, Spencer."
"Good bye, Elizabeth." He turned and exited the room, quietly crossing over to stand next to JJ, who patted his arm, and smiled.
"How'd it go?"
"Good, I think."
"Good, I'm glad. Let's go. It's getting late, and you'll probably want to see your mom before dinner, right?"
"Yeah." They silently exit the hospital, Spencer lost in thought about his sister, and JJ annoyed at Hotch's insistence that the hospital conduct a rape kit on the child, who had already been through so much, so after she dropped Spencer off, she turned around and headed for the hospital.
2200 Hours
Somewhere in Las Vegas
Spencer had returned from his visit with his mother feeling a little better about the day. He didn't ask her about his father, or the girl, but had been surprised when his mother brought up his father. She'd asked him how his father was, and if his daughter was OK, because she had heard that the girl had been in trouble. He had told her that he thought everything was OK, and that he'd simply come to Vegas to work a different case. He knew that his father visited his mother occasionally still, and that was likely how she knew about the murders.
Now, he settled himself into the bed in the room he was sharing with Morgan, and pulled out an envelope that Detective Montoya had given him. It was from his father, and he was dying to know what was in it.
As he opened the envelope, a letter fell out, marked simply "Spencer" and inside was some photographs, a copy of his father's will and last wishes, and Elizabeth's personal information. He opened the letter, and began to read.
"Dear Spencer,
I want to first apologize to you for messing this up. I had intended for the meeting with Elizabeth to go better than it did, and I realize that I am at fault for that, and for never telling you from the outset. Please know, however, that there is room in a father's heart for multiple children, and you'll always be the only son I've ever had. I have loved you and your mother since the very first day, and I will never stop.
I have included some photos that Elizabeth found in a box last week; I think you'll remember them. Do you remember when we visited Reno before your Uncle Daniel died? These photographs are of that weekend-you were five, I remember, and your mother was so gorgeous-you two were always so inseparable, and sometimes, I just felt like the man behind the scenes.
Finally, you might be surprised to find a copy of my will and final wishes, but being that you are my surviving relative, I think it's best if you handle my personal affairs, as I don't know how long I have left. It's a heart condition this time, but if your sister brings around any more boys, I think it might be the death of me yet. I just hope that you are willing to execute these things; you are the smartest person I know, and thus, I think you are up to the task. Nothing needs to be decided right away, but soon. I did include Elizabeth's personal information, as well, just in case. Please, Spencer, consider a relationship with her. It's not too late, and she needs the influence of someone besides me in her life.
Thank you again, Spencer, and remember that no matter what happens, I am your father, and you do have people who love you and think of you everyday.
Sincerely,
Dad
Spencer folded the letter, and replaced it in the envelope before fishing out the photos. From the next bed, he could feel Morgan eyeing him. He looked up and raised an eyebrow.
"It's a letter from my father." Morgan shrugged.
"Great. I am glad you two are finally at least talking." Spencer made a face, but nodded.
"Yeah. He's not so terrible, I guess." Morgan chuckled, and turned back to the book in his hand. Spencer glanced at the photographs he now held, and smiled. He DID remember the trip; it had been very warm that year, and he grimaced at his outfit, wondering why parents chose to dress their children like dweebs. He was wearing red walking shorts, a red-and-blue striped t-shirt, and white sneakers. His large framed glasses belied an innocence that he didn't even have back then, but he realized suddenly that he and his mother had he exact same smile. He smiled again, and replaced the photo in the envelope. The next one was of him alone, in the same outfit, eating an ice cream cone.
Finally, the last one was a candid shot of the family; his mother was standing next to his father, and he was in front of both of them, and he remembered that some woman had come by, saw the family, and offered to take their picture together. He replaced these photos in the envelope, decided he would look at the paperwork later, and stood to place the package in his go bag, and excused himself to Morgan, heading for the same diner where he and JJ had had their little talk the first night.
End of Chap. 5. I think there should only be one more! Thanks for the lovely reviews!