Chapter 21-The Countdown Begins
Garcia and Reid were getting bleary-eyed from staring at the computer monitors for hours when a frantic knocking on the door was heard.
"Enter the office of the all-knowing and ye shall be heard," Penelope hollered without moving her eyes from the computer screen in front of her. Both she and Reid looked around to see the door open and Rossi, Morgan, Prentiss and JJ enter; JJ closed the door behind her. Rossi appeared anxious which made both of them nervous.
"What's wrong?" asked Reid with narrowed eyes.
JJ quickly repeated her story to Garcia and Reid who both sat patiently and listened calmly until she got to the part about Hotch having only forty-eight hours left to live. Swallowing hard, Reid turned his face back to the computer screen. He didn't want the others to see his moist eyes. He tapped his pencil on the desk top just to keep busy.
"Oh God," Garcia murmured softly as she turned away, removed her glasses, and wiped her eyes. The thought that Hotch may only have forty-eight hours to live was too much to take. She felt what she knew was Morgan's hand on her shoulder. "I'm okay. I just have something in my eye." She quickly put her glasses back on. "The baby genius and I still haven't found anything. In fact, I don't know where else to look," she admitted sadly.
Reid tossed his pencil on the desk. "And I'm rapidly running out of places to suggest looking."
"That's why we're here, Reid," Rossi began. "I think there might be a way to find out where Hotch is being held, but I need you to create an anagram of two names I'm going to give you. Can you do it?"
Reid grabbed his pencil again and took the notepad Garcia handed him. "Go ahead," he said.
"Okay. Shane and Brandon Cooper," Rossi told him. "Create anagrams for each name separately and then jointly. Then, whatever you come up with, have Garcia run 'em on the computer and get back to us. Just remember, the clock is running." He noticed the young genius look up at him questioningly.
"Don't ask me how I know because I don't. It's just a hunch. Just run a check on all the possibilities you come up with and get back to us as soon as possible."
"Right away," Reid replied as he started writing down the names he had come up with by rearranging the letters. He secretly didn't care if he had to work all night; he would find the right anagram that would give them the break they needed to save their Unit Chief.
"Consider it done, sir," Garcia promised as she cracked her knuckles in preparation of conducting a fresh search as soon as Reid had finished doing what he had to do. Like Reid, she was prepared to stay all night if need be with Hotch's life on the line. She could rest later once she knew her boss was safe and sound, and away from his captor permanently.
Rossi glanced over his shoulder at the others. "Let's go back to the bullpen and make sure we haven't overlooked anything." Opening the door to Garcia's office, Rossi allowed Morgan, Prentiss and JJ to walk out before he followed them. "Good luck," he said and smiled weakly as Reid merely waved at him while working on his assignment.
Once they were alone, Garcia folded her arms and stared at Reid as she waited for the first couple of names to begin her search.
"Who are we looking up first, my junior G-man?" she asked with renewed energy.
"I only have two or three names to start with," Reid replied. "I'm starting with Brandon Cooper. I'll give you a couple at a time."
Garcia wiggled her fingers before positioning them over her keyboard. "Go ahead, my love. Give me some names."
Hotch was staring at the ceiling still thinking about the things he had said to JJ when the door opened and he watched Armitage walk in carrying the tripod and camera; he knew immediately what was going to happen, and he inwardly cringed.
"I thought this wasn't until tomorrow?" he asked.
"I lied," his captor announced as he set up the tripod. He paused long enough to turn and glance at his prisoner. "Oh, you thought I was going to make the video tomorrow and kill you a day later?" He chuckled while positioning the camera. "That's what I wanted your team to think. Actually, You're going to make the video today and I will send it by courier; then I will call them." He grinned maliciously at the agent. "And tomorrow, Aaron, tomorrow you will die instead of Friday." He stepped back after positioning the camera on top of the tripod.
Hotch was, for the first time since his capture, feeling true fear. He was going to die a day sooner unless his team could find him which now seemed an improbability. As much as he wracked his brains, he couldn't come up with anything that would slow Armitage down and stall what the man planned on doing.
"But you said…."
"I know what I said," Armitage said. "And it's what I wanted them to think. I wanted them to believe they had forty-eight hours to save your miserable life when in reality, your time is up as of midnight tonight, and there's not a damn thing you or your team can do." He faced the agent grinning like a hyena. "See, Aaron, I have a feeling that not only are things getting too hot around here, but I'm tired of your company and it's time for us to part ways. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some preparations to make for your last video." He turned and walked calmly out of the room leaving Hotch alone to ponder his fate and try to come up with a way to stall the inevitable. But he soon heard footsteps on the stairs and saw Armitage re-enter the room carrying a bucket of water and two cables. Hotch's eyes widened as he suspected he knew what was about to happen.
Armitage saw his prisoner's eyes and knew that Hotch was aware of what was about to happen. Sitting the bucket of water on the night table and the cables beside it, he looked directly at the agent. "I want your team to see the shocking reaction." He then studied the healing cuts to Hotch's face, neck, shoulder and abdomen. "Hmmm," he said. "The stab wound to your shoulder is becoming infected as is the x-shaped cut to your face. But no matter. You won't live long enough to suffer much from the infection." He then proceeded to unfasten and remove the stun belt from around Hotch's waist, discarding it on the floor near the night table. He followed that by removing the metal wedges from beneath Hotch's toenails; he tossed them carelessly onto the floor as well.
Then Armitage put on the 'Lone Ranger' mask for what he expected would be the final time, slipped a DVD into the camera slot and pressed the on button. "Smile for the camera, Aaron," he said. He watched Hotch turn towards the camera with an expression of utter despair and hopelessness. As he did so, Armitage walked temporarily out of view of the camera and reappeared shortly thereafter beside the bed near the table on which sat the water bucket and cables. He looked directly into the camera and spoke to his invisible audience. "I know I told you all I planned to send you a video on Thursday, but I've suddenly grown tired of your boss's company and have decided to put him out of his misery a day sooner. But before I do that, Aaron has a farewell message for each of you." He leaned over the bed. "Go ahead, Aaron."
Hotch swallowed hard knowing the unbelievable had finally happened, and that was he had run out of time. This was the end of the line for him. He didn't blame his team for failing to save him; he knew they had tried their best. But with Jason Armitage unknowingly depriving them of twenty-four hours they thought they had, there was no way he would escape his fate. He let out a deep breath of frustration and helplessness. Up to now, he had never given much thought as to what he would say to his team were a moment like this ever to present itself. But now that it had, he discovered he couldn't find the words he needed. He thought it was funny that he, the always stoic Aaron Hotchner, never at a loss for words, now facing his own imminent death, was at a loss for words. But somehow he had to find the words to express his feelings to those he was closest to; and who better to begin with was his longtime friend and confidant, David Rossi.
"Dave, you have always been my very best friend. You've also been there for me when I needed someone to listen to me about things I couldn't discuss with anybody else. I need you to do me a huge favor, Dave. Take care of the team for me. I'm leaving them in your capable hands. Whatever you do, don't let Strauss break the team up. You have to promise me you will do what I ask. I can rest in peace knowing you will handle things for me and keep everybody together. I know it isn't much, but thank you now for doing this. I wish I could say more, but I'm afraid this will have to do my friend."
He then sighed as his mind shifted next to the man who thought of him as a mentor: Derek Morgan. "Derek, you're one of the best agents I've ever had the pleasure of working with. I trusted you with my life, and I know you probably right now are thinking you failed me somehow. Let me assure you that you didn't. No way. You never let me down and you didn't this time. If you want to do something for me, give Dave the same loyalty as you did me. Also, treat Spencer as the little brother you consider him to be and guide him, protect him, and keep him on the right path. You are a capable leader who will one day have his own team. When that day comes, lead them with the same integrity, dedication, and compassion you've always shown me." Hotch allowed a tear to roll down the side of his face and fall onto the pillow. He knew this would be difficult; saying goodbye to those he considered family; but it was much harder than he thought it would be.
Pausing for awhile to collect his thoughts, Hotch next thought about Emily Prentiss. He suspected the raven-haired beauty who was always able to compartmentalize things to maintain her sanity, would not be able to compartmentalize his death. He knew Prentiss would have trouble dealing with what she believed was a personal failure and he couldn't allow that to weigh on her mind. "Emily, you are one of the brightest and strongest women I've ever had the pleasure of working with. You're tough and brave, and can face down an UnSub with the best of them, and yet, you are capable of showing compassion to those who need and deserve it, even if they are an UnSub. I've always envied your ability to compartmentalize things. Don't let my death cause you to change who you are, and affect how you do whatever you choose to do. Promise me you will continue to do the job you're good at with the same strength, courage and compassion whether it be with the BAU or whatever job it might be if not. I expect you not to let my death have an adverse effect on you in whatever field you choose."
At this point Hotch couldn't continue as he squeezed his eyes shut tightly and silently sobbed as he told himself he didn't want to die. He wanted to live and see Jack grow up. "I don't want to die," he told himself; but he would never give his captor the pleasure of hearing him beg to live. He swallowed the large lump in his throat when the realization came to him that his life was now reduced to a matter of a few hours. Inwardly he cried knowing he was going to die and nobody could do a thing to stop it. Outwardly, he opened his eyes again and took a deep breath to gather his composure before he continued.
Spencer Reid next came to mind, and for that, Hotch gave careful thought as he had known Reid considered him a father figure since Gideon had left. "Spencer, you are without a doubt the smartest young man I've ever known. Sometimes I believe I relied on your genius too much and took advantage. Please accept my deepest apology. I imagine my sudden leaving not long after Gideon's will affect you the hardest because I know how much you relied on me after he left. I'm only sorry that, like Gideon, I am leaving without saying goodbye face-to-face. But you can rest assured it's not by choice. Don't let my leaving reflect on you or cause you to blame yourself. Just keep in mind that my leaving is not your fault. You've been a good friend to me over the years and I will always treasure our friendship. And while you are stronger than you give yourself credit for, should you need guidance, look up to the others; especially Morgan and JJ. I expect to hear great things about you despite being on the other side. Take care my friend and remember I will always be watching you and will always be with you."
Hotch again paused as his mind turned to the media liaison; and he swallowed hard. She was the one he'd feel the worst for when it was over. "The last memory she would have of me would be me talking dirty to her," he told himself. "JJ, you are one of the gentlest, strongest, and most gracious women I've ever known. You have more compassion than anyone I know. You always knew what to say to me when nobody else did. You were also there whenever I needed someone just to listen and get across what needed to be said without uttering a word. Don't ever lose that. I again must apologize for having to say those things to you on the phone. I hope you can forgive me. Whether you know it or not, you are the anchor that keeps us grounded when things get crazy as they so often do with the things we see. Keep the team grounded; and help Morgan look after Spencer. Like Derek, I know you consider Spencer the little brother you always wanted. You and Reid have a special bond; don't ever let anything happen to that. Nurture it; worship it, and above all, be there for him, JJ. Answer his questions even if you don't want to, because I know once my death has become reality, he's going to need somebody to be there for him as I should have been when Gideon left. Make sure he understands he was not to blame in any way for what happened. And above all, JJ, don't let my death destroy you or scar you emotionally. Use your inner strength to find a way to move on and above all, JJ, be happy. If anybody deserves it it's you."
Hotch paused momentarily again to collect his thoughts and turned away from the camera so he wouldn't have to see the flashing red light. Opening them again he first glanced at his captor and noticed him standing there casually with arms folded and a smirk on his face. He knew Armitage was basking in the knowledge that Hotch had realized that it was over for him and there was nothing that could be done. Swallowing hard, Hotch turned back to the camera as Penelope Garcia came to mind; a slight smile appeared on his face as he thought of his bubbly tech analyst who always had a smile on her face for him and always brightened his day when things were at their worst.
"Penelope. What can I say about you that hasn't already been said. While JJ is the anchor that keeps the team grounded, you are the bright spark that we need when things become too dark as they so often do. You supply that bright light that we need, and you always knew when we needed to smile. I could never figure out how you always knew but you did. And for that I will always be grateful. You always see the good in people no matter what, Penelope, and I can't tell you how many times when coming back from a case I have been so down from what I've seen, that after speaking with you, my mood changes from gloomy to happy because of you. I know I didn't say it often enough, but you are without a doubt, one of the most important people on the team. You are the primary reason for our success. We couldn't do half of what we do without you. I said JJ was the anchor that kept us grounded, but you are our beacon and keep us from sinking into the darkness of what we see in our job. Whatever happens, don't ever lose that spark or your ability to see the good in people. You and the others were there for me and I will always be grateful for your friendship." Hotch's voice was beginning to tremble at the end and right now he didn't care if Armitage noticed.
Hotch let out a deep breath as the most difficult part of his goodbyes was about to occur. "Lastly, I need all of you to look after Haley and Jack for me. Haley was my high school sweetheart as you know, and even after 21 years together, I love her as much now as I did then. Make sure she's able to move on with her life; make sure she finds someone to share her life with again and to love when she's ready. Don't let her wallow in grief and sadness. I'd hate to see her be alone. And be there for Jack as well. He's going to need a male figure in his life to teach him things only another man could. And seeing as I won't be there to teach him those things, Spence, Dave and Derek, I'm counting on each of you to teach him the things a father would. Garcia, you, Emily and JJ must help Haley teach him about the beauty in life and what true love is and can be. And tell Haley and Jack that I love them." He looked at Armitage. "That's it," he said. "That's all of them." Aaron closed his eyes again and allowed himself to lose control as he cried quietly not caring he was being watched.
"Very good, Aaron. You almost had me in tears. I said almost because I really don't give a shit. Now for the coup de grace." That said, Armitage picked up the water bucket and poured its contents all over Hotch soaking him. Then he tossed the bucket onto the floor and grabbed the cables. Crouching down, he plugged them into the outlet behind the night table and approached Hotch with the exposed wires.
Swallowing hard, Hotch watched as the wires were brought closer, and screamed in pain as he arched up off the bed when the wires touched his wet body. His body arched again and again as the screams issued from his mouth each time the electricity shot through him. Finally, after what seemed like forever, Hotch's body lay limp on the bed, eyes closed.
Armitage, dropping the cables onto the floor, unplugged them from the wall socket. He reached over and pressed two fingers against Hotch's neck. Satisfied, he turned and walked toward the camera, pressed the off button, and removed the DVD. Then, with a lingering look at his unconscious captive, Armitage calmly walked out of the room without any apparent concern. He had arrangements to make for Hotchner's demise tomorrow and for his own escape.
Reid and Garcia had been at it for over an hour so far without success. The tech analyst wasn't able to hide a yawn which didn't go unnoticed by Reid who shook his hand to ease the cramping sensation from writing nonstop for an hour.
"You all right, Garcia?" he asked looking at his friend.
"Don't worry about me, my sweet bambino," Penelope said as she hid another yawn behind her hand. "I'm willing to stay overnight if we can find our stoic leader. You just keep coming up with those names."
Reid grinned as he looked at Penelope with concern. "You sure? I mean, we can take a break and then go back to work."
"No can do," Penelope replied cracking her knuckles again and wiggling her fingers to prepare them to return to her keyboard. "Hotch doesn't have the time for us to take a break. Just give me the names as you come up with them and I'll look 'em up."
Reid smiled. "Okay, here's the next three names…."
Once Armitage returned to the living room, he immediately walked to the liquor cabinet and grabbing a glass, poured himself a full glass of Scotch and downed it all in one gulp. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out the diamond case with the DVD inside and smirked while looking at it. "Yes, Aaron, I had you say your goodbyes to your team on this DVD and let you believe I'm sending it to your team today. And I let them think I'm sending it to them tomorrow. Little do any of you know I will send it tomorrow, but after you're dead will I send it. So, it'll be sort of farewell recording for them so to speak." He then stuck the case back in his pocket and proceeded to pour himself another glass of Scotch. Holding up the glass, he studied the amber liquid.
"Sometime tomorrow after I get up I will kill you in the most slow and painful way I can. And you will be fully aware of what is happening. Tomorrow I will set fire to this place and leave you restrained in that bed upstairs as you watch the flames dance around you as you realize you will burn to death." He then drained the glass of it's contents and smiled.