Chp. 19

Emily was angry, and afraid. Why had she let Mark insist on moving Spencer? Why had she trusted a man she didn't even know with her son's safety? These thoughts plagued her as she sat in the E.R. waiting room of the hospital where the injured had been taken. They'd all been hurt physically to some degree, but Emily wanted to scream at all of them to suck it up, get off their butts and look for her baby boy. She didn't know precisely when she started thinking of Spencer as her son. If she had to guess, it was at the Marshal's office in Vegas after Diana's funeral.

"Don't do this."

She glanced up and saw Gideon standing next her. Having gotten her attention, he took the seat next to her.

"Don't do what?" she asked, even though she knew exactly what the man was talking about. She wanted to hear him say it.

"Blame him. This could've happened to any of us."

Emily turned to face Gideon, her eyes hard and defiant. It reminded the older profiler of a lioness defending her cub. "Actually, Jason, it couldn't have happened to any of us because we were perfectly safe at Rossi's and I recognized that. I should…" she faltered, willing herself not to break down. It wouldn't do any of them any good if she lost control. Morgan appeared and took the seat on her left. He held out a cup of coffee and she took it, downing half the scalding liquid in one gulp. Gideon took the hint and went to get a cup of coffee to give the couple some privacy.

"I promised him he'd be safe." Emily said, her voice small and frightened.

Derek sighed and took her hand. "We both did, Emily."

000

"You should go be with Emily." Mark said. Both his parent's and his nonna had insisted on staying with him. The airbag had done a number on his face, but otherwise he was ok. They were just waiting for the doctor to release him.

"How's your head?" Caroline asked.

"I'm good; I'm just trying to figure out how I can get out of here alive."

Isabella looked up. "What you mean? You think they'll shoot you?"

"I would." Dave said in a lighthearted tone as he attempted to lighten the dour mood that had set in since Spencer had been taken.

"Can you find the bambino, Marko?" Isabella asked.

Mark looked unsure. " I don't know. I hope so."

The door opened and they all turned. "Mr. Rossi, I have you release papers. If you'll just sign next to the ex, please? I want to go on record that I feel you should stay one night at least."

Mark shrugged and took the pen and clipboard, signing where indicated. The doctor left without another word. Before any of the Rossi's could move, the door opened again and Penelope Garcia walked in.

000

Garcia was torn. She had to do something to help get Spencer back, but she needed to clear her head so she could focus and do her part effectively. Spencer would need things when he came back, and she knew that Emily and Derek didn't need to waste time and energy worrying about that now. That was what she could do. But she didn't feel safe going out alone. Like lightning, an idea that could solve all her problems in the moment struck Penelope and she quickly made her way to Mark's room.

000

"What's up, kiddo?" Dave asked.

"Oh, I just wanted to make sure you guys were ok and I have a favor to ask. I have complete faith that you will get that little bundle to joy back into Emily's arms where he belongs, but he's going to need stuff and I thought I could help with that." Garcia said, in her usual mile a minute fashion.

"Ok, what's the favor?" Dave asked.

"I would feel safer with a bodyguard. Deputy, do you feel up to it?"

Mark didn't hesitate. "Sure. Where to?"

"Just somewhere close by. Nothing fancy."

"Ok, lead the way, ma'am." Mark finished. He'd finished putting on his bullet proof vest and a fresh shirt while she was talking.

After they were gone, Dave glanced at his wife and mother, who were both smiling. "You two know something I don't?"

"She's good for him, Davey. You need to encourage this." Isabella told her son.

"He's her bodyguard. It's not a date." Rossi said.

"Was my son this dense when you married him?" Isabella asked Caroline.

Dave rolled his eyes. "Come on, let's get out there and focus and getting Spencer back."

000

"Do you prefer Penelope, Penny, Garcia…?" Mark asked as they drove away from the hospital.

"Most people just call me Garcia. You?"

"Just Mark. Where are we headed?"

Garcia pulled out her phone and found a Target nearby. They drove in silence for a few minutes. Finally, gathering her courage, Garcia asked. "I suppose you're wondering why I asked you to come."

Mark shrugged, as if he didn't care, but he actually did. "The thought crossed my mind."

"I think that you're a good man, and the team needs to know that because they need you."

Mark laughed at her frankness. He found it refreshing. "Ok, another question. Why do they need me?"

Garcia fidgeted, because that was one question she didn't want to answer. "Because William Reid and whoever's helping him need to die."

Mark moved the conversation to lighter subjects as they drove to Target. What he didn't mention was that a car had been following them ever since they left the hospital.

000