Yay! "New" chapters for real this time! I hope you enjoy this.
Chapter Eleven:
Reid packed his things as his mother watched.
"It will only be nine weeks, mom," he said assuredly. "I'll call and write every day."
"But I feel like I just got you back and now you're leaving me again," she said tearfully.
"Mom, I think this might be the best. No one is going to be looking for me in Denver. The director himself has personally assured me that you and I will both be safe."
"But I'm scared," she said.
Reid stopped packing to hug her. "Me too, mom. But I can't let fear get in the way of living. Neither of us can."
"What aren't you telling me honey?" she asked softly.
"Nothing, why do you ask?"
"What exactly is in Denver?" she asked more sternly.
"A special team of profilers who need my assistance," he said. "It will all be desk work," he added hastily.
"I trust you," she said. "Please, be careful."
"I will mom," he said holding her tightly. "I promise."
Reid didn't like lying to his mother. He hated it. But his main concern was Sloane, and the fewer people who knew about their relationship, the better.
…
J.J. drove Reid to the airport.
"Promise you'll call every day," she said.
"I will J.J." he said.
"Be careful and aware of your surroundings."
"J.J.," he said with slight edge in his voice. "I am done acting reckless. No more secrets. I will do everything by the book. I just want to go to work, rest, and get to know Sloane."
"I'll worry about you every day," she said.
"I wish you wouldn't. The director promised I'd be safe."
"People have made similar promises," she said.
"I have to believe him for Sloane's sake."
They arrived at the airport and got out of the car. She hugged him tightly.
"Be safe Spence," she said. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too J.J. and I promise I'll be safe."
…
Sterling picked him up from the airport.
"Thank you for the ride," he said.
"Your welcome," she said as she picked up his luggage (he wasn't allowed to do much heavy lifting).
They walked to her car.
"There are all at work until five so you have the house yourself for a few hours," she said.
"Great."
They got in the car. Sterling got onto the highway.
"So, what are the guys like? Lia mentioned a Michael and a Dean."
"Telling Michael not to jump off a cliff sounds in his mind like you're asking him to make a running-jump for the edge. Dean grew up too fast as his father was the nightshade serial killer."
"Every one of them has something tragic in their lives," Reid said. "What is Michael's?"
"His father is abusive," she said tightly.
Reid didn't know what to say.
"There is a study that Michael doesn't use that will serve as your home office. On the desk is a file on each of the team members, including Sloane. It will help you understand them better as you adjust to living with them."
"You don't sound like you approve of the director having me live with them."
"We could use your help here, but the idea of living with four teens isn't my idea of relaxing. They may not be minors anymore but they still have a lot of growing up to do."
"I see."
A few minutes later they entered one of the wealthier suburbs of Denver. The house they pulled up to was enormous.
"One of the first things you should come to understand is that Michael Townsend only insists on having the finest things available," she said.
They got out and she presented him with a key.
"Yours," she said.
Reid slowly walked up to the main entrance as Sterling grabbed his luggage. She then unlocked the door.
"Watch me enter the code," she said.
They entered and Reid watched her enter the nine-digit code. He then looked around and saw the massive sign: "WELCOME SPENCER!"
"I better get back," Sterling said. "Enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts."
"Thank you again, Agent Sterling," he said.
"Please, it's Veronica," she said. "And you're welcome, bye."
She quickly left and Reid was alone. He wandered around until he found the kitchen where a plate of slightly singed muffins sat.
"Healthy for kidney transplant patient's muffins for you! Love, Sloane."
Reid thought he was going to cry. This did feel like the right thing to do, after all.
