A/N- Wow, I can't believe I'm finally done! Just a little note, I'm sorry if this is kind of a cliche way of explaining what happened. There was just so much to cover and I couldn't think of a better way to do it. Hope you enjoy :D
Extended A/N at the bottom :)
1 Week Later
"And thank you to Mike Rainbird for that story. Certainly a reminder to never count your chickens before they hatch."
She took a break, her smiling demeanor quickly turned to a serious face in true news style.
"And now to Sally Suzack, for a deeper examination of the workings behind the hostage situation that unfolded this week. It certainly is a complex story, right Sally?"
"Absolutely Wendy." The camera showed the building behind her. "Here I stand at Saint Mary's hospital for the mentally ill, where a teenager who is being called a hero by some, and a criminal by others, resided. The story starts in 2002 when a young girl calls a helpline to report her father as the much feared Washington Snatcher. She tells FBI agent Aaron Hotchner that her father is molesting her, and that he has killed the missing eight girls. The girl's mental state is called into question when she is diagnosed by FBI psychiatrists as having schizophrenia. Photo's soon apear on her fathers business partner's computer which proves part of the girls story. The business partner, a Mr Alex Newman, is arrested for child molestation and possesion of child pornography."
An old video tape of Alex appears on screen. 'I didn't do it, I didn't do it!' he screams. "Right now, we don't suspect Mr Newman of the Washington Snatcher murders." A younger Hotchner says.
"But that's not the end of the misery for a young Valencia Porter, who is soon institutionalized by her Father, the man who she still accuses of molesting her and of the Washington Snatcher kidnappings. At 17, still in hospital, she is allegedly sexually assaulted by Dr William Mack who last week was arrested on 12 different counts of Sexual Assault."
Footage of a man appears on screen.
"The board is very ashamed of our handelling of the situation. It is a disgrace that a man like William Mack got employment anywhere in the United States, let alone this institution. Dr Mack buried his information very well, but we bare the burden for not investigating more."
This time a man and women appear.
"Our daughter Regina..." the man says with tears in his eyes "killed herself because of Dr Mack's actions. They told us it was just the delusions. I knew it wasn't. I tell you..." he points his finger in the direction of the camera while his wife clings to him "We are going to sue the hospital for every cent they have, and we are going to make sure Dr Mack gets the punishment he deserves. This is a disgrace! How can it take a young schizophrenic girl to unearth this problem? How are people this incompetent?"
"But that isn't the only case Valencia solved..." Says Sally Suzak. "A week before she escaped, Valencia threw up each night, to rid the medication from her system."
A man in a lab coat appeared.
"People are saying, oh, she was sick... she didn't mean to do what she did. From the files I've seen, Valencia is a very high fuctioning girl, and with medication she is capable of living a rational, normal life. Valencia planned what she was going to do, on medication. Yes, her actions perhaps lead to the discovery of a young girl. However, the same outcome could have been achieved through a conversation with the FBI. Let's not forget she kidnapped and shot an innocent man."
"And that, she did." said Sally Suzak, the image suddenly of her infront of Betty's Books. "This is where, by an elaborate plan of luring her desired target in with promise of a returned wallet, a five hour hostage situation occured. Young Doctor, Spencer Reid of the FBI was held at gunpoint in this very store. Dr Reid is part of the FBI Behavioural Analysis Unit, the team who worked on the Washington Snatcher case eight years ago, though the Doctor was not part of the original case."
The young shop keeper of Betty's Books appeared.
"This is Beth," introduced Sally, "She was there that fateful day when Valencia Porter brought a gun into the store."
"I was just doing my business when a guy came in, saying someone from here called about his wallet. No one had of course. I was a bit confused at first, but then I saw it. This girl with red hair starts waving a gun around. I thought it could have been a robbery. She let two of our other customers go, and me eventually. I was so scared. She asked me to remember her name, and this other FBI agents name. Aaron Hotchner. I'll never forget it. In hindsight, I don't think she wanted to hurt anyone. She could have killed me, but she took the effort to calm me down, you know? I mean, it wasn't right, what she did... but from what I hear she saved a young girls life."
"Sources say that the man Valencia thought to be her father was actually Alex Newman, the man wrongly convicted of molesting her. Newman's lawyer comments further."
"I cannot comment on whether or not Alex Newman is Valencia Porter's bialogical father. What I can say is that Valencia has always stood by Alex and claimed his innocence. Alex wanted me to stress that none of this was her fault. The FBI majorly blundered this case, and as a result two innocent people were locked up, not to mention the horrendous crimes Dean Porter has been able to commit while he was walking around free. The fact that these blunders have been corrected by a 17 year old mentally ill girl says a lot about the capability of the city. What exactly are we paying the police for?"
"Is it true that Alex Newman caused the death of Anya Porter, Valencia's mother?" A young journalist asked.
"Alex is pleading guilty to manslaughter and unlawful disposal of a body. As per agreement with the DA, he will be served with a three year suspended sentence. Anya's death was accidental. Alex, believing Dean Porter's life was at risk as Anya had a knife pointed at him, pushed her, resulting in Anya hitting her head on a wooden cabnit. Alex did not know what Dean Porter was capable of at that point. The coverup of her death was pioneered by Dean Porter, who did not want known the reason why a brave, young Anya Porter had attacked him with a knife."
"Will Alex be suing the city?"
"I cannot confirm that."
"In the heat of the moment," Sally said, "A name came to Valencia. Eden Falls. Police jumped on this site as a possible burial ground for the Washington Snatcher victims."
"My...My names Leo. I work as a park ranger with my father here in Eden Falls. I heard the police were headed up this way... so I had a look around. I followed some tracks and I found a girl. I didn't know what to do, I thought she was dead at first. I'm just so happy she's alive. Yeah," he smiled "Her parents have contacted me since. She's not talking at the moment but they're just so happy."
"The girl, Lizzy Jacobson, was taken one week before she was found. She identified Dean Porter as the man who took her. A grave site was found near by, unconvering the bodies of 14 children. It is estimated that since Valencia's fateful call in march of 2002, Dean Porter has allegedly killed 6 more girls in the Washington area. Changes to MO kept the FBI thinking that the Washington Snatcher was at bay. Opinions of the parents of the victims differ;"
A woman cried. "I didn't think this day would ever come. It's been nine years but Catherine is finally home to mommy."
"Yes, we're just happy we can put this to rest. Make no mistake though, this revelation is all thanks to the brave men and women of the FBI. Valencia Porter shot someone, and I can't condone that."
"Valencia Porter is a hero. My girl didn't get a chance, and neither did Valencia. I know my girl would be so thankful for what Valencia did. Not only did she bring peace to all us parents, but she saved a little girl from the same fate as my daughter. I'd be willing to pay for whatever treatment she needs is she wants it."
"I'm not concerned with Valencia Porter. All I care about is that we can finally have justice for our little girl."
"If she had told the truth in the first place..."
The screen flashed back to Sally.
"Agent Jennifer Jareau of the BAU spoke to the press yesterday about the incident and how it will be handled in the future."
"Dr Reid is doing great. He was released from hospital two days ago as many of you already know. No serious injuries were sustained."
She spoke for a while about the effort of the FBI in conjunction with the Rosebyne Police Department.
"After much discussion with legal council, both our own and Valencia Porters, we have agreed that it would be best that Valencia will spend more time getting psychatric help. It is is in nobodies best interest to send her to a juvinille detention centre or charge her as an adult. Miss Porter is a very troubled young girl, who, at the time, cannot be blamed for her actions."
"And that's the scoop on the girl behind the madness. Jimmy's up next with sport. I'm Sally Suzack."
*Click*
"Girl behind the madness huh? Is that a pun?" she joked.
Maggie looked at the girl, shaking her head. Valencia sat upright in her hospital bed. Her hair was brushed, and though she was pale, she looked so much better than she had the other day, Maggie thought.
Maggie sat by her side on a chair, a remote in her hand.
"You really shouldn't be watching this stuff." Maggie warned.
Valencia dramatically put her hand to her shoulder, where she had been shot a week earlier.
"But I'm sore! I got shot you know." She smiled.
Valencia was well aware it was Maggie who shot her. She had been using it to play on her sympathies for the past hour.
"Yeah, just don't forget I could do it again." Said Maggie.
They both laughed. They had spent quite a bit of time together over the past few days.
The two of them saw Hotch appear outside the window.
"We still on for Go Fish later?" asked Maggie.
"Absolutely."
Maggie walked over to the door.
"Maggie?" Valence said.
She turned around.
"Thank you for shooting me. You saved my life."
Maggie just smiled.
"Don't mention it."
Maggie pushed the door open and met a concerned Hotch.
"How is she?" he asked.
"She's got a long way to go," said Maggie, "But she's doing better. A lot better. Actually, she's kind of a smart ass." Maggie joked.
"And what about you?"
"What?" Maggie asked, confused.
"We haven't really had a chance to talk since everything happened. How are you doing?"
"I'm... fine. It was a stressful case but I'm a big girl."
"You did great." Hotch said.
Maggie looked conflicted.
"I think you were right all those years ago about me being emotional. I thought you were projecting... but I've realized since this started... since interviewing Newman and Dean Porter... All I'm saying is that I could have been more professional."
"Maggie, we solved this case. You saved Valencia's life. I think you're okay."
Maggie still looked unsure. Hotch put his hands on her shoulders and leaned in so that he was looking into her eyes.
"Listen to me. How much you care makes you a great detective. A great agent. Don't ever think that it doesn't."
After an intense look Hotch quickly pulled away, realizing how close in proximity he had been. He coughed to break the awkwardness he was feeling.
"There is always a spot at the BAU if you want to come back. I think you'd be a real asset to the team."
Maggie half smiled.
"Thanks, but you'd be my boss."
Hotch looked a little hurt.
"Oh, I thought-"
"If you were my boss, I wouldn't be able to do this."
In one swift move, her body was inches away from his, her hands reaching to the back of his head and pulling him in so that her lips and his lips met in a spectacular fireworks display. She kissed him with passion, and he responded with only the same. Nurses, doctors and patients moved passed them, not noticing them at all. How is it possible that everyone was not jumping with joy?
Maggie pulled away, smiling. Hotch was stunned.
"I'll see you later Aaron. You know where to find me."
She walked away with a skip in her step.
Hotch still stood their stunned for a moment before clearing his throat and straightning his suit.
He made his way into Valencia's hospital room.
"Hello Agent Hotchner. Love is in the air?" she asked.
Hotch looked around and realized Valencias blinds were wide open and that very public display of affection.
"Oh, I'm sorry..." he awkwardly began.
"Relax. I'm just happy something good has come out of all this."
"I'm sure the Jacobson's would disagree that that's the only good things to come out of this situation. And all the other parents. And Alex Newman. And all the patients at St Mary's, and-"
"I get your point." Valencia said. she looked down. "I'm so sorry. What I did wasn't right. The ends don't justify the means."
Hotch moved to sit down in the chair Maggie was previously in.
"I should be the one apologising Valencia. I'm sorry I didn't believe you."
"It wasn't your fault. He had everyone fooled. Even me."
There was silence for a while.
"Alex Newman has been asking about you." Hotch said.
Valencia looked away.
"I'm not ready to see him yet. I don't know if I'll ever be."
Hotch didn't say anything.
"I know he thought he was doing the right thing. But he made some really stupid decisions."
Realization hit her.
"Like me." she said quietly.
Hotch looked around the room.
"It's like a jungle in here." he joked, referring to the many flowers, baloons and stuffed bears.
Valencia smiled.
"The nurses said they had to stop bringing them up. She wanted to know what I wanted to do with them. Apparently the pediatric unit is now full of flowers and bears with 'to Valencia' written on them."
"That was nice of you."
"Yeah well..." she drifted off. "People have been so nice to me. Some of these flowers are from the parents, some are from people on hospital boards praying I don't sue... but most are just from people that don't even know me. Just well wishers hoping I get better."
"Sometimes humanity suprises you." said hotch.
Valencia knowingly smiled, as Hotch had said exactly what she'd been thinking.
"Who's this from?" asked Hotch, holding up a sombrero on a bed side table.
Valencia smiled again. "That's from Agent Morgan. He dropped it off yesterday."
Hotch looked closer to find a note that said 'one day' wedged inside.
"Just wanted you needed?" Hotch joked.
"And more." she said.
They sat in silence for a while more.
"Aaron, can you help me do something?"
"Depends on what it is."
She took a breathe and looked ahead.
"I want to change my last name."
"To Newman?" Hotch asked curiously.
She shook her head.
"To Scott. My mothers maiden name. I resented her for not being there for so long. And I know that in all likelyhood we'll never know what she died for. But I'd like to think it was protecting me. To know that once upon a time someone truly did love me."
Hotch smiled.
"I think that's a great idea. I'll get the papers in order when I get back to the office."
Knock knock.
The pair of them looked up to see Reid standing in the doorway. His arm was in a sling. Valencia started to fidget. She was really nervous about seeing him.
Hotch got up and made his way to the door.
"Thank you for everything Agent Hotchner." she said.
He nodded. "Be well Valencia." he said before leaving.
Reid took another few steps in.
"Hi." He said.
"Hi."
"You look better." Said Reid.
She started moving about all of a sudden, trying to get up.
"Spencer I am so sorry, I don't know what to say, I just AH!" she said in pain as her shoulder started stinging.
"Hey, calm down." Said Reid as he moved over to her bed and helped her back to her previous position.
She looked down.
"I'm so sorry for everything I did to you. It was wrong. I shouldn't have involved you in this. I know better."
"Valencia... You were sick. And you weren't getting the proper care you needed. It's just a suprise you didn't snap earlier."
Valencia smirked.
"That came out wrong..." he began.
"It came out just right Spencer." she said.
"How's the arm?" she asked with trepidation.
"They say I'll be out of this in a week or two. No serious damage."
"You're not just saying that are you?" she questioned.
"No." he said.
"How about you?" he asked, gesturing to her shoulder.
"Sore. But there are worse things." she said.
He nodded.
"I haven't messed you up have I? You're not going to start having violent flashbacks every time you watch the Channel Six news?" She asked in all seriousness.
Reid just chuckled.
"I'll be fine." he said. his face got serious all of a sudden. "How about you, will you be okay?"
She thought about it.
"I feel... okay. For the first time in my life. I feel okay."
Reid half smiled.
"Are you upset I'm not going to jail?"
"What?" Reid asked, confused.
"I'm just saying... If someone shot me, I'd want them to go to jail. Well," she looked at her own shoulder, "With exceptions."
"This is an exception." he said. "I know you didn't mean to do it. Besides, I'd rather anyone got the help they need than lock them up. I guess the DA recognized that."
"Yeah," Valencia scoffed. "That or it'd be a PR disaster." she half joked.
She shouldn't know these things, but he knew Valencia was right. He could see the press storm from that. 'Sick, abused girl who was denied justice gets sent to jail for saving a girl's life'. There is no way the city would have supported that.
"I talked to the doctors at the new facility you're going to. I met Dr Chang, she seems very competent. She understands the situation. Honestly, with your 18th birthday coming up, and if you keep improving... I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be released in a couple of months."
Valencia sat up a little more.
"What? I shot and kidnapped someone. They aren't going to let me out..."
"It's the circumstance that lead to you taking those actions that are most important. Had you walked into an unfamiliar shop and shot someone who you didn't know, the possibility of you getting out would be slim. The thing is... you were right in the end. What had been called delusions for years were true, and if someone had listened to you, it's unlikely that you would have commited those actions in the first place. The situation is so unique that you're not at risk of going out and shooting someone. You're actions weren't that of a delusional mentally ill psych patient, just someone..." he searched for the word "desperate."
Valencia looked ahead.
"I... I don't know how I would live on the outside. I haven't since I was a child. I don't even know what the world is like anymore."
"There would be help waiting when you're ready to take that step."
Valencia just kept looking ahead, wondering what it would be like to buy grocieries or go running at the beach.
"Of course, with everything that happened at St Mary's, patients are being transferred everywhere."
Valencia nodded, still in her own thoughts.
Reid walked over to the door, but Valencia was to busy thinking about ice cream and sunny days to notice.
"Actually, I think someone you know might be transferred to the same facility as you."
"Huh?" she asked.
Reid opened the door and waved someone in.
A mess of blonde hair came running in, squealing.
"V!" she yelled. "Oh my god, what did you do you silly girl!"
"Daisy." Valencia said, a huge smile on her face.
Daisy hugged her tighly and Valencia screamed out.
"Ah!" She yelped. "Bullet wound!"
"Oh my god, did I hurt you? I'm so sorry, I'm just so glad to see you!" She said in a hurry, and hugged her again, only softer this time.
"I'm really glad to see you too Daisy." she smiled.
"Is this the guy you shot?" asked Daisy
Reid half smiled.
"Daisy!" Valencia said, embarrassed.
"Look, guy... She didn't mean to shoot you, alright? It wasn't her fault. We're crazy, alright?"
She walked up close to him.
"COO COO!" she screamed. "Sometimes crazy people do crazy stuff, you know? We can't help it."
"Daisy! Leave the poor guy alone." Valencia said.
"I'm just trying to help." Said Daisy, feeling dejected.
"I know. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Said Daisy smiling brightly, now proud of herself for contributing.
"I think I'll leave you two to it."
"Alright. Cya." Said Daisy.
Valencia smiled.
"Thank you for everything Spencer. I mean it. I'd hug you but we only have two good arms between us."
"Maybe next time." Said Reid.
Valencia smiled.
"Next time?"
"Absolutely." Said Reid.
THE END
Wow! Done! Finished! The End! It's all over!
Thank you to everyone who read and commented over the months. Special thanks go to some of my favourite loyal reviewers, ZannaBanana, CaseyRachel88, Miss Luny, 68luvcarter, Lolyncut, Tex Juxtaposer, Nymphadora-CullenBAU and all the others!
A special thanks to N-CBAU for letting me use first her name for Detective Maggie O'Dette.
What else is there? Oh, the titles! I don't think I've said this yet, but in case you didn't know, I don't own the titles. They come from artists such as The Decemberists, The Strokes, Laura Marling, Johnny Flynn, Ingrid Michealson, Regina Spektor, The Hush Sound and more.
I've had so much fun writing this. I hope Valencia wasn't to much of a Mary Sue. The rape or molestation seems to be used a lot (possibly too much in fics) but I hope you can tell that I wrote it that was because it was central to the plot, and not to make her some wounded damsel in distress. I'm only saying that because I find it's weird there are so many fics that go like 'Hai yah I was raped lol lets screw'
Annnywayyy... Thanks to Valencia, Frank and Maggie for playing along, a kind of thanks to Alex and a thank you but no thank you to Dean Porter and Dr Mack for being total dicks :)
That's it, I'm done, cya's later
PS- I never would have kept writing this if all your reviews hadn't been so great. Love you guys!
And please review one last time! x