Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds.
Hotch, Prentiss, JJ and Rossi all stood by as the coroners carried out the young cop's body.
"He got Morgan," Prentiss said looking between the team.
"That is what I don't understand," Rossi admitted. "Our unsub only attacked women. Then when he attacked Morgan for Reid, he simply used a vehicle. This time a hammer. I have a feeling that our unsub isn't exactly the fighting type," Rossi explained.
"So how did he get a hold of Morgan? Morgan could have easily brought this man in," JJ asked.
"Morgan let the man take him," Hotch finalized. "Morgan wanted to get to Reid. If Morgan thought he could bring Reid out alive, he would do just that."
"So he would sabotage the case?" Prentiss asked.
"He may have gave Mr. McPierce a few more hours of freedom, but he did it to protect Reid," Hotch frowned.
"If Reid is even alive. Hotch, Spence looked pretty dead in that photo," JJ said in disagreement.
"Well we must hope for a miracle, because if Reid isn't alive and this guy is more dangerous than we thought. Morgan just placed himself in a suicide mission," Rossi stated.
"Um excuse me," They heard a cop say to them. They all turned around and was met with a cop and some guy dressed in black. "This man here says he witness the entire thing," The cop informed.
Hotch nodded and JJ immediately stepped forward to talk to him. Although she would prefer the interrogation room. She believed they had no more than twelve hours before they find both Reid and Morgan's bodies.
They walked down a path between the graves.
"Can you tell me everything that happened?" JJ asked. The man nodded with a contemplative look.
"Uh, I walked in and uh I heard footsteps behind me. Seeing that it was late at night and all those murders going on, I decided to hide behind a tree. Then when I peeked. I saw this man, his gun was aimed slightly in my direction, but there was this huge guy behind him. When the man finally turned around. The other guy just went crazy and then knocked the other guy out," The man said eyes wide. JJ nodded trying to believe him, but she felt like he knew more than he was letting on.
"Is there anything else?" JJ asked. It's nice to have a witness to prosecute Mitchell, but it won't help in finding Morgan or Reid.
"Yeah that was all," The man admitted looking away. JJ frowned.
"Why were you out here this late at night?" JJ asked looking at her watch. It was getting close to midnight and internally, JJ could hear Reid's statistics on how the first 48 hours are the most critical. Then again, she wasn't sure if he was talking about abductions or murders… Either way, the unsub had done both.
"I couldn't sleep," The man said simply, but it didn't make sense to JJ. Of all places to go, why a grave?
"So you come out here?" JJ asked looking as sad as she possibly could. She didn't want to alert him of her suspicions and it worked.
"Yeah, it just helps clear my mind. It didn't work today," The man said with a nod. JJ nodded as well.
"Yeah, I apologize that you had to witness one of the abductions," JJ said. "Let's head back. I can have one of us drive you back," JJ aid offering him a kind smile.
"I would like that," He agreed. They quietly walked back towards the flashing lights. JJ was slightly apprehensive about being alone with this man. What if he's working with Mitchell? What would he do to her?
"JJ is everything alright," Hotch said glaring at the man as he came forward.
"Oh yeah, I was just thinking," JJ reassured before Hotch ended up shooting the guy. "Um, I have a small request," JJ said walking in front of the witness towards Hotch.
"Something's not right about him," JJ whispered. Hotch nodded and passed her walking towards the man.
"I have a few more questions," Hotch stated pulling out his handcuffs and cuffing the shocked man.
"You have no right!" The man shouted.
"I have every right, but right now yours is to remain silent," Hotch said stoically as he pushed the man into the cop car.
"Interrogation room," Hotch ordered and the cop nodded as he got in the car and drove off.
"You think he may have helped?" Rossi asked. Hotch nodded.
"JJ wasn't sure about him. I don't want to take any chances," Hotch informed as they climbed into the black SUVs.
Hotch sat across from the man who was glaring daggers into his eyes. Hotch wasn't fazed.
"Why did you help our unsub attack Agent Morgan," Hotch said slowly. The man wouldn't speak. Hotch really wanted to slam this man into a wall. They knew he wasn't their unsub's partner, but this guy could know exactly where the unsub is holding Reid.
"Look, you are about to go to jail for assisting in murdering a police officer, participation in abduction of a federal agent, and withholding information. I will make sure you're looking at death by electrocution and I will also make sure they fry you raw. Now answer my question, why did you help Mitchell attack Agent Morgan," Hotch said looking at the man darkly. Hotch watched as the man swallowed nervously. Hotch knew it was a matter of time.
"He—uh—he said that it was for a good cause. He said that you were all corrupted, thinking that you were untouchable. Well, I believed him. Whatever he does to your boy, I hope it hurts a lot," The man snarled.
The door slammed and the man found himself pinned to the wall.
"You sick son of a bitch where is he!" JJ shouted as Rossi ran into the room to pull her off the man. The man laughed.
"Well aren't you a cute little thing," The man smiled. Hotch got up and walked between JJ and the man.
"Women are being killed because of this man," Hotch said. "This isn't about Dr. Reid or Agent Morgan, this is about the innocent women this man has killed to bring us here. If he's not corrupted then I guess us taking your daughter and murdering her will be alright with you," Hotch threatened and the man's smile disappeared.
"Where is Dr. Reid being held? If you do not know, enlighten me on where Mr. Mitchell McPierce lives," Hotch said as the man glowered at him.
"I don't know the answer to any of your questions," The man spat.
"Well that's okay, because we know where Stacey lives and our disposal of her will be legal," Hotch said pulling out a photo of the man's daughter. Hotch watched as the man's eyes reddened with anger.
"Where is Mr. McPierce? Where is Dr. Reid? Where is Agent Morgan?" Hotch asked. Hotch watched as the man mumbled something incoherently.
"What was that?" Rossi growled dangerously.
"I said 9645 East Wilmington Street," The man said louder. "I don't know if your boy is there, but that's where he lives," The man finalized.
"Thank you for your help," Hotch said curtly before walking out of the interrogation room. JJ wanted to hit the man, but finding Reid and Morgan was more important. Her and Rossi followed Hotch out.
"I have Garcia faxing the direction," Prentiss said as they grabbed their Kevlars. Mr. Mitchell McPierce was about to be exterminated.
Reid was out of luck. There was nothing he could use to help him get out of his cuffs. He couldn't run and he couldn't fight back. Sure a simple kick made Mitchell back off for a few hours, but Reid wasn't sure if Mitchell would put himself in that situation again. Reid was also worried because Mitchell was after someone on the team and Reid was fine putting himself in danger. However, someone else, let alone a team member? Reid would do anything to keep them safe. Reid only prayed that Mitchell would fail at that attempt. Each member could fight Mitchell off, and Reid prayed that Mitchell would end up in custody. Hotch could easily tear the man to pieces.
However, these were things Reid were only wishes and Reid learned a long time ago that wishes just don't come true.
His perfect example came when the door opened and he heard a thud. Reid sat there. Whatever Mitchell had thrown in, Reid wasn't interested in finding out. He would wait until Mitchell turned on the lights.
He heard the object groan. Reid rose an eyebrow. He knew that sound.
"Kid? Are you in here?" Reid froze. Mitchell took Morgan? Morgan out of all of them? It didn't add up… Reid heard Morgan shuffle.
"Uh, yeah I'm here," Reid said quietly.
"Thank god you're still alive," Morgan grumbled. Reid frowned. Why did they think he was dead? Reid sighed. Mitchell probably gave the team the impression that he was dead. Classic.
"Um. You're here? Not that I'm not happy to see you because I am, but uh… How did that happen?" Reid asked completed confused. He heard Morgan chuckled.
"The crap I would do for you, kid. I let him take me," Morgan answered. Reid frowned. Why would Morgan let Mitchell take him if he could have put the unsub in the interrogation room?
"Morgan, why?" Reid asked.
"Because, if he refused to speak of where he held you, then you probably would have been dead by the time we would have found you. I didn't want to chance that, so if I can get you out of here without him killing us, then I will do that. We can come back for him later," Morgan explained.
Reid nodded, but knew Morgan wouldn't see it.
"Did he take my cuffs off of you?" Morgan asked.
"No…" Reid grumbled.
"Sorry about that," Morgan apologized.
"It's okay," Reid sighed. There was a moment of silence, but Reid felt comfortable with it. What more was there to say when you were trapped in a basement?
"So, um. Here's a plan," Morgan started. "If I can get my hands free, then I can take him down and restrain him. If that doesn't work, I can get my hands free and try to get you free and we just run," Morgan offered. Reid shook his head once again, but sighed when he realized Morgan couldn't see him.
"Morgan, despite how well your plan might actually work," Reid said shamefully. "I can't be of assistance," Reid mumbled. Morgan frowned at the statement. Why couldn't Spencer agree with either plans? They were rather simple.
"Why Reid? Are you okay?" Morgan said his voice full of concern.
"Morgan, I can't walk let alone run," Reid admitted. Before Morgan could ask the lights turned on.
"Okay, I allowed you two to chat for a little, but now it's time to play a little game," Mitchell said walking in. "You see," Mitchell said turning to Morgan. "Your boy here criticize my method of killing and torture a while ago. So I did a bunch of research and got up to snuff on it," Mitchell informed.
"You couldn't be creative?" Reid said dryly. Morgan looked at Reid in shock. What was the kid doing? He's going to get himself killed.
"Now now Dr. Reid don't worry. I won't copy other's work completely. I decided to turn this into a game of poker face. However, Spencer, I understand you have a good history with poker, so I thought I'd let Agent Morgan kick off," Mitchell said as he walked towards Reid.
"Stay away from him," Morgan growled but Mitchell simply ignored him. Reid focused on a random spot on the floor. He didn't want to look Morgan in the eyes nor did he want to focus on Mitchell.
"Let me tell you the rules," Mitchell smiled pulling out a knife. Morgan froze in his spot. His eyes trained on every movement Mitchell made.
"You must not react to anything I do to Mr. Reid here. Every time you do, the pain level gets to go up another level. If you can't control yourself, I don't stop until he dies," Mitchell chuckled and Morgan glared at the man profusely.
"Mind, you. You can keep that look if you want, but no screaming or shouting and if you take a step," Mitchell sated pulling out a gun. "Things will get nasty real quick."
Reid immediately looked at Morgan. Reid knew this would be one of the hardest things for Morgan. Morgan was never one for just standing by as someone got hurt. Morgan looked back at Reid and nodded. He could do it. He just wasn't sure for how long. He needed to find a way to get rid of Mitchell.
"Do your worst," Reid snapped which took Morgan and Mitchell by surprise.
"He really is feisty," Mitchell mumbled as he put away his gun.
Morgan watched as Mitchell walked towards the door and stepped out to grab something. Morgan thought hard on his way of getting his hands free. Morgan smiled. He always kept a spare key. One of which he knew Mitchell wouldn't get a hold of. Morgan reached into his back pocket and grabbed the small key. He was glad Mitchell didn't find it.
As Mitchell walked back in carrying a baseball bat.
"Rumor has it that you were in the little league as a child," Mitchell smirked as Reid's eyes widened slightly. Morgan quickly tried to undo the cuffs, but jumped at the sound of the baseball bat making connection with Reid's head.
"Oh, you messed up Agent Morgan, you moved," Mitchell taunted. Morgan looked at Reid whose eyes were hard, yet hate-free. Morgan knew Reid wasn't mad at him. "Looks like I will have to take it up another notch," Mitchell laughed as he grabbed Reid, pulling him back up. Morgan couldn't help but stare at Reid, who was now bleeding from the new head wound. Morgan could tell that Reid had to be dizzy, but Reid was fighting to stay conscious. A part of Morgan wanted Reid to go unconscious. Mitchell would get bored. Then Morgan would have a good amount of time to get them out of there. Morgan finally got the cuff unlocked, but didn't bother to boast out the revelation.
"You know Agent Morgan, I learned a while ago that he couldn't walk. Maybe crashing into him wasn't the best idea at the moment, but now it won't be so hard to cause pain from within," Mitchell sneered.
This time around, Morgan stared at Mitchell with a bored expression. He didn't dare look at Reid's pain filled expression as Mitchell slowly caused Reid's messed up leg to move. Morgan knew from Mitchell's idea that Reid's leg had to be dislocated or broken, but Morgan didn't dare move an inch.
"He's bored," Reid grunted. "You suck at this," Reid said causing Mitchell to drop him.
"Do you get a kick out of making me mad? Do you want me to actually hurt you? These people think I'm sick, but you're the one that's masochistic!" Mitchell shouted pulling out the knife. Morgan knew that Mitchell's game was over and now, Mitchell was probably going to fulfill Reid's complaints.
The moment Mitchell drove the knife into Reid, Morgan was running towards the two. Mitchell spun around just as Morgan tackled him to the ground. Morgan easily dodged each thrust of the knife, but Morgan realized that he may have a concussion as Mitchell turned into two.
Mitchell easily knocked Morgan off of him, given that he was heavier, but Morgan only came back with more. Mitchell tossed the knife and pulled out the gun.
Reid jumped as two shots rang. Reid saw the two mixtures of people coming together. It didn't make sense. He watched while ignoring how his sweatshirt felt with blood causing it to stick to him. Another shot rang and Reid jumped once more. This time he focused. Mitchell was on top of Morgan, Reid could tell that Mitchell was strangling his friend. Reid knew that was Mitchell's kill move. Seeing something silver on the floor a mere three feet Reid scooted towards it. He noticed it was a key. That's when he also realized that Morgan wasn't wearing the cuff. Grabbing it from behind Reid quickly undid his restraints. He felt lightheaded, but Morgan was more important. Using his good leg, Reid dragged himself towards the scuffle.
He knew Morgan was out of time and Reid threw himself on Mitchell's back, causing the man to release Morgan and turn on him.
Morgan felt the air come back into him immediately, and realized Reid had jumped on top of Mitchell. Morgan watched as Reid held Mitchell in a death grip.
"Now you know how it feels," Reid mumbled and with all his strength Reid knew his overall goal was to break this man's neck.
"Reid no!" He heard Morgan shout and the door busted open. Morgan ran towards the two and knocked spencer off of Mitchell, just as Mitchell grabbed his gun, three shots rang.
Morgan watched as Mitchell fell. He looked up to see JJ, Hotch, and Prentiss lower their guns. Morgan looked down to Spencer to see the kid wasn't breathing or moving.
"Shit!" Morgan whispered in fear just as Rossi ran down the stairs and Prentiss and Hotch ran up.
Morgan backed away from Reid. He couldn't be dead. He couldn't. Morgan begged internally. JJ ran towards Spencer and began CPR. Morgan stood and watched hesitantly as JJ performed CPR.
Morgan prayed that she could bring him back.
"We have the EMTs coming," Rossi said pulling Morgan away from JJ.
"Rossi, we were too late," Morgan said unable to take his eyes off of Reid.
"It is never too late," Rossi said with a frown. There was something in Morgan's eyes as he looked at Reid, but Rossi pretended that he didn't see it.
"I need you to focus on me," Rossi said but turned around when he heard JJ slap the kid.
"JJ, calm down," Rossi said realizing that he may have to save Reid from waking up with a sore face.
"It's not working!" She screamed as the EMTs rushed in. Rossi quickly grabbed JJ and pulled her towards Morgan. 'Where the hell did Hotch and Prentiss go?' Rossi wondered as he realized he had to keep Reid's closest friends calm at a time that was damn-near impossible.
"We got him back," One EMT said and JJ almost screamed once more. In fact, she turned and gave Morgan the biggest hug she may have ever gave him, one that he greatly returned. They watched as they quickly carried Reid out on the stretcher. Morgan wanted to follow them to the hospital, but JJ insisted that he go get checked out first. Rossi stayed behind to wait for Hotch, and a cop informed him that Prentiss left with Reid.
Finally checked and cleared, Morgan and JJ headed to the hospital, where they saw Prentiss waiting.
"Hey," JJ greeted.
"Hey," Prentiss smiled back.
"Any news?" Morgan asked.
Prentiss nodded slowly.
"A little bit, Reid had a dislocated hip for mostly the past ten hours. The doctor said that even if Reid fought back, he couldn't run. He was practically unable to move. Imagine that and being handcuffed," Prentiss said shaking her head.
"Will he be okay?" Morgan asked with a frown. He knew about Reid, not being able to run, but would it be a permanent issue?
"They don't know. They're still doing some checkups. Reid was pretty nagged up from the accident and the signs of that asshole choking him were very present. They even noted that he had a concussion which appeared to be from his head slamming against something hard such as a wall. We already know that he was stabbed," Prentiss said looking at Morgan and JJ.
"It was a baseball bat," Morgan said quietly.
"Well one doctor thinks the concussions could lead to some sort of brain damage, but they're going to check for that too," Prentiss explained as Hotch and Rossi finally made their way towards them.
"Where did you go Hotch?" Morgan asked.
"I had to check up on something. Found some extra evidence against our "witness"," Hotch said vaguely.
Morgan nodded slowly. Whatever Hotch had up his sleeve, Morgan decided it would be worth the wait.
"Wait, where's Ethan?" JJ asked looking around.
"He said he would be here when Reid woke up," Rossi said raising an eyebrow. "The kid is strange so I didn't question him."
Morgan chuckled at that.
They all watched as a doctor came out and they all quickly stood.
"How is he?" Hotch questioned and the doctor nodded.
"Well, he is alive, but I don't think he will be in the field anytime soon," The doctor admitted.
"Why not?" Morgan asked with a frown.
"Because of the amount of damage to his hip, he is going to need some physical therapy. Plus we want his head to heal before he ends up in any concussion like situations. Plus the surgery went well and we just want him to relax. We had some of his medical history faxed over and we noticed a small trend with his blood pressure. We think he needs an actual vacation," The doctor advised. "That or a lack of caffeine."
The team couldn't help but chuckle at that.
"Can we see him?" Prentiss asked.
"Sure I think he may have woke up," The doctor smiled as he motioned for them to follow him.
They slowly entered the room and their eyes widened at the sight of Ethan talking to Reid.
"What? How-how did you?" JJ shook her head.
"You know what? I would like to get to know all of you. Except for Agent Morgan. I already know him," Ethan said standing up and pushing everyone but Morgan out.
"We-we'll be back Reid," JJ called out as Ethan closed the door behind him.
"Hey Kid," Morgan said hesitantly. He wasn't sure if Reid was still mad at him and the doctor did say that Reid needed to de-stress. He didn't want to cause any more stress than what the kid was going through.
"Hey Morgan," Reid said wincing as he sat up.
"Hey kid, don't push yourself," Morgan said coming to Reid's side.
"I refused the pain meds so, just pretend that sitting up wouldn't hurt," Reid offered. Morgan pouted slightly and Reid actually smiled. There's a first for everything.
"I don't want you to hurt yourself more than you already have," Morgan stated and Reid simply wrinkle his nose.
"Yeah, well I guess I can say I deserve it," Reid shrugged slightly.
"Reid don't say—"
Reid shook his head.
"Look Morgan. All of this is my fault. If I would have just listened to you and not run away, we wouldn't even be having this awkward touch and go conversation. In fact, we would have caught Mitchell without the whole car crash and me getting abducted," Reid admitted.
"Don't forget the suspension," Morgan said raising an eyebrow.
Reid rose an eyebrow at him too.
"That was purely by decision," Reid stated. "Anyways, I'm sorry for hurting you. I don't know why I went crazy on you all, but I know that I should have at least tried to get it under control," Reid said and Morgan finally took a seat.
"Listen kid, Prentiss talked some sense into me, because I blamed myself for everything that happened to you. She made me realize that we all had something to attribute to this madness. Well, maybe except for Hotch and Rossi, but Garcia and Prentiss focused on trying to get me and you to…Yeah, and JJ was brought into it because of us, and in a way, we left you hanging with this case. The doctor said that you were stressed and maybe us adding pressure to you and with the girls going missing, you just flipped. It happens," Morgan admitted as Reid ran a hand through his hair.
"Morgan, have you ever tried to step away from all of this?" Reid asked out of nowhere. Morgan frowned. What was Reid talking about?
"This job?" Morgan asked and Reid nodded. Morgan took a deep breath too keep from trying to convince the kid that he should stay.
"Honestly Reid, I don't think I have. At least, not yet. Have you?" Morgan asked already knowing the answer.
"Yeah a couple of times. The first time was when I missed that plane," Reid admitted. "Then, after Gideon left and he left that letter," Reid shrugged. "I just felt like I can do this job, but it won't be forever. After a while, I realized that maybe I could have done something a bit more productive. Like, I could have made a better difference, but I chose this," Reid shrugged. "I don't know, maybe it's because I get bored sometimes," Reid sighed.
"Reid, it is okay to get bored. You've been doing this since you were 22, I can't expect you to be thrilled to profile a killer every day. It will get to you and soon it becomes a repeat. Reid, I don't know what it's like to know everything or have a great memory, but I know that you have to let it out or it just builds up," Morgan said hoping he was saying the right words. Reid averted his gaze and focused on the blanket.
"Reid, if you feel like you need to leave this job, then I won't stop you if it's what you truly want to do. Don't feel like you have to force yourself through this because of us. We will understand and we will still care about you," Morgan informed. Reid took a deep breath and finally looked at Morgan.
"Morgan why are you still here? I mean, by my side after I treated you like crap… on purpose?" Reid asked once again taking Morgan by surprise.
"Okay kid, you're supposed to be a genius, but I'll let this one off the hook. You can't push me away. I have two baby sisters who will do anything in their power to make you leave them alone and yet I still show up when they get a new boyfriend. You have to do a lot better than that," Morgan smirked. Reid simply smiled. Then Morgan also shrugged. "I care about you Reid. I really can't get over you in just a span of two days, but I promise I won't bring it up again if it bothers you," He said softly. Reid laid back and shook his head.
"It doesn't bother me," Reid admitted. "Ethan told me you are the one who kept me from killing Mitchell," Reid informed and Morgan frowned.
"Ethan wasn't there, how does he know? And how do you not remember?" Morgan asked looking around. Spencer chuckled.
"Ethan always knows and I was barely able to see when all of that took place," Reid admitted. "But I do want to say thank you—again—for saving my life and my mind," Reid said.
"You're worth it," Morgan admitted wanting to ruffle Reid's hair, but remembering that the unsub slammed Reid's head with a baseball bat.
"You know Morgan, our vacation isn't exactly over when we get back," Reid admitted.
"It sounds to me that you are re-inviting me to your cabin," Morgan said raising an eyebrow.
"I never kicked you out," Reid stated and Morgan held up his hands in defeat.
"I was just giving you space," Morgan said.
"Well now I don't need space and would love for you to come back," Reid admitted.
"So me liking you doesn't make you disgusted?" Morgan asked knowing that he promised he wouldn't bring it up, but he couldn't help it.
"Morgan I normally just get a bit awkward, but never disgusted. However if you promise to not be as secretly annoying as Heather was, I might just give you chance," Reid smirked as Morgan's eyes widened with excitement.
"I think you just gave me permission to ask you out?" Morgan said. Reid shrugged.
"I really don't know, I've been working on that line for the past hour," Reid admitted. Morgan actually laughed for the first time since he told Reid the truth.
"Well, would you say yes if I did ask you out?" Morgan asked trying to help Reid not think too hard on his line.
"Well, this time I'm actually single and not pissed at the world. I might actually say yes," Reid admitted.
"I will take that as a yes," Morgan said feeling like he owned the hospital room.
"Let's just not tell Garcia," Reid said shyly.
"What? Why?" Morgan asked with a frown.
"If I look pathetic enough, I might just get those cookies," Reid reminded and Morgan simply shook his head. Reid's top priority was getting Garcia's cookies. Morgan chuckled, he would just have to get the ingredients so he could make them whenever Reid wanted them. Hopefully the tech goddess would be so kind as to share her secrets.
Reid's eyes drifted closed, but he tried to keep them open.
"Spencer, go to sleep. I'll be right here when you wake up," Morgan said.
"Promise?" Reid asked and Morgan nodded.
"I promise," Morgan smiled and Reid allowed his eyes to close.