A/N: Thanks for the reviews like always.
Sniper(Guest)I'm glad you like the idea.
Disclaimer: I don't own Criminal Mind or anything here.
Warning: Rated for the mention of drugs, language, etc.
Chapter three: It's an order
Andre Maurois wrote, "Without a family, man, alone in the world, trembles with the cold."
"Reid you should've taken the week off," Morgan scolds.
"I'll be fine," Reid assures his worried friend.
"You overslept today! You never over sleep," Morgan points out.
"I had a minor concussion, I just got out of a hospital, and we had to fly back to Quantico," Reid explains.
"And it doesn't end there," JJ sighs from behind the pair.
"Another case?" Morgan questions.
"Apparently so," JJ says.
Reid started to cough.
"Hey you okay? Do you need water?" Morgan asks.
"I'll be fine," Reid repeats.
"We'll wait for you so go and get a drink," JJ says kindly.
"Come on pretty boy," Morgan pulls him.
Another cough made them stop midway to the break room. Each cough was worse than the last. When they reached the break room the coughing subsided. Morgan studied the younger agent worriedly. Reid ignores it and gives him a weak tired smile instead. Morgan grabs a bottle of water. He hands it to Reid a bit reluctantly.
"I prefer coffee," Reid mumbles under his breath.
"Just take the water," Morgan responds.
Their hands brush for a split second. Morgan's worried look turned into panic. He regarded Reid's eyes. He placed a cool hand on the younger's delicate face. Reid looked confused.
"You have a fever," Morgan clarifies.
"And you got that by touching my hand?" Reid asks annoyed.
"Your hands are usually cold as ice," Morgan shrugs.
"Well the others are waiting and I certainly don't need a babysitter," Reid replied bitterly.
Reid accepted the bottle offered and walked out the small room. His defenses were up now. He knew Morgan wouldn't be put on hiding his 'condition' whatever it may be. And he was right. Morgan knew something was wrong…terribly wrong. He will tell Hotch about his concerns.
Charlotte, North Carolina:
"Looks like this is a tough one," Garcia, technical analysis, says over the screen.
"What's going on?" Prentiss asks going over the files.
"Well for starters two girls and one guy have gone missing and three people have appeared dead over the course of last month," JJ informs.
"Is there any information on the missing people now?" Rossi questions calmly.
"Jessie Aquino is twenty-four years old. She was going home for spring break to her parents' but it seems like she never made it. he vehicle was found on the side of the road what seems like several days," The local PD notifies.
"Melissa Jenkins is twenty-six years old and has similar information," JJ adds.
"Except…" Reid begins but stops when convulsions of coughs start again.
"Reid?" Hotch inquiries.
"S-sorry," Reid gasps as his cough comes to an end.
"By all means kid if you don't feel well-"
"I feel fine Rossi," Reid replies coldly.
The team gapes at his sudden bluntness.
"…Anyway except for Jordan Connari, he was taken from his own home…he's also forty to fifty years old…this doesn't fit the MO," Reid continues softly.
"…Alright shall we get to work?" PD, Caesar Kessler suggested.
"Rossi and Prentiss you go to the ME, JJ you stay and deal with the press, Morgan and Reid you'll go to the hotel and rest, I'll stay and do the geographical profile," Hotch directed.
"Hotch I am capable of doing my work," Reid objects.
"No and it's a final say. Morgan make sure he rests enough," Hotch continues.
"No," Reid disapproves.
"It's an order Reid," Hotch glares.
Reid remains quiet and nods reluctantly agreeing.
"Come on Reid," Morgan prods.