Disclaimer: I don't own Criminal Minds.
Warning: Rated for the mention of drugs, language, and torture.
Chapter thirteen:Death
"The fear of death is the most unjustified of all fears, for there's no risk of accident for someone who's dead."
-Albert Einstein
Bates arrived again. He stood in front of the agents for a while. he knew today was the day. His favorite prisoner was already at his ends. He was surprised Reid actually lasted this long.
Reid whimpered as he was pulled from his sleep, his deep slumber of the only peace he had left. Derek groaned at the sudden movement and the pressure lifting. He opened his eyes and saw Bates do his usual routine before torturing either agent. Derek sat up against the cold wall blood dripping down his wounded shoulder. Like always he was made to wait for the dreadful show.
Hotch was restless. He needed to find Morgan and Reid. Fast. Rossi was giving the profile of description. Emily and JJ were handling the phone lines. Hotch snapped out of deep thought. He dialed Garcia instantly.
"Are there any woods nearby?" He asked.
"I need a second," she answered.
He could hear the furious typing. In a matter of seconds the tech responded.
"I got something!" She exclaimed hopeful.
"Are there any abandoned buildings or houses? Anything?" He questioned impatiently.
He heard more typing and then a click.
"There are at least four properties that are absolutely empty...and this is only in the nearby town," she sighed.
"...Garcia I need maps for that area," Hotch ordered.
"Sir? Are you going to find them? Are they in the woods?" She questions nervously.
"We'll try to find them... and I hope they are. It's the only place that wouldn't be disturbed...it's the only place to look left," Hotch assured.
"Please hurry...I heard a forecast of snow..lots of it," she informed.
"I understand Garcia," he hung up with a heavy sigh.
They've been missing for three days...what are the chances they're even alive?
No, he pushed all negative thoughts aside. These were his agents. They were strong. He had to believe that. He picked up the phone and called everyone in the conference room. As soon as they arrived he explained his 'theory'.
"We know the woods," the local PD officer said.
"Good because we need all the help we can get," Hotch said sternly.
"We got the maps," another interrupted holding the printed papers.
"Let's get going," Rossi nodded.
They each grabbed a printed map and partnered with someone else just in case.
Prentiss and Rossi were both together searching the surrounding area before moving on to the cabin.
"Do you think we'll find them in time?" Prentiss asked.
"We will find them...but the question is whether they're alive or not," Rossi replied.
Morgan watched the beating again. The previous treacherous scenes playing out. Reid was suddenly quite. His head lolled to the side. If he wasn't trained for the little details he would have missed it.
"'m sorry," Reid mouthed.
With simple words Reid's eyes fluttered, closing completely. Morgan stared. Was he dead? Did he die?
"No...no Reid...you said you'd try..." Morgan muttered.
Bates stood back and smiled. Finally, he thought.
He picks up the body and puts it over his shoulder.
"Well agent Morgan," he turns to the camera.
"Looks like Dr. Reid finally gave up," he snickered.
"You son of a bitch!" Derek screamed.
Bates laughed maniacally like always.
"Reid wake up! Reid!"