"They aren't going to notify the press?" was JJ's outraged question during the team's meeting the next morning.
"That decision is above my pay grade," Hotch told her sadly. "They feel that because only upper echelon government employees' spouses are being targeted, there is no need to alarm the public."
"Christine is not a spouse!" Reid declared loudly. "And, I don't know where she is or what is being done to her!" He ended with a sob. Despite his teammate's efforts, the young agent had been up all night, refusing to eat, drink, or rest.
Garcia rushed around the table to hug him from behind. "We'll find her," she promised him. "Kevin and I are both looking, and so is the entire Metro Police Department, and the FBI, and everyone. She is out there and she is okay and we will find her!"
"In the meantime," Hotch continued. "Security is being tightened for the spouses of the upper echelon of the Department of Energy, the Department of Education, and the EPA."
"How are they going to handle that?" Morgan demanded. "There aren't enough agents to handle day-to-day assignments as it is, and there are just too many variables to determine exactly who is vulnerable."
"The Metro Police are being brought in," Hotch explained. "They aren't being told the entire story so, JJ, you will have to be careful what you say to Will."
JJ looked pained. "I may as well tell everyone this now," she spoke slowly. "But, Will has been talking about going back to New Orleans. He is there now - Talking to their Chief of Police and their Human Resources Department."
"Oh, JJ," Blake reached over and placed her hand on the blond agent's arm. "I am so sorry to hear that! Is this sudden?"
"Not really," JJ admitted. "He has been homesick for quite some time. And, with his DC experience and his knowledge of FBI procedures, they have made him a seriously advantageous offer. I don't think you have to worry about my passing on any information."
"I am sorry to hear about Will, and I trust you to use your discretion," Hotch told her regretfully as he concluded the meeting.
"If you need to talk, you know where I am," Rossi offered.