Alex made her way to Rossi's hotel room door with him and turned to say her thanks.
"Anytime, kiddo," he responded as they hugged each other.
She stepped out into the hallway feeling comforted by their conversation. She was so distracted that she didn't realize that she was being watched as she left his room and walked toward the elevators.
Alex stepped out to the moonlit beach. "Spencer you can stop hiding behind that newspaper," she announced as she passed him laying out on the chaise.
"Drats." He put down the paper, "you found me."
"Well, actually I was looking for Aaron. Is he still out here?" She skimmed the area.
"Oh, I see how it is," Reid feigned hurt feelings.
"Yoo-hoo, Spencer!" A high-pitched voice called out.
Reid turned to Alex, "Oh shit, Aimee again."
Alex grabbed his hand and both ran closer to the water as they peeled off their outer layers revealing their bathing suits and jumped into the rolling waves.
"Spencer?" Aimee called out again in a sing-song way.
Reid dipped under the black water behind Alex.
"Oh, hello, Alex," Aimee started, "I thought I saw Spencer out here."
"Um, nope, sorry. I haven't see him." Alex replied.
"You're swimming all by yourself… at night?" Aimee gave a look of disgust.
Reid playfully worked on unhooking Alex's top while he was underwater and she tried to keep a straight face.
Aimee continued to stare at her, "aren't you afraid of sharks or drowning?"
"Not really," Alex stared back at her as Reid tried to pull down her bottoms. "You know what, I think I saw him at the bar inside."
"Okay, thanks!" Aimee rushed back inside.
Reid burst out of the water, coming up for air.
Alex turned around facing him, "I could hit you."
"I know, but you won't," he grinned.
Alex stood in front of her hotel room door and pulled the plastic keycard from her back pocket. She opened the door to a pitch-black room. She turned on the bathroom light and noticed that the bed was still made-up.
She entered the room feeling perturbed. She wouldn't be surprised if Hotch had packed up and left after how she blew up at him. Alex then noticed the curtains to the patio door were sucked outside.
Alex approached cautiously and took a peak to see Hotch sitting out on the terrace in the dark.
"Hey, stranger." She stepped out to silence. She then let out a deep breath and resolved to lean against the railing. "I owe you an apology. I let myself get worked up and my emotions got the better of me. You have bent over backwards to make this work and stepped completely out of your comfort zone, and I can't thank you enough. I just wanted to let you know that." She moved to sit in the chair next to him, unsure what he would say, or if he would speak to her at all.
"Alex, I've learned a lot about you the last few days. I know how difficult this case is for you and I respect the fact that you are dealing with it as best as you can. I can tell you from experience what it is like facing your worst enemy. It is able to break people." He looked to her with softened eyes.
"I'll tell you what, I will leave it in your hands, you dictate where we go from here. If you want to quit, we can report what we know when we get back to the states and let them sort it out. Or we can continue as we've planned." He leaned over closer to her, "but regardless of the choice you make, I will respect your decision."
Alex sat there speechless for a moment, unsure of what to say, "I appreciate that, Aaron. I think we should continue."
Hotch nodded, "okay, but remember, we are in this together. I need you to tell me if you are having a hard time. I am in this with you. I have come to trust you and I need you to put your trust in me."
"Absolutely," Alex beamed.
Rossi sat alone at the café having his morning espresso and a Danish. He looked out the bay window to the pure blue water of the ocean.
"Beautiful view."
Rossi looked over to see that Sloane had seated himself at the next table.
"Yes, it most certainly is," Rossi responded, cool as a cucumber.
"I believe I have seen you here the last few mornings, how are you enjoying yourself?" Sloane asked as he sipped his coffee.
"What's not to enjoy about being in paradise?" Rossi replied.
"Do you often take vacations alone?" Sloane probed.
"I find it relaxing, the best way to clear my thoughts, take a break from the day-to-day."
"What kind of business are you in?"
"A little of this and that. I'm involved in several profitable business ventures.," Rossi was purposely being cryptic.
"Oh?"
"Yes, I make investments and such," Rossi said in an ambiguous tone.
"How long since you have been in New York?" Sloane asked.
Rossi raised his eyebrow.
"I have spent my fair share of time in New York, I can spot a New Yorker when I see one. However, you have spent most of your life traveling." Sloane surmised.
"Are you going to read my palm next?"
Sloane smirked, "no. But I'll tell you what, if you are ever in need of anything while you are here, I might be able to assist you." He stood up and placed his napkin down on the table. "I have a box of fine Cuban cigars."
Rossi pursed his lips together, "I might just take you up on that."
"Or, if you are ever in need of any female companionship while you are here." Sloane placed a business card down in front of Rossi.
Rossi looked to see that it was a white card with the name Sloane written over a large Roman Numeral X and nothing else. "And how would I be able to get ahold of you?" Rossi looked up at him.
"Ask anyone who works here, they will be able to get word to me," Sloane nodded then sauntered out of the café.