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Previously on Criminal Minds- "You've got it Hoss." Derek answered, giving the older man a knowing smile. Breaking the wrapper, he swiftly pulled out the new deck, shuffled the stiff cards a few times, and then started passing them out. This was gonna be awesome!
CM
"How am I a'pposed to move in fis?" Reid asked, staring down at his navy blue snow suit in disgust. "I feel lite a Sumo westlew."
"Looks more like the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man to me" Morgan whispered, earning himself an elbow to the ribs courtesy of Prentiss.
"It's not that bad, Spence." JJ soothed.
"Yeah, you'll still be able to walk." Emily chimed in. "Besides, it's freezing out there. That suit will keep you warm. You're going to be happy you have it."
Spencer looked at Prentiss like she'd grown another head. "I don't fint fat will evew happen." He huffed.
"What won't happen?" Hotch inquired as he strode into the cabin of the plane.
"Pretty Boy doesn't think he needs his new get up." Morgan answered, zipping up his own coat.
Aaron studied the snow suit for a moment and then nodded. "I think he's right." He said before adding, "He's going to need something warmer."
The smug smirk slid off Spencer's face at that remark. "No I don't." he argued. "We've been to told timates befowe and I've nevew needed anyfing lite fis."
Aaron smiled. "Well, there's nothing we can do about it now. Our vehicles are ready and waiting for us." He informed the group. "You'll just have to wear that until we get to our destination."
"Otay" Reid agreed, his lip poking out in a pout.
Hotch ruffled the tiny profiler's hair. "Good man" he praised. Walking over to the couch, he picked up Reid's go bag and his own and then led the way out of the cabin.
The team stepped off the plane, pulling their coats tighter as the icy cold wind blew straight through the material. Hearing a yelled 'Wait!', the group turned in time to see Reid disappear through the hatch. When he reappeared seconds later with his camouflage blanket tightly wrapped around his shoulders, the family couldn't help but smile. They'd known the boy would need the heavy clothing. Unwilling to expose their youngest to the cold for any longer than necessary, they hurried down the steps and to their SUVs. After splitting into two groups, the team climbed into the thankfully warm vehicles and headed for the remote town.
CM
Three hours and a handful of pit stops later, the road weary BAU family trudged into the Platterville, Wisconsin Police Department. They shuffled into the sparsely furnished room, searching for any sign of life. But there was no one at either of the two desks nor could anyone be seen through the large glass window that covered one whole side of the Sheriff's Office.
Hotch glanced around the station in shock. In all the years he'd worked for the FBI he had never walked into an empty police station. Wondering where in the world the officers could possibly be, he swiftly scanned the dark rooms on either side of the one he was in before calling out, "Hello! Is anyone here?!"
A door slammed causing the profilers to jump. Boots clomped on the wooden floor announcing the arrival of the sheriff. The muscular older man, who was about as tall as adult Reid, stomped into the room, a deputy following close on his heels like a puppy. The gruff man with the salt and pepper beard stomped right up to the group. "I'm Sheriff Jake Mendenhall." He greeted, extending a hand. "I take it you're those profilers the FBI was sending."
Hotch nodded. "Yes sir" he replied, shaking the man's hand. "I'm SSA Aaron Hotchner." Aaron motioned to the others. "And this is my team; Agents Rossi, Morgan, Prentiss, our media liaison Jennifer Jareau, tech analyst Garcia, and Dr. Reid."
The Sheriff shook hands with all the agents except Reid who gave him a shy wave instead. "Thanks for coming so quickly." He told them. He gestured towards the back hall before starting that way. "We may know how to do our jobs but this case has us stumped. We are in way over our heads."
"That's understandable" Rossi said. "From what we've read this case is a strange one."
"You've got that right." Sheriff Mendenhall muttered as he stopped at the end of the short hall. Opening a door, he ushered the profilers inside the closet sized room. "We fixed up the room for you. Everything Ms. Jareau asked for is on the table there." He turned to the BAU. "I know it's not much but it's the best we can do."
"This will be fine." Hotch assured the worried officer.
Jake smiled. "Good, good" he said with a nod. He looked from one weary agent to another. "Listen, its late and we're all tired. Why don't we all bed down for the night and pick this up in the morning?"
"Morning?" the young deputy screeched from behind the group. "This can't wait till morning! There's a kidnapper on the loose! They need to get out there now and find…"
"Steven!" the sheriff barked. He glared at the now silent deputy before looking back at the BAU. "Don't pay any attention to Deputy Warthen. This case has him a little on edge."
"Deputy Warthen" Morgan repeated, eyebrows rising as he made the connection. "As in…"
The sheriff nodded. "Bea Warthen is his mama." He explained. He gazed sympathetically at his deputy. "We'll find her Steven. We will. But there's nothing we can do tonight."
"Your boss is right." Prentiss seconded. "We need to examine the crime scenes and surrounding areas as well as interviewing any potential witnesses. It's too dark and too late to do that."
"We'll start first thing in the morning." Sheriff Mendenhall announced, his tone stopping any further argument.
Hotch nodded his agreement. "If you'll point us in the direction of the closest hotel, we'll be on our way."
"There is no hotel in town son." Jake replied. "The only one we had burned down five years ago and no one's ever seen fit to rebuild it." Seeing the profiler's open their mouths, he held up a hand. "However, the former sheriff and his wife head south every winter to dodge the cold so their home is empty. I spoke with him after I got word you were coming and he said you were more than welcome to stay at his place. He has a four bedroom house a few blocks from here. I've already been by and started a fire for you. Let me get my coat and I'll show you the way."
"We'd appreciate that." Rossi said.
"Alright then let's head out!" the sheriff announced.
CM
The team and Jake rushed into the brick two story home and shut the door. Sighing at the warmth, the group shed their coats before moving into the living room.
"Two bedrooms are down that hall." The sheriff explained, pointing across the room. "And the other two are upstairs. The couch folds out into a bed, too. Now if you don't want to double up, I have a spare bedroom at my place as well as a couch."
"Thanks but we'll be fine here." Hotch answered.
Jake smiled. "I'll just be going then. You folks have a good night." he said as he headed to the door. "Oh, and you don't have to worry about your meals while you're here. As soon as the ladies of the church found out you were coming, they made a food schedule. Your supper should be arriving any minute now."
"That sounds wonderful!" Emily stated, warming her hands by the fire.
"It will be. Trust me." The older man informed them. "Those ladies make the most delicious food anywhere." He tossed on his coat and hat and grabbed the door handle. "Night now!"
"Goodnight!" the profilers called. Once the sheriff left, the group turned their attention back to more important matters. "So, who's sleeping where?" Morgan asked.
"Well…"
"Dibs!" Spencer shouted, latching onto the arm of the sofa.
Aaron frowned. "You'll sleep better in a real bed, Spencer." He said.
"No, I'll leep bettew hewe in fwont of the fiwepace." Reid countered as he climbed onto the couch.
"The kid's got a point." Dave agreed. "As cold as he gets, the sofa bed is the best place for him."
"Alright Reid and I will take the sofa. The rest of you can divvy up the other beds." Aaron decided. Hearing a knock on the door, he quickly walked over and after glancing through the side window, opened the door. "Come in ladies." He greeted.
Morgan's mouth dropped open as lady after lady marched into the house, their arms loaded down with trays, platters, and bowls of every size. A couple of them were even carrying steaming crock pots. Rubbing his hands together, the muscular man eagerly tromped after the women.
Giggling at his friend's enthusiasm, Spencer followed Derek and the others into the dining room. He skipped over to the table, climbed into the chair between JJ and Rossi, and got up on his knees. Taking a deep sniff, he licked his lips at the delicious smells wafting in from the kitchen. He couldn't wait to taste everything!