Dave pulled Fran closer wrapping his strong arm around her waist. Not feeling any sorrow or remorse over the news he listened intently knowing that Kevin's sudden death would only bring them more problems.

"How did it happen?"

"There were no signs of struggle but the coroner will have more after the autopsy."

"Well I won't lie and say I'm not glad to see the scumbag get what he deserved but you know what it means to the team."

"Yeah, we're all suspects. The bureau has agreed to let the local PD handle the investigation and we are to give them our full cooperation."

"Well, they can't blame Morgan this time; he's laid up in a hospital bed recovering from Lynch's attempt to kill him!"

"How's Fran this morning?"

"Excuse me?"

"Come on Dave did you really think you could keep that from me? I've known you a long time…"

Dave could hear the humor in his voice. Hotch had known him for too long for him to think he could fool the old profiler. He planted a kiss on the top of Fran's head and smiled as she looked up at him.

"She's fine, Hotch; just fine."

Potomac General Hospital – Morning –

Derek was just waking up when the two detectives walked into the room. He wasn't expecting a visit from the man who seemed intent on pinning Lynch's "murder" on him. He was glad that he and the staff had convinced Penelope to get some rest in her own room. She was only admitted for observation so he was expecting her back at anytime.

"Good morning Agent." Detective Mark Brice began. "We didn't wake you did we?"

Joe Armstrong, the younger partner of Brice stood silently near the door.

"What do you want, Brice?"

Morgan watched the man as he came closer stopping uncomfortably close.

"I wanted to tell you personally that we found Kevin Lynch dead in his cell about an hour ago."

"Glad to hear it but you didn't have to come all this way to tell me a phone call would have been fine."

"I know how close you and your team are, Agent and trust me, I will find out which one of you killed or had Lynch killed!"

Morgan grimaced at his failed attempt to sit up in bed. Brice moved even closer and leaned down close to Morgan's face. Armstrong flinched as he watched his partner.

"I don't like you Agent Morgan and if I find out you had anything to do with Mr. Lynch's death I'll personally make sure you spend the rest of your life in a maximum security prison with some of the men you've put away over the years. I'm sure they'd like to see you again!"

"Get out of my face detective! You don't scare me and if you value your career you'll stop harassing me!"

Suddenly Brice raised his hand as if to strike Morgan but just as he was about to strike he felt his arm being held and suspended in air. Looking around into the face of his partner he jerked away from his grip.

"Let's go, Brice! Now!"

Breathing hard and wide-eyed he stared angrily into his partner's face. Then without another word to Morgan he turned and headed toward the door. Just before he reached it the door opened to a puzzled Penelope Garcia. She shot a concerned glance at Morgan and then at the two other men.

"What's going on?"

Stepping inside now in protective mode she waited for an answer.

"It's okay Baby, they were just leaving, right detectives?"

"Uh yes, we're finished here. Sorry to interrupt your morning, Agent."

Detective Armstrong gently grabbed his partner's arm and the two left the room. Garcia closed the door behind them and quickly moved to Morgan's side.

"Care to tell me what that was all about, Handsome?"

"It was nothing…"

"Derek Morgan, don't lie to me. What's going on?"

He took her hand and waited for a moment before going on. He wasn't sure how to tell her about Kevin. A lot had happened in the last several hours but at one time Kevin had been a big part of her life and he knew she would take the news hard.

"Baby Girl, sit down."

"Morgan, what's going on?"

"Penelope, please…"

Exasperated she sat on the edge of the bed tightly holding onto his hand.

"Okay, spill it, Derek!"

"It's Kevin."

"What about Kevin?"

"He's dead."

In the next few seconds he watched as a dozen shades of emotions crossed her face…and questions…so many questions…but what surprised him the most was the final look of relief as a single tear escaped and trickled down her face.

"Baby Girl, are you okay?"

"Yes, I am now."

Carefully, she placed her head on his chest and curled up next to him. The two who'd endured so much lay alone in the silence of the room as quiet comfort for each other. Relief seemed to envelope them like a blanket in the stillness of the early morning.

Home of Daniel Lynch, Sr. – 8 Hours ago…

Daniel Lynch, Sr. had received the news about his son's arrest and he was once again amazed that his youngest had found a new way to disappoint him. Just when he'd thought he'd bottomed out as a loser he'd risen to the challenge of proving him wrong.

He'd warned him time and time and again about getting involved with the likes of that woman who'd been so far beneath him. Surely, the fact that she'd been raised by two working-class hippies would have given his dim-witted son a clue that she would never fit into the circles that he'd become accustomed to. He imagined that she would merely be a passing phase his way of defying him and his mother. But no, he'd actually fallen in love with the woman and wanted to spend his future with her. Short of threatening to disown him, his son resisted his attempts to get rid of the woman named, Penelope Garcia. Now he sat in a jail cell awaiting arraignment on charges of attempted murder, kidnapping, assault and too many other charges for him to remember.

His first mind was to let Kevin sit in jail and rot at the mercy of a public defender but then how would that look to those who knew who he was? His image was everything. He'd enjoyed the opportunities that his money and success had afforded him; living high breathing the rarified air of the super wealthy and looking down on those who couldn't even begin to understand his power to squash them all like bugs. His only failure was his youngest son, Kevin who'd been satisfied with mediocrity and embarrassing him and his wife with his ridiculous antics.

It was at these times that Daniel missed his first-born son, Daniel Jr. He was his joy and hope for the future. He had so much promise and when he looked at him it was as if he were staring at his own reflection. A Harvard Business graduate he was in line to control the Lynch family dynasty until a freak accident took his life at the young age of twenty-five. He could remember the outpouring of concern from friends and associates; cards, flowers and calls. His companies' stocks had even risen several points and he was heralded as a near saint at how he seemed to handle the tragedy.

Daniel drained his glass of expensive bourbon and as he did he remembered his early days as a chemist. They were good days and his work distinguished him as one of the leaders in his field. Now he was a businessman but he still remembered his way around a lab and there was absolutely nothing he couldn't do with a few powders and potions. He looked at the antique clock on the other side of the room it was nearly midnight, visiting hours were long over but he was Daniel Lynch and restrictions such as visiting hours did not apply to men like him, so he stood and walked to the safe hidden behind a picture on the far wall and after opening it he pulled out a small clear vial and syringe and pocketed them both.

He'd learned many things in his sixty-three years of life and he knew that there were only a few men on the planet that could make the difficult life and death decisions when called upon. He prided himself in being one of those men and this was one of those times. His son had made things difficult for him for the last time. He would never be the son he'd hoped for until now. The one thing that his son could do now to make up for all of his past mistakes and finally get his father's approval and love would be accomplished today.

Today, Kevin would give his life as an apology and as an amends…then and only then would his father truly be able to love him.

Quantico, VA – Police Department – 6 Hours ago…

He'd been labeled an over-achiever all of his life by family, friends, and everyone who knew him. Over-achiever or not, he always seemed to come up short in the end. He'd attended a state-run college; his father had not been in a financial position to send him to a prestigious Ivy League school like his cousins. He was the top in his class determined to prove that he was just as good as his mother's brother's children. He'd applied to the academy three times and each time he'd been turned down. Even after a stellar career with the Quantico PD, it wasn't enough to get him through the hallowed halls of the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Each time he watched the Prima Dona BAU agents stroll through his precinct doors it made his blood boil. He was just as good and smart as any of them; especially, the chiseled Neanderthal that his cousin Kevin had mentioned to him dozens of times. Clearly the man was his little dorky cousin's Achilles heel and if nothing else, from that Mark Brice was able to glean some satisfaction.

Now after several years of stellar service to the Police Department, he was on the brink of losing it all. He'd allowed his greed to force him into an unholy alliance with Kevin and now like when they were kids he was threatening to tell. He couldn't allow it. Kevin's father could buy his way out of this mess but Brice had no one. In fact, no one even knew that he was related to the great Daniel Lynch, Sr.! The man was an ogre a vile and evil man who demanded perfection from everyone especially his sons. Kevin had always been desperate for his father's attention and so it was just a matter of time that he'd spill the beans and convinced everyone that it was his idea to kidnap the woman and kill the FBI agent. No not this time the Lynch's would not win at his expense. So, with his shift at an end he looked around the quiet room and unnoticed headed toward central lockup to bid his cousin a final goodbye.

Home of David Rossi –

Not much had been said between Dave and Fran as they headed toward the hospital. It was only a matter of time before the authorities would have questions for him; too many questions. As he pulled the car away from the pristine mansion, he looked over at the woman next to him. She was lost in her thoughts too. All he wanted to do was make her happy and safe. As long as Kevin Lynch was alive none of those things would be possible. There was a lot she hadn't learned about him but despite that she trusted him and he knew it.

Dave had always alluded to a past that seemed to walk the line between right and wrong. His connection to organized crime had even crossed over into a case or two over the years. He'd been one of the founders of the BAU and no one would deny his fierce devotion to the other younger agents especially Derek Morgan who'd been the last to fully accept him into their close knit family.

He'd placed a call last night unbeknownst to the others and now the man who'd threatened the life of his family was dead. Glancing at the woman again he wondered what she would think if she ever found out about the call and what had happened as a result. He loved her more than he thought possible; his future and his heart lay with her and no matter the cost he'd protect her and anything and anyone that was dear to her; he only hoped she'd understand and forgive him if she ever found out what he had done.

Potomac General Hospital –

Morgan grimaced in pain as he reached to grab the phone from the bedside table nearby. The muted buzz sounded again. Penelope had fallen asleep and he didn't want to wake her so quietly he answered the call.

"Hey."

"It's done."

"Yeah I know."

"You owe me."

"I'm good for it."

"Yeah I know you are. Just take care of Penelope and we'll call it even."

"I will…and thanks, Elle."

"No thanks needed."