Chapter 48

Once he ended his phone call with Derek, Rossi went back to pacing the corridor, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his jeans. The two agents outside the room gave the Senior agent a wide berth, fearing the man's wrath after seeing his face.

To be honest, Rossi was scared to death that something bad had happened to Hotch, and once again, it would be because of a Foyet. Having seen just about everything during his career, he found he could handle almost anything. But one thing he couldn't handle was if Aaron had suffered a fatal heart attack, or a stroke, because of a Foyet. He swore if it was one of these which happened to his friend, he would carry out his own brand of justice, and his badge be damned. He would go to prison to end this Foyet menace and its threat to Hotch once and for all.

He paused his pacing to look at the closed door of Hotch's room. The doctor and nurses had been in there a while with no word of what was happening. And the longer it took, the more terrified the Senior agent became. After another five minutes went by, he was about to barge into the room and demand he be told what was going on, when the door opened. An exhausted Doctor Correa walked out, closing the door behind him. He spotted Rossi and approached him sensing the fear radiating from the man. "This man is terrified for his friend," he told himself.

"Agent Rossi, we need to talk. Please take a walk with me."

Rossi glanced at the man, then the closed door again. He wanted to check on his friend, but a small voice told him to talk with the doctor first as he would have the answers he sought. "Lead the way, doc." He replied grimly.

The two men walked until Correa came to an empty room, and went inside with the older agent following him. After Rossi closed the door, he faced Correa with arms crossed across his chest.

"Doctor, what the hell happened to Aaron in there? And is he all right?" he asked before Correa said anything.

"Agent Rossi, please…" the doctor held up a hand asking for quiet. "Let me begin by saying that Agent Hotchner is alive. And as there was no sign of paralysis, speech difficulty, or arm weakness, we can definitely rule out a stroke. But we can't rule out a possible heart attack or a blood clot as easily. So I've ordered several tests be carried out which will either confirm or dismiss one or the other, or both. I don't think he had either, but I want to be sure. And if the tests confirm my suspicions, then he more than likely had what is known as a panic attack. He's…"

"Tests? What tests?" Rossi suspected for the doctor to have tests run, there must be something Correa wasn't telling him.

"He will have an ECG, a chest x-ray, a CAT-scan, and an Echocardiography to confirm how his heart is doing. We will also see if there's any sign of a blood clot." He noticed the fear on Rossi's face. "Try not to worry, Agent Rossi. I'm about ninety-nine percent sure there was no heart attack, and no blood clot. And once we can rule those out, I will talk with Doctor Carson about what to do next."(1) (2) (3) (4)

But you're sure he didn't have a heart attack or a blood clot?"

"As I said, Agent Rossi, I am ninety-nine percent sure it wasn't a heart attack nor a blood clot. But I want to rule out the remaining one percent before I can definitely say it wasn't either one. Look, I realize you're afraid for your friend, and I can tell by your reaction how much you care about him. But let me assure you, I will do all I medically can for your friend and more if necessary, I promise."

Rossi sighed. "I know you will, doctor. It's just that this man is like a son to me. And I will do all I can, and personally pay for anything or anyone you feel he needs. I assure you money is no object."

"That's not necessary but I will keep it in mind. Your friend has quieted down since his episode, but we don't want to administer any meds to keep him that way until we've completed the tests. Also…uh…" Correa paused momentarily and licked his lips. "…we were forced to restrain him so he wouldn't cause himself further injury."

"Oh my God! Did you really have to do that to him? In his current frame of mind, he might not be able to deal with being restrained with straps."

"I understand, really I do. But it was either sedating him again or restraining him. And as he might be prescribed a medication, I can't take the risk of sedating him as well. There's always a risk when one combines medications, possibly even a fatal one."

Rossi massaged his forehead still trying to wrap his brain around what he had been told. He had seen Aaron's reaction to the news he had given him with his own eyes, and it had shaken him to his core. He didn't think he would ever get that image out-of-his mind.

"Let's get back to what you told me earlier, doc. If it's not his heart or a blood clot, what can Doctor Carson do for him?" Rossi had a pretty good guess, but he wanted to be clear.

"Once we eliminate the possibilities I mentioned, as his psychiatrist, she needs to be kept informed. Based on the information, she will either agree or disagree that Agent Hotchner suffered a panic attack. And if necessary, she might prescribe a medication for him, maybe Prozac to take the edge off the panic attacks."

"You mentioned Doctor Carson may prescribe Prozac for Aaron. Doc, I've known Aaron for many years, and I can assure you he will fight against having to take any medication the rest of his life. It's hell just trying to convince him to take a damn aspirin for a simple headache."

Correa chuckled. "And he may not have to this time either. I'm talking short-term…three months tops…maybe even less. It'll be up to Doctor Carson. I can't see it being longer but that isn't my call, agent. But if he does, Prozac is one med which has the least side-effects and is not addicting."

Rossi chuckled. "There's a kid on our team who can debate you from sunrise to sunset over the possible medications, their effects and side-effects. He can also argue the pluses and minuses of each medication. But based on what I know about Prozac, isn't it used as a treatment for depression?" Correa nodded. "And I can certainly see Aaron being depressed over what happened to him. But is his depression that bad and caused his panic attack?"

"We agree with Doctor Carson that your friend is suffering from depression because of the trauma he suffered, and his reaction to that trauma. The attack can certainly have contributed to causing the panic attack. But Doctor Carson is much more knowledgeable in that field than I am, so I suggest you discuss that with her. But Prozac, while primarily used to treat depression, is quite effective in treating panic attacks. Tell me something, Agent Rossi, I'm aware Agent Hotchner doesn't smoke, stays in excellent physical condition, and watches his weight from what I can tell. My guess is he must've either been given bad news of sorts, or something happened of which I'm not aware. And as you were alone with him, can you tell me anything about what may have triggered his recent outburst?" (5)

Rossi bowed his head looking a bit guilty. Then he looked up at the doctor. "I had to give him a bit of bad news even though I was aware he wouldn't take it well, and he didn't. And for personal reasons, I can't tell you what that information is."

Correa nodded. "That tells me my theory it might have been a panic attack could be correct."

"When will you run these tests?"

"As we were talking, the nurses were taking him to have blood drawn, the ECG, chest x-ray, CT-scan, and the Echocardiography. After I get the results I will then speak with Doctor Carson, and both of us will discuss what is going to be done for Agent Hotchner next. And as you are Agent Hotchner's medical proxy, you will be kept updated on what treatment he will be receiving as well."

Rossi smiled. "Thank you, doctor. I'd appreciate it. And thank you for the excellent care you are giving Aaron." He held out his hand.

"You're entirely welcome, Agent Rossi," Correa replied with a smile as he shook hands with the older man. "We're going to do our best to get your friend back on his feet again, physically and mentally."

Reid and Morgan continued studying the blueprint in front of them, looking for anyplace Foyet might use as a hiding space. Morgan swore to himself he would kill Foyet with his bare hands if necessary to keep him from getting access to his boss. So the two agents wanted to make sure nothing was overlooked. At the sound of the door being opened, they both glanced up to see Emily walk into the room with Detective Moeller close behind her. Morgan held out his hand to the detective. Reid smiled and waved at the plainclothes detective.

"Glad you can make it, Detective," Morgan and Moeller shook hands. "We can use all the help we can get on this one." He glanced over Moeller's shoulders as if expecting others to join them. "I thought you'd have an army with you," he replied crossing his arms.

"We will, Agent Morgan," Moeller explained. "I have at least two dozen men on standby waiting for my phone call. Once they hear from me they will meet us at wherever they're told." He glanced at Emily, Reid and Morgan. "So who is this rapist we've been searching for who attacked Agent Hotchner? Agent Prentiss didn't say except that I would be told after I get to the BAU. So, who is this bastard?"

"George Foyet's cousin…Nathan Foyet," Emily replied, her dark eyes flashed dangerously as they focused on the detective. She saw his eyes widen as his eyebrows arched upward.

"Foyet? As in the Boston Reaper? That Foyet?" asked Moeller, apparently stunned.

"One and the same," Morgan continued grimly. "Only Nathan is…or was…the late George Foyet's cousin, and whom we believe wants revenge on Hotch because he killed George Foyet." The agent didn't consider it was his place to mention Haley's death. Also, he knew his boss wouldn't appreciate his private business being exposed by a subordinate.

Moeller glanced at the beautiful raven-haired agent. "From what Agent Prentiss told me on the phone, sounds like Foyet isn't gonna go quietly."

"That's what we think as well," Reid shoved his hands in his pants pockets. "He is too much of a narcissist to surrender peacefully. We're figuring it'll be suicide by cop. He doesn't have it in him to do it himself."

Moeller looked around the room. "Where's Dave?" he asked not seeing the older man anywhere. "I thought he'd want to be here for this."

"He would except he decided to stay at the hospital with Hotch," Emily explained. "He drew the unpleasant task of telling Hotch who attacked him, and it didn't go well all things considered. He didn't want to leave Hotch alone right now." The detective nodded his understanding then noticed the blueprint.

"What's this?" Moeller asked.

"We had one of our technical analysts pull up a blueprint of the hospital, and mainly of the floor where Hotch's room is located," Morgan said. "We want to cut off all avenues for Foyet and keep him from getting to Hotch."

He continued by explaining how after questioning Hemminger, the BAU believed Foyet was going to try to gain access to Hotch soon and wanted to be ready.

"But we want to bust him before he makes a move against Hotch, and save that little girl," Morgan continued. "But cutting off all access to Hotch at the hospital is a precautionary measure."

Moeller nodded. "Sounds good to me. Is SWAT gonna meet us?"

"There are two units on standby…" Prentiss added. "…and ready to go at a moment's notice."

"We're just waiting for Garcia to get us an address for Foyet," Morgan explained.

Rossi was waiting for Hotch when the man was returned to his hospital room. As the gurney was wheeled past him, the older man could see his friend's wet cheeks, and realized it was from finding himself strapped down like a prisoner. It pained him to see Aaron looking so defeated, lost, and vulnerable knowing he himself had contributed in part to the situation being what it was. He found himself studying Aaron's face as he watched his friend get settled into bed with the male nurse's help. Hotch didn't offer any resistance to being helped into bed. That motion alone told Rossi just how defeated his friend was, as Hotch refused help from anybody for anything.

I am so, so sorry, Aaron. I never meant to hurt you like this. But I also know the information about Foyet couldn't be kept from you. I only hope you can somehow find a way to forgive me. Rossi continued to watch until the two men were alone in the room. He then sat down in the hard chair beside the head of the bed. He observed Hotch staring up at the ceiling tiles as a tear found its way down from the corner of one eye.

"Aaron, I…" Rossi began.

"Don't, Dave…" Hotch replied not looking at the older man. He swallowed the growing lump in his throat. "…just…don't."

"Don't what, Aaron?" Rossi reached out and gripped his friend's good hand.

"Don't tell me you're sorry. I…I asked you to tell me who he was." He chuckled. "Can't blame you for following orders, can I?" His tone, although light, was sarcastic at the same time. An outsider might not notice it, but a trained person like Rossi did.

The Senior agent knew better than to ask Hotch about the tests and if he had been told or heard anything. He figured, knowing Hotch, his chances of receiving an honest answer were slim to none. So, he tried a different tactic that might be safer to discuss.

"So, Aaron, how's your wrist and forearm feeling?"

"I really don't know, Dave," Aaron replied, distracted.

He arched an eyebrow as he looked at his friend. "Do you at least have an idea when they might be able to remove the casts?"

"No."

It was then Dave changed the topic again to something he knew Hotch couldn't ignore…his son. "So, Aaron, when is Jack gonna start his new job at the BAU?"

"I have no idea…" Hotch's wet eyes suddenly narrowed and he turned his head toward Rossi with a glare which wasn't his typical patented glare, but effective nonetheless. "What are you rambling about, Dave? You know damn well Jack is only a child!"

Rossi chuckled. "Busted. I figured you weren't paying any attention to me." He folded his hands and let them dangle between his knees. "Talk to me. What's really going on in that stubborn head of yours?"

Hotch blew out a deep breath through his mouth. "I'm not really sure. I guess I never dreamed I'd be in danger from another Foyet. Hell, I never really even thought there were any more Foyets still alive. How did he get by us anyway?"

Rossi shrugged. "Best we can figure is that he either was never connected to a crime here or anywhere, or…he lived a clean life and stayed under our radar. Even after you killed the Reaper, Cousin Nathan stayed under the radar…until now anyway."

"I guess we all understand why he wants me, don't we?" Hotch snorted. "Isn't going to be satisfied just to simply stab me like George, will he? No, he decides to engage in sex with me before he kills me." He massaged his forehead. "I wish he had just killed me instead."

It was those words that resulted in Rossi watching his friend closely. He sensed Hotch was warring internally with himself. It was as if there were two different Aaron Hotchners opposing each other. The reasonable, logical, experienced Hotch who understood that senseless and sadistic acts against the innocent was done by the criminals. Against that was the scared, defeated, broken and angry Hotch looking at himself as being solely responsible for those same senseless and sadistic deeds done to himself. It was him who was responsible and nobody else.

It was times like this Dave felt completely helpless as to how to best help his friend. He decided to take a chance. "Aaron, have you discussed any of this with Doctor Carson? If not, you really should."

"Not yet," Hotch answered listlessly. He remembered he had made an appointment earlier, but was beginning to change his mind.

Rossi appeared worried. "What d'ya mean by 'not yet'? Aaron, you can't pussyfoot around with your feelings like this. Anyway, I thought we had settled this? You're not gonna get better unless you talk about your feelings. And you do need to talk with a professional. Also, you can't keep flip-flopping on this issue. I believe this doctor can help you. And you're not gonna be able to intimidate or scare her into certifying you able to return to work. Hell, even you must know you won't stand a chance in hell of passing the psych exam if things stay as they are now! So you might as well talk to her! Capice, Aaron?"

There was no reaction from the injured agent lying in the bed. Rossi sighed wearily and continued. "The choice is up to you, Hotch. You can choose to wallow in your own self-blame and anger blaming everybody for what happened to you. Or…you can do something about it by grabbing the bull by the horns. And since I don't see you being a quitter, do something about it, damn it, while you have the opportunity!" And ending on that note, Rossi got up and walked out of the room leaving Hotch to his sulking.

Five minutes after Morgan, Reid, Emily and Moeller had gone over the blueprints of the floor where Hotch's room was, Morgan's phone rang.

"Excuse me," Morgan replied reaching into his pocket for his cell while everybody else quieted. They were all hoping this was the phone call they were waiting for from Garcia. He glanced at the caller ID. "Talk to me, Baby Girl. You got something good for me?"

"I do, my dark prince. I have searched under every rock before I finally found the right rock under which our slime ball is hiding."

"Hold on, sweetness. I'm gonna put you on speaker." Morgan pressed a button on his phone. "What did you find, momma?"

"Well, as I was saying my Chocolate God before being so rudely interrupted, is that I found the rock under which another Foyet has hidden himself. Now keep in mind he is nothing like that Reaper person…so glad Boss-man crushed him under his shoe. Anyway, he is much worse that Cousin George in that he was rumored to be involved in a sexual assault on a thirteen-year-old boy walking home from school. It seems Foyet followed the boy from the school, and grabbed him when the boy walked past an abandoned building three blocks from his house. He had raped and sodomized the boy with a bottle."

Emily's eyes narrowed angrily. "How come none of this showed up in your search, Garcia?" she asked.

"Oh my raven-haired goddess, I am so glad you asked me that question. It seems that…and may I have a drum roll, please…that the victim was the son of a town official. And the boy's parents didn't want word to get around town. So they had all the records sealed. The assault, the arrest, the trial, the whole ball of wax. That's why I couldn't find it. Also, I didn't even know our scumbag's name was Foyet. If I had I…"

"You find me an address, Baby Girl?" Morgan interrupted bringing the tech analyst back on track.

"How can you doubt me like that, Derek Morgan? You wound me with such a question. But because I love you that I will forgive you for that doubt. And to answer your question, yes I did. There are two addresses. One is a house he inherited from his late parents on Summer Street outside Quantico. He also has an abandoned factory which use to belong to his family and was once the home of the Foyet Textile Company also outside Quantico. The business has been defunct for several years, but Foyet still owns the building."

"The factory could be where he's holding Alana Wheaton," Reid speculated. "With the building being abandoned, it would be the perfect place to hide a small child without arousing suspicion from anybody."

"Thanks, Baby Girl," Morgan added with a smile and put away his cell. He glanced at the others. "Okay, here's how it's gonna go down, people. Emily, Reid, you both go with several of Detective Moeller's people and one SWAT unit to Foyet's home. The rest of us will take the factory. And keep in mind there's a small child involved so watch yourselves. Let's go."

(1)ECG records electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, using electrodes placed on the patient's chest.

(2)Chest X-Ray uses electromagnetic radiation to make images.

(3)CAT-Scan is a computerized axial tomography which uses a computer that takes data from several x-ray images of structures inside a human body, and converts them into pictures on a monitor.

(4)Echocardiography is an ultrasound of the heart.

(5)A panic attack is an intense fear accompanied by palpitations, an accelerated heart rate, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath. They can make you feel as if you are having a heart attack. I have suffered with these from time-to-time, and they are no fun.