Chapter 52

Rossi and Hotch looked over at the sound of the door opening to spot Morgan walk into the room. He grinned seeing his boss sitting up in bed, and Rossi seated in the hard chair near its head. He stood beside the bed with arms crossed.

"Lookin' good, Bossman," he said with a smirk. "To be honest, Hotch, I was beginning to suspect Rossi was handin' us a lotta bull about how you were really doin'. But I'm glad you're doin' all right. We're all worried about you. Oh…and before I forget, JJ told me to give you her best."

"Is she all right?" Hotch asked anxiously.

"She's fine. She's stayin' with Alana while the doctors check 'er out. You know how she is when it comes to kids. She didn't want to leave that little girl alone." Both Hotch and Rossi could tell there was something else on Morgan's mind, but he was hesitant to say."

"What's on your mind, Morgan?" asked Hotch.

Morgan focused on his leader. "After we got to the hospital, I mentioned to JJ that I wanted to visit you while she stayed with Alana. Well, after I mentioned your name, Alana said she wanted to visit you as well, and that you were Uncle Hotch. From what we've been able to uncover so far, you haven't seen Darryl in years, so when did you meet his daughter?"

In as few words as possible, Aaron repeated the story about the photos Darryl had sent him. The black man nodded his understanding.

"She knows you're here as a patient. My guess is that she won't want to leave here until she sees you."

A slow smile appeared on Hotch's face. "And I want to see her, too. The last time was when I got a picture of her when she was five years old. I didn't think she'd even remember me."

Morgan smirked. "Well she did." He lifted his eyes to stare at Rossi. "Must've been that stare of his that left the impression," he teased. A scowl by his boss told him it was meant for him, and he chuckled.

Rossi also chuckled. "Take it easy, Aaron. You have to agree you do have what I would call the 'Hotch effect' on people."

"Go to hell, Dave!" Hotch turning his scowl on the older man. Both Morgan and Rossi laughed. Hotch wasn't angry at either one, he just didn't like being the butt of jokes and that both men knew that. He understood both men were doing their best to lighten the mood in the room.

"Take it easy, man," Morgan said. "We were just funnin' with you."

The Unit Chief's face now turned serious. "What about Foyet? Anything?"

Morgan sighed wearily and shook his head. "Nothing. Not a thing. But the cops were still searching the building when we left."

"How 'bout, Garcia?" asked Rossi not really holding out much hope there despite the tech analyst's capabilities. "She come up with anything yet?"

"Not yet," Morgan replied letting out a deep breath as he ran a hand over his bald head. "But she's gonna keep looking and promises to call if she finds anything."

Rossi nodded. He and Hotch exchanged grim looks. Morgan studied both of them, seeing the discomfiture between them.

"What's goin' on, guys? Hotch? Rossi? What aren't you guys tellin' me?"

Rossi blew a deep breath out through his mouth and faced Morgan. "Morgan, Hotch has decided…" he never got any further when Hotch interrupted.

"Dave, don't you dare…" he said menacingly.

Morgan was confused. "What has Hotch decided, Rossi?" His eyes turned on his Unit Chief. "Hotch? What are you thinkin' of doing?"

Rossi sighed. "I can't tell you, and besides, it's not my place to tell you. Hotch swore me to secrecy for twenty-four hours. So don't ask me again."

Now Morgan was even more confused. "What's gonna happen in twenty-four hours?"

Hotch held up a hand stopping any further questions. "You and the others will find out tomorrow afternoon, I promise. Everything will become clear at that time."

Morgan opened his mouth to protest, but one look at his boss's eyes made him close it without uttering a word. Hotch wouldn't explain any further until he was ready, and all the pleading wouldn't change the man's mind. But a small voice in the back of his mind kept telling him something was up with his boss and he wasn't going to like it.

Penelope Garcia mumbled something angrily and slammed a fist down onto her table top. She didn't often get angry, but searching for another Foyet brought her emotions to the surface in her. That and she was becoming frustrated.

"You crafty, perverted, little sicko," she mumbled resuming her typing. "Wherever you are hiding, I will find you. I will not let you get away from the Supreme Goddess of All Things Wonderful by hiding in your bat cave like a demon of the night. Hiding like Dracula. Like…like a werewolf." She shook her head to clear her mind. "C'mon, Garcia," she told herself in a soft voice. "There isn't a vampire, werewolf, or bad guy who can evade you, Baby Girl. Now let's find this bastard! Our injured White Knight is counting on you!"

Morgan, temporarily putting aside the question about his boss's plan, sighed as he studied the man.

"So how are you, Hotch? Rossi told us you had an attack or something when he told you about Foyet."

Hotch shrugged as his facial expression showed nothing. "I must admit my reaction to the news wasn't the best. At first the doctors thought it might be my heart or a blood clot somewhere." Morgan's eyes widened in horror and his eyebrows knitted. Hotch help up a hand.

"Fortunately they were wrong on both."

Morgan faced Rossi seeing his boss was not about to explain anything further. He arched a quizzical eyebrow at the older man without speaking. Rossi understood.

"It turned out to be a panic attack," the older man explained carefully. He held up a hand before the black man could speak. "Don't worry. We were told by his doctor, that she isn't going to prescribe any meds for him. But she will keep an eye on him for now."

Morgan quirked an eyebrow at Rossi's statement and smirked. "She? Rossi, you mean you got a woman shrink for Bossman, and he didn't tear you a new one?"

"No…I mean yes I did and no he did not tear me a new one as you so elegantly put it."

"Morgan, leave Rossi alone. And I don't have a problem with Doctor Carson after a bumpy start, she's proven to be quite uh…insightful."

"Insightful how?"

Hotch rolled his eyes when Rossi smirked. "Dave, don't even think of saying what I suspect you're going to say."

But the older man ignored him and looked at Derek. "What he means by insightful is that she can't be intimidated, charmed, threatened, or bribed by a certain Unit Chief."

Morgan chuckled at what Rossi was telling him. With a shake of his head again, he turned his eyes toward Hotch. "I guess that stare and those dimples didn't work on 'er, huh?"

Hotch growled loudly and the stare was harsh at both men. "Both of you go to hell!" he growled and turned his head away.

"Seriously, man, I'm glad she's immune to your likeability," Morgan explained seriously. "You needed to speak to somebody who can help you and won't be susceptible to your charms…or threats."

Hotch studied the back of his good hand. "Y'know, when I get back, I can arrange for you to do all of the team's paperwork for a month." He then looked Morgan in the face with an innocent expression.

"You wouldn't dare. C'mon, man. Don't scare me like that."

A devious grin appeared on Hotch's face. "Want to try for two months? It does seem to me you're enjoying this a little too much."

Morgan chuckled and shook his head. "Naaa, man. Nothin' like that. It's just that I want you to get well and come back to us. We all want you to get well and come back to us. Jack needs his daddy to come back to him healthy. And if this woman can help you get better than I don't care if she's green with pink polka dots, has glowing red eyes, and flaming red hair."

Nobody spoke. And when Aaron stared into his subordinate's eyes, all he could see was caring, concern, and love, and not a trace of deception. A small smile graced his features.

"Thank you, Derek," he said. "I can tell you meant what you said. Also, I won't make you do the team's paperwork this time."

"Thanks, Hotch. And I meant every word," Morgan replied. "I mean…from the very little Rossi told us, and the way you're acting since I walked in here, it sounds like this woman doctor is helping you already. Keep workin' with her, man, and you'll be back sooner rather than later."

Rossi smiled and turned his head toward Hotch and noticed his friend was affected by the black agent's words. He placed a hand on Hotch's good shoulder.

"You know how I feel, Aaron," he said affectionately. "If that doesn't tell you how important you are to those who love you, nothing will."

Hotch couldn't speak. He just chewed his lower lip and nodded, his eyes bright with unshed tears which he was determined not to let fall. Not in front of his subordinates anyway. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Morgan checking his watch.

"I've got to go and check on JJ and Alana," Morgan explained. "I want to find out how that little girl is doing, and then I need to find out if Baby Girl has found anything. But I wanted to stop by and see you, Hotch. I'll tell everybody you're doing great. Take care of our Boss-man, Rossi." He glanced at Hotch. "Take care, man. I'll check on you again later." He opened the door to leave when Rossi called his name. Morgan turned. "What do you need, Rossi?"

The older man had gotten out of the chair. "I'll come with you. I need to make several phone calls anyway. Besides…" and he smiled at Hotch. "Jessica should be here soon and you'll want to talk with her alone. I'll tell the two agents outside not to come back in yet."

"I appreciate that, Dave."

Rossi winked at the younger man and left the room with Morgan, and Hotch was alone to wait for his ex-sister-in-law.

Hotch continued to wait alone, and stared out of the far window at the overcast sky. The gray sky told him it was probably going to rain. A sad smile appeared as he recalled his late wife, Haley, always enjoyed walking in the rain. Always commented on how things smelled so fresh after a cleansing rain. Hell, they had even made love in a secluded area while out in the rain. Afterward, both were soaking wet, but were happy and immensely sated and satisfied.

"Aaron?" a female voice interrupted his thoughts.

Startled, Aaron turned to see Jessica Brooks standing in the doorway of his room. A slow smile appeared as he beckoned the woman to come inside the room.

"Are you sure" she asked as she returned his smile and closed the door behind her. "I mean, you looked, I don't know…out of it. I can always come back later."

"I'm all right. I was just staring at the sky thinking it might rain, and remembering how much Haley loved walking in the rain."

Jessica sat down in the chair Rossi had vacated. She smiled as she too remembered how much her sister loved the rain. But she understood Aaron had something to discuss with her. Something about her looking after a little girl.

"Aaron? On the phone earlier, you asked me to look after a little girl."

"Yes, she's the ten-year-old daughter of a friend of mine."

A red flag was raised. Her eyes narrowed. "Has this little girl got something to do with one of the men who attacked you?"

Hotch stared at the blonde, and chewed his lower lip nervously. "Yes." He saw Jess hesitating and decided to continue. "I said I would tell you everything when you came here, and I will. Just know that if you say no, my only other alternative is foster care."

And for the next two hours, Hotch explained what happened, Darryl's involvement, and how Alana became involved. The only part he left out was the plan he had in mind to catch Foyet. When he was finished, he stared at his ex-sister-in-law. He could tell the woman had been shaken by what she had been told and needed time to process everything. So he waited for her to respond no matter how long it took. After a few minutes, Jess looked into Aaron's face as she wiped her cheeks.

"Are you all right?" he asked, concerned.

"I'm fine. It was just so heartbreaking about that little girl. Is she all right?"

Hotch shrugged. "I don't know for sure, but a little while ago Morgan stopped by and told Dave and I she appeared to be in good condition despite her ordeal." He sighed. "Jess, I realize I'm asking a lot of you."

"Yes I will."

"…it's only until Darryl's case is resolved. Wait. What did you say?"

Jessica smiled. "I said yes I will take care of this little girl until her father's case is decided."

Hotch's smile widened. He reached out his good hand and gripped Jess's tightly.

"Thank you, Jess. I mean it. Thank you."

Just then the door opened again and Rossi walked back inside the room. He spotted Hotch and Jessica holding hands and smirked.

"Trying to talk your ex-sister-in-law into helping you escape from here?" he asked with a twinkle in his eyes and a mischievous grin. "Or are you proposing?"

Hotch released Jess's hand and rolled his eyes. "Dave, did anyone ever tell you that you have a one-track mind?"

"All the time. But I don't let that hold me back." He smiled at the blonde. "How are you, Jess?"

"I'm fine, Dave, thank you."

"So uh…has Aaron convinced you to care for Alana Wheaton for awhile?"

"Yes, he has, and my heart breaks for that little girl." She glanced at Hotch. "When can I meet her?"

Rossi answered after Hotch looked up at him. "One of the phone calls I made a few minutes ago was to JJ."

"And?"

"And it looks like Alana's gonna be admitted overnight." He noticed Hotch about to speak and held up a hand stopping him. "Only for observation, nothing else. From what JJ told me, it's more than likely she'll be released in the morning."

"Did she say how Alana's doing?" Aaron asked, calming down, relieved.

"She didn't have much to say except that she appears to be in good shape despite what she went though. She's a little dehydrated, and is a little underweight for her age. All-in-all I'd say she's very lucky."

"Sounds like it," said Jessica. She shuddered. "What kind of a person would leave a child to die of starvation and thirst?"

That was a question for which nobody had an answer. Finally, Rossi gave the best answer he could.

"Only the worst kind, Jess. Only the worst kind."

Hotch licked his lips, and with a look of determination, he threw back the covers and struggled to get out of bed. Jessica's and Dave's hands instantly gripped his shoulders to stop him by forcing him back onto the mattress.

"Dave, I want to see Alana…right now."

"Aaron, what the hell are you doing?" Rossi demanded forcefully. "You're in no shape to go running around the hospital."

"Listen to him, Aaron, please," Jessica pleaded.

Hotch shook his head. "I'm not going running anywhere. I just want to see Alana."

"You will, you will. I promise. She's not even in a room yet. They're still performing tests. JJ promised she'd text me when Alana was settled in a room." Rossi felt the tension in his friend's body ease considerably hearing that. "When I hear from JJ, I'll take you to visit the little girl myself. Now, get your sorry-ass back in that bed."

With a glare directed solely at Rossi, Hotch did as he was told. Rossi lovingly pulled the covers up and over his friend's body while Jess sat back down in the chair.

"There we go, Aaron," Rossi smirked ignoring the patented glare. "All nice and comfy. That's a good boy."

"Go to hell, Dave!" Aaron fumed.

The senior agent chuckled at his friend's reaction. "Aaron, sometimes I wonder who's the adult…you or Jack."

Hotch maintained his stare, his dark eyes seeming to penetrate Rossi's very soul.

Rossi was about to respond when he felt his cell phone vibrate in his pocket. He reached inside his jacket and removed it, glancing at the caller ID.

"It's Emily," he announced as he pressed the phone to his ear. "What's up, Emily?" he asked. He listened for several seconds before glancing at Aaron. "I'll ask him. Hold on a second." He focused on Hotch. "Emily and Reid want to know if they can stop by for a short visit."

"Sure. I'd like that very much."

Rossi nodded. "You hear that, Emily? Okay, great. I'll tell 'im. See you in a few. Bye." He put the phone back in his jacket pocket. "They'll be here in less than an hour," he told Aaron. "So while we wait, is there anything you need or that we can get for you?"

"Like what?" Aaron asked.

Rossi shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure. Let me think. I have it. How about a nice, thick, rare steak. A glass of wine. And a good Cuban cigar." He snapped his fingers. "I got it! How about a cute nurse?"

"You're disgusting you know that?" said Hotch looking annoyed by his friend's teasing.

Jessica, listening to their banter, fought to hide her laughter. But a few snickers were heard. She bowed her head but they continued regardless.

"All kidding aside, Aaron, I need to stop at the BAU for awhile to check on a few things, so I'm gonna go. But I'll be back soon-as-I-can. Meanwhile, Jess, here, I'm sure will be glad to keep you company until she needs to pick up Jack. Won't you Jess?"

"No problem, Dave. I'd be glad to keep Aaron company for awhile. You go right ahead."

But Hotch had other ideas. "Jess, there's no need for you to stay and babysit me. I'll be fine. Besides, Prentiss and Reid will be stopping by shortly." He looked at the blonde affectionately. "Go take care of Jack for the rest of today and yourself. Come back tomorrow after dropping him off at school, and I'll introduce you to Alana. That way you can spend time with her, and the two of you can get to know each other before she goes home with you."

Jessica looked uncertain at first at the prospect of leaving Aaron alone. But seeing her discomfiture, Hotch put his hand on hers.

"It's okay, Jess. I'll be fine. I promise."

"Well…okay then," replied Jess. "But before I leave the hospital to pick up Jack, I want to talk with JJ and find out a few things. This way I can buy the necessities for a little girl before she comes home with me. And I need to explain things to Jack tonight as well so this doesn't hit him like a ton of bricks."

Hotch screamed inwardly at himself. He had forgotten about his son and how he would take this new situation. He didn't doubt his son would love having a sibling to play with close to his own age. What troubled him most was Jack becoming too attached to the little girl, and how he would handle things when she was gone.

"No," he told Jessica. "It's my job to tell Jack," Hotch explained carefully. "I need him to understand that Alana is not going to be staying with us indefinitely but just for a little while. I'll call him later and explain. I…I'm just worried how he's going to react when she has to leave." He hung his head.

"Aaron, look at me," said Rossi. He maintained his serious expression even when the younger man met his eyes. "You are a good father. You'll explain things to Jack so he understands Alana is only staying with you temporarily. I'm also sure when you talk to him, you'll find the right words."

Hotch sighed. "I hope you're right," he said releasing Jess's hand. He watched his ex-sister-in-law get out of the chair.

"C'mon, Jess. I'll bring you to where JJ is so you two ladies can talk while I head out to the BAU." He glanced back at his friend. "Be good, Aaron. I want nothing but good news when I come back later this evening."

Jessica smiled affectionately at Aaron and waved at him. Then both she and Rossi left the room leaving Hotch alone.

Once they were gone, he let out a deep breath and let his head fall back against the pillow. As much as he loved Dave and Jessica and enjoyed their visits, he was so glad they had left and he could breathe. Dave Rossi was a dear friend, but sometimes Hotch considered him a bit overbearing in his protectiveness. Now was such a time.

Hotch turned his head toward the window again. The gray sky hadn't changed any since he last looked. If anything, it seemed to have darkened with the threat of rain more of a possibility. Turning his head toward the phone, he reached for the receiver and picked it up with his good hand. He needed to contact the prosecutor who would be handling the case if it ever went to trial. He was about to dial the number when movement out of the corner of his eye stopped him. He promptly hung up the receiver and waited for the person to enter.