A/N: I am thrilled that Till Death Do Us Part which was completed 9/13/2014, has just reached 300 reviews. I am delighted!

Chapter 62

Shortly after eleven a.m., the door to Hotch's room opened, and in walked JJ with her ever-present smile. Rossi followed holding a laptop computer. And Reid brought up the rear carrying a box wrapped with paper bearing kittens and puppies in both hands, with a lopsided red bow tied around it. The bow was tied in a way that Hotch wondered if his son had wrapped it, but somehow didn't think so. Grateful to be sitting in his wheelchair right now, Hotch wheeled himself forward while glaring at the bodyguards standing on opposite sides of the door. They took the hint, excused themselves, and left the room.

"Feeling better today, Aaron?" Rossi asked with a joyful expression. Hotch glared at his best friend.

"Just peachy," he replied sarcastically after a few minutes.

"You sure you're up to this, Hotch?" asked JJ, concerned. She noticed how tired her boss appeared. "I mean we can always do this later."

"No, we keep going. And don't worry about me, JJ, I'm fine," Hotch sighed refusing to look JJ in her face. Understandably, it was painful for the Unit Chief to even look at the media liaison at the moment. He kept picturing her with Foyet in that garage instead of the nurse. And it was these images of JJ being brutalized which haunted him relentlessly.

"Hotch, we saw Detective Moeller leaving the hospital as we were pulling up outside," Rossi explained. "He told us he asked you several questions about Nurse Davies' murder. So it wouldn't be surprising if you're still a bit out of sorts right now and want to hold off a bit. We'd understand."

"Are you okay?" interjected JJ studying her boss, worried. They were like brother and sister with him the older brother she'd always wanted.

Hotch massaged his forehead. "I'm sorry, JJ, but it's a bit difficult to look at you right now. Just seeing your face makes me realize how easily it could have been you in that parking garage."

JJ stepped closer and didn't care how inappropriate it looked. She cupped her boss's chin with the fingertips of one hand, and lifted his head so he'd have no choice but to stare deeply into her eyes. She understood where Hotch was coming from, and appreciated his concern for her. And it was this concern for his subordinates that made him so special to those who worked under him.

"It's okay, Hotch. I understand. I do. But I'm alive and standing here in front of you. I understand you're concerned about me, but don't be. I'll be fine and I'm taking every precaution. So please try not to worry. Right now I'm more worried about you, and helping get you through this. But thank you for worrying about me though." And with an even more inappropriate action, the blonde leaned forward and pressed her lips on the top of her boss's head.

When she stepped back, Hotch studied her for a long minute before a slow smile appeared on his face.

"Thank you. But worrying about my team is part of a Unit Chief's job description."

Rossi smirked at his friend. "So is our team worrying about its Unit Chief part of ours." A chuckle escaped his lips. Hotch glanced at the older man and chuckled, but his eyes showed he disagreed with the older man's statement.

"To answer your questions, Moeller did question me about Nurse Davies. All I could tell him was interacting with her briefly whenever she changed my dressing, and that we talked whenever she did. Also, she was always nice to me and I liked her."

"Did Moeller say whether he had a suspect?" asked Rossi.

Hotch's eyes shifted to Rossi. He knew the older man wouldn't like what he was going to say next. "He agreed with me that because of the level of violence involved, it might be Foyet." He saw Rossi about to open his mouth and speak, but he held up a hand stopping him. "I told him in my opinion it was." He noticed the older man's frown, and understood he was worried about him. "Please don't worry, Dave. I'm not losing my mind. I also asked a favor of Detective Moeller, and he agreed."

"What favor?" asked Rossi.

"I asked him if the press had connected my so-called 'mugging' to the death of the nurse. He said not yet, but he figured it was just a matter of time before somebody did. So I asked him when that happened, to try and keep the murder separate, and that her working on the same floor as me is just coincidence and nothing more. I got him to agree to give me seventy-two hours. After that, nothing is assured."

JJ's eyes narrowed and she and Rossi exchanged looks before she faced her friend again. "Hotch, isn't that going to make things tight with the schedule we have right now and what we still have to do? I mean, you're expecting the media to not connect your attack and the nurse's. I'm surprised we've been able to keep your attack as a mugging this long."

Hotch grinned and held up a finger. "But they'll have no choice if the FBI announces at their press conference that, in their opinion, they've found no connection between the two attacks. If we play our cards right, they might even accept the murder was committed by a copycat. Also, just to be on the safe side, Detective Moeller will also be at the press conference to verify the death of the nurse is, in no way, connected to the attack on me.. It'll add credence to what you tell the media. "

"Which is what you're hoping," said Rossi. "You want this murder to be unrelated to your attack."

JJ smiled. "So that's why you wanted me to hold the press conference announcing the Bureau's already arrested the guilty parties in your mugging, and consider your case closed. And Detective Moeller will verify that."

"Exactly. I just need you to input a little about the nurse to bring your press conference up to date as she died last night."

"I'll take care of that right now," she said as she sat on the foot of Hotch's bed. She brought out the papers on which she had made her notes for the press conference. She looked up suddenly. "But how can we be sure somebody will bring up the connection between what happened to you and the nurse?"

"Don't you have contacts in the media?" asked Hotch. "Seems to me you can make sure somebody asks the question we want asked to try to deter the press conference away from me. We need them to accept our word, and report the nurse's death the work of a copycat. Foyet needs to accept as truth that the FBI and the locals believe he's no longer a threat to me any longer. And JJ, whomever you select, promise them full disclosure to the BAU once this case is solved. And by full disclosure that does not include my sexual assault."

"And I know just who to get. He owes me a favor anyway." JJ got to her feet as she pulled out her cell phone. She stared at both Rossi and Hotch. "I'll be back as soon as I make a couple of phone calls." She hurriedly left the room.

Satisfied, Hotch at last turned his attention to Reid who had sat the box on the uncomfortable chair a while ago. Not that it was heavy because it wasn't. It was that it was tiresome to keep holding.

Hotch arched an eyebrow and looked amused at the wrapping paper. "You didn't need to buy me a gift, Reid. But I appreciate the thought," he teased.

Reid looked nervous. "What? Hotch…no. I mean I didn't buy this. I didn't. It's from Garcia."

"I'm afraid to ask what's in it, much less why the box looks like it was wrapped by my son."

Rossi sat the laptop on the portable tray, opened it, and turned on the machine. Once he pressed a button, the FBI logo appeared on the screen. He rolled the tray closer to Hotch so he could see the screen.

"Trust me, Aaron, you'll get a kick out of it," he announced with a smirk. Tapping on the keyboard, the ready light was lit, alerting the person on the other end that Rossi was ready and available.

"Now I am worried if you like it that much, Dave," Hotch said. "What is it?"

Reid nervously opened the box keeping one eye on his boss. Once he opened the top of the box, he reached inside and removed a furry brown teddy bear with a red vest. Hotch read the note pinned to the bear's vest, and arched an eyebrow. He recognized his son's block printing right away. He glared at Rossi.

"Dave…" he growled. "Tell me you didn't involve my son in this?"

"Don't worry," Rossi replied. "All Jack did was write the note, I swear. Kitten thought it would make her masterpiece more believable if it looked like Jack got it for you. We told him he was helping you work the case."

"And Jess went along with this?" Hotch asked looking up at Rossi who nodded with a grin. Hotch shook his head and massaged his forehead. "I can't believe Jack's aunt went along with this. Dave, Jack was never to be a part of this plan. Garcia had no right to use him without asking me first."

"Would you have said yes if she had?" Rossi asked with arms crossed.

"No."

Rossi could tell Hotch was angry. But something also told the senior agent that the younger man was more angry at having not been asked than by Jack writing the note. And in a way, he did feel somewhat guilty using his boss's son without his permission.

"I'm sorry, Aaron," the older man apologized meekly. "I know we should have asked you first. But Garcia figured by adding the note written by Jack, the bear would be more believable as a gift from your son to anybody who saw it."

Hotch's anger had started to dissipate as he listened to his friend. He did understand the logic behind it. But he really wished he had been asked beforehand. But understanding Jack believed he was helping his dad on a case, and was happy to help him, made Aaron happy. And he did not want to disappoint his son by telling him he had been lied to about being asked to help.

"I will overlook this as there was no real harm done. But don't make a habit out of it. But, I do have a question. Why am I being given a stuffed bear anyway?"

"This is a very special bear, Mon Capitan," Garcia announced from the computer screen. Hotch stared at the screen. The FBI logo had been replaced with Garcia's smiling face. "Sir, I am so sorry about involving mini-Hotch. If you want to be angry, be angry with me and not Agent Rossi. It was my decision, not his."

Hotch sighed. "I'm not angry at you or Dave, Penelope. I promise you I'm not. But can you please tell me why a teddy bear?"

Garcia sighed and shook her head at her boss's confusion. Men, she mused. Sometimes they can be so dense. "This bear is a special bear, my liege. He sees all and hears all," she added with a wink. But she could tell Hotch was still confused and sighed. "There are cameras hidden behind both eyes, and a microphone behind each button on his cute little red vest. Also, I figured with Jack's love of animals, the wrapping paper with puppies and kittens was okay. I also tied the ribbon as a little kid would."

Hotch smiled finally. "It's perfect, Garcia. And if I am to assume correctly, the note in my son's handwriting is to have people believe it's a gift from Jack?"

"Give my wounded warrior Boss-man an 'A' for effort."

"Thank you, Penelope. It's so good it fooled even me. You did a great job."

"I accept your kind words, my liege."

"And further evidence why you deserved those roses in my opinion."

Garcia smiled and blushed. "Thank you, sir. And just so you know, the flowers were sweet of you even if Agent Rossi bought them and had your name signed to the card."

Rossi started and exchanged puzzled looks with Hotch.

"What makes you say that, Garcia?" he asked with raised eyebrows.

"Y'know, for being the creme-de-la-crème of the BAU, you men are so dense sometimes. Being a patient in a hospital and with your wallet having been taken, you'd have no way to order flowers much less pay for them."

"She's gotcha there, Aaron," Rossi chuckled.

"Sorry," Hotch apologized sincerely.

"No apology needed, sir. It's the thought behind it which was sweet, and your intentions honorable. And as far as I'm concerned, you sent the flowers and used our Italian Don Juan as an intermediary. Also, I love the roses."

Rossi's eyebrows arched. "Italian Don Juan?"

"We'll discuss it later, my Acting liege. But now, we have to position that bear in just the right place so the cameras will see all. My junior G-man, let's get our baby bear positioned so I will have a good view of the door." Reid nodded, picked up the bear, and looked around for just the right place to put it before heading toward the window across from Hotch's bed. He sat the bear on the window facing the door exactly.

"How's this, Garcia?" asked Reid stepping back.

"Lookin' good, boy wonder. I can see the entire door and anyone who dares to walk through it. I just need to check a few things to be sure."

Just then, Hotch tried to hide a yawn behind his hand and failed.

"You need to lay down, Aaron," Rossi suggested noticing the yawn. "We can still handle things with you in a prone position."

"Sounds good," Hotch replied rolling his chair closer to the bed and locking the wheels. He tried to force himself up out of the chair, and stumbled forward. Luckily Rossi was close enough to catch his friend before he landed on the floor. Despite Hotch's growl indicating he didn't need any help, Dave ignored him and helped him to the bed so he could lay down on his side, facing him.

"Reid, move that bear, pronto!" the tech analyst screamed, her cheeks turning a deep crimson. Her face looked horrified.

"Why?" Reid asked having no idea what the problem was.

"Because…because…just trust me when I say if you don't move that bear, we're all gonna be looking for work."

Reid still didn't see the problem. He found himself looking at Rossi who picked up on the cause of Garcia's distress. He smirked at the genius as he pulled the blanket up over his friend.

"Kid, unless you're into adult entertainment, I suggest you move that bear and now."

"Reid, do what Dave and Garcia tell you and don't argue with either of them!" Hotch hissed. He looked up into Rossi's face, and murmured a silent 'thank you' as he covered him with the blanket. Hotch knew right away what the tech analyst had seen on her screen. Because of his injuries below the waist, he hadn't been able to wear boxers under his gown. And to his sheer horror and embarrassment, Garcia had a clear view of her boss's bare butt.

When realization of what had happened finally hit home, Reid's face turned a deep shade of red, but for some reason he didn't move.

Rossi shook his head. "Kid, you just gave Garcia a clear view of Hotch's body, south of the border. So move that bear now!"

Rossi's words had the impact on the young genius the older man had hoped. Reid quickly moved the bear a short distance from where it had originally been.

"I…I'm so sorry, Hotch. I didn't mean to…that is…what I'm trying to say is…"

"It's okay, Reid," Hotch replied avoiding looking at his youngest who hung his head, ashamed.

Garcia checked a couple of things as she had earlier, and fell back in her chair with a huge sigh of relief.

"Sir? I am so, so sorry," she stammered.

But Hotch ignored her apology, and spoke to her without looking her. He was so embarrassed.

"Garcia, how about those changes to the reports in case Foyet checks. Will all of them confirm the press conference?" Rossi asked, feeling Hotch was trying to gather himself.

"Yes, sir. I got to work on those right after Derek and I finished with the bear earlier." Garcia paused and licked her lips. Her next words were directed at Hotch. "My liege, I really am serious when I say I am so, so sorry. I never meant for…are you ever going to look at me again?"

"Of course. I'm looking at you now, aren't I?"

"I'm not talking about a computer screen. I'm talking about looking me in the eye, sir.

"I need time, Garcia. You need to understand this was a bit embarrassing for me knowing you saw my…that you saw a part of me you shouldn't have."

"I understand, sir. And again, I am so, so sorry."

Reid swallowed hard, hoping he had moved the bear to the right spot this time.

"How's this, Garcia?"

Garcia gave him the 'A-Okay' sign with her fingers. "Exact-a-mundo, my junior G-man."

But Reid, for some reason, didn't seem convinced. "But Garcia, this bear is close to where it was placed the first time."

"But this time we have a shot of Mon Capitan from his knees down and not south-of-the-border. And I have a clear view of the door. The location is perfect, Boy Wonder." She again looked at Hotch and frowned. "Again, sir, I am so…so sorry."

When she got no reaction from Hotch, she looked sadly at Rossi. "Sir, tell my liege I am sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass him…I would never embarrass him."

Rossi smiled sincerely. "It'll be okay, kitten. Hotch knows it was an accident, and you and Reid didn't mean any harm. Just give 'im a little time."

Garcia nodded her head. "I will. Thank you, sir. Garcia out." She turned off the red indicator light so everybody would know she was no longer available.

Hotch closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. There was a headache starting, and a headache was not something he really needed or wanted right now.

Reid, with bowed head, quietly made his way toward Rossi and Hotch with both hands in his pockets. He felt so incredibly guilty for embarrassing his boss even though it was an accident.

"Uh, Hotch…" he began, jerking a thumb over his shoulder. "I uh…I'm gonna wait outside in the hallway. And I probably have no right to say I'm sorry, but I am. I never intended to embarrass you. I'm sorry." Not waiting for an answer, Reid hurried out of the room before anybody got to stop him.

Hotch looked up at the closed door and sighed. His eyes shifted to those of the older man. "Dave, please tell me Garcia and Reid believe I blame them for what happened."

Rossi patted his friend's shoulder and smiled. "Trust me, they'll get over it once Foyet is behind bars. I'll talk to Reid while you handle Garcia."

"Thanks, Dave. And please tell Reid I'm not upset with him. I realize he didn't do it on purpose."

"I'll tell 'im, I promise."

The door suddenly opened, and JJ re-entered the room looking worried.

"I just spotted Spence in the hallway looking like his dog died. What happened while I was gone?" she looked between Rossi and Hotch. "He wouldn't tell me anything."

"Just an embarrassing moment," Rossi advised the blonde. "Did you have any luck?"

"Yeah I did. The press conference is set for four this afternoon, and will take place outside the hospital. Also, I got hold of Damian Howard of the Washington Weekly. He owes me a favor. I promised him full disclosure after this case is over as Hotch suggested." Her blue eyes stared at the two men with a look she reserved only for her young son, Henry. "I need to find out what happened with Spence. I tried talking with him in the hallway, but he seemed to be lost in his own private world. All he kept murmuring was 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry' over and over again. I've never seen him so sad."

Rossi let out a deep breath and stared at Hotch who chewed his lower lip. The Unit Chief's eyes told him what he needed to do without words. Nodding, the senior agent left the room leaving the blonde and their boss alone.

JJ studied her boss. "Hotch, what happened with Spence? Whatever it was you know he didn't mean it. Please tell me so I can help him."

"I understand he and Garcia didn't mean it, JJ. As for what it was, I can't say. Let's just say it was an embarrassing moment and leave it at that."

When Garcia's name was mentioned, JJ figured to it was better to let the matter drop for now. Whatever had happened, she figured she'd find out later from the tech analyst who couldn't keep a secret if it meant her life. But right now there were more important things to be handled. She handed her Unit Chief her notes for his review. She wasn't the least bit offended as Hotch never double checked her paperwork before a press conference. But this time was different. They had one chance to get Foyet. Even the slightest mistake might be costly.

Finally, he handed JJ's notes back to her, a satisfied expression on his face.

"They're perfect, JJ," he said with a grin. "I don't even understand why I was worried. I can always count on you. There's nobody better at this job than you."

The blonde's smile widened. "Thanks, Hotch. You know, no matter how long I've done this job, a compliment is still nice to hear now and then. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Hotch, struggling, managed to turn himself onto his back while staying under the blanket. He grabbed the bed remote and elevated the top of the bed so he could sit up comfortably. JJ sat on the edge of the bed close to the head. She gripped Hotch's good hand in her small ones.

"Hotch, what do we do if Foyet doesn't fall for your plan? Not to say that he won't, but we all understand something can always go wrong even with the best laid plans. I don't want to see you stuck for an idea if this doesn't work."

Hotch looked down at their intertwined fingers. "Nothing will go wrong, JJ. I won't let anything go wrong. It can't go wrong. Nathan Foyet is different than the Reaper in that he doesn't have the patience his late cousin had. His attack on the nurse proves that." He looked up at the blonde. "It has to work. I can't afford for it not to work."