The interview with Bonnie Martinez of Blue Ice Network ran the gamut from "How does it feel to be second to the current U.S. Ladies' Champion?"(Paige's response – Laura is a great competitor and it is a privilege to be on the same ice as her) to "I understand there was an incident on the practice ice this morning" (Paige's response - When a group of high level skaters are all working on their programs at the same time people are bound to get in each other's way) to the expected "What about the Olympics?" (Paige's response – I would love the opportunity to represent the United States at the Olympics, but right now, I'm just taking it one program at a time).
As Ms. Martinez wound up her interview with congratulations and good luck wishes, JJ noticed that several other reporters had gathered around and were busy taking notes.
"One more question." The shout-out came from the back of the group. "What about the rumor that your grandparents are residents in a state run mental health institution?"
Startled, Paige looked over to where Laurel and JJ were standing.
"I don't know what you are talking about," Laurel responded as she walked over to stand next to Paige and put her arm around her. "My parents have been deceased for a number of years."
"And, now, we need to get going," JJ added. "It is getting late and, as I am sure you can understand, Paige needs her rest."
Morgan, Hotch, and Reid suddenly materialized and began shepherding Paige, JJ, and Laurel out of the arena.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
"That B$%*&^h !," Hotch growled. "I just know she is behind it!"
After everyone had returned to the hotel, Laurel, Garcia, and JJ had immediately taken Paige and Sophia up to the suite to get their rest, while the men had retired to the hotel bar.
"Calm down, Aaron," Rossi told him. "We have been expecting this and getting all bent out of shape isn't going to help matters any."
"I just checked with Carl, our local police chief," Joel told the men, holding up his cell phone. "And he tells me that not too long ago he had a request for information on the Mercers under the Freedom of Information Act. However, when he told the requestor (who was never clearly identified) that there would be a search fee as well as a per page copying fee, they backed off. He later spoke with the local state police post and found out they had received a similar request."
"Is there any way we could slam her with a lawsuit?" Morgan asked thoughtfully. "That might shut her up for a while."
"That would just prolong the inevitable," Rossi opinioned. "And, it would probably give the issue even more publicity."
"We need to get ahead of this," Hotch said thoughtfully. He had calmed down somewhat and was now staring into his glass of amber-colored liquor.
"We need to defuse it before it goes any further," Morgan agreed.
"Let's see what JJ recommends," Reid suggested. "She's always come through in the past."