It was the night before the FBI and local police were planning to go bust the guy who had been selling fake IDs. Officer LaMontagne and his partner Officer Smith and Agents Hotch, Hotch Jr, Morgan, and Prentiss were all discussing.
"Just to make sure we are all on the same page. Because it could come up. How many IDs did you get from him?" Officer Smith asked.
"It was two?" Right Hotch asked
Lorelai took a breath "Um. No. That is incorrect. It was three."
All eyes were on her now.
"That last time I busted you? That was third?" Will asked
"No. That was the second." Lorelai said eyes looking down at the table in front of her.
"Were you just going to let us go in there unaware?" Morgan asked
"No. I was planning on telling you. Just trying to figure out how to." Lorelai said
Hotch took a breath. "When was the third time?" he was annoyed
"About three months after the second time," Lorelai said forcing herself to look at him. He was giving her his patented glare.
"I think it might be wise for Agent Hotch Jr to sit this out." Officer Smith said
"No. That's my sister going in there. It was my idea. I planned this. I'm going to be there." Hotch Jr said.
"Yes. But you might be remembered and it won't look good if the statement has to include that you got IDs from this man. Three times." Officer Smith said
"I'm sorry. You're perfect then? You never broke the law as a minor?" Lorelai asked
"My choices are not relevant to this case. Yours are." Officer Smith said.
"Stop," Hotch said at this point before Lorelai could say anything else. He looked at Officer LaMontagne "What do you think?" Hotch asked.
Will took a breath. "Anything else we should know before I decide?" Will asked looking at Lorelai.
"No." She said. "And you know Agent Hotch. You know he is going to have a few choice words for me when we are alone." Lorelai pointed out
Will sighed. "Yes. And I might have a few choice words for you myself." He said.
Lorelai nodded.
"If this blows up in our face." Will started
"I will take the hit," Lorelai said.
"I'm fine with her being there," Will said.
"Okay," Hotch said.
They finished going over their strategy before ending the meeting. Everyone got up and left the room except the two Hotchners.
"To say I am stunned would be an understatement," Aaron said.
"I'm sorry," Lorelai said.
"Every time you mess up you apologize. Say you won't do it again. And somehow we still end up back in trouble. For the same things." Aaron said
Lorelai nodded.
"The apologies lose something when you keep having to apologize for the same thing," Aaron said
"I understand," Lorelai said.
"At this point, I'm not sure what I should do about this," Aaron said
"Do I get any leniency because I was honest when I was asked, I could have lied," Lorelai said
"True. And I admit if you had, and it was found out tomorrow while the takedown was happening you would be suspended. So yes. There is a slight leniency" Aaron said
Lorelai nodded.
"I want you to imagine you were in my shoes. And this conversation was between you and Hailey. What would you be thinking?" Aaron asked
"That's not fair," Lorelai said.
"So, it's fair that I told my daughter to not do something, and she turns around and does it? -Three times. Three times Lorelai."
"Technically you only told me not to do it again twice." She said
"Do you think this is funny?" Aaron asked
"That wasn't a joke. That was a fact." Lorelai said
Aaron shook his head.
"Sorry. Your right. I'll shut up." She said
"The director is looking for a few agents to sort through the file room and make sure things are where they are supposed to be. It will be every Saturday for the next month or two depending on how many Agents volunteer. You are going to volunteer to be one of those Agents." Aaron said
Lorelai opened her mouth to argue but the look she received caused her to close her mouth quickly. She nodded.
"You also will be telling Spencer what you did," Aaron said.
Lorelai nodded "Okay."
They finished their conversation and left and both headed home.
/\/\/\/\/\
Morgan and Hotch Jr were heading towards the shop where the man who sells fake ID was. They were going to bring him down for good.
In a second car were Hotch and Prentiss who also had Rachel. Rachel was going to go in a buy a fake ID so they could catch the guy in the act so he couldn't pretend he didn't sell them.
Hotch Jr. was rubbing at her side.
"You okay?" Morgan asked
"Yup," Lorelai said
Morgan raised an eyebrow.
Lorelai sighed. "Okay. I'm sore. From the boxing, I've been doing."
Morgan nodded. "That's normal."
"I know. Which is why I said I'm fine." She said
Morgan nodded again.
"You've been boxing with Emily right?" He asked
"Yup. And she's been kicking my ass." Lorelai said
Morgan chuckled. "Well, she has been at this a lot longer than you."
Lorelai nodded. "I know. Which is why I want to box with her. She can help me improve."
"Very true," Morgan said.
"You tell Spencer about the third ID?" Morgan asked
"Yup. He was not impressed. Neither is my dad. You hear what I have to do?" Lorelai asked
"Yup. The director I'm sure is happy to have one volunteer." Morgan said
"He was thrilled," Lorelai said. "I don't think there are many who would really 'volunteer' without reason." She said
Morgan chuckled. "Well. Who knows maybe some other agents will be in trouble and forced to as well."
Lorelai chuckled. "Maybe."
They pulled up to a spot around the corner from the shop. Rachel went in first. She had a bug in her ear and a microphone on a necklace. So, they could hear what was going on.
Rachel went into the shop on main street. It was a second-hand shop. She went up to the guy who was working behind the register.
"Hi. A friend told me. I could come here and ask for Hank. That you could help me." She said as she slid a hundred-dollar bill across the counter.
The man nodded. "You're friend huh?" he asked
"Yes. My friend. Heather." She said
The man smiled and nodded. "Name?" he asked
"Rachel Madden." She said. She was using her birth last name.
"How old?" He asked
"Twenty-one." She said
He nodded and started to type things into his computer. Pointed to a spot for her to stand. "Need a picture."
Rachel stood where she was supposed to, and her picture was taken.
A few minutes later the ID was printed out on a high-tech printer, and it was handed to her.
Rachel looked at it and smiled. "Thank you." She said.
The four agents came into the building Hotch Jr. took the ID from Rachel in the process. They were all wearing FBI vests and the guy behind the counter looked a bit nervous.
Rachel left the building at this point.
"What can I do for the FBI?" he asked
"Don't remember me do you?" Hotch asked
"Should I?" The man asked
"I came to talk to you about two years ago. Told you to stop selling the fake IDs or I would make sure you spend time in prison." He said
"And I told you than what I will tell you now. I don't sell fake IDs," he said
"Really?" Lorelai said. "You sure?" She said a smirk on her face
The guy looked at her. "You look familiar."
"I should. You made me three fake IDs" She said. "And you just made one for her," Lorelai said holding up the ID he made for Rachel.
"She is lying. She didn't get it from me." The man said
Lorelai shook her head. "You're busted. Just stop talking." She went behind the counter to arrest him.
The man quickly grabbed the gun off Lorelai's waist and pointed it at her. Within seconds three guns were pointed at the man.
"Drop it now!" Hotch yelled.
"Nope. I'm not going down for this." He said
"You'd rather go down for shooting an FBI agent?" Lorelai asked
"Shut up!" He screamed. "Shut up or I will take you down with me!" He screamed
Lorelai took a breath She fucked up and the man now had her gun "I'm just trying to help you. Because you shoot me. That's it. You're done."
"I SAID SHUT UP!" he screamed
Lorelai nodded and took a breath. "Go ahead shoot me. It's just going to be worse for you."
"Agent Hotchner Jr. Stop talking," Hotch ordered.
Lorelai took a breathe and stopped talking
"Put the gun down and we can talk," Hotch said to the man.
"Or what?" The man asked
"We will have to shoot you," Hotch said
"I'm not going down for this. I will drag her down with me." The man said pointing to Lorelai.
"We know she bought a few fake IDs from you," Morgan said. "But you sold them to her. She couldn't have gotten them without you."
"Yes. But I'm sure it won't look good if I report it to the director." He said
"What she did as a minor isn't going to affect her much," Morgan said
"And you were given a chance to stop," Hotch said. "When I came in here two years ago."
"And she came in just a few weeks later to get another ID so clearly she wanted me to keep the business going." He said
"But she wants you taken down now too. She was underage at the time. She is not anymore." Prentiss said.
"And if you had stopped and not sold her the third one or continued selling them to anyone we wouldn't be here," Hotch said.
The guy took a breath. He put the gun down and put his hands above his head. Morgan came behind the counter and cuffed him before he and Prentiss took him outside to a waiting squad car with Detectives LaMontagne and Smith.
Hotch grabbed an evidence bag and picked up Lorelai's gun that was on the counter. It was evidence now. "How did he get your gun?" He asked
"He grabbed it off my waist. Guess it was at a spot easy for him to grab." She said
Hotch nodded "You have your backup piece correct?"
Hotch Jr. reached down to her ankle and took her second weapon and held it up.
"Good," Hotch said as her main piece was now evidence
The two of them went outside.
Lorelai went to Rachel. "You did well."
"Thanks. Are you okay? I heard he got your gun and was pointing it at you." Rachel said
Lorelai nodded. "I'm okay. The team had my back."
Rachel hugged her. Lorelai hugged her back.
Aaron came over. "You did well Rachel. Emily and I will drive you home."
The three of them went.
Morgan and Hotch Jr. started the drive back to the FBI building.
Lorelai was quiet.
"You know. You're not the first person who has someone grab their weapon off their waist." Derek said
"I'm aware yes," Lorelai said
"So. What's the problem?" He asked
"Hotch. I don't know if it's because he's already upset with me or what, but he was annoyed." Lorelai said
"Have you talked to him? Or was it just the lecture?" He asked
"It was just the lecture. I was upset. And had to go home and tell Spencer and knew I would get a lecture from him too. So, I just listened." Lorelai said
Derek nodded. "You know I have noticed. Sometimes when it comes to your dad. You have a hard time talking about things. Calmly. Either you don't talk at all, or you come off as disrespectful. I'm sure the trauma you went through doesn't help. But I think at this point you know that no matter what you say or do he's not going anywhere."
Lorelai took a breath. "That's not necessarily true. I mean yes sometimes I don't know when to shut up and am disrespectful while trying to get a point across yes. But I do talk to him. I just. Since moving out. Becoming a mom and wife. And Emily. And don't get me wrong I am thrilled for both of them. They make each other happy. And no, I'm not blaming her I just… feel like my dad and I are drifting apart."
"Well. A father/daughter relationship will change over time. When the daughter grows and moves out and such. But that doesn't mean they don't have time for them." He said
Lorelai nodded and tilted her head. "Why do I get the feeling that there is an issue with you and Becca?"
Derek smiled a bit. "Because you're a damn good profiler."
"I have my moments. What's going on? I haven't seen her in a few weeks" Lorelai asked
"Something is going on with her. She's been drinking… A lot apparently. Theo is worried and at this point so am I. I was wondering if you knew of anything going on with her." Derek said
Lorelai let out a sigh. "No. I don't. I'll see if I can figure it out?"
"That would be appreciated," Derek said.
"Do you want me to keep it to myself that you told me if possible?" She asked
"Nope. Not necessary." Derek said
"Okay. I will figure it out." She said.
Derek nodded
She texted Becca.
Lorelai: "Girls night? I need one. This Friday? I'll come to your place?"
Becca was at the office when she got the text. She looked at it and sighed before texting back
Becca: "Urg. I would love that, but I have to work late Friday night."
Lorelai got the text.
Lorelai: "How about Saturday?"
Becca read the text
Becca: "I have a date planned with Theo on Saturday."
Lorelai sighed.
Lorelai: "Sunday? Brunch at our favorite place?"
Becca: "I have a major exam to study for."
Lorelai took a breath.
Lorelai: "Well have about tonight? You can come to my place. I'll kick Spencer and the baby out. I'll cook."
Becca: "I'm working late all week. It's a busy time at the firm."
Lorelai sighed.
Lorelai: "How about next week sometime? I really need a night with my bestie."
Becca sighed.
Becca: "Next Friday night? Come to my place."
Lorelai: "Perfect."
"Girl's night plans next weekend. I will figure it out." Lorelai said
Derek nodded. "Do you want me to talk to Aaron?"
"No. I should do it." Lorelai said
Derek nodded. "I don't disagree but thought I'd offer."
"Thank you," Lorelai said.
When they got back to the office she sat and started on the paperwork.
Spencer could tell she wasn't okay. He went over to her desk. "Everything go okay?" he asked
"Hrm? Oh um. Yes and no. We got him. But not before he got my gun off my waist and had it pointed at me." She said.
Spencer let out a breath. He didn't like hearing that his wife had a gun to her head, and he wasn't there.
"I'm okay. The others were able to talk him down." Lorelai said
Spencer tilted his head. She was usually the one doing the talking down.
"Yeah. I know what you're thinking. I think I'm off my game right now." Lorelai said
"Want to talk about it?" JJ asked
She smiled. "Maybe later."
Hotch and Prentiss came in. "Do you all not have paperwork? I can find something for you to do if you don't." He said before heading to his office.
Lorelai looked down.
"He will get over it," Emily said seeing how hurt Lorelai was.
"Maybe. But he is taking out his frustrations on everyone else because of me." Lorelai told her.
"Do you want me to talk to him?" Emily asked
She smiled a bit. "No. This is between me and him."
Everyone got to their paperwork. When Lorelai was done she went up to his office and knocked.
"Enter," Hotch called out.
Lorelai went in and closed the door. "I have my finished paperwork." She said holding it out to him.
"Thank you." He said.
"I get it. You're pissed at me. And I know you don't trust my apology and I don't blame you. But taking your frustrations with me on the rest of the team. Isn't fair." She said calmly
Aaron looked up eyebrow raised. "Excuse me."
"I mean no disrespect. But if you're frustrated with me just say so." She said
"I have already lectured. You will deal with the consequences. It's done." He said
"Then why does it feel like you are still upset with me? Is it because I had my gun taken off me?" She asked. "I'm sorry. I know I messed up. But that wasn't intentional."
"I know that. I'm not upset with you for that. I'm not happy I had to watch someone with a gun to your head, but I don't blame you." He said
"So why didn't you let me talk him down?" She asked
"Because I could tell it wasn't working. You are damn good at it usually. But I could sense he wasn't receptive to you. I did what I had to, so you came out in one piece." He said, "Can you honestly tell me you were at your best in that situation?"
She shook her head. "No Sir."
"Lorelai. You're not in trouble for anything that happened today. And we have already discussed the fake IDs. We are fine." He said
"Then why does it feel like you are drifting away?" She asked softly tearing up before leaving his office.
Aaron tried to stop her, but she ignored him and went to the bathroom and broke down sobbing.