Prince William District Court – Stafford, VA – Thursday Morning -

The last two days had been a blur with Derek operating in autopilot and the rest of his friends and family keeping a close eye on him and Hank. Penelope had practically moved in, and Derek had gotten used to her company. She seemed to fit and even Hank seemed to be happy and comfortable around Derek's best friend.

Sarah and Desiree had agreed to watch Hank at the Rossi mansion while Derek appeared in court. Hotch and his associate, Delman Cranston met the others in the hallway outside of family court. Derek and Penelope were the last to arrive and it didn't go unnoticed that the two were holding hands.

"Derek, this is Attorney Delman Cranston and he'll be taking the lead on your case."

Derek extended his hand to the man. After everyone else was introduced, the man began discussing strategy. It was clear that Cranston knew his business, and everyone felt confident in Hotch's choice of co-counsel.

"This should be a simple hearing. Clearly the Hayes family has no basis to take your son. However, their attorney, Artemis Maker is known for being able to pull a rabbit out of his hat and so we can't take anything for granted."

"I can't lose my son, Mr. Cranston."

"And we will do everything in our power to make sure you don't. Now please let Aaron and I handle everything. It's important that you remain calm. They're going to try to provoke you and make you appear unstable, but you must not let them get to you; am I clear?"

Derek nodded. Just then the door opened, and the clerk ushered them inside. Everyone quickly found seats and waited nervously for the bailiff to announce the judge's arrival. Charles and Lydia sat across the room behind their attorney while Derek and Penelope sat together still holding hands which didn't go unnoticed by Savannah's parents.

The next hour was heated with both sides arguing their case for custody of Hank. Derek's attorneys knew that his abilities as a father spoke for themselves. It was going to be a much harder case for the Hayes and their attorneys to convince a judge that removing Hank from Derek's home was for his best interests. Attorney Maker argued that the recent murder of Savannah should be reason enough to remove the minor child, but Hotch and Cranston reminded the court that the murder was still an ongoing investigation and that there was no evidence that the attack occurred as revenge targeted against Derek. The arguments continued until finally the judge had heard enough and was ready to make her ruling.

"I have heard both sides and while my condolences go out to the Hayes and Morgan families, at time, there is no reason to remove the minor child, Hank Morgan from his father's home. Mr. Morgan has provided adequate housing and care for his son and when he is out of town, he has more than ample care in place for Hank. So, unless you can prove the Mr. Morgan is unfit to care for his son, this hearing is concluded. The sound of the gavel hitting the large podium concluded the matter and without further words, the judge stood and headed out of the courtroom.

Derek stood along with his group of family and friends. A circle of protection formed around him much like the day of Savannah's funeral. Charles, Lydia, and their legal team filed out of the courtroom glaring at Derek. Just when Derek thought they would leave without trouble, Lydia stopped and found her way within inches of Derek's face.

"This isn't over, Derek!" She whispered under her breath.

Charles gently grabbed her arm and pulled her back into the aisle. Their attorney, Artemis Maker approached Hotch.

"Impressive; I see you still have your legal chops."

"Like riding a bike," Hotch responded.

Maker glanced at Atty. Cranston and nodded. The two had met in court before and so Maker had no choice but to respect the man for his abilities. Cranston turned toward the family as his opponent stepped out into the hall.

Derek exhaled and renewed his grip on Penelope's hand.

"This was easy," Cranston began, "too easy."

"What do you mean? They didn't have a case," Derek responded.

"Maker knew he didn't have a case; this was just a fishing expedition. They needed to see how hard you were going to respond. Don't believe for a minute that they are finished."

"So now what?" Fran asked.

"Now we watch our backs; all of us."

Stokely Ferguson watched as the group headed toward the exit of the busy courthouse. No one noticed the subtle glance exchanged between Art Maker and Ferguson. It was the private detective's cue to be on guard and ready for the next phase of the plan to take Derek's son. The two men had long ago given up lofty notions of wrong and right; it was about winning and money, nothing more.

Fran convinced Penelope to release Derek's hand and come with her back to the mansion. The older woman knew that the men needed to talk and strategize. JJ agreed to go with the women, not to help with lunch which of course she would, but to keep an eye out and for protection should something happen.

"Derek, I was serious back there; you need to make sure you do nothing that will compromise your position; understood?" Cranston began.

"I can handle myself," he responded.

"This is serious!" Hotch added. "Keep your eyes and ears open. Artemis Maker is not a man who takes losing lightly and to him, today was just a fact-finding mission; he hasn't begun to fight and believe me, he's not going to play nice."

Charles opened the door and helped his wife into the limo and then took the seat next to her. Artemis Maker sat in the back as well in the seat across from the couple. After a few seconds, the long expensive car pulled into traffic and sped away.

"What the hell was that?" Charles asked irritated. "I thought we'd be on our way to pick up our grandson by now!"

"Relax, my friend. Today went exactly how I thought it would. We have no grounds to take Hank and I knew that but not to worry I have everything under control."

"We lost!" Lydia whined. "I can't bear to think that my grandson is with that man who let my baby get killed in her own home!"

"Lydia, Charles, please you must be patient. This isn't going to be a quick or an easy fight! Trust me and in the end, Hank will be raised in your home where he belongs; where Savannah would have wanted him to be raised."

"We trust you, Art; so, what's next?"

"I have a question for you both."

"What?" The couple asked in unison.

"What are you willing to do to get Hank away from your son-in-law?

"An..." Charles began.

"...before you answer, I need you to really think about this. If you give me the okay, I have ways to make sure that Derek Morgan regrets ever crossing you and ever letting your daughter be killed!"

Charles and Lydia exchanged looks and nods before turning back to the man seated across from them. Then Charles spoke up.

"Do whatever you need to do to get our grandson for us; anything!"

"That's all I needed to hear."