"Let me guess, Artemis Maker sent you," Derek began as he slowly raised his hands in the air.
"D-Derek..."
He could hear the tremble of panic in her voice.
"Baby Girl gets to watch you die tonight; do you think she has the stomach for it?"
"The only person dying tonight is you," Emily warned.
"Yeah, unless you put that gun down!" Added Elle.
More than he loved money Stokely Ferguson loved breathing, so with little hesitation he lowered his aim and placed the gun on the ground. Emily rushed toward the compliant man and handcuffed him. Elle saw the relief in Derek's eyes as Penelope rushed to his side.
The sound of sirens nearing was an eerie soundtrack to a night that moments before was quiet and non-threatening. Derek pulled Penelope against his body and held her tight. His eyes watched his two friends neutralize the man who'd come to take his life; anger and gratitude danced in his spirit while Penelope trembled in his arms.
The next hour was a blur; sirens could be heard from every direction and the entire team had arrived ushering Derek and Penelope inside. The nosey neighbor watched it all from her upstairs window. Stokely was led away and was already trying to broker a deal for his freedom. Derek and Penelope were locked together hand in hand; everyone noticed that something was different between the two.
Clarion Hotel –
It was late and the Hayes' weren't expecting company. Charles headed toward the door while Lydia sealed the last box of their grandchild's things. Charles was surprised to see the detective and two uniformed officers flashing their badges as he opened the door.
"It's a little late detective Baines."
"Yes, and I apologize for the late hour."
"How can I help you this evening?"
"Please may we come in?" He began as he pocketed his badge. "This is not a conversation you want to have in the hallway."
Charles stepped aside and waved him inside. Officers Peralta and Stanislaus remained on guard outside.
"What's going on, detective?"
Lydia appeared from the hallway before Det. Baines began to speak.
"There was an attempt on Derek's life tonight."
"See this is why Hank should stay with us!" Lydia replied. "That man is not fit to raise our grandson!"
"I'm not sure about that but what I am sure of is that someone is definitely trying to make it look that way," Baines responded.
"Detective surely you don't think my wife, or I had anything to do with what happened tonight!"
"So far everything is pointing to one man but trust me if we find out that you or Mrs. Hayes played a part in either of the two attacks on Agent Morgan we'll be back."
"Then why are you here detective?" Lydia asked.
"I'm hoping you can tell me where I can find Artemis Maker."
"Our attorney, why, you don't think he's involved in this!" Charles exclaimed stunned.
"That's exactly what I think. In fact, I have three canaries singing their heads off downtown."
Artemis narrowly escaped being seen by the police at his hotel and now here they were at the Clarion no doubt filling the Hayes' in on his misdeeds. Things were falling apart, and he was a desperate man but no matter what anybody said he was not going to be kept from his son.
Temporary Home of Derek Morgan –
Derek sat quietly on the couch while the others were engaged in several conversations around him. Fran and the girls had arrived with food and had miraculously convinced Penelope to join then in the kitchen. The smells of baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, mustard greens and yams filled the air. Emily and Elle noticed the occasional glare shot their way; it was time to explain themselves to their friend, so together they crossed the room toward him.
"Took you long enough," he growled.
"Look Derek," Emily started.
"...and you," glaring at Elle, "you knew what Hotch would do if you ever showed your face again!"
"I couldn't leave you hanging," Elle responded.
"Neither could I," Emily added.
"So, you cross an ocean Emily, and you Elle, you risk your freedom for me? I can take care of myself!"
"Oh, so you're bullet proof now?" Emily asked half jokingly.
"Yeah, because it looked like old boy had the drop on you," Elle added.
Derek dropped his head and exhaled. They were right if they had not been there, he would be laying cold in a body bag right now. They'd saved his life, but he wasn't used to asking for help; they'd come nonetheless but he'd learn that that was what family did and he had to admit they were family.
"Look, you're right both of you. Thank you; I owe you two my life."
"No, you don't, "Elle began.
"You'd do it for us; hell, you've done it for us more times than either of us can count," Emily added.
Clarion Hotel –
Artemis watched the detective, and the officers walk out of the hotel lobby toward their cars. As they drove past, he slid down in his seat out of sight. Then after a few moments he reached for something in his glove compartment and made his way across the street.
Charles and Lydia were surprised to see their friend at the door; it was eleven o'clock much too late for visitors.
"Art, man what are you doing here?" Charles stepped aside and let him inside. "The police were just here asking if we knew where you were."
"I'm sure that's not all they said."
"They think you were behind an attack on Derek tonight," Lydia responded, "Is that true?"
Artemis turned to face the couple.
"Remember that day in my office? I asked you both what you were willing to do to get your grandson and you said anything!"
"No way did we mean murder, Artemis!" Charles yelled.
"Listen my friend if I go down then I'm taking you both down with me!"
"We never told you to kill Derek, not even close! Nobody will believe that, and you know it!"
"Why are you here, Artemis?" Lydia asked.
"Why am I here; I'm here for my son."