A/N: Hello again, everyone! Obviously, because MGG doesn't appear in the next three episodes, it'll just focus on Spencer and Élise and the family in D.C. and Las Vegas. These following few chapters are going to be something, all right.

When Spencer landed at McCarran International Airport, the Las Vegas night was still a midnight blue-black sky. The following five hours and twenty minutes gave Spencer more than enough time to think about his mother. He had to tell himself that nothing was wrong with her. It was just age; that was why she'd been forgettable these days, according to…pretty much everyone in the family.

His father, uncle Gordon, and cousin John sensed something was wrong with her. His mother wasn't just about the little things anymore. She was forgetting them. At first, he didn't want to believe it, but if everyone in the family was saying it, then it must be true. He promised that after she had another episodic incident, he would come to Las Vegas to see her.

And now here he was. The airport still looked the same as ever, except for the change of dining restaurants and shops. He was glad to be able to get a seat up front; he hated to even think of the number of germs around him when on a public plane. Luckily, he had a travel-size Lysol spray in his satchel and misted his body with it.

After taking the automated tram from the gate, Spencer arrived at the terminal and reached the baggage claim area for his other two carry-on bags. He saw a Starbucks and wanted some coffee but wasn't up to it. Spencer scanned the crowd for his father. He would be staying with him at his place while he was in the city. He texted his father to say that he would be here thirty minutes before his plane landed.

"Spencer!"

He whirled around a couple of times when he heard his father's voice before his hazel eyes spotted him waving at him. "Dad!" he cried.

William opened his arms and pulled Spencer into a hug. "How've you been, son?" he asked before offering to help carry one of his son's luggage bags.

Spencer slid his satchel strap up and sighed. "I'm good," he answered. At least, that's what he told himself.

The interior of William's Prius looked the same. Spencer guessed that he had cleaned his car, which was free of crumbs, dust, etc. He sat in the passenger's seat while William was driving, hyper-focused on the road. "Ahem," his father cleared his throat. So…how are the kids?"

"The kids are doing well," Spencer eyed the passing cars. "Fee and Ziggy are occupied with their afterschool activities. Alexei's enjoying himself."

William snickered. "And Élise?"

"While cherishing the moments of her pregnancy, she's glad to be her last pregnancy." A few days after learning about Élise's pregnancy after confirmation, he gave his father the news, who was excited to have another grandchild. "We're having another sweet little girl."

William gasped. "Really? Aw, Fee's gonna have a little sister. That's good since Ziggy has Alexei for a little brother."

"Just a few more months until our dream becomes a reality."

Élise is not one to call for an SCIF-level emergency meeting, especially on a Saturday morning (unless it was work-related), with Section Chief Cruz, FBI Director Kipling, USMS Director Winslow, and Hotch present. But that phone call with Hotch the previous night turned into a thirty-minute conversation. There was no other opinion after that.

Morgan immediately came to him after finding Garcia in her office with the lights and computers shut off. He found her in an upset state with mascara smudges on her face. While Garcia was checking back on her research for the Dirty Dozen, as it turned out…

She was the Dirty Dozen.

Meaning that she was the one the Hitmen Network was after.

The meeting went on for about an hour. Everyone kept going on and on, back and forth, about the best opinions for Garcia now that four hitmen are said to be after her. Director Winslow believed it would be best for Garcia to be relocated to another state, and Cruz and Kipling agreed. Even Élise was willing to take the chance and have Garcia transferred out of state.

Luckily, Hotch convinced everyone, especially Élise, that Garcia should be under WITSEC via the BAU with one of the Marshal officers and an agent assigned to her 24/7 until a viable lead was produced.

"This is not how I wanted to spend my Saturday morning, Hotch." Élise would rather be enjoying a nice breakfast with the kids and have a semi-lazy day in bed.

Hotch massaged his forehead. "I'm sorry I had to drag you into this, Élise, but it was best that you know."

"I know; I just don't need this kind of stress right now, Aaron," Élise nodded her head understandably and massaged her pregnant belly. "I swear, I think I'm sooo going to need to hire a personal massage therapist on call with everything that's going on."

"Have you heard from Spencer yet?"

The yellow sun coursed in through the curtained window, and for the first time in a while, neither Spencer's cell, Élise, Alexei's cries, or the kids jumping on the bed woke him up, but rather the bird chirping. Hearing the morning birds sing was a peaceful harmony. Made it seem as if there were no problems he had to worry about.

And he even made him realize he had a good night's sleep. It must have been the jet lag that kicked him after that flight. The guest bedroom looked the same as the last time Spencer stayed at his father's house. It still had a fresh, clean look where nothing wasn't cluttered or overwhelmed, with neutral-colored walls, furniture, and yellow flowers on the nightstands.

Spencer groaned when he got out of bed and ruffled his already-tousled hair. He rested his hands behind his back and stretched, hearing a little crack or two. Spencer was barely out in the hallway when his nose caught the aroma of eggs and bacon. When he came into the dining room, Spencer saw his father (still in his loungewear from picking his son up) cooking over the stove.

He had just placed another pancake on the plate stack when he turned and saw Spencer standing a few feet away. "Morning, Spence."

"Morning, Dad," Spencer scrapped himself a seat at the breakfast table. "Any plans for today?"

William poured a glass of orange juice into a mug and fixed Spencer a plate. "To be honest, I don't know, but you know what you need to do."

Spencer sighed, brushing his hair away to the side. "I know-I know."

William placed the plate of two perfectly toasted bread slices, scrambled eggs, sliced avocado, two turkey bacon strips, and berries in front of him. "Don't just say that; you won't do it, son. Visit her by the end of the day," he set the coffee mug next to the plate. Make sure you see your Aunt Ethel and Uncle Gordon, too."

Spencer snickered—he wouldn't hear the end of it if he didn't see his favorite Aunt Ethel.

This news about the Hitmen Network made Élise cancel her prenatal massage for today and tomorrow. After the morning she had, all Élise wanted to do this weekend was stay home and be with the kids. And she was.

Élise was in her bedroom, playing on her iPad while embracing Alexander between her legs. Since he was four months old and propped up sitting with support (like an infant seat, stroller, or on her and Spencer's lap), he's graduated to (some) unsupported sitting like today, though he had a cushion supporting him.

Élise checked the time in the upper corner, and it was noon (the day had gone fast already), meaning it was nine in the morning in Las Vegas. Clicking on her iPad to go back to the main screen, she tapped on the Skype app, clicked on Spencer under chats, and then the video button, wanting to video call with him.

"Okay, come on, Alexei," she pulled her younger son closer to her and used the navy blue tablet pillow stand to get a better angle. While waiting for Spencer to answer, she reached for the white and light blue audio baby monitor intercom walkie-talkie. Élise pressed down on the button and talked into it. "Rose, come in! Rose!"

Rose's voice came on the intercom. "Yes, Élise?"

"I'm about to chat with Spencer, so do you think you can get the kids to come upstairs?"

"Of course."

Élise turned the walkie off, held Alexander closer with her arm, and continued waiting for Spencer. "Spencer…" Before she could finish that sentence, Spencer finally appeared on the screen. In the background were gray-white walls and some furniture—it looked like William's living room.

"Hi!" Spencer waved.

A smiling Élise picked up Alexander's hand and waved it. "Hey, it's daddy. Can you say 'hi' to Daddy?" As the bedroom door knocked, Alexander made gurgling sounds in response ,and Séraphine and Isaac dashed inside and jumped on the bed.

"Daddy!"

Spencer smiled when he saw the rest of the kids. "Heey! Are you all behaving yourselves while I'm gone?"

"Uh-huh," Isaac shook his head. "Were's Grandpa?"

"Grandpa William went to the grocery store," Spencer answered. "I just wanted to check in on you all before I go see Grandma Diana, Aunt Ethel, and Uncle Gordon."

Élise smirked to herself. "Well, say 'hi' to everyone to me."

It's been a while since he's been with Ethel and Gordon's house. When he steered his dad's car into their driveway and got out, Spencer took note that the shingled ranch house was freshly coated with white paint, a replaced roof and deck furniture, and the stones on the pathway were replaced with new stones.

When Spencer got to the front steps, he knocked on the door and waited for someone. The door opened, and Ethel and Gordon were there. Ethel had on a simple black button shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, straight denim jeans, and brown mules. Her ash-blonde hair got longer, right up to her shoulders, and had more specks of ash gray. Gordon had his green polo shirt tucked in his khakis and black socks. His hairstyle was more of a crew cut and still had his silver coloring.

"Spencer!" Ethel swooped Spencer into the house by his room and threw her arms around him. Gordon hurdled around them, joining in. "Mmm. It's so good seeing you again," she pulled back and examined his face. "You are getting so much more handsome, especially when you don't have all that hair taking over your head."

Spencer made an amused face just as John came around from the hall into the foyer. "Is that my favorite cousin I see hugging my mother?" He drew Spencer in a manly hug. "How've you been, cuz?"

Spencer almost took a second look when he saw John, who now had a stubble beard. As Ethel led him into the dining room and had him take a seat at the table, "he pointed out, Nice look."

John stroked his five o'clock shadowed chin and lowered an eyebrow. "It makes me look more distinguished, don't you think?"

"Spencer!" Sabrina flapped her hand, ran to him, and leaped into his arms.

Spencer groaned playfully. "Ooh! My, you are getting big, huh?" Sabrina was not a baby anymore but a growing seven-year-old with her mother's light red hair and eyes. "And you look so much like your mom," Spencer said.

"Thank you!" Sabrina giggled and skipped into the kitchen. Everyone heard the front door open, descending footsteps and familiar voices filled the air.

"Heeey!" Out came Melissa carrying Samuel (now three years old and looking more like his father), as did Anna and Nathan with Nicholas in a car seat.

"Spencer!" Anna opened her arms, and Spencer stood up to hug her. "It's been a while…"

Spencer drew back. "It has," he greeted Nathan with a fist bump. "Nate! How is it being a father?"

Nathan wiped his forehead and drew a breath. "It's a whole lotta work, man, but it's gratifying being a dad to this little guy," he stroked the baby's chin with his finger, and a coo quietly came out of his mouth.

"Aw," Ethel fanned herself before she took Nicholas out of his car seat and rocked him in her arms. "I hope you two give me more grandbabies to spoil and a nice sibling or two for this little guy here."

At Ethel's insistence, Spencer stayed for lunch. Ethel announced that she and Gordon have been watching more cooking shows like Top Chef and online videos, taking cooking classes in their spare time, and eating more healthfully since they are now at the age where they need to be more concerned about their diets.

Spencer took a bite of the wrap, which was made with chickpeas, a crunchy leafy green salad, red cabbage, carrots, avocado, and parmesan cheese, dressed with a Dijon mustard vinaigrette. He used a napkin to wipe the corner of his mouth. "Mmm," he licked his lips and took his time chewing before swallowing. This is delicious."

Gordon asked as Spencer chewed after having another big bite, "So, how is it in D.C.?"

"If only you know some of the cases I have to work on…" Spencer gulped before he answered. "The kids are great; Élise and the baby are great."

Switching around the conversation, Gordon scratched his forehead and rested his elbow on the table. "So, uh…your mother, Spencer…"

Spencer is already dreading thinking about her. "How is she?"

"She's been okay, but lately… she's not the same as she was before."

Spencer gulped hard. "How?"

"You already know she mistook John and I for each other…and the one time she mistook her doctor for me. She…asked us the same questions twice, like 'Who was that?' or 'What's going on?' or 'What are we doing now'. And uh…" Gordon rubbed the back of his neck. "One time, she tried to attack her doctor with a pair of scissors and assaulted two of the nurses who held her back."

Spencer rested his fingers on his temples. "Ah, man," he mustered up in his chair again. "Well, I'm going to see her after eating."

"Want me to come along?" asked Gordon.

Spencer silently shook his head.

For the entire twenty-minute drive to Bennington in Uncle Gordon's gray Honda Civic, Spencer stared out the window and kept thinking about his mother. Maybe it wouldn't be as bad as what everyone was saying and thinking about her recent episodes.

Bennington looked a whole lot different from the last time Spencer visited. The walls had freshly coated paint, clean carpeting, more natural light coming from the windows, updated modern sitting and front desk furniture, and more new employees.

"Uh, excuse me?" asked someone before their jaw dropped. "Spencer?"

Spencer turned again. "Dr. Jesson?"

Dr. Jesson tilted her head up and chuckled once. "Spencer Reid—as I live and breathe. It's been so long. How are you?"

"I'm good; still married with kids," he flashed his wedding band. "Is Dr. Norman here today?"

Dr. Jesson clapped her hands together. "Unfortunately, no. He's off for the weekend. And in other news, he'll be retiring a month or two after the new year."

Spencer sighed. "Aw, really? He's always been good to the patients here, especially my mother." He flinched when Uncle Gordon tapped his shoulder. "Speaking of my mother…?"

Dr. Jesson had the two men follow her into the recreation room, where they saw her sitting in a reclining chair, looking at the window vaguely. "She's been having her days for quite some time now. I take it you already know that we had to change her medications three times."

Spencer congregated up and silently nodded his head. He had his hands in his pockets. "Can I, uh, have a moment with her?"

"Of course. And if you need me, give me a ring." Dr. Jesson backed away to attend to the other patients and nurses.

Gordon patted his nephew's shoulders. "You can do this, Spence."

Spencer took another deep breath and marched with ease before he plodded until he stood within a foot or two from where she was. He gulped hard before he spoke up, "M-M-Mom?" Maybe she couldn't hear him since his voice was a little low and called for her again. "Mom…"

After about three seconds, she twisted her head again, and a light smile appeared on her face. "Spencer," she sighed when he lobbed his long arms around her. It's been a while…" Her body stiffened again, and she gasped dramatically. "Who's that man?"

Spencer rotated again when Diana pointed to Gordon standing by the curved archway. "Oh, uh, that's Uncle Gordon."

"Oh," Diana wrinkled her nose, and her gaze became unfocused. Now, she started squinting her eyes.

Diana scratched her neck. "Oh, I'm fine, Finster—uh…Spen…cer," she stammered but quickly caught her mistake with the snap of her fingers. "Spencer-Spencer! Spencer…"

Though Spencer plastered a polite smile on his face, a wave of sadness coursed throughout his body.

Élise rocked a bundled Alexander in the chair in his nursery after he had his bath after dinnertime. "Are you ready for bedtime, Lexi? Huh? Ready for some shut-eye?"

Alexander cooed and babbled as Élise's phone vibrated beside the stand. She glanced at the caller ID, and it was Spencer. A smile came as she answered, "Hey, boo."

"Lise? Is everything okay?"

"I just gave Alexei his bath," she planted a kiss on his forehead. "Rose is helping get Fee and Ziggy for bed. Today wasn't too bad. How about you?"

"I saw Mom today," Spencer sniffled, exhaling a shaky sigh. "I think we need to have her tested."

A/N: I know it's another cliffhanger but I want to keep up with some suspense to help keep my story more interesting.