𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹 - 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀

The Case

(Chapter 3)

August 5, 2018
As I brushed my hair, Caleb was sprawled on the living room floor playing with two action figures, his face grimly determined and full of blissful contentment. I love watching him play, it's a glimpse into his mind, his imagination.

Jason is standing next to the counter, pouring a cup of coffee. "Good morning babe." He laid a warm pair of lips on my forehead, I grimaced but contoured my mouth into a grin.

"Good morning." The aroma of coffee filled the kitchen, swirling around in the air. I inhaled a deep breath through my nose, taking in the scent of the brewing caffeine. I took my first sip, letting the bitterness overtake my senses and flow straight to my brain, causing a sudden rush of clarity and concentration.

Jason held my waist with a firms grip. "Isn't he so cute when he plays, reminds me of when he was little." He smiled nostalgically as Caleb. We stood there for a moment, soaking in the calm and normal vibes of the situation until my phone rang. I broke from Jason's hold and walked over to the staircase, answering the call on the way.

"Agent Hale." I stated my name.

"Hey Madden, it's JJ. Hotch has a case for us, do you need a ride?" I glanced back at my husband and son.

"Sure."

"Ok, be ready in 20." The line cut off.

I shook my phone in the air as I walked towards Jason. "Duty calls." I grabbed my work bag off of the kitchen table and leaned down by Caleb, his large blue eyes met mine.

"I have to go bud, I love you."

"Love you too mom." He hugged me and went back to whatever he was doing before. I pored over at Jason who's face was sunken, disappointed. His chin dipped into his chest, lips pressing tight, eyes focusing inward.

"Don't you think it's too early to go to work?" He hissed accusingly. "Hey Caleb, go get dressed bud." Caleb jogged up the stairs and into his room.

I start to giggle, does he think I have a choice? I have an important job that can't be pushed to the back burner, he knows that. "Jason, you and I both know that I have to go." He advanced towards me, I felt his breath on my neck as he spoke.

"You don't have to." He peered up at me with a grin, his lips pressed on my collarbone. I pushed him off and started to laugh again.

"No Jason. I have to go." I chuckled. I leaned in to kiss him but instantly, I'm not laughing anymore. I'm on the floor, my hand pressed against the side of my face.

In a matter of a second, Jason's hand slammed against me, sending me tumbling back onto the ground. When we collided, his ring must've snagged the side of my face near my eye. Pain shot through my face near my temple. I cover my injury with a gentle hand.

"Dammit Madden, it's not funny. You're not home enough. You have a kid and a husband, be there for us." His words stabbed me but I understood why he was upset. I wasn't around as often as I should've been, but I knew it wasn't my fault.

Jason took for the stairs as I stood up, my hand still cupped over the bleeding wound. I placed a paper towel under the sink, the stream of water the soaked through. I place it on my face and wince, the stinging pain forces tears out of my eyes. The towel soaks through with blood, I pull out my phone to inspect it. The gash was deep, but not deep enough to take a trip to the ER. I needed to be at work in 20 minutes. I pull out gauze and bandages when I feel a large hand on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry Madden, I didn't mean to hurt you. I just got angry because Caleb and I, we miss you so much. It's unfair to him that you're gone as much as you are. I just want what's best." I turn around to see Jason standing in my shadow. I can't even look at him straight, my body so full of anger.