Tangled Up in You (The Story of Us Book 2)

Chapter 18- Everybody Has A Past

Amanda laughs as she drives to work while talking to Kristen over her Bluetooth. "I'm serious, Ames. All he does is complain," Kristen claims but Amanda just laughs harder.

"Oh shut up, Krissy. You know that you love taking care of Aaron until he comes back to work. After all, he could've asked anyone, like Haley, and he asked you. Plus, you get to see Jack and he's the most adorable kid in the world."

"Fine, maybe I am a little happy," she admits and Amanda grins as she parks her car and walks into the building nodding to the woman at the front desk with a smile.

"I know, Kristen. You have the easy part though. I have to be unit chief on my own."

"Whatever, Amanda. You're a natural-born leader, Babe, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. You'll do great."

"I hope so," Amanda responds. "I have to go. Time to break the news to the team. Take good care of my brother and nephew," she orders, walking into the BAU and making everyone turn to her.

"Always. Love you."

"Love you too." With that, she hangs up and turns to notice that everyone is in the bullpen. She takes a deep breath and sighs.

"Aaron went to the doctor yesterday and they confirmed that he can't work for a few days, maybe longer. He goes back on Saturday. Until then, you, unfortunately, have to deal with me as your one and only unit chief and I have to deal with local police officers and actually be nice."

"Guess we both have our work cut out for us then," Derek jokes and Amanda flips him off as Rossi laughs.

"You'll do wonderfully, Piccola." Amanda smiles as JJ's phone chimes.

"We have a case," she tells them and they all sigh before making their way to the conference room while JJ goes to grab the information being faxed to her. It only takes her about 7 minutes before she comes back. "We're going to Texas. A small town outside Dallas called Canton seems to have a serial killer on its hands. About six months ago, a body turned up behind the dumpster of a bar called Tuck's. Then 3 months later, another body turned up a few blocks away from the first, in another dumpster. 2 months after, body number three.

"The fourth body was found this morning. All four CODs are stab wounds to the chest and all three are women in their late 20s early 30s. They didn't know if the bodies were connected but the sheriff says he's heard a thing or two about profiling and thinks that the killer might be escalating."

"Does anything tie the bodies together?" Morgan questions.

"They're similar ages and the same COD. The sheriff sounds like he has the right idea. I think it's worth checking out. Wheels up in 30," Amanda orders, getting up to head to her office. Morgan gives everyone a look, seeing if they think Amanda's dismissive behavior is suspicious.

"She's just nervous," Emily answers.

"Plus, you always question things, Morgan. Maybe give it a rest," Spencer suggests, standing up to follow Amanda. He walks into her office and sits in front of her.

"Shouldn't you be getting ready?"

"All of my stuff is together. Are you okay? I know that being in Texas reminds you of Evan and you were kind of short with Morgan in there." She sighs and places her head in her hands.

"I'm sorry. I just want this to go well because I don't want Aaron to hurt himself trying to come back too soon. His hearing is bad, Spence. Conditions like this can become permanent and I-"

"I get it. You're worried about him. You're a good sister, Ames. You care about everyone so deeply, it's what I love most about you." He smiles and goes to walk out before stopping to look at her. "Rossi was right, you know. You were born to lead people, Amanda Hotchner. Being Unit Chief is going to be a piece of cake."