Breaking Barriers - S.R.

24

It felt like weeks had passed before I heard from JJ again, but I know in reality, it was less than 48 hours. I finally convinced Dean and Sophia to go home in the wee hours of the morning after I had gotten the initial phone call, but they were still checking up on me constantly. It didn't bother me, if anything I appreciated it. It's not like I was sleeping anyway.

When JJ did call me, I snatched the phone up so fast and answered so hurriedly that I know it must have startled her. She ended up telling me that she had to stay back in town but part of the team was with Spencer already. I was a little disappointed that I wouldn't be getting the kind of updates I was desperate for until she told me that she had given Rossi my number and he would be calling me shortly. Sure enough, less than an hour later, Rossi called.

"Agent Rossi, is he out yet?" I immediately asked.

"Not yet. Unfortunately it's a little more complicated than we thought." He sighed. "We're working to get him expedited back to the states. It should be soon. And please, I told you to call me Dave."

"Right. Dave." I repeated. "What are they even charging him with?"

"It's still being determined."

I was frustrated. I knew there was something they weren't telling me, but I also knew better than to cop an attitude to the one person that was taking the time to give me at least some sort of information. I ran a hand through my hair and tugged on it out of frustration, biting back everything I wanted to say.

"How is he?" I asked shakily.

"He's right here. I'll let you talk to him for a minute."

I heard shuffling over the phone then a heavy breath. "Hi, baby."

"Spencer." That was the only thing that I managed to choke out before I broke down into tears. The emotions I'd been harboring all days finally broke free as I tried desperately to hold back sobs.

"I'm so sorry, Olivia. Please don't cry, I'll be home soon." He said gently. "I promise."

My first instinct was to lash out and tell him to stop making promises that he couldn't keep, but thankfully I was able to control my emotions at least a little. I didn't know who was listening to our conversation and I didn't want to make the situation worse.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

"Yes." He simply replied. "The team is here and Emily is taking care of everything. You don't need to worry."

"All I've been doing is worrying, Spence. What is going on? Why won't anyone tell me anything?"

I heard voices in the background before Spencer finally spoke up again. "I want to explain everything to you, but I genuinely can't. Not now, at least. I promise I will, but I have to go. I love you."

"Spencer-" I heard shuffling and could tell he was no longer there, but no one had hung up the phone, so I waited silently.

"Olivia?" Dave's voice softly rang out a moment later.

"I'm still here." I replied, biting back tears for what felt like the hundredth time in the last 24 hours.

"I'm sorry. Technically, he isn't allowed a phone call like that so we had to end it quickly." He explained.

"Thank you for letting me talk to him." I said softly. "Do you have any idea when he'll be home?"

"Soon." Rossi replied. "We're doing everything we can."

"Dave, what is going on? Please, just tell me." I practically begged. "I can't stand being in the dark about this."

There was a long pause followed by a heavy sigh. "They are trying to charge Reid with possession of drugs and intent to distribute....and possibly a murder charge."