The Unfortunate Ride

Epilogue

31/10/2018. Mamma May's Coffee Shop, Virginia. 07:00 hours.

Spencer smiled as the autumn sun beat down on his skin. The air was considerably chilly. He pulled his woollen coat tightly around himself, hiding his FBI badge and revolver. The golden leaves crunched under his feet as he took long strides along the pavement. His eyes fell upon his favourite coffee shop. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted up his nose. Spencer gently reached out and pushed open the door with a tinkle. The interior had been decorated for Halloween. Buntings of pumpkins and ghosts streaked the ceiling. Cotton webbing was stretched across the windows. Spencer gazed around in wonder. A jar of cookie dough balls decorated as eyes was set on the counter where a young, female barista was working with a witch hat over her green tresses. She noticed the tall man admiring the decor.

"Dr Reid! It's been a long time!" Spencer glanced at her, his eyebrows raised and his mouth open slightly.

"Jessica? Hi!" He approached the counter, his hands grasping the strap of his satchel.

"We haven't seen you for a long time. We were getting worried."

"I've been in and out of hospital. I was in the train accident and then lots things happened after that. It's been a long road to recovery." Jessica smiled softly to him.

"Well, since you're here, I've got just the coffee for you. Pumpkin spice."

"I'd love that." Spencer seated himself at a nearby table as he watched Jessica busied herself behind the counter, loading the machine with espresso and milk. The scents of nutmeg, cinnamon and clove tickled his senses, warming him from the inside out. The machines hissed as the coffee was poured into the tall cup. Jessica added syrup and spices, then pressed a lid onto the cup.

"Here you go, Dr Reid. One pumpkin spice double shot soy latte." Spencer pushed to his feet, his left leg and right shoulder protesting slightly. He took the cup into his hand, the warmth instantly spreading through his fingers. He fished out his wallet and handed her a few notes.

"Thank you, Jessica. And please, call me Spencer." Spencer smiled warmly at the barista. Their eyes briefly met. His cheeks blushing crimson, Spencer turned away, "Happy Halloween," he mumbled.

"Happy Halloween, Spencer." Embarrassed, Spencer made for the door and threw it open, allowing the cold air to rush into the shop.

Spencer made his way to the subway station and jogged down the steps. The sun disappeared as he descended into the station. It was quiet, as was to be expected for the time of morning. He waited patiently at the platform, his coffee warming him from the cold draft whistling through the station. The wind picked up, blowing Spencer's curls into his face as the train zipped past. Spencer reached out to press the glowing button on the door but hesitated for a moment. Setting his jaw, Spencer pressed the button to allow the doors to hiss open, and he stepped on board. He took a side facing seat and grasped his cup between both hands.

31/10/2018. BAU Offices, Quantico, Virginia. 07:32 hours.

The sense of home hit Spencer immediately as he stepped through the glass doors of the BAU offices. All desks in the bullpen and the surrounding offices were in darkness. He weaved his way to his desk and tugged his satchel from over his head and set it down on his desk. He flicked on the desk lamp, casting a warm glow on his desk. He opened his satchel and retrieved a goblin mask from inside and set it on JJ's desk. He knew she would hit the roof when she seen it, but Henry had specifically requested this mask. Chuckling to himself, he set his pumpkin ornaments out in front of his computer monitor. As he flipped the top of his satchel shut and dropped it under his desk, he noted the large pile of folders in his in-tray. He shrugged off his coat and draped it over the back of his swivel chair. He groaned and dropped heavily into his chair, pulling his black blazer around his grey cardigan and navy button down shirt to keep himself warm. He let out a small laugh and shook his head, his hair brushing against his collar and reached for the first folder. Nice to see some things never change, he thought to himself as he got to work.