i'll keep you safe, criminal minds

004. it's over

Mackenzie kicks the vending machine when the Butterfinger gets stuck.

"Come on." She grumbles, hitting it.

"I don't think that really helps." She turns to find Spencer, a slightly concerned look on his face. "Here." She watches him press a few buttons and he hits the side of it.

"How do you know to do that?" She asks.

"IQ of 187." Spencer says.

"Okay." She mumbles.

"How'd you sleep?" He asks.

"I, uh... I didn't." She answers.

"We, um... Morgan and I stopped by a donut shop on the way here. You're welcome to have some. If you want." Spencer offers.

"Thanks." She mumbles.

+++

Mackenzie is in the extra room and drawing when Spencer walks in.

"Hey." He greets. "So, um... so I want to try something with you. It-- it might help us catch who we're looking for." Spencer explains.

"What is it?" She asks.

"It, uh... it's called a cognitive interview. You-- you close your eyes and I'm gonna walk you through it. It will seem like you're back at that night, but--"

"No. No, I-I can't go back. No." She rapidly shakes her head.

"I know it's hard, Mackenzie. But... but this could really help us to make sure we get this guy put away. I will be right here with you the whole time. You're safe."

"Okay." She agrees.

"Okay." Spencer lets out a small sigh of relief. "Now, close your eyes." Mackenzie does so. "Okay. What do you remember about coming home that night? Were-- were there any noises, what did it smell like? What did you feel?"

"It... the kitchen and living room lights were on. Uh... foot-football on the TV. It was warm. Smelled like pizza. They-- they ate out that night."

"All right. What happens next?" Spencer asks.

"I-- I try calling for my parents. Let them know I'm home. But-- but they don't answer. I-- I go upstairs and-- and to B's room. She... she was lying down. I-- I moved her and-- and her-- her throat--" Mackenzie gets choked up, the girl sniffling.

"It's okay. You're okay." Spencer soothes. "You're safe. I'm right here." Spencer lets her catch her breath before she tries to continue.

"After... after I rolled her over. I... I heard my mom. She... she was screaming."

"What'd you do?"

"I ran to my room and-- and I hid under my bed." She says.

"Then what happened?"

"The-- the door slammed shut and... and I saw my mom's feet. I... I was gonna go over to her, but-- but then the door opened and-- an-and he stormed in. He-- he attacked her. They were on the floor." She cries.

"You're okay. You're safe." Spencer quietly assures. "Is he saying anything? What's he doing?"

"He-- he keeps asking where I am? He wants to know where I am." She starts to hyperventilate. "I don't wanna be here. I don't want to--"

"You're okay, Mackenzie. You're safe. I am right here." Spencer promises. He glances at her hand, germophobic thoughts running through his mind. Ignoring them, he reaches out and grabs onto Mackenzie's forearm lightly, the girl tightly gripping onto his arm. "I'm here. He can't hurt you." Mackenzie shakily nods.