Precious Love [Spencer Reid Fanfic - 2]

Chapter 8 - 52 Pickup

"The minute people fall in love, they become liars." - Harlan Ellison

I was sitting at my therapist's office, my hands on my lap while my eyes scanned the room. "Is there something on your mind, Cassie?" Dr. Campbell asked without glancing at me.

"I realized just how much I missed my mentor." I spoke softly.

Dr. Campbell leaned forward and examined my face. "You haven't talked about Jason Gideon."

I narrowed my eyes and crossed my arms. "There's nothing to talk about. He mentored me and then he left." I scoffed in annoyance. "He left a letter explaining his motives but Spence and I deserved better."

"So you're angry at him." She concluded.

"I suppose I am." I picked my fingernails. "Gideon was like a father to me and he abandoned me. Sure, he returned now that I need him but it's not the same. I have Spencer and Rossi who I can count on."

"You don't feel alone anymore."

I gave her a half-smile. "I actually don't. When I started working at the BAU, Gideon was my rock." Spencer's face was clear in my head. "But I met the most incredible people in the world. They're my family."

"What about your own family?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I love my family, but they will never be able to understand me the way my team does." I owed Kitty a visit since she gave birth. Honestly, it was hard for me to be around her these days. She was a ray of sunshine and I felt broken.

* * *

Jordan Todd, JJ's replacement, held the remote and started to present the case. "Vanessa Holden was killed a few days ago in Atlanta but the family refuses to cooperate."

"And why is that?" Emily asked and I read the files.

"The Holdens are an influential family." Hotch explained. "We need to be discreet with this one."

I furrowed my eyebrows. "Could Vanessa have been targeted due to her social status?" I questioned. "Maybe someone is targeting the Holden family."

Hotch nodded. "Which is why I believe you should come with Todd and I to the Holden residence. You know what it's like to have a respected family."

"You mean, a rich family." I smirked and Hotch rolled his eyes. He was so done with my snarky remarks.

"Wheels up in 30." He left the room and Jordan walked up to me with a grin.

The three of us arrived at the Holden residence and were immediately greeted by Mrs. Holden. She hated the idea of us prying into her daughter's personal life.

"We have nothing to add to our statement." She stated coldly.

Jordan glanced at the woman and gave her a sympathetic look. "I understand. My sister was the good one in our family and my parents were very proud of her." I could tell she was lying. "If you let us talk to your daughter, we promise to keep Vanessa's privacy."

Mrs. Holden looked at me. "Follow me." We did as she said. "How is your father?"

"He's thinking about coming to Atlanta after the holidays." I smiled politely and glanced at Hotch who was glaring at Jordan.

"Tell him he should stop by."

"I will." Mrs. Holden stopped as soon as we reached the study where Ashley was. She looked devastated by the loss of her sister.

The three of us sat across from Ashley and she gave a polite smile. "Miss Holden, we would like to ask you a few questions." Hotch started.

The blonde girl nodded slightly. "Anything to help you catch the monster who killed my sister."