Saving Talia

Prologue Part 3

A/N: So sorry again for the long chapter. This includes Hotchniss engagement and wedding, supportive Elizabeth +reintroduction of the Lauren/Doyle arc.
I didn't proofread so apologies for any mistakes.

May 27, 2008
Aaron doesn't come back the same when they return from Boston, he feels he's put a target on his back. He's been awfully distant, vague with his responses, and quick to be irritated.

"Daddy," Talia approaches her father and sits in his lap when she notices how off he has been "Are you okay?" she asks him, resting her head on his chest. He wraps an arm around her and kisses her forehead "I'm okay, sweetheart" He lies to her for the first time "I'm just a little tired" followed by some truth.

He doesn't know when, soon probably, his decision will come back to bite him in the ass.

Talia uses both her hands to grab her father's face and kisses him on the cheek "To make you feel better," She smiles at him, gappy teeth making a show.

Aaron chuckles, his heart-warming, both his children's smiles have that effect on him.

August 28, 2008
Emily and Derek are sent to Detroit while the rest of the team is in Canada. With all the horror they see and read every day, this case was one of the worst. When they all return to Virginia, no one has the energy to talk to one another.

"Are you coming over for dinner tonight?" Emily asks him by the door of his office as she watches him pack up his belongings "No, I'm sorry not tonight" He apologizes, stopping his actions to look at her.

"Anything I can help with?" She sighs, sensing the tense air when she welcomes herself inside.

Aaron offers her a smile "No,"

Emily nods "Okay,"

She walks over to him, placing her hand on his shoulder to pull him in for a kiss "I'll see you tomorrow," She says, if he's not talking to her tonight, he's talking to her tomorrow. Emily knows he's in a lot of pain, and that he has a lot on his mind he wishes he could tell her.

That night, George Foyet wins.

August 29, 2008
The team is called in a local case, a Father who has a target on his back. Everyone shows up except Hotch. They all think it's unlike him but assume he just has his phone off, and if anyone on the team needs a break it's him.

JJ tries him many times but his phone continues to go to voicemail. Emily starts to worry, a heavy feeling in her heart. She knows there's something wrong, she can't even focus on helping Reid and the Dr. So she leaves, apologizes and makes up a reason about picking up their unit chief but Emily knows what she will find is bigger.

Emily runs up the stairs, her heels tapping on the floor as she rushes to his door, ringing his phone and hearing it inside the apartment. Her eyes then notice the slightly open door and immediately puts a hand on her weapon.

Blood. Files scattered on the carpet. Holes in the wall.

A fight happened.

But the blood. The blood. The blood is all Emily can focus on.

When Garcia finds his location, Emily bolts for the door. Speeding to the hospital, needing to see his breathing and heart beating. She feels a heavy weight come off her when she finds him alive.

Her eyes are wide, it's hot and she's sweating, furthering her rapid heartbeat. She doesn't abandon letting the team know.

Guilt is what she feels, she should have tried harder to get him to join her at home. She shouldn't have let him leave alone. This wouldn't have happened had she forced him to leave the office with her.