Polar Opposites ~ Aaron Hotchner

Chapter 31

Abigail POV

I watch as Derek talks with Hotch. I keep my distance, not wanting to interrupt. A part of me knows he's asking to step away, do something that doesn't involve him being here. And from the way William is crying, I probably can guess why.

Hotch nods and Derek walks off before he catches my gaze. He stops and beelines straight for for me. His bends down and wraps his arms around my waist, lifting me into a hug. I hug him back just as tightly, knowing he needs it.

Seeing William broken after losing his sister, it'd make sense that Derek wants to appreciate that one of his is right in front of him. He puts me down and simply stares at me before kissing my forehead. "I'm okay," I remind him. He nods before walking off.

I head over to Hotch and stand at his side. "Is he okay?"

"He had to see a man break down because his baby sister is dead," I say with a sigh. "I think he just wanted some comfort in knowing that I'm okay,"

He nods his head as his hand brushes against my own. His way of professionally showing me that he's there. I smile gently, looking around at the officers as they bustle. "Let's go find Reid," I nod my head and follow him into the barn. "Reid,"

"Up here. Hey, I found out where he sleeps,"

"So Mason was lying?" Hotch inquires.

"I find it hard to believe he didn't know his brother was living in the barn," I nod my head in agreement with the Doctor.

"Anything up there that's gonna help us find him?" I question, hand on my hip as I stare up at him.

"No, nothing yet. I will say this, though, I doubt that he's psychotic,"

"Why is that?" Hotch asks.

"There's a collection of drawings up here that suggest autism or moderate mental retardation. Now, retardation and psychosis in the exact same subject is exceedingly rare," Spencer begins to explain. "It's more likely he doesn't fully understand the acts that he's committed,"

"Anything to suggest a violent nature?" I ask as I pull my hair back into a ponytail.

"Nothing in the drawings. They do suggest someone's been watching him. He's very childlike. I think that when we find him, he's gonna be scared and probably confused,"

"You think he'll fight?"

"Uh, yeah, I don't know, maybe," Hotch and I nod before turning to leave. "Hey, guys," We turn back around. "Do you ever get the feeling that a case isn't going to end well?"

I pen my mouth but close it quickly. I feel the same but I shouldn't.

"Reid, keep looking," Hotch's voice breaks my internal thought process. "This girl needs us," I follow him out of the barn. It's not long before Spencer follows us out and Rossi exits the house.

"They were doing experiments," He informs.

"Spinal regeneration?" I ask, seeming as that's the most logical answer.

"Probably. He was definitely trying to fix himself,"

"Stem cell harvesting? The equipment's far too unsophisticated. There's no way it would have ever worked," Spencer informs which only makes this more concerning.

"You were a prosecutor, Hotch. Could you convict this guy? A quadriplegic who clearly never touched any of the victims?"

"I don't know. We need to concentrate on Kelly," He answers, sounding stressed. "We can't worry about the other stuff right now," I watch as he walks away, knowing it's better to give him some space.