Heurism | Spencer Reid¹

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: PALE FIRE

"No man needs a vacation so much as the man who just had one."

     — Elbert Hubbard.

—

The week is coming to a close and vacation time awaits. Just the thought of it has the office in a buzz. I lounge at my desk, staring at the dregs in my mug somewhat forlornly. "I can't imagine what two weeks away from this place is going to feel like," Elle groans, setting one of the mugs she's carrying down on my desk. I immediately grab it, relaxing again as I breathe in the coffee-scented vapour.

Morgan drops into his chair, kicking back as though already imagining himself on a beach somewhere. "Well, you know, you better thank your man upstairs for making it the whole team. Otherwise, you know they'd find a reason to bring us back up in here."

"Why? They got other teams."

"Okay, you can go on believing that if you want to, but I am not answering my cell phone." They laugh, clinking their mugs together. Our attention is immediately drawn to Reid, heading straight to his desk and stringing his satchel over his shoulder. "There he is. Pretty boy. Last chance. I can get my man to swing you a hotel room for practically nothing. Even you might get a little loving out there."

Reid doesn't even look up, too busy packing some desk items into his bag. I smirk. "What and leave me all alone on the first flight? He wouldn't dream of it," I tease, taking a long sip of coffee.

He hums quietly in partial agreement, not paying much attention. "Thanks anyway. I have to go. Going home. Have a good one, guys. Sully, our flight leaves at 9:00 pm. Be there 6:30 at the latest."

"Roger that, captain."

Without another word, he speed-walks out of the office. "He look okay to you?" Morgan remarks curiously.

Elle thinks on it, then shrugs. "He looks about the way I would if I was going to spend two weeks with my family."

"Hey, don't knock family," Hotch says cheerfully as he practically skips down the steps and into the bullpen. I stare at him, a little baffled. I've never seen him look so close to smiling. "I'm going to get nothing but for the next 336 hours."

"Hmm, good for you."

"Haley's got a list of chores a mile long and I can't wait. The biggest decision I gotta make is what I'm gonna do first."

Raising an eyebrow, I decide that it's better to say nothing, just drinking my coffee. Beside me, Elle smirks. "I bet you she has a thought or two about that as well."

"Bring it on."

Next to emerge with an uncharacteristic spring in his step is Gideon. "I'll be lost in a cabin in the woods for the next two weeks. Do not call me for anything. Have a great time. You all deserve a break." Almost out the door, he doubles back one last time. "Seriously, don't call."

"Don't worry."

Now, their attention turns on me. I look up slowly, meeting Morgan's expectant gaze. "Are you sure we can't persuade you to join, Sully? The resort's real nice," he tries for about the hundredth time.

I appreciate the effort, grinning as I put down my empty mug and grab my bag. "Sorry to disappoint. Reid and I have plans. We're flying out, making our connections in Chicago. He gave me a goddamn schedule. I think he'll cry if I screw with it."

"And where might you be going?" Elle asks. "Baton Rouge, to your family?"

"Oh, God, no. I'm, uh... sightseeing. Anyway, gotta go. I have about an hour to pack and be at the airport or it's death-by-Reid."