Echos of a Genius | Spencer Reid

Peace in the Light

꧁༒☬Stephie☬༒꧂
The light is warm. It's relaxing. It's peaceful.

The fluorescent lights flicker above us, casting a harsh glow on the cluttered desks in the BAU bullpen. We've been here all night, sifting through files, chasing leads, and piecing together the fragmented puzzle of my father's life after the explosion. Exhaustion weighs heavily on my shoulders, but the adrenaline keeps me going. I can't let myself rest—not yet.

Spencer is next to me, his brow furrowed in concentration as he studies a file. I can see the fatigue etched on his face, but he pushes through, determined to help me. I glance around at the team—JJ, Morgan, Rossi, and Emily—each of them pouring over information, their expressions a mix of concern and focus.

"We need to figure out how he could have survived," JJ says, her voice steady. "There has to be a record of anyone who might have assisted him."

"Right," Morgan adds, tapping away at his laptop. "And we need to see if there are any known associates still active in the area. If he's building a network again, we need to know who they are."

Rossi leans back in his chair, contemplating. "His past connections might give us a clue. If he's alive, he'd have had to rely on someone to stay hidden all these years."

I feel a wave of gratitude wash over me. They're all here, working tirelessly, risking their safety to protect me. But the reality of the situation looms over us like a dark cloud. My father is out there, and he's coming for me.

Suddenly, my phone buzzes on the table. I grab it, my heart racing as I see DeMarco's name flash across the screen. The last time I heard from him, he warned me of my father's return.

"Stephie?" Spencer looks up, sensing my tension.

"I need to take this." I step away from the group, trying to steady my breathing.

I answer, my voice tight. "What is it?"

"We need to meet. Now." DeMarco's voice is urgent, cutting through the haze of worry and exhaustion. "Something's changed. He's moving faster than we thought."

My stomach twists. "Where?"

"I'll send you a location. But come alone. It's not safe."

The call ends abruptly, leaving me standing in the dim hallway, the weight of his words sinking in. I know I should tell Spencer, should alert the team. But the urgency in DeMarco's voice sends a chill down my spine.

"Stephie?" Spencer's voice pulls me back to reality, and I turn to face him.

"What's wrong?" He steps closer, concern etched on his face.

"It's DeMarco. He wants to meet," I say, my voice shaky. "He says there's been a development."

The tension in Spencer's shoulders tightens. "What kind of development? We can't risk you going alone."

I shake my head, the fear of endangering him outweighing my desire for support. "I can't risk putting any of you in danger. If my father is moving, I need to know what I'm up against."

"Stephie, you're not alone in this. We can handle it together," Spencer insists, reaching for my hand.

But I can't let him. "Spencer, please. I need to do this. I have to find out what's happening."

"I'll drive you; that's the only condition." Derek stands up, flicking his keys in his hands. I sigh but nod—it's the best I'm going to get.

Spencer opens his mouth to argue, but I shake my head, cutting him off. "I have to go. I'll be careful. I promise."