Echos of a Genius | Spencer Reid

Evil Bitch

Spencer

My hand is still gripping the phone, the screen dark, as I stand frozen in the spa's lobby. I can feel my heartbeat pounding in my ears, but I force myself to move, to breathe. I have to do something. I can't just stand here.

Cat has Stephie.

I rush outside, fumbling for my keys, and practically fall into the driver's seat. My hands shake as I dial Hotch, every second that passes dragging me deeper into panic.

He answers on the second ring. "Reid?"

"She's got her," I manage to choke out, my voice strained with fear. "Cat has Stephie."

There's a pause. I can hear Hotch processing the words, the sudden weight of the situation crashing down.

"Where are you?" His voice is calm but clipped, already taking command.

"I—I'm at the spa. She was supposed to be here, but Cat... Cat took her. She called me."

"Stay there," Hotch says immediately. "I'm sending the team now. Do not move. We'll find her."

But his words aren't enough. I know they're meant to calm me, to reassure me that we have a plan, but nothing can dull the sharp edge of terror cutting through my chest. Stephie is out there with Cat, and I'm stuck here, waiting.

Minutes pass like hours as I sit in the parking lot, my phone in my hand, staring at it, willing it to ring again. It does, eventually. But it's not Hotch.

The unknown number flashes on the screen again.

I answer, my voice barely above a whisper. "Cat."

"I knew you'd answer," she says with that sickeningly sweet tone. "I do hope you're not involving your little friends just yet. It would be a shame for things to get... messy."

I grit my teeth, forcing myself to stay calm. "Where is she?"

There's a pause, then I hear the faintest sound in the background—Stephie's voice. It's muffled, strained. She's saying something, but I can't make it out. My heart lurches, every instinct screaming at me to do something, but I'm powerless.

"Isn't she precious?" Cat continues, her voice dripping with malice. "I must admit, I didn't expect her to be pregnant. How cute. Though, I have to say, I'm not a fan. It complicates things."

"Don't you dare touch her," I growl, unable to keep the rage from spilling into my voice.

"Spencer, Spencer," Cat chides mockingly. "You're not in control here, remember? I decide what happens to her, to your baby. You? You're just going to follow my instructions, or else."

I feel sick. I have to get Stephie back, no matter what it takes.

"What do you want?" I ask, forcing the words through clenched teeth.

"Oh, you'll find out soon enough," Cat says with a soft laugh. "I'll be in touch."

The line goes dead again, and I slam my fist against the steering wheel in frustration. My mind is racing, trying to figure out where Cat could be, how we could find her. I feel completely helpless.

Not long after, I see the black SUVs pull into the lot. Hotch is the first out, followed closely by Derek and Rossi. Emily, JJ, and Penelope are all there too. They move quickly, purposefully, but I can see the concern etched on their faces. This is personal for all of them.

I jump out of the car, practically running toward Hotch. "She called me again," I blurt out. "She—she's mad that Stephie's pregnant. She said she's going to call with instructions."