her fathers daughter - criminal minds

Chapter 40: do-over Christmas

After Ethan left Jess there's herself back dramatically on the bed and spent the next few hours tossing and turning in bed. She was riddled with worry for Ethan. She had begun to notice that He was changing, especially in the last few weeks and she was petty sure it was not for the could. She simply couldnt understand the man she fell in love with now couldn't care less that he had killed someone today, it's like it didn't faze him whatsoever. On some level she understood he was doing it to protect her and she knew that she'd probably have done it too but she couldn't help but wonder if he had another choice he could have made.

As the hours rolled on, the first light began to peak through the window, shining in her eyes. It only occurred to her then that she had spent the entire night thinking about Ethan, worrying about him. She reluctantly rolled out of the bed and walked over to the mirror to inspect the marks still left around her neck, they were now a deeper purple mixed with darker shades of blue. She'd be lying if she said it didn't hurt or that she wasn't still a little shaken up from the attack.

Jess stood their for a few minutes lost in thought as she traced her fingers along the markings when she jumped at her phone ringing, she flinched at the sound as she turned back to watch her phone vibrate on the nightstand. She answered it pressing the phone to her ear and walked over to the couch. "Hey dad"

"Hey sleepyhead. How are you feeling?" Spencer's voice sounded soft with a hint of worry and curiosity for her through the phone.

"I've got a bit of a migraine and my neck is still sore but I'll be alright"

Jess could almost feel Spencer's concerned frown through the phone. "okay well then I don't think you should come into the station today, we've got it covered here but just try get some rest okay? You should try using temperature therapy, see if you can find an ice pack on your forehead to help numb the pain. You can also use some caffeine to help-"

Jess chuckled a little at his advice and tips "Dad dad, slow down I'll be okay. Just focus on the case. I'll get some rest now and I'll be in a few hours."

"No addie. Don't come in we are fine with out you, focus on yourself please"

She acted as though she didn't hear her previous statement "I'll see you later" she went to hang up the phone but paused. "Oh- dad!"

"Yeah?"

"Merry Christmas!" She said trying to sound cheery and he let out a small laugh.

"Merry Christmas kiddo"

They hung up and Jess curled up in bed and fell a sleep almost instantly.

—

Later on the sun had just set and was now dark outside. Jess was still fast asleep until she was startled to the sound of her phone buzzing on the bed next to her.

She groaned picking up the phone not even bothering to check who it was. "Yeah?" She said in a yawn.

"Agent green, it's hotch we need back-up you okay to be in the field? You can say no" his voice sounded urgent with a hint of hesitation.

She immediately started to get up finding any clothes to change into. "Yeah of course, send me the address. Is everyone okay?"

"Seriously jessica, you don't have to come—"

"Respectfully hotch shut up, I'm fine. You called me for a reason and I'm on my way just send me the address"

He sighed knowing that would be her answer. "Garcia just sent it. Prepare yourself because we have reason to believe are unsub was working with someone"