Moving Forward

Part 27

Aaron Hotchner's POV

"Where's Penelope?" Derek asks.

"She's going to Richmond to pick up a friend at the airport. She won't be there until 5pm," I answer.

"And where's JJ?" Emily asks, putting Oliver down on the floor. "Are the kids still sick?"

"Yeah..." Spencer answers.

Everyone sits around the table. Oliver is playing on the floor, Lacey is sleeping in Derek's arms and Zoe is sleeping in her baby seat.

"So. Today, the case we have is... Uh... A kinda special. There's only one victim: Joy Rossi. She left her house yesterday, and since she didn't come back at her house. Derek, you'll interrogate Dave. Dave, you're off the case. Spencer, you'll come with me to Dave's house. Emily, you'll stay with the kids and you'll try to find something that can help us in Joy's office, and you'll stay with the kids until Penelope comes back."

Everyone's getting up and leaving. I take Zoe's baby seat to help Emily. She takes Lacey's baby seat when Derek puts her in it. She also beckons Oliver to follow her. We arrive in Joy's office. I put Zoe's baby seat on the floor, trying not to wake her up and Emily does the same with Lacey. Oliver yawns.

"Are you sleepy?" Emily asks.

As a yes, Oliver walks to Emily and holds her leg against him. Emily leans down and holds Oliver. She lays him down on the little couch. He slowly closes his eyes.

"Emily, can I talk to you?" I ask her.

"Yes, of course. What is this about?"

"You seem concerned. And don't tell me it's because of Joy. I know something else is bothering you."

"Okay... I'm sure it's nothing. But it's been one and a half month that I haven't had my period. I always had my period once a month. Always."

"Do you think...?"

"You know I can't, so... I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."

"Honey. I want you to check."

"I can't, and you know it!"

"I just want you to check."

"If you insist... But only at the end of the case."

I smile and she smiles back.