Decisions (4th Book in the Boss's Niece Series)

Hotch Retires

I sat on the back of an ambulance. I was just checked. Luckily, no bad damage and, even better, I wasn't craving Dilaudid.

I seen a tall figure walking up to me. At first, I thought it was Spencer, but once it began clear through the blinding ambulance lights, I found out it was Uncle Aaron.

"What are you doing here? I thought you guys went home." I said.

"Garcia and Jessica told me that Reid believed that the person who kidnapped you was related to Tobias, I got out here as quick as I could. No telling what Reid would do to the guy who hurt you." he replied. "Looks like we all know what he's capable of now."

"I'll never pick a fight with him ever again." I joked, which actually earned me a smile.

"I have to tell you something about that job offering." he told me.

I groaned and said, "I forgot all about that. What am I gonna do? I'm sure Jackson is patiently awaiting my call."

"He's not." Uncle Aaron said. "Because I called him for you."

This surprised me. I opened my mouth to speak, but couldn't find the words to say. Uncle Aaron took this as his opportunity to continue.

"I told him you wouldn't be taking the job because you got a better offer."

"I did?" I questioned.

"You're gonna be the BAUs Unit Chief."

This confused me for a moment. Then, I realized. My jaw dropped as I looked at Uncle Aaron, who had a half smile on his face.

"You're-you're retiring?" I asked.

"I thought it was time to hang up my badge. Spend some time with Beth and Jack. It's what Haley always wanted. For me to spend more time with the family." he replied.

"And-and you're just handing me the job of Unit Chief?" I asked in disbelief. This couldn't be happening. This must be some Dilaudid dream. I expected to wake up at any minute tied to that chair in the shack once again.

"You're a good leader, Mel. You've proven that in the past few years. I don't want an outsider coming in and questioning every move this team makes. You know them better than anyone else and that's what makes you perfect for this job."

I felt tears in my eyes. I opened my arms and gave my uncle a big hug. I was so glad I had him. He was like my second dad.

"I'm gonna go back to the hotel and leave you and Reid together." he told me once he pulled away. "We'll be leaving as soon as you have clearance to fly."

"Alright. See you later Uncle Aaron." I said.

As Uncle Aaron walked away, Spencer came racing up to me and gave me a big hug. I rested my head on his shoulder. I wished I could stay here, in his arms, forever.

"I'm so glad you're safe." he said and pulled away. "There's someone who'd love to talk to you."

He extended his phone to me. I took it and put it up to my ear.

"Hello, Melanie Reid." I said.

"Mommy!" came Haley's voice. "Hi mommy!"

"Hi baby! How-how are you? Mommy misses you so much." I told her.

"I miss you, too, mommy."

I looked over Spencer's shoulder at Uncle Aaron as he climbed into the SUV. He met my eyes and gave me a small smile. I smiled back.

I was gonna miss him when he left. But at least the decision for that job offer was now off my shoulders.

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"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family." -Anthony Brandt