Poison (Criminal Minds)

Chapter Six

 Vincent wanted to cry. But with all the crying he did his first year here, he just couldn't do any more.

The note had gotten through. Li was prowling around, threatening to find the person who wrote it and flay them. Vincent knew she wouldn't even suspect him. Seven years here, and he had never had the courage to do anything about the situation. He supposed Riley had affected him. It was three years yesterday that she died.

He had been thinking about her a lot. Of course. He really missed her. He wished he hadn't seen it. But he couldn't make himself walk away from the carnage. He wasn't brave enough.

–

“There's been an accident” murmured one of the kids at lunch. Vincent realized that he hadn't seen Riley yet. He looked around frantically, but he couldn't find her. His lunch was looking less and less appetizing.

“Who died?” he asked. Here, it wasn't 'who got hurt', it was 'who died'.

“Station four. All of 'em” the kid replied. Vincent felt his knees buckle.

Riley's station.

–

He remembered it as clear as if it had been yesterday. Knowing from the moment the kid had told him that Riley was gone.

–

“We're useless here” Derek said. JJ shot him a sympathetic look. He just couldn't get that woman out of his head. She had died while he held her hand. So many other people didn't get the privilege.

“Go home” Hotch said. Derek looked at him, waiting for clarification. “Really. Go home. We're no use tired” Hotch continued.

“Are you leaving?” asked Derek.

“Soon.”

“I'm staying as long as you do.” Hotch stood up.

“Let's go” he replied.

–

Aaron Hotchner hugged his son as soon as he got home. He had had a long day, after all. And seen so much tragedy. The babysitter smiled at him, waved, and left. The way it always happened.

“How was work, daddy?” asked Jack. Hotch smiled. Probably for the first time that day.

“Great, buddy. How was school?”

“I got all the math questions right!”

“Great job, buddy! It's late now, are you ready for bed?” Hotch picked up Jack, as the kid giggled hysterically. He dropped him into his bed. “Goodnight, Jack” he whispered, and he kissed his son's forehead.