In Hiding (Final Book in the Boss's Niece Series)

Haley's Being Moved

*Hotch's POV*

"How was work?" Beth asked as I walked through the front door after work.

"Hell." I replied as I hung my coat up.

"Quiet now. Jack is in the next room with Lana. They're having a study date." Beth said with a smile. "Come in. I'll make some coffee and you can get your mind off of it. I'm sure you'll find whoever is doing this soon enough."

"We know who it is, we just need to figure out where he's gone." I told her as I followed her to the kitchen. "At least I know the urgency and what Reid is going through right now. I just don't want Melanie to end up like Haley."

"She's not going to, sweetheart. You will find who's doing this." Beth said and kissed my cheek. "Oh, and a letter came for you. It's on the counter, but there's no return address."

I looked over at an envelope on the table that was placed on the round wooden table. I approached the table and looked at the envelope. It was addressed to "SSA Aaron Hotchner". I didn't have a good feeling about this.

I opened the envelope and pulled out a letter. It read:

"Dear Aaron, I know where Melanie is hiding. Do you think I'm that stupid? I did my research on her before I hired Debra. I knew she wouldn't go to New York because she wouldn't want to risk the life of her father. Lucky for her, I'm nothing like my brother and I will not be killing Sean Hotchner for no good reason. Now, Haley Reid on the other hand. If I kill her, Melanie will have to go through the rest of her life in grief, the way I did when Justin was killed. So that is my plan. And why am I telling you all this? I'm telling you all this because I'm giving you a head start. I'm giving you from now until I find her to save little Haley's life. If you manage to save Haley, however, just know that the cost is Melanie's life. Choose wisely Aaron Hotchner. -Jason Hunter"

I re-read the note a few times. Finally, I crumpled it up and stuffed it in my pants pocket and headed for the door.

"Aaron? What's wrong?" Beth asked, two cups of coffee in her hands.

"Looks like I'm working late tonight. I'm so sorry, honey." I said.

Beth shook her head. "Don't be. You go out there and you save Melanie. I'll let Jack know after Lana goes home."

I smiled and gave Beth a small kiss before heading out to my car. As I raced back to the FBI building, I called up Garcia.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Garcia, this is Hotch. I need you and Morgan back to the BAU ASAP. Jason has changed his mind. He's not going to kill Melanie. He's going to kill Haley."

•

*Reid's POV*

I raced back to the FBI building after Hotch called me. He told me about the letter Jason sent him. No way in hell this creep was taking my wife and my daughter from me. I'd kill myself before I'd let that happen.

The whole team was there. They all turned to look at me when I walked through the door. If it was possible, I'm sure there would be steam coming out of my ears like on those cartoons I watched with Haley.

"Please tell me we have something to find this creep." I said.

"We don't." Garcia said. "But we've come up with a plan to move Haley somewhere where she'll be safe."

"And where's that? In New York with Sean? In Vegas with my dad? That's crap! He'll definitely find her there!" I snapped.

Everyone looked at each other. They all looked uneasy. They were hiding something from me. I knew it.

"What are you hiding?" I demanded.

"Reid, we're sending Haley to Los Angeles." JJ told me.

I raised an eyebrow at her and said, "Los Angeles? I don't know anyone in Los Angeles...do I?"

"Well, I was doing some digging to find where to send Haley to keep her safe and...well...Reid, you have a sister." Garcia said. "Well, half-sister."

I took a moment to process this. I knew my mother didn't have another child after dad left. But then again, dad didn't get married after he left mom. So, how do I have a half sister and why didn't I know about it?

"Your dad was in this relationship for nearly 3 years after he left your mom." Garcia continued. "They broke up. 9 months later, your dad's ex, Kristen, came to his door with a little girl named Leah. I have a picture if you want to see it."

Garcia passed me a file. I opened to see a girl with blonde hair, the tips of which were died sea green. She also had chocolate brown eyes, just like my own. She was tanned and she had some of dad's features. I couldn't believe it. I had a 24 year old sister that I didn't even know about.

"Why does she live in Los Angeles and not Vegas?" I asked Garcia, unable to take my eyes from the file.

"She works with NCIS." Garcia replied. "I've already made contact with her and told her everything. She's flying to Vegas ASAP to pick Haley up and bring her to Los Angeles."

"Reid, I suggest you call Melanie right now to tell her that Leah is on her way and tell her about the letter I got. She will have to move soon as well. Somewhere that wouldn't be so obvious." Hotch told me.

"Yes, sir. Right away." I said and hurried off to call Mel.

*A/N: New original character!! Leah Reid was created by Thebauchick*