This isn't what I want

chapter 5

** next morning **

"Agent Prentiss?"

"Dr Fairway, have you had the results?"

"We have. It's a match!"

"Oh, thank goodness. What happens now?"

"Well we are just waiting for a liver, and then we will get both of you into the OR. If she gets a liver in the next two days, she stands a very good chance."

"So what, we wait?"

"Yes, I'm afraid we wait."

I nod. My joints are stiff from sleeping in a hospital chair, but who am I to complain?  There are others who have had it far worse.

** Hotch's POV **

It hurts to see JJ vulnerable lying in the hospital bed, her life being kept going by a tube and a machine. And it hurts to see Emily so distressed. I've loved Emily for years, but I know how she feels about love and relationships. She doesn't trust people easily, and I can't blame her. Look at what JJ's been through. I like our relationship now.

Emily curls back and goes to sleep after Dr Fairway leaves, and I get up to get some coffee. The whole team stayed overnight. Derek's gone to talk to Savannah on the phone, and Penelope and Dave went to get some breakfast. Reid is still fast asleep. He didn't go to sleep until early morning, so I don't blame him. None of us could go to sleep after hearing about JJ. She went through all of this on her own.

And then I get a call. The call I did not want.

"Aaron, we have more news on the open investigation. Two more girls have been found. Same MO. Stripped, beaten, and left strapped to a bed in the middle of an abandoned old hotel. Only this time, drugs were found in their systems."

"Erin, this isn't a good time. One of my agents is currently in critical condition in a hospital bed, and another is about to donate her kidney."

"Aaron, I know it's hard. But this unsub isn't slowing down. He's accelerating and unless we get to the bottom of the crimes, he won't stop. Surely you don't all need to be there now? Send me two agents and you can rotate shifts."

I sigh and look around. I can't bring myself to tell anyone. I scribble a note and leave it by Emily.

Sorry, but I have to go to the BAU. Series offender is offending again. Will update. Keep me posted on JJ.

As I walk out of the hospital doors I immediately feel like I shouldn't leave. But Erin can be demanding. And we do need to find the son of a bitch who's hurting everyone.