Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity

Safe

AN: This chapter is on the shorter side, but the next chapter is over 3,000 words so I think it makes up for it.

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Aaron turned to Cruz; it was his call after all. Cruz turned to look at his team having his own mental battle. They were like a family; and you protect family. Inside those walls he could protect them, but outside? Cruz glanced to his three older agents. He could see the conflict circling in their own eyes. He looked back to his younger agents. They were young, but they were incredible. He had to let them fly one day.

"Matt, Charlotte, Libby, and Kate go with Aaron's team. Noah, Clay, and Elle go with the other three. I'll be joining you too," Cruz finally said. He knew his agents would understand his decision.

"I want to go," Ro piped up.

Cruz, Elle, and Clay all shared a look. "Come on Ro," Clay said forcing a smile.

For the first time the BAU saw a flicker of light in the youngest agents eyes and a flicker of fear in Clay's. The BAU watched with interest as the selected agents, with the exception of Ro, made their way to their desk. "Let's hope all those lessons paid off Gram," Libby said smiling as she slid her side arm on.

"I've seen Strauss shoot. If she taught them they've got to be good," Derek whispered just loud enough for JJ and Spencer to hear.

Emily turned to Charlotte with concern. "Are you sure you're up for this?"

Charlotte took a deep breath to steady her nerves. She then looked up to meet Emily's eyes. "As long as I have you guys I'm ready for everything."

The two groups split up into four vehicles. "They'll be alright, right?" Mia asked once they had left.

Erin put a comforting arm around the young girl. "Of course they will."

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"Trenton White is not our guy," Cruz announced to the other team who was still in route to their suspect. "We're heading your way."

Too soon for Libby they were pulling up to the truck stop. They got Kurt Sawyer's location and approached the oblivious man stepping out of his cab. "Kurt Sawyer put your hands up and back away from the truck slowly!" Aaron commanded.

Funny enough he followed Aaron's commands, and then took off running. Aaron, Emily, Matt, and Kate all took off after him. Libby, Charlotte, and Dave made quick work of opening the trailer. Libby gasped when several pairs of eyes met hers.

"There's 13 here," Charlotte informed them.

"Is there anyone missing?" Libby asked the children.

They all shook their heads. "Is anyone seriously hurt?" Dave asked next.

The kids scooted out of the way leaving the smallest of them all in the middle. Charlotte took a deep breath to remain calm as she scanned over the girl's body. She took in a gash above the girl's right eye, several bruises, a most likely dislocated shoulder, and what appeared to be a broken leg. "Okay. I'm Agent Gram and these are my friends Agents Prentiss and Rossi. We're here to help. Do you know her name?"

"Hope," replied a boy Charlotte recognized as one of the twins.

"I'm going to stay with Hope while the rest of you go with my friends," She instructed. Timidly the children started exiting the trailer as Charlotte stepped further in. She sat down gently touching the girl; her eyes fluttered open. "It's okay. Helps on the way."

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The teams were once again gathered in the EYU's office. "It's been a long, successful day. It's not often we find that many children alive. So go home and we'll meet here in the morning to finish up the paperwork," Erin instructed.

The teams didn't have to be told twice; until Derek stopped them. "I think it's safe to say that the BAU was impressed. You guys did something really good today."

The EYU smiled. "Thanks," several of them replied.

"I'll see you tomorrow then," Derek said grabbing his stuff to go.

JJ grabbed Charlotte's attention. "12 families get their kids back because of your team."

"11," Charlotte mumbled.

"What?" JJ asked.

Charlotte lifted her head to meet JJ's eyes. "Hope was in a group home. They reported her as a runaway. That's why her case didn't come up in Garcia's search. So only 11 families get their kids back."

"She'll find her own family one day. Family isn't just blood," JJ tells her.

Charlotte gave her a small smile. "Thanks."

"Anytime."