FREAKING OUT ² ➢ spencer reid

XLVI

"You can't just show up unannounced Isla, Hotch will kill you." She shook her head in my direction as she tightened her grip on the steering wheel.

"Yeah, well, Hotch can shove it," I responded sternly, "Spencer's missing and if he thinks for a fucking second I'm not going out there to save his ass he really doesn't know me." I shook my head and glanced out the window. At this point it was nearly five, which meant traffic was beginning to clog the streets. Anxiously, I pulled my phone from my back pocket to check the time, biting my lip once I realized how close we were cutting it. "I wish we took one of the SUV's," I mumbled, throwing my head against the back of the seat grumpily.

Garcia slowly pulled forward, giving me a sad look. "I know you're like super bad ass mama Isla right now, but jumping into a federal investigation you aren't even apart of is very bad. I mean, like obviously between you and me I totally respect you and support your decision, but for the record I gotta say, this is bad." She clenched her teeth together and shook her head.

"You're not wrong," I responded with a sigh.

"Like you could get fired for this," she added.

"Wouldn't be the first time."

After that we sat in silence. Garcia reached over to turn the radio on quietly, giving me an eyebrow raise. I nodded my head in response and watched her adjust the volume. As she leaned back the sound of Frank Sinatra's voice rang out through the speakers, instantly souring my already anxious mood. I closed my eyes and let out a breath. At this point, despite how confident I seemed, all I really felt like doing was crying.

"You okay?"

"Not really," I responded with a shrug.

She reached over and grabbed my arm, giving it a tight squeeze. "We're gonna find him."

I rolled my eyes and stared out the window. As much as I wanted to believe her I had to look at the facts. Right now, Reid was definitely at a disadvantage. Sure, he was smart and his knack for survival was impeccable, but based on what we already knew so was Mooney. The man had a literal cult following and if Reid was included in his overall plan it was only a matter of time before Mooney used his power to finish it.

When we arrived at the airport I felt my heart pound violently against my chest. I reached across the centre console to give Garcia a hug before racing out of the car. As I ran, I clutched my stomach tightly, and pushed my way through the doors. Like usual, the airport was packed full of bodies, all moving to get to various destinations. I let out a groan and pulled my phone from my pocket again, cursing once I saw the time. At this point it was obvious I was going to miss my flight.

I tapped the screen of my phone and bit my lip, debating my desperation level. At this point I'd pretty much do anything to get to Vegas, so instead of giving up like a normal person I strode to the security line and furrowed my brow. Once there, I quickly flashed my credentials to the guard, giving him a stern expression. "SSA Isla Rafferty," I stated warmly, "I hate to be that guy, but I'm needed in Vegas for a very important case and I'm running late. Mind if I cut in?" I raised my brow, watching the man's face transition from intense to confused. Awkwardly, he shot his coworker a quick glance; both of them sharing eye contact before the second one merely shrugged and ushered me forward. I pressed my palms together and bowed my head thankfully before moving through the line.

When I got to my gate I let out a sigh of relief, handing the attendant my passport. Quickly, she gave it a scan before handing it back and smiling. "Enjoy your flight Ms. Rafferty." I smiled back and rushed through the hallway, feeling a patch of sweat form across my forehead. I wiped it with the back of my hand and let out a heavy breath, feeling the anxiety of rushing around slowly fade. Somehow, regardless of legalities, I'd managed to make it, which was the most good news I'd had all day.