The Telepath's Daughter

A Tense Morning

"You don't mean that." Rossi stared at the profile before him. It was all too resolute. "You're just tired and you've been through a hell of a weird injury and..." He swallowed his burgeoning anxiety. "...and...you don't mean that, Aaron."

"I do." Hotch raised his eyes and gazed into Rossi's. There was no artifice. No uncertainty. "I'm sorry, Dave."

"But...but you can't just pick up and leave. You can't just..."

"Nathaniel said there would be a place for me here whenever I wanted one."

"Nathaniel!!?? Who the hell's Nathaniel?"

"That's his name. The doctor."

"He told you his name."

"It's not a secret. Just not very many people know it."

Rossi's eyes narrowed, suspicion gathering in the corners. "And he calls you by name. No one else. Just you."

"You're forgetting Mellie. He uses her name, too." Hotch shrugged. "Doesn't matter. He knows people deeper than their names. He doesn't need the labels the rest of us use."

"'Cause he can see deeper than the rest of us, right? Go deeper."

"Uh-huh."

A frown darkened Rossi's brow. "So how do you know that weird, old man who lives by completely different rules than the rest of us...who pretty much owns everything in sight and has the whole town's fate in his hands...how do you know he didn't put that thought in your mind, Aaron?"

Hotch gave his head a slow shake, a brief trace of humor lifting the corners of his lips. "C'mon, Dave. He wouldn't do something like that."

"You sure? You're clearly a favorite of his. I mean, he made the effort to learn your name. And I think he did it because you're special to him and he knew calling you 'Aaron' instead of, oh, I dunno, 'Leader' or 'Un-ESP-er' or something...he knew it would please you on some level to be set apart from the rest of us like that." Rossi's voice dropped to a lower, more confidential tone. "A little consideration like that can be powerful when it's used on a guy who hasn't known much kindness in his life."

Rossi was gratified when Hotch was quiet. He hoped it meant Aaron wasn't dismissing the idea out of hand, but was giving it some serious thought. After a few minutes, Hotch stood, brushed off the seat of his jeans and sighed.

"We better get back."

The two men walked toward Millie's in silence. Rossi hoped it meant Hotch was still turning the prospect of moving over in his mind, and not making mental lists of what he'd need to do to completely change his life.

xxxxxxxxxxx

For the first time, the Reids were all together. All four of them. More Reids than Spencer had ever imagined he could call his own.

Mother, father and daughter were gathered around the incubator where the latest Reid was already showing remarkable progress considering his entry into the world had been a bit premature.

It was also a notable moment, because there was no telepathic chatter. Only speechless, pure joy. Reid rather thought Ana might be to blame. Her empathic bond to emotion in general and to that of her children in particular made him think she was augmenting everyone's happiness on all her preternatural frequencies. He was fine with that.

After a long, satisfying wallow in the blissful feel of 'family,' Reid nuzzled Ana's neck and... We should think about going home in a couple of days. You feel up to it?

Mmmmmm... The pulse of contentment she sent told Reid all he needed to know about his wife's desire to resume their normal life. He began to turn his mind to the practicalities of traveling with a newborn baby when Melinda's telepathic screech of dissent shredded the peace they'd been enjoying.

Noooo!! Daddy, I don't wanna go back! I don't! I don't! Please don't make me!! Daddy, NO!!

The sudden change in Melinda's aura alarmed Reid. The formerly gentle strands of gold and lavender that he saw as characterizing her, blazed with a saturation of color. She had gone deep purple and brilliant flame. Even more concerning, baby Kevin began to wave his tiny fists, he screwed up his face in a knot of emotion and wailed with unexpected fervor and strength. Sparks of silvery blue surrounded him in reaction to his sister's vibrant aura.

Mellie, stop it NOW.

Reid gathered the mantle of fatherhood around him with more authority than ever before. He now had two children to protect and raise. And, although Ana was capable and as fierce as any mother could be, Reid included her in his list of Those I Protect And Will Give My Life For. He felt responsible for more loved ones than ever. The assumption of that Protector role gave normally soft-spoken, tentative Reid new depth and unquestionable power. Mellie, mind me.

Melinda bit her lip and fell silent. Even Kevin quieted. Ana raised her chin and gave her husband a glance that made him feel every inch the proud patriarch. Then, she addressed her daughter.

Mellie, we already have a life on the outside. I know this place is special and you want to stay, but we're a family. We stay together. This village isn't going anywhere. We can always come back. We can make it our vacation spot. But we have to go home. Your father has his job and you have school, and...

But I don't have school back there! Although less strident, Melinda's protest shimmered with barely suppressed rage. I can't learn the way the kids back home do! I learn like the kids HERE. They think I'm weird back home. I know they do! I could tell when you and Daddy got called in to see Ms. Keller. I can't go back there, Mommy. I'll die. I'll just die... Melinda curled in on herself, burying her face in her hands. Her quiet sobbing was so much worse than her anger had been.

Ana and Reid's eyes met, communicating a world of parental agony. The last thing either of them wanted was to break their daughter's heart or stunt her growth, whether it be emotional, physical, mental, or paranormal.

But there was really no way around it.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Somewhat rested, but still feeling the effects of yesterday's psychic strain, the old doctor finished his second cup of coffee and decided it was time to tackle the day's challenges. There were always more of them when the telepath and the empath brought their little entourage to visit.

At least this time they were a mixed bag. Along with the unpleasant something rather nice might happen, too. But the paths he could divine weren't certain. Tragedy, joy, heartbreak...it was all intermingled. The only way to untangle the mess was to take action. He sighed.

It's my move. All the paths are blurry and teetering on the brink of what I do...what I find and what decisions I make. There's nothing for it, but to get going.

And the first one I need to talk to is Aaron's father. And then, the child, Melinda. Then maybe all else will fall into place. I hope so anyway.

The old man brought his breakfast dishes to the kitchen sink and rinsed them, leaving a proper wash-up for later.

Straightening his shoulders, he sent out a call to Julio Ruiz.

Priest, my valued partner, I have some things to attend to. Would you mind making the rounds and seeing to our patients on your own this morning? And before you get started, would you send Aaron's father to my home?

Julio's reply was instant. The two men had become so attuned to each other, it was like having a special channel of communication open at all times. I am always honored by your trust in my efforts, Doctor. Of course I will do as you ask. I'll go find the FBI agents right now.

Thank you, my friend. But ask the father to come alone. Ask Aaron to stay away for now.

As you wish.

The doctor wandered into his living room and glanced at an antique grandfather clock which graced one corner. It was early. Nonetheless, he went to a cupboard and brought out one of his rarest, oldest, smoothest, most persuasive whiskies.

Where Aaron's father was concerned, it was best to be prepared.