A series of newborn kidnappings and murders near Cumberland, Maryland, catch the attention of the F.B.I.'s Behavioral Analysis Unit. Dr. Spencer Reid finds the case particularly fascinating. It's not just the mind of the killer that enthralls him-bu...
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CARINA MAYE STOOD in front of Chet Stanford's house, a barrier of police officers and SWAT separating her from the front yard. Lisa Grover was standing next to her. Both kept their gazed focused on the front door to the house where four agents had entered minutes before. They hoped to God that they'd return with their children in their arms.
Finally, the front door swung open. Emily Prentiss dashed out with a bundle in her arms. Lisa recognized the blanket and fell to her knees, overcome with emotion.
"Oh my god, my baby! You saved my baby!" she screamed hysterically as Prentiss handed her over.
Lillian was crying but seemingly unharmed. Emily led the reunited family over to an EMT for an examination as the rest of the agents came through the front door. Carina bit her lip to stop herself from crying again. They only found one baby inside.
A gunshot from the backyard made everyone jump. There was a loud cry of pain, followed by a second gunshot, then silence. News crews that had lined up outside shifted their cameras to the entrance to the patio. Everyone stared at the same place awaiting what would happen.
Derek Morgan walked out first with a bloody Chet Stanford in his custody. Chet was still alive, but had blood pouring from his arm. Morgan pushed and cursed at him to move along the driveway.
Spencer Reid walked out next with Desdemona Orson in his arms. Carina gasped and sprinted towards them, blowing right past all the officers and cameramen. Spencer was bouncing her gently and making soft noises to slow her cries. It was obvious Desdemona was malnourished and traumatized, but she had no burns anywhere visible.
Carina scooped her daughter out of his arms and brought her in for a tight hug. Desdemona recognized her mother almost immediately and slowly began to calm down.
"Oh, my sweet girl! I missed you so much. Thank you for hanging on, Mona. Thank you, baby," Carina cried as she held her.
Spencer smiled at the sight. He finally got to see Carina Maye happy, and it was something he knew he had to see again.
"Okay, Cari, let's get her to the hospital," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. Carina nodded and allowed him to guide her down the driveway.
A paramedic met them at the base. He took Desdemona out of her mother's arms and placed her on a small stretcher before buckling her in.
"You're welcome to ride with us to the hospital, Miss Maye."
"Yeah, definitely. Just give me one second," she said. The paramedic nodded and made his way back to the ambulance. Carina turned to the agent who had become her hero. She threw her arms around his neck and brought him into the tightest hug she could muster. Spencer was never one for displays of affection like this, but it didn't seem to bother him as much. He smiled and returned the embrace.
