Normal People - Strange Encounters Book Two

Chapter 20

Spencer sat surrounded by his teammates on the jet. He knew they didn't want him to be alone right now, but he was feeling overwhelmed and wished they'd just go away so he could think in quiet.

"Where else would she take her?"

"Well they're not at Regino's or Smyth's old residences, Captain Murray sent patrols there and they turned up nothing. I think someone needs to go talk to Regino."

Spencer didn't even bother looking at Hotch, knowing that under the current circumstances he'd never allow him to go. Which, he thought, was probably for the better. If Spencer was around him, he didn't know he'd be able to stop himself from doing something that would get him thrown in there alongside Chris himself.

"Alright, when we land JJ you'll head to the prison with Rossi. The rest of us will continue to brainstorm at the precinct."

♡

A few short hours later Spencer once again stood in the conference room of the PPD. He looked around the space, his earliest memories of his time with Amelia causing it to be nearly insufferable. He looked at the table and pictured her there with her head rested on her arms, passed out from trying to help his team. He thought of the first time she'd grabbed his hand while she had sat in that chair, the butterflies in his stomach he didn't think would lead to anything more than a silly crush. The first time he grew to recognize her smell, of gardenia and coconut, and finding comfort in it. Admiring her courage and bravery, even if it could be her downfall.

"Spence?" Emily asked.

He shook his head, trying to clear the thoughts. He knew he needed to concentrate, have his full attention dedicated to the job at hand. He couldn't afford to be distracted, not when Amelia's life hung in the balance.

"Hm?"

"Egdar and a few others just got here.."

Spencer resisted the urge to groan, slowly turning to look out into the lobby. He had had her, she was under his protection, and he let her get away. Again. How could he face her family after loosing her for a second time?

Emily sensed his uneasiness and leaned toward him.

"They're not going to blame you, Reid."

"You don't know that" he said, short. Curt.

" I do, because this isn't your fault. This whole.. convoluted, situation has been months in the planning while we're only recently trying to figure out their angle and get our footing. She would've shown up, sooner or later."

"Emily, we were together. She was.. in the bed with me just minutes before. I should've stayed up with her. I shouldn't have went back to sleep." He didn't want to hear her justification. Quickly standing up, he decided he'd rather face the Vernand clan than have Emily try to reason with him.

Taking a deep breath he used his shoulder to shove open the door, approaching Edgar, his brother and Denise.

"Hijo.." Edgar shot out of the chair, examining Spencer. His frown deepened taking in the young man's appearance. Spencer saw the frown grow, and braced himself for his anger.

"When's the last time you rested, kiddo?" Edgar asked quietly, walking over and resting a hand on his shoulder.

"Uh.. I dunno" he mumbled, caught off guard.

"You should rest. Your team is more than capable of doing this" Denise added, walking up alongside them.

"I, uh, I n-need to be here. I need to-"