Shadows & Sunlight

Rain Jones has mastered the art of pretending. A smile here, a laugh there-little tricks to keep people from looking too closely. But Jack Hotchner looks. And then, so does his father.

Aaron Hotchner doesn't believe in coincidences. Not when Jack keeps mentioning how Rain "doesn't feel good" or how she "cries when she thinks no one's watching." Not when she flinches at sudden movements or when she brushes off injuries with too-easy excuses. He's spent his career reading people, and now, he can't unsee the truth written all over Rain's face.

So he asks. Gently, carefully. And when she hesitates-when her breath hitches, when her fingers tighten around the hem of her sleeve-he knows.

She's in danger.

And he won't let her face it alone.

When her past comes crashing back, when threats turn into action, the BAU will stand beside her. But it's Hotch who stands in front of her, a silent promise in his eyes: She's his to protect now.