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a lie
IT WAS surprisingly chilly in Florida. We quickly stopped at the hotel before making our way to the precinct. As usual, the cops were not very happy with our involvement. " Agent Prentiss and Agent King you'll go see Natasha's parents. Rossi and I will go see Nolan's parents and Morgan and Reid will go talk to Allison's parents. " I stepped towards my boss, trying to keep my cool.
" Hotch, anyway I could switch with someone. " Hotch huffed as he closed the short gap between us. " No, if you feel that way, I will go with you to talk with Natasha's parents. Prentiss! Change of plans you'll go with Rossi. " I sighed and grabbed my sunglasses before heading to Hotch's car. The car ride with Hotch's was annoying and long. There was clear tension between us and I didn't want to start anything with him.
I felt his eyes on me. He cleared his throat. " So, um, how's Harper doing? " My head whipped around to be eye to eye with him. " Small talk? Really Hotch? I'm really not in the mood for your shit. Let's just solve this case. We were able to spend all those years together without any issues. Let's try and do that again okay? " He nodded slowly as he pulled into the Crystal family's driveway.
We didn't get much from the grieving parents. " Miss. King, do you have any children? You must understand how sensitive this all is. " I swallowed hard trying to stop my tears. " I do, she is the same age Natasha was. " As I spoke I felt his hand moving up and down my back. It actually calmed me down a bit. Like when we used to be close. " Now, Mrs. Crystal, is there anything you and your husband would do as a couple? Possibly something with other couples. " She paused for a moment as she tried to think. " Yes, actually. Every other weekend, there's a couples retreat-type thing. There's a dance and other activities. It's a place for parents to meet other parents. " When we met up with everyone back a the precinct everyone had the same info about the couples retreat.
Hotch was determined to find out as much as possible about this retreat. He got Garica to look through the files and websites, it wasn't until maybe an hour later that she called me with results. I pressed accept. " Lucy! How's Hotch's nagging today? " My eyes rolled so far that I swear she could hear it from Virginia. " The usual. Did you get anything on the retreat? " Penelope cleared her throat as I put the phone on speaker for everyone else to hear. " Not as much as you guys probably wanted. It seems like this 'retreat' is run by a hotel called The Oceania. Everything is always paid upfront, there are so many names that I couldn't narrow it down. But, there is a retreat this weekend if that helps. "
Reid was writing everything down and looking over the case file as she spoke. I peeked at his notes, seeing some interesting ideas. " Thanks, babygirl, " Morgan said lightly as I hung up. I sat down at the table looking at the case file, trying to see if I missed anything. This case was honestly bumming me out. We had no leads and it was slow. I felt his eyes on me every few minutes and honestly, it was getting tiring.
Relief filled my body when he stood up to address the group. " We're going to need two people to go undercover as a couple. It's not ideal but it may get us a way to find the unsubs. I'm just not quite sure who would make a believable couple. " Their eyes were on Hotch and me. They clear though we could. wow. " You and Lucy for sure, " Emily commented as Hotch and I locked eyes. It didn't take long for us to start laughing uncontrollably.
" Do you really think we could make a believable couple? " This caused everyone else in the room to laugh. " Yes, you guys always fight like an old married couple " Morgan responded. My hand run through my hair as I sighed. " Wait, until Harper hears about this. " Hotch grabbed his flip phone and called Garcia. " Book a room and a spot for the retreat. Lucy and I are going undercover. Book it under the Benders. " I chuckled lightly as he hung up the phone. " Breakfast Club? Really? "
We stopped at our hotel before going to The Oceania. I quickly checked on Harper and let her know I wouldn't be able to contact her for the next several hours. I thought it would be best to leave out the undercover stuff at that moment. As I gathered my things I heard a knock at the door. I ran as quickly as I could to answer it leaving it home for him so that I could continue packing my things. " Lucy, stop for a second. " I turned to face him. He had a metal hoop in his hand, a ring. " Is, um, was that Haley's? " He nodded as he slowly grabbed my left hand placing it on my ring finger. " I was meaning to bring it back to the jeweller. Yet, I still have it and I thought it might make a good prop for our undercover operation. " I sat down on the bed my head in my hands. " What's wrong? " Hotch sounded seriously concerned. A side of him I had never seen. He was crouching in front of me with his hands on my knees.
" Is it Harper? " I shook my head trying to keep the tears from falling. " No, she's fine. I just can't imagine losing her. I'm here and she's alone at home. What am I supposed to do if someone does the same thing to her while I'm in fucking Florida? " Hotch grabbed my face softly, causing my cheeks to grow red. " She's been fine. You're her mother for goodness sake. She can protect herself. " He wiped my tears before we stood up. " So you're my hubby for the next few days? does that mean I get the nice Hotch for a few days? " Hotch chuckled softly. " Yes, don't make me regret it. " " I won't. I promise. "
