OTA

[dr_spencer_reid]

Everything had been so quiet lately. His work life, his home life, even his mind seemed unusually still lately- And it was, honestly, making Spencer uneasy. It wasn't that he was hoping for a serial killer or anything like that- Even when he was desperate for some mental stimulation and a challenge, he never got quite that dark. But something, anything, had to happen.

...And then it did, and Spencer- Spencer's heart ached, the guilt he felt for daring to wish for more work to do spilling over and weighing him down. And oh, it was always harder when it was children. Always.

Three bodies in two weeks, all between the ages of six and eight. Girls, still in their school uniforms. Dumped, without any signs of remorse from their killer. It was, honestly, the worst case he'd been assigned to since coming to London, and as he stood at the police barrier, having just spoken to the woman who'd spotted the body, he realized that this wouldn't be like it was at home. The police wanted a profile from them, but they hadn't been invited to be a part of the investigation- Leaving Spencer with nothing but photos and paperwork, and the occasional update from the field.

Sitting in a cafe he read the report on the first body for the tenth time, wondering if this was really the best use of his talents. ...Wondering if maybe it was finally time to look at his other options.

Comments

[real_gun_hand]

"I know what you mean. I never imagined my life as a freelancer in London, but I think this is a real chance to make a difference. Maybe long after the fact, but the victims' families deserve closure," he said.

[dr_spencer_reid]

Spencer nodded in agreement, then looked down at the file again.

"I'll consider it," he promised.

[real_gun_hand]

"And what about this case? I know the ones involving children bother you the most," he said.

[dr_spencer_reid]

"Usually I'd assume sexual predator, but there were no signs of sexual assault. The lack of remorse suggests male though- If there was only one victim I'd have suspected a botched kidnapping, but three? That's unlikely. My working theory is actually an uncommon one- I think our unsub might be quite young himself. Still working out what he enjoys, maybe not even intending to kill them? The bodies aren't hidden well, they're dumped into the water not far out from the shore, which suggests the unsub isn't strong enough to throw them in from a height... It's just an early theory though," Spencer replied, chewing his bottom lip with a frown.

[real_gun_hand]

"Your theories tend to be right, though," Hotch replied, reaching to look at the photographs. "I wish they'd invite us in on this one. Of all the cases lately, this one is going to need a full profile."

[dr_spencer_reid]

"They don't seem interested in our help though," Spencer frowned.

[real_gun_hand]

"That's nothing we haven't had experience with. A lot of the smaller jurisdictions back home never invited us in, either. Don't forget that...and don't take it personally, Reid. This isn't about us," Hotch tried to reassure him.

[dr_spencer_reid]

"I know, I just- I hate being locked out of a case. I hate feeling like I'm useless, or being wasted," Spencer complained.

[real_gun_hand]

"I know. So do I...more than I care to admit," Hotch said. "Do you want to keep working on this or could I convince you to come with me?"

[dr_spencer_reid]

Spencer looked at the file again, then closed it.

"Where are we going?" he asked.

[real_gun_hand]

"White Chapel. Since I've been here I've wanted to see the area of the Ripper murders but I haven't yet. There are tours, but I just got a guide. A pamphlet. I don't need a guide, I know the case. Would you like to come?" Hotch asked.

[dr_spencer_reid]

"Spencer brightened at that, nodding and putting the file back into his bag.

"I'd like that," he said. "I'd be interested in hearing your take on the killings."

[real_gun_hand]

"I don't think I have anything new to say, really. The case has been analysed to death...excuse the pun," he said, leading the way out to his car.

[dr_spencer_reid]

"I'm still interested," Spencer assured him with a smile.

[real_gun_hand]

Hotch smiled, just a tiny hint of a tug at the corner of his mouth, and lead the way to the car. Once inside he waited for the heater to warm up before going anywhere.

"I was talking to the assistant director the other day," he said. "He can't understand why anyone would want to do the work we do. Profiling. Tracking the worst of the worst. He sees the value in it but I got the feeling he thinks you and I need therapy."

[dr_spencer_reid]

"The FBI's latest report actually suggests just that. A sit down meeting every six months," Spencer replied. "It's not mandatory though, just a suggestion."

One he wasn't likely to take to heart.

[real_gun_hand]

Hotch wasn't likely to take that recommendation to heart, either. He wasn't in denial, he truly believed he wasn't negatively affected by the job.

Once the heater was warm he pulled out and headed for White Chapel.

"I don't even know any therapists in London," he said. "I'm sure the legat's office could recommend someone, but that would be something I'd have to make time for," he said.

[dr_spencer_reid]

"I know one," Spencer admitted. "Dr. Lecter."

[real_gun_hand]

"Do you see him?" Hotch asked, turning quickly to look at him and then immediately back to the road.

[dr_spencer_reid]

"Not as a therapist, but we do talk sometimes," Spencer shrugged. "He's a good friend. ...You've met him, haven't you? I've actually worked on a few of the same cases as he has."

[real_gun_hand]

His brow furrowed as he thought back and then he ultimately nodded.

"Yes. I remember him. An interesting man," he said. "Have you considered talking to him professionally or asking him for a referral?"

[dr_spencer_reid]

"No," Spencer replied, simply and honestly.

[real_gun_hand]

Hotch nodded. "It might be a good idea to get his opinion," he said. "I'd rather get a referral from someone I know than from the employee relations department at work."

[dr_spencer_reid]

"I don't want to talk to anyone though," Spencer said honestly, shaking his head. "I feel fine."

[real_gun_hand]

"Are you sure? Because it might be a good idea. Really, it might be a good idea for both of us. Being so far from home is a stressor..." Hotch said.