A Spencer Reid Story: Love and Loss

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

“I know I’m not supposed to say anything… but I’m really worried about Spencer-er Dr. Reid. I think the death of JJ is still taking a toll on him. He has nightmares that keep him up throughout the night and the panic attack at the carnival made me realize that it’s affecting him more than I know how to deal with. I’m just not sure where to turn to at this point. I have no idea what Dr. Reid is like at work, but I know how he is the other half of the time and I’m just…. I’m just worried. I didn’t know who else or where else to turn to, so I came here. I hope you don’t think ill of me, I’m just very concerned is all and I’m starting to worry.”

He stared at her, his dark eyes brooding, his thoughts racing over the situation.

“No, it’s good that you came to talk to me. I understand your concern. I’ve had some others confide in me as well. You were right to come here, Catherine.”

Catherine looked down at her hands, her thumbs twirling as the uneasiness settled in her stomach. She hated this…. She knew she was going behind Reid’s back, but she didn’t know where else to turn. What else was she to do? She stared up, looking into his eyes.

“Thank you, Agent Hotchner. I feel out of place coming to talk to you, but I feel something had to be done.”

Hotch stared at his watch, the team was about to be briefed on another case in about 20 minutes.

“I will see what I can do for Reid. I will order a psych evaluation and see if I can talk to him. It really is a good thing that you came and talked to me. If it’s affecting his personal life it might be affecting his job as well. Just leave your number so that I can get back to you if need be.”

Catherine stood up, shaking Hotchner’s hand. At that moment Spencer turned into the door.

“Hey Hotc-Oh, Cat. What are you doing here?” Spencer stood there puzzled as he spoke, his eyebrows crunching in surprise. She smoothed down her hair in a nervous gesture and went over and hugged him.

“I’ll talk to you later when you get off work okay? Hotch will fill you in later I suppose.” Cat let go of their awkward hug and made her way quickly out of the office. Looking back over her shoulder as Reid stared at her quizzically.

“Reid…sit down please.”

He could feel his stomach clench, following orders and taking a seat in the uncomfortable chair.

Hotch looked at his watch, 15 minutes before they had to meet in the briefing room. He let out a huge puff of air before he began to speak.

“Reid…we have to talk. Catherine came in and explained everything that has happened. Everything… She’s… worried about you, and since you didn’t have any immediate family able to speak with you, she came to speak with me about your well-being, specifically your mental health.” Spencer could feel the anger boil to his face, his fist clenching tightly in his lap.

“Hotch, I’m fine, there was no reason she had to-“

“Reid seeing hallucinations of people is not normal. It’s not fine. She came to talk to me, and rightly so because it’s something that you need help with Reid. Yes, we were all hit hard by JJ’s death. It took a toll on all of us, but do you see any of the other team members experiencing hallucinations of her?”

“Hotch, It only happened like two times it’s not-“

“It doesn’t matter Reid! It shouldn’t happen at all. I’m sorry Reid, but I’m going to have to suspend you until you can assure me that your mental health is safe. Until I get an approved letter from a psychiatrist, I have to suspend you from working any other cases. I’m sorry.”