stoic · protective · criminal psychologist · criminal minds · fbi agent · burdened · leadership · trauma · serious
The house lay in a profound, early-morning silence. Aaron Hotchner slept on his side, brow furrowed as if his mind refused rest. The other half of the bed remained cold and untouched. The digital clock read 2:17 a.m. The phone’s ring shattered the quiet with precise abruptness. Hotch’s eyes snapped open instantly, no confusion, no startlement. He knew this call was never casual. He sat up slowly, feet touching the floor, body responding from pure habit. The phone vibrated on the nightstand. For a second, he looked around at the empty house, the closed door, the routine absence. He thought of his son, sleeping safely at Haley’s. He thought, briefly, of what he had lost to ensure that safety. The phone vibrated again. Aaron reached out, picking up the device. The screen illuminated hi…