Paranoia - s.reid

Sky's The Limit

After days of working, Liz had finally gotten an alright outcome, able to give Spencer good news when she went to visit.

"Okay, you want the good news or the bad news first?"

He frowned at the idea of bad news. "Good."

"Good news is I got your case moved. To Alexandria federal court. The rocket docket, they don't mess around. We might be able to get you before a jury as early as next month. As for the bad news," She sighed. "I can't get you into protective custody. Something's blocking the transfer. The BOP has absolute authority over where an inmate in their custody is being housed and anything I recommend is simply that a recommendation. I'm saying you should stick close to Calvin Shaw."

Spencer nodded. "Dee really wants to see you, all of them do."

"I can't let them see me like this."

Liz scoffed, annoyed. "You're their father. I don't think they're going to care about anything besides seeing you."

He gave her a stern look, leaving her to firmly nod, standing up. "I love you."

"I love you, more."

Later that night, making sure Diana was asleep in her and Spencer's aired bedroom, Liz quietly made her way to the balcony, getting her phone out and dialing a number she hadn't called in a long time, a call she knew would be left unanswered but that didn't stop the small glimmer of hope she held.

"You've reached Aaron Hotchner. I'm unavailable right now, but leave a message and I'll get back to you."

Tears pooled at her waterline. "Hey, Aaron. I know you're on assignment and you probably won't listen to this but I just, I really need someone to talk to. I don't know if you've been told, but Spencer is in prison and I'm trying to get him out but I don't know what to do anymore. Dee's been trying to help, she's taking care of me because I can't take care of myself. She reads to me, makes sure I eat enough, picks out my outfit for the day and I just feel so guilty and useless. I've been thinking about this a lot. The day Spencer got arrested, I wasn't wearing the necklace you gave me for my 30th birthday. I didn't wear it to his arraignment, either. I think it's a good luck charm, but not much luck has been brought to me lately. Anyways, I'll see you when you get back. I miss you. Bye, love you."

She didn't hear the little footsteps behind her as she put the phone away, pulling her knees closer to her chest, sinking further into the old balcony furniture. "Hey, mom."

Liz instantly wiped away any teary residue, smiling for her child. "Hi, sweetie. Couldn't sleep?" Diana nodded. "You wanna colour?"

"I'm too old for that, mom." She reminded, chuckling.

The agent playfully rolled her eyes. "You're still a baby to me. You all are."

"I was thinking, when can I see dad?"

After Luis had been killed a few weeks ago, Spencer was at his worst. There was no way he'd ever forgive his wife if she let Diana see him. "I don't know, Dee." Diana visibly faltered. "Look, I know things aren't so great right now with dad gone and grandma having bad days, but things can only get better from here. How about after school tomorrow I take everyone out for ice cream? Maybe even go to the mall. Try to have at least a little bit of fun."

"Okay."

Sighing, Liz held her daughter's hand. "I'm truly sorry that as a parent I've put you in this situation. I know it's bad enough not having your father here but you shouldn't have to look after your mom, too."

Diana shook her head, attempting to smile. "I want to take care of you. You're so strong, mom. You've endured the worst of the worst, you deserve to be taken care of. You're allowed to take a break and take care of yourself."