As JJ pulled into the church parking lot, Talia took a deep, steadying breath. She had been shocked to find out that their next case was centred in her tiny little hometown, and had extremely mixed feelings about the whole situation. While she was understandably upset that the victims and their families were people she had grown up with, and obviously she wanted to help the community and stop the UNSUB before they could take any more lives, she was also reluctant to be there. As much as she wanted to help she hated her hometown, and if she was completely honest, she wasn't all too fond of the majority of its inhabitants. She had worked very hard to get a scholarship to a college far away from the town, and had been determined to avoid returning as much as possible. Of course, she still visited her family a couple of times a year, but only because it was expected, not because she particularly wanted to. She hadn't spent more than a few days a year in the county since she left 12 years ago.
Startled out of her thoughts by JJ calling her name, Talia shook her head to clear the thoughts and got out of the car.
'It sure is strange to be back.' Talia whispered, almost to herself, and smiled at JJ before the two headed into the church.
The morning's service hadn't long ended, and there were a few people milling around the entrance way. Talia greeted all of them sweetly, introduced JJ and asked after their families before continuing on in search for Father Reginald. The team had decided that he would be a key person to speak to straight off, as all of the victims had been members of his congregation. They hoped that he would be able to give them some more information on the ladies, and what else they may have in common that could explain why they had been targeted. Smiling at a few other passers-by Talia scanned the church, finally spotting Father Reginald at the other end of the hall talking with some very familiar ladies and their mothers. Stiffening slightly, Talia slowed her pace as she built herself up to the upcoming conversation. JJ looked at her fellow agent curiously, sensing the tension practically rolling off her in waves. Just as she was about to ask if Talia was ok, a voice boomed across the hall having finally noticed their presence.
'Tallulah Snow! Well, what a wonderful surprise! Come on over here and give us a proper hello!' Father Reginald called with a beaming grin.
As the duo reached the group, JJ was relieved to see that Talia's discomfort had seemed to pass, and she now wore a gentle smile as she hugged each of the girls in turn before turning to Father Reginald and giving him a quick hug also. Quickly introducing JJ to the two girls who had been Talia's childhood best friends, and the group reminisced and laughed for a while.
Talia may not like it here for whatever reason, JJ thought, but she had some really good friends. And whatever happened that made her lose her faith, she had obviously been a key member of the church growing up, no matter what she felt now. After some time had passed, promising to catch up with them before she left town again, Talia asked for some privacy to talk with the Father about the case.
'Ah yes,' Father Reginald began with a shake of his head and the beginnings of a frown creasing his forehead. 'It's awful isn't it, I never would have thought anything like this could happen in our peaceful little town.'
'We were hoping you would be able to help us,' began JJ, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. 'We know that all of the women were part of your congregation, and we were wondering if you could tell us any more about them? Anything else that they might have had in common perhaps?'
Unfortunately, Father Reginald did not have the information they were seeking, and so soon after the Agents left to regroup with their team. Before they left, he told them that he would contact them if he thought of anything.
'Keep in touch, Tallulah. IT isn't the same without you here.' Were his parting words before he headed back inside.
As the got into the car JJ turned to Talia and smirked, 'Tallulah huh?'
The only response she got was an eye roll. JJ laughed as she set off, no one was allowed to call Talia by her full name – ever. Apart from it seemed, her childhood priest. Must be a respect thing, she thought, because Talia didn't correct the man once like she would with the rest of the world. She should really visit more…