A/N- This is my first try at Criminal Minds FF. Hope you like. And, now that I have time, I'm going to try to update my other stories as well.
Jessi left the FBI two years ago, after her brother and niece had been brutally murdered on the same night. Now, the BAU make their way to Texas to try to get her back after a string of murders connected to their deaths leave the elite team puzzled.
Chapter 1
Jessi threw the last pile of manure into the wheel barrow. Only three more stalls to do, then she'd be done and she could ride Shadow. If it didn't storm. She pushed the wheel barrow away from the stall door and walked out to the main field where her Mustang mare stood, watching her. As Jessi approached the field gate, Shadow nickered at her and pranced toward the gate from the middle of the field. Jessi looked on in pride.
She had bought the mare at an auction four years ago for her niece, Emily. Shadow was charcoal gray, with a white crescent moon on her forehead, and a white mane and tail. Jessi had out bid killer buyers for the mare. They met at the gate and Jessi reached out and rubbed Shadow's soft muzzle. Shadow turned her head abruptly, jerking Jessi's shoulder. "Damn it, Shadow." Jessi was only 32 but, she'd gotten shot in the shoulder during her last case in the FBI, and although fully healed now, if jerked, it hurt. A lot. She turned in the direction Shadow was facing.
A black Suburban was pulling up the gravel driveway that led to the barn. "Who do you suppose this is. Shadow?" Yes, she talked to the horse. She never received an answer. Obviously. She looked on as three men stepped out of the SUV. One, she immediately recognized as Jason Gideon. The other two, she couldn't place. What did the BAU want with her? An ex-Agent who gave up on her self. "I should probably meet them half way..." Shadow looked at her as if to say,"Duh."
"Can I help you gentlemen?" Okay, it sounded lame, but all well. Better use courtesy.
Jason Gideon spoke up. "Are you Jessica Granger?"
"Jessi, please. And, yes, I am. What can I help you with?"
One of his companions, who looked like a stereotype of an FBI agent to the core, hard angles on the face and suit included, spoke next. "We have a few questions about a case we've just received from the local police in Virginia."
"Sorry, guys. Can't help you there. Seeing as how we're in Georgia." She turned and headed for the barn. She might as well finish the barn work.
"I hate it when people jump to conclusions." Jessi knew the remark hadn't been intended to be overheard, but she heard it. Turning back around, she faced the tall, handsome African-American man. He wore dark sunglasses, a gray, long-sleeved shirt, and black tactical pants. He almost looked as though he was sizing her up.
"Excuse me?"
"No one is jumping to conclusions Morgan." He only shrugged at the comment made by Gideon. "We weren't expecting you to know anything about the recent murders, Ms. Granger."
"What could I possibly help you with? And I'm not trying to be rude, but why the hell could you possibly think that I would know about any past murders that would relate to more recent ones?"
"This case carries the same MO as your brother's murder and your niece's murder."
A/N- No, the title has nothing to do with Shadow the horse. Although, she will be making periodic appearances through out...Please review!!