Finding Me Chapter 1
"You know me. You know my way. You can't show me. But God I'm praying. That you'll find me and you'll see me. And that you run and never tire. Desire…"
It's been eight months since Emily Prentiss left the BAU and took a job in the U.S. Department of State, in Foreign Affairs working directly under former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. It was an opportunity she could not pass up and needed. After what happened with Doyle, and although he can no longer hurt her, the bad days were still frequent. The constant violence of the serial killers they dealt with in every case did not help tame the nightmares.
There were times she found herself calling Hotch, whom she had gotten close to since her return to the BAU after they had faked her death to protect her from Doyle coming after her. He offered for her to come to him when she has those bad days because he had been there before. He confided in her that there were still times he had nightmares about Foyet.
Sometimes she would also call JJ. She needed her calming voice and she is her best friend. JJ is the sister she always wanted. She is the one she bares her feelings and soul to. In those times, she is crying because she couldn't save her or any member of the team. JJ would stay on the phone with her until her crying stops or when JJ drives to her house during those times, JJ stays until she falls asleep. Sometimes, JJ takes Henry with her when Will is called into work and Henry lights up those dark days just like the way Jack does when he would ask his Dad that he wanted to talk to the "pretty lady." The little Hotchner seem to have fallen in love with Emily when they had gone to cheer for Hotch on a marathon he had participated in. Although she, JJ and Penelope were so hung over from a "Girls Night Out", Jack was so taken by her that he did not leave her side that day and could not stop telling her about his school, his friends and his toys. Twice a week, she would read to him over the phone until he falls asleep. And this continues, wherever she is in the world.
When the offer from the U.S. State Department came, she talked to JJ first. Knowing what Emily goes through during those nights, she encouraged Emily to take the offer. As much as she wants Emily stay with the team, Emily is her best friend and a sister to her and it breaks her heart every time she sees or hears Emily breakdown from one of her nightmares. She knows how cases affected her even when she puts on that mask of hers. She wanted for Emily to finally find peace and to be free of the nightmare that has been haunting her for years. Emily has so much life in her and if letting her go is the only way for that light to shine all the time, she will do that for Emily. By moving to a less gruesome type of work, she hopes that Emily finds someone special who truly deserves her. JJ knows how lucky she is to have Will and Henry to come home to. She can safely tuck away those bad cases when she is at home with them. Emily doesn't have that and if there's anybody who deserves love, it is Emily.
After telling JJ, Emily told Hotch. Just like JJ, Hotch was very encouraging and told her to accept this opportunity. He made her promise two things: 1) To call him every now and then. 2) Most importantly, to keep reading to Jack twice a week. She has kept those two promises.
She then told the rest of the team.
The news hit Reid the hardest. As intelligent Reid is, he was always like a little boy and when someone leaves, he always felt he is being abandoned. She assured him that it isn't what she's doing. She had to explain to him how hard it has been for her since she came back from her "faked death" and that as much as she wanted to be the "Emily" before Doyle came back into her life to kill her, she isn't that Emily anymore and that she needed to find her again. And Emily promised him, that when they are both free and one those old classic foreign films are playing, she will go with him. This made Reid smile and she knew, he understood.
Emily has been travelling so much since she transferred to the U.S. State Department. She spent a lot of time in the Middle East because of the situations in Syria and Egypt. She also spent time in Sudan. There's also the growing tension with China and spent time there when Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was there for a few days. She managed to learn a little bit of Cantonese and Mandarin.
In between travels, Emily did manage to come to the BAU for lunch or dinner with the whole team. After a couple of months, when she left and the team had not seen her because she had been in and out of the country and the team have been on cases, she showed up in Quantico to surprise them, she almost got knocked to the floor when Penelope ran straight to her.
They also had their occasional "Girls Night Out", to fill each other in on their personal life.
Eight months later, news was flashing on CNN about men, who are politicians or somewhat connected to politics, have all been tortured and murdered.
Strauss came to Aaron Hotchner's office and told him that he and his team have been called in to help the DCPD. The killer or killers have been taunting them leaving them messages as to why these men are being punished. But they are having a hard time with the investigation since these involved rich and influential people.
Aaron Hotchner's eyebrows furrowed. David Rossi scratched his head. The rest of the team had the same worried look. They know that this case is going to be hell because none of them like talking politics and even though JJ had some connections, they know of only one person, who knows how to handle politicians and can talk politics. It was Emily Prentiss.
JJ spoke first. "Hotch, we have to call her."
"We don't even know if she's in the country." Hotch responed.
"It's worth a try. Even if she can't be here to work on the case, she could probably fill us in on some of the victims' families. " JJ insisted.
"She's right Aaron. Emily is the only one who can help us with the roadblocks." Rossi added.
"Alright. Garcia, call Emily."
"Dialing now, sir."
After a couple of rings, the so familiar voice answered.
"I was wondering how long it will take you to contact me. I'm at the airport now and heading to Quantico. And before you ask, yes the Secretary of State personally sent me to the BAU to help solve this case."
"Well, hello to you to Princess." Morgan said.
"Hello, there partner. I have written down notes and will fill you in on the families of the victims. I know all the victims. A couple of them, I know personally and the other two, in passing. My plane just landed a few minutes ago. I'm waiting for my luggage. So I will see you guys soon."
"Okay, Em. Do you want me to come and pick you up? It might be faster, with the sirens and all." JJ offered.
"Don't worry JJ, I have an escort waiting for me outside provided by the Secretary of State herself."
"Well, well Princess. I'm not sure if we can still reach you. You are way too high for this tiny BAU team." Derek joked.
"Very funny, Derek. The Secretary of State has been told by the President that he wants this case solved, pronto. I'm getting in the car now. See you guys."
"Bye, Em."
After hanging up, all smiles were each member of the BAU Team.
They have their Emily back, even for just one case.