From London with Love

A Criminal Minds Fanfic

Disclaimer: I claim no credit for anything you recognize. I'm trying my hand at Criminal Minds, I hate that Emily's gone. This is one way she can possibly come back, just my own fantasy to escape to.

Summary: The BAU is in for a surprise as Emily returns from London, but she isn't alone. Mystery is stalking her daughter and is very interested in them both. The team rallies around to support Emily against a ruthless and cunning stalker who has just one goal.

Chapter One

London, England

December 11th, 7:46 am

London's skies were there normal grey as a gentle rain fell down adding to the sleet. Everyone walked with a quick pace and they didn't seem to mind the dreary weather. But neither did the man in the dark coat suit whom stood across from the tall apartment complex. Shades covered his eyes and his hair was cut low in a non descript manner; he seemed to meld into the background. Under the antique store awning diagonal to the complex, his eyes scoped a certain second floor apartment and he frowned when no light could be seen as yet. Checking his watch once more the man crushed his coffee cup and threw it roughly in the trash just as he made his way across the street he spotted her. Her dark hair hung down her shoulders her porcelain face held a tinge of red as she ushered the young caramel toddler into the taxi car. They were both dressed for the weather in warm coats, this wasn't unusual but seeing the driver slam the trunk caught his eye. He quicken his pace so as to hear her conversation, but just as he reached she began to slip inside the car.

But the driver supplied information. "Heathrow Airport ma'am?" The man could just make out her affirmative answer as they drove off. Swearing angrily he yanked out his phone and hit a number on speed dial before he hurriedly walked down the street.

Quantico, Virginia

December 12th, 12:22 am

The team all disembarked from the jet and into the frigid winter night, bone weary. It was 2 weeks before Christmas and the ground was littered with hard packed snow. The last case had been rough on all of them; kids and preteens were abducted and capacitated in Illinois. Their body parts were then littered at public schools and playgrounds, it had taken them a whole week to capture the Unsub. This Unsub had been bullied when he was younger and an addiction to gory videogames had led the 24 year old to snap after being laid off from his manufacturing job.

They all piled out of the two SUV's upon arriving back to headquarters, the basement car lot was just slightly warmer than outside but still held a chill. JJ glanced around at the group and seeing them about to apart she decided to remind them.

"Don't forget, Garcia says she wants to see us before we go home." The whole team gave her an exasperated look in response.

"JJ we still have to come back tomorrow, the flight was rough and our week was crap." Cassandra Mitchell finished in a frown, her brow creased into her forehead. She was the newest addition to the team after Emily left. She stood at 5'8, with flaxen hair that was cut in a bob. Her moss green eyes complimented her olive complexion. She had transferred from Counter Terrorist and had a tendency to be pretty brash. Her tone was laced in annoyance.

"Garcia knows that more than anyone she won't keep us long; let's just get this over with." The group all moved together as one, go bags in hand as they crossed to the elevator. Reid with slightly more energy than the others quickened his pace and pressed the elevator button first. Hotch and Rossi rolled their eyes in amusement at the smug almost child-like giddiness their colleague possesed.

"Did she say where she would be JJ?" Hotch asked as they all entered the bullpen. Rossi glanced up and his eyes took note of the light on in the conference room.

"Looks like someone in the conference room." Rossi warranted a guess and they all moved towards the stairs.

"Well it is roomier than the tech room." Spencer responded but screwed up his face at the others scoffs and shrugged. Derek clapped him on the back as they neared the door.

Hotch entered the room first and he noticed that Garcia was not alone. In her lap sat Henry coloring, but also sitting at the table was none other than Emily Prentiss. Her hair had grown out since they had seen her last and was now well past her shoulders. They all looked up at the gasps and squeals of surprise.

"Emily! You didn't say you were visiting!" Spencer was the first to cross the room and pull her into a hug. The others all moved after this and joined in, Derek hung back allowing everyone else to go ahead. His eyes swept the room and he could see Mitchell eyeing the door, clearly feeling left out.

"Sorry Spence, I thought I would surprise you guys. But this isn't exactly a visit."

"Is something wrong Emily?" Hotch asked taking in the woman before him, examining her for any odd behaviour. Emily instantly saw her error and smiled in an attempt to soothe them.

"No, no, no! Nothing like that, that didn't come out right." They all shared a smile seeing Emily fumble over her words. "I'm moving back, I accepted a transfer for Foreign Affairs."

"Emily that's great!"

"Congrats!"

"Congratulazioni Emily!"

Cassandra perked up at this announcement and seemed to shake off her awkwardness and stepped forward.

"Congratulations Agent Prentiss. Cassandra Mitchell." Cassandra sized up Emily as she came to a stop and thrust out her hand. Emily gave her a warm smile as they shook. "Thank you. It's very nice to finally meet you. I've actually heard a lot about you."

"Likewise, good things I hope?" Cassandra regarded Emily with a raised brow, she had a strong grip and she liked her.

"Oh, of course." Emily grinned remembering Derek ranting about the woman's brashness and abhorrence to protocol in the beginning.

"You have a beautiful daughter." At this all of the profilers' eyes shot up and scanned the room. Lying on the couch against the wall was a small little girl. Her skin a deep caramel which complemented her thick dark curls. Her hair was braided to frame her cherub face. She was dressed in a red corduroy smock dress with a white turtle neck, tights and black boots.

JJ shifted Henry on her shoulder to get a closer look at the little tot. Rossi couldn't stop the smile on his face even if he wanted to; in his eyes it was about time. At just a glance everyone in the room came to the same question in their mind: Did Derek Morgan fathered this child? They had always seemed too close as partners and right now he stood close behind her with one hand unconsciously resting on her back.

"You have a daughter Emily?" Hotch seemed the first to recover and turned to Emily, just a hint of surprise showed in his voice as he regarded his old colleague.

Reid and Garcia shared the look of the cat that swallowed the canary, as if they knew a secret. Emily groaned at this and sent Derek a reproachful look which he answered with a broad grin, scowling she turned back to the expectant faces and clasped her hands.

"Yes, I have a daughter. Her name is Aerynne Ophelia Ndiaye-Prentiss. Her parents died 6 months ago leaving me as her legal guardian. She's 2 years old." Emily swallowed nervously waiting for their reaction, JJ instantly moved and pulled Emily in a one arm hug.

"Oh Emily, that poor girl! You're the best thing she needs right now and I know you're a great mother already."

"Of course she's a great mother, a phenomenal woman." Rossi hugged her tight and kissed her cheek. Emily gave him a grateful smile in return. A quizzical look crossed Reid's face and his brows knitted in thought.

"Wait a minute, didn't Morgan take leave 5 months ago?" Reid asked his expression quizzical. Garcia grinned and fist pumped the air.

"Knew I wasn't the only one who would catch on. Babycakes anything you would like to clear up?" Garcia couldn't help batting her eyes as she said this. Derek rolled his eyes at her and shot Reid a glare.

"I don't know what you're thinking babygirl. Emily was a little over her head and I offered some assistance."

"Of course you did Morgan, a noble gesture and all the way to London too." Rossi joined in on the teasing.

"I believe the words were personal emergency, Dave" Hotch smirked at Morgan's and Prentiss' blush.

"Oh is the big and tough Derek Morgan speechless?" Cassandra joined in the fun, clapping in jest. The whole room broke off in laughter as Derek swatted her hands and groaned at their antics.

"Okay, okay. You've had your fun and seen your surprise. What happened to being tired and wanting to go home?" Derek folded his arms across his chest knowing when to concede.

"You're no fun Derek Morgan." Penelope pouted at him.

"It is late, I better get this little guy to bed. Emily we need a day to catch up." JJ adjusted Henry after hugging Emily one last time.

"Oh yes, definitely Penn's already got that covered. Saturday I believe?" Emily turned to Garcia for confirmation.

"Yep, we can make a day of it, and my 2 favourite little people can play and bond." Penelope grinned as she moved to kiss Henry's cheek before clearing the table and packing her bag.

"It's great to have you back, Emily. We've all missed you but I'm sure you know your man more than us." Rossi's eyes twinkled in mirth as chuckles filled the room once more.

"Oh you think you're smooth, don't you old man?" Derek raised his arms in challenge but his face shined in amusement.

"This old man can still beat your game anytime."

"Oh cut it both of you." Hotch intervened, laughter in his voice as he leaned to hug Emily. "It's good to have you back home Emily, you were missed."

"Thank you Hotch, that means alot." Emily smiled up at him and stepped back. Hotch nodded and moved over and picked up his and JJ's bags, Emily eyed them in interest.

"Let me help you with that JJ."

"Thank you, Henry is dead weight right now." JJ sent Hotch a grateful smile as she pointedly ignored Garcia and Emily. Her and Hotch's friendship had gotten stronger these past couple months. After Will filed for legal separation and returned to New Orleans, it was refreshing to confide in someone again.

"I'll walk out with you guys, nice meeting you Emily. Good Night." Cassandra grinned at JJ and winked at Garcia. Rossi shook his head as he too followed them out.

"You too, Cassandra. Good Night." Emily turned her attention to Reid as they left. Although they spoke to each other every week she had noticed Reid distracted for a while, even now it didn't seem like he was there. Hands in her back pocket she moved to where Spencer leaned against the table and nudged him.

"Doesn't seem like you're too thrill I'm back Spence?" Emily teased him lightly and seemed to break him from his thoughts as he sputtered in surprise.

"What do you mean? I'm ecstatic that you're back Emily, I've missed hanging out with you." Reid regarded her in astonishment as she began to laugh softly and cupped his shoulder.

"I know Spence, where were you just now? You've been distant for a while now. I didn't know how to approach you over the web." Emily looked at him intensely and Spencer shrugged.

"Just thinking. What do you mean distant? I'm just tired, it was a bad case." Although Emily knew this was true, she still knew something else was there but she nodded.

"I'm sure it was, but even before that. You know you can tell me anything right Spence?" Spencer began nodding. "Even if you got a girlfriend!" Spencer stopped mid nod and his eyes widen in surprise.

"You know?! Did Morgan say something?" Spencer immediately sent Derek a dirty look of accusation. Emily chuckled.

"No, but you ARE seeing someone. Spencer Reid regardless of where I am, I shouldn't have to hear it second hand." She gave him a mock glare and stopped him from apologizing by raising her hand. "JJ let it slip, thinking you had already told me."

At this Spencer nodded. "I didn't know how to tell anyone really. Morgan figured it out first when he caught me on the phone. I told JJ when she wanted me to watch Henry that I had a date." His face blushed crimson as he rushed over his words.

"Well I'm glad you found someone and I would love to meet this mystery girl. After me and you catch up mister, you owe me. What do you say about brunch on Sunday?" Emily smiled at Spencer, she loved his simple innocence. He immediately began nodding his head.

"Sunday brunch is fine Em. I know just the place too, a little bistro which just opened, very retro."

"You bet, I can't wait for you to meet Aerynne. She's so inquisitive and needs an Uncle Spencer." Emily gave him a hopeful look and grinned at the disbelief on his face.

"Uncle Spencer?" Emily nodded and laughed as he pulled her in a tight hug.

Please review...! I need feedback, I'm not sure if I got the characters too right. Not much happened in this chapter, but it's going to get interesting soon. So should I continue?