As many of you have probably guessed, this is the latest in my Reid/Emma series of stories. Thank you to everyone who has been reading - I hope you enjoy this -
Prologue
Woodbine, Iowa
As she walked along the edge of the newly planted field, Dawn Sheldon tipped her head back to feel the warm sun on her face. Spring had finally arrived and she was planning on enjoying it to the fullest. She and her girlfriend, Rachel, had just spent the afternoon discussing their futures. Soon, their senior year at the local consolidated high school would be over and then - Their options appeared to be endless!
"Oh, Hi There!" she greeted the person walking towards her. "What are you doing way out here?"
Dawn never got her answer as a screwdriver was quickly driven into her chest and through her heart. She was dead before she hit the ground. Her jeans were then pulled down and puncture wounds were made in a predetermined pattern around her waist. Finished, Dawn's attacker pocketed the murder weapon and walked calmly off to resume their daily life.
Quantico, VA
A small group was gathered around the open grave of Dr. Mary Donovan. The deceased had insisted on a small, private interment, and her wishes were being honored. Included in the group was Dr. Spencer Reid. Following Maeve's death, he had become a frequent visitor at her parents' home, and he was now considered a part of their extended family.
After the service was completed, Reid took time to put flowers on Maeve's grave and stand quietly looking at her headstone before proceeding on to the restaurant where the wake was being held.
And The Story Begins . . .
It was mid-morning and SSA Aaron Hotchner was sitting at his desk reading and signing some routine papers. The past few days had been quiet, and he was taking full advantage of the opportunity to get caught up on his paperwork. He knew that if he walked out onto the balcony and looked down into the bullpen area, he would see that his team was also making full use of the temporary lull.
A knock on his doorframe disrupted his concentration and, when he looked up, he saw SSA David Rossi standing there, waiting for his acknowledgment.
"Dave?" he greeted the senior agent.
Rossi walked into the office. "I just talked with the Iowa State Police," he told Hotch. "They have a case we need to take a look at."
Hotch frowned. "They came directly to you, Dave - Not through channels? You know that isn't the way it is supposed to work."
"I have sent the request back through channels, and included my recommendation that we take the case," Rossi told him. "We should be hearing back shortly, but I am certain the case is going to be accepted and assigned to us."
Hotch drew a deep breath. It wasn't often that his senior agent challenged him and, when he did, he always had a good reason. Probably better to go along with him, for now.
"Okay, if you think so, Dave," Hotch conceded. "Gather the troops in the conference room and I will be right with you."