Well, the bad guys are heading out of Kentucky while our good guys are heading toward a relaxing weekend in the woods. Okay, that might be a overstatement. But let's get them settled and rested before the fireworks begin. I don't own Criminal Minds. But I wonder if it's too late to buy stock in the company.

Despertar

David Rossi reached over and turned up the radio. Casting a glace to his right, he noticed that Emily had fallen asleep. He couldn't blame her. It had taken a lot of persuading to get her to join him on a hunting trip--especially when she found out that they would be leaving Arlington at 0400. Not until he called her bluff in front of the team did she actually break down and agree to the trip and departure time.

He wasn't sure why he had asked her. Normally he liked the solitary solitude of himself and his dog. He liked being away from the hustle and bustle of city life and just being able to breathe fresh air and cleanse his soul. Lately, it seemed crime was on the upswing and he would never be able to take a vacation. But when a break presented itself, Dave was on it. But this time he wanted company. And Prentiss looked as though she could use the break. He gets company and she learns to unwind---it was a win-win all the way around.

Now, with the cooler in the jump seat, the dog on the opposite jump seat, Emily asleep in the passenger, he felt a small urge of excitement as the truck sped toward the isolated cabin in the woods. Was it luck or design that he would find the perfect cabin, on the lake, directly between Royal and Luray? He had snatched it up for a song and fixed it up for twice as much. But he had the money, and he liked to be comfortable. If that was a sin, oh well; Dave worked hard for his money and what he didn't pay out for alimony, he deservedly spent it on himself.

He barely blinked as the Welcome To Royal, VA sign passed by. He figured they could stop for breakfast before heading on to the cabin. Then they would---his thoughts were interrupted by dual snoring. Dave's mouth curved in a slight smile to realize that Emily and Mudgie were snoring in cadence. Oh, he was going to hold this over her head. Maybe if this trip went well, he could cajole her into another. Now he had a bargaining chip.

As the café came into sight, Dave slowed down. Touching the brake gently, he guided the truck into an empty parking space. Putting it in park, he turned off the ignition. Gently he touched Emily's shoulder.

"Prentiss," he called. "Prentiss, wake up."

Groaning, Emily rubbed her eyes and stretched. "Are we there yet?"

"No, we have about a half hour. I thought we'd stop for breakfast. Are you hungry?"

Emily stretched again. "Depends; are you paying?"

Dave shrugged. "Yeah. You are my guest."

Emily unfastened the seat belt and opened the door. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this. I could be at home right now. Curled under my down comforter, fast asleep and lost in dreams."

Dave hit the lock button and closed the door behind him. "Where is the fun in that? Just think: you will have three days away from smog, noise, crime, and you will be able to see my private cabin."

Emily raised her eyebrow. "I've heard guys use some pretty outrageous pet names, but that's a new one. You use that with all the women or just me?"

"Very funny Agent Prentiss; are you always so happy go lucky this early in the morning?"

"I don't think birds are happy go lucky this early in the morning."

Dave shook his head. "Morgan was right about you and your coffee fix."

"What about me and my coffee fix?" she replied indignantly.

Dave held up his hands defensively. "Nothing. Let's get you fed." He held the door open for her. Then he followed.

One hour later Dave pulled the truck up the cabin and shoved the gear into park before cutting off the engine. Emily looked at the cabin and back at Dave. "That is your rustic cabin in the woods?"

"I know it's not much, but it's comfortable," Dave apologized and let Mudgie out to run free. Emily flipped her seat forward and grabbed the cooler.

"Not much? Rossi, this is better than some of the houses in Arlington."

"What were you expecting?"

Emily heaved the cooler up and used her hip to close the door. "I don't know; maybe something from Little House on The Prairie, I suppose."

Dave chuckled and gathered up the shotgun and rifle. "Well, we are in the 21st century, Prentiss. Bucolic sounds good on paper, but in the winter time, it ruins the moment to have to trek 300 yards to the outhouse." He walked up the steps and unlocked the door. "I like to be comfortable. So sue me."

Walking inside, Emily placed the cooler on the dining room table. "So how comfortable is comfortable?"

"I have electricity, running water, toilets, but no TV, computer, or satellite service. I have a stereo if I want music and a collection of books."

Emily looked at him in astonishment. "Seriously?"

"If I wanted all of those amenities, I would stay in the city. I like to get away and unwind. It wouldn't hurt you to do the same. Go put that stuff in the kitchen and I'll get our bags," he offered and stepped outside. Emily, still in shock, carried the items to the other room. Carefully, she settled the food and wine bottles on the refrigerator shelves. She straightened as she heard Dave approach.

"I'll show you where your room is so you can change, if you want. Then we'll take a quick tour around the grounds."

Emily closed the fridge. "Sure."

Quickly she changed into jeans and hiking boots and joined Dave downstairs. With her hair tucked neatly under a ball cap, she could almost feel the excitement building as she followed Dave down the winding tree covered paths. She had lived all over the world, but never had she seen anything quite as wonderful as these woods. She was almost beginning to understand why Dave ran away every chance he got.

Settled back in, she started a fire in the huge rock fireplace while Dave made dinner. Very little was spoken over the dinner table.

Sated from a wonderful meal and Italian wine, Emily offered to do the dishes, but Dave waved her off.

"It's just a couple of items. I got it taken care of. Besides, we'll be leaving out first thing in the morning and I want you rested."

Emily groaned. "You seriously still want to hunt?"

"Hunting cabin out in the woods. What did you think I was going to do? Sew?"

"Sewing sounds good."

"Tell you what: finish your drink, turn in, and we'll see about working fishing into the schedule."

"Actually, I suck more at fishing than I do hunting."

"I doubt you suck at anything Emily Prentiss. Go turn in. See you in the morning." He watched as Emily drained her glass, left it on the table, and climbed the stairs. Once she was out of sight, Dave grabbed the glass and took it to the kitchen.

Twenty minutes later, he locked the doors, checked the windows, and turned out the lights. Climbing the stairs to his room, he paused outside Emily's door. Gently he eased it open. Light snoring filled the space. Looking around, a black head raised up from the foot of Emily's bed.

"Come on boy," Dave offered. The dog put his head down and sighed. "This is not your bed. Come on!" No response. Dave shook his head and closed the door.

Undressing quickly, he changed into his pajamas and got under the covers. Settling down into sleep, Dave suddenly sat up. Turning on the light, he pulled open the drawer of the nightstand. Taking out his 9mm, he checked to make sure it was loaded and the safety was on. Reassured, he replaced it, turned out the light, and lay back against the pillows.

His feet felt the empty space where the dog usually slept. The dog that was usually so loyal and devoted to his master, was now sleeping in Emily's bed.

"Lucky dog," Dave muttered and closed his eyes.