The calm after the storm is a terrible force to reckon with. Just ask Emily Prentiss.
That walk seemed eternal. Emily and Hotch still had another mile of forest to hike back to the main road where their SUV was parked. The only sound in the air was the soothing crunch of dry, autumn leaves under their military grade boots.
It had been an eventful morning. They caught the Un-sub, and Morgan and Rossi took him away, seething in contempt but careful to protect his constitutional rights. Downtown at the station, Reid and J.J. gave the victims' families closure. And Hotch and Emily processed the scene. So it was finally over after eight days.
Slowly her adrenaline levels subsided and she grew weary. With each step the Kevlar became unbearably heavy. Or was it that the images of the three mangled women were starting to surface, to be dealt with sooner rather than later? Emily took a deep breath and looked up at her partner. Brows tightly knit, lips in a thin line, Agent Hotchner was also lost in dark thoughts of his own.
"I know," he said meeting her glance. "I feel it too. Let's just take these vests off."
It was funny how they had learned to communicate without words. During this case, he openly favored her as his partner. No one questioned his decision but he felt the need to offer the team an explanation.
"Prentiss and I think alike," he said simply. Emily felt the heat of a blush rise to her cheeks. But then Reid said, "Yes, you two make me question my disbelief in telepathy." And the team laughed.
Hotch helped Emily out of her Kevlar, then he took off his own vest and dropped it on the ground with a thud. He sat on a fallen log as if he still felt weighed down. Emily quietly sat next to him, a sea of emotion behind her long lashes and black orbs. They sat in companionable silence for a few moments and then it started to rain. Emily laughed and the sound broke their grief. Hotch looked at her expectantly.
"I don't have anything against New Jersey, but the sooner we get out of this state, the better!"
His heart-stopping smile illuminated his features. "Agreed," he said and extended a hand to help her up. She felt his fingers linger on hers, but then he reluctantly turned away. She quietly followed, thoughts in disarray.
Damn it, Hotch! Just take my hand. Hell, just take me, right here in the woods under the rain. Make me forget my name as I scream out yours.
She giggled at the thought of informing Reid what she had just telepathically told Hotch.
"You know, Spencer, I think you're correct in not believing in telepathy," she would begin. "I just screamed at Hotch to do me in the forest, and he kept right on walking."
Of course, Dr. Spencer Reid would be terribly shocked. Emily would give anything to see his face! But then he would recover and say, "Well, you know, Emily, his inaction could also be attributed to the fact that it would be highly inappropriate to, and I quote, "do you in the forest," because he is your Unit Chief, and I doubt that "doing a subordinate in the forest" is a skill set he would want included in his resumé. In addition, he would no doubt be worried about deer ticks, which transmit Lyme disease – an unfortunate result of lying naked in a New Jersey forest. Just saying."
Emily giggled nervously and then gave in to unrestrained laughter. Hotch looked back at her with an inquisitive glance. She was laughing so hard her ribs hurt, but then she stopped suddenly. Sadness overwhelmed her and threatened to break through her neatly guarded façade. She had been in the lair of a killer where human beings had been dismembered. And all she could think about was seducing her boss? How was any of it normal?
"Oh, no," she whispered as she attempted with all her strength to keep the tears at bay. But after the first sob, others tore at her throat. Hotch was immediately by her side with his strong arms engulfing her. She wanted to push him away, but he wouldn't let her. He pressed her flush against him and said, "Let it out, Emily. It's okay." And she did.
By the time she was able to compose herself they were both trembling in the rain. Worried that he would catch a cold, she managed to say, "Let's jog back to the SUV. We need to get warm fast."
"Are you okay?" he asked. She was moved by the pained expression in his eyes.
"I will be," she assured him and flashed him the best smile she could muster.
"Let's go," he said and they easily jogged the remaining trek.
At the SUV they changed into dry clothes and the heater soon made them comfortable. But on the drive to the airport Emily thought about what awaited her back home: an empty house and a lonely night. The thought was unbearable and she closed her eyes.
"You know, Prentiss, when we get back, I could use some help with the reports. I hate to ask. It's been eight grueling days, but…"
"Yes," she interrupted. "I'll help you." And the well of tears instantly dried up.
Author's Note: Thank you for your kind reviews. It's so much fun to receive them!