Chapter 2
Almost
Assignation
"I don't need to sell my soul; he's already in me. I want to be adored." – The Stone Roses
Emily lay in bed for a long time that night before she went to sleep. She had always thought that stalking happened to young pretty women, not women like her. She never thought of herself as nice looking – a bit too masculine to be called attractive. She hated the thought that some one had crept up to her door and left the rose. She tried a little self profiling, trying to work out what could possibly make her a target in a city full of beautiful women. He job maybe? She thought it could sound glam to someone who didn't see the bodies and blood that she had to look at. All they saw was flashing her FBI ID and driving round in nice SUV's.
She had closed the blinds in her bedroom, although she liked to have them and the window open.
Damn! The creep was making her change! She was altering her life because of him!
The thought made her angry. She determined not to let this affect her. After all, all he (or she?) had done was leave her a rose.
Feeling a bit silly, she turned over and pulled the quilt over her shoulder, and closed her eyes.
-0-0-0-
Dave had spent the night on Aaron's sofa again. His back cricked as he tried to move when he woke up. Said sofa was about a foot too short for him, and it wasn't the best night he had spent. Aaron had offered his own bed, or he could make up the spare room for him.
"Oh no, Aaron. I'll be fine here."
Next time he wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the offer.
He looked at the empty bottles on the table. He had had three of them; Aaron had had the rest. Dave was becoming worried about him. Since Haley had walked out, He spent a lot of alone time drinking. He had called on him unexpectedly a few times, and caught him a bit tipsy, with empty bottles on the table. He had seen no change in his work. If anything he seemed more committed than ever. But it was a concern.
He rolled off the sofa and uncramped himself painfully and went to the kitchen to put the coffee on. He sat and thought about Prentiss and her stalker, if that was indeed what this man was. So far there was nothing malicious, but he knew how quickly and suddenly that could devolve. It could carry on for years before it became dangerous. But then, no one really knew how long this man had been watching her. He got out two mugs, and poured himself a strong coffee. While he waited for Aaron, he got out his notes he had made the night before on stalkers, and read through them. By the time Aaron came down, he felt familiar with the information.
It was likely that this UnSub was an 'Intimacy Seeker', probably Erotomanic or, as Aaron had suggested, Love Obsessional. He was writing annotations, when Aaron came in.
"Morning." he said, deliberately leaving out the 'good'.
Dave smiled up at him. "I've been thinking about Prentiss." he said.
"So have I. I don't think she should go home on her own until this is sorted. One of us, Reid or Morgan should take her home, and check her apartment with her at night." Aaron said. "She's quite capable of looking after herself, but if anyone is waiting for her, it would be better if there was someone to back her up." Aaron went to a cupboard and took a towel out for Dave. "I think we should sweep her apartment for bugs."
"Thanks." he said. "And yes. I think that would be wise."
Dave went off to shower, and Aaron poured himself coffee. As he sat down his mobile rang.
"Hotchner."
"Hotch, my car won't start."
"Go back to your apartment, Emily. Rossi or I will come and fetch you."
"It was fine last night, Hotch. I think it might have been tampered with." she said. "I'm already back upstairs."
"Stay there. One of us will be there shortly." Aaron said. "I'll have someone go and check out your car."
He cut the connection. That was a common tactic. Sab the car, and offer the victim a lift. Emily had more sense. He would ask Dave to go and pick her up, and he would arrange for her car to be checked.
He sipped his coffee. It could be nothing. Or it could be the UnSub's attempt at contact. This was starting to escalate.
-0-0-0-
He watched her come out of her building and walk through to the parking area. He wasn't very happy this morning. She had closed her blinds when she went to bed, and denied him the pleasure of watching her sleep. He was angry. Why had she done that, when he had been so kind to her and left her a gift? It was selfish of her, and he wanted to smack her. When she was his, he would have to teach her some things. He checked what she was wearing today. Her top was a bit low. That would have to stop.
He got ready. It would take her a few minutes to realise her car wouldn't start, then he would go over and offer to help. It would be nice to have her speak to him.
He was about to run down the stars to help her, when he saw her walking back to her door! She was on her mobile!
What are you doing? I am going to help you! Who are you calling?
So! She wanted someone else to help her. Why? It hurt – it really hurt. Rejecting him. Why couldn't she love him like he loved her?
He knew why. She didn't know him well enough. When she got the bouquet he had ordered for her, she would change her mind. She would want him then! Eighty dollars...but worth every penny.
He watched the apartment. She sat on her couch with her hands clenched on her lap. He felt sad that he couldn't help her. She needed to be loved. That was so obvious! When she got up and answered to door, an older man stood there. She picked up her bag and followed him out of the apartment. Minutes later, a black SUV left the parking area with her and the man in. So. There was a man in her life.
Don't you realise the danger you are putting yourself in getting in a car with a man unchaperoned?
But don't be afraid, My Darling Emily. I won't let anyone touch you. I will protect you with my life!
He left the hotel room, ready to spend the day watching for her at work. There weren't many opportunities to see her at work. But sometimes she went out at lunch time. Three days ago he sat in Starbucks opposite her while she had coffee and a sandwich with another woman – a very bland looking blond. Emily shone next to her, and he was proud of her. Maybe today it would happen again.
His body responded to his thought of being so close to her.
He parked his car in a quiet side street. He was ready now, and he gasped in ecstasy as he thought of how much he loved her, and how she would soon love him too. He reclined his seat and lay still, recovering.
Oh Emily, I will make you so happy. We will be perfect together, your shining beauty, I have dedicated my life to you. Soon now, it will be time...
-0-0-0-
The vehicle technician asked if he ought to bring her car back to the FBI HQ. Emily said no. She had agreed that it would be a good idea for her to be escorted to and from work for the time being, so the car might as well stay at her apartment.
The tech said that the HT lead had been loosened. Nothing serious. But it would have meant opening the bonnet, and it wasn't immediately obvious what was wrong. The UnSub would have had an opportunity to contact her.
Emily went to see Hotch during the morning to thank him.
"I can't believe this is having this effect on me." she told him, puzzled. "I am more than capable of taking care of myself."
"I can understand." he said. "It's an invasion of privacy. This man is entering your personal space uninvited. Of course it will un-nerve you." He paused. "Are you planning on going out at lunch time?"
"I do like to get out during the day." she said. "Even if it's only to Starbucks."
"If you do, take someone with you."
"I will." she smiled. "Maybe you would?..."
"What time are you going?" Aaron asked.
-0-0-0-
He watched from over the road. The slut had a different man with her this time.
I won't tolerate this unfaithfulness, Bitch! Do not do this to me!
He sat at the far end of the cafe, and ordered coffee. He was too angry again, and couldn't drink it.
"Is your coffee ok, sir?" a young woman in a Starbucks tee shirt asked. He looked up at her, and hated her. Her nails were bitten, the filthy cow.
"Go away from me." he growled. "You are disgusting!"
She blinked in surprise and backed away, her pasty skin reddening with embarrassment. He ignored her and went back to watching his lover...talking with another man.
This would have to STOP!!
