Hey guys! Thanks again for all the wonderful reviews last chapter, you guys are awesome!

Thanks again to RussellCraig for sticking with me to beta read this story!

I hope you all like this next chapter, let me know what you guys think.


Chapter 4: The Café

"I once read a quote by Kristin Bauer van Straten: "People can do all kinds of things that maybe aren't wise in hindsight because of jealousy."

- Penelope Garcia

Police Station

Rossi walked in and found the others waiting. "Garcia called," he told them as he took his seat. "JJ and Emily went for a walk this afternoon and they think they were being followed. They didn't see anyone, but they are confident someone was watching them."

"Are there any security cameras we can look at?" Tara questioned, crossing her arms over her chest. She certainly wanted to catch this unsub before she decided to go after their undercover couple.

"Garcia's been through it," he confirmed. "There are lots of other people, but no one who seems inappropriately interested in the girls."

Nicholls joined them holding a cup of coffee in his right hand. "My officer finally got through to Andie and Jane's parents. They still refused to come," he informed the group. "They did say their daughters met a woman by the name of Sophia."

Tara got to her feet to write the third name on the board. Rossi thanked the local before he left them to their work. "Okay, we've got three couples, and three different names. If the killer left their hearts alone, it would be understandable for people to conclude they have three killers and not one."

"That's probably the whole point of using different methods," Alvez concluded, leaning back in his chair. "If that's the case, our unsub is extremely organized. That's the only way she could kill them so brutally and still leave no evidence behind. She hunts her victims in that café and plans the kill days in advance. Maybe it'd be easier to see the pattern if we understood the stressor that started her killing."

As Alvez was finishing his comments, Reid sat quietly across the table, mumbling the words, "No evidence."

The eldest agent noticed Reid was lost in thought, he could practically see his brain working behind his eyes. "What are you thinking, kid?" he asked, but there was no response. Long seconds passed until finally Reid looked up, acknowledging the others. Rossi tried again, "Reid? You got something?"

"I think so," he admitted cautiously. "I can't believe I didn't see it sooner," he said, getting up from his chair and walking to the board. "I have been looking in the wrong place. I shouldn't have been looking to find evidence, I should have been looking at the lack of evidence."

"I'm not following," Alvez confessed with a sigh.

Reid now pointed to the empty spaces on the board where they normally wrote down the various pieces of evidence. "What does someone do in order to avoid contaminating a crime scene?"

The old-school agent, answered for the team. "Gloves to avoid prints, a hat to catch loose hair and something to avoid footprints."

"What if it's more than that," Reid asked. "What if the evidence isn't left behind because she takes it with her?"

It was Tara who understood what the doctor was saying first. "You mean some kind of suit? Something that ensures nothing is left behind?"

"Exactly," Reid agreed, clearly pleased that someone understood. "It explains why there is so little at the crime scenes for us to find."

Rossi digested this new information while he turned the ring on his finger. "Can she really wear some sort of protective suit and not stick out? Someone would remember that."

"Maybe that's why all the crimes happen after dark," Alvez guessed. "It'd be easier for her to hide that way."

Reid tapped the board, silently telling the team he wasn't done with his revelation. He let out a relieved laugh as they finally started making progress. "I think I understand the pattern,".

"What pattern?"

He pointed to the three different crime scene photos. "I know where our unsub is getting her inspiration for the different methods of the murders. If I'm right about this... the next time she kills, someone's head will be chopped off."

Undercover

"Are you ready to go, JJ?" Emily called out from the bottom of the stairs. She listened but the only answer she got was the sound of the bathroom door opening and rapidly moving feet on the hardwood floor.

"I'll be right down!" JJ yelled, hastily pulling on her shoes. She hadn't intended to take so long, but she made a last-minute wardrobe change after she decided her previous dress wasn't comfortable enough. Just as she was about to descend the stairs, her cell phone rang with a familiar tone. It was the ringtone she set up for Will. Quickly reversing course, she clenched her phone in her hand and yelled, "Just a minute, Em!"

Downstairs Emily heard the phone ring and she knew who was calling. She had noticed things were tense every time Will became a subject in their convesation. She desperately wanted to know what was going on between JJ and her husband, but Emily didn't want to push the issue. "I'll be waiting in the living room!"

With that, she walked away from the bottom of the stairs and sat down on the couch, patiently waiting for JJ to finish her call.

"Will, I'm on a case, what's wrong?" JJ asked without preamble.

"Whoa, easy, chère," Will soothed, sounding suprisingly sober. "I just wanted to apoligise for the other day. I shouldn't have reacted that way."

Letting out a sigh, JJ sat down on the bed and crossed her legs. "You really should stop drinking, Will. I'm trying to hide it from the kids, but I don't know how much longer I can keep that up. Henry's growing up fast and he's already so smart." She heard a grunt, followed by the opening of a cupboard. The cupboard. "Don't do it," she pleaded in a whisper, "please."

"What are you going to do about it? You're not here, you can't stop me." She listened until she heard the unmistakable sound of him taking a long drink. She fought back tears as she waited. What was wrong with him? She just didn't understand, how could his mood change so suddenly? "If you come home to me, right now, I will stop drinking."

"That's a useless argument, Will, and you know it. I can't leave here." JJ sadness was replaced by burning anger. Will was putting her on the spot and she didn't like it. In her mind she caught herself comparing Will's behavior to Emily's, although JJ knew there was no real comparison. Why am I thinking of Emily while I'm talking to Will? Shaking her head, she continued. "I have to go, Emily is waiting. I'll be home when the case is over, you should -"

"Here we go again," Will interrupted coldly. "We can't have a single conversation without you bringing her up! Maybe you should be with her instead of me." With that, he hung up the phone and left JJ stunned.

Gritting her teeth, she angrily tossed her phone down on the bed and watched it bounce. "Damnit!" she cursed as she ran both hands over her face and through her hair. Regaining her composure she picked up the phone and took a slow, deep breath. As she walked to the mirror, she brushed her hair out with her fingers and put on her best everything-is-fine smile from back in her media liaison days.

Emily rose to her feet as soon as she heard JJ coming down the stairs. "You okay?" she wondered gently, reaching out to rest a hand on the younger woman's arm.

All of the anger JJ felt during her call with Will vanished under Emily's attention. Her eyes closed on their own and suddenly holding her tongue became difficult. In a rush, JJ wanted to confess everything. She wanted to tell her friend the truth; that Will was drinking; that she was unhappy. She wanted to share her tales of abuse and admit out loud that she wanted to leave him. As the thoughts raced through her mind it occurred to her that if Will wasn't in the picture she'd be free to be with Emily. Her eyes snapped open and she pulled away slightly. She was shocked by her own thoughts. Where did that idea come from?

"Everything's fine," she lied, covering it quickly behind a smile. Returning to her role as Jennifer James, she took her fiancé's hand and pulled her to the door.

Just a few minutes later, both women walked into The Café. It was already crowded, the lights were down and the music was loud. Emily spotted two empty bar stools and took JJ's hand to lead her to their destination. Once they were settled they turned, putting their backs to the bar as they scanned the room. "Can I get you girls anything?"

Both women followed the voice and found a handsome male bartender standing across from them, only the shiny bar separating them.

"Yeah, two mojito's, please," JJ said with a smile, sliding closer to Emily. Normally they didn't drink on the job, but they were undercover and had to blend in. The blonde rested a hand on Emily's leg before nodding to the dancefloor. She lowered her voice so only Emily would be able to hear. "We should dance. Maybe she scouts the dancefloor for victims."

"Great idea," the older profiler agreed and they got to their feet just as their drinks were served. Once they reached the dancefloor the music changed into Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran; a slow song. Bright red lights were projected onto the ceiling, mimicking a star lit sky. Emily wrapped her arms around JJ's waist, a bright smile on her lips as she felt the other woman's arms sneak around her neck. Keep it together, Prentiss, this is not the time. You're undercover.

A content sigh left JJ's lips as she stepped even closer to Emily. They moved slowly, swaying to the music. She took in a deep breath and caught the scent of the older woman's perfume. Completely content she closed her eyes and let Emily lead.

Emily pulled JJ closer, so close that she could feel the warm breath on her neck. A shiver ran down her spine. God, I want her to "Kiss me." The thought had come so suddenly she surprised herself, not even realizing she had said those last two words out loud.

"What?" Emily was startled by JJ's sudden suggestion and she was feverishly hoping the younger woman hadn't caught the tremble in her voice. She had tried so hard to keep her feelings hidden for so many years, but fate was cruel. A kiss would only make it harder to keep those feelings inside.

Quickly catching up to her own words, JJ knew there was no turning back. She swallowed hard before she tried to explain. "We're a couple. Couples kiss, Em," Taking advantage of a wave of confidence she wasn't expecting JJ ran her hand over Emily's cheek. She hadn't intented for those words to leave her lips, but she couldn't take them back now. Her heart began to beat faster as she saw Emily's eyes darken several shades.

"Are you sure?" the brunette questioned, tilting her head a little. She brought one hand up to rest between JJ's shoulder blades, bringing her impossibly closer until their lips were inches apart. Emily knew it would be a bad idea to kiss her, but how could she not? These opportunities didn't come along every day. In fact she wasn't even worried about kissing JJ, her true fear was not being able to stop. Yet, it was indeed necessary to maintain their cover, or at least that's what she told herself.

"Kiss me," JJ whispered again, even more confidently. Her arms tightened around Emily's neck and she felt the older woman's breath ghost against her skin. Once their lips met, JJ felt fireworks. It was so soft, yet undeniably powerful. Her eyes fluttered closed and she let herself be carried away by the kiss, carefully tracing Emily's bottom lip with her tongue. A quiet, yet sincere moan escaped the brunette's mouth as she granted JJ access. Only when air became an issue did they break apart, neither noticing that the song had ended.

"You okay?" Emily asked softly, staring into JJ's bright blue eyes. A smile flashed across the blonde's face before she leaned in again to capture Emily's lips. The older woman happily returned the kiss, smiling as she felt JJ's hands trail down her body toward her waist, coming to a stop on her hips.

When the kiss was over, JJ pulled back just enough to look into Emily's eyes. What she saw was pure love and adoration. The reality hit her like a fast-moving train. Will was right. I think I'm in love with this woman. While she wrestled with her epiphany JJ rested her forehead against Emily's. All the sudden she was looking at her memories with fresh eyes. She could see all the subtle touches, all the intense moments of eye contact, the tender words, all of it, it was overwhelming.

"Get a room!" someone yelled, rudely breaking their connection. They turned to see an older blonde woman doing inappropriate dance moves with a distinctly younger girl.

Emily squinted her eyes and was ready to give the woman a clever remark. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, JJ interrupted her by taking her hand and leading her back to the bar where their drinks were waiting. "I need a drink," she quickly said, stopping Emily from doing anything rash. Once she sat down, she took a large gulp and felt the liquid burn down the back of her throat.

How is it possible Will saw the truth before she did? Remembering the look she saw in Emily's eyes on the dance floor she wondered if the feelings were real, or if Emily was just that good at playing her cover.

Emily took a sip and gave JJ a kind smile. "That woman needed a room of her own," she said with a scowl, still watching the inappropriate dancing. Once she noticed JJ wasn't paying attention to her, the woman on the dance floor was forgotten. She rested a hand on JJ's thigh, pulling the younger profiler from her thoughts. Her voice softened as she asked, "Where's your head at?"

"You guys are new here, right?" a female bartender asked before JJ had to answer. The woman held out her hand. "My name's Charlene." As she moved her long black hair swung from side to side behind her. All the while her green eyes seemed to be watching the whole bar intently.

Once the woman introduced herself, JJ quickly slipped back into her role, because they still had a job to do. "I'm Jennifer James and this is Emily Brewster, my fiancé." She nudged Emily's side with her elbow, urging the other woman to shake Charlene's hand as well.

"Let me get you guys a drink," Charlene offered. Without another word, she spun around and began mixing their drinks. "You know I'm a bartender. What is it you do for a living?"

As Charlene had her back toward the two women, Emily looked around the bar and noticed the camera above their heads. Fear built up in the pit of her stomach as she imagined Garcia watching them. Relax, Emily, they knew the kiss was just an act, An idea formed in her head and she nodded toward the bartender, mouthing the words, "Check her," as she looked directly into the camera. "I work for a company that specializes in home security. We install cameras, sensors, lights, whatever someone needs to secure their home or their business."

"Really? I had cameras installed just a couple of days ago. Would you mind checking things over? I still haven't learned to work the system. The cameras are recording, but there are too many buttons." Charlene turned her head and pointed to a door at the far end of the bar which had the word 'Private' written across the top. "They're set up in there."

JJ felt Emily's hand tense against her leg. Was it really a good idea to walk into a private office with a potential suspect? Their eyes met and JJ knew Emily was thinking the same thing. Only Emily had brought her gun so if they were to split up, there was no way they could protect each other. "Like you said, we're new here, I don't really want to sit alone at a bar." JJ quickly came up with an excuse to keep Emily by her side.

"Oh relax," the bartender laughed, leaning her arms on the bar. "I'll have her back in no time. It'll only take a few minutes."

With one last look at JJ, Emily gave a soft squeeze to her thigh. "Lead the way," she said, giving Charlene her best smile. She got up from her seat and followed the black haired woman to the private room. Once Emily and Charlene dissapeared through the door, JJ glared up to the camera above her, hoping Garcia would know what to do.

Suddenly she felt a pressence next to her and she turned her head to look at the woman. "Hey, are you here all by yourself?" The woman smiled, taking Emily's empty seat. She took the brunette's martini and brought it to her lips. "Someone must have forgotten this."

JJ's squinted her eyes at the woman, who was now turning her body to face JJ fully. "That was my fiancé's," JJ countered, leaning her elbow on the bar. She took a good look at the woman. She had long brown hair, pulled up in a pony tail. Her green eyes were locked on JJ and a scar ran down her neck and disappeared under her shirt.

"Oh, I bet I could give you a lot more than your fiancé can." The woman reached out and put a strand of blonde hair behind JJ's ear, making the blonde pull back.

"What are you doing?" she questioned, getting up from her seat.

"Relax, I am just showing you, you do not need that other woman." The woman followed JJ and stood directly in front of her. She reached out again and put her hands on JJ's hips, trying to pull her closer. She resisted and was about to remove her hands forcefully when the sound of a door slamming echoed throughout the bar. Before JJ could even blink, the woman was on the floor with a bleeding lip.

Before she could process what happened a strong arm wrapped around her waist and JJ was more than a little surprised to see Emily standing next to her with blood on her knuckles. "You were hitting on my fiancé so I thought I should hit on you," Emily stated calmly, pulling JJ closer. "Literally."

The woman got up with a growl and rushed out of the café. Everyone had stopped dancing, but as soon as the woman was gone and things were settled, they went back to whatever they were doing.

"Are you okay?" JJ asked once everything had calmed down. She couldn't help but feel flattered the brunette had stood up for her. She didn't just think she was in love with this woman, now she knew she was.

"Yeah, at least now we have her DNA." Emily whispered, bringing up her hand for the blonde to see. If they could get the blood to the lab, they would be able to find out who this woman was, although the unit chief already had a feeling that this wasn't the person they were looking for.


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