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The early morning shone weakly in the distance while the remnant dark clouds of the storm crowded the opposite horizon; its threat long since blown away. The last of the fallen rain shimmered like diamonds over the grass and slowly rolled down the leaves and branches of the trees to eventually join its brethren already soaked into the ground. Parker rolled his window down and deeply inhaled the crisp air. He noticed the faint smell of smoke and subtle notes of breakfast being cooked. He glanced around to the surrounding houses to try and pinpoint where the feast was being prepared. His stomach grumbled angrily at him and he reached for the crinkled brown bag in the seat next to him. He dumped the contents and eyed the half eaten granola bar. He would have preferred a hot meal to the cardboard tasting oats, but he couldn't risk being caught to satisfy his cravings for real food. He accepted that it was a small consequence for his series of mistakes. Mistakes he was quickly working to right.
Movement in front of him had him slumping back down in the drivers seat and he carefully raised his binoculars for a better view. He peered over the dashboard and directed them to the two police cruisers parked on the curb. He wondered how long they would stay, and who would have first watch. He'd be patient and continue to study their movements and routines, and then find the gap. In his early reconnaissance, before Sharon was released from the hospital, he walked the house to map it out. He focused on her bedroom. One of the windows was only ten feet above the backyard and the other sat over a small deck that wrapped around the back of the house. He had discovered a loose screen and broken lock. They may have fixed it in her new found paranoia, but he was counting on their focus to be on the bigger security measures. No matter what he knew he had to execute his plan perfectly. In the time he spent watching it appeared two local officers stayed with Sharon and rotated every four hours. They'd do perimeter checks every twenty to thirty minutes. He'd have to get a peek inside to know what room they occupied and what they did in the time between, but they kept all of the blinds closed. If he chanced moving closer he may get a glimpse, but the risk was almost too high.
He continued to take notes and every few moments glanced at the tablet propped up in the center console. He had the local station playing and was waiting for the news, more specifically his news story. He had already seen the part he looked forward to since it played live a day and half ago, but he couldn't get enough. Not only was it about him and his genius but also seeing Emily show her face told him what he wanted. In her public appearance she was challenging him, daring him to stick around. He had thought about leaving, heading to New Mexico and then slowly work his way south of the border. But he wasn't about to let them taint his work. They were treating him like a failure, when he knew in it all he controlled them. If he hadn't let Emily go they would be no closer to him than they were before. He just had to finish what he started, his way.
When the small window next to the newscaster popped up with the still picture of him he reached over and turned the volume up. His favorite part was coming up quickly. As the blonde spoke he watched Emily closely. To any normal person she stood poised, silent and strong, but he saw her flinch at the one question that promptly ended the press conference.
"How many more woman are going to put in danger because of a bone he has to pick with the FBI? Specifically Agent Prentiss." The young reporter asked looking to Emily.
All eyes went to the brunette standing with her hands folded in front of her, face stoic. Outwardly portraying the ultimate professional, but he saw past it. Sadness and guilt flashed in her eyes as they move from the reporter over to her teammate.
He muted it after the question. The annoying blonde didn't answer the question or let Emily speak, and he had no interest in what she had to say. He continued to watch the brunette try to cover her façade of strength. He had found a positive in his mistake. He tossed the wrapper of the bar to the floor and fired up the engine to head back to the cabin. He was ready to put his final plan into motion.
Spencer set the cardboard carrier with the coffees onto the table and watched in awe at how fast the arms extended to retrieve the much-needed caffeine. He looked back up when Hotch redirected him to the on going conversation about what they had found in Pinedale.
He cleared his throat to answer and walked over to the picture pinned up on the large corkboard. "There's a definite difference with Elizabeth White, but also a lot that is the same. Many of the torture techniques, the way the body was positioned, and the COD of strangulation are all consistent with Lewis."
Rossi set his coffee down and tapped his finger on the report in front of him. "But, the rape is new and the necklace was wrong. It was hers, not Lewis' last victims."
"And not broken." Spencer added in agreement.
"Okay, but the information about the necklace has never been released. Along with the information about Emily." JJ said then reached a hand towards Emily to get her attention. "Which I'm sorry about. If I had known the questions would come to that I'd have ended the conference sooner."
Emily shook her head and reassured the blonde it was okay with a small smile. She slowly sipped her coffee and walked around the table to look closely at the necklace. Her hand subconsciously went to her neck. "Maybe it's someone on the inside or a partner? But Parker's too meticulous and his ego wouldn't let it go to chance." She said answering her own question.
Aaron watched Emily continue to look at the board and not turn back to the group, but spoke to the concern. "Seeing a copycat could have triggered him to devolve faster. He had to make sure we knew that it's not his work and attacked sooner then he planned."
"Maybe." Spencer said and gestured out of the room. "There have been a lot of tips that have come in saying he's been seen around town and on the campus Sharon taught. People from the coffee shop confirm that he was seen with Sharon."
Aaron crossed his arms and spoke on Spencer's point. "He knows that if he hides in plain sight he won't stick out and then gradually builds a small amount trust of his victims because they are used to seeing him around. He's non threatening and even nice."
JJ nodded. "The coffee shop employee said he stepped up and paid for her coffee."
"We know how he has worked now, but he's changed midstream before." Rossi reminded them. "We have to keep that in consideration."
"Control." Emily said finally facing the team again.
"What?" Aaron questioned.
"It all comes down to control. He left another victim before he could do what he really wanted with her. He needs the control, and right now he doesn't have it."
"Right." Hotch agreed and silently analyzed Emily, but didn't comment on the distancing words she used to not address herself as a victim.
Spencer picked up on the unease and turned back to his map. He looked at the surrounding area before he spoke. "He must have a secluded place, a place he originally planned to take Sharon to."
Rossi opened his mouth to comment, but held his words when Detective Mills walked in fanning the notepad he held in his hand. "I think we have him or at least where he's been staying."
The team perked up at the information and waited for the Detective to divulge what he had.
"A Carl Parson called in after seeing the news." Mills started and then looked to his notes. "He stated that a man fitting the description and going by Tyler Mann rented one of his cabins. He had paid cash and planned to be there for four months. Told him he was writing a novel."
"Sharon said he called himself Tyler." JJ pointed out. "And he used the writing cover again."
"Did you verify his identity?" Hotch asked.
The man nodded. "I had him checked out by your Analyst. Parson owns a lot of property that he regularly leases for hunters and vacationers. I asked him to come down and look at some pictures and give a statement."
"Did he give his exact location?" Reid asked and swung his torso to look back to the various maps pinned up.
"Yes." The Detective nodded and tore the small sheet off the metal spirals. He shook off the small torn pieces as he walked over to hand it to the Unit Chief. "Thirty five miles down Fifty-Seven. It's a very remote cabin about three miles in from the road."
"Call Garcia," Hotch ordered looking from the paper and then up to Spencer. "I want an aerial map and if possible a real time image."
Reid nodded his response and moved away to make the call.
Emily knew it was a good lead. It actually was a huge lead. Even if Parker wasn't there it would give them information. How he was living, what he carried with him, and more about him. It could fill in the missing pieces in their profile.
Though she was diligent in helping the team prepare for the raid she began to feel an overwhelming lack of control. She was sidelined and not used to it. She looked around at the team, her friends, and the need to be there to help protect one another was intense and distracting. She couldn't help but feel the gaping hole they had. Derek's absence cut deep. She needed him there. She swallowed her guilt and focused on working, but constantly found herself looking up when she would expect to hear Derek add tactical input or just see how his concentration shifted to the seriousness of what they were about to embark on. It became a clear picture of what she would not have if Parker had been successful. She tried to shake it off and moved to Hotch after he finalized the plan and everyone scattered to prepare to leave.
"What do you need me to do?'
"I want you to be in constant contact with Garcia and watch the real time satellite feed. If anything changes in or around the cabin we need to know."
Emily nodded but turned when a young officer called out her name. He was holding a phone receiver up from his desk. "You have a phone call."
Curious Emily walked to the man and smiled to him before she took the phone. He briefly stood staring at her before he plopped back into his chair and leaned back. He folded his arms and continued to watch in curiosity and waited for her to speak. She realized she was not going to get any privacy and turned her back. She walked a few steps out and as far as the coiled cord would allow.
"Agent Prentiss." She answered.
There was only silence at first and Emily was about to speak again when a small quiet voice came through. "Emily?"
"Yes?"
"This is Sharon." Her voice was shaky and edged with something Emily couldn't exactly pinpoint. It had a hint of fear and unease to it, but with all she had gone through how could she blame her.
"I need to talk to you." She continued.
"Okay, we could have one of the officers on duty bring you to the station if you'd like."
"No. No, I-I don't want to leave my house. I'm sorry, but-" She paused and Emily could hear her taking in a rapid succession of breaths and there was a distant shuffling noise. It was almost like the phone sounded like it was moved further from her. The odd sounds had Emily straining to hear more and her concern for Sharon's mental well being rose.
"Are you okay?"
"I just need to talk to you. No one else understands."
"Okay, I'll get there as soon as I can."
Sharon didn't respond and the line cut out. Emily stood by the desk with the receiver in hand and digested the brief conversation she just had. It was a step in a direction Emily needed. If she could help Sharon in some way it might lesson her guilt, but at that moment it wasn't about her.
Aaron had been watching her conversation and raised a brow in curiosity as she approached him. "What was that?"
"Sharon. She wants to talk."
"That's good. Have Mills take you."
Emily shook her head. "I'll go after you guys get back."
"We have it covered. I think it's a good idea to talk to Sharon. Maybe you'll be able to help her remember something the Detective or JJ wasn't able to."
Emily hesitated, she didn't like to be even further from the action, especially now. But, Aaron was right; he had just given her a job to keep her occupied and feel like she was a productive member of the team. He knew she needed to have a part, but Sharon was a huge factor in stopping Parker. She could make a difference there and would go.
Emily leaned against the table and watched everyone file out. The knot in her stomach grew. She began to feel helpless again, but had to remind herself that they were all highly trained FBI agents and had SWAT protection going in. She was now waiting for Detective Mills to finish some business to escort her to Sharon's. Thinking of Derek she decided to check in with her partner. She had sent Derek a quick message to say hi earlier but he hadn't responded. She chalked it up to the fact he needed rest and had probably been sleeping.
She quickly fired off another as a feeler to see if he was ready talk. How're you feeling?
The answer came back quickly and was simple. Bored.
Emily smiled and in that one interaction realized how much she truly missed him. Had enough of those Baby Girls already?
He ignored her and changed the tone of their conversation. Penelope told me the teams heading out to a cabin Lewis was renting.
Her smile faded, but what could she expect? He would want to be kept in the loop. She would be going crazy if that was her. She already was itching to do more and she was still active on the case.
Yeah, heading out now.
And you?
She typed fast to answer his concern. Don't worry Hotch is keeping me in the distance.
There was a pause and the talk bubble flashed on and off like he kept changing his mind to what he was saying. After a minute his response finally came through.
Not far enough.
Emily sighed as she typed back. Oh, so you think I should be bored and in DC too?
You know it, taking care of me. You owe me a sponge bath BTW.
Emily couldn't help but let out a small laugh. She ignored the curious eye from the Detective who was stepping towards her.
Never going to happen, Bud.
We'll see….
Emily smiled again and appreciated the mild banter. It eased her nerves slightly. But once their conversation ended the weight in her stomach was back.
"Ready?" Mills asked twirling the car keys around his index finger.
Emily nodded and took one last glimpse around the empty office before following the Detective out.
In the car Emily made a quick call to Penelope to make sure she kept her up to date on the raid. She could tell Garcia was more than stressed about it. They all felt the reality of being down two agents and why, but they all had to pretend it wasn't as personal until they were all safe and Lewis was taken down. She tried to be as positive as she could and when she hung up her focus went to Detective Mills who was on his own phone call with one of the officers at Sharon's house. He hung up as he pulled the car behind the cruiser that was in front of the house.
"Richards just finished a perimeter check." Mills said and his arm crossed Emily to point out the window. "There he is out front."
Emily's eyes strained to see the man in detail, but the glare from the afternoon sun made it hard to see his face. He gave a short wave in their direction and then turned into the house.
"Odd." Emily commented.
"What's that?" Mills asked curiously.
Emily shrugged and looked back to the Detective. "He didn't wait for us to come to meet him."
Mills spoke as released his belt and pushed the door open. "He said Torres was calling him inside."
"Is something wrong?" Emily asked and looked back to the house squinting as if she could somehow see past the walls.
Mills shook his head. "He wouldn't have been so calm if something was wrong."
"Right." Emily agreed and followed his lead and climbed out of the car.
As she shut the door Emily paused and took a detailed glance around neighborhood. It was a quiet block. Trees lined both sides of the street, but few cars crowded the curbs or driveways. The clear day had not drawn anyone out of their homes yet. She could make out one person towards the end of the block. An older woman knelt down in her garden recovering plants from any storm damage. She looked up to the vibrant blue sky and released a breath before she spun to catch up to the Detective and climb the few steps to the open door. Mills had paused briefly for her to reach him before he entered.
"I'll get an update from Torres and Richards and leave you and Sharon to talk. Just let me know anything new she may have remembered."
"Of course." Emily agreed with a small nod.
She found her eyes studying the sway of his dark slacks as they moved forward, but her mind had switched focus to speaking to Sharon and worked to prepare her thoughts in anticipation for their conversation. Emily was instantly brought back to the present when a shot rang out. Time slowed to broken frames of movement as the blood hit her face and Mills fell back into her. She couldn't see past the lifeless body pushing her weight backwards and throwing her off balance. She tried to see where the shot had come from, but could only hear someone coming towards her. In the instant she saw him she shied sideways eluding his initial grasp for her. Her instincts kicked in and even unbalanced her hand went to unhoulster her gun. The Detective's body landed with a thud between them. Emily kept moving but quickly realized she wasn't far enough away and still needed to plant a solid foot to gain the control she needed to successfully defend herself. She tried to use Mills as an obstacle just as Parker let out a roar and once again lunged for her. He successfully tackled her to the ground. They hit the floor hard. Emily couldn't hold back a cry as her right arm had twisted unnaturally beneath her and felt the sickening tear of muscle and tendons in her shoulder. Pain swept through her like a fire. She ignored it to the best of her ability and continued to fight his hold, but he wrapped a handful of her hair and jerked her head back. At the same time he slammed his fist into the side of her head. Her fight left her immediately as her vision blurred and ears rung. Knife sharp pain shot across her face and down her jaw. She tried to focus and fight but now lay on the brink of unconsciousness. He twisted her arms behind her back and the stabbing pain in her shoulder came back in a rush.
He let out a laugh and leaned down to her ear. He spoke with an unnerving calm. "Did you ever really think you were in control?"
UH OH! Parker's plan is in motion. Now what?
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