Asseveration

A Criminal Minds Story


The low rumbling of her stomach woke JJ from her rather uneasy sleep. Cracking her stiff neck, she uncurled herself from the tangled position she'd created of the motel's chair. Placing her bare feet on the flat carpet she stood up, stretching out as she glanced over the pale, paint-peeling walls of their small room with the one chair, one bed, and one window. Her blurred eyes landed on the two figures, still fast asleep on the bed in front of her. JJ's lips twitched upwards at the sight.

Garcia lay snoring, sleeping as though she was in a coffin while Emily lay sprawled out taking up as much of the bed as possible. Shaking her head JJ turned towards the clock, it's red numbers flashed 6:52 am. For just a moment, JJ debated sitting back in her chair and trying to catch just a few more minutes of sleep, yet the grumbling of her stomach reminded her what woke her in the first place.

To think about it, JJ hadn't eaten in an entire day. With another hungry growl, the FBI agent pulled on her boots, snagged her jacket and exited the motel door as quietly as possible. Her mind already drooling over the thought of a dangerously cheesy, orange-dust covered, crunchy snack.

She'd seen the gas station just around the corner from the motel. The same gas station that was the victim's last known location before being murdered.

So perhaps she'd squash two birds with one stone… or however it goes.

Exiting the motel, JJ's breath caught in her throat. The bone-chilling cold dealt a heavy strike through her jacket. The wind nearly ripped her blonde hair from her ponytail holder and the threat of thunder loomed overhead. JJ shuddered, flipping up her hood over her hat and shoving her hands in her pockets. The darkened sky made it look like the beginning of night as the rising sun was nowhere to be seen.

JJ picked up her pace, racing around the corner while praying that the station was open. As a crack of thunder blasted, JJ bolted towards the unstable glass doors. She figured it would be much safer inside. Thankfully, it was unlocked as she threw herself inside breathing heavily.

"Didn't expect anyone in this early. Didn't expect anyone today," An older male voice laughed, "You must be really desperate to brave this weather."

JJ smiled, stepping away from the rattling doors, "Guess so. Do you have Cheetos?"

The man chuckled once more before pointing towards the third aisle. He, himself was still dressed in his jacket, hat and gloves. His skin dark, which only emphasized his chin full of grey stubble, his eyes were brown and weary. JJ thanked him before moving down the aisles, picking up her favorite snack, some trail mix, three water bottles and a few other items before dropping it on the counter. It wasn't a breakfast for champions, but for some busy federal employees, it would do.

"Just passing through?" He asked while ringing her items up. The man looked a little worn down, exhausted even.

"We were, but with this weather… I don't know. We might just stay here another night. Until it blows over," JJ told him, pulling out her wallet. The gas station door dinged, they both turned as a man, early forties, maybe, strolled in. His eyes caught JJ's and for just a fleeting moment, she believed she'd seen him before.

"Hmm," The cashier frowned, squinting as though he'd just thought of something. His eyes following the newly arrived customer as he moved about the store. The door rattled once more sending the bell above it into a ringing frenzy. The two winced, jumping at the shrill sound before JJ looked back to see the cashier completely lost in thought.

JJ pulled him back, "I heard about the murder from just a few streets down just a few days ago. Scary huh?"

"Yeah," The man breathed his eyes still on the other customer, "It was."

"Apparently she lived just a few streets from here," JJ pressed, steering the conversation towards her end goal. She looked behind her to see the other man, looking in the drink section. The FBI Agent wondered if the two knew each other.

"She did. It's the kind of thing that makes you really take into account your own safety," He replied without ever looking towards her. His eyes still on the other customer.

"Huh, you're right. We're never really safe... Anywhere we go, I guess," She paused for a moment the truth of her own statement sinking in, "Were you working that night?" JJ questions easily, calmly talking like a curious child who just thought she'd ask.

The man looked at her, nodding, "I was. She did come in here for some cat food. I've seen her a few times before, but she'd only moved in a couple months prior. There's not a lot of stores 'round here open as long as mine is."

"Thank goodness you are! You saved me from starvation this morning," JJ added brightly, with a laugh in her throat, before easing into her next question with the art of a practiced interrogator, "Did anyone else come in that night, just before or after her that struck you as off? Perhaps someone you've never seen before?"

That question seemed to tear his eyes away for a moment, as he looked into JJ's blue ones with surprise. Scanning her last item he nodded, "There was a man. He came in just before Anna did. I'd never seen him before, but he left- before, I didn't think anything of it then."

JJ's eyes widened as she leaned forward, pressing her palms against the counter, "You don't think he -? Did he have any distinguishing features? A tattoo, a piercing, scars?"

"No, but he," he leaned forward, to match JJ's gaze. His eyes held a truth that was just bulging to be told, as he shot a look just beyond her before dropping his voice to a whisper, "The guy that just walked in. That's him."

JJ turned around slowly, to see the man having gotten considerably closer, staring at her as he walked to the counter an energy drink and a couple granola bars in his hands. She held his stare for a moment, just a small moment. She swore she saw something in his eyes.

He smiled as he stopped behind her in line. JJ nodded back before turning slowly to the cashier, "Soo how much?"

"Right, yes," Giving her a total JJ handed over a twenty dollar bill with a smile.

"You can keep the change. It was really nice meeting you…?" She paused flashing him the 'I'm totally trustworthy' look that was all teeth and bright eyes.

"Russell. You can call me Russ," He smiled back, "Don't forget to stop by for gas on your way out. Be careful out there"

JJ nodded, taking a mental note of the security two security cameras in the store before pulling up her hood, "Will do. Thank you! Excuse me…" moving passed the current suspect number one, JJ took a deep breath before pushing the door open. She felt his eyes on her as she left, braving the roaring wind.

With the grocery bag in one hand, JJ put her head down as she raced back to the hotel. She'd nearly got there when she realized that her wallet was no longer in her pocket. She wracked her mind, knowing she had taken it with her. She was sure she had put it back in her jacket before leaving.

"Come on Jareau. You're losing it," JJ blamed the hunger and lack of sleep as she went to push the motel doors open only to have an arm reach in front of her. Whipping her head around, startled, she found herself inches away from the man behind her in the gas station.

"You looking for this?" He bared all of his teeth in a huge grin, as he held out her wallet moving it side by side, JJ could hardly hear him over the wind, but caught the gist of it, "You left it in the store. I told the cashier I'd get it to you, but you were moving so fast…"

Grabbing it warily, she gave a small smile, "Thank you."

He pushed the door open for her and the two stepped inside. JJ glad for the relief from the storm, turned back towards him. His dark green eyes twinkling in a way that had JJ uncomfortable as she moved backwards slightly, creating more space between them, "Thanks again…"

"John," He told her without hesitation.

The federal agent nearly rolled her eyes at the obviously fake name, "John. Well I appreciate it. My life is in that thing."

He laughed, "It was no problem.'

The two were interrupted by the shrill ring of her phone, her whole body jerked at the sudden sound as she struggled to yank it out of her pocket and keep hold of her plastic bag filled with goodies and wallet. The man in front of her found obvious enjoyment with her plight, as she finally located the phone and took it out. But as she looked at the ID, JJ frowned. If Hotch was calling her, it either meant they caught a case or she was in a lot of trouble. Either scenario wasn't a good scenario.

Before she had a chance to answer it, the ring tone ended and the phone fell silent.

"Ex-boyfriend? Current boyfriend?" John asked, JJ shot a confused stare at the man before he nodded towards her ring that was currently on her right hand. It was her promise ring of sorts, it had Henry's birthstone. "Sorry. I didn't mean to pry…"

"No it was my boss… So John are you from here?" JJ questioned, her eyes flashing to the front desk, but no one was there. If he wanted to drag her out the door, he could. She'd fight him of course, might land a good punch to the nose, but he was definitely over six feet and probably had a good hundred pounds on her.

He stepped a little closer, rubbing a hand over his short brown hair before stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets, "No actually. I'm just passing through, got in yesterday. I'm a journalist, free lance really and thought I'd check out this tragic murder mystery in a small city."

"Local police seemed to believe that it's just a robbery gone wrong," JJ told him. It wasn't really national news.

"You just never know when you might stumble onto something much greater. Much more dangerous," He stared deeply at her as though he was trying to search for something inside the soul. "Just like this weather. Unpredictable, surprising."

"Yeahh," JJ pushed a stray hair from her eyes, her heart pounded a little faster. He'd gotten much closer to her. It sent chills through her spine. It was then that JJ was almost, absolutely sure the unsub was him, "well I don't want to keep you. Thank you for the wallet rescue," JJ smiled, turning away, but he only followed her. She stopped turning around once more, "Was there something else?"

He laughed raising his hands up, "Oh no, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to freak you out, but I'm staying here too. Room 112 at the end of the hall. What a coincidence, huh?"

"Yeah," JJ reached her door, pulling out her room key.

Brushing by her, he gave her all too cheery wave, "See you around."

Once she got inside she shut the door a little too harshly. Clutching her phone to her chest, JJ's heart beat that had been steadily increasing slowed slightly. Without even realizing it, JJ found herself anxious, near paranoia as a terrible feeling worked its way through her.

It could be nothing.

But in her profession, she didn't really believe in coincidences.

Hearing JJ walk through the door, Emily stood up from her sitting position on the bed and walked towards the small turn that led to the door. "JJ, where'd you go?" Stopping at the sight of her friend, Emily knew something was off, "What happened?" Her blonde hair, falling out of her messy ponytail, her blue eyes were unfocused, and she looked a little storm weary.

"JJ…?" The younger agent looked up at Emily, opening her mouth to say something, but was cut off by the shrill ring of her cell phone. Startled once more, JJ moved to look at the ID, but it dropped, slamming into the carpet before bouncing forward landing halfway between them. The two just stared at it, the name clearly flashing 'Hotch' on the screen.

JJ looked at Emily and Emily to JJ. Neither one of the women moved nor spoke. Within moments, the ring went silent. The two remained still and silent understanding passing through them about what him calling might mean. Not long after Emily's phone started to ring. Pulling it out of her pocket, Emily frowned. JJ already knew who it was going to be.

"It's Hotch."

JJ stepped forward, her phone still on the ground, "Answer it."

Emily looked at her incredulously, before holding her phone out to her, "You answer it."

"He's calling you," JJ retreated back.

"He called you first," Emily snapped, letting the phone continue to ring, "Does he know?"

With a shrug of her shoulders and a shake of her head, JJ offered, "It could be a case."

Emily tilted her head, raising her eyebrows in agreement. Though neither of them really believed that. The phone gave its final tone before it too went unanswered. Both women gave a hesitant sigh, as JJ picked up hers and walked towards Emily.

"If it's important he'll call back."

Conveniently leaving out the fact that the boss had already called her twice.

On cue, Garcia's , some kind of video game ringtone that matched that of near medieval times erupted through the air. The technical analyst which had been, until that point, sleeping, woke up immediately and snatched her phone off the table without a second thought. Her reddish hair pointing in every which direction as she shouted like she was drunk into the cellular device.

"You've reached Penelope Garcia. If this is not an urgent matter please call back between the hours of noon to five, thank you!"

Emily pressed her fingers into her forehead, "We're so in trouble."

JJ agreed as they both winced, watching Garcia sit straight up having been yanked out of her half-asleep stupor. "Bossman… yes.. Yes… uh-huh. Okay." The remnants of sleep still evident in her eyes, she turned to look at the two apprehensive woman standing a few feet away, with an apologetic look "Yes. She's here… Okay."

"Hotch would like to speak with you Agent Prentiss," Garcia stated bluntly holding the phone out. Her worry now matching that of her colleagues.

Emily took the phone, nodding vigorously, "This is Prentiss. Yeah okay. I understand... I'll make sure of it... Yeah, here she is."

"JJ…?" Emily having turned several shades paler tossed her the phone. They all felt like young children being forced to speak with their relatives on a holiday or special occasion.

"Agent Jareau," JJ answered calmly. The blonde braced for impact as a very boss-like voice spoke.

"JJ, what were you thinking? You disobeyed a direct order and have now dragged Emily and Garcia into it. If this goes bad it will be their jobs on the line too, not just yours." JJ paled slightly, she hadn't really thought of the consequences. "I'm giving you until Monday night to either solve this case or find some solid evidence that we can use, but I want all three of you back here by Tuesday morning."

"Yes, sir."

"Be careful JJ." His voice had softened quite a bit.

"Yes, sir."

Hanging up the phone, JJ handed it back to Garcia. Her lips scrunched together in a frown, "I guess our undercover case solving mission is blown. We've been made."

Emily nodded, pouting slightly before lifting her head, "We still have until Monday night," Throwing her palms up, Emily laughed, "Hey, I agreed to this from the start, so I'm still in."

"Me too," Garcia told them, "But I am not going anywhere near that Hell-born demon cat again. Who knows what diseases I've contracted from its murderous claws…" She paused her bright pink fingernails pointed towards the plastic bag that JJ still carried, she asked in, her voice deepening, "What's in the bag? Give it to me."

JJ shook her head, adding a laugh as she poured the goodies she'd purchased on the bed and told her friends about her experience. She told them about Russell and about her wallet and the man, John, and how it all could be a coincidence, but…

"I thought I recognized him," JJ added looking at Emily, "I think he could be the man from…"

Emily shook her head, "JJ it was too dark. That could have been anyone."

"Who? Who could have been anyone?" Garcia asked as if she was taking part in a scary story, munching away on some trail mix.

"Emily and I saw this guy outside of the apartment. He was just staring at us, laughing. When we stood up, yelling for him to identify himself he ran off," JJ told her. Garcia gulped already wishing she had opted to stay at home slaying dragons and conquering realms. Not that she'd leave her two favorite girls on their own. Ever. "Figured he was a nut job."

Emily agreed, her eyes falling to the now petrified Garcia who couldn't get over the fact that this nutter might be staying just four doors down from them. The technical analyst had a point and so did JJ. It all seemed a little to coincidence-y. Either way they now had a suspect, a profile, a partial witness, and another square to jump to.

"I'd like to take a look at the gas station's security tapes. Perhaps we could talk with the owner again... I hate to say it Jayje, but I really think we are going to need police cooperation with this." Emily caught JJ's pained expression. She'd obvious pissed off the lead detective in some way already. That's when the idea hit. "You know they probably already have the footage and might be in need of a brilliant, gorgeous technical analyst with a knack for video enhancement…," Emily gave JJ a wink, who nodded before the two turned to stare at Garci, smiling a little too widely.

"Oh no, no no no. Do you think that officer won't recognize me? I am one of kind, and he peeled a rabid feline off of my arm," Garcia told them, "I highly doubt it. I'll be arrested and put in a lineup and put in jail before I could even say 'I told you so'."

JJ rubbed her arm comfortingly, "Come on Pen! You didn't break any laws. You just wanted to feed the cat, that's all."

"Besides," Emily took her hand, "That officer is probably too embarrassed to say anything. You can do this PG."

"You just walk in saying that the FBI sent you, just you, to help with any security camera footage they've recovered," JJ told her.

"You're just doing what you're told," Emily continued as she picked through the pile of snacks between them.

"It's your job. Simple as that," Snagging the Cheetos from Emily, JJ ripped open the bag before biting into half, "You're doing them a favor. We all know how long it can take small city police to get those kind of things done sometimes."

"And if you happen to save that certain video file then so be it," Stealing a chip from JJ's bag, Emily gave Garcia a comforting nod, "It will be fine. We'll be right around the corner from the station the whole time."

"Look I even brought some of the small radios we can use to talk with each other at all times. We'll think of safeword and if you really need us. We will be there before you can say 'You were right Jayje. Why do I ever doubt you," JJ sarcastically added.

Rolling her eyes Garcia figured she wasn't getting out of this, leaving her little choice, "Morgan."

"What?" Emily and JJ added in unison as they also shared quizzical, furrowed brows.

"The safe word. It should be ' Derek Morgan "

"I was thinking Cheetos," JJ pondered aloud.

Emily scoffed, shaking her head, "Of course you would. You're obsessed. Now tell me, how is that a better safe word?"

"I could just ask for a bag and BAM! In flies the team, saving the day," JJ smacked her orange tipped fingers together for effect.

Rolling her eyes Emily almost laughed before turning to Garcia, "We will stick with your idea for now. You probably won't even need it. Alright, here's the plan…"


How was it? Please let me know if you have any criticisms or comments. I really appreciate your feedback! I'm sorry if this all seems rushed. I just really want to finish the story, but to do it well at the same time. Thank you all for sticking with me on this one. It means a lot.

Thanks!

-HCB