Disclaimer: Criminal Minds belongs to CBS and I am only playing in their universe. This story has a femslash theme. If this is not your thing, please find another story to read.
Author's Note: Hope you are all still out there - enjoy
"Are you still typing?" asked Linda in a pouty voice. It was so late, and she was getting punchy. The growl that rumbled through the computer speakers made Linda chuckle and she added, "How about now?" just to push the envelope.
"Linda, I swear if you don't shut up." said Penelope in exasperation. Linda laughed out loud at her hard working friend. Penelope rolled her eyes at the woman so far away. "I am setting up so many cover stories I can hardly keep them straight." she complained. "You're supposed to help me and not be a distraction."
"But I like distracting you Penelope. It is my new favorite thing to do." said Linda matter-a-factly. Linda caught the smile that crossed the frazzled tech queen's face. The small screen did not hide that Penelope was pleased to hear that.
An hour later, "Bios are done, complete, let the make-believe begin." said Penelope in triumph. "This is going to work, right? I do not want any more phone calls telling me who's safe and who's not. Everyone is safe after this, at least for a little while." said the tired computer whiz.
"It better work or we are in a world of trouble." said the now focused doctor. There was clicking on Linda's keyboard as she performed her duties as the cross check and chief error detector. As expected the work was exceptional, there would have to be some big time digging to discover that these people were only ghosts, "Amazing Penelope." said Linda sincerely, "You are so good."
"Oh Baby, you have no idea." purred Penelope as she hung up. A soft "oh my" crossed Linda's lips.
Ramon got up before sunrise and decided to let the rest sleep in. He knew that Linda had helped finish the cover stories, and that his crew had worked into the night setting up the barn for the sale. He drove to Mr. B's house to find JJ. He liked this girl. Of course he appreciated her looks, but there was more to her. Her intelligence and toughness, the passion she had for everything, he liked that very much. He found her and insisted that JJ return to the ranch. "You will not do Emily any good if you are too exhausted to think. I will watch and if anything happens you will be the first to know." They talked for a while and finally he won.
JJ reluctantly left him on watch and returned to the ranch, but before she got some sleep she doubled check that everything was progressing as it should. She had to make it through another twenty-four hours without contact with Emily so she would focus on the plan. Noticing that some construction had started she moved to take a look. The older man's words floated through her mind and stopped her. "I have my part handled. I owe Emily a debt that I can never fully repay. She is family to me so I will not let her or you down." He had rumbled in almost a fatherly manner. "Besides I was an arms dealer, selling things was my business." he winked. JJ would take Ramon at his word and walked to the house.
JJ moved through the house, and entered her room as quietly as possible. Everyone had been working overtime to make this thing happen, and she did not want to wake them. As tired as she was, JJ knew she would never sleep. She rested her head on the pillow and Emily's words from the night before drifted through her memory. They had been playing a game, she was right. Never imaging that Emily might have had feelings for her or truly recognizing the depths of her own feelings, they had wasted so much time. When Emily returned the games would end. As if whispered in her ear again Emily's voice said, "You dream of me touching you, holding you... loving you." JJ focused on that thought and found herself drifting off in no time.
There was a knocking on the cell door, and Emily opened one eye to look around. She had made every attempt to keep track of time, but it had been useless. She had rolled the newspaper up into a nice tight tube, but it would be a distraction and nothing more if something went down. There was another knock and then, "Crystal, Mr. B would like you to join him for an early breakfast." It was the guard that had tossed her the newspaper the night before. The door opened and a couple bottles of water and some toiletries were pushed in. "Aw sorry but he said you wouldn't accept a change of clothes." The man sounded confused so he must not know about the drugging. Emily figured that the young guard was just a local hire not truly in the trafficking business.
"This is fine," she said. Emily sat up with a muffled groan. Jones or whatever his name was had done a job on her midsection. Doing the best she could with what looked safe Emily cleaned up. She let the guard know that she was ready within a few minutes. Leaving the cell, she followed the guard to a patio where a table was set with a simple array of food. Mr. B was at the table, looking like a million bucks. He didn't say anything to his visitors when they entered; he was on the phone and looking at his tablet.
Emily rolled her eyes and went for a seat, but the young man with her grabbed her arm and held her back. Mr. B ended his call after about ten minutes and then made a point of rearranging some of the plates of food near him before he motioned for Emily to sit down. "Good night's sleep?" he asked knowing that she had more than likely been awake all night. "Maybe you should have had a bite to eat last night." He offered with a smirk. "How about now?" he offered her a plate of fruit with a menacing look on his face.
She was not in the mood for games and reached out taking the plate. Snatching up a bunch of grapes, Emily popped two in her mouth. They tasted great, but she did not let on. "What do you want?" she asked in a neutral voice. She ate another couple of grapes, to hide her reaction to the look on Mr. B's face.
A look of confusion crossed Mr. B's face wrinkling his brow. He said rapidly, "I want the names of your buyers." His tone became increasingly stern as if he realized Emily had just played with his head a bit. Emily laughed and took a couple of strawberries from the plate and munched them as well.
Bossman raised his hand and swung, Emily caught it with ease and held it. "Let's not start that again, shall we. If I get any more bruises we are not going to make a very good impression tomorrow, now are we." Her tone was still neutral, but her eyes were not. Again a look of confusion crossed the man's face, Emily continued so that he would not become more aggressive. "I am not being disrespectful. The fact is I do not have any real names to give you. It is an arrangement that I make with every client. If I am ever compromised, I will have nothing to share with the authorities. You do recognize this business arrangement Mr. B or is it Bossman," Emily emphasised the obvious pseudonyms.
Mr. B nodded his head as if this was something he had not thought she would have in place. "Fine, I do understand the value in keeping one's self away from prying eyes. What can you tell me? I do not want to appear ignorant when I meet them." Emily saw that he was still testing her. She had to hope that JJ was on her same wavelength.
"Well they are a select group coming in from all around the world, England, Middle East and USA. Both genders are represented, and most will know me by sight. One or two will be buyers that have only been internet contacts. They will have no money on them instead they will have prearranged bank account numbers… but I don't have to tell you how the money part goes now do I." Emily gave her tone a questioning air.
Mr. B smiled at her mistrust. Reaching out and taking a bunch of grapes from the plate in front of Emily, he ate a few pleased that he might have her off balance again. "When and where are they arriving?" he asked.
"My people know." She said sounding worried. The man caught her tone and raised an eyebrow. Emily said carefully, "I am your guest, and not taking care of arrangements as I should. Give me a phone and I will find out." She said. To her surprise he tossed her a phone. Emily raised her eyebrows and called Linda's cell. She went to put the device to her ear, but Bossman grabbed it from her. He was playing with a knife next to his plate as if it would be used as a weapon if the phone call did not go expected.
Linda heard the ring on her cell and then recognized the number. This was one of the phones they had carried in the truck the day before. Mr. B must be trying to get someone working for Emily to slip up. She rolled her eyes, "Amateur hour," she muttered. Picking up the phone she answered, "Crystal is that you? The guests will be here soon, are you done with your visit yet? We could really use you for the final arrangements." Mr. B tossed the phone back to Emily. There was nothing out of the ordinary. Subordinates were the same everywhere.
"Hey," said Emily carefully, "just checking in on our time line. Are we good to go?"
"Yep, guests arrive today and tomorrow, they are arranging their own transpiration to the ranch. Cocktail party and buffet are at 4:00 then the event. Guests and purchases should be moving out soon after," said Linda as if she was reading from a list. "We could really use you here. Any chance you can get back tonight, our early guests will miss your presence." Emily looked at Mr. B , and he made no motion one way or another.
"I will have to see. If I need a ride I…," Emily was interrupted midsentence when Mr. B turned off her phone.
"You can go. My car will take you home." Mr. B said then laughed at the look on Emily's face. "Before you go, let me show you something." He reached for his tablet. He tapped the surface and a group of video images flashed on the screen. The images were of groups of people trapped in what looked like semi-truck trailers, boat holds and even railroad cars. The people were every shape, size, gender, age and color, but they all were terrified. "Just some of my stock." He said with such satisfaction. Emily's brain did that wonderful thing it does, and she was able to hide all the revulsion and rage she felt. Her face remained neutral with a touch of curiosity.
Mr. B was scrutinizing her as Emily looked over the images. This was the last test. Snapping the tablet shut he said, "I will be watching Crystal. I will be there at 3:00 tomorrow. You and your people will be ready or I will be adding some," he reached out and stroked a hand down her face. "Lovely new items to my collection." He motioned and Jones appeared at Emily's side.
The ride home took less than twenty minutes, and still rather shocked Emily found herself at the ranch's gate. Emily was greeted as she approached the steps of the porch by Linda who was just having her first cup of coffee. "My darling girl, what the hell am I going to do with you?" said Linda looking over her disheveled friend as she walked up the steps. Taking a long drink of her coffee, she reached out and grabbed Emily's arm pulling her into the infirmary. Giving her a through once over Linda signed in relief, "Well, you're in one piece and all the parts seem to be working correctly. I think we need to wrap your ribs just in case..."
Emily gave a weak smile, "I need a shower and some sleep first. Can I grab an hour or two…" She was cut off by Linda pushing her out the door in nonverbal agreement. Emily put the brakes on and turned. "JJ is…."
"Sleeping, like you should be. She watched that house all night." Linda tried to hide her smile, holding up a cell, "Ramon called after he made her promise to rest before she helped finish our prep." said Linda and then pointed to the door. "You are in your old room, JJ is the one right before yours… Now go."
Emily nodded and moved up the stairs. JJ had heard her last night, a touch of fear shot through her. What if she didn't like what Emily had said? Emily was determined to go straight to her own room, but JJ's door was too tempting. Linda had said JJ watched Mr. B's house all night. At the very least JJ deserved to know she had made it back to the ranch. Emily grabbed the knob and turned it gently. Peeking into the room, Emily saw the bed was empty but heard the shower was running. She swallowed and turned to leave, but again her body just would not obey.
Startling JJ in the middle of her shower was not a good idea. Drugged stammering and whispered confessions did not a relationship make, so Emily decided to just stretch out on the bed and wait for JJ to finish. Kicking her shoes off, Emily carefully arranged the bedspread so she didn't mess up the sheets and then stretched out on the bed. It felt great, and she shut her eyes to relax.
JJ finished her shower. She couldn't believe she fell asleep, but it had only been for an hour. She wrapped a towel around her and stepped into the bedroom. She froze on the spot. Emily was stretched out on her bed sound asleep. For a second JJ questioned reality, but then Emily rolled over and her T-shirt rode high enough to expose the bruises on her side. A small gasp left JJ's lips, and it was just loud enough to wake Emily. Opening her eyes, Emily adjusted her head and looked towards the sound.
After a moment Emily said,"Hi, ah sorry I just wanted you to know that…" JJ lost her balance, and Emily was off the bed and holding her close. "I just wanted you to know that…," the kiss was blistering. When their lips finally parted they remained in each other's arms. "I'm okay." said Emily. "So much better than okay." JJ let out a small laugh and pushed a strand of hair out of Emily's face.
There were bruises on Emily's cheekbone and JJ touched them lightly. There was sadness then anger that flashed in JJ's eyes. Reaching up Emily grabbed JJ's hand and pulled it her lips and kissed JJ's palm gently. "I think I am getting you dirty." Emily had only had a chance to wipe off her face and hands after her ordeal, her clothes were pretty dirty. She stepped away from her freshly showered partner.
"We can fix that." said JJ and pulled Emily to her again. Walking back into the bathroom, JJ let the towel fall and now it was Emily's turn to falter. Reaching out, JJ grabbed Emily's shirt and carefully removed it. There were bruises everywhere, and JJ sucked in her breath as she fought the tears that came to her eyes. Emily went to reach around to undo her bra and winced. Leaning in JJ placed a kiss on Emily neck and with one hand reached around and undid the black lace.
Emily thought to herself, "I really have to learn to do that." Her attention was quickly drawn back to JJ she began to very lightly run her hands down Emily's body examining the damage. Emily felt dizzy at the light touch. "JJ," she whispered as the hands drifted to her midsection. Emily tilted JJ head up and kissed her hard on the mouth. JJ's hands did not stop moving, and she found her way to Emily's jeans. The first button popped, and JJ eased down the zipper. Pressing her nails in just a bit, JJ found the lace tops of Emily's panties and move under them trailing just low enough to stop Emily's breathing. Sliding her fingers to the side, JJ pulled the lace and denim down those long shapely legs.
Stepping out of her clothing, Emily was now as exposed as JJ. She went to pull JJ closer, but Emily felt her partner push away. Emily watched as JJ moved to the shower. JJ turned with a sly smile and beckoned Emily to join her. There was a control pad on the wall before you walked in the shower and JJ hit a few buttons. Water started to flow from everywhere. Emily grabbed JJ's hand and they moved into the warm, wet space. The caresses seemed to be everywhere as the women were awash in sensation, hands, lips and water flowed over every inch of their bodies.
There was a stool that held shampoo among other things. JJ moved the items and then pulled the chair to the middle of the stall. She sat Emily down and then ran her hands through the brunette hair. JJ added some shampoo then handed the bottle to Emily, "Don't drop that." JJ started to suds up Emily's hair. The sensation was both relaxing and sensual, Emily sighed aloud. JJ had to laugh and tilted Emily's chin up to place a deep, hot kiss on those beautiful lips. As JJ moved around Emily, she pressed her body into her. JJ never broke contact, except when she moved to face Emily. The heat for the water and JJ's body gave Emily an idea. She blew out and her breath hit JJ causing a rapid drop in temperature. JJ gasped and Emily lost her grip on the shampoo bottle. JJ picked it up and stepped away with a smile.
As JJ turned to put the shampoo down, she felt Emily hand reach around her waist. "My turn." The husky whisper that almost undid JJ on the spot. Keeping JJ facing the wall, Emily took her hands and placed then on the tile. "Don't move please." There was a small sound and then a soapy washcloth appeared in Emily's hand. She began wash down JJ's arms. Slowly, she ran the cloth down one then the other. Emily pressed kisses into JJ's shoulders and neck. Emily soaped the cloth again and then reached around gently began moving down JJ's torso. She felt the beautiful blonde tremble as she pulled the cloth across her breasts, so she repeated the process. This time there was the smallest of whimpers as JJ fought to stay still. Emily smiled and kissed softly between JJ's shoulder blades.
The soap was reapplied and then Emily started on JJ's abdomen. The circling motions started small and then slowly expanded. Emily suddenly dropped the cloth lower bringing a loud moan from JJ. Spinning quickly JJ grabbed Emily's hands. "No more games," she breathed and Emily pulled her into her arms.
"I agree," said Emily who led them out of the shower and to the bed in seconds. Throwing off the spread, they slid along the soft sheets. The next precious hours were spent making up for all the unspoken moments. They took turns bringing each to release then quickly building again. Right before they drifted off they rolled to face one another. There was something very comforting in knowing that the first thing they would see when they woke was each other.