Summary:It was something he'd learned of late. If you truly wanted to hurt someone, you aimed for the heart. Teamfic. Warning, character death! Set pre-Cradle to Grave.
Disclaimer:Ava and Cara don't own Criminal Minds. But if they did, it'd probably be the most character-whump show in the world.
Previously on 'Aim For The Heart':The Reaper abducted Haley, JJ, Emily and Morgan one by one, before killing the first two. He also dislocated Emily's shoulder and tortured both Morgan and Emily. Meanwhile, Reid and Darcey had two heart to hearts and two near 'encounters'. Which we rudely interrupted. Also, Gideon and Elle came back to the BAU and insisted that they would help with the case, much to Garcia's annoyance. Hotch and Rossi left with Detective Devlin to go to the computer store that Morgan and Darcey never made it to - leaving Reid and Darcey alone in the conference room.
Author's Note: So here it is. Unlucky thirteen. This is the stage where things certainly go from bad to worse for the team. We discover some more secrets, and something a lot of you suspected might happen in the begin happens now - but not as you thought! Just a reminder - bad things will happen to every member of the BAU. They will be getting hurt. Some more - and sooner - than others. Thanks to our reviewers - nexis44, the-vampire-act, Shakuma-Marie-Uchiha, imajazzbandnerd and MwandishiMsanii. There are a few things you guys are all commenting on. First - the Reid/Darcey (which we have nicknamed Reicey so our friends at school don't know what we're talking about) seems to really hit the spot for you guys. (Quick apology to Shakuma-Marie-Uchiha who was very angry we interrupted them - twice.) But, this is the chapter where their relationship gets complicated - as we'd always planned. Also, everyone seems to be excited about Gideon and Elle returning, and a few can't wait until Reid and Gideon reunite. But that won't be happening too soon... Enjoy our latest chapter of serious evilness.
Cara and Ava.
Chapter Thirteen - Thirteen; Unlucky
'It requires more courage to suffer than to die.' ~ Napoleon Bonaparte
Emily shivered and shifted slightly trying to salvage the little dignity she had left.
"Prentiss. Hey Prentiss, You need to relax-"
"Relax! You want me to relax, Morgan?"
"Yeah, I do. You need to relax and stay calm, don't let him know he's getting to you."
"I'm sitting here in my bra, Derek. He hasn't got to me he's-"
"Infuriated you? Hell hath no fury like Emily in her bra!"
She gritted her teeth, "That shirt was expensive."
"I'll cover the costs."
"It's fine, I'm just mad."
"Hmm, I wonder why?" Morgan chuckled smiled an evil smile, he knew she would kill him
"But," he thought, "if it makes her smile, it'll be worth it. "
He cleared his throat and started singing in a deep throaty voice "There's nobody here, it's just you and me, It's where I wanna be."
Emily stared blankly at him, he grinned
"The way you look tonight, I never will forget, the way you look tonight, the lady in red."
She raised an eyebrow, fighting back a smile.
"And there was me thinking you were going to let that go!"
He smirked shaking his head, "You wish, Prentiss, you wish!" He started singing again, in the deep voice, "I have never seen that bra you're wearing, Or the highlights in your head that catch your eyes I have been blind. The lady in red is dancing with me cheek to cheek."
"Your lucky I decided to wear my red one, I'd like to see you come up with a song for purple."
"And it was all purple! Nope doesn't work."
Emily laughed, shaking her head.
"Derek?" She paused, there really was no way to tell him how gratefully she was, thank you just didn't cover it...
"Yeah?"
"Never mind."
"Prentiss?"
"Yes?"
"You're welcome."
"The Goddess Fortune is the devil's servant, ready to kiss anyone's ass." the quirky analyst greeted her latest caller.
"Hey Garcia it's me," her Junior G-man replied swiftly. Garcia saw Gideon sit up quickly, longing evident on his face. He obviously wanted to speak to Reid. But judging by Reid's slightly optimistic tone (well, as optimistic as one can get when half their team has been abducted) he clearly hadn't been told about his former mentor's return.
"Why my handsome coffee-bean, how can the wonderous land of Garcia help you today?" she asked brightly, shooting warning looks at Gideon and Elle to keep their mouths shut.
"I was wondering if you could do a quick background check for me? Strictly routine?"
"No problem my little bean - who's the latest hurt by slime-ball extraordinaire George Foyet?"
"It's not a victim - well not all of them. I just want you to do a quick background check on some of the police officers with the Orlando Police Department. You think you can do that?"
"What a silly question my minion, of course I can. Strange request though. Names?"
"Detective Kenneth Devlin, Officer Cameron Garvey and Officer Darcey Miles."
"Darcey?" Garcia had heard that name mentioned before. By... Morgan. It came back to her very quickly, "Isn't that the one you have a crush on?"
Reid squeaked indignantly from the other end, "Can you just run the check?"
"Checking out your prospective Mrs-Doctor-Spencer-Reid? I hear you." Garcia grinned evilly, as her fingers flew across the keyboards at incredible speeds.
"Okay - first up to bat. Detective Kenneth Gregory Devlin. Born in Miami Florida, and went to school there. He married and had three adorable kids... oh, one's called Penelope! What great taste that man has! Anyway, he than went on to move to Orlando around twenty years ago, and has been part of their police force ever since. His medical records are clean - worst that's happened to him was ten stitches to his forehead after an incident while playing golf with his wife. Obviously neither is very good at golf..."
"What about the other two?" Reid asked quickly.
"Right. Officer Cameron Noah Garvey was born in New York, to a single mother Laura Garvey. They moved to Orlando when he was five and he became a cop as soon as he left school. His hospital records don't show much, other than a broken nose from a fight with 'the world's-most-racist-hobo' according to the report. And - oh."
"I assume it mentions that he was murdered recently?" Reid said bitterly.
"Earlier today," she said dejectedly.
"His partner, Darcey Miles, found his body and Emily missing."
Garcia heard Gideon intake a sharp breath. She had forgotten that they didn't know who was missing.
"Yeah, I remember looking at the tapes. You want me to do a check on your girl?" Garcia asked quickly.
"Do your thing Garcia," Reid sighed.
A few types and clicks later, all the necessary information was in front of her.
"Let's see... Officer Darcey Kerry Miles, born to Owen and Kelly Miles, the youngest of four. One brother Danny Miles, two sisters - Matilda and Brooke Miles. They were all born and bred in Marathon, Florida. Oh - the Keys. Nice. Darcey studied in the University of South Florida and received a master's in Criminology and Anthropology. She joined the academy a few years ago and has been a cop in her home town of Marathon and Key West before she joined Orlando Police Department over a year ago. Oh."
Reid had a feeling that he knew what Garcia was looking at, "The mugging incident?" he asked.
"Huh, you have psychic powers today my Junior G-man. Just a month ago, Officer Darcey Miles was on patrol in Downtown Orlando with her partner, Officer Cameron Garvey. She came across a mugging while on her own and ran to help the man, chased the suspect - and well, she found him, but as a sick twisted greeting he decided to stab her seven times and leave her for dead. Luckily an anonymous passer-by called 911, and she just about pulled through. She was off on sick leave for a month, and this is her first case since re-joining the force. Who put the poor girl on a case where six girls ended up stabbed to death?" Garcia demanded.
"Who knows Garcia," Reid sighed audibly, "Thanks Garcia, you're the best!"
"You're welcome my coffee bean, now go find that bastard Foyet and get our cavalry back!"
"I will Garcia."
"Stay safe my Junior G-man!"
Foyet entered the room, winking at Emily as he walked over to Morgan.
"Derek, you are coming with me."
"NO! Not Morgan too, take me! Take me instead."
"Now, now, Emily I have a treat planned for you, don't worry!" The Reaper smiled.
He kicked out at Morgan, before undoing the handcuffs, and dragging him out by his wrist.
"Derek!"
As Reid hung up from the usually chirpy Technical Analyst, a few things struck him.
The first thing was that Garcia had sounded a little off, like she'd been trying to hide something. Had Hotch rushed off because they'd discovered something bad? No - that couldn't have been it. Hotch would have told him if they had any news at all on the missing agents.
The second thing that bothered him was what he'd learned about Darcey. She'd returned to the force and didn't mind working on a case of women being stabbed to death? After she had only very recently avoided a similar fate?
Reid felt a rush of guilt when he realised he was growing suspicious of the officer's motives. But she had been the one to discover Officer Garvey... and Ava Quinn. No. Why was Reid even thinking in this direction? They knew Foyet had done it all, how could he even think...?
Hotch's fingers twitched against the wheel. He was agitated. He really didn't like leaving Reid and Officer Miles alone in the Conference Room, but they really needed to go to the computer store. They needed to discover how Foyet managed to get in.
"So how does he sneak in undetected? He has a key, but I think there's more." Rossi commented.
"You think he had help?" Devlin asked from the back seat.
"No." Hotch said stubbornly.
Devlin looked taken aback, but Rossi sighed. "Aaron, we have to consider the possibility."
"The Reaper's a narcissist. He'd never ask for anyone's help."
"I'm not talking about him asking for help."
"Than what are you saying?"
"Foyet enjoys manipulating others. Getting them to do his dirty work. Controlling them. He forced Tom Shaunessy to stop chasing him by saying he'd stop killing. He doesn't ask for help. He threatens others so that they would do his bidding."
"Do you really think the Reaper has an accomplice?" Devlin asked, surprised.
"Not entirely," Rossi replied, "I'm just putting it out there as a possibility."
He shoved Morgan on to a chair, tied cuffs to the leg, and began pacing in front of him.
"I'm going to give you a choice."
"What kind of choice?" Morgan spat.
"You or me?" He said simply
"What?"
"Don't tell me you haven't thought about it! Working with a pretty little thing like that, I don't know how you can concentrate. But it's ok, I'll give you the chance. How could she refuse." He laughed a laugh that sent shivers up the agents spine. "She wouldn't have the option to refuse."
"You better not be suggesting what I think you're suggesting." Morgan hissed.
"You or me?" Foyet repeated.
"I would never do that to her!" he yelled.
"Than I will."
Gideon stared at the list in front of him, not sure whether to laugh or be offended.
'Things you don't say or do while in Orlando' was scrawled across the top of the page he was holding, in Garcia's handwriting.
Elle walked to the back of the jet, "I'm getting some coffee, want some?
He looked up. "Please."
"What's first on her list then?"
The older agent cleared his throat,
"1. Don't mention Haley."
"That doesn't sound good," she sighed adding sugar to the two large mugs.
"2. Don't," he swallowed, and stopped reading.
"Don't what?"
Reluctantly he continued. "2. Don't talk to Reid. Like, at all."
She looked away, knowing it was hard for him to read those four words. "What's number three?"
"Um, it's all pretty much-"
"Gideon. What's number three?"
"You asked for it." he muttered, straightening out the paper, "No unnecessary shooting -within reason. (Scratch that. Don't let Elle near a gun unless someone's life depends on it.)"
"Go on."
"4. Don't ask how Jack is. 5. Be nice, especially to Emily and Rossi -" Gideon snorted, "I will if he is."
"Anything else?" Elle asked.
Gideon continued, "6. Don't ask if Rossi is married again (he's not). 7. No going crazy and leaving again. Don't leave behind any letters either. Your explanations suck. (Both of you!)"
"Please tell me that's the end of it!" Elle groaned, carefully balancing the hot mugs.
"Two more left". he sighed, fixing his glasses." I suppose this counts as one though, it's not numbered and it's at the bottom, like a footnote-"
"Just read it!"
"Bring home my babies, don't do any more damage than you already have."
Elle collapsed into the seat opposite Gideon.
"Remember when we used to be counted as her babies?"
"Give her time," Gideon sighed, "she could come around."
Reid slowly re-entered the room. Darcey was still sitting at the conference table, fidgeting nervously. He smiled at her.
"What are you thinking?" he asked curiously.
"Nothing in particular," she replied. Reid sat down next to her.
"Alone in the conference room. Again." he sighed.
Darcey nodded, before she grinned at him devilishly.
"Off with the pants." she demanded.
Reid merely stared at her, not understanding what he was being asked to do. "Are... are you serious?" he asked doubtfully.
"Well we've no luck starting with the top down so we'll try things a different way!" the officer announced, as she untied Reid's shoes. She froze once she had them taken off.
She smiled sadly, "Nice socks! Pink and green works well."
"Christmas present, from..." his voice faltered. "From Emily and JJ, they both bought me a pair of socks, so I could 'mix and match'!"
He nervously reached down and rubbed his thumb against her cheek, smiling softly.
She looked up and smiled back, her eyes gleaming again, "Doctor Reid. I do believe I told you to take off your pants."
"I thought I'd distracted you." he sighed, defeated.
"Nope," she said pulling off his socks. Intrigued, she ran her finger along the scars on the sole of his left foot. He shuddered and tried to pull his foot away.
"Darcey, if Hotch walks in....."
"They're at the computer store. If we work fast...."
Reid blushed furiously. She giggled as she reached for his belt.
"We shouldn't be doing this!" Reid protested, "Imagine what would happen if he found out! He'd kill us! You know he would!"
Darcey froze at these words, and completely shocked Reid by unsuspectingly bursting into tears.
"Kill me... not part of the plan... have to stop," she mumbled incoherently, and Reid wasn't quite sure whether he was hearing the distraught officer correctly. She had changed her tune fairly drastically and it caught Reid extremely off-guard.
She sobbed heavily, as Reid sat next to her uncomfortably.
"I never wanted any part in this," she sobbed, "He made me, he made me! He tried to kill me! Jason and Abby are just kids... I made the right choice didn't I?"
Reid couldn't follow any part of what the distraught officer was saying. He couldn't follow what was going on. He hadn't heard Garcia mention anything about anyone named Jason and Abby in Darcey's past. But he was shocked when she began kissing him again, before mumbling under her breath, "This is how it has to be. It's for your own good." She ran her hands up and down Reid's arm as they kissed.
Reid forgot everything at that moment. He felt euphoric. He'd never felt this way before. Not when Lila had pulled into the pool and kissed him. Not when Austin called him and told him to open his package only for him to discover she had sent him a kiss by courier. But the feeling was oddly familiar...
A tingling sensation in his arm jogged his memory. He pulled away from Darcey in shock. And suddenly, he feel to the floor. And as he did, the soft hotel carpet had become the wooden floor. The lights had dimmed. The television in the corner had become several computer monitors. And Darcey had become Tobias Hankel.
The Reaper quickly dumped Morgan back in the room and re-chained him to his pipe before leaving again.
"Derek, are you ok. Did... did he hurt you?" Emily asked, panicked.
"I'm fine. Emily, look at me, ok? Whatever happens, just keep looking at me. Promise?"
"Now I know things are bad. You never call me Emily."
"Promise, no matter what you'll keep looking at me."
"Ok, I promise."
"Stay strong, Emily."
She paused for a moment, frightened. "What's he going to do Morgan?"
Morgan hesitated to answer, and the Reaper chose that moment to re-enter.
"We're going to have some fun Agent Prentiss," he said smugly.
"...what kind of fun?" Emily asked, petrified.
"The kind I know you'll enjoy. Agent Morgan won't go through with it, but I'd be happy to oblige him."
"Morgan - what's he going to do?" Emily repeated, more terrified than before. The Reaper was getting to close for her liking.
"Get away from her you son of a bitch!" Morgan yelled defiantly. The Reaper ignored him.
"Morgan? MORGAN?!"
We're hoping you can interperet what's happened to Reid and Emily yourselves... errr we are evil, but reviews are still love?