Chapter 26

The days that followed Kerry's death were dark and quiet. Mick had stayed at Emily's apartment every night. He was glad she was there just to hold. Both Emily and Mick had taken days off on the insistence of Hotch and Cooper. JJ came around most days to check on them. Even Morgan had arrived with Garcia one night. Some of Mick's team had called around too. Cooper came in once and Prophet had been in twice.

The day of the funeral came all too quickly. Mick had phoned his parents and other sister in England and they had arranged to come over immediatly for their daughter's funeral. They were staying in Emily's spare bedrooms. A lot of Mick's cousins had come over too and were staying at a hotel nearby paid for by Emily.

Kerry's funeral had been paid for by the bureau. It was their way of showing their sympathy for Mick and his family. And Emily. Mick regarded her as family now.

All of Mick's team had showed up and other agents from his unit came too. All of Emily's team came as well, and so did any other agents Mick became friendly with. These were mostly women. The women of the BAU were captivated by his British charm and accent and secretly hated Emily for snapping him up. Even Strauss had come.

All the mourners stood by the graveside as the priest said the last few prayers. Emily kept a firm grip on Mick's hand and never left his side throughout the day. He didn't protest. he just held her hand tighter. They said nothing to each other all day. Their actions said it all. The way she stood beside him and held him as he broke down giving the eulogy, the way he never let go of her throughout the ceremony, and the way he couldn't look at anybody except her, because he was too afraid to look at anybody else. Anyone who looked at them could tell that they were in love, and would do anything for each other, even though they'd only been together for just over a month.

At the afters, they never left each others side. Even when Emily asked if he wanted to go talk to his relations he refused. He just wanted to be with her. Only she would numb the pain. He didn't say much either, he just sat there brooding and nursing a beer. Emily watched him and began worrying about him. When she said she had to go to the bathroom, that was the first time they were apart all day. Emily went over to Mick's mother and shared her worries. '' Jane, I'm worried about Mick. He's not saying anything and he's just sitting there. He's not even drinking his beer.''

Jane smiled weakly and said ''Oh Emily that's just his way of dealing with things. He did the very same thing at his grandfather's funeral. It was nice of you to think about him though. You're very good for him Emily and you're a lovely person too.''

''I just wish we met under different circumstances,'' Emily said. She said goodbye and went to the bathroom. When she came back Mick was still sitting in the exact same position. ''Mick, are you ok?''she asked. She knew it was a stupid question but she was worried about him.

''Ya, I'm fine Emily,'' he responded looking up at her and giving her the exact same weak smile his mother gave her a few minutes ago.

''Then why aren't you talking? I want to help Mick,'' she said softly, taking his hand.

''I just... I just... I want to catch this guy Emily. I want to be out there looking for him instead of being here doing nothing.''

''Mick were doing our best. We will get him,'' she whispered. She didn't want anyone near to hear this. It was a private conversation between the two of them.

''I just hate the fact that he's out there, somewhere believing he's going to get away with this.''

''He won't. I'll make sure of it. Both of our teams are taking on the case now, that's double the power. People are looking for him Mick. He won't get away with this,'' she re-assured him. He softened up a bit and took a swig of beer. ''You always know how to make me feel better Emily.''

She didn't reply. She didn't have to. They both knew that they were going to catch this guy and make him pay.