Morning came and the same routine followed. Carrie trudged in behind Emily into Quantico before crashing on the couch in JJ's office. Emily smiled; glad the teen was able to fall back asleep so quickly. Emily threw a blanket over the teen before heading out to go meet up with the rest of the team.
"So, do we have any updates?" Morgan asked as the team assembled.
"No new further leads," Hotch stated shaking his head and turning to JJ, "How is Sasha doing?"
"Alive," JJ said. "Still in and out of consciousness."
"Good," Hotch replied, "Any way she could talk?"
"Not yet," JJ shook her head. "They think later today she might be able to."
"Any new leads or disappearances?" Rossi asked.
"Nothing that I have traced," Garcia said. "Nothing unusual, but I'll keep looking."
"The bar Sasha was found at had no security cameras," Morgan replied.
"And any from the surrounding area I ran," Garcia started, "And there was nothing with an angled shot to see anyone go into the ally."
"So most likely the unsub was familiar with the area," Emily stated, "We thought maybe the site was random, but he has to know the area."
"Yeah," Rossi replied.
"I think you should all go back there and ask around if anyone noticed someone or anyone who might fit what we know," Hotch replied. "We know he hangs around coffee shops so there might be one in that area."
"Okay," Morgan replied.
"How about you all head there," Hotch started, "JJ head to the hospital, and I'll stay here to coordinate with PD."
"Sounds good," Emily replied grabbing her coat.
A few minutes had passed with everyone leaving besides JJ who was finishing up informing media and setting up times for a statement.
"Sir," an officer called out as Hotch walked out of his office.
"What information do you have?" Hotch said. "Follow me, we need to get anything to our tech analysis."
"We just got a call in that another girl seems to be missing," the officer continued, "Sixteen-year-old Lilly Grechner. Parents said she left early for school around 6am for swim practice at seven. Coach said she usually stops for coffee, but she never made it to practice. School then reported her missing and called her parents. No one has been able to get ahold of her."
"Okay," Hotch said walking into Garcia's office, "I need you to find someone and see if you can trace their phone or anything on them."
"Yes sir," Garcia said swiveling around to her computers. "I'm ready."
"Lilly Grechner," Hotch started, "Sixteen."
"Sophomore at Lincoln Prep," Garcia replied, "I am searching right now. Bingo. Okay, last seen making a transaction at Bee's Coffee Shop on Woodward Avenue, and it looks like her phone was last seen two blocks from that on Jefferson."
"Thanks Garcia," Hotch replied.
"I'll start charting out any other markers seen related to her," Garcia said.
"Rossi," Hotch said, "Where are you guys? We have a new missing girl. Lilly Gretchen. Last seen early this morning right by where you are…No coincidence…I'm sending the details now."
Rossi hung up the phone and looked at the rest of the team.
"Another girl is missing and was last seen this morning right in this area," Rossi relayed to the team. "He just sent the details."
"Hotch says the parents are going to head the FBI and he wants me to talk to them," Emily responded. "Do you mind if I leave?"
"Go ahead," Morgan replied.
"The chances are high that the perp would have been at the coffee shop frequently," Reid started, "Especially if the other girls were also last seen."
"We should head there are see what the shop can tell us," Morgan replied.
"Okay," Rossi replied, "Reid and I will go there, Emily head back, and Morgan can you go look around and see what you can find where Lilly's phone was last traced to."
"Sounds good," Morgan replied turning and heading off.
Emily made sure she had a set of keys before returning to the cars and heading quickly back to the office hoping to not keep the parents waiting.
Rossi and Reid quickly made their way to the coffee shop and headed in going up to the counter.
Rossi flashed his FBI badge, "Hello."
"Is there anything I can help with," a barista said.
"Yes," Rossi replied, "I am Special Agent David Rossi, and this is Dr. Spencer Reid, and we are with the FBI. A teenager came through here this morning and it is the last known place anyone saw her. Lilly Grechner. Brown hair, sixteen, here's the picture."
"Oh, I know her," the barista replied, "She comes through here regularly."
"Did you notice anything different this morning?" Reid asked. "Was there anyone with her, or anything unusual?"
"Not that I saw," the man replied, "Just the usual customers."
"Any who are newer?" Rossi asked.
"I mean we are by a college campus," the barista replied. "We always get new regulars."
"What about someone like this," Reid said pulling up a sketch the girls from the school had helped put together, "Around mid-twenties, could be a college student."
"Oh yeah," the barista replied, "He's been coming here for around two weeks."
"Would you have a name?" Rossi asked.
"No," the barista replied, "Always pays in cash, and just has us put the letter P on the drinks."
"Drinks?" Reid asked catching the plural ending.
"Yeah," the barista replied, "He always would come in early morning and sit for a little, and then would leave, but before order a coffee. Said he was bringing it to his girlfriend. He never brought her here."
"Interesting," Rossi replied. "Was he here this morning?"
"Yeah," The barista replied. "Got the usual."
"Did he ever interact with Kylie?" Rossi asked.
"I saw him occasionally try," the barista replied. "She never stayed long though, so I was never able to see anything more. I don't really know anything more."
"Okay," Rossi replied, "Thank you for that information. Here is my card. If you think of anything or see anything, please contact us."
Rossi and Reid headed out and were met by Morgan not much later.
"Find anything?" Rossi asked.
"Yeah," Morgan replied pulling out a specimen bag with a phone in it, "Lilly's phone. It was in the trash. I called CSI and they are heading over now to sweep the area. I'm calling Hotch and Garcia to start sweeping though any footage."
"They were both at the coffee shop," Rossi replied, "But no name and identity on the man."
"Okay," Morgan replied.
"Hey," Emily called out to Hotch. "Did you hear from Rossi and Morgan?"
"Yeah," Hotch said. "I think we have a profile we can deliver."
"I agree," Emily replied. "We should get something out there."
"Already set up in a few minutes," Hotch replied. "Can you deliver it with me? JJ will also be joining us. Sasha hadn't woken up yet, so she has been coordinating with media and getting things ready."
"Yeah," Emily replied, "Are Lilly Gretchen's parents here yet?"
"No," Hotch replied. "They should be here in about twenty, thirty minutes."
"Okay," Emily replied. "Let's deliver it."
It was about twenty minutes later when the profile was now out for the man in question. Emily looked around as an aid walked up to her.
"Agent Prentiss?" the aid said.
"Yeah?" Emily replied.
"Mr. and Mrs. Gretchen are here in the room," the aid replied.
"Okay," Emily nodded, "I'll go meet them."
Emily walked down the hall and into one of the meeting rooms. Emily knocked slowly before stepping in and seeing the worried parents hunched together on the couch.
"Hello," Emily said softly, "Mr. and Mrs. Gretchen, I'm Special Agent Emily Prentiss. I'm one of the agents working on the case."
"Please find Lilly," Mrs. Gretchen said. "She's our only child."
"We are working on it," Emily replied. "We just got a profile out and have many leads. We have victim who should be able to talk to us and give more details later this afternoon."
"Why not now?" Mr. Grechner asked.
Emily hated talking to family members of victims, especially parents of children, and the dark look spread across her face.
"Oh gosh," Mrs. Grechner replied, "It's that girl they found bleeding out, isn't it? Oh gosh. No. That can't happen to Lilly."
"We have agents and officers all out looking," Emily started being cut off.
"Well I saw a whole ton of them sitting around here," Mr. Grechner replied. "I'm sure you could get more out."
Emily calmed herself, "We have the officers calling for leads and following up on anything we find so we can get field officers out quickly and be efficient. I promise you; we are doing all we can."
"We know there were two others," Mrs. Grechner said, "and you couldn't find the man with them."
"Yes," Emily replied, "We didn't have jurisdiction to use our resources yet. We have a lead of who we are looking for, we are just trying to find out who it is."
"Why would someone take her?" Mrs. Gretchen asked, "She's a good kid, gets good grades, is in clubs, has good friends, did we miss something? We tried to be good parents and protect her. We should be out there looking and trying to call her. We could do more."
"I'm sure you did all you could," Emily tried reassuring the parents, "We have all the right people out there. All you can do is think good thoughts and try to think of anything she could have said that might be in relation."
"We've already tried," Mr. Gretchen replied. "There's nothing. We should be out looking."
"I think it would be a good idea if you stay here," Emily tried to press.
"This is our child," Mr. Gretchen snapped. "Our only child. We have every right to be out there."
"Are you a mother?" Mr. Gretchen asked Emily.
"I am a guardian to a teenage girl," Emily replied.
"And if she was missing, what would you do?" Mrs. Gretchen replied.
"I would do what I could do to help," Emily stated, "But my team and the police would also not allow me to work it or be in the field since its personal. The best would be to try to stay levelheaded and provide any information I could think of. I know this is hard, but we have some of the best out there looking for Lilly."
"Okay," Mrs. Gretchen replied. "We can do that then."
"Thank you," Emily said. "If you need anything, please let anyone know and we can get you what you need."
"Thank you," Mr. Gretchen replied.
Emily gave a small smile and got up, heading out back into the pen. Emily stopped herself and turned and walked down the hall to where Carrie was.
"Hello," Emily said walking in.
"Hey," Carrie said looking up from her work, "How are you?"
"Fine," Emily replied, "I need more coffee, but that's about it," Emily smirked.
"Ooo," Carrie replied, "Get me some then, too."
"Addict," Emily replied.
"Says you," Carrie smirked.
"Fair," Emily replied. "School work coming along?"
"Yeah," Carrie replied. "There's a lot, but at least my paper is interesting."
"Good," Emily replied. "I should go get going, but I'll go get you a coffee."
"Thanks," Carrie replied.
"You're welcome," Emily smiled brushing Carrie's hair back before kissing her head. "Okay, let me know if you need anything."
Carrie felt her phone buzz and looked down to see a text from Bianca. Carrie smiled and opened her phone.
'Dude. Emily, JJ, and that one another dude were on the news.'
Carrie frowned and clicked the link to the news source to the DC news channel.
'FBI delivers profile of suspect of the Credensa Case. Last week, Credensa (16) went missing from her family's home. Family suspected she ran away, but efforts to locate her were unsuccessful. Two days later, her body was found. Sasha Benson (15) was last seen leaving a friend's house to go to her home. The FBI and local officials have confirmed that Sasha was found bleeding out in an ally way but now is in stable condition in the hospital. Yesterday, Lilly Gretchen (16) was reported missing as she made her way to school. The FBI is working closely with local law enforcement. The FBI has released a profile of who they are looking for. If you have any information, please call the hotline."
Carrie felt her stomach churn as she hit play on the video looking at Emily, Hotch, and JJ standing there down the hall in the outfits she had seen them in that day. The video began to play.
'JJ: Hello, I am Communications Liaison Jennifer Jareau with the FBI.
Hotch: I'm Supervisory Special Agent Arron Hotchner."
Emily: And I am Special Agent Emily Prentiss.
Hotch: Regarding the Credensa Case, we have developed a profile that we would like to deliver to inform the public to be aware and help us identify and possible suspects. We are looking for a white male around low to mid-twenties, with light brown hair, regular build, and close to six feet tall.
Emily: This man is approachable and open to talking to people. He may appear pleasant, but nosey. We believe he works a job with access to college campuses but is not a student. He may pose as one to be able to talk to women and seem naive and trustworthy. This man has access to abandoned spaces that require lock and key.
Hotch: He is dangerous and manipulative and may take his time trying to build a relationship to gain trust before attacking. He holds victims for a few days.
Emily: He also may be suffering from some psychotic break that is causing him to act out. We urge high school girls, and young college women to please be careful, travel in groups. This man has been known to meet women at coffee shops in the area. The victims have all been females high school students who rejected him in some way or form.
Hotch: IF you have any information, do not hesitate to call our hotline here at the FBI. Thank you.
JJ: If anyone has any questions please reach out to my office. We are currently still looking for Lilly Gretchen who was last seen this morning. IF you recognize her or were in the area and saw anything, please contact us."
The video ended and continued scrolling down looking at the school pictures the news sources had provided of the girls. Immediately Carrie recognized and felt the fear Emily had been showing. The girls all looked like her and were around the same age. She hung out at coffee shops, too. Carrie gulped knowing why Emily had been extra protective.
"Hey," JJ said walking into the office.
"Hi," Carrie responded quietly.
JJ stopped a foot away from the desk and turned hearing Carrie's tone, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Carrie nodded trying to smile.
JJ took a few steps over and took a seat next to Carrie letting her know it was a false answer, "What's bothering you."
"It's nothing," Carrie replied.
"Really?" JJ replied catching Carrie's eyeline. "Carrie, please."
Carrie handed JJ her phone with the information about the case pulled up on it still. JJ took the phone and looked before closing her eyes and taking a sigh. She knew at some point Carrie was going to connect the work they do with the cases, and she knew it was always going to be a conversation.
"Is that the case you are working on?" Carrie asked quietly.
"Yes?" JJ replied. "It's a bad one that's local."
"Yeah," Carrie replied, "It's just close."
"I know," JJ said rubbing a comforting hand on Carrie's back.
"And it's just weird seeing you guys on the news," Carrie frowned, "Like I know what your job is and what you do, but its weird reading about a case and knowing you guys have seen the worst of it, but just turn around and have this normal life."
"It definitely is," JJ replied knowing the teen had more to say.
"Seeing Emily just walking under the yellow tape," Carrie replied, "And knowing enough to know what's behind there…"
"Is scary?" JJ suggested helping Carrie.
"Yeah," Carrie nodded, "And she just has to come back home or wherever and has known I would be out there at the same chance as the other girls who look like me."
"That's why she is being a little extra protective," JJ replied. "It does go home with her; she just tries to hide it."
"I know," Carrie replied, "She seemed off yesterday, but I didn't want to push."
"She has outlets," JJ tried to reassure Carrie, "She knows also its new and new feeling having you around now and trying to work cases. She doesn't need and won't always tell you about them because she is trying to protect you."
"I know," Carrie said again, "It's just weird to think whoever hurting those girls, you guys are the ones who find him and try to save the victims. It's just weird."
"Yeah, I know," JJ replied, "Sometimes it feels like a double life. You can't just take home your bad day of work and talk it out at the dinner table."
"No," Carrie muttered, "That would not be fun."
"Remember," JJ started brushing Carrie's hair back, "The team is a family, so we watch out for one another. IF you think Emily is off, you know you can always call or text me, and I'll check in on her."
"Okay," Carrie replied smiling up at the blonde, "Thanks."
"Anytime," JJ said back, "Are you okay if I head out now?"
"Yeah," Carrie nodded. "I'm fine."
"Okay," J replied, "Just text me if you need anything.
"I know," Carrie muttered.
JJ ruffled Carrie's hair and headed back out and down the hall. As JJ made it down the hall, she spotted Emily and Hotch talking.
"Hey," JJ greeted as she approached the pair. "Did you talk to the Gretchen's?"
"Yeah," Emily nodded. "I thought you headed back out to the hospital."
"I'm on y way now," JJ replied. "Carrie just needed a moment."
"Oh okay," Emily replied, "Is everything okay?"
"She found out about the case," JJ shook her head, "She saw the news article from her friend and saw us in the videos, so its just freaked her out a little. She's fine, just still connecting the dots between what we do and us outside of the job."
"That's fair," Emily started, "It's not like we talk about what we do at work."
"She understands," JJ started, "She's just finding it hard with the case being close and of course the content."
"Yeah," Emily nodded trying to hide from the look JJ was giving her, knowing the case resembled closely to Carrie and was getting to Emily. "Well, I'm glad she's okay. Do you need a ride anywhere? I was heading out to the scene with Reid and Morgan. They are still working it remotely."
"I'll just take on of the cars," JJ replied, "Don't worry."
"Okay," Emily smiled quickly heading off.
JJ sighed seeing and knowing the fear inside Emily. She knew the woman was also not the best when it came to asking for help or needing anything. She was good at compartmentalizing everything they saw and did, or at least put the illusion on. JJ headed to the cars and quickly drove to the hospital down the way. She parked the car and took a deep breath before walking in. She knew she needed a calm and clear mind to be able to piece anything together that a victim could provide.
JJ walked slowly into Sasha Bensons room at the hospital. Sasha had been awake for a few hours at this point and the teens parents had reached out saying Sasha was ready to talk. JJ stepped into the room seeing the teen dazed looking out the window.
"Sasha?" JJ said quietly trying to not startle the teen. "I'm Jennifer Jareau and I'm with the FBI. Do you mind if we talk for a little?"
Sasha shook her head, "Yeah, that's okay."
JJ took a seat on a chair next to the bed, "Okay. I just wanted to talk about the past few days. See if there is anything you remember that you could share that might help us find out who did this."
"Yeah," Sasha replied. "I remember some things. Sorry, my brain is a little fuzzy."
"That's fine," JJ smiled. "We can go at whatever pace you need."
"Okay," Sasha nodded.
"What can you tell me about before the incident?" JJ asked. "I know you went to a coffee shop and then with some friends before walking home."
"Yeah," Sasha replied. "I was walking home like normal. I only put one earbud in because I liked to know what was going on around me. There was this truck. I noticed it when I left, but I did not think anything of it. I was walking and heard it behind me, but then it slowed down. I usually didn't stop for people because men always make comments, but it was the guy from the coffee shop. He asked if I knew where and how to get to where this street was. I didn't think anything of it and was just trying to be nice. I don't really know what happened then. I remember him learning over, and sharp pain, but then it just went black. The next thing I remember was being there."
"Okay," JJ said seeing the teen get more tense, "You are doing a great job. Where is there?"
"I don't really know," Sasha replied starting to cry, "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," JJ reassured the teen handing a tissue to her. "What do you remember from around you? Dark or light?"
"It was dark I guess," Sasha replied, "But there were like these streams of light that came in sometimes that were high up. And things always echoed, I think. And it was damp. Not like wet or cold, just damp."
Sasha began to panic, and her breathing picked up. JJ quickly moved sitting on the bed and ran a comforting reassurance on Sasha am.
"You're okay," JJ said quietly, "You're safe. You are in the hospital and no one can get you. We can take a break."
"No," Sasha replied. "I'm fine. I do not remember to much more. I just remember the guy kept calling me Dana and refer to old days of calling me Tachner. I kept saying that wasn't my name and then he would just get mad and start getting aggressive. He just kept saying I was wrong and why I didn't remember him. He kept saying, Benny, Benjamin, I don't know. And then that's when he would do stuff. Then it would just get better and he would relax and then back at it."
"Thank you," JJ nodded. "I know its hard to talk about."
"If it helps save someone," Sasha replied, "I don't care. I don't remember anything else."
"That's fine," JJ nodded, "You helped me more than enough. If you remember anything, here is my card. You've been brave. Do you want your parents back in the room?"
"Yeah," Sasha nodded.
"Okay," JJ said. "Please also reach out if you need anything."
The teen nodded and JJ gave a smile in response before heading back out.
As JJ drove back, she hit the dial button, "Hey."
"Hello," Hotch replied, "I'm with Garcia."
"Can we get the rest of the team on the line?" JJ asked.
"Let me wire them in," Garcia called out, "Bingo."
"Hey," Rossie called out, "Morgan, Emily, and Reid are also here."
"Sasha was able to give out some info," JJ said. "I'm on my way back, but I think we might be able to pull a name and maybe place a location."
"What is it?" Hotch replied. "Sasha said the man referred to himself as Benny or Benjamin. I know there is a lot of people with that name in the area, but she also said he called her Dana and referred to when he used to call her Tachner."
"I'm assuming a last name," Emily said over the phone.
"And from everything we gathered," Reid, "The unsub would pick up a coffee on his way out for his girlfriend, but no one ever met her or saw her."
"He could be suffering from some psychological break," Rossi gathered, "Somehow losing his girlfriend or someone close."
"Yes agreed," Hotch said.
"Okay," Garcia said, "I have found a Daniela Tachner. She was twenty-four and a grad student at Georgetown. She died a month ago in a car crash. Looks like she had been on the phone with her boyfriend when it happened."
"Do you have a name of the boyfriend?" Hotch asked.
"Finding that now," Garcia replied. "Ah yes. Benjamin Tittle. Twenty-five and worked as groundskeeper and repairs for Georgetown. Oh, and when Daniela died her parents were very public about how the blamed Benjamin for her death and how he didn't deserve her of their family's wealth."
"Okay any more information?" Rossi asked.
"Benjamin goes by Benny," Garcia replied, "And he drives a blue ford."
"That's our guy," Emily replied. "Any chance any locations seem specific."
"Sasha said she remembered it being dark and damp," JJ started, "And light came through from the top."
"Well, they met at Georgetown," Morgan replied, "Any chance there was a building unused there."
"Um," Garcia started, "Give me a second. There is an abandoned pool area in one of the areas under construction. Construction was halted due to a contract being broken."
"That's it," Hotch said.
"Okay the address is 748 Fraiser Street," Garcia said.
"Okay, great work," Hotch replied.
JJ hung up as she drove back to Quantico and parked before heading up the stairs. She made her way to the waiting room that the Gretchen's had been siting in the whole day.
"Hello?" JJ knocked entering the room. "I'm Jennifer with the FBI. I just wanted to give you an update on the case."
"Yes," Mr. Gretchen nodded.
"We have found the suspect and identified a location," JJ said. "We have agents, medical, and police on their way now. I do want to warn you, we do not know if it's the place, but it is the first place, and we think it is the place."
"How can you be so sure?" Mrs. Gretchen asked.
"Sasha Benson was able to answer some questions and help identify key information," JJ nodded.
"Well, we will owe a lot to her," Mr. Gretchen replied.
"I will be waiting and assisting the team in any way possible for the remainder," JJ started, "But will be down the hall and update you when we hear anything. Do you need anything right now?"
"I think we are fine," Mrs. Gretchen replied. "But thank you."
"Okay," JJ smiled before heading out.
"Hey," Garcia said. "Have you heard anything yet."
"Nope," JJ replied. "We got off the call like 20 minutes ago so we should be hearing something soon."
"I know," Garcia replied. "I just hope its on the better side of news we hear."
"Me too," JJ sighed. "I'm going to go grab some files I need and check in on Carrie."
"Okay," Garcia replied. "Give the munchkin a hug from me."
"Will do," JJ smiled and headed down the hall.
JJ made her way to her office and stepped inside seeing Carrie sitting with her book.
"Hi JJ," Carrie greeted JJ.
"Hi sweety," JJ replied. "I just need to work on some filing."
"How's the case?" Carrie asked hesitantly.
"We have a really good lead," JJ nodded, "I'm not sure what else I can say technically."
"Well, that's good at least," Carrie replied. "What about Emily? How is she?"
"I haven't seen her too much," JJ replied honestly, "But she's blocking anything out to work a case like normal."
"Figured," Carrie replied.
"She'll be okay, Carrie," JJ reassured the teen. "You don't need to worry."
"Okay," Carrie replied looking up with worried eyes at JJ.
Before JJ could reply her phone rang, "I have to take this. I'll be right back."
JJ stepped into the hall and picked up the phone, "Jennifer Jareau."
"Hey it's Rossi," Rossi replied.
"Hey,"" JJ replied.
"We found Lilly," Rossi replied.
'Oh my gosh, that's great," JJ replied. "How is she?"
"Mostly okay physically at least," Rossi replied. "She is with the paramedics and Emily is with her. They said she shouldn't need to go to the hospital."
"That's good," JJ sighed.
"Yeah, we got here before anything could get too extreme," Rossi replied. "Are the parents still there?"
"Yes," JJ replied. "I'll go inform them."
"Okay," Rossi said. "We are going to bring her to Quantico."
"Sounds good," JJ replied. "And the unsub?"
"Police have him in custody," Rossi replied.
"Good," JJ sighed. "Do you have an ETA?"
"I'm thinking forty-five minutes or less," Rossi replied.
"Okay sounds good," JJ replied. "See you then."
JJ smiled and hung up the phone and headed back into the office. Carrie looked up at JJ still with the same worried look from when JJ had stepped out.
"They arrested the unsub and found Lilly Gretchen," JJ said looking at the teen. "So, the case should be closed for now and the team is getting ready to head back with Lilly to bring her to her parents."
"I'm glad," Carrie replied.
JJ took a seat next to the teen and wrapped an arm around her, "Just remember everything I said earlier. Do you want to head to the pen with me and wait for them to get back?"
"Yeah," Carrie replied, "I just want to see Emily."
"I know," JJ replied. "Let's go and you can go sit at her desk."
"Sounds good," Carrie smiled.
JJ helped Carrie pack up her things before heading out and down the hall the pen. Carrie sat down in Emily's desk chair and looked at the desk.
JJ looked down, "I'll be right back. I need to go tell the parents and then I'll be back."
"Okay," Carrie nodded.
JJ walked back down the hall and opened the door to the room where the parents were sitting.
"Hello," JJ greeted. "The team found Lilly. She's okay. The paramedics checked her out and she should be fine. She's very shaken up, but other than that, she should be good. The team is bringing her back here and will be here in thirty minutes or so."
"Oh my god," Mr. Gechner replied. "Thank you so much. Thank you."
"No problem," JJ replied. "If you want, we can head out to the pen and wait."
"Yes," Mrs. Grechner replied.
JJ led the parents out and sat them down at a nearby table. From earlier, the pen was now empty besides JJ, Carrie, and the parents sitting around.
Carrie sat waiting at Emily's desk, tapping her foot to pass the time. Carrie looked up from her intertwined hands to see JJ leading the parents of Lilly Grechner over to another cubical. Carrie could see JJ mouth something to them before leaving them and walking to where Carrie was.
"You okay?" JJ asked rubbing Carrie's shoulder.
"Yeah," Carrie nodded with a straight face. "I guess I'm just tired."
"Well, the team should be back really soon," JJ replied, "So Emily should be here soon."
Carrie nodded in understanding, "JJ? Are those Lilly Gretchen' s parents?"
"Yes," JJ answered.
"Do they understand their daughter is not going to be the same for a bit?" Carrie asked quietly.
JJ frowned, "I think they know deep down. They are good parents; they'll learn and do their best."
Carrie nodded in response looking up at JJ. JJ pulled Carrie into a side hug before walking back over to be the Gretchen's waited.
"Who's that?" Mrs. Grechner asked nodding towards Carrie.
"Carrie," JJ said softly, "Agent Emily Prentiss, who worked closely with you, that's the child she is the guardian of."
"Guardian?" Mr. Trencher asked.
"Carrie lost her family in a brutal way not too long ago," JJ started, "Emily took her in right away. She's already family here."
"How is she doing with everything?" Mrs. Grechner asked.
JJ understand 'everything' continued, "Trauma is a lot to handle for everyone. Emily just listens and tries to provide whatever Carrie needs to make the process comfortable and able. So does the rest of the team. Taking the time to check in and letting her know we are there helps. Carrie understanding how much support is being always offered, makes it so she wants to live, and she is doing just that. What is important to remember is also taking time to process this yourselves. This was also traumatic for you, in different ways, but it was there. It's not easy and takes time, just keep that in mind. Reminding Lilly no one expects her to feel normal right away will let her know she can ask for help and express how she feels."
"Thank you," Mr. Gretchen nodded.
The elevator door beeped. Carrie looked up knowing the sound and saw the team, Emily, and the teenager walking in. Rossi and Emily each had a protective hand on the Lilly's shoulder as they led the teen over. Lilly and her parents met eye contact and Lilly took off running to see them as they engulfed her in hugs. Emily lingered for a moment before turning to see Carrie as her desk. Emily quickly walked over as Carrie stood up. Everything was silent as Emily wrapped her arms tightly around the teen and just held her. Carrie burrowed herself against Emily for a few more moments before the two let go.
"Let's go home," Emily said softly.
Carrie nodded and threw her backpack on. Emily waited before wrapping her arm around the teen protectively as they walked.
"Excuse me?" Mrs. Gretchen called out to Emily.
Emily stopped keeping her arm tightly around Carrie.
"Thank you," Mrs. Gretchen said holding her own daughter. "Thank you for everything you did. Thank you for finding my daughter and bringing her back."
"You're welcome," Emily replied catching Carrie lean in closer.
"You have a wonderful guardian," Mrs. Gretchen said to Carrie.
"I know," Carrie replied softly looking at Lilly. "It's not gonna be easy, Lilly, but you'll be fine. Just take your time with everything."
Lilly nodded buried in her father's chest.
"Thanks again," Mr. Gretchen said.
"Anytime," Emily nodded in response. "Best of luck."
Emily turned with Carrie before heading out and silently walking to the car and going home. The ride was silent as Emily seemed to be putting up a shield. Carrie frowned, after seeing Lilly and reading about the case, she knew some of it had to have been the fact the teens shared resemblance to her. Emily parked the car and Carrie followed Emily upstairs and into the apartment.
"I am exhausted," Emily said stepping into the apartment.
"Emily are you okay?" Carrie asked hesitantly.
"Yeah," Emily nodded, "I'm fine. I just need some sleep."
"Are you sure?" Carrie asked. "That's the response I give when I'm not okay and don't want you to know."
"Yeah," Emily nodded not wanting to throw her worries and fears onto the teen.
"Okay," Carrie nodded heading to her room. "I'm gonna get ready for bed and then come say goodnight."
"Okay," Emily called out heading into her own room.
Carrie picked up her phone and open JJs number.
'JJ. Emily just seems off.'
'What do you mean?'
'She's just distant.'
'It was a bad case. I think she is just processing. She gets like this sometimes.'
'I know it was bad. I think it's because the girls looked like me and it got to her.'
'I agree. Honey, it's not your job to fix that.'
'But she doesn't like it when I get like this.'
'Well what does she do when you get like this? People often do what works for them.'
'She just doesn't leave my side. I'll just go check in.'
'Okay. Let me know if you need anything.'
'Thanks.'
Carrie sighed and got up, putting on a pair of pj shorts and a t-shirt before heading down the hall to Emily's room. Carrie knocked quietly.
"Come in," Emily called.
Carrie opened the door and headed inside to find Emily sitting on the bed. Carrie awkwardly walked over and climbed in and got under the covers next to Emily. Emily looked a puzzled down at the teen. Carrie wrapped her arms around Emily noticing some dried tear streaks.
"I know you're not okay," Carrie spoke quietly. "I know the case was hard and got to you. I know the girls were all my age and looked like me. And I know seeing them die probably scared you."
Emily drew in a breath and felt her voice hitch, "Yes. It was like seeing my biggest fear."
"Nothing will happen to me, Em," Carrie replied, "I'm right here."
"I know," Emily said feeling a tear fall from her face.
Carrie snuggled in closer realizing she had never seen Emily cry and placed her hand on Emily's shoulder. Emily took Carrie's hands in her own and squeezed them.
"My biggest fear is something more happening to you," Emily started, "And this case, it just scared me."
"Because I was the unsubs type," Carrie said quietly.
"Yes," Emily sighed, "And it was close to home. I saw those other girls and their families and just had this fear of what if it had been you? What is someone else ever tries to hurt you? It's scared me, but seeing this so close, just got to me. The whole time I was just so thankful that you were in one of the most secure places and close by, because I knew you were safe and outside those doors there was someone terrible."
"Nothing more is going to happen," Carrie said. "I know that because I have this great family protecting me and watching out over everything I do. Garcia tracks my phone, you know. Morgan is going to start working out with me and doing some self-defense courses. JJ texts me daily to check in. Hotch would chase someone down in a minute. Reid would have some algorithm to know my exact patterns and if anything was off. Rossi just like has a weird thing with sensing if anything is off and is so protective. And you, you just have love that always makes you know if anything is wrong and I know you fix things and are the most protective person that would not let anything happen. And you have a scary fighting side JJ told me, so I think you would kill anyone for me."
"Garcia really tracks your phone?" Emily asked with a smirk taking in the compliment about herself.
"Yeah," Carrie chuckled wrapping her arms tighter around Emily. "She showed me yesterday."
"It's her weird love language," Emily replied with a sigh. "I just don't want anything to happen to you. You've had enough and I have this need to protect you."
"You do," Carrie nodded. "And you will always do what you can. I know that."
"How are you holding up?" Emily asked. "I'm sorry if being there for the case was a lot."
"Fine," Carrie shrugged, "It was a little overwhelming at times with the people there but being in the office I could zone out. It was just amazing watching you reunite Lilly with her family. I see why you do your job: for those good moments."
"Yes," Emily smiled, "Those moments make up for so many of the hard times. I just hope and pray that nothing ever ever catches you again in darkness of this world. I just want the best for you. You deserve it. And today scared me of the possibility of the darkness."
"I know," Carrie said and without thinking kissed Emily's cheek like she had always done to her mother.
Emily caught the small act of affection and squeezed Carrie's hand.
"What do you need?" Carrie asked.
"Nothing," Emily said. "I'll be fine."
"Emily," Carrie replied. "I know you're not okay."
"Would you just want to sleep in here tonight?" Emily asked. "I just want you nearby."
"Yes," Carrie replied understanding where Emily's fear came from and happy to be as close as she could to Emily.
"Thank you," Emily said wrapping her arms around Carrie. "I just need to know your safe right now."
"I am," Carrie replied feeling even more content to the end of the long week knowing how much Emily cared and wanted her there with her. "You know that I feel safe because of you. Knowing you are around or can call at any time just makes me feel safe."
Emily smiled, "I love you."
"I love you too," Carrie replied.
"Let's do something fun tomorrow," Emily suggested. "Any suggestions."
"I don't know," Carrie shrugged. "I've wanted to see the Newseum, but anything outside sounds fun since we've been inside a lot."
"We could do both," Emily suggested. "Get lunch out. Make it a day."
"Okay," Carrie agreed.
"Can I turn off the lights," Emily asked.
"Yeah," Carrie nodded.
Emily switched off the lights and got in bed, holding out her arms for Carrie. The teen buried in, glad to be back home and close to Emily.
"I missed you," Carrie said. "And you weren't even gone in another state."
"I know the feeling," Emily replied. "I love you. Hope you sleep well."
"I will," Carrie smiled, "I love you."
Emily kissed Carrie's head goodnight and closed her eyes feeling relieved to have the teen safely next to her and unsub in custody. Even thinking about the case, Emily pulled the teen closer, not wanting anyone to ever touch and hurt her. Emily closed her eyes and listened to Carrie's breathing even out to an even rhythm before letting herself drift back to sleep.