Chapter Fifteen: Forever Family
The months past and slowly but surely Persephone began forming a stronger relationship with her team. First Thanksgiving and Christmas came along. She tried to incorporate a few British traditions into the second one including Christmas crackers and enjoyed discussing the differences between both sides of the pound. Then she saw in the new year, the team gathered in Rossi's mansion as they watched the ball drop before they sang Auld Land Sign. Soon, the signs of winter fell away and gave way to spring and the buds on the trees started to form.
The tight feeling right in the pitch of her stomach told Persephone that something was wrong as she drove to the BAU one morning. Her suspicions were confirmed when her phone rang via the blue tooth app that connected it to her car. After a quick chat with JJ, she was informed that a case had just come in and it was a bad one. Thankfully, as Persephone was already headed to work it was not long before she was sat in the bullpen listening as Garcia informed them about their latest case. And god help them it was children. It was always worse when there were children.
"Three children have been kidnapped from their homes in Jacksonville, Florida. All three children are in the foster-care system." Garcia explained. Three pictures of children were behind them: two boys and a girl.
"Elliot Grove, 7 was taken first. Then, a few days later Drew O'Hara 9 was snatched and this morning, Carlotta Woods age 5 was taken." JJ put in.
"They were foster kids?" Persephone asked.
Garcia nodded sadly. Persephone was suddenly aware of the fact that her team's eyes were on her. Uncomfortable with the attention, she cleaned her throat effectively getting them to turn their attention on something more important, namely the three missing children.
"After 24 hours the survival rate for missing children is low but we haven't found a body, yet which suggest the children are still alive. However, every second counts. We don't know what the motive the un-sub has." Persephone reminded them.
"Which is why we must get there as soon as possible. Wheels up in fifteen." Hotch ordered. Judging by the glance he gave Persephone; he had caught onto the weaving in her voice after she had found out about the children. And judging by the way he raised his eyebrows once he caught her eyeline, they were going to have words about that later. Fantastic.
On the jet, Persephone tried to ignore the several concerned glances various members of the team were casting her. She knew exactly what their problem was. When you worked with profilers it was almost impossible to hide when something was bothering you. Once you worked out that something was bugging her, it didn't take a genius to figure out that it was the case. It was understandable that it would be hard for her. This was the first case that truly involved children. While the one in Nevada did involve families, it did not directly impact children at least, not in the same way.
"If the un-sub hasn't asked for a ransom yet, what motive does he have?" Reid asked.
"I would say that the motive has a sexual component to it but as he takes children who vary in gender and age I would rule that out. Paedophiles usually have a type." Morgan spoke.
"There is something that connects them though, they were all foster kids," Hotch stated. "That could say something about the un-sub. Maybe he has some sort of history with the system."
Persephone's nose twitched in the way it did when she spotted something. Usually, they referred to the un-sub as 'he' because nine times out of ten they were right in that assumption. However, something was telling Persephone that they were wrong in this instance. Maybe it was the lack of a body or a ransom, but her gut was telling her the un-sub was female. One thing that she learnt from working with Scotland Yard, Interpol and now the FBI, was that trusting your gut was important – it could save lives, including your own, one day.
"That's another thing. We don't know if the un-sub is male." Persephone commented. "We know that a majority of serial killers are male but in this case, I feel like we would be doing a disservice if we don't at least consider it."
"That's a good point, Ambrose. We're going to be landing soon so I suggest we get some rest."
When they got to the police station they were met by the captain of Jacksonville's 12th precinct. He seemed extremely happy to see them which made a change as usually their arrival was meant by a frosty reception to say the least. However, when children were at risk it put people's priorities straight. Persephone was thankful that the captain was able to put his pride aside for the sake of three children.
"I've spoken to the parents of the children. The first kid's dad, Mr Mathews, is eager to speak to someone." He told them after the brief introductions were through with. The captain was not one to beat about the bush and now that the required pleasantries were over with he wanted to jump straight into it. The team understood and respected that, Afterall, time was of the essence.
Hotch glanced at Persephone and noticed that she was getting a little restless. It occurred to him that she may be the best choice to speak to Mr Mathews. She could be remarkably reassuring and her ability to connect with family members was just one of the reasons he was proud to have her on his team. That combined with the fact that her restlessness could turn to anger that would be disruptive to the flow of the team made up his mind.
"Ambrose, go to Mr Mathews' home address and speak to him," Hotch ordered. "Go alone, for now, speaking to him one on one may be the best. It will be less intimidating. If you need help ring."
"I'll be fine," Persephone assured.
"I am sure you will be," Hotch agreed before nodding at his agent in a non-verbal dismissal.
Mr Mathews lived a short drive away from the precinct and soon Persephone was on the porch waiting for him to open the door. It was getting uncomfortably warm so she hoped that it wouldn't be too long so that she could be enjoying the coolness that the air conditioning provided. She was not disappointed.
"Yes?" Mr Matthews asked his eyes portraying a man who had not slept in weeks which was to be expected due to the circumstances.
"Mr Matthews, I'm Agent Persephone Ambrose with the FBI. May I come in?" She requested, holding up her credentials so that the man could exam them.
Matthews' eyes widened in a mixture of hope and surprise before he flung the door open which such vigour that Persephone was briefly worried that it would come off its hinges.
"Of course, Agent Ambrose! Come in, come in! Can I get you something? Lemonade? Coffee?" Then almost as an afterthought, he added "I'm afraid I haven't any tea, but I could run to the store and grab some."
"No need to go any trouble on my account Mr Matthews, I'm here to help you remember. All I need is for you to answer a few questions."
"Of course, I'll try and help however I can."
After a few questions, Persephone found out little more than they already knew. Mr Mathews was a rare breed. He and his wife wanted children, but it never happened and after Mrs Mathews died from endometrial cancer he turned to the foster care system. He was currently in the process of adopting his foster son and as far as Persephone could tell, he generally cared and loved Elliot. The boy was taken from his bedroom which was on the ground floor, just like the other two kidnapped children. He couldn't give Persephone much information, but he tried hard to remember something from the days leading up to Elliot's disappearance.
"Are you sure that you've not heard anything an out a ransom?" Persephone asked.
"Agent Ambrose, I assure you if I had been contacted I would tell you. Don't get me wrong, I'm rich and I'd pay any last penny if it meant getting him back but I'm not an idiot. I know that telling you guys everything is the best option."
"Thank-you. Well, that's everything for now."
"I'll show you out."
Persephone let herself be led out of the door. Just as she stepped out onto the porch she heard a sobbing noise. She spun around and saw that Mr Matthews was crying. Immediately, Persephone was at his side, with a comforting hand on the man's shoulder she prepared to calm him down. Her hand was roughly pushed off his shoulder and his voice growled through angry tears.
"Get off of me!" He ordered.
"Mr Matthews, we're doing everything we can."
"It's not enough!" He objected waving his hands aggressively. Persephone took a step back and raised her hands placatingly.
"I know nothing I can say can make your nerves better. I understand that."
"How can you possibly understand?! My son is missing! He may not be my son officially, but he is in my heart. He's only 7 for Pete's sake and he's out there, scared with some psycho! Have you been in that situation Agent Ambrose? Because unless you have you can't possibly understand."
"I haven't been in this exact situation, but I do know what's is like to care about someone with every fibre of your being and what's it's like to lose them. I get it. I can't promise you that your son will be ok, but I can promise you that I will do whatever it takes to find him. And judging by the fact you have not heard from the kidnappers, the person responsible does not wish your son harm. Keep onto that."
Mr Matthews nodded slightly.
"Thank-you. I'm sorry for my previous outburst."
"It's completely understandable." Persephone waved off. Mr Mathews thanked her again before he went back into the house.
She walked down the path and headed towards a small diner at the end of the street. The hot weather was starting to make her feel a little unwell so was going to pop in have a lemonade before she phoned Hotch to let them know what Mr Mathews had said. She hadn't gotten far when she was interrupted by her phone ringing. Standing aside so that she wouldn't be in the way of other pedestrians, she answered it. It was Hotch.
"Ambrose, are you done with Mr Mathews?"
"I've just finished with him."
"Are you still with him?"
"No, I'm outside his house, why?"
A sigh of relief before Hotch spoke again.
"The second child was just found. He's in the hospital but he's been discharged as we speak. Social services are letting us speak to him. Get back here."
"Yes sir. Hotch, was he released, or did he escape?"
"That is what we need to find out."
Persephone ended the phone call and went back the way she came to where her car was parked. She made it back to the precinct in record time. When she got there, she saw a little boy talking with JJ in one of the interview rooms. A lady whom Persephone assumed was a social worker was sat in with him. Hotch waved to her when he spotted her, and she went straight over to him.
"How is he?" Persephone asked her first concern being the child's welfare. She was surprised that they'd been allowed access to the child so quickly after the ordeal he's gone through. Then again she was hardly surprised that the foster parents did not show complete concern over their charge's welfare.
"He's a bit shaken but otherwise unharmed. The doctors say he was well cared for but he's not saying anything." Hotch told her.
"That is hardly surprising," Persephone answered pointily.
"No. But so far he is the best chance we have of finding these kids alive. The social worker won't sign off on the cognitive interview."
"What about the foster parents?"
Hotch shook his head and sighed. "They're giving up reasonability."
"Why am I not surprised?" Persephone grunted ruefully.
Her boss raised his eyebrows at her for the third time that day. "Is everything all right Ambrose? This case seems to be getting at you."
"I'm fine Hotch. Anyway, it isn't me you should be focused on. Let me try and speak to Drew. I think I could get through to him."
Hotch eyed her thoughtfully. Persephone tried not the squirm under his glance, but it was getting progressively harder to do so. Just as it was getting uncomfortable, Hotch broke his gaze and nodded.
"All right. But at the first sign of trouble, I'm benching you. I know this case is bugging you and you're starting to let it affect your ability to do your duty. This case is far too important for that."
"Understood sir but that won't be necessary. I can handle it."
Persephone sat opposite Drew and smiled softly. She was well aware of the fact that her team was watching her, but she chose to ignore it. In order to get through to Drew, she would have to relate to him. To do that, she would have to reveal something that she would rather they didn't know but if it helped to find those kids it was worth it.
"I'm not saying anything to you," Drew grunted adamantly before she could open her mouth.
"That's all right. You don't have to. How about you just listen?"
Drew didn't say anything in response but since he didn't object outrightly, Persephone continued.
"I hear that Mr and Mrs Lynn decided that they couldn't look after you anymore. I'm sorry. I know how that feels. But it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you."
Drew just scowled and folded his arms. He huffed before pulling himself further into himself.
"I know. It's rule one Never get attached."
The boy looked up in surprise at that. He didn't say anything to her though, but he seemed a little less hostile than before, so Persephone continued.
"I understand because I've been there. I was a foster kid." Persephone informed him. She watched as he observed her, looking for any sign that she was lying no doubt. You got pretty good at looking for that when you were in the system. You just had to. It was a way of protecting yourself from people you didn't trust.
"Did you get adopted?" He questioned.
"No." Persephone answered honestly "By the time I was in the system I was past the sweet spot."
Drew nodded. He understood that.
"It was a woman."
"Who was?" Persephone inquired though she had an inkling of whom he was speaking about.
"The person who took me. She said she was going to look after me, my brother and sister." Drew expanded.
Wait. What? Brother and sister? She wasn't aware of either kid having any siblings. Did that mean that the women who took them thought they were related? Where are they filling to void that another set of kids had filled? If they were related, it would make sense why no one else had been taken.
"Your brother and sister?" She clarified.
"That's what the lady said that we were siblings and she was our mom."
Ok so apparently the women believed her to be their mother. It was clear that Drew believed that the other children were his biological siblings. Whether he was right was unclear, but it was important to find out. It was also important to find out how Drew got out.
"Drew, did you escape or were you released?"
"I escaped. The others. They're still there! Oh god, I left my brother and sister there alone!"
The full impact of his escape was now suddenly dawning on him. Persephone did not blame him for one second. He'd only just found about the supposed relationship between him and the other children, his instinctual need for self-preservation would have worn out any selfless action towards those he barely knew.
"Drew, it's all right. It's not your fault. Can you remember where you were being held? It might help us find them."
"It was under a railway track."
Persephone and the team discussed what Drew had told them. She could tell that they wanted to bring up what they had learnt about her, but they knew that it simply wasn't the time. The case was a good excuse to postpone any conversations about that topic but if things were going as well as they hoped, she wouldn't have that excuse much longer. She couldn't bring herself to be annoyed by that or to hope for extra time because it meant that the children wouldn't be safe as soon as possible.
"Boss, the un-sub was telling truth. The three children are related. It was sealed by juvenile records because it was believed that the mother may be dangerous to the children if she discovered it. They have the same mom but different dads. That explains the different surnames." Garcia reported.
"What's the mother's name?"
"Andrea Montgomery 35. She's subletting an old warehouse below a railway, I've set the coordinates to you right now."
The team drove to the location that Garcia had given them. The other two children were scared and a little dehydrated but otherwise they were all right. They clung onto each other, taking comfort in each other's presence. They hadn't known each other long but it was amazing how well a stressful situation could bring you close together. The social worker took Drew to the hospital where his brother and sister were being looked after. When he saw his newly founded brother and sister he ran to them, hugging them and apologising. Neither of them blamed him.
"Agent Ambrose!" Mr Mathews shook Persephone's hand eagerly when he spotted the British agent.
"Mr Mathews. How is Elliot?" She enquired.
"He's doing well. I mean, it's going to be a while before things are back to normal but I'm going to do whatever I can for him."
"That's good. I'm really happy to hear that."
"I wanted to thank you. You found my son and now I have two more kids to love and look after."
"Two more?"
"I'm going to adopt Drew and Carlotta. They're my son's brother and sister so they're my kids too. I'm not going to split the three of them up."
"You're a good man Mr Mathews." Persephone smiled. "The foster system needs more people like you."
"You're an ex-foster kid aren't you?" He observed. After years of fostering children, he knew when someone had gone through the system. Perhaps it was the way she had handled the case or the way she empathised with Elliot and the others.
"How did you know?" Persephone questioned.
"I know the signs. Did you find your forever family?"
Persephone looked to where the rest of the team was waiting. "I think maybe I did, just not in the way I expected. I wish you all the best in the future."
While on the plane back to Quantico, Persephone told them about how the children were going to be adopted by Mr Mathews so that they could all stay together. He was only too happy to adopt two more children. He always wanted a big family and there was no way he was going to allow the other two kids to go back to the foster care system.
"Mr Mathews is a good man to take in two extra children like that," Rossi remarked.
"He wanted to have children and now he's got three. You saw him with those kids, whether they were related or not he was going to adopt them. Especially after the bond between Elliot and the others." Hotch added.
"He's a rare breed. Not many foster parents are that good, unfortunately. It does make me glad to be reminded that they are out there." Persephone acknowledged.
The conversation stilled there. The team exchanged thoughtful looks. They were trying to figure out how to approach the subject that they'd been meaning to talk about since it came to light that she was in foster care as a child. Persephone sighed and decided to save them from making a decision by bringing it up herself.
"OK, that's enough. The pitiful looks have got to stop. You may as well patch Garcia through because I'm only going to say this once."
Reid was the one that called Garcia and after a brief discussion with the tech analyst, he spun the laptop around. She was eager to find out more about Persephone's apparent time in foster care. Well too bad because Persephone wasn't going to tell her everything, just the basics and enough to avoid further questions.
"I was taken into foster care when I was 12. I'm not going to tell you why or what led to that outcome. No, I missed out on the sweet spot, so I just aged out. And while some of the FPs were all right most of them weren't. That's all I'm saying on the matter."
"Sweet spot? FPs?" Reid asked
"Sweet spot- that's what we called the age you're most likely to be adopted. Under 11. FP= foster parent." Persephone told them. "Now that's the last I want to hear or talk about it. Understood?"
Thankfully the team nodded. It seemed they understood that she didn't want to go into much detail about that period of her life. It was understandable. She'll properly tell them more one day, but that day was not today. Persephone was slowly opening up to them they just had to be a little patient.
Persephone hadn't thought about foster care for a while. It wasn't something that she liked to dwell upon. Sometimes she wondered what became of her fellow foster kids. She did form some bonds between a few of the other kids there, but nothing ever came of those relationships. When you moved around a lot you didn't get to form lasting relationships unless your temporary parents became your permanent ones. She had never been that lucky. She considered what she has said to Mr Mathews about how she might have finally found her forever family. Only time would tell if she was right about that.
Earlier that day…
He'd been watching her for half an hour. The tree not only provided him with protection from the blistering heat of the midday sunshine but also provided an excellent hideout. His binoculars tucked snuggly between two branches of leaves were unnoticeable by even those with the sharpest eyes. It allowed him a greater distance between the spy and unknowing women.
She was still talking to a man with greying hair, who stood on the shaded porch of his home. While they too shaded to make out his features, the old man seemed to be annoyed about something. In fact, he seemed angry. Whether that anger was due to what she'd said or something else entirely wasn't clear.
She was currently trying to calm him down, but it didn't seem to be working. Finally, he nodded softly and stepped backwards, visibly calming down. She said something to him and put a hard on his arm before she turned away and walked back down the path. The man went back into his house; both of them went in their separate directions.
She walked to the side of on the pavement and stopped. The reason for that became clear when she pulled out her phone and put it next to her ear. He'd have to have super-hearing to work out the conversation was about but whatever it had caused her to turn around and walk in the opposite direction.
He waited until she was fully out of view before moving. For a second he'd contemplated following her, but the risk was too great: he'd be spotted. Anyway, he had what he wanted. For now.