It was like someone was screaming his problem in his ear, over and over like a broken record. Morgan was alone in the conference room, trying to work on the profile but all he could think about was his dilemma with Emily. He didn't want to lose her. He didn't want to give her up, to pretend he wasn't falling in love with her... but they were in so deep now. Perhaps this was too far gone for either of them to fix. He couldn't bring this up to her... he knew even before this started, it was crazy to believe Emily Prentiss would ever want to be with someone like him. Why was he even fighting that?
"Hey, Yankee, working hard?" A voice said behind him, which he recognized immediately.
Morgan turned to her. Inspector Eden stood before him, with folded arms and a suggestive smile. He had to admit, with her shapely curves and sparkling eyes, he wouldn't think twice about hitting on her. He could easily spend 36 hours of bad decisions with her and both walk away without a bit of regret. But it didn't matter... she wasn't Emily. He'd never be able to laugh and talk with her in bed the way he could with Emily, and enjoy that almost as much as the sex. He couldn't get that shock of electricity at just a touch with anyone else. He really hated to admit it, but maybe Reid was right. If he wanted the chance to be happy, he would have to talk to her. And stop playing these stupid games.
"Did I frighten you?" She wondered.
"You just startled me a bit," He said, turning around. "I was distracted, I have a lot on my mind."
"I'd say so." She agreed. "I do hope we solve this case soon, I'd be more than happy to help... clear your mind."
If Morgan was going to take this more seriously, he had to start now. "Yeah... uh, about that..." He noticed her expression droop a bit. "I need to be honest with you."
"You haven't been honest with me?" She wondered, confused.
"More I haven't been honest with myself." He replied. "Eden... don't think it's because I'm not attracted to you. You have a body I'd love to worship for hours on end... but I'm not that person anymore. And... I'm ashamed of it, but I've been using you these last few days. I'm sorry."
That came as a bit of a surprise, but Eden took the news in stride. "I see... so... all this time, you've just been flirting with me to make Agent Prentiss jealous?"
He was even more surprised than she was. "How did you know it was because of Prentiss?"
"Because she looks at me like she wants to slaughter me. Thank the Lord she can't have a gun while she's here." Eden explained. "I sense there's a story there."
"Yeah, a long one..." Morgan explained. "But, in a nutshell, I realize that... she's the only person I want to be with. She may not feel the same way, but I have to at least find out. I'm sorry I led you on, I hope you can understand."
"Well, I appreciate your honesty, Morgan." She said kindly. "It's a shame, though, I was looking forward to an evening with you."
"Believe me, if it wasn't for her... I would be first in line for that. I'm just not that person anymore" Morgan assured.
At those words, he suddenly had an epiphany. He truly wasn't that person anymore. His life had changed drastically over the last year. He may have kept up the appearance of his old self, but he wasn't that man anymore. And a person didn't change so profoundly for just anybody. It had to be a very special woman to effect him like that.
Eden gave him a brush on the arm as she smiled. "I don't know what happened between you and her, but whatever it is, I hope you can work it out. And I wish you the best of luck."
At that, she reached up to place a soft kiss on his cheek. Morgan was comforted by it, giving a small smile. As he looked up, he glanced over the top of Eden's head, his good feeling dispersing immediately.
The doorway to the squad room had been darkened for several moments as Emily Prentiss watched them, observing the chaste yet private moment together.
She couldn't help but give Morgan a glare, the pain of rejection in her eyes. Emily turned quickly and hurried out of sight, walking as fast as possible without seeming to appear. Morgan felt horrible. He didn't even know she'd gotten here yet.
"Oh, dear," Eden exclaimed. "Should I go an explain to her what happened?"
"No, I'll talk to her later." Morgan said. "We need to get back to work anyway, I'm sure Garcia has some results by now. I'll go... get everyone."
He hurried out in quick pursuit, though only one member of his team was on his mind.
In the break room, Riley was pouring herself a cup of the weak coffee. Horrible, yes, but it was better than nothing. She had expected Spencer to be here, demanding to know where she'd been for so long. The girls had taken their time getting back to the station after breakfast, neither being in any hurry ot get back to work on this.
Surprisingly, he was nowhere to be found. Riley leaned on the counter, curious as to what was keeping her husband. But then again, he may have gotten a break in the case or lost track of time. It had happened before, ruining many of their plans over the years. Riley was understood, it was collateral damage with the job, being separated a lot of the time. Still, she'd like just a moment or two with him.
Her thoughts were distracted as Emily hurried in. She looked like was ready to burst out crying while going on a murderous rampage at the same time. "What's wrong?" Riley asked, worried.
She was trying to keep calm, not wanting this to upset her. "Nothing, I just need some coffee."
"Well, there's water here resembling coffee, will that do?" She mentioned, stepping aside. Happily, it brought a small smile to Emily's face. "Did you see Spencer?"
Emily hadn't exactly been looking for Reid. She couldn't remember seeing him, but if he'd spotted her he would have asked for where Riley was. "No... I saw Rossi and JJ... and Hotch is speaking with Garcia... but he was nowhere to be found."
"That's alright," She replied softly. It bothered her he hadn't come to see her yet. He'd been so concerned this morning, what changed? Maybe he didn't know they were here.
"Prentiss," Morgan exclaimed as he rushed in. "That wasn't what it looked like?"
"What?" Riley asked, confused. "What didn't look like... what?"
"Uh..." Morgan was not in the mood to explain more of this tangled web they were trapped in. "Parker, would you give us some privacy? The rest of the team is gathering in the conference room, we'll be in in a minute."
Riley agreed, delighted she would at last get to see Spencer. Her pathetic excuse for coffee wasn't worth being brought to the meeting and left it behind. She left the break room and the two agents were alone. Emily wanted to tell her to stay, needing a third party in order to remain calm.
Morgan launched into an explanation. "I know what you're thinking, but Eden and I were just talking-"
"It doesn't matter, you said we were finished." She pointed out, unable to keep from being bitter. "You can sleep with every available woman in the London area for all I care... not that it would have stopped you before.
"Em, will you just listen to me!" Morgan hissed, trying not to yell. "I know what I said... but I want to talk. There's some things... that I still need to say to you. Things I haven't said before."
Emily paused a moment, unsure what to expect from that. Regardless, she nodded. "I actually have some things I'd like to get off my chest. But we're in the middle of the case, we need to focus."
"You're right." Morgan said. "We'll pick this up when the case is over, then."
"Fair enough." She answered. Wasting no time, she started towards the door. "We'd better meet with the others before they get suspicious."
Emily didn't even wait for his reply before she hurried to the conference room. Morgan stood alone in his distress. There was no way out. This was the threat when getting into a romantic relationship with anyone you knew personally. Morgan knew, for good or bad, there was no going back to the way things were. He was either going to have everything he dreamed of... or lose her forever.
It was hard for Riley to concentrate, hoping Reid would get back soon. The others had told her how he'd gone off with Bridget Murphy in order to protect Sarah Neilson. He was such a kind person, how could he not go to help her? It was just unsettling to her for him to be on his own, so vulnerable to whoever was hunting them. The unsub could be stalking him right now... following him... waiting for just the right moment to strike. But maybe, whoever this doctor was, was the person they were looking for. At least, he might be able to help them find whoever was doing this.
"He has to stalk his victims." Rossi stated. "We know that, because he always knows the time to strike so he won't be interrupted."
"Except with Reid and Riley." JJ corrected.
"The unsub can't predict everything." Hotch explained. "He may not kill again until he has both Reid and Riley, though. That's the bright side."
"Or, he already has other victims in mind and he'll attack them until he gets another opportunity." Argued Morgan. "There's no way to know. Did anyone match the profile in your search, Garcia?"
"Nada, mi amigo." Garcia announced. "I compared back history to all employees of the Grislow and no one matches what we've found. There's been no disgruntled employees, no request for Bereavement Leave, everything seems peachy keen."
"But you haven't even finished the profile." Paul said. "How can you be sure none of them are who you're looking for?"
"We can't." Rossi said. "Something is missing that will connect the profile together, which will help narrow down a suspect list. But sometimes, and they are rare occasions, we don't find that last detail until we actually catch the unsub. Unfortunately, those cases don't end well."
"Guys..." Emily muttered slowly. She'd been considering something for the last fifteen minutes. It might sound ridiculous put into words. "What if we're wrong? We're focusing on one type of unsub when it's been the complete opposite?"
"What do you mean?" Hotch asked. "An unsub team?"
"No, I mean..." It made so much more sense, it was a wonder they hadn't thought of it before. "What if the unsub is a woman?"
Everyone in the room looked at her in question, considering her idea for a long time. "Are you sure you're not grasping at straws, Prentiss?" Morgan asked.
"No, it doesn't, it makes perfect sense." Emily cried. She stood up, thinking better on her feet. She went to the evidence board to point out the parts of the profile and how it fit with her theory. "She holds a grudge against alpha males, just as we thought. But, instead of a man who's love was stolen by an alpha... she was in love with an alpha who betrayed her. Most likely she feel abandoned."
"It's not impossible." Hotch agreed.
"But why bludgeon the alpha? Violent deaths are more a masculine form of killing, is it not?" Bradbury spoke.
"Not necessarily." Rossi informed. "We've seen enough women commit violent crimes, it does happen."
"Especially if she's angry." Morgan added.
"But why would she violently kill the male and mercy kill the female?" JJ asked.
Riley considered the aspect of the theory, "Mercy killings are committed when the suspect feels sympathy for the victim. It could be for a number of reasons, but it all stems down to not wanting the person to feel pain."
"I don't think she's killing the women for their benefit." Emily announced. "She may see herself as the female. She kills her because she can't kill herself."
"Suicide by Proxy is pretty rare, Em." Riley stated. "But, in a circumstance like this... I definitely wouldn't rule it out."
Eden had been quiet the entire time. From the moment Emily voiced her theory, a sick feeling began to fester in her stomach. Her mind kept reliving the scene over and over, watching Reid step out with that girl. Nothing about her alarmed the inspector when she first saw Bridget... but this case was completely different than anything she experienced.
"Excuse me," Eden said, standing up. "I hate to interrupt but... I need to ring someone."
The others glanced at each other. No one was more confused by that than Bradbury and Paul, knowing she'd never done this before, acting on a personal matter in the middle of work. Eden walked over to Riley, "Would it be alright if I use your mobile?"
"Why do you need to use mine?" Riley asked, annoyed.
"Evie, you can use mine." Bradbury said, pulling his out.
"No!" She cried, startling everyone. She looked to Riley once again. "No... yours. I need to use yours. Please."
Rolling her eyes, Riley pulled out her phone. Didn't this woman understand she was waiting for her husband to call? Reluctantly, she tugged out her cell and almost slammed it in the inspector's hand. "Thank you," Eden said kindly, and hurried out to make her call. Riley watched her leave, disliking her more and more the longer they worked together.
They'd been driving a lot longer than Reid had suspected. Bridget was driving, though Reid had offered. Despite his lack of experience, he assumed she may have been too upset to control a vehicle. But once they were on the road, Bridget was calm, collected, and completely silent. In spite of all his attempts to question about her sister's condition or what happened at the hospital, she remained eerily quiet.
He was certain Bridget was driving in circles purposely, like she were trying to make sure she wasn't being followed. Reid didn't know the city very well, but his memory didn't fail him. He knew these streets, he'd driven down here before... a few days ago. Reid had a sense of where they were going... but why would she keep her sister there?
Just as he looked to her to ask, he stopped, catching the sight of her left hand. The rare, afternoon sun glinted through the window, sparkling off the silver and gold on her finger... her ring finger. Two rings sat on her hand and Reid stared at them in shock... He would know that diamond ring anywhere, having stared at it every night for over a year before he finally got down on one knee.
Before Reid could say anything, he felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. Bridget made no indication that she cared he answered and he quickly pulled it out. Spotting the ID, he answered, anxious to finally talk to her.
"Hey, Sweetheart," He said, trying to speak calmly. The less Riley knew the better. "About time I heard from you, are you at the station?"
But it wasn't Riley's voice on the other end. "Don't raise your voice, don't look alarmed, just play along." Eden informed "Pretend you're talking to your wife."
Reid hoped his face didn't give anything way, wondering if Bridget was watching him. "Baby, what's wrong, you sound upset?"
"I'm ringing you on your wife's mobile so Bridget won't suspect anything... I believe she's the unsub." She informed. "She fooled you into thinking her sister needed help, she's planning to kill you today, I'm sure of it."
"Yeah," Reid muttered. "I had just thought the same thing... funny how we think alike, isn't it?"
Eden sighed sadly. However much he was hiding it, she could hear the anxiety in his voice. "Do you have any idea where you are?"
"I know, there's a lot of places I'm seeing that I never planned for us to visit." Reid said, hoping she'd get the hint. It was probably too subtle; how was he supposed to give her a clue to where he was without letting Bridget know?
She didn't seem to understand. "Do you see... any street signs? Distinguishing marks?"
"Now, if I told you that, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?" He teased.
That was pretty clever. If he started describing his location, Bridget would suspect and could possibly act sooner. "Alright... if you can call us back, call your wife's phone. I'll inform the team, we'll do everything we can to get to you... in time."
"Well, I can handle myself, you should know that... we've been through worse. And we always manage to get through." He said carefully, taking a quick glance at his driver. She stared straight ahead as she continued to drive, her face completely impassive.
"It's going to be alright, we'll find you." She stated. "Just hang in there."
"I will, and..." He paused, wishing with every part of him this was Riley. He couldn't underestimate the situation he was in. There was no telling what this woman had planned. There was a chance he wasn't going to get out of this alive... all he wanted was to go back to that hotel room and stay there with the woman he loved. Forever. He wanted to hear her voice, even if it was just one more time.
He finally got his thoughts together. "...I just... I want you to know... I love you. You are my everything, my always and forever. No matter where I go or what I do... I will always find my way back to you."
Eden was not a sensitive person, but even she could feel herself tearing up at that. "I'll tell her, Reid. Just hang on, we're coming."
"Okay, bye." Reid said hung up quickly. He glanced at Bridget. "Sorry about that, sometimes she just needs to be reassured."
"How did you figure it out?" She asked, glancing at him with cold eyes.
Reid swallowed, wishing he had his gun with him. It was ironic how much he hated the weapon when it was forced on him, not it was almost his life source. "Your wearing my wife's rings. I knew our killer had taken them."
"I see..." She snarled, her teeth gritted. "Well, I am glad you got to say goodbye to her. I know how much you love her."
"You don't have to do this, Bridget." Reid said. "I can tell you're in pain... let me help you. You can make this right by coming forward, we can get you some help."
"I don't need help." She muttered, closing her eyes. Reid noticed as the speed of the car began to increase. "After tonight, it will all be over. The pain will finally be gone."
"Bridget," Reid called sternly. "Please... stop the car."
She never opened her eyes, like if she wasn't looking, she'd be brave enough to do this. Her foot to pressed further and further onto the accelerator. Reid closed his eyes in fear as the car swung around, feeling his side slam into the closest building. Had he not been wearing his seat belt, he probably would have been thrown from the car.
Reid groaned as a great pressure of pain filled his head. He hadn't even realized he'd hit his head in the crash. Unscathed, Bridget started climbing out the car quickly, but Reid was much too disoriented to move. All he could do was lean back, reaching up to find the source of the pain. The side of his head was already tender, probably turning black and blue. A trickle of blood went down from his temple.
Bridget stood outside his door, working a moment or two to open it. It was too badly wrecked to be opened again, and she went back to the driver's side. "Out of the car. Now." She ordered.
Reid wanted to fight her, but he didn't know how. He carefully climbed out without complaint, the pain in his head increasing with each move his body made. Dizzy and confused, Reid was completely at her will.