With a stack of files in front of her, Emily was lost in thought after the agent from Internal Affairs left the conference room. She couldn't focus on her task after hearing what he had not only said but alluded to about Garcia. It hadn't been a surprise that Garcia was gifted with computers. They had all seen and benefited from it when they needed information about their cases.
But as the IA agent questioned them Emily learned more about Garcia's history not only by what she was able to profile from the questions he had answered but to a greater extent the one he had actively avoided answering.
She also found that he had been very particular about only revealing certain parts of Garcia's history to then hide behind classification to not reveal the whole story. That led her to wonder if he even knew that Emily's clearance level was most likely higher than his and that if she chose, she could find out the full story.
As he spoke to her and JJ Emily had become increasingly frustrated as she also profiled that injecting discord and suspicion had been his central goal for talking to them today. That goal had gone along with attempting to upset them enough that they would reveal some perceived impropriety that Internal Affairs could use as ammunition against Garcia in the next part of their investigation. In that he had failed.
The experience was eerily reminiscent of the mindset of the police when they had reached Chicago after Morgan was arrested a year earlier. They too had called into question how well they knew their colleague. They had involved an unwitting Gideon months earlier to produce a profile that they had then misused against Morgan. Once the team arrived after Morgan's arrest the police offered new information about Morgan's background in the form of a juvenile record and several dead kids starting with the death of the first one when Morgan was just a child himself.
Similar to then they were going to investigate the crimes without getting pulled into the conjecture. They were going to solve this crime as well as also catch the guy who shot Garcia.
But Emily sat down and looked at the floor, her stomach became upset again after having been mostly settled since talking to Dave in her apartment, as she thought about her own situation. She had to wonder at some point if vague statements and partial information from IA was how the team would find out about her past.
How would the team react when they discovered her past? There was a significant period of time where her activities were classified and she wouldn't even be able to explain the circumstances to give context.
Would they give her the same benefit of the doubt and fight for her when they learned the depth of the secrets of her past?
Would those doctored pictures of a deceased Declan come back to haunt her? She remained confident that what had been done was safest for Declan. It wasn't safe to explain where he was even if she knew or to produce him to prove that he was alive, particularly with the uncertainty about loyalties of the others on the JTF12 team. But if cornered would her story be believed.
If she had learned anything since joining the team it is that they all took the death of children hard. And in her case that was the angle that IA would use to cause conflict within the BAU.
After the IA agent had walked out she discovered that the revelation about Garcia's past wasn't as much of a surprise to JJ as it had been to her. JJ then had explained that she was on the team when Garcia was recruited to the team by Hotch and Morgan after being arrested.
As JJ described, Emily remembered the argument she had with Hotch in the hotel lobby in Chicago about secrets. However this was different in that while the information was new for Emily and somewhat for JJ, it wasn't for Hotch.
Hotch had first met Garcia after she had been arrested for hacking. And even with that knowledge he had offered her a job. That had primarily been approved because even looking at her activity that led to the arrest record the hacking she had done had been for greater good, exposing truths that some wanted to keep hidden. According to JJ, it had been that aspect that Hotch used to get the job offer accepted by his superiors.
So IA must have known that they would get nowhere with Hotch or Morgan for that matter as he was with Hotch when they first met Garcia. No IA was targeting others on the team to get information.
At her confusion, JJ remembering that Emily hadn't been with the team, revealed that because of the details of her hacking that led to her arrest Garcia had not been allowed at the CIA when the team worked a case there a couple of years earlier. That they had been told then that she 'was on a list'. That she and Garcia had stayed at the BAU to assist the team on the case with two CIA agents supervised the computer link to the CIA they were using to support the team.
Emily nodded at the explanation about that case, remembering Gideon's mention of it when they discussed their respective relationships with Bruno Hawks. But from what they learned today, it wasn't just a list but whatever Garcia had demonstrated she was capable of hacking was not only illegal but worrisome to those in the greater intelligence community.
As they continue to work Emily processes the new pieces she had learned today about Garcia. Regardless of her past, Emily was certain that Garcia was not currently doing anything that would imperil the team. She had worked too hard in her role to jeopardize it now.
####
A couple of days later Emily was again in the conference room going through files as they continued their search for the man who targeted Garcia. Reid and JJ had already left for the evening while Hotch and Dave were in their respective offices.
She had felt for Hotch when she saw him after he returned from the hospital earlier when he had needed to suspend Garcia. Though he disagreed with the assumptions from his superiors however given how she came to the team he hadn't been surprised by their decision while they investigated.
Shortly after he returned they received a message from Morgan and learned that Garcia had left the hospital AMA. He was still with her and planning on staying with Garcia at her apartment. Hotch had spent the afternoon putting a security detail in place for her since their UNSUB knew where she lived.
Emily couldn't help but smile at the development between her two friends. Almost as soon as she had joined the team she had picked up on the chemistry between Morgan and Garcia.
The two were the best of friends that even had their own way of communicating with each other. However she had also frequently witnessed tensions between them as well.
Each time they had been out for team night at a bar, Derek had spent at least some of their time there flirting and dancing with other women despite Garcia being there. Each time this behavior had upset and confused her.
Garcia had commented during their last girls' lunch a couple of weeks earlier that between witnessing him flirting in front of her and that he wasn't really listening to her when she tried to talk to him that they were at most going to end up in the friends' zone. She went on to reluctantly state that perhaps that would be for the best.
It was with that in mind that had Emily make a comment to Morgan after Garcia had avoided talking to him during the case they just finished. She had overheard enough of the conversation before they left the BAU to figure out the friction between them that day was because of his obvious jealousy to another guy showing interest in Garcia. He seemed surprised that he couldn't have things with Garcia both ways anymore. That Garcia deserved to look for happiness elsewhere if he wasn't interested in her as more than a friend.
As Emily had passed on the information for the case from Garcia, she noted that Morgan was having mixed feelings at the development in Garcia's life. As his friend she took pity on him and tossed out a piece of advice, hoping that he would take it as well as finally decide what he wanted when it came to Garcia.
His behavior about Garcia since he arrived at the hospital was reassuring that perhaps he had. Perhaps he had reached an epiphany when he was in church or it came after when he learned that Garcia had been shot. Either way they now seemed to be getting closer to being on the same page. Only time will tell if it would lead to anything.
Emily was pulled out of her thoughts when Hotch walked into the room. She internally rolled her eyes at her recent thoughts about Garcia and Morgan because of the even more complicated history she had with their boss as well as uncertainty with where they currently stood.
Looking up from the files, she smiled at him as he took a deep breath and asked, "how are things going in here?"
Emily shook her head, having been several days investigating and felt like she was no closer to finding Garcia's shooter. It was particularly frustrating as she really wanted to nail this guy to the wall not only for hurting her friend but for causing the uncharacteristic insecurity that they were all witnessing in Garcia since she woke up. Like most of them Garcia had a difficult opening up to people and this experience was most likely going to give her pause in doing so in the future.
While all of them but Morgan and Reid to a certain extent had been researching old files to find a lead, Emily had spearheaded the victimology aspect spending most of the last few days in this conference room. It had been the place where she had felt she could be the most useful.
At that Hotch walked over to the board she had set up to look at what she had found before asking, "did anything come up on her computer?" IA had given the team a copy of the files after they gained access with the password Garcia had given Hotch.
Emily shook her head as she answered, "no, as Garcia told you all they found in the encrypted file was her records of the team's activities."
Hotch nodded as that had been what he expected since he spoke with her in the hospital. But something still wasn't adding up. Turning back to her, he asked, "do you think she was targeted?"
If Emily hadn't been sure the night Garcia was shot that she had been targeted then everything from the ballistics to what Garcia had told Morgan and Reid about the details of the date to her gut as she looked over the files.
At first Emily had thought that she was projecting her own fears of her and/or the team being ambushed after the case in California a few weeks back in addition to her overall concern about Doyle retaliating. However as each day went by and they gathered more evidence, her confidence in that Garcia was targeted grew.
Emily sighed before she nodded as she said, "yes. I don't know the specifics yet of who, why or how but yes. It wasn't just by chance that a guy with this knowledge came across a technical analyst for the FBI. He just happened to need help with his laptop at the coffee shop Pen goes to most mornings."
Hotch couldn't help the smile that crossed his face though at her look of confusion he explained, "you sound like Dave. He said almost the same thing that first morning when we went to her apartment building."
Emily nodded and then looked down at files in front of her before looking back up and saying, "it could happen to any of us, being targeted and ambushed, with the type of criminals we chase. I'm just sorry it happened to her. You would think since she is rarely in the field that she would be protected somewhat."
Hotch nodded remembering his worry during the Fisher King case when Haley had come to the BAU stating that someone had come to the door with evidence for the team only hours before Elle was shot in her home. Then there had been Frank who had gone after Gideon and instead killed his friend Sarah in his apartment.
Shaking his head at the need to refocus he then asked, "was he targeting her specifically or was she the easiest from the team to approach?"
Emily shrugged as she answered, "that is the $64,000 question. My gut tells me it was her specifically. It was just too coordinated to have been done on the fly with any of us in mind.
But it could be that because she would be the easiest from the team to approach casually. Though JJ hasn't told any of us, we have figured out that she is dating someone and said she hasn't been approached recently. I'm not interested and haven't been approached either. Reid takes the train some days so that could also be a point someone could exploit however he hasn't mentioned anything strange, at least not recently on his commutes. Morgan hadn't mentioned anyone strange approaching him when he's out."
Hotch looked thoughtfully at the board as he stated, "so there is something else" before looking back at Emily remembering how sick she had been just before Garcia was shot.
While Emily had been markedly better since that night he hadn't had the opportunity to speak to her about an unsettling thought he had that evening about a potential cause. And despite her appearing better now, he needed an answer.
Looking at her, he asked, "how are you feeling now? You were fairly sick after that last case."
Emily glanced over at him surprised. Hearing of Garcia being shot had put thoughts of that awful case aside for her. She had been feeling much better for the most part, at least until that question brought it all back to the surface for her.
Before she could answer she could not help but be confused with not only seeing concern but apprehension in his eyes. With that case over, she was mostly past the thoughts and memories that had caused her sickened state but now felt regretful that she hadn't been able to reassure him before now.
Nodding, she answered, "I'm fine now that we are back" though she attempted not to show that she was unnerved with how Hotch was now staring at her. Profiling her.
It was when he asked, "is there anything that I need to know?" that she saw the inquiry for what it was - more than just a boss checking on a subordinate. Taking in his concerned expression she couldn't help but see trepidation in his eyes as he waited for her response. It was then that she realized what he was really worried about and was asking her to clarify.
While he had not come out and asked directly since they were in the office, there was no mistaking that he was questioning if she was pregnant. At that realization she couldn't help but pull her gaze from him, finding herself disappointed in what she saw even as she understood his concern about a potential pregnancy given their current situation.
Similar to all those years ago when they had those conversations about their future right now was not the right time either albeit for different reasons. Aside from their chain of command issues and their separate respective reasons for not wanting a relationship at this time, she would understand and not really think much about it if the question had come from a guy that she had slept with twice and he had asked after seeing her sick.
But this was Aaron, the man who she always expected would be the father of her children. The man who at one point she had discussed marriage and their mutual desire for children. The man who no one else she had dated over the years had measured up to enough for her to consider giving them a chance.
However to profile the feelings that crossed his face as he waited for her answer hurt something inside of her as she read it as he no longer potentially wanted any of that with her. He had had a marriage and now had a child.
Maybe it was time for her to realize that they weren't meant to be. That unlike Morgan and Garcia that their time was now in the past no matter how strong their feelings still were when they were alone together.
Looking away from him, she answered quietly, "no, of course not sir. As I said the night we returned I would be fine as soon as I could get that case behind me. And now I am."
"Emily." Hotch responded, with a slight pleading in his voice. He hadn't meant to hurt her but he had needed to know. With all of the significant changes in his personal life in the last few months he had been on edge over the last few days. The uncertainty of suspecting but not knowing had been a distraction at this inopportune time for the team.
Even with how complicated it would make things for both of them personally and professionally he couldn't say that he was upset as he had considered the possibility over the last few days. But in his impatience, he had asked when he couldn't share these thoughts with her and by all appearances had unintentionally hurt her which had her switching back to a more formal way of addressing him.
"Hotch we need to focus on this case and find this asshole. Because once we do that I'm sure we will all be up for a night out for drinks." Emily answered while nervously looking through the files in front of her barely looking over at him.
Hotch sighed acknowledging that it wasn't the right time to have the personal conversation they now needed to have. He just hoped that she would give him the chance to explain his mindset after they caught this guy. They had both agreed that neither of them were ready for a relationship however she needed to know he would have been there for her if she had been pregnant and that he still does love her.
However before Hotch could respond, they looked over at the door where a disheveled Dave had just walked into the room. He curiously looked back at both of them having overheard part of their conversation before he announced,
"Oh good. You are both here. I just got a call from Morgan. We need to head over to Garcia's apartment. I'll explain on the way."
Looking at each other, Emily and Hotch nodded at each other as they moved to follow Dave out of the conference room.
####
Emily, Morgan, Reid and Garcia watched as Hotch, JJ and Rossi walked out of Garcia's apartment to head back to the BAU. When the door closed, they looked at each other with the memory of Hotch's final statement before he left fresh in their minds.
Morgan, Reid, Prentiss, you stay here and make sure no one forgets to log out of the system. Garcia should not have access.
They had all agreed after Garcia had revealed to them about the searches and cases she had flagged that they needed to look at those specific files on her system. It was in those files that they were most likely to find evidence about who their UNSUB was. But all also knew that Garcia couldn't get onto her system … at least not as Garcia.
However they all also knew that Hotch needed to protect the BAU and by extension each of them. He couldn't do that if IA or Strauss could identify him as being involved in getting Garcia onto her system through one of their accounts. Taking that step as Unit Chief would have him demoted, transferred and/or fired most likely regardless of the outcome.
Therefore he had made the statement that each of them could honestly repeat verbatim if asked as well as he left with Dave and JJ. On their way out they stopped to check in with the Detective staying long enough to ensure that the officer checking IDs recorded the time they left. When they arrived back at Quantico their arrival would be recorded both through the digital log of the scans with their IDs as well as on surveillance.
Once back in the BAU they waited and hoped that those files would give them the clues they needed to identify their UNSUB. After today they knew that Garcia and those around her wouldn't be safe until he was caught.
####
After Hotch, Dave and JJ stepped out of the apartment, Emily slipped out of the main room of Garcia's apartment into the room when she had her computer system set up.
After sitting down at the desk, she quickly started typing on the keyboard until she reached the login screen knowing she only had a short amount of time until the others came into this room.
Once they did she was certain that Morgan's guilt and unproclaimed yet obvious love for Garcia would have him insisting taking this risk. A risk that for him would most likely cost him his job. However the same outcome wasn't guaranteed for her.
While the security clearance that she had been given when she reached adulthood due to her mother's work was not insignificant, she also still had the higher clearance that she gained from her assignment at the CIA. It was higher than Hotch's and she would wager was also higher or equivalent to the IA agent that was in charge of the investigation.
If they were unsuccessful tonight in finding the UNSUB, this login would be flagged and then investigated. Her clearance level would limit who could access records of her activities while logged in tonight as well as provide cover if questioned.
Emily's clearance gave her access to the records Garcia needed so unless they could prove that it was Garcia who was using Emily's account, nothing would happen to the BAU, Garcia, Hotch or her. It wasn't how Emily liked to conduct her professional life as she would most likely need to dodge direct questions but Strauss had made no secret of her desire to see Hotch and Emily out of the BAU. And as she had months earlier, Emily wasn't going to make Strauss' attempts of getting rid of any of them easy.
####
Shortly after they left Morgan stepped towards Garcia, he said, "OK, let's get you onto your system and find what we need to catch this guy."
Garcia nodded and they slowly walked into the next room where she had her computer setup. As they entered the room, they were surprised to see Emily already at the computer typing on the keyboard.
Morgan took a couple steps toward her before he said, "Prentiss, I got this. She can use my login."
Emily raises her eyes up to look at him before shaking her head as she says, "no Derek. I can do this."
"But Emily if you are caught, you can lose your job." Morgan countered.
Emily sighed well aware of the risks that this approach would have for whoever let Garcia use their login however she couldn't share with him that her clearance level gave her better protection from any potential fallout than Morgan or Reid. "I know Derek. I know the risks but I still want to do this. Besides, I'm already logged in. Garcia…" Emily said, standing up then gesturing for Garcia to sit in the chair where she had just been.
Garcia nodded and squeezed Morgan's shoulder before she said, "thanks Derek but Emily is already logged in. Let me check my files." As she sat down she looked back over at them stating, "you should both leave."
Emily and Morgan looked at each other before Emily nodded and walked towards the door. Morgan sighed before turning to follow her out of the room.
After the door closed Garcia focused on the screen in front of her puzzled as she noticed some differences in Emily's interface but pushed that aside. Right now she needs to concentrate on getting the files that the team suspected would lead them to who had now tried to kill her twice. And was still out there. She pushed away a tear as she thought of the police officer he had killed not two hours ago. Killed while protecting her.
After the frustration of having to avoid the tech geek that the Internal Affairs was having review her system, she got to where she needed and started to print out the files for Morgan, Emily and Reid to review. As she waited for the printouts, she again became curious about the interface that Emily's login had.
Having helped both Morgan and Reid with their accounts at various points, she was familiar with how profilers' accounts were set up and this was different. Her curiosity got the best of her and as she clicked through she gasped as she noticed Emily's clearance level. How in the hell did she have a clearance level that high? She was certain that it was even higher than Hotch's.
Just as she was going to explore further, there was a knock at the door just before Morgan stuck his head into the room to ask how it was going just as the printer finished. Nodding, Garcia took the pages off the printer and walked over to him then out into the main room of her apartment where Reid and Prentiss were also waiting.
####
As Garcia typed in the other room, Emily nervously paced while paging through a magazine trying to distract herself. While having Garcia use her login had been a solid way to protect the team but now that it was happening, Emily was worried. Garcia was curious by nature and it wouldn't take too much digging into her account to start finding information that did not line up with her official work history.
Would Garcia take a detour and find something that Emily couldn't easily explain?
If Garcia did come across that type of information would she be able to keep what she found to herself?
Any inconsistencies would draw Garcia in and tempt her to do more digging. Where would that end?
Before she could spiral too much, she heard Morgan open the door, asking Garcia about her progress. It was only a couple of minutes later that Garcia walked out holding a stack of papers.
####
Later that night, much later that night, Emily found herself alone in the bullpen. Their UNSUB was dead after pulling his gun in the bullpen. Morgan had talked Garcia into going back to the hospital. They had no sooner arrived and been settled into a room when Hotch had been able to call and let Garcia know that she had been reinstated to her position.
Reid had offered to take JJ home after she had handed over her gun for the investigation and given her statement. IA had commented she would have it back the next day given the circumstances of the shot.
Hotch and Dave had both tried to get Emily to leave as they respectively left for the day. She could see that Hotch had wanted to talk to her. To continue their conversation from earlier in the evening but she wasn't ready to hear what she feared he would say. At some point they would need to talk but it didn't need to be tonight.
As she logged off of her system, she thought about what she had done by giving Garcia access to her login.
Was she ready for the potential questions? What would be her answers?
Why had she done it? Yes it had been to protect the team and she had accomplished that.
But on some level had she wanted Garcia to suspect?
She shook her head and sighed realizing she wasn't going to be able to figure everything out tonight. Standing up she gathered her belongings and headed out of the bullpen to go home. Maybe clarity of the situation would come after a good night's sleep.