"FBI!" Prentiss called out as they stormed into the dark and drafty dwelling. The agents pulled out their flashlights and held them in tandem against their glocks. Prentiss quickly covered her mouth as she let out a scratched cough. "There is at least an inch thick coat of dust around here." She observed as she moved her light around the empty space.
"Judging by the cobwebs, I don't think anyone has been here in a long time." JJ agreed heading toward the far end of the cabin.
Prentiss came back out from checking out the side room. "There is a bed and a bathroom, if you can call it that. They haven't been used in a very long time."
"The canned goods expired in 2005." JJ remarked with raised eyebrows. She placed the dated cans back down where she picked them up and continued to search the area.
"We can mark this place off our map, this isn't what we are looking for." Prentiss moved back towards the door.
"I hope we find it soon. If it gets any colder we are going to have to call this search off." JJ then tightened her coat under her chin and gave her partner a nod to open the door. They both prepped themselves to go back out into the harsh climate.
Alex awoke from a dreamless sleep when she heard the men arguing in the back room. She took advantage of the situation and kept her eyes shut trying to decipher what they were talking about.
"That bitch is playing you!" Jake blurted out to his boss. "She knows what that key is for and she is holding out. Probably keeping all the money for herself."
"When I want your opinion, I will ask for it." Hank sneered.
"The time is running out and we are going to need that money, or else." Jake softened his voice but his frustration continued to grow.
"I am well aware of our time constraints. We will get our money. You just need to continue to do what I say." Hank playfully slapped his face as a reminder.
Jake leaned into Hank. "That key has got to open something in this place."
Alex thought about that key as she stared into the roaring fire and drifted into her past.
The roaring fire on Alex's TV screen from the Yule log program played Nat King Cole as she settled in to her comfy chair with a bowl of soup in her hand. A smile crossed her face as she enjoyed a delicious spoonful of clam chowder. A knock at the took her by surprise.
She had placed the bowl down on the table and made her way to the entry where she looked through the peephole. After letting out a sigh, she unlatched the door and opened it toward her. Reid walked through holding a small gift in his hand. "Merry Christmas." He made his way into her home.
"Merry Christmas." She replied as she stared at the box covered in shiny, green paper.
"I know we agreed 'no presents' but considering all that you have been through lately, I wanted to get you something." He made his way to her sofa and took a seat. "Go ahead and open it."
Alex glanced at him skeptically and gave in. She sat next to him and tore through the paper to reveal a white gift box. She gave it a quick shake. "Well, it isn't broken." After slowly opening the lid she was in shock. "It's beautiful."
Reid reached over and pulled out the silver locket by the chain and held it up in front of her. "You see this etching? It is the Marcus Crest."
"Oh my God, Spencer." She remarked as she took it into her hands. She then discovered the fastener on the side and unhooked it. "What is this key for?"
"For something special." He beamed.
She lightly smacked him across his chest. "You goof."
Reid picked up the chain and unhooked it then relatched it around her neck. "See, it was made for you."
She touched it with the tip of her fingers. "It is wonderful... Oh yeah!" She jumped up from her seat and ran into her bedroom. Moments later Alex came out carrying a large wardrobe box. "Here, this is for you."
"I thought we agreed to 'no presents'?" He asked holding the box in his lap.
"Shut up and open it." Alex laughed as Reid ripped through the paper like a child.
He pulled out a messenger bag. "Oh, I absolutely love it! I've always wanted one of these."
"Now you would look stylish when you walk into work." Alex remarked feeling the texture.
"Thank you." Reid reached over and gave her a hug.
Alex knew in that moment that she was happy. "This is the best Christmas, because of you."
"Because of you, I won't get my money!" Jake yelled, snapping Alex from her memory. "I've been seeing the way you've been treating her. You have a soft spot for her and you can't hide it. You better get your shit together and snap out of it."
"Get her up!" Hank snapped. His demeanor changed, a new fire was ignited under him.
Jake went to Alex where he grabbed her arm lifting her up from the sofa. After she was upright, on her own two feet, Jake pushed her toward Hank who pulled her into the bedroom and slammed the door shut. Ron stood with his back towards the door. Jake crossed his arms staring at the wall as if he could see through it. They both could hear blows being thrown and Alex's yelps.
After a few moments of silence Alex let out painful screams while Ron stared blankly guarding the door.