TITLE: Criminal Minds – "Darkest Days" (A sequel to Behind the Mask)
AUTHOR: D M Harper
SUMMARY: Agent Prentiss is forced to face her secretive past when it threatens the safety of her BAU colleagues and her beloved family.
RATING: For Mature Readers.
DISCLAIMER: This story was conjured up for reading entertainment only. No money has exchanged hands or bank accounts. There is no profit gained, just fancy flights of imagination. There is no intention to infringe on the copyright of CBS Television Studios or creator Jeff Davis. This writing does feature consensual sexual interaction between two females, so if you are underage or unable to view due to restrictions in your part of the world, be gone and take my sympathy with you. If you find such material offensive, too bad, so sad, you chose to enter this web site of your own free will; hence you have no one to whine to except yourself or a parent if you are caught, so bugger off!
A/N: Please find the time to review and fed the Muse.
Chapter 2
Monday 7th November, 2010
Jean Racine said: A tragedy need not have blood and death: it's enough that it all be filled with that majestic sadness that is the pleasure of tragedy.
Jillian joined Dave in the viewing room and watched the video of WVPJ3 news footage from Atlantic Beach, Maryland.
An image of a pretty brunette appeared on screen and a female reporter announced, "Nineteen year old Kate Joyce, an Honour student was vacationing at the beach with friends when she disappeared almost three days ago. Atlantic Beach Detective Bob Mathias suspects foul play."
Derek entered the room and announced, "They've had two suspects in custody the whole time, but have nothing solid to link them to the disappearance yet."
Dave looked up, "They can't even charge them with anything unless they find a body."
Derek's eyebrows arched, "What are the chances of that happening?"
"Pretty slim by all reports," remarked Jillian with a shake of her head.
"Are they still in Hotch's office?" inquired Derek as he changed the topic of discussion.
"It's not looking good," noted Dave.
"Don't jump to conclusions guys," reasoned Jillian. "This kind of case generates a lot of media attention and Strauss is probably discussing a strategy to contain the frenzy our presence is sure to create."
Derek departed the room as Dave and Jillian listened to the last of the tape.
"Some way suspected in her disappearance. Authorities have only twelve hours left to hold the men in custody without an official charge."
Dave turned off the tape and stood, "This is going to be a tough one."
"I agree. There's going to be a lot of anger involved and people will forget the little pieces of useful information and details."
The two Agents left the room and headed for the bullpen.
Jillian watched as red haired, floral dress and blue sweater attired Garcia approached Emily desk holding onto a sheet of paper. Spencer was sitting on the corner of Emily's desk and she was seated in her chair. All three were focused on Hotch's blind drawn office.
"J.J. still in there?" asked Garcia as she placed her right hand on the top of Emily's chair.
Emily answered with a nod, "So is Strauss."
Spencer reached across the table and picked up a plastic bottle of antacid tablets.
Emily glanced at him and complained, "Orr ahh, again with the dairy."
"I can't help it, I love dairy."
Garcia completely ignored the interplay and inquired, "What's going on, it's been like twenty minutes?"
Derek joined the curious threesome with his bag slung over his left shoulder and remarked, "We've only ten more minutes before we're due in the air."
Dave and Jillian took up position next to Derek and Emily explained, "I don't think it's about the case.
Jillian voiced her opinion, "It's definitely not about the case if the blinds are drawn. That little trick prevents either Spencer or me from reading their lips."
Garcia glanced down at Emily, "Do you know something?"
Looking up in surprise, she replied, "Do I know something?"
Turning to Derek, Garcia noted with alarm, "She just repeated the question. You always say that's a sign when the person repeats."
Derek stepped in and asked, "Do you have any idea why J.J. is in there Prentiss?"
"I honestly have no clue and J.J. certainly hasn't given me any hints over the past few days."
Returning her attention to the office, Garcia muttered, "What the hell is going on?"
"Maybe she asked for a raise," answered Reid deadpan.
Emily rolled her eyes at the comment and Garcia asked, "Can anyone ever remember seeing his blinds closed?"
Shrugging her shoulders, Emily shook her head.
Jillian suggested reasonably, "I guess we'll just have to wait and find out." She moved to her desk and checked her ready bag.
Moments of silence passed and she was adding two extra ammo magazines when Garcia grumbled, "I have no patience for this nerve wrecking crap."
"No, say it isn't so Baby Girl," taunted Derek playfully.
In response, Garcia promptly slapped him on the arm and pouted.
-o-
Ponytailed Jennifer Jareau was dressed in a dark blue buttoned shirt and black trousers and standing behind a vacant chair with her left hand on the top of the backrest.
The Section Chief was reclined on the other chair and wearing a navy blue dress, grey buttoned sweater and black three inch heels. The blonde's left leg was crossed over her right knee and she appeared relaxed.
On the other hand, dark blue suited Hotch was sitting behind his desk and was nowhere near relaxed.
Jennifer's posture was in accordance to the scowl on her face, she was clearly angry, "I have given it reasonable consideration and I'm not interested in the offer."
"Clearly," a suddenly less than impressed Strauss stated. "You have managed to turn down the job on two occasions without consultation with your Unit Chief." She looked at Hotch then back to Jennifer
"With all due respect ma'am, Agent Jareau is under no obligation to discuss the matter with me," reasoned Hotch.
Strauss leaned forward, "If the Pentagon calls one of your team members, you should be advised." She sat back and focused on Jennifer, "Why didn't you inform Agent Hotchner you turned down the position?"
"I never wanted it to get this far because."
Strauss interrupted the answer, "Because you know it's a better job."
Jennifer finished her sentence, "Because I have no desire to leave this one."
"You've been here for six years," pointed out Strauss, as if that was all the explanation needed.
"It's nearly seven ma'am," corrected Jennifer emotionlessly.
"Change is good and from what I understand, there is less travel involved with this position. You could be at home with Henry more often."
Offended by the implication, Jennifer snapped, "I beg your pardon?"
"I fully understand the sacrifices needed when you have a family and working irregular hours."
"I do the job I love. I believe it's made me a better person and a better mother. Any sacrifices I have made over the years have been made because of my family." Jennifer turned to Hotch, "I don't have a single regret regards my work or personal life."
Hotch calmly specified, "We all agree Agent Jareau is a valued member of the BA team and it's logical why the Executive Branch is requesting her to transfer. However, if Agent Jareau respectively declines the offer, there's no way you can make her go ma'am."
"That is true," conceded Strauss as she glanced at her watch and changed the topic of discussion. "Have you had time to view the video of the missing girl?"
"It's being watched now," answered Hotch.
Strauss got to her feet, "In that case, the team is expected in Maryland within the hour."
"We'll be there," commented Hotch as he stood.
Strauss moved to the access and Hotch said, "Thank you ma'am." When the door closed, he turned to Jennifer and asked, "J.J., the Pentagon contacted you?"
"I apologise for not telling you and assumed by saying no that would be the end of it."
"It's okay; it's just that it's a huge deal. The position of Liaison for the Department of Defence would be an important promotion, are you certain you don't want to reconsider?"
Jennifer sighed loudly before answering, "Hotch, this is the right place for me." She exited the room; obviously upset by Strauss' attempt to railroad her into accepting the position. Noticing the others trying to act busy down in the bullpen, she wasn't surprised to see Dave waiting for her up ahead.
"After all these years, you'd think Profilers could cover their curiosity better than that," he noted.
"Have you read the suspects' files yet?"
"So far the reports present like your typical dominance and submissive profiles, but I doubt it's that text book."
"With time against us, we only have one shot at getting it right," pointed out Jennifer before walking away and heading to her office.
-o-
Hotch exited his office seconds later carrying his ready bag and walked down the stairs while the other team members swiftly fell in behind him.
Derek asked, "How long have the suspects been in custody Hotch?"
"Sixty hours, so that leaves us twelve hours to obtain a confession or locate a body. I'd prefer the former option."
Reid threw his bag over his shoulder and fell into line behind Emily and Jillian, "Syd Pearson has a lot of money at his disposal and fairly impressive connections. If he is released, chances are we'll never see him again."
Emily asked, "What about James Barrett?"
"He doesn't have similar resources," answered Reid.
"Do you think these guys did it?" asked Garcia as she followed the team.
Hotch responded, "The locals do."
"So do the Police," added Jillian.
"The local PD tried to get them to turn against one another, but that didn't work," explained Dave as the team exited the room.
Titling his head to the left, Reid surmised, "That's because the suspects have a bond that dates back to childhood."
"Well, we only have a thirty minute flight, that's hardly enough time to delve into their histories," pointed out Derek.
Garcia handed over printouts to the team, "Those are bullet points on the missing woman; second and third pages are all about the suspects."
Hotch pressed the call button for the lift while the others started to read the information. The doors opened and he directed, "Garcia, we're gonna need phone records, credit card receipts, anything you can find."
"Yes sir, you'll have them on your tablets by the time you arrive." She patted Derek's shoulder as he passed by.
Jennifer joined them and Garcia handed her a copy of the data.
"Thank you."
Putting her hand on the blonde's forearm, Garcia asked, "Is everything okay sweetie?"
Looking at her friend's expression of concern, Jennifer answered, "Why, oh you mean Strauss? Don't give me that look." She stepped into the elevator and turned around, "Everything is fine."
Garcia stared back as the lift doors closed and Jillian glanced at Emily. Her face was etched with worry and she was chewing on her right thumb nail, a sign she was stressed.
Jillian cleared her throat and Emily turned her way. She lowered her eyes and stopped destroying the previously neatly trimmed cuticle.
The elevator came to a halt and the doors retracted. The team raced to the vehicles then made the short trip to the airstrip.
-o-
Jillian settled into her seat on the right side of the plane and noticed Jennifer enter the bathroom.
Moments later, Spencer travelled up the aisle and knocked on the door. It opened and Jillian read the young man's lips, "Are you okay?"
Jennifer stepped into the doorway, "Yeah, you?"
"Actually, I think I'm going to be sick, excuse me."
Jillian smiled at Reid's intolerance for dairy products and the side effects he was willing to endure just so he could indulge in one of his weaknesses.
Frowning, Jennifer returned to her seat next to Emily and opposite Derek.
Emily smiled at her, "Hey."
Glancing at her then Derek Jennifer huffed, "Okay, I received an offer from the Pentagon and I turned it down twice. I never informed Hotch or Strauss."
Emily's black eyebrows rose in astonishment and Derek shook his head, "And now Strauss expects you to take it?"
Jennifer nodded and Emily rolled her eyes.
"Of course she does," remarked Derek with distain. "It will make her look good if you're promoted."
The blonde smirked briefly, "I don't trust that woman, not even for one second."
"You shouldn't," advised Emily. "What did Hotch have to say about the matter?"
"He's aware I don't what to leave."
"Then you won't," stated Emily firmly before she looked over to Jillian.
Jillian realised her wife was silently asking her to speak with Strauss and find out if the knockback was going to be an issue. Since arriving at the BAU, Jillian had avoided disclosing her previous relationship with Erin to her team mates, but knew Emily was deeply troubled about her best friend. She slanted her head to the side and nodded. Her reward was a radiant smile and a wink. The gesture warmed her heart and she was about the make the call to Erin when Hotch, Dave and Spencer walked down the aisle and joined them.
Sitting on an armrest, Hotch started, "Okay people let's review."
Jennifer opened her folder, "Nineteen year old Kate Joyce was last seen exiting a bar with these two men." She tossed two photos onto the table and explained, "Sydney Pearson and James Barrett, both twenty. Kate was reported missing when she failed to meet her friends for a prearranged breakfast. This occurred almost three days ago."
Dave continued with background details, "The suspects maintain they dropped Kate back to the hotel, but there is no camera footage to verify their story."
"Search and Rescue have been all over the island," said Hotch.
Spencer looked up from his file, "They dragged the nearby inlet and discovered nothing."
Jennifer resumed, "Both suspects claim they had consensual sex with Kate."
"There's no way to confirm that without a body," noted Emily sternly.
Derek scoffed, "I highly doubt it was consensual."
"We have to prove they're guilty of more than just being seen with her," suggested Dave.
Derek perused his tablet and noted, "Well, Police weren't able to find any holes in their stories. We're gonna have to break them down psychologically."
Hotch nodded in agreement, "Morgan, I want you and Prentiss to lead the interrogation. Dave, you and Reid go to the bar to question staff and Jillian, I need you to go over all the witness statements. J.J., Kate Joyce's family are still at the station, so I want you to speak with them on arrival."
Jennifer was shocked by the comment, "They've been there the entire three days?"
"They never went to the hotel and I need you to stay with them."
Jennifer bobbed her head with understanding.
Hotch checked his watch and announced, "Wheels down in six minutes. We need to hit the ground running with this one, time is against us."
Jillian gathered up her file and secured it in her duffle bag. Going to the gallery, she pulled out her phone and called Erin.
The Section Chief answered after two rings, "Hello Jillian."
"Hello ma'am."
"You can drop the formality, I'm sure this call is of a personal nature."
"It is and you know I have never traded in on our past, but I need an answer to the situation with Agent Jareau."
Erin giggled for a brief moment before replying, "I gathered it would be and I wasn't behind the request. It comes from above my pay level. I know the others will suspect I am looking for a pat on the back, but my hands are tied on this one. The Executive Branch is at the helm of this, not me."
"Thank you for your honesty Erin. Do you think they will pursue the matter further?"
"I'm uncertain of their agenda Jill."
"Okay, bye."
Jillian felt a familiar hand on her back and pivoted, "Erin isn't pushing for Jennifer to be transferred. It's coming from the Executive Branch and she doesn't know if they will continue the mandate."
Emily frowned at the news, "It doesn't sound good and thank you for making the call."
"You're welcome and please stop gnawing your nails."
Looking down at her hands, Emily responded, "I will."
"Thank you, now go buckle up Mrs Prentiss-Rolston."
"You know, I could kiss you right now."
"Tsk, tsk, that's against the rules Agent Prentiss."
"Payback's a bitch, isn't it?"
"It sure is Agent Mommy."
The two giggling Agents returned to their seats in time for the landing preparations.
-o-
Detective Robert Mathias met the BA team at the airport and escorted their vehicles to the Police station. Jennifer immediately introduced herself to Patty and Jeff Joyce, the parents of Kate while the other Agents broke off to attend to their assigned tasks.
Jennifer took the Joyces into a quiet room and brought them up to date with the investigation.
Jillian walked past the interrogation rooms twenty minutes later carrying an armful of witness statements as Emily exited the first room and pulled up the front of her V-necked grey sweater.
"Hey, you got a permit for those?" Jillian whispered with a smirk.
Emily chuckled and looked around to see if they were alone, they were, "Yes, they are registered under my wife's name."
"Nice and are you going for the old "I'm the sexy good Agent and you can trust me" ploy?"
"I get to butter up Pearson. At this stage he appears to be the dominant and controlling one."
"I heard there was a confrontation between the suspects and the victim's father earlier."
"Yes and Pearson got off on the incident. Detective Mathias said Pearson is a handful and Barrett's dumber than a box full of rocks."
"Great, I better get back to work and please keep those puppies covered."
"I can't guarantee that."
"Guess not and I have to admit they are the best set on display around here." Jillian walked off to the sound of giggling.
In the first six hours of questioning, the two suspects only admitted to meeting Kate at a bar, taking her out to the inlet and driving her back to the hotel. Barrett also admitted he was late for work the following morning; his excuse was his alarm was broken. Both suspects asked for a polygraph, which they beat. That fact brought a slight smirk to Barrett's face and it didn't go unnoticed. Either did the fact he wasn't quite as dumb as a box full of rocks, like Detective Mathias had implied.
The team agreed Barrett didn't possess the looks to lure a pretty girl like Kate and that was why he associated with Pearson. He was the handsome charming predator and Barrett feed off the scraps.
Hotch commented that the duo knew where Kate was because innocent people don't sit around calmly for hours on end, they make a protest, demand to be released or ask for a lawyer. He conceded only parts of their collaborated stories were true and they were hiding the full version of events.
-o-
After Pearson had arrogantly shown Dave and Derek the pictures taken of Kate on his phone and Jennifer recognised Kate's cell lying on the back seat of Pearson's car in one of the snaps when she viewed them, she told the others the parents were currently in possession of the phone. It had been recovered from the hotel room earlier. Linked with the fact Barrett had admitted the pair had taken Kate out in his boat around 2:30 am, he instantly became the focus of their attention.
Emily suggested the two had dropped Kate off like they stated, but due to her rejecting Barrett, he could have easily double backed to the hotel and used the phone as a means to get into the room to punish her. She figured he had either lured her outside or drugged her before taking her out on his boat.
-o-
Derek went into the room holding Pearson and asked him if he agreed the photo had been taken after they dropped Kate back to the hotel. Pearson had said yes and when Derek pressed him about it being a victory picture for what they had done to Kate out on boat, Pearson confessed to sexually assaulting Kate, but not to killing her. He was truthful in his admission and about dropping Kate back to the hotel.
Moments later, Jennifer, Emily and Spencer entered the interrogation room where Barrett was and Emily asked why the GPS was missing on his boat.
"It's not," replied an uninterested Barrett.
Jennifer folded her arms across her chest and posed, "He tossed it after he dumped Kate."
Barrett calmly asked, "Who are you?"
Displaying Kate's phone, Jennifer stated, "This, this phone was your ticket into her room."
"Who is she?" inquired Barrett of the other two Agents.
Spencer answered, "You said the inlet was quiet between the hours of four and five am, that's when you took Kate out, right?"
Emily uncrossed her arms and continued, "You didn't want the search party to find her, so you keep going and going. You had hours before you were due for work, so how far did you get? Roughly seventy five miles, right?"
Spencer voiced his quick calculations, "A full tank of gas on a single outboard motor will get you one hundred fifty miles. At twenty five miles per hour on a round trip that will take you six hours, which explains why you were late for work."
Jennifer snarled, "But you didn't kill her, you just left her to die. That's why you asked for a polygraph. You knew all along you'd pass it."
There was a knock on the door and Barrett stood, "I think your time's up."
Jennifer leaned in over the table, "You took away the Joyce's daughter and their dignity, so you don't get to win. We're going to find her."
"You still think she has a chance huh?" asked Barrett conceitedly.
Agent Jareau rolled her eyes and left the room. Emily and Spencer positioned themselves in front of Barrett as he went to leave.
"We still have plenty of time," noted Emily. "You don't get to leave."
Jennifer entered the Obs room and declared, "That narrows down the search. I'll inform the parents."
"I'll notify the Coast Guard," directed Hotch. "Let's get down to the inlet."
-o-
Kate Joyce was located in the late night hours seventy miles out to sea and clinging to a buoy. Jennifer transported the overwhelmed parents to the hospital while the other Agents finished up the case at the Police station.
Once the team returned to Quantico, Jennifer went into the conference room to clear away the evidence board and without turning, she asked, "When do I leave?"
"The end of the week," answered Hotch as he entered.
Rotating, Jennifer exclaimed, "What!"
"They actually requested you start tomorrow."
"That's not enough time, I need to train someone."
"We're not replacing you J.J."
"No Hotch, you can't be expected to take this on yourself. Your hands are already full."
"We'll figure it out." He moved in closer. "Jillian can always handle the Liaison side of cases and I'm hoping I can get you back."
Jennifer shook her head in disbelief.
"Strauss wanted you to fill out this paperwork," explained Hotch as he handed over a form.
Looking at the correspondence, Jennifer scoffed, "Exit interview, you kidding me?"
"You know she's big on procedure … just be honest. I was hoping I could do something about this and I'm sorry I couldn't."
"I know." Jennifer looked down to the other team members in the bullpen through the window, "How am I supposed to tell them I'm leaving when I don't want to go?"
"The brass is really really good at taking the power away, makes them feel like they are in charge."
"That sounds like a profile."
Hotch smiled slightly, "You're going to be better off than any of us, you know that?" His eyes filled with tears, "I'll miss you." With a rare display of emotion, he reached out and hugged her then departed.
-o-
Outside, Jillian watched Hotch leave Jennifer's office and fumed, "Shit, this is so wrong."
The teams' eyes followed Hotch as he walked to his office and closed the door then their heads turned to the forlorn Jennifer who was behind her desk holding onto the form. She sat down and started to fill it in as Garcia stood in the outer doorway suffering shock.
Jillian took one look at her colleagues and declared, "Fuck it, this is just not acceptable." She stormed out of the bullpen and headed for Strauss' office.
Entering the external foyer seconds later, she briskly walked into the next room, "Are you happy ma'am?"
Strauss looked up and shook her head, "No I'm not and I'll tell you the same thing I told Agent Hotchner when I spoke to him moments ago, it was an Executive decision and they weren't asking for my consent."
With hands crossed behind her back, Jillian asked, "Permission to speak off the record ma'am?"
Strauss stood and walked around to the front of her desk, "Go ahead."
"I've just left a room full of distraught people. When I first arrived here it took me a couple of weeks to realise there is something unique about the BA team. Individually, each person is brilliant in their own right, but together, they are phenomenal. The case clear up rate would be considered outstanding for any division, but we deal with the worse of the trash and the brass wants to break that up? That doesn't make sense."
"I fully agree with you Jill, but it's out of my hands. What was I supposed to do? Risk my job so Agent Jareau could keep hers here?"
"Did you even go into bat for her?"
"Of course I did. The State Department wants her expertise and I couldn't fight that, neither could Agent Hotchner."
"Fuck Erin, Jennifer's wishes should have been brought into the equation."
"The Executive Branch was made aware of the fact she doesn't want the transfer. Hotch and I both told them that and campaigned for her to stay. I'm not the enemy here Jill and why are you cussing like that, you hardly ever swear?"
"Well, this is the angry side that I don't display often."
"Look, I don't like it any more than you do, but that's the end of it."
"You do realise the others are going to blame you for this?"
"I fully expect them to and am prepared."
"Why the hell do you have to be so god damn rigid with the team?"
"They would undermine my authority more than they already do if I relaxed."
"Oh that's fucking crap Erin. They simply don't trust you because you always appear to have a hidden agenda which usually involves sticking it to Hotch."
Flabbergasted by the news, Erin disagreed, "That's not true Jill."
"Then prove it by being more accessible to them and take the steel rod out of your fucking ass. They resent you because you come from an admin background while they are the ones putting themselves at risk day in and day out."
"Don't you think I don't know that?"
"Then lighten up for fuck's sake and tell them you admire their skills and commitment every now and then."
Breaking the building tension, Erin chuckled, "You know if it was anyone else speaking to me like this, they would be in serious trouble right about now. It's lucky for you we are friends."
"Yeah, and on that note I better get out of here before the others come looking for me."
"Thank you for the reality lesson and again, I am truly sorry about Agent Jareau's transfer."
"Her name is Jennifer and it wouldn't hurt for you to use people's Christian names once in a while."
"Duly noted Jill," conceded Erin with a nod.
Feeling somewhat vindicated by her unprofessional outburst, Jillian turned and left the room. When she walked back into the bullpen, Jennifer was approaching the others.
Emily stood and cried out, "No!"
Derek neared the blonde and protested, "Hold on a second here, I thought Hotch was supposed to."
Shaking her head, Jennifer butted in, "It's above his pay grade and Strauss' too. They've done all they could to keep me here."
"They just can't take you away," observed Spencer miserably.
Angrily, Emily asked, "So, we're expected to stand by and do nothing?"
Jennifer tearfully replied, "It's over and I leave at the end of the week."
"It can't be that straightforward," queried Derek.
"It is."
Derek looked to the others, "This job is hard enough, what are they trying to do, bury us?"
"You're too efficient at your job, that's the trouble," reasoned Emily. She noticed Jillian standing in the doorway and crying.
Dave agreed with the assessment, "Well it's true, you're on everybody's wish list. Our loss is somebody else's gain."
"They just can't take you away," repeated Spencer, at a loss for new words.
Jennifer walked up to him and rubbed his left arm before going to Garcia's office.
Emily glanced over to her wife and held out her hand.
Jillian choked back her tears and moved to her. She took the offered hand and pulled a now sobbing Emily into her arms, "I'm sorry Em, there's nothing anyone can do."
"What's she talking about Prentiss?" demanded Derek with knotted brows.
Jillian looked up, "It means I just tore Strauss a new asshole and told her a few facts about how important a member Jennifer is to this team."
"You what?" exclaimed Dave with astonishment.
"I informed her it was wrong to lose Jennifer and this team is the best there is."
"Way to go kid, but I expect you'll be the next one transferred."
Emily lifted her head off Jillian's shoulder, "That's not going to happen, is it?"
"No, I covered my ass and asked for permission to speak freely first."
Derek shook his head, "Dave's right, she'll be gunning for you now."
"No she won't Morgan; I have too much dirt on her."
Spencer blinked at her and probed, "Is it the good stuff?"
"It is and just so you all know, Strauss does respect the work you do and she is totally against the transfer. The Executive Branch is behind it all, not her."
"You believe that Jill?" asked Derek with thinly veiled scepticism.
"Yes, I know when she is lying and she's never lied to me before."
Emily saw the door to Hotch's office open and stepped out of Jillian's arms.
He looked down to everyone and announced, "I know no one is happy about this situation, but I expect you all to behave professionally. Now go home and it will be a nine thirty start in the morning. Agent Rolston, can I have a minute of your time in my office please."
"Yes sir." Jillian turned to Emily, "Don't wait for me, take the car and I'll meet you at home."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, this may take a while and you need to be with the children." Walking up the staircase, Jillian entered Hotch's office and waited.
He closed a folder on his table then sat on the edge, "I need you to take over J.J.'s position until we get her back."
"Yes sir, understood."
"Thank you and am I correct in assuming you went to speak with Strauss earlier?"
"You are."
"You are fortunate you aren't facing disciplinary charges."
"Did she make a compliant?"
"No, but by the way you stormed out of the bullpen I image you gave her a few choice words."
"I admit I was somewhat harsh sir, but I believe she understood where I was coming from."
"I agree. She called to say she was sorry about J.J. and appreciated the difficult job we do."
Jillian smiled at the comment, "Than my work is done."
With a sly grin, Aaron agreed, "It is, so go home and see those babies of yours."
"Hopefully they'll be sound asleep. It was a good move employing Grace as a live-in nanny."
"So the Ambassador hasn't offered to babysit yet?"
Jillian chuckled at the inquiry, "She returned to Italy after another whirlwind visit and I don't think Emily would be game enough to ask her if she was here. How is Jack doing?"
"Very well and he's taken an interest in playing soccer with a team, so that's good. Dave and I have volunteered to coach."
"You're a good father Aaron and I'm out of here."
"Thank you and goodnight Jill."
Exiting, Jillian raced down the stairs then to Garcia's lair. Jennifer was leaving as she arrived and she embraced her friend, "I'm so sorry Jennifer."
"I know and I'll still be in the area, so expect plenty of play dates for our children."
"I will and this is completely off subject, but can I ask you a question about childbirth?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"Uhm, how long was it before you and Will commenced your sex life after Henry was born?"
Jennifer blushed at the thought, "It was the next day, why?"
"Oh, so you didn't have any lingering side effects?
"Is this about Emily's soreness?"
"Yes, we haven't had sex since the twins' birth."
"Ouch, has Emily been to her doctor?"
"Yes and she said it will eventually sort itself out."
"Well that certainly explains your crankiness."
"It does and thanks for the chat. I'll see you later and again, I'm truly sorry."
"See you and if you need to talk, you know where to find me."
"Yeah, in a big pentagon shaped building."
"Smartass," quipped Jennifer before leaving.
Jillian turned and entered Garcia's room, "I thought you might need a hug."
A sobbing Penelope swivelled around in her chair, "Yeah, this really is the pits."
"It sure is, but we'll still be able to see her."
"That's what she just said."
Derek joined them, "Come on Baby Girl, I'll take you home."
"Okay, but Jillian owes me a hug first."
"We could all do with one of those sweetness."
Garcia got to her feet and Jillian wrapped her arms around the pair. The threesome stayed in position for several minutes before Jillian broke away first and dried her eyes, "I'll see you both later."
-o-
Going back to Erin's office, Jillian poked her head in and noticed the woman had tears in her eyes and was reading an official document, "You okay?"
"Yes, I was just reading Jennifer's exit interview. She is going to be missed around here."
"Wow that is a nice change. Keep up the good work ma'am. I just ducked in to remind you of our dinner date Saturday."
"I haven't forgotten and I'll need you and Garcia to give me a hand in organising a farewell party on Friday. As long as the team isn't out in the field somewhere overnight I thought it would be a good idea to say goodbye properly."
"You are just scaring me now."
Erin grinned and passed the pages to Jillian, "Read the last section then go home."
"Okay, but I have to call a taxi first."
"No need, I can drop you home."
"Thanks Erin."
-o-
Emily was in the kitchen making a sandwich when Jillian walked through the garage door and she asked, "Hey, are you hungry?"
"No, I'm fine Em. How are the twins?"
"I just finished feeding them and sent Grace back to bed."
Jillian positioned herself behind a robe attired Emily and kissed the side of her neck, "You smell delicious."
Emily's body shivered from the contact, "I love you for speaking to Strauss."
"Well I love Jennifer and hate what has happened."
Emily rotated in her wife's arms, "Did you swear at her?"
"Yes, several times as a matter of fact and she'll be here for dinner Saturday."
Emily's eyes bulged, "What?"
"It's time she met the people under her command away from the office."
"Does she know the others will be here?"
"Nope, I'm going for the surprise attack method."
Emily chuckled for a second, "Oh god that will be interesting to watch."
"I hope so; she's bringing a case of wine. I'll leave you alone and let you eat."
"I'll be right up when I'm done."
"I'll warm up the bed for you babe."
"It's not that cold."
"Well considering we just got back from the beach, it is. I'll see you upstairs, I want to say goodnight to the babies first."
"Okay."
-o-
Jillian was asleep when Emily nestled onto her chest twenty minutes later. She stirred awake and kissed Emily on the head, "Hey, you okay?"
"I'm just still a little upset."
"Everyone will be for a while baby. I'm sad too and I've only known her for two years. Do you want to know what she wrote in her exit interview?"
"How did you see that?"
"Strauss let me read it before I left the office. She was actually crying over the words and expressed her sorrow at Jennifer's enforced departure."
"You are kidding?"
"No babe."
Snuggling in closer, Emily prompted her wife, "Tell me then."
"I'm thankful for my years spent with this family; for everything we shared, every chance we had to grow. I'll take the best of them and lead by their example; where ever I go. A friend told me to be honest with you, so here it goes. This isn't what I want, but I'll take the high road. Maybe it's because I look at everything as a lesson, or I don't want to walk around angry. Or maybe it's because I finally understand. There are things we don't want to happen, but have to accept; things we don't want to know, but have to learn, and people we can't live without, but have to let go."
Emily hugged Jillian tighter, "That's so sweet, but sad at the same time."
"It sure is."
Nuzzling into Jillian's neck, Emily wept until exhaustion finally claimed them both.
-o-
