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 them time to review and fed the Muse.


Chapter 4

Wednesday 5th January, 2011

As Jillian walked into the bullpen, the blonde heard the desk phone ringing in her office and turned to her wife, "Excuse me Em, I'll talk to you later."

"I look forward to it."

Jillian ran up the stairs and picked up the receiver while placing her bag on the desk, "Behavioural Analysis Unit, SSA Rolston speaking."

"Agent Rolston, my name is Ben Truman and I'm a detective with the Pittsfield Police Department in Massachusetts."

"How can I be of assistance Detective Truman?" inquired Jillian while turning on her computer.

"We've just discovered our third body in two weeks with identical MO and cause of death. I believe we need your team's help."

"Can you send me everything you have so far and I'll present the cases to my superior?"

"I'm sending it to your e-mail now."

"Detective, can you give me a brief outline."

"The first victim, a twenty two year old Rodney Sharp was discovered in his apartment by his mother on December 18. Sharp's COD was exsanguination from a severed femoral artery delivered antemortem. Next was Adam Banks on the twenty fourth; he was also twenty two and found in his apartment with the same COD. Last night Joseph Ella of similar age was located in his apartment by his friend when he failed to answer a door knock. All three men had their Johnsons cut off post-mortem."

Jillian's face scrunched up at the news, "Who discovered Adam Banks' body?"

"His boyfriend did when he dropped in after finishing the swing shift at Berkshire Medical Centre."

"Are there any other similarities Detective?"

"Yes, all victims had been brutally sodomised antemortem and their bodies washed clean with hot water and bleach after death occurred."

"What about the positioning of the bodies, was the scene staged in any way?"

"All were face up on their beds and in identical positions."

"Were they clothed?"

"Yes, in brand new white silk pyjamas. The Medical Examiner has completed the autopsy on Ella and just like the other two victims; he bled out before the dismemberment occurred"

"Okay, I have your files now and will get back to you within the next thirty minutes."

"I appreciate your time Agent Rolston and you can reach me on 413-448-4916."

"I'll speak with you soon Detective Truman."

Putting down the receiver, Jillian went and printed off six copies of the police and ME's reports as well as autopsy and crime scene photos. Organising them into separate folders, she returned to her desk. She read the reports and viewed the photos before going to Hotch's office to discuss the case.

-o-

Ten minutes after speaking with Hotch, Jillian assembled the team in the Conference room and once everyone was seated, she brought up the DMV photos of the three victims. Placing the remote on the edge of the table, she began, "Apologies for the hard copy files, but your tablets won't be back from the Tech Room until we leave. Hopefully the increase in memory capacity will alleviate the recent data storage problems we experienced. A Detective Ben Truman from Pittsfield Police Department in Massachusetts contacted me some thirty minutes ago requesting our assistance. Three male victims have been killed in the past eleven days." She pointed to the image of a dark brown haired male, "First victim Rodney Sharp twenty two, was found at 2015 hours by his mother Doreen on December eighteenth. She arrived at his apartment to deliver his cat Boots. Rodney had just returned home from a vacation to Hawaii at 0806 hours and time of death was 1515 hours that day."

Reid asked, "How do we know the exact time of his return?"

"Phone records show he called his mother at that time to ask her to drop the cat off later that night and it coincides with his airline arrival and travel time from the airport. The second victim, Adam Banks also twenty two was discovered six days later on the twenty fourth at 2210 hours when his boyfriend entered the apartment after the completion of his shift at Berkshire Medical Centre. Medical Examiner Doctor Waters listed TOD as between 1500 and 1530 hours."

Emily raised her head from the folder she was perusing, "Both vics were killed around the same time."

"Yes, as was the third. Joseph Ella twenty two, was found last night by his friend when he failed to answer his apartment door. Randall Schofield was there at 1810 hours to pick him up for work. Doctor Waters concluded his time of death to be around 1500 and 1530 yesterday."

"All three men were the same age, but of different hair colour and build," pointed out Derek.

Dave put down his mug of coffee, "Do we have other similarities Jill?"

"Yes, all three vics were openly gay, although Adam Banks was the only one in an active relationship."

Garcia bounced into the room with her usual flair, "Good morning angels."

"What did you find Garcia?" asked Hotch.

"Right, straight down to business we go. I found several links between the three men sir. They all went to Taconic High School from grades nine through to twelve and played on the same football team. They also used the services of the same travel agency for vacations in the past three months."

Hotch nodded, "Thank you Garcia. Pittsfield PD is already working on the angle all three victims were acquaintances at school."

Jillian displayed crime scene photos, "As you can see, the UNSUB's victims were dressed in identical pyjamas and staged in the same position on the beds. My apologies for what I am about to say gentlemen, but the three men had their penises removed with a small sharp blade post-mortem and the UNSUB took the organs with him. All three were savagely sodomised antemortem, but with an absence of other injuries."

Derek grimaced, "That's just nasty and indicts these killings are personal."

Jillian continued, "ME Doctor Waters narrowed down the choice of weapon to a scalpel and COD was exsanguination caused by a single incision to the inside left thigh, severing the femoral artery. Traces of the Benzodiazepine drug Clorazepate and vodka were found in the blood stream suggesting the UNSUB sedated his victims prior to killing them."

Getting to his feet, Hotch elucidated, "Pittsfield PD has already been informed we are on the way, so wheels up in twenty people."

-o-

Five minutes into the one hour and eighteen minute flight, Hotch began the case review, "Our UNSUB is meticulous in staging his victims' final resting place. This is in complete contrast to his brutal sexual assaults. The bedrooms are immaculate, suggesting he spent a considerable amount of time with his victims in preparing the scenes."

Dave looked up from his tablet, "Pittsfield CSU found no signs of a break in or struggle in the three apartments, so that lends credence to the theory the victims knew the UNSUB."

Reid tilted his head to the left and added, "The amount of drugs and alcohol in their systems wasn't enough to render them unconscious, more likely it was to relax them and lower their reaction time."

Emily leaned forward in her seat, "With the high school football link, all three had to have known each other well and it's possible that's what connects them to the UNSUB."

"Let's assume there was an incident between all four back in high school, why wait all this time to act?" posed Derek.

Jillian closed her laptop, "The incident may have only been a recent occurrence and it definitely was of a sexual nature. The dismemberment is a clear act of anger and hatred. I think the UNSUB arrived at each victim's home under the guise of friendship. They shared a drink which the UNSUB laced with Clorazepate, he then initiated consensual intercourse and when he became enraged, the sex became violent then he sliced the femoral artery."

"The shower!" exclaimed Reid. "That would explain the hot water burns to the victim's bodies and lack of blood at the scenes. The bathrooms were spotless too and in the case of Joseph Ella, that was in disparity to the rest of his apartment. The man was extremely untidy."

"I think the fact these men knew each other is the reason behind the UNSUB's selection process," hypothesised Dave.

Hotch agreed, "Garcia, I want you to check for high school or football reunions that the victims may have attended since graduation."

"I'm on it sir," acknowledged Garcia via the computer link.

"Also look for affiliations they may have had either through work or on a social level."

"Okay Boss."

Jillian turned to Hotch, "Banks was employed part time for a textiles company while studying physics at Berkshire Community College. Ella was two years into a business degree at Mildred Elley and working the night shift at McDonalds while Sharp was working for a local tax firm and studying accounting at night school."

"Bingo!" announced Garcia triumphantly. "All three victims played football for a local team by the name of The Crusaders and there was a fundraiser on December seventeenth. They all attended and I located a newspaper article in the Pittsfield Gazette complete with a group photo of all three. I'm downloading them to your tablets now."

Emily looked at hers, "Check out the guy to Ella's left, he's fixated on Banks."

"That's one Terrence Oldman, twenty two years of age and a fellow student of Banks' at Berkshire Community," replied Garcia. "He has no criminal history, not even a traffic ticket."

Reid chimed in, "It's possible Oldman is our UNSUB and his killings were motivated by revenge."

"That's one angle," concurred Emily. "Or he was just infatuated with Banks."

"Prentiss, you and Morgan make contact with Oldman once we land," instructed Hotch. "Reid you go with Rossi and talk to the other guests at the fundraiser and find out what you can about the victims."

"Sir," began Garcia. "I've checked Oldman's credit card receipts for the last two years and he sent flowers to Banks' home address the last four weeks before his death."

"Thank you Garcia. Jill, check out Banks' boyfriend Cary Mason once you've spoken to the media."

Jillian nodded before focusing on her laptop and accessing Mason's file, "Hotch, Mason is twenty six and a registered nurse at Berkshire Medical Centre."

"That name rings a bell, hold a second. Oh he's on the Crusader's team too," added Garcia.

"We keep coming back around to football," noted Dave.

"Mason attended Taconic High School and graduated two years prior to when our victims played ball there," stated Garcia.

Hotch stood and stretched his legs, "Okay, we have two possible suspects and there is a strong likelihood the UNSUB's motivation is somehow linked to football."

Reid raised his hand in his schoolboy manner and Jillian stifled a giggle, "It says here in the newspaper article Banks, Ella and Sharp were high school friends and continue to have a strong bond."

Emily flicked through her updated copy of the file, "Mason certainly had access to the drug in question and a scalpel. Oldman on the other hand would have trouble obtaining the prescribed Benzodiazepine."

"Oh on the contrary my brown eyed beauty," retorted Garcia. "Medical records show Oldman's mother is taking Tranxene for depression which is the common brand name for Clorazepate and Oldman still lives at home with dear mom ma."

"I'll speak with the mother after I make contact with the parents of the victims," offered Hotch.

-o-

Jillian knocked on the front door of Cary Mason's apartment on Burke Avenue and turned to Dave, "It's possible he's not home, especially if he is aware police know he lied about his whereabouts at the time of his boyfriend's murder."

"True."

Rapping on the frame again, Jillian said, "I can hear noise coming from inside."

"I'll go around back."

Nodding, Jillian banged on the door again, "Cary Mason, Federal Agents open up."

"I'm in position Rolston," transmitted Dave over the radio seconds later.

"On three Rossi," replied Jillian prior to kicking in the door. With her weapon drawn, she inched down the short hallway and waited for Dave to come into view.

When he did, she motioned that Mason was in the room to her left. Dave lifted his chin and the two Agents entered the living room to find dark haired Mason pacing back and forth across the carpeted floor holding onto a large hardcover book.

"Mason, put the book down and stand still," directed Jillian.

He stopped and placed the book on the coffee table to his left then faced Jillian, "I guess you want to take me in for questioning?"

"And you'd be right," answered Dave as he withdrew his cuffs. "Put your hands behind your head and interlock your fingers."

Jillian kept cover as her partner shackled the teary man and patted him down.

"Clear," called Dave before he ushered Mason out the room.

Jillian picked up the hardcover and saw it was a Taconic High School Year book for 2005. She took it with her to the police station then handed it over to Dave once Mason was secured in a holding cell.

-o-

Hotch walked into the Observation Room to find Dave, Derek, Emily, Reid, and Jillian by the glass partition watching Mason as he sat at the table in the Interrogation Room. "What have we got?" he asked.

Dave turned his head, "Well, since Morgan and Prentiss checked out love sick Oldman's alibi for the murders and eliminated him, our focus is on Mason.

"Crime scene techs are going over his place now," explained Derek.

Emily rotated and faced her superior, "We didn't find anything at Oldman's apartment except love letters he'd received from Banks when they were in high school. They were lovers six years ago and continued to maintain a close friendship even though Banks ended the relationship and started dating Sharp."

"Do we know how Ella and Mason fit into the puzzle?" inquired Hotch.

"No," answered Jillian. "But I have a fairly good idea. We're on Rossi."

The two Agents entered the Interrogation Room and Dave immediately sat opposite Mason while Jillian proceeded to pace behind him carrying the year book.

Mason glanced at her and began to cry softly.

Dave took the lead and asked the first question, "Why did you lie to police about your movements when your boyfriend was killed?"

Keeping his head low, Mason replied in a mere whisper, "I knew I'd be their main suspect if I told the truth."

"And just what is the truth?"

"When Rodney was killed it impacted on Adam more than you'd expect if there were only friends."

"So they had history of a romantic nature?"

"Yes, Adam admitted they had been a couple back in high school."

"How did you react to the news?"

"I got upset because he'd kept it from me."

"Did the two of you argue over it?"

"Yes, but I forgave him."

"Again, why did you provide false information to police?"

"I was suspicious of Adam after he left for an overnight stay the day after Rodney was murdered. He went to New York with Joseph Ella then cancelled our plans for Christmas."

Jillian leaned over Mason's left shoulder and asked, "You suspected they were having an affair, didn't you?" She stayed in position and waited for a reply.

Mason lifted his head and spoke through clenched teeth, "Yes, I followed them and found out they were registered in a motel under Adam's name."

Dave opened a folder on the table, "We know all about you taking emergency leave from the hospital from the nineteenth of December to the twenty second, but you still haven't explained why you lied."

"When Adam arrived home on the twentieth first, I went to his place and confronted him about Joe. He admitted to the affair and I ended our relationship. Three days later I snuck out of work at four thirty to go collect some belongings I had left at Adam's."

Jillian inched in closer, "You used your key?"

"Yes and when I walked into the bedroom," Mason paused and promptly fell apart. His shoulders shook with heavy sobs and Jillian straightened up.

Placing a hand on his left shoulder, she asked, "You found him lying on the bed, didn't you?"

The reply was a meagre murmur, "Sweet Jesus yes."

Jillian pressed on, "What did you do next?"

"I checked for a pulse, found none then left."

"Why didn't you call the police?"

"I was in shock and panicked."

Dave tapped the edge of the table, "You went back to work and were caught on security camera returning to the staff car park. We checked all the tapes for that day and found there was a gap of three hours before you arrived back at the hospital. That gave you plenty of time to murder your ex-boyfriend and clean up after yourself."

Jillian stepped in again, "Cary, you had access to the murder weapon and the drug used to stupefy Adam plus you had motive and opportunity."

"I only lied about being at work."

"Was finding out your boyfriend was involved with other men, the last straw?" prompted Dave.

Mason stopped crying and queried, "Others?"

Jillian noted the genuine surprise, "You weren't aware of the fact Adam had rekindled an old relationship a month ago?"

"No I wasn't, who with?"

"Trevor Oldman."

"Christ, how many more were there?"

Dave answered, "Our colleagues spoke to the other members of your football team and two admitted to being on intimate terms with Adam since last year."

"I didn't kill Adam, I felt betrayed by him, but I didn't kill him. After finding him like that I went straight to a bar and had four whiskies before returning to work."

"What is the name of the bar?" inquired Dave.

"Zen's Pub over on Tyler Street, it's a two minute drive from work. I'm a regular there and used my credit card. The bar staff should have the receipt or my bank statement will show the purchases."

Jillian put the book down in front of Mason, "Our contemporaries will be checking that out, but until they get back to us, we have more questions. When did you meet Adam?"

"It was two years ago when he, Rodney and Joe signed up to play with the Crusaders. The three of them played high school football together and wanted to play on the same team again."

"Did Adam ever explain to you why he didn't play College ball?"

"He told me the Assistant Coach was an asshole and always pushing him, so he simply quit during practice one day."

Dave stood and revealed more information, "We discovered the Crusaders are a gay friendly team."

"Yes and there are also seven straight guys who play."

"Did Adam mention the name of the Assistant Coach?"

"It was Brick or Brett, I don't remember. He only spoke about him once."

"Would you like a soda or coffee Cary," inquired Jillian, wanting to take a break and confer with the other Agents.

"Water please."

"I'll just go grab you a bottle." Exiting the room, she walked straight into the Obs Room, "He's not our UNSUB. His reaction to the other affairs was authentic as was his sorrow."

"I agree," said Emily. "And time of death was an hour before he was seen leaving the hospital."

"He could have departed earlier and used a route not covered by security cameras then returned via the front entrance to give himself an alibi," suggested Reid.

Hotch looked to Morgan, "You and Prentiss check out the bar and Mason's credit card statement. Rolston, ask Mason for an alibi for the time of Ella's and Sharp's deaths." Retrieving his phone, Hotch called Garcia, "Check into all football Assistant Coaches at Berkshire College with a Christian name starting with the letter B."

Jillian departed and collected a bottle of water from the break room before re-entering the Interrogation Room. Handing over the drink, she sat down beside Dave, "Cary, where were you on the day of Rodney's death?"

"I was at home sleeping off a hangover from the night before."

"Is there anyone who can corroborate that?"

"No, I was alone. I woke around one in the afternoon, ordered in pizza then watched TV."

"Where did you order the pizza from?"

"Al's Pizzeria; I got a white pie and a six pack of coke."

Dave left the room while Jillian asked, "What about yesterday between two and four Cary?"

"I had a late lunch with my mother at Madison Restaurant. We arrived around two thirty and left two hours later. I stayed the night at mom's place on Danforth Avenue."

"Do you recall what time it was when you first arrived at your mother's?"

"I'd gone clothes shopping beforehand at Allendale Shopping Center and got there a little after two."

"Did you keep your receipts for your purchases and dinner?"

"Yeah, I have my credit card dockets in my wallet on the bureau in my bedroom."

"Is there anything I can get you, maybe something to eat?"

"No I'm fine thank you."

Rising, Jillian went to the outer door, "I'll be right back."

-o-

Entering the viewing room, Jillian pulled out her phone and spoke to Detective Truman who was still at Mason's apartment and asked him to check the wallet. Truman located four stubs from clothing stores and a receipt from Madison Restaurant.

"Thank you Detective."

"Is Mason our guy?"

"I don't believe so, but we need more than receipts to discount him."

"Okay, we'll continue the search."

"Thank you."

Jillian ended the call as Hotch closed his phone, "Garcia pulled surveillance footage from Allendale Mall and tracked Mason's movements from the entrance to four clothing stores then to the parking lot. CCTV coverage has him entering the restaurant at two thirty five and was still there during Ella's TOD."

Dave stepped into the room, "The deliver guy confirmed the order on December eighteenth and remembered Mason giving him a ten dollar tip because he didn't have anything smaller than a twenty."

"Okay, turn him loose," instructed Hotch. "Morgan rang two minutes ago and verified he was at the bar on the twenty fourth and his first drink was at 1538 hours. He clearly wouldn't have had sufficient time to clean the apartment and reach the bar. The bartender recalls he was pretty upset and I spoke with the restaurant's Maître d' and he confirmed Mason was there yesterday with his mother. Apparently it's a monthly reservation and Garcia tracked down a Brent Ryker at the College, so let's refocus our investigation on him."

-o-

Two hours passed before Derek sat at the table in the Interrogation Room and opened the folder he was holding while Emily leaned up against the back wall and crossed her arms over her chest.

"What's this all about?" demanded thirty two year old, black haired Brent Ryker.

"Can you account for your whereabouts yesterday?" asked Derek.

"I was at home with my wife," answered Ryker as he looked to his left. "Classes don't start back until next month, so we were enjoying a quiet day together."

"How about last Friday; can you recall your movements?"

"I had the flu and stayed in bed all day recuperating."

"Was your wife with you?"

"No, Cheryl was at work."

"Was that at Berkshire Federal Union Bank?"

"Yeah, that's right."

Emily noticed Ryker's left leg was bouncing up and down off the floor and his hands were flexing and contracting. "Are you nervous about something Mr Ryker?" she asked.

He turned to her and snapped, "No, why should I?"

Jillian stepped into the room and placed several magazines on the table and Ryker's face went a light shade of white as she spread them out in front of him, "I found these in the tool box in your garage."

"They're not mine," protested Ryker a little too loudly.

"So, are you implying they are your wife's?"

"No, the previous owner of the house left them there. I found them when I was cleaning up one day and forgot to get rid of them."

Pointing to a title, Jillian quipped, "The game's over; your wife gave you up Ryker. When I showed her your secret collection of gay porn she told me all about your little obsession over Adam Banks and how you continually hounded him with requests to have sex with you. Your demands were rejected each and every time and your repeated attempts finally drove him off the football team."

Ryker's hands formed into fists and Emily moved in a little closer as did Jillian. The trapped man snapped, "I've got nothing to say."

"Cheryl also showed me to your hobby room and I particularly liked the supply of scalpels you use on your wooden plane models. Your wife went on and told me about her suspicions that you were taking her Tranxene tablets. Oh and one last thing, Cheryl filed for a divorce on the second of last month and went to stay with her parents in Seattle on that day and only returned last night to pack up her belongings."

Ryker snarled through gritted teeth, "I have nothing to say."

"You don't need to you sick bastard; CSU found your trophies in the bottom of the freezer. You're done; we have all the evidence we need."

"That cock teasing whore was offering up his ass to everyone but me," blurted out Ryker once the truth was out. "I went to the fundraiser and saw him playing up to Ella and Sharp so I followed them back to Sharp's apartment. I climbed up the fire escape and watched them through the window. The other two were all over Banks and I knew I had to stop him. If I couldn't have him, than neither could the others."

Derek got to his feet and Jillian and Emily moved in and flanked Ryker. Withdrawing his handcuffs, Derek reminded Ryker of the previous instructions regarding his rights while stepping to his rear and placing the restraints on his wrists.

Two uniformed officers appeared at the door and Derek handed Ryker over, "Put him in lock up."

As one of the escorting cops took hold of Ryker's left arm, the prisoner reached forward and to the side and grabbed his sidearm.

"Gun!" shouted Jillian as she withdrew her weapon and aimed at Ryker.

Two shots rang out and Ryker dropped the firearm then slumped to the floor. The other officers and Agents in the station converged on the room and Derek rolled Ryker over and stared at the lifeless eyes and gaping hole in his temple.

Emily glanced at Jillian as she holstered her Glock, "Are you okay?"

"I need to sit down; he got me in the right thigh."

Rushing to her side, Emily helped her to the nearest chair and whispered, "Shit."

Derek immediately pulled out his phone and called for an ambulance.

-o-