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 6

Emily was startled from her slumber when her phone sounded with a message alert. Reaching for it on the side table, she swore when she read: We leave in 20. UNSUBS have killed another 11 in Helena

The word "shit" echoed throughout the room as Emily got out of bed. "Shit," she cursed again while noting the time on the clock. It was six fifteen and way too early to face a near four hour drive. Packing her ready bag, she quickly dressed in purple underwear, black socks, black trousers and a maroon V-necked button up shirt after showering. Grabbing her black overcoat, she put it on then collected her gun, credentials and equipment.

Derek was waiting for her outside the door and handed her a container of green tea and a paper bag, "Good morning Princess. I got you a cinnamon roll to go."

"Morning and thanks for the breakfast."

"You're welcome and this shit just keeps on coming."

"It certainly does my friend."

-o-

Three and a half hours later, Emily and Derek approached the body of a bearded, dark haired male located by the fence line of the building containing ten other deceased.

Watching the Crime Scene Investigator working on the victim with an obvious gunshot entry wound to his forehead, a sunglass wearing Morgan made comment, "This kill site is one hundred miles west of the last location."

Turning to her grey tee-shirt, black leather jacket and black trouser clad partner, Emily replied, "Reid was right about the area, but we didn't anticipate it would be at a community hall."

"It's possible this unfortunate dude attempted to coerce one of the UNSUBS into having sex with him while the other was inside. That would explain the unzipped jeans."

Emily scrunched up her face, "You'd have to have a twisted sense of commitment to cheat on your honeymoon."

Joining Hotch, Reid and Rossi inside the hall, Emily and Derek arrived to a hive of activity with CSI attending to several bodies and one taking photographs of the victim lying on the floor in front of their work colleagues. Dave was positioned behind a female slumped on a chair with Aaron standing to his right and left of Spencer.

The Unit Chief looked around before making an assessment, "This is what we have so far; our UNSUBS kill eight people in Miles City for no apparent reason then take liquor from the gas station in Billings after obliterating eight more innocent bystanders before going on a drinking binge and winding up here for an A.A. Meeting."

Dave posed the question, "Is it possible they originally met at a meeting? They sit there listening to one another's past and forge some kind of bond because their stories are similar."

"That would make sense," reasoned Spencer. "Drinking to excess is usually attributed to the fact people are unhappy with their pasts or themselves."

Gesturing to the front of the room with his left index finger, Dave quantified, "By the bullet shell positioning, at least one of the shooters was centre stage."

While pressing the pad of his left thumb against his chin, Reid noted, "The meeting commenced at eight o'clock and the murders occurred at eight forty five, so the group would have been at the sharing portion of the session."

"Maybe it wasn't their plan to kill these people," reckoned Derek.

Spencer's eyebrows knotted, "Maybe it's a question of them struggling with sobriety and actually working the program. They might be attempting the most difficult steps."

"Which are?" prompted Hotch.

"Seven, eight and nine," replied Reid. "Those are acknowledging your shortcomings, accepting responsibility and making amends. Unfortunately, they've already managed to break one of the important rules."

"Which is?" asked Morgan with a raised eyebrow.

"The thirteenth step. Members are not supposed to engage in relationships with fellow members as they try to gain sobriety."

"That would certainly explain a lot,' remarked Emily solemnly.

"I think it's time we delivered an updated profile," recommended Hotch.

In agreement, the rest of the Team followed their Chief outside to assemble the other Law Enforcement Officers.

-o-

Taking up a position beside the Chevrolet Suburban, Hotchner pushed his hands into the pockets of his black overcoat and began, "We are looking for a couple in their late teens to mid-twenties. They originate from North Dakota and have possibly married recently. All three kill sites indicate the presence of alcohol is a major factor. It contributes to the UNSUBS' sense of freedom to kill and to act recklessly."

Derek continued, "The victims are surrogates for those people the UNSUBS believe are culpable for their deep seeded wounds that have intensified over a short period of time. It's possible the pair became acquainted during an A.A. Meeting. They both derive sexual arousal from the killings."

Emily addressed the group next, "Switching from a gas station to a support meeting suggests one of the UNSUBS could have a slight moral compass which in turn caused them to seek help."

Dave spoke up and added, "We believe one of the UNSUBS is a sociopath and the other a psychopath."

Agent Bates' left hand rose, "Is there really any difference between the two?"

Reid took the question, "The pathologies of the two do share similar traits, but a sociopath is less likely to participate in criminal activity and is often persuaded by a dominant individual, while a psychopath is the consummate leader and the one to engage and destroy anybody that stands in their way. This last spree occurred twelve hours ago, which means they are most likely travelling west towards Idaho. All surrounding Law Enforcement should be notified and on alert."

The assembled group dispersed and Rossi, Hotchner and Emily walked towards the Command Post. Moving swiftly, Aaron pointed out, "Because support groups are based on anonymity, there'll be no records of names for those who attend."

Withdrawing her phone, Emily called Penelope, "Garcia, our UNSUBS went to a support meeting last night, but we know they're not from around here. Is it possible for you to trace anyone who may have accessed the website the past twenty four hours?" She put the device on speaker while Penelope typed away.

"Indeed I can my brown eyed beauty. One second as I input the data and presto, here we go. I have three people going to that site; one via mobile phone and two on DSL."

Hotch gave instruction, "Cross check them with a list of those married the last two days in Montana."

"Sorry, but I'm coming up empty handed on that one."

The trio of Agents came to a halt in front of the marquee set up with tables and beverages and Dave spoke next, "Try for anyone on the list who accessed from North Dakota."

"Bingo baby," cheered Garcia. "We have hit the jackpot. I have one Ray Donovan from Devil's Lake."

"How ironic," lampooned Emily with a straight face.

"What is Donovan's story?" inquired Hotch.

"He's been back and forth with foster care from the age of ten and is now twenty seven. From his records, he's quite the alcoholic and bully. In the past two years he's been charged with two DUIs and was hit with a restraining order courtesy of his ex-girlfriend."

"He certainly fits the profile so far," quipped Rossi with a roll of his eyes.

Emily's eyebrows knotted, "What's the name of the ex? She might be his partner."

Penelope was quick to reply, "That's a negative on that sweetness. Amy Wichowsky passed away from an overdose a year ago. Coroner's report states it was a mixture of heroin and alcohol as COD."

Aaron directed, "Garcia, find the foster home addresses. Someone there might be able to give us information."

"Okay, just give me a second or two Boss Man."

-o-

After receiving details and phone numbers, Emily stayed on the line as she raced back to Hotch in the tent, "I've spoken to the four foster families and they all said Ray was removed from his parent's home due to drugs and abuse."

"Garcia" began Aaron.

"Yes Sir?"

"Can we have conformation from the biological family?"

"Can do, I'll patch you through now."

Emily's phone continued to reverberate with a ring tone for some time before Penelope hung up, "There doesn't appear to be anyone home. Do you want me to keep ringing Sir?"

"No Garcia. Send us the address and we'll drive there."

"Done Sir."

-o-

Emily and Derek passed by the Police Officers guarding the trailer park home in Missoula then stepped inside. Derek moved towards a portable table and picked up four bullets with a gloved hand. Turning to the blood splatter on the window blind above the floral sofa, he knelt on his right knee in front of a worn armchair and hypothesised as Emily remained in the front of the kitchen area, "His mother told us Ray was playing Russian roulette with his dad while sitting in this chair."

Looking to the blood then the chair then to the door, Emily continued, "The shot to Paul Donovan's temple was delivered from this position; across the room. Ray couldn't have made that shot if he was sitting in that chair."

"Perhaps he got enraged about something his parents said or didn't do and he walked over to doorway and fired."

Emily's cell phone beeped with a message alert and disturbed the reading of the crime scene. Withdrawing it form the right pocket of her coat, she read the words from Sean McAllister: We need to talk A-SAP

The shock that registered on his partner's face did not go unnoticed by Derek and he asked, "Prentiss, is everything all right?"

"Aww … yes. It's nothing that can't wait," responded Emily while returning the phone to its previous location. "What if Ray wasn't the one to make the shot? Maybe his girl was responsible."

"Ray is the one with the grudge. Why would he allow her to kill his father?"

Outside a distraught Missus Donovan was sitting on the top step and still being interviewed by Reid and Hotchner. In between sobs, she said, "Ray kept trying to force Paul to take the ninth step. He just wouldn't stop and became angrier."

Spencer turned to Aaron, "It seems like the subjects are making amends, but in reality, they are twisting the steps to suit their own purposes. They're attempting to make people who have aggrieved them to confess their wrongdoings to them."

"Missus Donovan, did Ray mention the girl's name?" inquired a hopeful Hotch.

Holding back fresh tears, the woman replied, "He kept calling her Syd."

Back inside the home, Emily pondered, "Morgan, what if it's the girl calling the shots? Maybe she is the psychopath and not Ray."

Derek picked up where his partner was heading, "If she killed Ray's father without his permission, they are going to be at odds with one another."

"The first marital argument is supposed to be the worst," put forth Emily.

A small smirk formed on Derek's lips, "You talking from experience Princess?"

Emily saw the funny side to the question and grinned, "No you cheeky bastard."

"Just saying Prentiss, but seriously, if that is the situation with our subjects; it might be the wedge we need to divide them and make a mistake."

Nodding, Emily assented, "Hopefully, this madness has gone on long enough."

"Couldn't agree with you more; we're already into day four."

Emily was about to respond when her phone rang with Penelope's number. "Hold on Garcia," she answered. "I'll put you on speaker so the others can hear."

"Okay Angel, I have news."

Making her way outside, Emily notified Aaron while Morgan followed, "Garcia has something."

"Go ahead Garcia."

"There is no record of Ray Donovan filing for a marriage licence and before you lose faith; I did discover an application in Montana for a Sydney Manning from Washington State two days ago."

"Washington State?" queried Hotch. "We profiled North Dakota."

"Hold your horses Sir. One Sydney Manning resided in North Dakota for the past four years and it does get better or worse whichever way you look at it. Sydney received a mandatory rehab sentence after serving a stint in prison for a hit and run incident while under the influence of alcohol and heroin."

Emily halted her progress towards the Team's SUV, "So her time with alcohol support wasn't voluntary?"

"Correct my clever girl. She was placed there as a condition of her parole."

Looking to Aaron, Emily deduced, "Hang on, alcohol and heroin; wasn't that the same mixture that Ray's ex overdosed on?"

"Yes it was," confirmed Penelope.

Derek moved closer to the phone in Emily's outstretched hand, "Both girls have the same vice. Garcia, check if there is a juvenile record for Amy?"

Only a second passed before Penelope replied, "She was taken out of high school and put into rehab for alcohol dependency."

"No mention of heroin?" questioned Derek.

Emily turned to her partner, "What are you thinking?"

"As you are aware, psychopaths will eliminate anything in their way. What if Amy was an obstacle for Sydney?"

"Garcia, where does Manning's biological family live?" inquired Hotch.

"That would be Spokane, Washington Sir."

"And what reason was given for her being taken from the home?"

"She was being molested by her father."

Reid put in his two cents worth, "Ray and Sydney did meet in alcohol support and shared their similar backgrounds."

Emily voiced her opinion, "If they stick to their pattern of making amends, Sydney's father is next."

Aaron addressed Spencer, "Reid, you stay here at the Command Centre in case they double back. The rest of us are off to Spokane."

-o-

As the Gulfstream took off, Derek spoke with Emily, "We haven't had the chance to talk the past few days. How are Jill and the twins?"

Her current thoughts of McAllister vanished and a smile graced Emily's lips, "Beautiful as always."

"I'm pleased to hear that. Hopefully we will get some time off after we put this case to bed and you'll be able to visit them."

"I wouldn't say no to that idea and maybe you could tag along. I'm sure the children would love to see you and you could even relax with some fishing."

"You better extend that invitation to Garcia or we'll both be in the dog house."

A chuckling Emily replied, "Isn't that the truth."

The two friends chatted until Emily used the bathroom and on her way back to her seat, she called Jillian.

"Hello sweetheart," her wife answered swiftly.

"Hey babe."

"I hope you don't mind, but I phoned Penelope for an update on your case?"

"I don't and we're closing in on them."

"So Penny informed me. Good luck and stay safe."

"Always Jill. I have to go; we're about to land."

"Okay, I love you."

"I love you too, bye."

-o-

Emily and Derek approached the blonde haired woman pruning roses behind a white picket fence and as she tuned to them, she asked, "Can I help you?"

Derek responded, "Missus Manning, I'm SSA Derek Morgan with the FBI and this is my colleague SSA Emily Prentiss. Is your husband home?"

"No, he's at work; same as he is every work day. Why do you need to speak with him?"

Emily was straight to the point, "We believe your daughter Sydney is planning on hurting him."

A look of distain ghosted over Missus Manning's features, "Sydney's not my child. She's Gary's from his first marriage and he hasn't had any contact with her for a long time."

"Can you tell us your husband's work address please?" inquired Morgan.

As he brought out his phone and swiped on the satellite app, Missus Manning replied, "785 Halbrook Street, off Kirkland Road. He owns the gas station and he has our daughter Heather with him."

Typing in the information, Derek gave his partner a concerned glance. In turn, Emily showed no emotion and said, "Thank you for you cooperation Missus Manning."

-o-

With lights flashing, Morgan sped to the address and as he came to a halt thirty feet from the front door of the business, Emily suggested to Hotch while on the phone with him, "I hope we're not too late."

Pocketing her phone, Emily reached for the door handle as Derek put the vehicle in park. Both Agents began to alight from the SUV when Derek observed the subjects exiting the building with a young blonde girl.

Drawing his weapon, Morgan yelled, "Prentis get down it's them. Take cover."

The girl screamed as she was dragged back inside and Sydney opened fire on the two Agents. Derek returned fire as Emily scrambled across the centre console and dived out the open driver's door. Morgan managed to hit Sydney in the right shoulder as Emily joined the gun fire exchange. As Sydney collapsed to the ground, Ray popped up behind her and started discharging his pistol.

When Derek ducked behind the front side of the SUV, Ray gathered up Sydney and carried her inside. Emily was immediately on the radio informing the local Police and Chief of the situation.

Within seconds, sirens were heard in the background and Aaron pulled up to the rear of Derek and Emily's position. Both were in a defensive stance with their Glocks aimed at the doorway. Emily turned to Hotch and gave a more detailed Sit-Rep, "When we got here, Sydney was exiting the building with Ray and a young girl as hostage. Sydney opened fire and was shot during the exchange. Ray dragged the girl back into the store then returned fire while assisting Sydney back inside."

With a furrowed brow, Aaron inquired, "Do we have any idea who the child is?"

Derek responded, "She's Sydney's ten year old step-sister Heather."

Hotch shook his head and took out his phone to dial the number of the gas station.

Ray answered without delay, "What the fuck do you want?"

The Chief spoke in a calming tone, "Mister Donovan, my name is SSA Aaron Hotchner and I am with the FBI. Is everyone in there okay?"

Ray screamed, "How do you think we are? You put a bullet in my wife."

"That wasn't me and you gave my Agent no choice but to return fire."

"He could have shot me instead." There was a brief moment of silence before Ray demanded, "Put him on the phone. I want to talk to him."

"I'm sorry, but that is not going to happen."

"Put him on the phone now. He should be the one to fix this shit, not you."

After a short consideration, Aaron handed his cell to Derek, "You're on." He withdrew his gun and aimed it towards the entrance.

Placing the phone against the shell of his right ear, Morgan spoke, "Hello Ray. If you come out now we'll be able to get Sydney to the hospital for treatment."

In a high pitched voice, Ray replied, "She's strong and doesn't need no doctor."

"Come on man, don't be an idiot."

"You're the idiot," snapped Ray. "Get everyone out of here so Syd and I can get on with our plan."

"There's no way that will occur and you know it Ray. You've got a little girl in there with you and god only knows what you've done with Sydney's father."

"He got his justice is what he got."

"So he's dead then?"

"Damn straight the prick's dead. His kid is gonna be too if you don't bring me a car so we can drive to the airport and hop on a plane to Aruba."

"All right Ray, I'll see what I can do. Is there something else I can get for you?"

"Yeah booze, gauze and tape. I need to fix up my girl and don't be bringing me no shit brands; I want the good stuff."

"You got it Ray, just give me a little time to organise things."

The phone line went dead.

-o-

Two hours had passed and the media had taken up position behind the barricaded zone. Emily's stomach churned as she overheard a reporter from Channel 3 update views of the situation. Aaron had given them a statement a short time earlier, so at least most of what was being reported was factual.

A grey Ford sedan being driven by Agent Bates pulled up inside the cordoned off Command Centre, and both she and Dave alighted from the vehicle. As he neared his team mates, Rossi asked, "What are their demands?"

"Alcohol, bandages and plane tickets to Aruba," answered Morgan gruffly.

Emily scoffed and added, "They're delusional."

Placing hands on her hips, Bates protested, "You're not negotiating with them?"

Hotch shook his head, "No, but we are allowing them to think we are. Morgan is about to deliver the requested items."

"I've got your back partner," commented Emily as Derek gathered up the medical supplies and a bottle of Jack Daniels. She held cover as did S.W.A.T. and Police Officers while he made his way slowly to the front entrance.

Banging on the door twice, Morgan wasn't surprised to see Ray using Heather as a shield. With a gun to her head, the girl trembled when her captor shouted for Dereck to back off. She commenced crying when he screamed again, "Back off or I'll shoot her."

Morgan took a step backwards, "I've got want you asked for."

"Open the door kid," directed a visibly agitated Ray. He talked Heather through the steps necessary to unlock the door then told Derek to take it easy and not to make any sudden movements.

Morgan's hands were raised as he encouraged Ray, "Take it easy man."

"You take it easy and put that stuff down," countered Ray. "It took you freaking long enough to get it Mister FBI Agent."

Ignoring the complaint, Derek attempted to gain some form of rapport, "Okay. I'll just leave it on the counter for you and be on my way. Everything you wanted is here. We're still working on the rest. If you need something else, just use the phone. It's directly linked to us, so we'll answer quickly."

"I should kill you," warned Ray venomously.

"I'm going," noted Derek as he backed up and closed the door. He heard Ray tell Heather to relock it as he moved away. Returning to the line, he addressed the Team, "He's lost control and the girl is scared. Considering the amount of blood on Ray's clothing, I'd say Sydney isn't doing so well. We need to get inside his head and end this before he does. I believe Heather will only stay alive as long as Sydney is."

"Agreed," acknowledged Hotch. "We have to move soon."

Derek's phone rang and he suggested, "This may be the opportunity we need." Pressing the device to his ear, Morgan asked, "What do you need Ray?"

"What I need is the car you promised me hours ago. We want to go to Aruba now … no more of this waiting bullshit."

Morgan changed tact, "Listen Ray, you need to hear me. I know you have struggled with what your father did to you."

There was an audible gasp on the other end, "Shut the fuck up. You don't know me."

"I do Ray, I actually do. Last year your ex-girlfriend Amy was killed."

"She … she committed suicide."

"No, she was murdered," claimed Derek firmly.

Ray's anger intensified, "No way man; she overdosed on PCP and booze."

"That's not correct Ray. The Medical Examiner located heroin in her system."

"Bullshit!" yelled Ray. "Amy never did that shit."

Derek pressed forward with putting the subject in two minds as to his wife's character, "I agree with you Ray, so somebody else must have given it to her, right?. Why don't you speak to Sydney about it?"

"Why should I? She don't know nothing about Amy."

Morgan could hear Sydney in the background asking Ray what was going on and where was the car. Derek knew he had another avenue to place doubt in Ray's thoughts, "Come on man, think about it for a moment. Sydney shows up at your support group meeting right after your breakup with Amy. She saw you still had deep feelings for Amy and she needed her out of the way."

"You are so wrong about her," seethed Ray with some degree of hesitation.

"Why don't you ask Sydney then Ray," urged Derek. "I'll tell you this; when you do, she won't give you a straight answer. She'll question you instead and change it up."

"Are trying to make a point here or just bullshitting for more time?"

"Sydney is responsible for giving Amy the heroin. All you have to do is ask her and have her admit what she did."

Derek listened in as Ray focused on Sydney, "Did you give Amy heroin?"

"Baby, what are you saying? I love you."

Morgan interrupted, "Did you hear that Ray? That is what is called structural deception. She has no intention of giving you an answer. Instead, she is allowing herself time to think of something else to say."

"That's a lie," snarled back Ray.

Derek sensed the bait he was dangling in front of Ray was about to be swallowed up any moment, "You need to face the fact that Sydney killed Amy. If you press her for the truth, she'll use sexual distraction to make you change the subject."

"Don't talk like that about my wife."

"What is he saying?" demanded Sydney.

"Sexual distraction Ray," repeated Morgan. "You have to listen to me."

"I don't think so. I'm done talking to you. You need to get that car and plane tickets before I blow this kid's head off."

Derek turned to Aaron and Dave as the line went dead, "I believe I got to him. This situation is going to end."

Dave agreed, "He's going to question her again in private; he has to."

"The girl is out top priority," stated Hotch decisively.

"We have a clear shot," transmitted the S.W.A.T. leader over the radio. "Cancel that, the subjects have moved behind a counter and appear to be lying down. I still have a view of the hostage by the door. Wait, the male subject is up again."

"What's going on in there?" inquired Hotch.

With a clear view inside the store, Dave replied, "Ray has his hands on his head and is pacing."

"That's not a good sign," noted Emily while concentrating on the entrance.

Several minutes passed before Derek spoke, "I have eyes on Heather heading towards the door.

"Where are Ray and Sydney?" asked Dave as the young girl opened the door and moved in the direction of the BAU Team.

"Go get her," instructed Aaron to Morgan.

Everyone focused on a sobbing Heather as Derek ran over. She screamed when he picked her up in the crook of his left arm and lifted her. He carried her to an alcove to his right and placed her down in front of the restroom. He suddenly turned when a late model Jeep Cherokee reversed out of the workshop. Smashing through the timber frame and glass, all those assembled heard Ray scream out the word "no".

A volley of shots rang out as Derek and the others fired upon the speeding vehicle. It slammed into a Police sedan as bullets pierced the metal body and glass. It came to a stop as Ray slumped forward behind the driver's wheel as a direct result of having been hit in the rear of his head. Next to him sat the lifeless form of Sydney.

The BAU Agents moved in with firearms still drawn to survey the car.

"Heather is safe," announced Morgan as he joined them.

Aaron neared Ray and reached through the broken window for a pulse, "He's done."

Doing the same on the passenger side, Emily shook her head, "She's gone too. It looks like he strangled her."

"Stand down everyone," directed Hotch. "It's time to wrap this mess up."

-o-

Willian Glasser wrote; "What happened in the past that was painful, has a great deal to do with what we are today."

As the BAU's jet continued on its flight path to Quantico, Emily text Jillian: Sorry for waking you babe, but thought you'd want to know we are on the way home. We got them & the team is safe. Will call in the morning. Love you

The response was swift and short: Love you & excellent news

The smile on Emily's face faded as she sent a message to McAllister: Should be available for a drink around 11. Can you meet me at Quill's Bar on 16th Street?

I'll be waiting, read the return text.

Worried about the topic of their upcoming conversation, Emily nevertheless returned her phone to her pocket and closed her eyes.

-o-

Entering the jazz club, Emily ignored the piano player along with the other patrons as she zeroed in on her old friend.

He stood as she approached his table and the two embraced tightly.

"Emily Prentiss," said the bearded and dark hair ponytailed man with a distinct brogue.

"Sean, it's so good to see you. How are you?" returned Emily as the pair parted and took a seat in the booth.

"I'm good," replied Sean as he touched the glass containing two fingers of scotch in front of him.

Tilting her head to the side, Emily placed her shoulder bag to the side and apologised, "I was going to call you, but this last case keep me busy."

"It's okay; I was already in D.C. anyway."

Those words caused the hair on the nape of Emily's neck to stand and the next words from Sean made her heart stop beating and her eyes to bulge.

"Ian Doyle has escaped custody. INTERPOL have been unable to find him."

As shock registered on her face, Emily fumbled to speak, "What … what are you telling me?"

An emotion akin to fear ghosted over Sean's features, "Emily, he is off the grid."

"Do you have any idea where he is headed? Am I in danger Sean?" inquired Emily in a broken tone as images of her past flashed through her grey matter and frightened the living daylights out of her.

The grave expression on McAllister's face said it all and Emily knew the answer before it was delivered, "We all are. You need to prepare yourself for the worst and get your affairs in order."

Alarm crept along Emily's spine as the world she knew came crumbling down around her. With the realisation those she loved were in deep peril, she had to act fast and throw all caution to the wind. Standing, she made her farewell and left the bar without further comment.

-o-