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 feed the Muse. A special shout out to carmdian, thank you for your continued comments. As always, appreciation to all who leave a message. I do try to reply to all.
Chapter 25
Tuesday 13th September, 2011.
The twins woke at six and Emily was more than grateful they had slept in. She went to the nursery while Jillian went downstairs to prepare their breakfast. There were two bowls of oatmeal on the counter when Emily walked into the kitchen carrying the children and Jillian was pacing back and forth along the living room floor talking on her cell phone.
"I fully understand Sir," she said before ending the call.
"Who was that calling at this hour?" enquired Emily sternly as Jillian took Samantha off her hip and placed her into a highchair.
"That was Director Jack Fickler."
"Is there a problem?"
"Yes," replied Jillian while putting a dish in front of Samantha. "An Agent Beth Griffin from the Red Cell Unit was taken by a suspect during their last case and shot before the team could rescue her."
"Oh my god, is she okay? We worked with the team a while back and she's an excellent Agent."
"She is recovering from surgery to her shoulder and will be unfit for duty for at least six weeks."
"That's a relief, but why did Fickler contact you?"
"I've been ordered to join the Red Cell Unit as of tomorrow until Agent Griffin is fit to return."
"But you're on two weeks leave," protested Emily with a frown.
"It's been cancelled due to operational requirements."
Keeping a lid on her annoyance and disappointment, Emily asked, "What about your sessions with Doctor Stockwell?"
"If I'm not out in the field I'll still be able to attend. Otherwise, it will be done via computer and Skype."
"Fickler organised that?"
"Not yet, it's too early to disturb Doctor Stockwell."
"What about the fact you've been through hell for the best part of the year?"
"Emily, the unit's been busy and they are short an Agent. I'm not in a position to argue."
"These two weeks were supposed to be for us Jill."
With a sad frown, Jillian replied, "I know, but at least you'll be here with the kids."
"It's important we have the time together too."
"I'll be home every night unless travelling."
"What about your leg? Shit, you still have stitches."
"Shit!" mimicked Jarrod and Samantha in perfect harmony.
"Oops," mumbled Emily. "There's another new word to add to their rapidly increasing vocabulary."
Grinning, Jillian ignored her two oatmeal face smeared offspring and pulled Emily into an embrace, "We'll adapt sweetheart and the change might be good for me."
"I've missed you for so long and don't like the idea of you being away from me and the babies."
"With luck I'll be working local."
-o-
Wednesday 14th September, 2011.
Luck was in short supply as Jillian reported to Unit Chief Sam Cooper at eight the following morning. She entered the old warehouse used as an office and was greeted by the skilled practitioner of Kali with a warm handshake.
"Welcome aboard SSA Rolston. Let me introduce the rest of the team."
A tall, slim built male in his late thirties stretched out his right hand, "Jonathan Simms, pleased to meet you."
"Likewise Agent Simms."
Next was a mid-thirties blonde, "Gina LaSalle, it's nice to meet you Agent Rolston."
Last was a beared male, "Mick Rawson," he said with a Welsh accent. His handshake lingered and his smile conveyed his attraction.
Jillian quelled his interest by raising her left hand, "Hello, happily married and nice to make your acquaintance."
Nodding, Rawson replied, "Point taken and my apologies."
Sam shook his head, "You'll have to excuse Agent Rawson's forwardness."
"He's excused. How is Agent Griffin doing?"
Cooper answered, "Beth is complaining about being bed bound, so that's a sign that she's improving. Director Fickler told us about the revivification of your colleague SSA Prentiss. I'm extremely glad she is alive and well."
"We all are and she starts back at work in two weeks' time."
With a dreamy smirk, Rawson noted, "She's a brilliant Agent and it's been some time since we worked together."
Jillian detected the gleam in his eye and dismissed the surge of jealousy that tapped at her heart, instead she asked, "Do you have an active case?"
"Yes, Gina will present the profile we have established if you'd like to stow you gear in the locker room to your right then join us in the conference room upstairs," answered Cooper.
"Yes Sir."
-o-
Jillian stood up from the table once Sam concluded the debriefing and dismissed the team for the day. Withdrawing the phone from the side of her belt she text messaged Emily and informed her she was on the way home.
Emily called in reply, "Hi honey, can you pick up some milk on your way?"
"Hello sweetheart and yes I can. Is that all you need?"
"Yes and the twins are already in bed."
"Shit, I'm sorry it's a late finish and I missed their bedtime story."
"It's not your fault, drive safe."
"I will, bye." Jillian reattached the phone and noticed Rawson was standing by the doorway.
"How many children do you have?"
"We have fourteen month old twins; a boy and girl."
"They must keep you and your husband on the run."
With a bright smile, Jillian replied, "My wife and I are kept entertained by their antics."
"Wife, I just assumed?"
Jillian interrupted his inquiry, "Most people do so don't sweat it. See you in the morning."
"Sure thing, goodnight."
Agent Simms walked past the stairs and offered, "I'll walk out with you Jillian."
"Okay."
The duo was just out the exit when Simms said, "Rossi has been friends with Coop for over twenty years and he called him today and informed him you are one hell of an Agent."
Chuckling, Jillian closed the door, "He's biased because he's my regular partner."
"I don't know about that. It was nice working with you today."
"You too and I noticed the others call you Prophet."
"I picked the nickname up years ago."
"You'll have to tell me the story one day, goodnight."
"I will. Goodnight Jill."
-o-
Jillian told Emily about her first day of secondment while eating dinner at the kitchen counter then asked, "Did you and Mick Rawson ever date?"
"Ahh no … J.J. told me to call him after a case and I said I'd rather buy a cat."
"He got all gooey eyed when you were mentioned."
"He's a terrible flirt and I bet he hit on you."
Jillian responded with a nod, "I told him I was happily married with kids. When I informed him I had a wife, he nearly fell over."
"His ego would have been bruised."
"Sam said he's ex-British Special Forces."
"Yes and is excellent in the use of a sniper rifle; I'm living proof of that."
"Oh okay and I assume that comment is case related."
"It was when you were out with your leg back in February and I'm glad you made an arrest on your first day."
"I was too, but the sutures in my thigh didn't appreciate me running after the suspect or jumping over three fences."
Trying not to image her wife in full chase mode, Emily enquired, "Don't you have an appointment tomorrow to have them removed?"
"I cancelled it after I snipped the ends off and pulled them out at lunch time."
Shaking her head, Emily retorted, "Honey, you are impossible."
Smirking, Jillian conceded the point, "I am at times and the session with Chelsea went well."
"Oh so it's Chelsea now is it?"
"Good grief, she's married with three kids and a dog my jealous baby."
"I'm just checking and I must say you're very relaxed this evening."
"It was a good result today and after I do the dishes I'm picking mom up from the airport, so I am just really happy."
"So am I and Reid visited earlier."
"Let me guess, he's having a hard time coming to terms with the fact you're alive?"
"You got it. Apparently he dropped into J.J.'s for ten weeks straight and cried on her shoulder. He was so upset because he couldn't say goodbye to me. Now he is mad and disappointed at J.J. and me because we kept the truth from him."
"I'll give him a call on the way to the airport and try to smooth things over. Having everyone here on Saturday night will go a long way in helping."
"Speaking of which, are we doing barbeque?"
"I think that will work best and I bought you a new phone and car this morning. The vehicle will be delivered tomorrow at nine and your phone is in my work bag. I managed to salvage your old sim card, so you are good to go with all your contact numbers."
"Thank you so much and what kind of car did you so generously get me?"
"Chevy's next year's model Equinox All Wheel Drive LTZ. It's fully loaded and is silver. With me on another team, I thought it made sense if you had your own transport. Consider it an early birthday present."
"Thank you honey and in gratitude, I'll do the dishes."
"Merci bébé."
With the tiniest of moans escaping pursed lips, Emily rose from her chair and collected Jillian's plate and cutlery, "Ce n'est vraiment pas parler juste comme cela." (That is really not fair talking like that)
Just for good measure, Jillian tossed in some Italian, "Succhiare il miele." (Suck it up honey)
Tittering, Emily moved towards the sink, "You are an evil woman Rolston."
Getting to her feet, Jillian replied jovially, "You know I am. I'm off to shower."
-o-
Maureen didn't scream as expected when she entered the house. Instead she burst into tears and hugged Emily firmly, "Oh dear god, it's so good to see you. Everybody sends their love and are looking forward to seeing you Saturday morning."
"I am too and I apologise for the dishonesty required to keep everyone safe."
Leaning back, Maureen chided, "I don't care about the reasons behind it Emily. It was an unfortunate necessity. Will your mother be joining us this weekend?"
"She flies in Friday night."
"Very good," replied Maureen as she moved back and kissed her daughter in-law on the left cheek.
Jillian joined them carrying two bags, "I've put you and dad in the bedroom closest to the nursery mom."
"Excellent darling."
"Adrian and his lot have the pool house."
"Okay and I was excited to hear about the twins progress Emily. It must be strange for you to be catching up."
"I'm still amazed at how much they've grown."
"You're going to have to put on roller skates to keep up with them I'm afraid."
With a giggle, Emily asked, "Would you like a cup of tea?"
"Year dear and you can tell me all about your homecoming."
Jillian went upstairs and offloaded the luggage. Returning downstairs, she said goodnight and went to bed.
Maureen put down her mug and looked to the brunette, "Jill explained she is seeing a Psychiatrist, how are you coping?"
"I'm carrying around a lot of guilt, but at the same time, am so relieved to be home amongst loved ones."
"Jill also mentioned you are scheduled to begin sessions with a Doctor Merrill when you return to work."
"It's standard Agency procedure, but considering everything that's happened, I'm doing okay."
"My daughter loves you very much Emily; that will never change and she will be fine in time."
Unchecked teardrops rolled down Emily's cheeks, "I love her with all my heart and she knows I'll wait for as long as is necessary."
"Those words warm my heart and now tell me all about Jillian's arrival in Greece."
-o-
Sunday 18th September, 2011.
"Ma-ma," demanded Jarrod as Maureen placed him on the play rug.
"She's still in bed Little Man," replied Jillian while putting his sister down.
With a scowl, he responded with an emphatic, "NO!"
Samantha wasn't about to be out done by her brother. So she crossed her arms and gave her mother her best pout and quivering bottom lip before blubbering, "Ma-ma."
"Looks like you have a rebellion on your hands dear," pointed out Maureen with a chuckle.
"This little battle is a no win situation for them both. I'm not waking Emily after she and Josie drank all that red wine last night."
"I'm with you and Geoffrey and Madison should be up any minute, so the twins will forget all about sulking.
On cue, the back door flew open and the two older children ran down the hallway. The twins stood and clapped at their arrival.
"There you go, disaster averted," announced Maureen as Geoffrey hugged her leg. "Have you two eaten breakfast yet?"
"Yes Gran. Dad made pancakes and mommy is snoring loudly."
"Very well, you can play."
"Yay," shouted Madison before sitting down next to Samantha.
Both Jillian and Maureen took a seat on the couch and happily watched the cousins interact.
Malcolm joined the adults on the sofa an hour later and Jillian fetched him a plate of breakfast. Adrian turned up five minutes after that and rolled onto the floor so he could tickle each child in turn.
The room was filled with cheerful laughter and natter as Jillian got up and climbed the stairs. Walking into the master bedroom, she eased onto the bed and snuggled into Emily's neck.
"Good morning honey," mumbled Emily as an arm curved over her stomach.
"It's a wonderful day. How is your head Miss Wino?"
"I'm a little hung-over, but doing okay. I got up and had a drink of water about an hour ago."
"There's bacon and eggs for breakfast if you are interested and Josie hasn't made an appearance yet."
"Well thank you and I blame Garcia."
"I think she was ably assisted by your mother."
Emily let out a short guffaw, "Oh god, I've never seen her that drunk before."
"I practically poured her into her limousine and I adore your laugh. I've missed it."
"I'm really enjoying this chat, but I need to pee."
"In that case, I'll leave you to it and see you downstairs."
"Thanks Jill."
-o-
The next week saw Jillian travelling interstate with the Red Cell Team to Boise, Idaho on the trail of a serial killer.
By Saturday night the subject had been cornered and shot when he opened fire on Sam, Jill and Jonathan. Jillian accompanied Jack Landers to the Treasure Valley Hospital and pressed for the location of his sixth and last victim while a Paramedic worked on his injuries in the back of the rig.
"You miserable bastard," Jillian said prior to Mirandising Landers. "You are dying. Do the right thing and tell me where Peter is. Let his family have some peace and bury him."
With wide brown eyes filled with pain, Landers smiled, "Tell my mother I killed them all for her. Every man that treated her like shit is now dead and that's justice for her. Walsh is in room 112 at The Grove Hotel. Tell mom I love her and all the bad men are gone."
"I'll mention it to her, but why didn't you report the assaults on her two years ago?"
"When those animals snatched her off the street in Maryland and raped her over the course of a weekend, they took the fight out of her and she was too ashamed to go to the police. I begged her, but she made me swear not to go to them and we moved away. Then Walsh showed up here and mom freaked out when she spotted him walking down the sidewalk while out shopping. She raced home and finally named her rapists and I began my plan of revenge. You have your confession, so let me die in peace."
Smiling, Jillian straightened up and turned off the recording device on her phone. She looked to the Medic and said, "Thanks for that." Glancing down, she added, "Your gunshot wounds are not life threatening, so I guess you can tell your mother all that for yourself when she visits you in prison."
Shock registered on Lander's face, "What?"
"Suicide by Law Enforcement doesn't always go to plan Landers. The bullets to your shoulder and arm aren't what you would call fatal injuries."
"Crap," responded a clearly disappointed Landers.
"Looks like you'll get to tell your mother's story in court after all."
The ambulance reversed into the Emergency Department bay and Jillian called Sam with the news.
-o-
After showering, Jillian got comfortable on the hotel bed and phoned Emily.
It only took two rings before her wife answered, "Hi honey."
"Hello Em, did I miss the bedtime story?"
"No. The kids are on the bed with me now. I'll put you on speaker."
Hearing the clink on the other end, Jillian gushed, "Hello Little Miss and Little Guy, I miss you."
"Momma," squealed the twins then Samantha said in a serious tone, "Book."
"Okay, mama is going to read tonight."
"Jill, we have a new book that Spence brought over today. It's all about rainbows and butterflies."
"All right baby, I'm ready when you are."
Twelve minutes later, the two children had finished their milk and were sound asleep.
"How is the case going?" asked Emily once she turned off the speaker function.
"We wrapped it up three hours ago with a signed confession and recovery of the last victim."
"Well done and when will you be home?"
"Our subject will be fit to travel tomorrow morning, so Mick and I will be escorting him back to D.C. jail for holding."
"So that's a four hour flight and you'll be home in time for dinner?"
"Ahh … no, not quite."
"Pardon, is my flight calculation wrong?"
"No it's correct. Landers' surgical sites won't be able to tolerate cabin pressure and that means we are in for a road trip."
"Oh shit, you're kidding me?"
"I wish I was, but by the time he is able to withstand high altitude, we'll be back in D.C."
"That will take days," complained Emily.
"It will be four days because the prisoner won't be able to travel for more than eleven hours each day. I'll be home some time Wednesday afternoon."
"I gather you've already tabulated the trip?"
"You know I have my little nerd and I'll phone you every night for story time."
"The twins will be happy about that and Grace is home tomorrow night. Where is your first stop?"
"Rock Springs Wyoming. At seven and a half hours, it's the shortest time on the road. The doctor said Landers will be fairly uncomfortable as it is."
Emily sighed, "He killed six people for crying out loud and should suffer."
"Under normal situations I'd agree, but there are mitigating circumstances involved in this case. I fully understand his motivation, but certainly don't excuse his actions."
"It sounds like he got to you."
Jillian recounted the background details that Vicki Landers had confirmed during her record of interview then added, "He had no remorse for taking six lives and is at peace with his behaviour."
"I can relate to that and you still haven't told me what happened between you and Doyle."
"It can wait until I get back. Oh, I have a seven o'clock session with Chelsea Wednesday, so I'll be home afterwards."
"Okay, I'll have dinner ready for you."
"Thanks baby. Did your mother visit today?"
"She just left before you called and fussed over the kids shamelessly."
Jillian laughed before saying, "They would have soaked that up."
"They did and the new word for today was Granny."
"How was that received?"
"Quite well surprisingly until Sam repeated it ten times in a row. Mom finally told her to stop."
"Little Miss wouldn't have liked that."
"She didn't and cried then mom felt terrible. It got worse when Jarrod joined in."
With a hearty chuckle, Jillian replied, "Did she manage to pacify them?"
"She distracted them by counting to twenty."
"Clever move and I better let you go and put the rascals to bed."
"All right and I miss you."
"I miss you too and will talk to you tomorrow night once we have secured Landers in the local lockup."
"Be safe honey."
"Always Em, goodnight."
-o-
