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.


Chapter 29

Tuesday 15th May

After the team touched down at Quantico Naval Base, Hotch directed the Agents to furbish their field reports then call it a day. He requested Jillian attend his office beforehand, and the blonde noted a startled expression of her wife's face. Ignoring it, Jillian followed the Chief and closed the office door once she was inside.

"Is there a problem Sir?" she asked, none the wiser.

Turning, a smiling Hotch explained the reasoning behind the summons, "No. I just wanted to commend you on a job well done."

Relaxing her shoulders, Jillian replied, "Thank you Sir."

"I also wanted to say you've become an integral part of this team and your work ethic is outstanding."

Realising Hotch's praise coincided with the Easter situation, Jillian threw caution to the wind, "You're concerned Emily will accept the offer to head up the London Interpol Office and I'll go with her?"

Hotch's brows arched with surprise, "How did you know that? Did Emily discuss the matter with you?"

Keeping a lid on her disappointment in regards to her wife's lack of communication, Jillian answered, "No she didn't, but a close friend advised me of the offer. Emily intimated we would talk after this case, so I expect to be informed of her decision once we arrive home."

"I assume you're not happy about the proposal."

Jillian staved off expressing her anger facially, "You got that right; honestly, I'm downright ropable."

"I can relate to that. I wanted to punch the smug, self-righteous bastard several times during the meeting."

Allowing her mouth to curl into a smile, Jillian agreed, "Derek had to hold me back and I want you to know I'll advise you ASAP in relation to future plans."

"I appreciate that Jill and will see you in the morning."

Pivoting, Jillian exited the office with a heavy heart. A sense of foreboding doom followed her every step as she made her way to the bullpen to collect her go to bag.

-o-

Emily drove home while Jillian sat quietly in the passenger seat and basically sulked. Several times, Emily attempted to engage her in a conversation that was only met with an abrupt "We'll talk at home."

Pulling into the driveway minutes later, Emily raised the garage door and Jillian jumped from the moving vehicle before it came to a halt. "Shit!" exclaimed Emily while parking.

Jillian walked to the front door instead of the kitchen entrance and unlocked it without waiting for her wife. Emily thought it best to enter via the alternative entry and wasn't all that surprised to find Jillian rolling on the living room floor rug with the twins. Her chest tightened as her children squealed with delight at having their mommy home early. Turmoil washed over Emily and teardrops burned the back of her eyes.

Jarrod turned his head when Grace welcomed Emily home and his face lit up as he screamed, "Mama home!"

His sister got into the act and jumped off Jillian's stomach. She ran to her mother with outstretched arms, "Mama hug pwease."

Kneeling, Emily received the precious child and her tears flowed, "Hello Little Miss."

"Play," asked a hopeful Samantha while wrapping her arms around Emily's neck.

In reply, Emily put her daughter's feet on the floor and joined the others on the cushioned mat.

Grace excused herself as Jarrod dive bombed Emily, "Mama love me?"

Fighting through her sobs, Emily cuddled the bundle of joy to her chest, "Yes, mama loves you very much."

Not to be left out, Sam swan dived onto her mother, "Love me mama?"

"Oh yes my darling girl. Mama loves both her babies."

Getting up, a stone faced Jillian wiped tears from both cheeks then stared down at her wife, "I won't uproot the children and take them thousands of miles away from their relatives."

"I gather Aaron discussed the contents of the meeting with Clyde."

Shaking her head, Jillian replied, "No as a matter of fact he didn't, and we will definitely talk after the kids have gone to bed."

At the mention of the word "bed", twenty two month old Samantha protested loudly, "No sleep, no tired!"

Reaching down, Jillian dragged fingertips over her daughter's hair, "No sweetie, it's not bedtime yet."

"Play," demanded Jarrod before kissing Emily's left cheek. "No cry mama. Jar love you, Sama too."

The comment caused more tears to escape from both parents. Samantha latched onto Jillian's left leg and Jarrod firmly grasped Emily's shirt.

Overcome with heartache, Jillian buddled up Samantha and lay beside her wife and wrapped her arms around the three people that meant everything to her. "I love you so much sweetheart and realise this is not easy for you."

Blinking back fresh tears, Emily confessed, "It's breaking my heart Jill."

"I can see that, but we have two kids eager to play."

"Thank you," said Emily before kissing Jillian.

"Kiss, kiss," hollered the twins before puckering up.

Their request was fulfilled by their mothers and the outside whole faded into the background for a more convenient time.

-o-

As Jillian settled Samantha into her recently purchased single bed, across the room, Emily kissed Jarrod on the forehead, "Sweet dreams Little Man."

Turning on the night light, Jillian held her right hand out to Emily. Taking a hold, Emily walked downstairs beside her wife. Entering the kitchen, the pair took care of the dinner dishes then retired to the couch.

Jillian was the first to speak, "I understand you have been struggling with letting go of what happened to you in Boston. As a consequence, you have become restless with your life."

"You truly do know me so well baby. I thought I'd adjusted, but lately, I've felt this crushing weight on my shoulders. Some days it feels like I'm being smothered and can't combat the sense of impending doom."

"Are you telling me you are not happy?" enquired Jillian with a lump in her throat.

"For the majority of the time I'm delirious Jill. I love you and the children with every beat of my heart and feel so secure."

Jillian interrupted, "But there are times when you feel suffocated."

Lowering her eyes, Emily admitted, "Yes."

Placing an index finger under Emily's chin, Jillian lifted her wife's eye line, "Is it work?"

"Yes. I have these moments when I am petrified out in the field and can't escape my past. Everything is a constant reminder.

A wave of defeat rushed over Jillian and she surrendered to her darkest fear, "I'll not stand in your way. I think you need to find yourself and realise you can't do it here. If being in charge of a department and not having to go into the field will bring you closure, then I release you from your martial bond."

Emily's features fell and her next word was accompanied with a shake of her head, "What?"

"I'm letting you go Emily. I can't bear to watch you in utter disarray. I understand you need to travel the journey to recovery on your own. Go find happiness in London and I wish you nothing but the best."

Totally shocked by her wife's analytical approach to the situation, Emily burst into tears, "I don't want to lose you Jill."

Taking a deep breath, Jillian steeled herself against the agony bearing down on her heart, "Em, you lost me the second you contemplated Easter's offer. You had two weeks to tell me about his original proposition and you didn't. For once in my life, I am going to be selfish and consider what I need. I want my wife to be happy all the time and not be restrained by moments of darkness. Our children deserve better and quite frankly, so do I. I'd rather end our marriage now while the twins are still young enough to adjust to a new family environment than watch you pretend to be content."

Trembling with emotion, Emily struggled to hold it together, "That's not fair. I want you and the children to come with me."

Jillian raised her left hand in protest, "See right there, you've already made your choice to leave and now, so have I."

Reaching out, Emily attempted to hold Jillian, but was rebuffed.

Standing, Jillian looked down at the woman she would always love and calmly stated, "You better contact your friend and inform him you accept the job. I have an appointment to attend and will sleep in the guestroom tonight."

Overwrought, Emily remained speechless as her wife departed the room then the house.

-o-

Chelsea handed Jillian a box of tissues before commenting, "You've done a noble act Jill."

"Last night while I was out jogging I played the last eight months over and over in my mind and recognised small moments of doubt from Emily. I don't blame her for feeling insecure. That responsibility is solely down to Doyle. She said it herself; she can't escape her past."

"Is Emily still having sessions with Doctor Merrill?"

"Yes, once a fortnight."

"You seem resigned to the fact Emily will take up the position in London."

"Her words indicated she had already come to that decision. Emily wants to be in charge rather than follow."

"I truly am sorry to hear that."

Dabbing the last of her tears from her red rimmed eyes, Jillian confided, "I have made my peace with it and intend on maintaining a healthy and happy atmosphere for my children."

"Have you thought about the possibility of Emily seeking custody?"

"She'll do what's best for them and certainly has experiencing in leaving them behind."

The barb didn't go unnoticed, "You say you've made peace, yet your words tell me you're extremely angry."

Dropping her head into her hands and resting her elbows on her knees, Jillian broke down, "Shit! I'm that mad I want to punch the fucking wall."

"Okay, let's deal with that issue along with the fact you are lying to yourself about being at ease with Emily's mistrust."

Wracked with heavy sobs, Jillian acquiesced, "All right and you should know it's all an act. My fucking heart is shattered."

"Admission is an excellent place for us to begin."

-o-

The instant Jillian opened the front door of the house and stepped inside; she knew Emily had already left. The twins were awake and bawling in the living room with Grace valiantly attempting to calm them. Tossing keys onto the hallway table, Jillian ran into the room and her previously broken heart crumbled into minuscule atoms.

The toddlers had their faces pressed into a crying Grace's shoulders and their wails were nothing short of pitiful. Without speaking, Jillian sat on the couch and received each child onto her lap. "Don't cry my darlings," she coaxed in a soothing tone. Turning to Grace, she asked, "What happened?"

"Emily came to the pool house and advised me she was going on a trip. She asked if I could stay in the house until you returned. She went to the nursery and kissed the twins goodbye. They woke and have been inconsolable for the past forty minutes. Jill, the look on Emily's face was one of pure devastation. What the hell is going on?"

Through her own tears, Jillian caressed her offspring's back and explained the situation.

"Blimey," muttered Grace. "After all the two of you have been through, she just gave up?"

"Emily has my blessings Grace. She is still broken and I can't fix her no matter how much I try."

Jarrod's crying turned to a soft whimper and he lifted his head, "Mama no love me."

The words cut through Jillian's chest like a scalpel and she sobbed, "Mama still loves you and Samantha, but she is sick Little Man and needs to go away and heal."

"I help fix her," offered the blond. "I kiss the boo boo."

"Me too," suggested a hic-cupping Samantha.

Holding eye contact with the two tear stained faces, Jillian offered, "I wish you could my precious darlings."

Jillian and Grace spent another thirty minutes with the kids before putting the emotionally drained pair to bed. After tucking them in, Jillian kissed both on the temple then went to her bedroom.

The majority of Emily's clothes were missing from walk-in closet as were her undergarments from the chest of drawers. Instead of giving in to her mind's urge to fall apart again; Jillian took all the sorrow and manifested it into rage instead. Withdrawing her phone from her belt, she rang Emily.

The request was answered after two ring tones, "I'm sorry."

"Sure you are."

"This is hard enough Jill, please don't make it worse," pleaded a now crying Emily.

Jillian began pacing the floor, "Worse? You fucking bitch! How dare you ask that of me? You have left behind two distraught children yet again and I'm left to pick up the pieces. Forget I told you I was fine with you leaving. I'm not, I'm fucking mad as hell Emily."

"I fully understand."

"Do you, really? Where are you?"

"I'm at the airport," replied Emily while sniffling back tears.

"Oh that's just great. Less than two hours after giving up on me and the kids, you're flying off to be with that despicable Neanderthal."

"Does being nasty make you feel better?"

Out of control emotionally, Jillian couldn't help keep the words at bay and the hatred continued, "Fuck no! Tell me how long will it be before you spread your legs for his cock or has that already happened?"

"That is not how it is and you have no right to suggest it."

"I have every right. I saw how he practically drooled over you the other day at the office and I wasn't blind to the "fuck me" eyes he was throwing your way."

"Jill, I swear to you that there is nothing going on between Clyde and me apart from friendship."

"Yeah sure, you keep saying that. Have a good life Prentiss and I'll send divorce papers as soon as I have them drawn up. By the way, I won't be so charitable this time around."

"Please Jill, I don't want a divorce," begged Emily wretchedly.

"Well I do, goodbye."

Emily stared at her beeping phone and wept harder. Having resolved herself to the fact she had made the right decision, she suddenly weighed up the cost of trying to find inner peace and came up short. Her internal musings were interrupted by an overhead announcement. Her British Airways flight to Heathrow was now boarding First Class passengers.

-o-

Wednesday 16th May, 2012

Having left two broken hearted children at home; Jillian drove to Quantico and mentally prepared herself for the onslaught of questions that were bound to follow the announcement of Emily's resignation from the FBI.

Relieved to find no one in the bullpen, Jillian placed her ready bag under her workstation and picked up a file from the pile of consultation requests dropped off by Garcia earlier. She e-mailed off a profile to Albuquerque Police followed by one to the Hawaii Police Department.

Thirty minutes passed and her team mates began to arrive. She cringed when Jennifer enquired as to Emily's whereabouts. Jillian was saved from explanation when Hotch and Erin rushed into the room.

Strauss waved to the team and gave instruction, "Conference Room now please."

Silently, everyone complied and found Penelope seated at the table in front of her laptop.

"Morning my Angels," she said in greeting.

Once all and sundry replied, Erin stood before the evidence board, "You have a new case in Skagway, Alaska. Aaron will fill you in with details, but before I hand over to him; I have some upsetting news."

Morgan scanned the room and asked, "No, she didn't?"

"I'm afraid she did," returned Erin in a tone full of regret.

"What the hell are you talking about?" demanded Rossi with a bewildered expression.

Strauss gulped before locking eyes with Jillian, "As of eight o'clock last night, Agent Prentiss has taken a six month leave of absence and taken up the position of Agent in Charge at the Interpol Office in London. There is a possibility the secondment may become permanent."

"What the crap?" exclaimed Reid. "When does she leave?"

Derek's hands clenched into fists "Look around Boy Genius; she's already gone."

"But no, that's not right. She didn't say goodbye."

Jennifer turned to Jillian with wide eyes, "I had no idea. Wait, that's the reason why Easter was here Monday? Penny mentioned it this morning."

Fortifying herself against the overbearing need to cry; Jillian calmly stated, "He offered her the job two weeks ago and Prentiss has struggled with getting her life back on track."

"Fuck that," exploded Derek. "She just needed more time."

Hotch stepped in and stopped all conversation, "I know this is not easy to accept, but I ask each and every one of you to respect Agent Prentiss' decision. At this stage, it is only a six month secondment. Emily may return in due course, so until then her position here will be temporarily filled by SSA Doctor Alex Blake and reviewed in November."

"I'll leave you to it Aaron," suggested Erin before exiting.

"Moving on," began Hotch with a hand gesture to Penelope. "Garcia."

The shell shocked Analyst shook her head and brought up images of three female Alaskan licences. "On the left we have Stacey Robbins, aged twenty four. Next is Natasha Gordon, also twenty four and on the right is Nancy Brooks, who is the same age. As you can see, all women are brown haired with green eyes. The three victims were found floating in the marina with Robbins being discovered by a trawler Captain seven days ago. Gordon followed three days later with Brooks being located just after midnight last night by two Port Security Guards."

Jennifer was first with a question, "Has any form of warning been given to the public?"

Hotch took the query, "Yes. The local newspaper linked the first two murders as having the same MO and basically sent the town into a full scale panic. The place has become a virtual ghost town, which has had a detrimental effect on tourism."

"How do you explain the third killing?" asked Morgan.

"I can't apart from the fact Brooks was employed on a sightseeing cruise boat and worked at the marina."

Reid spoke up, "Obviously the UNSUB has a type. The hair and eye colouring and age is identical."

"Precisely," agreed a five foot seven brunette as she entered the room.

Hotch stretched out his right hand, "It's an honour to have you on board Doctor Blake. We are just reviewing our latest case."

Getting to their feet, both Spencer and Rossi welcomed the brown eyed beauty. Jillian recognised the woman as a Professor at Georgetown University who lectured in Linguistics. Jillian had taken the course many years ago and assumed Reid had also. Leaning back in her chair, she began viewing the Medical Examiner's Report and wasn't surprised to read the three victims showed signs of rape, torture and strangulation. Her perusal was disturbed as Hotch introduced Agent Blake to her.

"It's good to see you again Jillian," the older woman said in greeting.

"Hello and I'm amazed you remember me?"

"I recall all my gifted students. You and Doctor Reid were a joy to teach."

Casting her eyes over the compact 34B-23-34 and 120 pounds physique, Jillian smirked, "It was a long time ago and welcome to the Team."

"I look forward to working with you all and sorry to interrupt your review Hotch." Blake took the spare chair beside Spencer.

"It's fine," replied the Chief. "Now, where were we?"

"Victimology," prompted Jennifer.

"Our UNSUB clearly has a specific type and apart from age, appearance the victims have no other similarities or connections."

"What did Gordon and Robbins do for a living?" enquired Dave while returning to his seat.

Garcia read from her computer, "Robbins was visiting her folks from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She was into her second year of Aviation Technology and Gordon worked as a bartender at the Red Onion Saloon. Her parents own the business."

"Considering the same age aspect is it possible the three woman attended school together?" questioned Jennifer.

Hotch referred to his tablet, "The local Police already checked that out and Robbins and Gordon were home schooled while Brooks attended Skagway School District."

Jillian raised her hand and pondered, "Don't you find it strange that the killings have taken place within the span of a week? What triggered the UNSUB to commit the murders?"

"Excellent point," acknowledged Reid. "Something had to have occurred to set him or her off on a spree."

Hotch placed a hand on Garcia's left shoulder, "Look into deaths in Skagway over the last twelve months. We may be dealing with an anniversary stressor."

"On it Boss," replied the blonde while typing. "Bingo! Mary Ellen Cartwright, twenty four was killed in a car accident two weeks ago. Local newspaper reports she was a passenger in a vehicle being driven by her best friends Alice Norman when the car left the road and collided with a tree. Cartwright died on impact and Norman received massive head trauma. She was airlifted to Juneau and is currently in a coma at Bartlett Regional Hospital. Photos of the two women are coming through now and yes, Norman is a green eyed brunette."

"Looks like we may have a link," noted Aaron. "Wheels up in twenty people. Agent Rolston, can I have a word please?"

"Yes Sir," she answered as the other Agents vacated the room.

"How are you holding up?" enquired the Unit Chief with genuine concern.

"I'm keeping it together for the sake of the twins, but internally, I'm a freaking mess."

"Will you be joining Emily?"

"No Aaron, our marriage is over. Emily made her choice and I'll move on."

"Jill, there is a chance she'll sort herself out and return."

"I truly hope she does, but our relationship ended the second she kept Easter's offer from me."

"You two have been through hell and back Jill and I'm sorry it's come to this. If you need time off, just ask and I'll clear it with Strauss."

"I appreciate that Aaron and will require some leave once Emily is settled. The children are incredibly upset and I promised them I'd take them for a visit soon."

"At least thing between you are amicable."

"They're not. I gave her both barrels after she snuck off last night. I'm really pissed at her and will find it hard to ever forgive her for choosing career over family."

Aaron lowered his head, "I really don't think it's that simple Jill."

"I know you are right, but for now, the anger is all that is fuelling me. It's just my disappointment causing me to use hateful words. Did you know Emily was having issues with being out in the field?"

"I had my suspicions, but assumed she'd work it out with Doctor Merrill."

Blue eyes rolled, "Funny, so did I. Thanks for the chat, but I better get moving."

"You are welcome and if you need to talk further, I am available."

"I'll probably take you up on the offer more than once my friend."

-o-

The investigation into the triple murder took all of two hours to solve once the BAU discovered Cartwright's boyfriend Tatum McLean had flown into a rage after resigning from his job at the Red Onion Bar a week earlier. The Team had a link to Brooks and the twenty five year old McLean had been missing around town since Robbins's slaying. He moved straight to the top of the suspect list.

Tatum McLean was arrested ten minutes into his interview after being brought in for questioning by Jillian and Rossi. He was found at home pouring over photographs of Mary Ellen and bawling. He confessed the instant Dave showed him crime scene photographs of his three victims. Some form of mental breakdown was evident during the young man's answers and behaviour. McLean waived his rights for a trial after speaking with a Public Defender and only wanted to speak with his mother. Once the paperwork was completed, he was processed and transported to Anchorage Correctional Complex to await sentencing.

While waiting for the jet to refuel at the nearby airfield, Jennifer and Jillian hit the local souvenir stores and bought tee shirts and toys for their children and families. It allowed the two friends an opportunity to chat in private.

"You are fairly pissed off at Emily, aren't you?" asked Jennifer while paying at the register.

"Yes and no. I am a mess to tell you the truth. There is a part of me that understands why she needed to go, but my heart is broken."

"She wouldn't have wanted to hurt you or the kids on purpose."

Jillian nodded, "Did you have any idea she was unhappy?"

"None at all, though we both know she is excellent at hiding her emotions."

"You got that right."

"Do you have a plan?"

"I am going to give her space and not complicate matters by contacting her."

"You seriously aren't going to divorce her, are you?"

A smirk appeared, "That was just my anger talking Jennifer. You of all people know how much I love Emily and will wait."

"Maybe you should tell her that."

"I'm not ready to talk to her yet."

"Okay and do you want to bring the twins over for a play date Saturday?"

"Sounds great, as long as we don't get called out on a new case."

-o-