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. An extra long chapter to soothe the angst.
Chapter 37
Emily's precariously held together determination smashed to smithereens the second she set foot inside the sterile room. The beeping monitors and blinking neon numbers unsettled her to no end and the sight of her wife's head swaddled in stark white dressings with a surgical drain visible on the right side was enough to tear her heart in two. "Oh dear god," she blubbered while moving closer. She had decided to visit last so as to avoid another collapse in front of the others. Everyone understood her decision to stay by Jillian's side until she was conscious, and all offered to assist in any way they could.
Sitting in the vacant chair to the left of the bed, Emily took hold of the hand displaying broken and bloodied fingernails, torn and discoloured skin. "I'm so proud of how you fought for survival honey. I'll tell you every day until you open those beautiful blue eyes of yours."
There was groan from the patient and Emily squeezed her hand, "Rest my darling and allow your body to heal. Our families and friends are here waiting for you, even the kids."
A Nurse entered the suite and went to the bank of monitors, "Hi, my name is Linda and I'll be taking care of your wife for the rest of the evening. Her vitals are gradually improving, so that is a good sign."
Emily let out the painful breath she had been holding in, "Hello, I'm Emily and that is encouraging news. What about her blood count?"
"Doctor Patton will be here shortly to speak with you."
There was a slight infarction to Emily's heart and she stopped crying, "Is there a problem?"
"The Doctor will explain everything to you soon."
The words did not ease Emily's racing pulmonary organ, and a hand pressed against her chest in an attempt to ease the agony, "All right, but I have to say; you are not filling me with confidence here."
"Sorry, I don't have any more information I can give you."
Just then Doctor Patton walked in with a blonde woman Emily guessed to be in her late thirties. It was difficult to tell behind the face mask and head protection. She extended her right hand to Emily and introduced herself, "Agent Prentiss, I am Doctor Sally Moore, Head of Gynaecological Surgery."
Alarm klaxons saturated Emily's brain, "Pardon, I'm not following." She glared at Patton, "There has been no mention of your involvement with Jillian's treatment." All kinds of horrors sailed around in her head while she waited for an answer.
Linda and Patton withdrew and the remaining Specialist explained her appearance, "Jillian regained consciousness briefly in the ER while I was there consulting on an ultrasound of her pelvis in an attempt to ascertain the cause of internal bleeding other than that from her lacerated liver. She asked about what injuries she had sustained."
Shock washed over Emily and she struggled to form a sentence, "You … performed surgery on … her?"
"Yes. I scrubbed in and repaired damage done to one of her ovaries."
"Oh dear god, I was unaware there was a problem. We all assumed the Subject hadn't had the opportunity to violate her; we thought we got to her in time. Why didn't anyone tell me?"
"Your wife specifically asked that the information be held back until I could converse with you in person. She was under the impression you had enough to deal with at the time."
A whole new level of anguish stabbed at Emily's torso, "Christ, am I correct in guessing the injury was significant?"
"You are I am sorry to say. The trauma to Jillian's right ovary was severe and unrepairable. The haemorrhaging could not be stopped and the only option was to remove it via Unilateral Oophorectomy. Under normal circumstances the procedure would be performed by Laparoscopic Surgery, but time was against us with the blood loss, so I had to make a single long incision on her lower abdomen. "
"Shit, so she was raped?"
"No thank goodness. The damage was caused by repeated blunt force trauma from the outside of her body. From the information I obtained from Jillian, it appears she was kicked numerous times in the genital area and stomach while conscious. From the evident destruction, I would say it continued well after she passed out."
"Oh dear god, what kind of a freaking monster would do that?"
"That is your field of expertise Agent. Jillian has concerns she may not be able to become pregnant or carry a baby to full term."
Overwrought with grief for the pain her spouse had endured, Emily fall apart and her frame shook from her sobbing, "What are her chances?"
"It is far too early to say, but when she has healed, I'll perform a Hysterosalpingogram which is a special imaging procedure to ensure the remaining fallopian tube is open. We can go from there. As long as there are no blockages and the intact ovary still ovulates; it is realistic to hope for a pregnancy."
Focusing on Jillian's bruised and swollen features, Emily noted, "She has such a long way to go until then."
"She does, but after reading her medical history from New York and Lexington; I learnt she is a warrior when it comes to overcoming the odds."
A smile formed behind Emily's mask, "I'm very proud of her tenacity and she is surrounded by love and support."
"Then Jillian is in capable hands. I'll speak to you again tomorrow, take care Emily."
"Thank you Doctor Moore."
"You are welcome."
Once she departed, Emily cried for some time before directing her words to Jillian, "We'll get through this together honey. I will be your strength as you have been mine over the years. I love you so much." The tears keep coming until Emily fell into an exhausted sleep.
-o-
Emily was unsure of the time when Linda roused her from slumber and ushered her to one of the two recliner chairs. Handing her a pillow, she advised, "You will be no good for your wife if you don't get adequate rest. Stretch out and get comfortable while I gather up some sandwiches and a cup of tea for you. Your mother had the local deli deliver quite the feast for all staff and for you."
"She is good in a crisis and thank you. How is Jillian?"
"She is stable with an increased blood count, and Doctor Burton ordered her sedation be reduced."
"Shit," swore Emily while looking at her wristwatch. "It's three in the morning."
"That it is and hopefully Jillian will be awake by nine for assessment. I'll be back."
Buoyed by the news, Emily's tiredness left her body and she went to Jillian, "Did you hear that honey? Oh shit, of course you didn't. I will be right here when you wake my beautiful love." She was still talking when Linda returned with a tray and an overnight bag.
"Your mom left this too and once you have eaten, I'll take you to our break room for a shower. Everything has been sterilised and is good to go."
"That sounds great," agreed Emily behind a yawn.
"Then you can catch a few more hours of sleep."
There was no argument from Emily as her stomach rumbled.
-o-
Four hours later, Emily was pulled out of her dream when she heard a faint whisper. Rushing to the bed, she looked down at her ashen faced wife.
"Em," uttered Jillian as her eyelids retracted.
Locking onto dull, pain filled pools of blue, Emily swallowed down her desire to bawl with relief, "I'll call for the Doctor." Reaching for the red button mounted on the wall, she pressed it then ran a gloved left hand over Jillian's clammy forehead, "They won't be long honey."
"It hurts baby," moaned Jillian tiredly behind a torturous grimace.
"I know Jill, just hold on."
Linda and a Doctor Emily didn't recognise rushed into the room. The male approached and inspected the patient's various monitors. "I'm Doctor Cleary Jillian. Can you tell me where you are?"
Emily moved back out of the way and noticed Jillian's eyes followed her.
"I'm in a hospital somewhere in Boston and the cutie behind that fashionable mask to your left is my amazing wife Emily."
So mentioned wife's heart was doing little cartwheels of happiness, nevertheless, decorum dictated she not jump in the air to celebrate. She gave Jillian a "thumps up" gesture instead.
"Very good and how is the pain?"
Jillian couldn't help but grin at Emily's somewhat reserved antics, "Pretty full on and I have a thumping headache. Other than that, I can't feel a thing below my chest."
"That is to be expected Jillian. I'll have Nurse Holly increase the dosage delivery and your stats are fairly encouraging."
"I appreciate that."
"We didn't expect you to wake for another two hours or so."
As the pain relief coursed through Jillian's battered body, she sighed, "That's some good shit you've got there Doctor."
With a chuckle, Doctor Cleary retorted, "Nothing but the best for the FBI. I'll page Doctor Burton; I'm sure he will want to examine you."
"I think I can handle some prodding and poking," wisecracked Jillian as her eyes started to close.
Emily was a grinning fool behind her cover and the second Linda and the Doctor left, she sped over to the bed, "I love you and am so glad you are conscious."
"I love you too Emily. Crap, I thought I was a goner."
Bursting into tears, Emily gripped Jillian's hand, "I was terrified and a complete mess. It's okay if you need to sleep honey."
"So tired baby … don't go."
"I won't Jill; I'll be right here."
"How is Dave?"
"He is on the mend and very concerned about you."
There was no reply, so Emily hauled a chair over to the bed and resumed watching over her paramour.
-o-
During the next two hours, Jillian continued to sleep before Doctor Burton dropped in to assess her. He spoke about the fractures to her skull and the damage to her vertebrae and after a brief examination; he advised her it was still early days although he was confident the numbness to her legs would ease as the swelling around her spinal nervous system abated.
Jillian remained slightly groggy during the conversation, but Emily hung to every word along with asking relevant questions in regards to Jillian's expected recovery period. Burton was up front and admitted that was a matter best revisited in four to five days.
When Jillian returned to slumber, Emily enquired, "She isn't out of danger yet, is she?"
"No. Her progress is astonishing, but again, our main concern is infection. Her Haematology and Coagulation factors are improving, so that is promising."
"Linda did mention that, so basely, we wait and see?"
"That is correct. Jillian has a long journey ahead of her, but at this stage, she is ahead of the game."
"Would it be advisable for her visitors to be scaled back?"
"I think that is an excellent idea. As you have seen for yourself, Jillian is sleeping most of the time and is exhausted when awake. Maybe less people around her would be beneficial."
"I know everyone is worried about her, but she dislikes being a burden on anyone and that will only be detrimental to her recovery."
"That is a valid argument."
"It is kind of a moot point; the Team will need to head home A-SAP and finish up this case."
"How about we just play it by ear?"
"Okay and thank you for listening to me waffle on."
"Don't mention it. It is a worrying time for you and it's good to bounce ideas of another."
"Actually, it's been cathartic."
"I am pleased and suggest you rest while you can. I expect Jillian to be in and out of it for the next couple of days and you need to be at your best."
"I will."
The conversation ended when Jillian woke and spoke, "I don't mind visitors Em. It gives you the opportunity for a break."
Emily squeezed her wife's hand, "You heard us?"
"Only bits and pieces, and thank you for being so thoughtful."
"I've leave you to it ladies," suggested Burton while heading for the exit. "I will check in on you soon Jillian."
"No worries Doctor."
"How are you feeling honey?" enquired Emily as she inspected Jillian's face.
"I am whacked out on painkillers baby, so don't be surprised if I say dumb stuff."
Allowing herself a giggle, Emily joked, "I have never known you to do that."
"There could be a first time sweetheart. So let's talk about what the fucker did to me. How bad am I?"
"How much do you know?"
"I have a couple of broken ribs."
"You have three on the left side and four on the right."
Jillian took a moment to gather her thoughts, "Fucking … turd … bastard."
"That was eloquent and accurate honey. You lost over fifty five percent of your blood volume and are under Massive Blood Loss Management."
Blonde eyebrows rose, "Laboratory values are obtained hourly for Hb, Calcium status, Potassium levels, Venous Oxygen Saturation, Platelet and Coagulation count blah, blah blah."
"Yes."
"Hold that thought baby, I'm struggling to stay with you."
"Don't push it Jill. Close your eyes."
"Don't leave me."
"Not much chance of that happening."
-o-
Emily took the opportunity to call Maureen with an update and was pleased when her mother in-law offered to inform the others and suggest they not visit until the next day.
"You sound tired Emily."
"I am and plan on taking a nap once I grab some lunch. Did you know my mother has been sending food to the ward?"
"I did and she has been marvellous with the twins this morning."
"She really has surprised me."
"You are not the only one dear and you better go eat. I'll talk to you later, love you."
"I love you too and please give the kids a special hug from me."
"I will, bye."
-o-
Tuesday 30th October
When there was a moan from Jillian, Emily put down the novel she was reading and turned to her, "Hello honey."
Blinking several times, Jillian adjusted to the dim illumination of the room, "Hey Em, what time is it?"
Glancing at the wall clock, Emily replied, "Eight fifteen."
"Day or night?"
"It is daytime Tuesday. You have been asleep since lunch yesterday."
"Crap! I guess I needed to sleep."
"Apparently and you look a little brighter?"
"Yeah, but my mouth feels like the bottom of a boat."
"I can help you with that." With that said, Emily got up and rummaged through the overnight bag sitting on the window sill. Withdrawing a toiletries bag, she retrieved a tube of paste and a toothbrush. Picking up a bottle of water off the side table, she carried it over to Jillian, "You can't swallow any of the water, remember?"
"I know, nil by mouth and thanks."
"You are welcome."
Emily brushed Jillian's teeth then tidied up.
"That feels so much better, thanks Emily."
"No problem and Doctor Burton will be checking in soon."
"Okay and in the meantime, you can continue with my list of injuries."
"Your right lung collapsed and was reinflated. You had extensive trauma to your head."
"That would explain the snazzy headwear and drain."
"It's as a result of Burton having to perform a Craniotomy to reduce the swelling."
"Crap!"
Clasping her wife's hand tighter, Emily's eyes filled with tears, "There was rupturing to three of your lower vertebrae."
"Shit, is that why I can't feel my fucking legs?"
"There was distress to your nerves, but Doctor Burton is hopeful you will recover once the inflammation goes down."
Teardrops escaped the corners of Jillian's eyes, "I don't know what to say except I am so grateful for you being in my life."
"There is nowhere else I would rather be honey."
"I'm sorry I put you through all this Em."
"It comes with the job and loving you."
"I have been seriously hurt three times since finding you; I am beginning to think you are bad luck."
Detecting the grin developing on Jillian's lips, Emily played along, "Maybe I am or you are just reckless."
Tittering, Jillian rubbed the back of Emily's hand with her thumb, "I think it is the fact we deal with crazy mother fuckers."
"I agree."
"Have you seen Dave?"
"I visited a few times and he is looking forward to seeing you."
"I am too and considering I am three days post-operative without infection; a visit might not be too far off."
"You never know honey."
Jillian shut her eyes for a moment before asking, "Did they find that maniac McCall?"
"The Coast Guard picked him up ten miles off shore after we located you. Davey McGill's body was found on board."
"Jesus, another life taken because of a mad man. Has he been interviewed yet?"
"Only by BPD for the crimes he committed here. He is due to be arraigned in Court this afternoon then Aaron and Derek will have the pleasure of speaking to him in regards to your kidnapping, attempted rape and attempted murder. There is also the matter of escaping custody and assaulting Prison Officers. Boston Police have already indicated they will not oppose an extradition application for the Federal Crimes."
Jillian yawned, "That is good news and I can't believe I am ready for more sleep."
"Your body is healing honey and the meds don't help."
"I miss holding you in bed."
"I do too."
"What book are you reading?"
Laughing, Emily quipped, "Don't judge me, but it's a trashy romance story I found in the gift store."
Jillian's eyes rolled slowly, "It's not filled with tales of heaving bosom and erect phalluses, is it?"
"No thank goodness; it's all kind of timid."
"Good, because I don't need you getting all hot and bothered with me unable to perform my wifely duties."
There was a short peal of laughter from Emily, "Seriously, you are on tripping drugs honey."
"Why, yes I am and on that note, I am closing my eyes again. See you soon my darling Emily."
"I will be here, love you."
"Love … you … too."
-o-
The big hand was on the ten and the little hand on the two when Emily looked to the wall clock. Having finished her book, she stretched her legs and stood. She ambled around the room for a few minutes before Jillian lifted her left hand slightly and waved.
"Hey good looking," she said as Emily drew nearer.
"Hey yourself and before you ask, it is two in the morning."
"Thank you and can you please brush my teeth again?"
"I certainly can and you missed the big moment with Doctor Burton."
As Jillian watched Emily prepare her toothbrush, she enquired, "You better tell me then."
"While you were off in Noddy Land, he tested your toes and feet for stimuli and you passed with flying colours."
"If I could raise my arms, I would give you a fist punch."
"Seeing your toes wiggle was my reward honey. Burton thinks you will be fine after physical therapy."
"I'm so relieved baby."
"I am too."
Once Jillian had fresh breath, she locked eyes with Emily, "Can you do me a favour?"
"Of course, what do you need?"
"Kiss me."
"Won't that hurt your sutured lips?"
"I don't care. McCall was the last person to touch my mouth and I need to erase that disgusting memory."
Without further ado, Emily leaned over the bed railing and pressed her cloth covered lips to Jillian's. The contact lasted for several minutes before Emily pulled back. She cried when she witnessed teardrops spilling from Jillian's eyes. "Together honey; we can overcome this."
With a gentle nod, Jillian sobbed, "He really did some damage Emily."
"I know Jill. Doctor Moore came and saw me shortly after your surgery."
Pushing the left side of her head into Emily's shoulder, Jillian let go, "I had a whole romantic date night set up for Monday and planned on discussing making serious plans for another baby."
"We can still do that once you are home. We have options available to us Jill. We just have to be patient and find out what we are dealing with."
"I … I … couldn't tell you."
"Is that why you asked Doctor Moore to talk to me?"
"Yes. I felt terrible and was actually about to ask for you to be brought to me in the ER to discuss the ramifications, but then I passed out again."
"It's fine honey. I wasn't upset because you didn't tell me. I was shattered for you though and desperately wanted to see you."
"I love you so much for understanding."
"I love you more and this is the longest you've managed to stay awake."
"I am in the groove now baby. Is everyone still here in Boston?"
"Yes. The Team did visit yesterday, but you were unaware. The others spent the day here, but I sent them back to the hotel for some decent sleep and food. They were out on their feet."
The room grew silent for several seconds as Jillian's smile vanished, "I took the beatings to give the Team more time to find me. It turned out to be a good plan. McCall was about to rape me just as Hotch breached to door."
Running fingertips across Jillian's brow, Emily nodded, "I hoped that was the case. Did the bastard say why he kidnapped you?"
"He told me it was so he could do what Doyle failed to do."
Emily's eyebrows knotted with confusion, "As in kill you?"
"There was that, and to have sex with me."
"Shit, how did he know it was you who shot Doyle?"
Jillian retold the story of McCall's FBI stooge Agent Connors and Emily swore again, "You are fucking kidding me?"
"I'm afraid not."
"I need to pass this information onto Strauss and Hotch, but my phone is outside in a locker."
"I have no idea where mine is or my clothes and gun for that matter."
"All your gear was found in the back tray of the truck McCall used to transport you to the waterfront."
"Phew that's great news. By the way, who located my clues?"
"Jennifer did honey."
"I owe that woman a magnum of champagne."
"She'll just be thrilled to see you in person."
Closing her eyelids, Jillian slurred, "I'm fading again sweetness. Go make your call to Hotch and go see Erin in Dave's room."
"I'll be right back Jill."
"Okay … love … you Agent Sexy."
For the umpteenth time since arriving in Boston, Emily felt the tears fall from her eyes, "Love you too."
-o-
Emily was curled up on the recliner closest to Jillian's bed when her in-laws arrived later that morning. Both were decked out in sterile coverings as they waved at their open eyed daughter.
"Is it all right if I hug you?" enquired her father.
"You better make it a kiss on my left cheek; everything else hurts."
Emily stirred from slumber, "Do you need more pain relief honey?"
"No Em I'm good. The bolus just delivered another dose."
Once Maureen and Malcolm had greeted Jillian, Maureen turned to Emily, "There is a bag containing fresh clothes for you at the Nurses' Station and you are free to use the shower in their locker room."
"Thanks mom much appreciated and I've been using their facilities since Sunday." With a peck to Jillian's cheek, she was gone.
"How long have you been awake" asked Malcolm while taking a seat.
"For an hour or so, I can't see the clock and be accurate. Doctor Burton has already been to see me and is more than happy with my progress."
"That's just excellent."
"Emily was pretty happy too. How have the twins been?"
There was an eye roll from Maureen, "Whatever you pay Grace; you need to double it. The woman is a miracle worker."
Realising something was amiss, Jillian probed, "What happened mom?"
"Your Little Cherubs have turned evil."
"Oh crap, that is not good."
Malcolm went on to describe their poor behaviour and swearing Saturday night and finished by telling Jillian the children were out of control again each morning since.
"Poor Grace," lamented Jillian. "This is not the time for that kind of crap."
"No it's not," agreed her mother. "I'd like to offer to take them back to Titus with us so you and Emily can concentrate on your recovery."
"Thanks mom, but I think Emily would rather deal with them."
"Understandable, but the offer will stand."
"Okay and we can play it day by day."
"Sounds like a plan and Spencer and Alex will be here at nine to take your statement seems you are doing so well."
"You know how much I hate hospitals."
"We do sweetie," commented Malcolm. "Is there anything in particular you require?"
"Could you bring the kids to see me this afternoon? They may settle down once they make contact with me."
"We can only hope dear," scoffed Maureen as Emily re-entered the suite.
"That feels better," she announced. "Did I hear our offspring being mentioned?"
Jillian smiled, "Yes. Apparently they are still misbehaving since turning into demon seed turds after arriving here."
Giggling, Emily faced Maureen, "So no change since they left after Jill's surgery?"
"No. They woke up the minute we put them to bed then proceeded to run around the suite until Grace settled them down with a story."
"What about the next day?"
"Same old, same old," answered Maureen. "They were totally unacceptable and rebellious until nap time."
"Were they bad this morning?"
"Uhm," stumbled Malcolm. "Jarrod bit Geoffrey on the arm while playing blocks and Samantha pinched Madeline's leg."
"Shit!" exclaimed Emily and Jillian together.
Malcolm shook his head, "Both were given time outs and cried the entire time."
"I'm so sorry mom and dad," apologised Jillian. "How are Geoffrey and Madeline doing?"
"They were fairly upset, so Adrian and Josie took them out for breakfast. They will be here later."
"I'm actually lost for words," admitted Emily. She looked to Jillian and saw she was asleep, "She isn't much help."
Chuckling richly, Malcolm noted, "Ignorance is bliss."
"Jill really can do without this extra worry."
"She said the same thing about you."
"Aww, how sweet, but seriously, did you have to deal with the "Terrible Twos"?"
Maureen was quick to answer, "No thank goodness; our three were too busy and skipped right past it."
"It must come my side of the family," jested Emily with a grin.
"You will have to ask your mother when she turns up later."
"I most certainly will."
-o-
