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 the time to review and feed the Muse. Bonus: second chapter in one day.


Chapter 47

Resting his right hand on Jillian's shin, Aaron took a breath and clasped gently before proceeding, "Correctional Officers at the State Penitentiary in Lee intercepted an unauthorised phone conversation between Shane McCall and his grandson Callum, and your murder was discussed."

Getting up, Emily cursed, "You have got to shitting me Aaron?"

A blank look ghosted over Jillian, "I told you so Em; I knew the prick wasn't done yet."

"Where are we with locating the grandson?" enquired Emily, fully entrenched in Agent mode.

Hotch shook his head, "He is in the wind I'm afraid. Garcia was able to track his movements from Boston to Lee when he visited the prison two days ago requesting to see his grandfather. He was turned away at reception after having the correct process explained to him, but not before he left his phone number with one of the Officers. Details are still a little sketchy at the moment."

Jillian raised her left hand, "How the hell did McCall get a phone and know about his grandson's appearance?"

"That is unsure at this time, but a joint investigation by Federal Bureau of Prisons Agents and FBI Public Corruption Agents is underway."

"And what measures have been taken to ensure the protection of Jill?" queried a visibly upset Emily.

"This floor is on lockdown with the other patients relocated to other wards. There are checkpoints at every exit and entry and SWAT have coverage from the surrounding rooftops. Agents and Police Officers are posted throughout the hospital along Morgan and Blake positioned outside the door."

Emily's brow furrowed as Jillian squeezed her hand, "You've had time to implement all those precautions? When exactly was the threat made?"

"It was two hours ago. Derek and Alex went to your house and were informed you were here. The Team has been working in the background since Warden Tate called me with the information. Everything is being done to ensure Callum Byrne does not enter the hospital."

Jillian cleared her throat then spoke up, "I have three questions; what if he was already in the building before the Calvary arrived and how the fuck did no one know there was another grandkid? Lastly, how the hell was he able to show up at the prison without our knowledge?"

With the scowl on his face, it was plain to see Aaron had made the same inquiries of others, "We have thought of the possibility of Byrne being in the hospital and Garcia is currently searching all available security footage. As to being unaware of Byrne's existence, his unwed mother Catherine left the McCall household shortly after his birth eighteen years ago and adopted the surname Byrne to hide from the family. Mother and son lived in Tulsa until Callum found himself in trouble with the law eight months ago and sentenced to community service. Catherine disowned him a month ago after he was picked up for stealing and as a consequence, he made his way to Boston seeking out his grandparents. Callum soon discovered his grandfather was in prison and his grandmother had divorced him fifteen years earlier. He was arrested for vagrancy and attempting to sell dope to an undercover Police Officer three weeks ago and reached out to McCall's ex-wife for help. He was released into Niamh McCall's custody until his scheduled court appearance set down for next month."

"Wasn't she interviewed by Reid and J.J. several weeks ago?" posed Emily.

"Yes and they spoke to her an hour ago. She admitted to not mentioning him previously due to the fact she had secretly been in contact with Catherine since leaving McCall and had promised to keep his identity and whereabouts a secret as a means of protecting him from her ex-husband. Niamh stated she had had no contact with her grandson since he left for Lee. She agreed to inform us if he does arrive home. Her house is under surveillance in case that transpires."

"Holy crap," uttered Emily. "What a mess."

"So what about the visit?" probed Jillian as she let go of Emily's hand and folded her arms across her chest.

"The request did not go through the proper channels and Warden Tate was not apprised of the submission until he looked into the matter once the phone was located in McCall's cell."

"What?" exclaimed Emily before resuming. "Oh shit, obviously McCall has inside help?"

"That is the current theory," agreed Hotch with raised eyebrows.

'Dirty fucking idiots," Jillian swore under her breath.

"What do you need from us?" asked Emily as she caressed her wife's shoulder, offering some form of comfort.

"I want you both to stay here. Maureen and Grace have been fully informed of the situation and a team is posted inside and outside your house. There is no reason to believe the address is known to McCall or Byrne or the fact you are married with kids. Emily, you were not mentioned during the conversation, so I am confident the connection between you and Jill has not been made."

"That is the only good piece of news," Emily suggested. "Was the name of this hospital brought up?"

"Yes it was, along with the room number."

"Holy crap, how did he find that out?" demanded Emily angrily.

"Unknown, but we will find out."

The room grew silent for a moment and Jillian closed her eyes before Emily pointed out the obvious, "Attempting to murder a Federal Agent is a big step up from minor criminal activity."

Aaron responded, "It is and Byrne was apprehensive at the start of that particular stage of the chat with his grandfather. It is clear on the listening device that they hadn't spoken before. Callum was full of questions, but McCall kept steering him back to his incarceration and swearing he had been set up by Jillian. It took over an hour for Byrne to accept that version of events."

Emily ran fingertips over Jillian's stubble, "So how did McCall end up convincing Callum to participate?"

"He offered him half a million dollars as payment and his gun collection worth twice that amount."

"Shit," mumbled Jillian. "This nightmare just keeps on going; when will it be over?"

"This will be the end of it," promised the Acting Section Chief. "I have to go, but will be back. Emily, if you need anything call me or speak with Derek. He and Alex will remain outside until ten unless there is a development. Otherwise they will be relieved by other Agents. Lastly, I am sure I don't need to tell you that you are off this case and on administration duty until there is a result."

"Thanks Aaron and fully expected."

There was a smirk from Hotch, "Having said that, I hope you still have your weapon on you."

"It's in my bag along with extra ammo clips."

"Excellent."

After hugs, Aaron departed and Jillian turned to Emily, "What about the kids? They are due to visit in an hour."

"I'll check with Maureen, but I'm sure she's been advised to stay at home with them."

Without warning, Jillian burst into tears, "If I wasn't laid up in this bed; I'd pay McCall a freaking visit and tear his heart out."

Despite the gravity of the situation, Emily smiled down at her, "Have you been watching Once Upon A Time Again?"

A quirky grin made an appearance, "Maybe. Being the Evil Queen would certainly come in handy right about now. I'd go totally badass on those two bastards."

Emily was off visualising just that and grew silent for several minutes while Jillian drifted off from all the exertion the afternoon delivered.

-o-

When Emily stepped out of the room to stretch her legs and converse with Derek and Alex two hours later, she inwardly hoped for a favourable update. That aspiration was dashed the second she witnessed the stern facial miens of her colleagues. "Shit, this is utter madness," she complained while securing the door behind her. "Where are we on Byrne's whereabouts?"

Alex lifted her chin and addressed the question, "Garcia found no evidence of him entering the hospital. All live feed security footage is being closely monitored by her and Kevin."

With the mention of Penelope's ex, Emily glanced at Morgan, "That must be a little awkward."

Grinning, Derek replied, "Not at all. Lynch and I had a chat prior to him joining Penny in her lair. He's moved on and swore he'd be nothing but professional."

"That's good to know, so any news on how this business was allowed to escalate and why we weren't informed when Byrne attended the prison?"

Nodding, Morgan continued, "It's been discovered that a Captain Frank Bickmore spoke with Callum Byrne two days ago in Reception after the latter made the request to visit McCall without following the proper procedure. The Captain just happened to be walking past when he overheard the conversation between the CO and Byrne and took over."

Shaking her head, Emily scoffed, "Oh let me freaking guess … Bickmore is on McCall's payroll?"

"You got it Prentiss. Garcia uncovered a rather substantial cash deposit made to an off-shore bank account under Bickmore's name thirty six hours ago. Several smaller amounts had been deposited over the last three weeks. The bastard was in charge of the solitary confinement unit until he handed in his retirement papers yesterday. He was also under orders from Warden Tate to inform us of any details involving McCall and failed to do so."

"I gather he assisted with McCall obtaining the mobile phone."

"That is the belief of the Investigating Agents. Bickmore flew out for The Republic of Maldives at seven thirty this morning."

"Shit, we don't have an extradition agreement with their government."

"No, but Agents are on Bickmore's trail anyway in case he travels elsewhere."

"Jill was correct in asking when this nightmare would end," lamented Emily as Alex laid a comforting hand on her left shoulder.

"How is Jill doing?" the older woman asked.

"The cracks are beginning to show and the worry is not conducive to her recovery. She was so angry when Aaron spoke to us earlier and it exhausted her."

"Crap," cursed Derek. "You know, Hotch took her into consideration when deciding to leave you off the case."

"I realised that and didn't argue. My place is beside Jillian and honestly, my mind would not be on the job."

"I know there was no mention of you on the recorded conversation, but there is the probability today's call was not the first. They could have been trading information back and forth the past two days for all we know and you may figure in their plans," reasoned Morgan.

"The thought did cross my mind once or twice," admitted Emily with a frown.

Looking down the deserted hallway, Alex added, "It was sheer coincidence that the prison's Intel Officers picked up the call while running checks in the area for unsanctioned telecommunication signals. The operation was actually scheduled for tomorrow, but was brought forward."

"I guess that was lucky for us," surmised Emily with a soft chuckle. "Obviously McCall thought he was in the clear to manipulate his grandson."

"No doubt," assented Derek. "The phone was eventually located in McCall's mattress and Techs are attempting to extract the call logs as we speak. We will know soon enough if there were other chats."

Patting her gun, Emily smiled, "True and I am glad I am armed."

"Hopefully you won't have to use it," suggested Morgan. "I don't think Byrne will be dumb enough to try to gain entry into the building with all the Law Enforcement present."

"Time will tell. I just have to keep Jill from having dark thoughts."

"She still having nightmares?" enquired Alex.

"Yes, and she initially kept the news from me. One of the Nurses informed me she wasn't sleeping and we talked about it yesterday."

Derek gave his friend the evil eye, "Wasn't a Bureau shrink assigned to Jill?"

"She was, but with this lockdown Chelsea won't be able to attend the session planned for this evening."

"Is Jill still in possession of her laptop?" queried Alex.

"I see where you are going and if you'll excuse me; I'll go organise a link-up now."

Morgan lightly slapped Emily on the forearm, "You got it Princess … we'll check in with you later."

-o-

All was quiet on the fourth floor of the Sentara Hospital and Emily, having been advised to spend time with the twins; was at home sleeping peacefully. The same could not be said of her wife. After speaking with Chelsea for an hour via the computer, Jillian had persuaded Emily to go home while she rested. Aaron had consented to the change four hours prior and Jillian had thankfully fallen sleep shortly thereafter.

It was now twenty minutes after two and Jillian had just woken from another episode of her recurring, hellish dream. Bathed in perspiration, she pressed the Nurses' call button and attempted to calm her trembling extremities and racing heartbeat.

Stacy, a petite brunette in her late twenties, waltzed into the room and turned on the main light, "What seems to be the problem Jill?" One look at the distressed patient answered her query, "Another one of those darn nightmares, right?"

Too rattled to reply, Jillian bobbed her head and swiped away tears.

"All right, first let's get you out of those soaked clothes then into the shower. While you freshen up, I'll phone Emily to inform her."

Jillian found her voice, "Pardon?"

"Your wife left explicate instructions that she was to be notified if you suffered a bad dream."

A smirk forced its way to Jillian's lips, "She's the boss."

Presenting her shoulder to the patient, Stacey assisted Jillian's movement off the bed, "Oh I have one of those at home too, or at least I allow Rachel to think that. Do you need the walker Jill?"

Finding her balance, Jillian shook her head and walked towards the bathroom, "No, I'll be okay and truthfully, Emily and I are mostly on equal footing with our relationship. I am more than happy for her to watch over me on occasion though. It took some convincing on my behalf to get her to go home. I knew she was anxious about the children and really couldn't do any more than was already being done here to guard me."

"I noticed she was a little nervous about leaving," noted Stacey while steadying Jillian with a hand against her lower back.

"Yeah, but I knew the likelihood of having a nightmare after speaking with my therapist was a foregone conclusion and didn't want Emily to witness it. She has enough to worry about at the moment."

"I hear you, and hopefully this shower will take your mind of all the crazy going on around here.

Waiting for the Nurse to remove her black tee shirt, Jillian agreed, "I live in hope."

Jillian's boxers and underpants were next then Stacey turned on the water, "I'll go change the linen and make that call."

"Thanks so much."

-o-

Emily arrived twenty minutes later and once she checked in with J.J. and Reid, she went into Jillian's suite. Her spouse was propped up watching television. "Hey you," she said prior to kissing Jillian's lips. "I'm so glad you allowed Stacey to call me."

"Hello and I'm happy to see you."

Pulling up a chair, Emily offloaded her "go to" bag before removing her overcoat.

Blue eyes focused on her sleepwear consisting of blue and white striped flannels, "Mmm, you're so sexy."

The comment earned Jillian a smack to her biceps accompanied by a snappy retort, "I wanted to save time in getting here and plan on staying until Byrne is apprehended. I've jeans, tee shirts, underwear and sweaters in my bag, so no fashion tips thank you very much."

With considerable effort, Jillian cautiously moved to her right, "In that case, you better snuggle into me and get some sleep."

There was no protest as Emily climbed onto the mattress. Resting her right arm over Jillian's chest, she laid her head next to Jillian's, "How was your chat with Chelsea?"

"I basically cried the entire time."

Emily's heart sank, "I hate that you are going through this honey."

"Having you here helps and I should have known better than to send you home."

"I figured out you were only trying to spare me the ordeal of the aftermath, so thank you."

"Waste of time really, wasn't it?"

"Uhm yes, but it's all good now."

"How were the children when you arrived home?"

Emily let out a loud, lengthy sigh, "There was a major tantrum tossing event when I explained there would be no visiting you."

Tears spilled from Jillian's eyes, "I really don't like being away from them Em."

"I know darling, but we can't put them in danger."

"How long are we expected to put up with this bullshit?"

"I can't answer that my love."

A loud wail echoed off the walls as Jillian pressed her face into her wife's shoulder, "It's breaking my heart Emily."

"Mine too sweetheart ... mine too."

The duo cried together for some time before slumber eventually beckoned.

-o-

For the next two days, Emily remained by Jillian's side and Callum Byrne did not make an appearance anywhere in the vicinity of the hospital. Erin and Dave called to voice their concern as did Ashley and members of the Red and Bravo Teams.

Visiting came to a standstill and Jillian continued to improve physically while sliding further in depression.

Elizabeth had flown in on the Saturday and immediately relieved Maureen, Malcom and Grace from minding the twins. The trio took to their beds and caught up on much needed forty winks. Jarrod and Samantha were thrilled to see their other grandmother, but it did little in quelling their rebellious outbursts. Elizabeth was worn out by the time evening rolled in and grateful to have the others back on board.

When told the news of her offspring Sunday morning, Jillian handed to phone over to Emily and retreated for the remainder of the day.

By Monday morning, Emily was climbing the walls with frustration, so she excused herself from the room and contacted Doctor Merrill. Pouring her heart out for an hour, the Psychiatrist managed to settle her frayed nerves and suggested Jillian see Doctor Stockwell as soon as possible. Emily took his advice and arranged a session for the following day.

-o-

Later that night, Maureen was able to have food delivered to Jillian's suite via Jennifer. The blonde Agent knocked on the door before entering carrying two heat insulated bags, "Hey you two, special dinner from Maureen."

Looking away from the television screen, Jillian cheered, "Thank fuck for that."

Standing, Emily approached Jennifer and took hold of the bags, "Thank you. It looks like there's enough for you and Reid too."

A huge grin found its way to Jennifer's lips, "I'm happy to say there is. We're just waiting for our meal relief to show before joining you."

Jillian sniffed the air, "Holy crap, it's mom's meatloaf."

Both Emily and Jennifer laughed as Spencer stepped inside. The younger Agent expressed his delight, "I've been salivating since it arrived down the corridor."

Within minutes, four plates had been prepared and the room was filled with conversation; especially from Jillian.

Emily was more than thrilled by her wife's reanimation and told her so once dinner was over and they were getting ready for sleep.

With her right hand squeezing Emily's hip, Jillian apologised, "I'm sorry for being so distant the past few days. Mom's cooking reminded me how fortunate I am and snapped me out of my dark mood."

"If I'd known meatloaf was the answer, I would have asked Maureen to make it sooner."

Jillian's eyebrow rose dramatically, "The home cooked meal was your idea?"

"No honey. Jarrod actually suggested it after we spoke to them on the computer."

"He did?"

"While you were having physio mother called and explained our son was rather upset after the chat. He cried over how sad you looked and said you might be missing the yummy meatloaf because it always made him happy."

Tears welled behind Jillian's eyes, "He was right. I miss everything about our home and families. I feel so useless not being able to be out in the field tracking down that crazy son of a bitch Byrne."

"I fully relate to that and am so relieved to have you voicing your concerns."

"I've been crappy company and am so sorry."

"Don't apologise my darling; it's a stressful time."

"No shit Sherlock," taunted a now smiling Jillian.

"I've missed your jokes."

"I have too babe, but I haven't felt too humorous lately."

"We'll work on it together."

"Ah, my Saviour," mumbled Jillian as sleep knocked on her door.

"Yes my Queen," countered Emily while inwardly hoping her wife stayed in good spirits.

-o-

Tuesday 27th November

After a successful round of physio before breakfast, a rejuvenated Jillian showered with assistance from Emily then once they were dressed in comfortable track pants and tee shirts, Jillian sat in a recliner instead of settling back into bed.

"Ah, this is great," she stated while adjusting the foot rest to an acceptable height.

Packing away their soiled nightwear, Emily joined her wife in the adjacent armchair, "Awesome honey."

Any further conversation was stymied when Doctor Sharpe entered the room with Stacey by his side. "Good morning ladies," the tall male said in salutation.

"Morning Doc," returned Jillian. "How am I doing?"

"By Andrea's account you are good to go home in two days."

Emily glanced at Jillian and beamed, "That is excellent news."

"You will have to return for therapy as an Outpatient for the next four weeks," explained the Physician.

"Not a problem," promised a smiling blonde. "I can do that."

"I'll have Stacey draw some blood and will talk to you again when the lab has your results."

"Much appreciated Doctor Sharpe."

"Yes, thank you," added Emily as an afterthought. She was too preoccupied with imaging Jillian's discharge and finally having her home.

-o-

Once Stacey had filled the required vials, she left and Jillian surveyed the extraction site covered by a cotton ball and tape. "Didn't hurt at all," she cheerfully proclaimed.

"I'm glad to hear that," remarked Emily. "I'm just going to duck out and speak with Derek and Alex."

"Say hello for me."

"Will do." Emily stepped out of the room and was instantly greeted by the two Agents with a hug. "Any news?" she asked.

"I was just about to come see you," began Alex. "Bickmore was in Maldives briefly; just long enough to clear out his bank account. Unfortunately, he has disappeared from there without a trace."

"Obviously he has assumed a new identity and fled the country or has gone underground," rationalised Emily, none too surprised by the information.

Nodding, Alex added, "Those two possibilities are being investigated. Hotch will be here shortly to speak with you and Jill. How is she doing today?"

Emily's smile was contagious, "Doctor Sharpe is keen to discharge her Thursday as long as her blood panel comes back clean."

"We'll keep our fingers crossed," proposed Alex.

"Thanks and she said so say hello."

"Give her our best Prentiss and give your mother and Jill's our gratitude for the delicious food they've been organising for us and the hospital staff," commented Morgan.

"I will and speaking of food, I'm off to collect some from the Nurses' breakroom."

"You won't be disappointed," praised Derek. "There's bacon, eggs, sausage and pancakes."

Emily practically drooled, "Yum and Jill will be pleased."

"Enjoy," offered Blake as the Unit Chief sprinted down the hall.

-o-