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. Enjoy!
Chapter 48
Aaron arrived at the hospital in time to join Emily and Jillian for breakfast. Unfortunately he had no update for them; other than what they already knew from Derek and Alex.
"It will be difficult to find him," pointed out Jillian while attempting to stifle a yawn.
Hotch nodded in agreement, "Especially with a new persona, but the Fugitive Retrieval Team won't give up that easily."
"That is true thankfully," concurred Emily in between sips of tea. "What is the plan for Jillian's discharge?"
"We will keep the two Teams on the surveillance of your house until Byrne is captured."
"Still no sign of him anywhere then?" questioned Jillian as if she had not heard the contents of the trio's previous conversation.
Her lack of concentration did not go unnoticed by Emily or Aaron as he replied, "No, not yet and McCall refuses to assist the Investigating Agents."
"There's a shocker," deadpanned Jillian with an absence of emotion. "The fucker has nothing to lose by helping authorities."
Aaron grimaced before speaking; he knew that statement wasn't true and was about to share that fact, "The State's Attorney Office is considering taking the death penalty off the table in exchange for his cooperation."
"Seriously?" queried Emily with more than a healthy dose of distain, "That prick should pay for all the lives he's taken or destroyed."
"I fully agree with you and have already expressed my view on the subject with State Attorney Palmer."
Jillian scoffed and closed her eyes in one motion, "Well, you can tell Palmer that I think the idea blows big time and sends a clear message to criminals that it is okay to attempt to kill and rape Law Enforcement Officers without being persecuted to the full extent of the law. Scum like McCall should not get off so easily and should get the full ride."
A tiny smile appeared on Hotch's mouth, "I'll gladly pass that on Jill." Glancing at his wristwatch, he continued, "I'm sorry, but I need to head back to the office and deal with the mountain of paperwork on my desk. I'll keep you informed of any breakthroughs."
"Thanks Aaron," mumbled Jillian as she drifted off.
"I'll walk you out," offered Emily while moving to the exit.
Once the pair was in the corridor, Emily turned to her boss, "How long before the State Attorney makes a decision?"
"Palmer has given us forty eight hours to close out the case before he speaks with McCall and his lawyer."
"Crap, what a champ. The bastard is supposed to be on our side."
Placing his right hand on Emily's shoulder, Aaron empathised, "I know it is not an ideal situation and only adds to the pressure of finding Byrne. I'll have Garcia send everything we have on Byrne to Jill's laptop. Maybe two sets of fresh eyes will see a detail we have missed."
"I appreciate it and won't feel so useless while waiting for a result."
"You are welcome Emily. From Jill's tiredness I gather she didn't sleep well last night."
Tears formed behind brown eyes, "No, she experienced another nightmare and couldn't settle afterwards. She refused sleeping medication when offered hence her exhaustion this morning."
"What about yourself?"
"I managed a couple of hours in between worrying about Jill."
"If you need to step away from the hospital for a break; maybe go spend some time with your family, I can take over here for you."
A smile appeared, "I will take up the opportunity."
"The paperwork can wait. I'll speak with Morgan and he can drive you home.
"Thank you Hotch, I really appreciate it."
"Not a problem."
Returning to the room, Emily took care of the breakfast dishes and cutlery prior to collecting the bag containing dirty laundry. She kissed Jillian goodbye then swiftly joined Derek outside.
-o-
The Prentiss-Rolston house was a frenzy of tears, embraces and chatter the moment Emily and Derek stepped over the threshold. Jarrod and Samantha came running out of the living room, closely followed by Malcom, Elizabeth and Maureen. Squeals of delight echoed off the walls as the twins leapt at their mother. In turn, she cried as did the others.
Emily brought the adults up to date with the manhunt while the children turned their attention to Derek. They were on their best behaviour for the first twenty minutes before Samantha tossed the first of a series of dummy spits. She was not impressed when her pseudo Uncle picked Jarrod up and proceeded to give him a piggy back ride.
Tossing herself onto the wooden floor, she screamed and kicked her legs. Malcolm immediately gathered her up with the intent to take her to her room for a time out, but Samantha was having none of that and she lashed out at him and struck him on the face.
"No Pop, no. I play now, no Jarrod."
Looking on, a dumbstruck Emily dropped the bag she was holding and reached for her daughter, "Stop that right now! You do not hit, bad girl."
Struggling in her mother's arms, Samantha went for tantrum number two as Morgan put down Jarrod. With an open hand, she slapped Emily's cheek, "You bad mommy, mama too. Me no like you, go way."
Without speaking, Emily pulled Samantha's flaying arm down and took off up the stairs. The toddler attempted to free herself, but Emily held her tightly against her chest. Stepping into the children's bedroom, she sat Samantha on her bed and rested a hand on her shoulder, "I am not happy with your behaviour."
Folding her arms across her chest, Samantha rolled into outburst number three, "Go way, me no like you. You no here no more to play or love me." With a huff, the water works began in earnest.
The words ripped through Emily heart like a hot steel poker and tears spilled down her cheeks, "That is not true Samantha. I love you dearly; you and your brother and you know why mama and I have not been home. We both miss you, but you can't hit your grandfather because Derek played with Jarrod first. You know all about waiting your turn as well as not acting out when things don't go your way."
The response was a pitiful wail, "Me know. Me miss you and mama."
Kneeing, Emily wrapped her arms around Samantha, "I know you do, but you have to behave Little Miss."
Nodding, Samantha pressed her face into Emily's neck, "Me bad."
"Yes you are and I came home especially to see you and Jarrod while mama slept."
"She tired?"
Leaning back, Emily wiped away her child's tears with the pad of her thumb, "Yes and will be home in two days."
"Yay, me sorry mommy."
"I know you are, and you need to tell Pop. We'll wash your face then go downstairs to see him then return here."
"Otay mommy, me have time out?"
"Yes."
"Otay, me bad and sorry."
Leaning in, Emily pecked Samantha on the forehead, "You can make it better my darling."
"Miss you."
"I miss you more and this bad behaviour really does need to stop Sam."
Bobby her head, Samantha gave her mother the cheesiest of grins, "Otay, me be good."
Tiring not to laugh, Emily remonstrated, "Your mama will not like it if you aren't."
"She mad?"
"Very, and we need for her to get better not mad."
Dimples deepened and blonde eyebrows arched, "Otay, Jarrod too?"
"Yes, your brother needs to behave too. That means no more screaming, or throwing yourself onto the floor, no biting and no hitting."
"Otay, me tell him. We be good."
"I hope so or you will have more time outs."
Blonde curls shook as Samantha frowned, "Oh, me no like them."
"That is the point, now come along and wash up."
As the pair walked towards the bathroom, Emily's tears stopped and she swore McCall and Byrne would pay for the damage they had done to her family.
-o-
Wednesday 28th November
Penelope was allowed to visit the hospital after work and announced Kevin was monitoring surveillance of the hospital overnight.
"How has it been working with him again?" enquired a less withdrawn Jillian.
There was a roll of blue eyes, "Actually, we only see each other when we swap out shifts. We trade hellos and goodbyes and that is basically it."
Emily smirked briefly, "I believe your fiancé spoke to Kevin when all this crap began."
"Ooh, I wasn't aware of that," returned Penelope in genuine surprise. "That man is full of delightful surprises."
Jillian studied her friend's attire of red pencil skirt, matching jacket and floral blouse for a moment before speaking, "Have you lost more weight Penny?"
A blush broke out on the Analyst's face, "Thank you for noticing."
Emily gripped the bespectacled blonde's shoulder, "It must be all that extra exercise and contentment."
"Let's just say Derek and I are very compatible and active," put forth a glowing Penelope. "The man has me eating a more balanced diet and even has me jogging in the mornings."
"Good on you girl," praised Jillian. "You look great and totally sexy."
"Thank you My Beautiful Blonde Bombshell. You must be so excited about going home tomorrow?"
"That I am. I can't wait to be more mobile and spend less time lying around in bed. By the poor state of my offspring's' less than charming behaviour, going home can't come soon enough. "
"Awesome, oh I don't mean about the twins. Derek told me about yesterday's performance. Speaking of home, I better get there myself. Sergio and Derek will be looking for dinner. I was supposed to go grocery shopping after work."
Standing, Jillian hugged Penelope, "Thank you for dropping by Pen."
"Not a problem. I needed an Emily and Jill fix. I miss you guys."
Emily embraced her next, "We miss you too and once all this shit is over, we'll have that dinner date."
"I look forward to it, see you and take care."
-o-
Chief Prentiss was reading over Byrne's file for a second time while Jillian showered. Her mind started to go through scenario after scenario as she listened to the sound of running water.
Five minutes passed and Jillian made her egress from the bathroom. Taking a look at her wife's puzzled expression, she asked, "What are you thinking about babe?"
Glancing up from the laptop screen, Emily posed the question, "If you were not a violent person and promised your estranged grandfather to kill someone, would you?"
Disposing of her dirty laundry, Jillian sat beside Emily, "No, but for a young man without prospects and possibly facing a term of imprisonment, the lure of one and a half million dollars would be hard to refuse."
"There is nothing in Byrne's history to indicate he would undertake the request. The guy had only met McCall once and when his mother was interviewed, she stated her son had an open dislike for her father because of his illegal dealings. She doubted he would participate in such a way willingly."
"I read that late last night Em and I'm with you. It's a really big step up in crimes."
"Maybe Byrne got cold feet and took off. That may explain his non-appearance," surmised Emily. "Although there is another possibility."
"I'm listening babe."
"A third party."
Blonde eyebrows jumped up Jillian's forehead, "Of course. With that amount of money coming his way, Byrne could easily pay someone else to do the deed."
"Exactly, or even approach a hospital staff member and pay for their assistance."
Jillian finished the thought, "To gain access into the building."
"I'm calling Garcia with new search parameters," commented Emily as she reached for her cell phone on the low table.
-o-
Answering her phone after two rings, Emily asked, "What have you got for us Garcia and my apologies again for interrupting yours and Derek's evening?"
"Not a problem and hold onto your gay nerves ma'am. I've a list of twenty staff members with minor criminal histories. Three are orderlies, six are cleaners, five work with maintenance and six are kitchen employees."
"That's a lot of people to check."
"It is and Hotch has already organised Derek and Alex to bring those not on shift today in for questioning. J.J. and Spencer are currently tracking down those on duty tonight. I'm sending you that list now."
There was a notification ding on Jillian's laptop and Emily's spoke, "Well done Garcia."
"In appreciation of my fine work you should buy me a gift sweetie, Garcia out."
Laughing, Emily replaced her phone onto the table and positioned herself on the armrest of Jillian's chair, "Anyone popping out to you honey?"
"Not yet." Passing the computer over, Jillian got up, "You take a look Em; I'm too tired to focus." With that said she eased onto the mattress and pulled up the covers, "Physio was kind of brutal this afternoon and I'm a little sore."
Detecting her wife's wrinkled brow, Emily put down the laptop and approached the bed, "We'll get him Jill then we can get back to a normal routine."
Giving her spouse a crocked smile, Jillian scoffed, "Yeah, sure."
"Hey now honey, why the negativity?"
Teardrops spilled from blue orbs, "I just hate how disruptive our lives have become. The Team just made it home for dinner before having to go back out into the filed."
"My darling, do you honestly think they care about that? They are a part of our family and you know as well as I do that you wouldn't think twice about spending time chasing down leads if it was another Team member under threat. Look at the lengths you went to for me."
Swiping away tears with the sleeve of her tee shirt, Jillian sniffled, "I'm so exhausted Em."
"I know you are and the sooner we get home we can work on those bad dreams of yours."
A tiny smile that fell short of reaching Jillian's eyes appeared, "I love you babe."
"I love you more. Settle back and try to sleep."
A nod indicted Jillian's consent as she reclined further, "Wake me if you find anything."
"I promise, goodnight," replied Emily before kissing her wife.
"Night babe."
Returning to the computer, Emily spent the next two hours poring over the employee files. Her review was disturbed when Jillian began to whimper. Knowing her wife was suffering another bad dream; Emily put down the laptop and went to her bedside.
Jillian's forehead was drenched in perspiration and her face contorted into a grimace. Emily reached out and soothed her brow and hoped to calm her. It didn't work and Jillian suddenly sat up and glared at Emily.
"Shit," she whispered before clinging onto Emily.
"It's okay honey, I'm right here. Do you want something to help you sleep?"
"No, but I will take a shower and change sleepwear."
"I'll give you a hand," offered Emily while steeping out of the clinch.
Her heart sunk when Jillian replied, "No, I've got it."
Muted by the dismissal, Emily watched in silence as Jillian slipped out of bed and gathered up clean clothes. Once her wife was in the bathroom, Emily returned to the computer.
Jillian returned ten minutes later and without a word, climbed back into bed and closed her eyes.
After a short time, Emily knew she wasn't sleeping, but didn't engage in conversation. She realised Jillian was hurting both mentally and physically, and decided to allow her some space to compose herself. Checking the time, she waited for the nurse to attend and administer Jillian's scheduled pain relief.
Penelope sent Emily a text message with an update just before ten o'clock. The missive arrived at the same time as Emily discovered a fascinating link. She phoned Aaron immediately.
-o-
"What is it Prentiss?" Hotch answered.
"I may have a lead."
"Go ahead."
"I'm looking at the picture of a Darren Crosby who has similar facial features, build and age to Byrne. Crosby is twenty four and has history of two charges of fraud and one for tax evasion."
"He sounds like someone open to making quick money."
Emily concurred and a hasty conference call was arranged with all Team members outside of the hospital and those inside. Emily, Spencer and Jennifer were positioned in the hallway outside Jillian's room while Aaron, Derek and Alex were inside vehicles and making their way to Sentara.
After a short briefing ten minutes later, Jareau and Reid took off to locate laundry worker Crosby. He happened to be last on their list and apparently in the washing room.
As the duo ran towards the elevator, the floor below them shook as a large explosion rocked the building. Dismissing the lift, both took the fire escape stairs while Emily and the others returned to Jillian. Fire alarms activated and Jillian woke.
"What's going on?" she enquired in a half awake state.
"There has been a blast of some kind. Jareau and Reid have gone to investigate its origin," explained Aaron as he retrieved his phone to organise Emergency Services.
"Where?"
"Somewhere below us," added Alex.
"It's a diversion," reasoned Jillian, now fully alert.
Derek finished talking to Penelope on his cell and clarified, "We have identified a possible cohort, a Darren Crosby. We think Byrne paid him to gain entry into the hospital without detection. A deposit of ten thousand dollars was made to his bank account yesterday. Garcia pulled the live security feed from outside the laundry room and Crosby hauled a large trolley inside some fifteen minutes ago?"
Black eyebrows travelled up Emily's forehead, "Shouldn't have Kevin seen him at that time? I thought all exits and entries to all work areas were under constant surveillance and all deliveries checked?"
Morgan frowned, "To be far, Kevin was not aware of Crosby being a suspect until Penny arrived at the office. He actually discovered the two Officers posted at the hallway checkpoint for the basement were not on post."
"We will deal with them later," promised a clearly disappointed Aaron. Emily was no better.
"What a cluster fuck," voiced Jillian from her bed as she began to get up. "Where does Crosby work?"
Emily took the question as Alex and Derek returned outside, "He's employed in the laundry and you need to stay in bed."
"Crap Em, I'm not totally useless."
Squaring her shoulders, Emily was well and truly in Chief persona, "Jennifer and Spence are on it and assistance is on the way. There is nothing for you to do, and that is an order Agent Rolston."
Ignoring her wife's instructions as well as the dressing down, Jillian climbed off the mattress and grabbed clean clothes. Storming off towards the bathroom, she suddenly stopped and turned to face Emily, "Do you still have your weapon in your bag?"
"I do and yours in in there too along with our vests and extra ammo. Morgan dropped off radio earwigs this morning, so we are covered."
"Well done Chief and it's time we set a trap for my would-be assassin. I am done with lying around and all this waiting shit," snapped Jillian before entering the ensuite.
Aaron gripped Emily's shoulder, "I'll leave you to it Prentiss. Derek and Alex will remain hidden in the hallway for when the uninvited visitor or visitors arrive."
"On it and once Jillian is done sulking, I'll turn off all the lights and wait in the dark for Crosby or Byrne to show."
The conversation was interrupted by Hotch's phone ringing. After a quick conversation with Jennifer he relayed the information to Emily, "The basement level is in chaos with injured people everywhere. There is no sign of Byrne or Crosby. I hate to do this, but I need to take Morgan and Blake with me to assist with the evacuation. J.J. said the first floor was in jeopardy of collapsing."
Going to her duffle bag, Emily collected her gun and holster and radio ear piece, "I have this room Hotch. There is only one way in and I will be ready."
Jillian exited the bathroom wearing jeans, a dark blue polo and boots, "We have control of the room Aaron, so go help the others." Nearing her wife, she gathered up her weapon and equipment, "I assume the pricks will make a move soon."
"That is my guess," nodded Hotch. "I'll escort all the remaining non-essential medical staff to safety on my way out. When are you due medication Jill?"
Glancing at the wall clock, she answered, "In ten minutes."
"Okay, I'll have one nurse stay behind and leave Morgan with her," suggested Aaron.
"Thanks Hotch," returned Emily while turning off the overhead lights then the bathroom one.
Hotch departed and Jillian looked at Emily, "I know you are worried about me, but I refuse to be a victim. I am an Agent for fuck's sake and am over this shit Em."
Emily's eyes adjusted to the darkness and she exhaled loudly, 'I know, and that is why I am ordering you to get back into bed and pretend to be asleep while we wait for whoever intends on killing you. There will be no heroics from you, so save your breath and don't argue."
Miffed at the direction, Jillian nevertheless followed Emily's request. Her stomach was beginning to ache and she found herself at a loss to find the energy to put up a fight. Wordlessly, she settled on the bed and pulled up the covers.
Emily approached the bed and laid a hand on Jillian's shoulder, "I'll just be behind the bathroom door."
"Yes ma'am," mumbled Jillian while slipping her Glock under the pillow.
"I love you and this will be over soon."
"I love you too Chief Bossy Boots Prentiss."
Chuckling, Emily leaned over and gently kissed her wife's smiling lips, "I love the fact you don't hold a grudge."
"Yeah, I realise you are only doing your job and right now, I am not your spouse, I am your primary."
"Yes you are and don't forget it."
"Yes Chief."
Taking up position, Emily pointed out, "We have the advantage here Jill; Byrne doesn't know we are married or the fact we figured out his plan."
"That is true."
The room grew silent as the two Agents waited.
-o-
Two hours came and went and no one had breached the fourth floor or Jillian's room. Emily's legs were basically numb from standing in the same spot and she could hear the soft snore coming from Jillian. Obviously the last dose of pain relief had lulled her back to sleep shortly after being ingested.
As the wounded were attended to on the lower levels of the hospital, Emily had received a transmission from Jennifer informing her Crosby had been identified as one of those injured during the blast. He was currently under Police guard in the Emergency Department having his broken legs realigned. Byrne was still on the run and Emily was now contacting Hotch with a change of plans. When she received consent to proceed, she stretched her lower limbs and made a phone call to Doctor Sharpe.
-o-
Emily was sitting on the recliner she had hauled over towards the ensuite and diligently studying the door. Another three hours had elapsed before she heard footsteps in the corridor. Standing, she aimed her gun at the door and held her breath.
A tall figure dressed in black stepped through the entry with a pistol directed at the bed.
Emily moved in as two shots sounded throughout the room. The bullets dug into the form under the covers and feathers and cotton flew into the air as a consequence. A cold shiver ran down the length of her spine as she controlled her voice, "FBI, drop the gun Byrne."
The dark haired intruder blinked several times while pivoting. Staring at Emily as the lights came on behind him, he resembled a stunned mullet, but his weapon was focused on the Agent. "You drop yours or I'll kill you too; just like I did with that lying fucking bitch that set up my grandfather."
-o-
A/N: Cliff hanger, sorry about that. Next chapter not too far away.
