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 49
Taking a deep breath to settle her composure, Emily took two steps towards Byrne and spoke calmly, "Your grandfather is a lying sack of shit. He has killed, maimed and threatened innocent people for the majority of his adult life. You should have stayed away from him and not been taken in by his manipulative words. He doesn't give a fuck about you. He only used you for his own perverted purposes."
Byrne's trembling arm suddenly held fast, "What the fuck?"
"Shane McCall is a lifetime criminal who has no remorse for the evil deeds he has done. Your mother did the right thing by removing you from his life before he recruited you into his violent activities. You have been played Callum. You fell for all his bullshit and will now be spending the rest of your life in prison."
Teardrops spilled from brown eyes as Byrne shook his head aggressively, "No, no it's not what it seems."
Recognising something was not quite right, Emily gave instruction, "Then put down your gun and tell me."
Tossing the Ruger pistol across the floor, Byrne cried, "I'm so sorry. I didn't want to hurt all those people or kill Agent Rolston."
Derek, who had been standing in the doorway, entered the room and immediately handcuffed the suspect, "You are under arrest for the attempted murder of Agent Rolston and for the manufacture and storage of explosive materials. You are also under arrest for detonating an explosive device in a public building. You have the right to remain silent and I hope you don't you mother fucker. You have the right to speak to an attorney, if you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you. Do you understand your rights as they have been explained to you?"
"Yes," Byrne woefully acknowledged as Emily approached the bed.
Morgan performed a pat search on the prisoner, "By the way, the bomb takes your crimes to a whole new level. You will be charged under the Terrorist Act and it will be up to us when you get to speak with a lawyer."
Byrne's face grew ashen, "What have I done?"
"You fucked up big time, is what you have done," explained Derek as Aaron arrived on scene.
Emily grabbed the top of the covers and pulled them back. Revealing three pillows, she stared at Byrne, "We have been aware of your grandfather's plan since he got you to agree to help him."
The relief of not having killed an FBI Agent was evident on Byrne's face, "What?"
Hotch answered, "The phone conversation you had with Shane McCall was intercepted and recorded. We have been waiting for you."
"Shit, but wait, you must know how he got me to go along with his scheme?"
Emily neared him, "No we don't. How many phone calls did you have with him?"
"There were three in total."
"Damn it," cursed Morgan before sitting the prisoner on the nearest chair. "What else can you tell us?"
"I … I … was contacted by some dude after I went to the jail to see my grandfather. Before that, there was an Officer who took me into a room and he told me he would get a message to my grandfather. I think his name tag read "Bickwell" or something like that. He told me not to go too far."
Emily moved in closer, "Was it Bickmore?"
Brown eyes lit up with recognition, "Yeah, that's it. I stayed in a local motel that night and received a call around seven."
"Was it Bickmore?" asked Hotch.
"It sounded like him. He told me my grandfather would be in calling me soon."
Derek probed further, "Why didn't you inform Police? Your mother told us you hated McCall, so why help him?"
"I had no idea until the first call what he wanted me to do. I went to Lee to find out the truth about why he never tried to contact me. Look, I was facing a possible prison sentence with my last charge and I don't know … I wanted to speak to him and maybe see if my criminal deeds were hereditary. It was stupid of me to treat mom like crap and go to the prison. I should have stayed in Tulsa and sorted myself out. Mom offered me help, but I took off. I did the wrong thing by staying in Lee and not returning to my grandmother's."
"Yes you should have Callum," agreed Emily. "McCall has been your downfall I'm sorry to say, but how did he convince you to act on his behalf?"
"During the second phone call, he told me he would have my grandmother killed and now that he knew what town mom lived in, he would do the same to her."
"So you didn't do this for the money?" put forth Aaron.
"Hell no, I was scared for mom and Gran. He told me he had a friend watching my every move and my phone was bugged. If I went home or back to Gran's or called the Police, he would have them tortured before their throats were slit. I panicked and agreed to carry out his plan." Byrne burst into fresh tears and the three Agents stepped back to converse.
"Sounds plausible to me," remarked Morgan.
Emily nodded, "Yes, but he is still responsible for the bomb and the attempt on Jill's life."
Hotch returned to Byrne, "Did McCall tell you how he had the means to pay you and where his gun collection is located?"
Swiping his eyes with the back of his shackled left hand, Callum replied, "He said he had a bank account in Singapore under the name of Russell Todd and the guns were in a shipping container that was buried in the backyard of Gran's house. He put them there when she was on holiday in Spain two years ago."
Turning to Aaron, Derek offered, "I'll get on it and inform Garcia to freeze the account A-SAP."
"Okay and Prentiss, let's take Byrne in for further questioning."
"Yes Sir."
"I really am sorry for all this," apologised Callum as the two Agents took hold of his arms. "I only wanted to keep Gran and mom safe."
"That is understandable, but still does not excuse you from prosecution," returned Emily. "Your actions injured fifty people and did untold damage to Agent Rolston and her family. You are responsible for all that because you got involved instead of notifying authorities."
"I know and will help anyway I can."
Hotch opened the stairwell door, "Your cooperation will assist your case."
-o-
Emily was standing in the Observation Room of the Prince William County Police Department watching and listening to Byrne's interrogation. Alex and Derek were conducting the questioning while Aaron was outside speaking with AUSA Rodney Palmer in regards to Byrne's willingness to assistance with information and his perceived forced involvement.
As the hour drew closer to four o'clock Thursday morning, Emily refrained from calling family and advising them on the situation. Instead, she allowed them to sleep and planned on travelling home once Byrne was taken in custody by US Marshalls. The prisoner had already been advised he was to be placed into protective custody until his court appearance to be arraigned on charges still to be determined by the United States Attorney's Office.
Presently, McCall was unaware of his grandson's arrest, but it was expected he did know about the hospital bombing. There had been a media blackout in regards to two people being apprehended for the crime and that worked in the BAU's favour. Jennifer and Spencer were talking with Crosby in the room adjacent to the one holding Byrne. He too was being accommodating with the Agents and they were about to wrap up the interview. Unlike Byrne, he was not offered protective custody; his identity and involvement was unknown to McCall at that present time.
Derek passed a photograph across to table towards Callum, "Where did you get the materials to build the bomb?"
Looking at the discarded lengths of wire, tape and pile of electrical supplies and tools, Byrne answered, "McCall gave me instructions to go visit an old colleague of his by the name of Colin Harris and he would give me the materials needed along with a diagram to assemble the bomb."
"Where does Harris live?"
Byrne hung his head, "His address for South Wallins, Kentucky is on a piece of paper in my wallet."
Morgan nodded towards the one way glass and Emily went to check the evidence bag containing the personal effects taken from Byrne when he was booked at the station upon arrival. She ran into Aaron and passed on the information.
He smiled at her and said, "As of now, you are officially cleared for field work."
"Thank you Sir. I'll organise local Police and a Team to pay Harris a visit."
"I'll arrange the arrest and search warrants for Kentucky Aaron," suggested Palmer before departing with Emily by his side.
-o-
By six thirty, Harris was in the custody of two FBI Agents and being transported to Quantico for questioning. With an expected seven and a half hour drive, Aaron stood down the BA Team and they made their home.
After Derek dropped Emily off at Sentara Hospital to pick up her car, she made the short trip home. Pulling up in the garage, she collected her gear then entered the house via the kitchen door. She wasn't surprised to find her mother and Maureen standing behind the centre counter preparing breakfast.
"Good morning moms," Emily said in greeting as they both turned to face her.
Elizabeth responded first with a hug, "Oh my, we didn't expect to see you this early."
Placing her equipment on the bench, Emily received Maureen's embrace, "There's been no news, so we thought the Team was still looking for that monster."
Stepping out of the clinch, Emily smiled deeply, "We got him and his two associates. It's finally over and we can start to repair the damage done."
Maureen and Elizabeth wrapped their arms around her again and all three cried with sheer relief. Five minutes passed before Emily dried her eyes and asked, "Are the kids awake?"
"No," answered Elizabeth. "They had a rough night and only got to sleep around two."
Nodding, Emily apologised, "Sorry about disturbing the house last night."
Maureen was all smiles, "Don't be worrying about that. Everything worked out well and there is a certain someone waiting for you upstairs."
"Jill's awake?" Emily asked with some trepidation.
"She stirred about ten minutes ago and is not a happy camper," explained Maureen with a chuckle.
Elizabeth joined in, "I'm surprised you got her to agree to being brought home early."
"Oh, she put up a good fight until Doctor Sharpe weighed in on the matter and convinced her it was a good idea to be out of the line of fire literally. Her blood pressure was up and he advised she would benefit from a good night's sleep. Did she have any trouble going to bed?"
Maureen scrunched up her face, "Uhm, she did eventually after an epic tantrum. Her father sort it out after a private chat. She is not too happy with you pulling rank."
Emily smirked, "Yes, she made that abundantly clear to me before leaving with Alex. I guess I better go up and face the music."
"Good luck with that," quipped Elizabeth before returning to making pancake batter. "I've never heard her swear so much."
Laughing, Emily kissed her mother on the cheek, "That's rich coming from you."
"Hush now and be gone."
Taking up her gear, Emily raced upstairs and heard the shower running when she entered the main bedroom. Securing her equipment in the save and closet, she stripped off her clothes and opened the ensuite door. Stealthily, she moved across the tiled floor and reached for the screen door handle.
"I can hear you," announced Jillian sternly.
Steeping inside the cubicle, Emily was confronted with a grinning blonde, "I gather all is forgiven and Garcia called to let you know I was on my way home."
Reaching out, Jillian took hold of Emily's hands, "Yes to both and I am so happy this nightmare is over."
"You and me both honey," returned Emily while inching closer to her wife and water stream. "How did you sleep?"
"Really good once I woke up to myself and stopped behaving like our wayward offspring."
Running hands over Jillian's shoulders, Emily started to cry, "What about the pain; have you been able to manage it?"
Pressing her forehead against Emily's, Jillian soothed her, "Hey now, you got the prick and there is no waiting or being separated from our family. As to my injury, I am healing babe and the medication helps. I think it would be an excellent idea if you and I took full advantage of the fact we are both naked and in the shower together."
Tilting her head back slightly, Emily beamed and locked onto bright blue eyes, "I think I like that idea and I'm sorry for crying. It was just so hard watching Byrne shoot at your bed. Even though I knew you were here and safe, it still hurt."
Bringing her hands up to Emily's face, Jillian cupped her cheeks, "I can fully relate to that Em and thank you for protecting me."
"I'd do it a thousand times if it meant you were unharmed honey."
"The same goes for me and I am sorry for acting like a brat last night."
"I know and I believe you have some serious making up to do, so get on with it Agent Rolston."
Letting out a raucous laugh, Jillian peppered her wife's face with tender pecks, "Yes Chief and it's so good to be home."
"It certainly is," agreed Emily prior to capturing grinning lips in a blistering kiss.
-o-
Emily was wrapped up in Jillian's arms and attempting to regulate her heartrate and breathing. The duo had moved their lovemaking from the bathroom to the bed some forty minutes ago and once they had come up with a position that was least likely to cause discomfort to Jillian, the pair had basically gone at it like rabbits.
Jillian pressed a gentle kiss to Emily's left shoulder and purred into her ear, "Holy crap that was wild, passionate and totally fulfilling babe."
"Mmm, it was and I really did miss being in our bed with you."
"Yeah me too, so while we have a quiet moment, tell me all about Byrne's arrest."
Turning around, Emily smooched Jillian on the tip of her nose, "Gladly, but how about we have that conversation in the shower?"
"Will that include more fantastic sex?" enquired Jillian coyly.
"Duh, yes and welcome home honey."
"I am happy to be back and let's make a move before our Terrible Two wake and demand breakfast."
Unfolding her arms and legs from around Jillian, Emily lifted off the mattress, "You got it." She soaked in the sight of her wife laying on the bed in all her naked wonder and she added, "Damn, I am one lucky woman."
"So am I," enthused Jillian as she gingerly got up. "I keep expecting to wake up and find out this is all a dream."
"Me too," remarked Emily as Jillian passed by her. Stretching out, she pinched her left buttock.
Jillian spun around and chuckled, "Well, thank you for the goose and yes, this is not a dream."
"Happy to help my darling, now scoot."
"Yes ma'am and hello Bossy Boots Chief."
Emily groaned at the new nickname, "Seriously, that's the best you've got?"
Pretending to be thinking, Jillian replied, "How about Bossy Britches Badass Prentiss?"
"You slay me honey, and I do prefer Bossy Boots Prentiss."
Jillian's eyes glazed over, "Oh snap, that is my favourite."
Emily couldn't help but laugh at her wife's antics, "You nitwit. Hurry along, too much talking and not enough kissing."
Following Emily into the ensuite, Jillian protested, "Hey now, I am still on the mend here and have to take my time."
Emily didn't bother responding; instead she turned on the shower water and moved under the jets. The rate they were going, she doubted they would leave the bedroom before lunch time. Jillian was having a similar thought as she pressed into Emily's back and kissed the nape of her neck, "I love you Em."
"I love you more," countered Emily before turning around and greeting Jillian with a splendid smirk on her face.
-o-
Emily and Jillian were approaching the bedroom door hand in hand when there were two distinct raps upon the oak frame. Leaning into Jillian, she laughed, "I think our children have been told we are home."
Beaming, Jillian slowly reached for the door handle, "I'm surprised they aren't yelling for us."
"My guess is they are not alone and received some stern guidance."
Her prediction proved correct when Jarrod, Samantha and Malcolm appeared on the other side. Emily wasn't quite prepared when Jillian gingerly knelt, opened her arms and cried, "Hello my darlings, it's so good to see you."
Jarrod responded first while a pouty Samantha stood with folded arms across her chest, "Mommy me hug you?"
"Yes sweetie, just don't jump on me okay."
"Otay, me missed you and mommy," he announced while wrapping his arms around Jillian's neck and holding on tight. "You home now?"
Large teardrops rolled down Jillian's cheeks, "Yes my baby boy, we are done with the hospital."
That was Jarrod's cue to commence crying, "Yay mommy, me love you. Sorry me hurt you bad."
Placing a tender kiss on his brow, Jillian grinned down at him, "I know you are and I love you too."
Keeping an eye on the unmoving Samantha, Emily got down on her knees and motioned for her to approach. Tentatively, her daughter uncrossed her arms and inched closer.
"You stay?" she asked as a lone tear spilled from blue eyes.
"Yes darling."
"Otay and no jump on mommy … Pop told us no be bad."
"Your grandfather is a wise man," quipped Emily while bundling up Samantha in her embrace. "Thank you dad."
"You are welcome and lunch is ready seems you pair missed breakfast."
Jillian pecked her son on the tip of his nose and elicited a laugh from him, "Thanks from me too and it was Emily's fault we are running late."
A peal of laughter emitted from Malcolm, "I doubt that she acted alone and it's good to have you both home."
Jarrod wiggled free from Jillian's arms, "Hug mama now."
Samantha pulled away from Emily and scowled at her brother, "Me hug mommy."
Trading placing, the twins took their time in cuddling their mothers while Malcolm headed downstairs. Emily glanced at Jillian and made eye contact. She nodded and mouthed the words "it will be all right". It wasn't, there was a massive food fight between the siblings during lunch and Emily dragged Samantha the bedroom for a time out while Jillian ushered Jarrod to the entertainment room and directed him to sit on the couch.
Taking up position unhurriedly beside him, she locked onto his watery eyes, "Why did you throw your noodles at Sam?"
Jarrod's bottom lip began to wobble and tears cascaded down his face, "She bad."
"Why was she bad?"
"She … she kick me leg … it hurt mommy." He pointed to his right knee and wept harder.
"Did you do anything to her before she kicked you?"
The question caused another avalanche of fresh tears, "No mommy … me good cos you and mama home. Me sorry for food."
Samantha had been the first to throw a handful of pasta at her brother after he had jumped up in his booster seat beside her. He had retaliated instantly and Emily had managed to put a stop to it after bowls were overturned and fistfuls of food splattered back and forth between loud outbursts of screaming. Both kids were given a bath separately before being punished.
Jillian empathised with Jarrod and tried to explain, "I know you are sorry, but it is wrong to toss your food around, especially after your grandmothers had gone to the trouble of making it for you. Do you understand you didn't have to throw food back at Samantha?"
Wrinkling up his face, Jarrod wiped the tears away with the back of his shirt sleeve, "Me don't mommy."
"Okay, when someone does something to you that is naughty, you shouldn't do the same thing back at them."
Blue eyes bulged with question, "What me do?"
"You use your words and tell them to stop."
Bobbing his head, Jarrod enquired, "Me say, don't kick me Sama?"
Smiling, Jillian hugged him, "That is correct. You don't have to be bad when Sam is. You need to be good then you won't have to have time outs."
Blond eyebrows knotted together, "Me got it. Sama bad, me be good. She get time out."
"That's it Little Man."
Giving his mother his best puppy dog eyes look, Jarrod asked, "Me good to go?"
"Not this time; you still need to stay in here for a few minutes for throwing the food."
Shrugging, Jarrod appeared to accept his fate, "Otay, me be good. No TV, no toys, no books."
"Correct and I'll see you soon."
"Love you mommy."
Being careful not to strain her stomach and back muscles, Jillian got to her feet, "I love you too Jarrod." Making her way back to the dining room, she was met with a less than impressed Emily cleaning up the mess left by the twins.
"Where are the others?" Jillian enquired while looking around the room.
"I sent them to the living room. They shouldn't have to tidy this crap up. What did Jarrod have to say for himself?"
"He was apologetic and told me Sam kicked him."
"That would explain the leap out of his seat."
"It does and what did our evil daughter have to say?"
"Oh, Little Miss had nothing to say. She was too busy giving me the evil eye."
Jillian picked up several plates and followed Emily into the kitchen, "I think I got through to Jarrod about retaliation."
"Time will tell if he really understands. I didn't even bother talking to Sam. She actually got onto her bed, closed her eyes and sulked."
"Crap," mumbled Jillian as she approached the dishwasher.
Emily immediately reprimanded her, "Don't you go bending over honey; leave it for me."
"Yes dear," acknowledged Jillian with a grin. "I hope Sam settles down in the next couple of days."
Sidling up to her wife, Emily took possession of the dishware, "What do we do if she doesn't?"
"Since Chelsea has so graciously agreed to come here tomorrow for a session, I can ask her for some general advice."
"That sounds like a good idea. Do you want me to stay home?"
Draping arms around Emily's waist, Jillian nuzzled into her neck and gently nibbled on the throbbing pulse, "Mmm, as tempting as that sounds, you are the Chief and need to go into the office and attend to all your outstanding paperwork. I know you will want to be at Byrne's arraignment babe, so you go play with the bad guys and I will enlist the help of our parents if required. Besides, Grace will not tolerate any crap from our devil spawn."
Tittering into blonde hair, Emily moaned, "I'm fortunate to have such an understanding wife and I hope you plan on ravishing me since you are driving me crazy with your mouth."
"I'm the lucky one and I am finished for now. I'll just go check on the kids then meet you in bed."
Leaning back, Emily noted the dilated eyes, "You are extremely horny today and are supposed to be taking it easy instead of doing delicious things to me."
"You are correct on both counts and don't worry, I will be very careful."
"Good grief, you are incorrigible."
"And you are beautiful Em and totally bewitching. I am unhanding you now and leaving before I toss you up onto the counter and have my way with you."
Emily's neither region caught on fire and she groaned, "Go so I can finish up here and ensue you make good on your intentions."
With a deep kiss followed by a chuckle, Jillian departed while Emily gathered herself and tidied up the kitchen.
-o-
