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. Subject may contain triggers for some!
Chapter 55
Uncurling her fingers, Emily waited for the inner rage to subside before speaking. Facing Chief Faulkner, she enquired, "Do former Detectives Cullen and Foster still reside in Odessa?"
"No ma'am. They both moved to New Orleans after they were dismissed and set up a private investigations firm."
The news placated Emily slightly, "I want warrants for their arrests on forty charges of abetting murder and for falsifying evidence and reports. You can toss in dereliction of duty for good measure and add Coach Ruben's name to the list. Aston Senior needs to be brought in for questioning too; I do not like his parenting skills at all and would like a chat to find out how involved he may be in all this crap."
"You got it," replied Faulkner. "I'll contact the State Attorney's Office A-SAP and personally collect Raymond Aston from his office."
Calling Penelope next, Emily began, "Penny, pull up the financials for Graham Foster formerly of Odessa PD and Stephen Cullen also former Odessa PD now residing in New Orleans. I need the same for a Carlos Ruben, who is possibly still the Head Swim Coach for the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Pay particular attention to deposits made around the ninth of October two thousand and ten. I also want the last known whereabouts and work records of one Rodney Aston, former Assistant Swim Coach at the University along with bank details of his father Raymond."
"On it Chief Prentiss; I will send the info to your tables the second I have it."
"Thank you." Ending the call, Emily addressed Derek and Alex, "I want the two of you to personally arrest Cullen and Foster and return them here for questioning."
"It would be our pleasure," retorted Morgan while heading for the exit. "I'll arrange the jet."
"What a god damn cluster fuck caused by incompetent cops, a spoilt brat, a douche bag father and a shit head Coach," lamented Emily to the retreating Agents.
-o-
Thirty minutes later, Emily entered the Interview Room carrying several pieces of paperwork. Thanking Aadhya for her cooperation, she informed her to read the statement before signing and that her mother Jalila was outside waiting for her.
Once the signature was obtained, a Police Officer escorted Aadhya to the lobby and Emily spoke with Jennifer and Spencer devoid of fanfare, "Garcia has confirmed Aston was employed as Assistant Swim Coach at the University of Arizona until six months ago when he was fired for misconduct. She also made a connection between Coach Ruben, Foster, Cullen and Raymond Aston. The latter deposited one million dollars into each of the former's bank accounts on Monday the eleventh of October two thousand and ten. Daddy dearest obviously cleaned up Junior's mess with his money. It is not the first time he has intervened in his son's mistakes. Rodney was originally dismissed from Brown University after failing to maintain adequate grades and his father's sizeable donations to the University of Texas just happen to coincide with his son gaining employment as the Assist Swim Coach. Chief Faulkner is organising arrest and search warrants on the four men and Morgan and Blake have just left for Las Vegas to arrest Cullen and Foster."
"What about Rodney Aston?" asked Jennifer.
"Supreme Court Judge Walter Fleming is in the process of signing his arrest and search warrants as we speak. Garcia is about to send us all the information on all five men to our tablets including Aston Junior's address in Arizona."
"In that case, we can pick up the paperwork on our way out of town," suggested Reid. "I gather we will be driving considering Derek and Alex have use of the jet."
"You would be correct," returned Emily while glancing at her wristwatch. "It's a nine hour trip, so I have booked you into the Quality Inn close to the Tucson Police Department. Aston can enjoy an overnight stay with them until you are ready to transport him back here in the morning. Details should be on your tablets by now."
Both Jennifer and Spencer checked their portable computers then indicated they'd received the data.
"Share the driving," instructed Emily as the two Agents made for the door. "Tucson PD is expecting you later tonight and will assist with the arrest."
"Got it Chief," replied Jennifer before exiting with Reid.
Shaking her head, Emily retrieved her phone and called Maureen for a chat with the twins. Knowing Jillian was currently at the hospital attending a session of physio; she was content to make contact with other members of her family for a sanity break.
-o-
Emily was situated in the breakroom draining the last of her mug of tea when Michael Faulkner joined her. He made himself an Expresso before taking a seat at the table and shaking his head, "What a fucking mess."
Emily couldn't agree more, "It's going to take at least a week at best to tidy up all the paperwork and notifications."
"Yeah and on that note, State Attorney Brian Holt will be arriving soon to speak with you. He is kind of furious with Cullen and Foster and none too keen on Aston Senior. Speaking of him, the bastard lawyered up the second I placed him in an Interview Room and was hollering about suing everyone. On the way over, the prick insisted he hasn't seen his son in over seven months."
"I highly doubt that," reasoned Emily. "How well do you know him?"
"I only know him by reputation. I have never had any direct dealings with the man during my short time here. I was with Dallas PD before taking over here and have heard his name mentioned a few times in regards to his wealth and charitable contributions to the local hospitals and of course, the University."
"Well, his money won't help him now. Had you been given a head's up about Foster and Cullen by the outgoing Chief?"
Michael's lips turned upwards, "Tom Bailey warned me they were lazy and were known to cut corners as well as being a tad handsy at times. Their luck ran out when they assaulted a suspect in full view of a neighbour's home security camera. IAD had dealt with them previously on numerous complaints of excessive force and finally had enough evidence to dismiss them. My first week here was spent familiarising myself with the town then I delved into several of their unsolved cases just before Aston Junior began this nightmare."
Getting to her feet, Emily took her cup over to the sink to clean it, "Did you view files of any of the six victims listed?"
Sadness ghosted the man's features before he spoke, "No. I started with the two reports from two thousand. If I'd opted for the later ones, some of those poor women could have been saved."
"You aren't to blame for any of the deaths. Besides, the last two cases were from this year and you wouldn't have seen any from twenty ten or nine."
"I know you are right, but crap, it's hard not to feel guilty."
Drying her hands, Emily placed her right hand on the Police Chief's left shoulder, "Culpability lies firmly with the Astons, Cullen, Foster and Ruben."
"I guess so and I suppose once work leaks about Aston Senior's arrest, the media are going to park themselves on the front steps."
"Hopefully I'll be able to give them the full account of his murderous and rapist of son's crimes by then."
"They'll be sure to eat that up."
"Have you thought of the possibility Rodney Aston is not in Tucson and is actually still here in Odessa?"
Shaking her head, Emily disagreed, "I believe he has gone home to recuperate. The last identified victim Philippa Wilks was only killed three days ago and was a student at University of Arizona as were twenty three of the other women. He has been busy this past week and is under the impression he has gotten away with the multiple killings. He is unaware the bodies have been found at this stage."
"I guess that would tie in with him not having returned to the dump site."
"Nor did he keep trophies to relive the torture, rape and murders," added Emily.
"Any thoughts on why he chose forty victims?"
"The only connection made so far is the fact his mother passed away from cancer at the age of forty in two thousand and eight. He may associate her age with the slayings, though that is only speculation and not really based on any data Garcia has collected on him."
"Shoot, I hope your Agents catch the bastard."
"I do too."
-o-
After a thorough reconnaissance of a modest two bedroom abode and its surrounding yard; Rodney Aston was found sound asleep when Jennifer, Spencer and four Tucson Police Officers stealthy entered his house situated at 99 West Katie Lane, Edgebrooke Village.
The average looking five foot eight and slightly built blond took seconds to become aware of his uninvited guests when Jennifer announced their presence. She instantly directed him to raise his hands.
Complying, Aston sat up and asked, "What the fuck do you want?"
"You are wanted for questioning of the murder, rape and torture of forty women," responded Jennifer as Spencer moved in and handcuffed the suspect.
No one present expected to hear the following words spew from Aston, "Yeah, I killed all those cock teasing bitches cos nobody says no to me without consequences."
With Reid and Jareau pulling Aston off the mattress, Spencer deadpanned, "In that case, you are under arrest." As he continued to deliver the Miranda Rights, Jennifer led the way out of the room.
"I want a lawyer," demanded Aston. "That freak Devi is to blame."
"Aadhya Devi murdered all those women?" quizzed the blonde Agent while ushering the suspect towards one of two waiting patrol cars.
"No, don't be so stupid. She's the reason I have a rage inside me that tells me to kill."
"You're a dick if you think that is your defence," warned Jennifer, barely keeping a straight face. She tugged on the prisoner's arm and hauled him beside an open back door. "Your father's hush money won't help you this time. By the way, he has been arrested also."
The comment blew the wind out of Aston's sails and his bravado deflated as he was placed inside the vehicle. Once he was secured, Reid uttered, "Spoiled brat."
Retrieving her cell phone, Jennifer made a call.
"What do you have for me?" enquired Emily moments later.
"Aston is in custody and we have a verbal confession caught on Police camera."
"Excellent work, see you tomorrow afternoon."
"Will do, bye."
-o-
A grinning Emily turned to Holt, "Aston has admitted his crimes."
With a smile forming on his own lips, the forty year old jet black haired man's green eyes shone, "That certainly saves a lot of time and energy."
"It does, and I expect him to plead insanity."
"No doubt, but as your Analyst's search found, he has not been under the care of a Psychiatrist or Therapist, so any diagnosis his Attorney attempts to introduce will be refuted."
"Aston will have no idea we are one step ahead and prepared."
The State's Assistant Attorney nodded, "Along with the fact his rat of a father has provided a statement disavowing all knowledge of his son's whereabouts and activities these past seven months; I think this case will be resolved quickly."
"Let's hope so because I'll not be able to hold off the prying media much longer."
"You have done well in keeping them at bay for this long," praised Holt.
Emily received the compliment with a scoff, "After many years of having to deal with them, I'm well versed at giving them just enough information to quench their curiosity."
"I applaud you and will return to my office to file the paperwork from Aston Senior."
"I'll contact you when Junior arrives tomorrow."
"Thank you Chief Prentiss."
-o-
Once Rodney Aston realised his father had abandoned him to help his own cause, he turned to his Public Defender and smiled, "They got me fair and square, so I admitted to killing all forty women because they refused my advances while I was involved as Assistant Coach of the university swim teams they were all members of."
David Lawson dipped his head at Holt, "You have your confession Counsellor, what deal can you offer?"
Organising the ream of paper on the table, Brian smirked, "The death penalty. Your client gets no reward for his deplorable deeds. I'll see you at sentencing." Without further ado, he rose and vacated the Interview Room.
Derek looked to the ashen faced Aston and quipped, "Boom, a well-deserved result!"
Before the prisoner could respond, Alex posed the question, "Why mutilate and murder those women?"
Blinking several times, Aston faltered for a moment before making eye contact with Agent Blake, "Aadhya scared the shit out of me with her deformity and I haven't been able to perform, you know, in the sex department."
"Then why not seek expert help?"
Tears formed behind blue eyes, "I was ashamed."
Alex's right eyebrow arched, "Because of how you forced yourself upon Aadhya?"
"No."
"Then why?"
"I'd always been given everything I wanted after mom passed and wasn't used to having girls say no to me."
Although taken aback at Aston's willingness to be open, Alex nonetheless continued, "Aadhya wasn't the first swim member at the University of Texas to refuse you though."
"No, Roxanne Tully was. Dad said I needed to "man up" and take what I wanted; just like he always did."
"So you took his advice and sexually assaulted Roxanne first?"
"Yes, it was the only way I could get … you know … hard. Dad paid her off with fifty thousand dollars."
Without displaying her inner revulsion, Alex asked, "Did you rape others after Roxanne?"
Remorse flashed across Rodney's face, "There were ten others, but not in Texas. Tamara Walsh was next followed by Betty Rowe the next day. A week after that there was Lisa Mendez, Brandi White and Shelby Williams. Her twin sister Shelly was next then Vanda Jones, Carly Jones, Eunice Benton and Carman Lopez. All of them were swim mates at Arizona."
"Was your father aware of those incidents?"
"Yes, I told him about each and every one. He offered them seventy thousand dollars and they took it after withdrawing their complaints with campus Police."
Blake glanced at the clenched fists of her partner before resuming, "What caused you to kill Maize Taylor six months ago?"
"I asked her out and she laughed at me before telling me to get lost."
Keeping herself calm, Blake pressed on, "You tortured her, defiled her, mutilated her then ended her life because she laughed at you?"
Teardrops fell unchecked, "No, that's not the real reason."
"Can you tell me why?"
"Maize told me she'd overheard a few of the guys on the swim team joking about how I couldn't get an erection and was kind of small. That was straight up bullshit about me having a tiny dick and the rage just intensified I guess. I had to prove to her that I wasn't inadequate and she screamed when I tired her up and took off my clothes. She kept telling me to stop and all I could hear was my father and the others laughing at me."
"Again, why didn't you find professional assistance?"
"I … I talked to my dad about it and he just ridiculed me and said I was no son of his."
"How did that make you feel?"
"That's when the anger grew inside me and I sought revenge on every woman who every refused me. That totalled forty and I got them all; they are not making fun of me now."
Derek shook his head, "Man, you needed serious help and forty women would still be alive if you had support."
There was an absence of entitlement and smugness when Aston spoke next, "My mother would have helped me. She was always there for me, not like dad. I'm sorry for what I've done and am ready to pay for it."
The bewildered Agents got up and left with the bags of evidence.
-o-
