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.


Chapter 56

Emily met Agents Morgan and Blake in the hallway as they exited the Interview Room containing Rodney Aston and his Attorney, "Well done guys. Holt's deal with Raymond Aston has been revoked and he is going to get the full ride."

"As he should, the lying no good prick," agreed Alex with distain.

"Seems like the mother was the only thing holding her son together," reasoned Derek.

"It would appear so," suggested Emily. "Once we've completed our side of the paperwork, we will deal with the notifications of the remaining victim's next of kin. Alex, I am sending you and J.J. home to be with your families while Morgan, Reid and I tackle the terrible part of this investigation. It should only take two or three days."

Blake's features softened, "I appreciate the thoughtfulness Emily."

The Chief was all smiles, "You are welcome."

-o-

Saturday 8th December, 2012

Emily entered her home a tad past midnight and after resetting the security alarm system; she noticed the vase containing fresh red roses on the kitchen bench. Grinning madly, she reached for the attached note and read:

Welcome home mommy.

We missed you heaps.

There is yummy pasta in the fridge for you.

We helped mama and Nana make it.

Please tuck us in with a kiss because we love

you.

There were two illegible scribbles on the bottom of the paper in blue crayon which only made Emily smile more. A simple message from her children delivered by her wife was all she needed to raise her spirits after such a gruelling and horrific investigation.

After consuming some delectable Alfredo, Emily made her way upstairs to the main bedroom. She quietly secured her weapon and equipment prior to creeping into the ensuite to shower.

Ten minutes later, she went to the children's bedroom and kissed both their cheeks while adjusting the blankets haphazardly covering them. Tears stung the back of her eyeballs when she gazed upon the three tiny black sutures interwoven with Samantha's bottom lip. There was an extra kiss placed against the sleeping toddler's temple before Emily returned to the master bedroom.

Easing under the covers, she snuggled into Jillian's side and drifted off to sleep.

-o-

Emily woke to pressure against her bladder and was quick to prise open her eyes to discover the cause; Jarrod was curled up on her stomach and grinning at her.

"Hi mama," he said before giving her a sloppy peck on the chin. "Me missed you."

Wrapping arms around him, Emily kissed his cheek, "Good morning Little Man and I missed you too."

"You get the bad man mama?"

"Yes sweetie."

Content with the reply, Jarrod asked, "Bath pwease?"

"Okay, but where are mommy and Sam?"

"They sleeping in playroom. Sama have bad dream and mommy help her."

Although somewhat concerned for her daughter, Emily nonetheless lifted Jarrod up and got out of bed, "All right then, let's get you into the tub."

"Yay, we go your bath?"

A grin formed on Emily's lips, "Fine, but no splashing."

Pouting, Jarrod nestled into his mother's neck, "Otay, but it fun."

With a deep chuckle, Emily conceded, "For you maybe, but not the person who has to clean up the mess."

"Otay, me go get toys," advised Jarrod the instant Emily placed his feet on the floor.

Being afforded a short reprieve, Emily took the opportunity to use the toilet and brush her teeth before turning on the bath taps.

-o-

Maureen was in the kitchen attending to breakfast when Jarrod and Emily joined her some twenty minutes later.

"Welcome home dear," the older woman said in greeting.

"Thanks. Are Jill and Sam still asleep?" returned Emily as she embraced her mother in-law.

"Yes. Jarrod informed me his sister had a rough night?"

"I was so tired; I never heard a sound on the monitor."

"Me go play," announced Jarrod. "Me no wake mommy and Sama."

"Good boy," praised Emily while he took off. "How have the twins been?" she asked of Maureen.

"Little Man has been excellent while Samantha had three time outs for swearing at Grace and Jill."

"Darn, not the "F" word again?"

Frowning, Maureen explained, "I'm afraid so and Jill had a rather stern conversation with your mother two days ago."

"I guess it's better than misbehaving."

"True, but Jill was mortified when Sam said it in front of Charlie during dinner. It wasn't a very good first impression."

"Crap mom, how did he react?"

"He carried on as if he hadn't heard her."

Emily gave a small sigh of relief, "I look forward to meeting him and letting on that the potty mouth comes courtesy of my mother."

Laughing briefly, Maureen nodded, "Great, you'll have that chance when he returns with Grace tomorrow night and stays for dinner."

"Awesome and how has Jill been? She sounded a little sad last night when we spoke on the phone."

"It may have been as a result of her session with Chelsea yesterday morning. Jill was somewhat closed off when she arrived home."

"She didn't discuss it with you?" probed Emily with apprehension.

"No dear, she played with the kids then had a nap with them. She seemed preoccupied and went to bed after putting the twins to bed."

"I hope she talks to me about it."

"I do too Emily."

"Do you need a hand?"

"You can make the pancake batter please and I'm sure Jill will come around, so don't worry."

"Easier said than done," lamented Emily as she neared the pantry.

-o-

An out of sorts Jillian ate breakfast on auto-pilot and barely spoke two words before excusing herself to go shower. Emily made to follow her, but was waylaid by requests from the twins to play.

Two hours passed before Maureen took the children to visit Derek and Penelope for lunch and Emily was grateful for the break. She raced upstairs to find her wife curled up on their bed watching television.

"What are you doing hiding in here honey?" Emily inquired while taking a seat on the edge of the mattress.

"I'm not real good company at the moment."

"I can see that Jill. Do you want to talk about your chat with Chelsea?"

Without preamble, teardrops fell from the corners of blue eyes and Emily swiftly moved in and embraced Jillian, "Okay, obviously something is upsetting you and I am here to help."

Exhaling deeply, Jillian made eye contact, "Chelsea recommended I visit McCall and confront him if I want to be able to move on."

Pecking Jillian's forehead and lingering for a moment, Emily leaned back and locked onto dull eyes, "How do feel about that suggestion?"

A tortured expression took over Jillian's facial appearance, "I'm frigging scared to shit Em. I'm frightened I'll kill the bastard with my bare hands if given the opportunity and end up in prison."

If it was possible, Emily would have heard the sound of her own heart breaking, "Oh honey, I'm so sorry and I could always travel with you for support."

With a tiny grin, Jillian swiped away her tears, "I'd have to keep an eye on you then."

Returning the gesture, Emily pressed her head against Jillian's, "I'd be fine and would allow you to do all the talking."

"Are you sure?" inquired Jillian with a lack of confidence.

Reclining slightly, Emily stretched for Jillian's left hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, "My darling, I'd do anything to help you."

"Thank you Em. I realise I need to conquer this hurdle as part of my PTDS recovery and am so grateful for you. You are my strength baby and I feel guilty for having to lean on you so much."

Looking at her wife's weakened emotional state, Emily's heart mended as it filled with adoration, "Our relationship is an equal partnership Jill and I'll always be here for you; just as you have been for me over the years."

Cupping her fingers around Emily's jaw, Jillian's tears reappeared, "I'm so useless at the moment."

"You aren't useless at all. You've been fantastic with our children this week and provided a solid sounding board for me during a horrible case."

"I nearly bundled up the twins and flew to Odessa to see you."

Running fingertips over the two inch spikes on Jillian's scalp, Emily smirked at the confession, "It would have been a wonderful distraction." Her cardiac muscle stopped beating when her wife flinched. Swiftly retracting her hand, Emily asked, "You don't want to be touched?"

The self-hatred was obvious for all to see, "Sorry Em, I didn't mean to react like that; it wasn't a conscious response." Raising their combined fingers to face level, she continued, "See, I am fine with holding hands; guess it's just more evidence of how fucked up I have become."

Unable to stem the flow of her own tears, Emily let them run free, "It is okay honey and I understand your emotions are still raw from yesterday's session."

"I detest being on this rollercoaster Em," whispered Jillian.

"I know my darling and how has your stomach and spine been holding up with physio?"

Glad for the change of topic, Jillian once again wiped away her tears and gave a half-hearted smile, "Really good and Doctor Harvey said I should be well enough to return to desk duty by the New Year."

"That's excellent news Jill."

Silence filled the room for several moments before Jillian spoke, "Can we go on a date tonight?"

"Of course we can. Where would you like to go?"

"How about we have dinner at your favourite Italian restaurant followed by a movie?"

Although desperate to place her hand on Jillian's cheek, Emily nodded instead, "That sounds good and it's been a while since we went out."

"Yes and I'd like to do something normal."

'Normal is awesome my darling."

"Thank you Emily. I'm so glad you are home."

-o-

Date night ended with Emily and Jillian cuddling in bed around ten o'clock. The ambience was shattered when the word "fuck" was uttered by Samantha over the monitor. Turning on the bedside lamp, Emily grumbled, "This crap has to end." Sliding out of bed, she collected her robe and made for the door.

To her delight, Jillian was right behind her. Holding out her hand, Emily grinned like a village idiot when her wife took the offered appendage.

"Together baby," Jillian announced prior to goosing Emily.

"You know I like that idea and the tush grope was an added bonus," retorted Emily gleefully while entering the hallway.

-o-

Opening the children's bedroom door, Emily was not prepared for the sight of Samantha standing by the toy box smearing faeces over the wall.

Jillian immediately let go of Emily's hand and raced to the adjacent bathroom.

"What are you doing Sam?" enquired a hands on hips Emily.

Pivoting, a grinning toddler reached into her pyjama bottoms and pulled out another handful of material, "Me paint mama."

Jillian returned carrying several wash cloths and spray bottle of disinfectant, "Can you tell me why you are using pooh?"

Shrugging, Samantha raised her hand towards her mouth.

"Don't you dare Young Lady," warned Emily as she moved in and picked up her daughter. "Where did you get the idea to paint with your pooh?"

There was no delay in replying as the pair headed to the bathroom, "Grandma."

"I beg your pardon?" queried Emily with arched eyebrows.

"Grandma say you do it when a baby."

Emily was flabbergasted, "For Heaven's sake, I was four months old and in my crib."

Samantha's face scrunched up, "Me bad?"

"Yes you are and so is Grandma for saying naughty words around you."

"Me sorry mama; me stink."

"Yes you do and we are calling Grandma after I've given you a shower."

"You be mad at her?"

"Yes and why didn't you use the toilet?"

"Me funny mama."

Settling the child in the cubicle, Emily replied, "No Sam, you are not funny. This is unacceptable behaviour."

A gagging sound emitted from Samantha, "Stink mama."

Stripping off the soiled clothing, Emily removed her robe and reached for the water taps. Jillian wordlessly entered the room and gathered the items then departed for the laundry room.

Samantha directed her eyes upwards and pointed, "Boobies."

Ignoring the late night comedy routine, Emily closed the screen door and gathered up a wash cloth and bottle of body gel. Bending over, she commenced cleaning her child.

"Mama."

"Yes?"

"Fuck bad word?"

"Your mother, Grace and Nana have told you many times that it is."

"Why Grandma say it?"

"She's an adult and grown up."

"But naughty?"

"Yes."

"You say it?"

"I do sometimes, but not around children."

"Mommy too?"

"Only once or twice."

"Otay, no more say mama."

"I'm happy to hear that and no more pooh painting."

"Too stinky mama."

Emily avoided laughing by adding conditioner to Samantha's hair then rinsing it off. Her daughter continued her questions, "Mommy mad?"

"Yes she is and you are clean."

"Tanks mama, sorry."

Turning off the water, Emily opened the shower door and allowed Samantha out first, "Grab a towel Little Miss."

"Otay mama, me dry me."

"Good girl and seriously, you have to behave Sam."

"Me know. You still love me?"

Drying off, Emily helped her child, "Of course I do."

"Yay, me love you."

Knowing the answer before asking, Emily nevertheless looked to Samantha, "You're not sleepy, are you?"

"No mama."

"Then let's get you dressed, phone Grandma and I'll read you a story."

Doing a little happy dance, Samantha cheered, "Yay mama, me be good."

"We will see," resigned Emily while reaching for a fresh set of pyjamas left behind by Jillian.

-o-

Once Picasso's protégé was attired in Eeyore onesies, Emily donned flannel pyjamas and the duo joined Jillian in the laundry room.

"Me sorry mommy," announced Samantha upon arrival.

"I know and we are going to the study to call Grandma."

"Otay mommy. You mad at her?"

"Yes I am."

Emily held back a giggle when Jillian led Samantha down the corridor hand in hand and the youngster began to skip. She followed and leaned against the doorjamb as Jillian sat Samantha on her lap at the computer desk.

Pressing the speed dial for her mother in-law, Jillian listened to the ringtones before Elizabeth groggily answered, "Oh my god is everyone all right?"

"Yes they are, but your Granddaughter has some news for you." Placing the phone on speaker, Jillian prompted, "Go ahead Sweetie, tell Grandma what you did in your bedroom."

"Me painted with pooh," divulged Samantha with a touch of pride.

"What was that?" quizzed a flummoxed Ambassador.

Emily took over, "Samantha painted the wall with her pooh."

"Oh, heavens why?"

"You planted the idea in her head by telling her the story of when I was four months old."

A gasp could be heard on the line, "I'm terribly sorry Emily and Jillian."

"You will be mom. As an apology you can drive over here now and have Samantha for the rest of the night and tomorrow."

"Emily, it's nearly eleven."

"Yes it is and after an artful performance your Granddaughter is wired. Jillian and I are both exhausted and need sleep, so get over here and pick up your apprentice."

"All right, but I am staying at your house."

"Fine by us and please take on board what Jillian asked of you and don't swear in front of the kids again."

"Yes dear, I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

"I'll leave the front light on for you."

"Bye Grandma," applauded Samantha. "Yay play."

Yawning, Jillian hung up then pecked Samantha on the head, "Make sure you ask Grandma to play with all your toys."

"Me will mommy. Me ask her to make cupcakes too."

"Great idea Little Miss," agreed Jillian as she gave her wife a sideways glance and wink.

Emily chuckled in return.

-o-