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. Ill heath forced the delay in getting this instalment posted. Hope you enjoy the extra long chapter!


Chapter 57

Monday 10th December

Jillian and Maureen were busy making omelettes and waffles when Emily walked into the kitchen a little past seven o'clock. The twins were in their booster seats in the dining room babbling away to each other and suddenly stopped when Emily approached. She received a wave from each.

Kissing the children on the forehead, Emily returned to the kitchen and began ferrying dishes of prepared food to the table. "Eggs or waffles?" she asked.

Jarrod responded first, "Yummy eggs please mama."

"Me too mama," chimed in Samantha.

Placing the requested food in their bowls, Emily took her seat at the head of the table and gathered two waffles and diced fruit for herself. Jillian and Maureen joined the trio as Jarrod and Samantha enthusiastically tucked into their meals.

The adults discussed aspects of the Odessa case before Emily returned upstairs to finish dressing for work. She was delighted when Jillian ambled into the closet a few minutes later.

"Are you certain about the conversation we had earlier?" Emily enquired as she holstered her Glock.

A tentative smile appeared, "I have a hundred reservations babe, but we can't continue to live like this. I have a responsibility to you and our family to find peace with what happened to me."

Resting a comforting hand upon Jillian's right shoulder, Emily suggested, "I'll do all I can to help you Jill, so I'll reach out to Warden Tate when I get to the office." Giving her wife a lopsided grin, Emily continued, "I doubt he'll say no."

"Me too and I know you offered to be with me, but I think it would be best if McCall knew nothing of our personal life just in case."

Tears clouded Emily's eyes briefly as Jillian placed a hand over hers and squeezed, "I'll abide by your decision and remain outside the room."

"Thank you and I'll see you downstairs."

Emily put aside her desire to embrace Jillian and reached for her dark blue suit jacket instead. Apart from holding hands and cuddling over the weekend; Emily had not received any other method of intimacy from Jillian and it had ignited a tiny rage. It was now simmering inside her chest and she knew that was where it had to remain until Jillian dealt with her current situation. Thankfully, she had an early morning session with Chelsea, and Emily hoped her beloved wife would once again have the sparkle return to her lacklustre eyes.

-o-

Emily sauntered into the bullpen and was immediately greeted by Hotch who was perched on the corner of Reid's desk, "Good morning Chief Prentiss."

"Good morning Section Chief, how was your weekend?"

His reply was accompanied with an eye roll, "Hectic, there was an unexpected visit from the future in-laws."

"How are Gordon and Felicia?" asked Emily behind a brilliant smile.

"They are in good health and staying until after Christmas."

Unable to help herself, Emily retorted, "By your facial expression, I gather that was unscheduled too?"

"Very much so and Beth has been nothing but apologetic. Jack on the other hand, is enjoying being spoilt by them."

"I bet and I'll let Jill and Maureen know there will be two extra for Christmas Day."

"I appreciate you taking them in on such short notice, and speaking of Jill, how is she doing?

Emily's smile lessened, "To be honest I'm worried about her." She went on to disclose her concerns and Jillian's plans.

"I'm sorry to hear that Emily. When the time comes; I'll stand in for you if the Team needs to travel."

"Thank you for the offer Aaron and heaven only knows how the visit will end up affecting Jill."

Leaning in, Aaron placed a comforting hand upon Emily's left, "Let's remain optimistic and supportive."

Taking a calming breath, Emily recommended, "It's all we can do. As you are here early, can I assume the Team has a new case?"

Letting go, Hotch grinned, "No, I received a postcard from Dave and Erin and thought I'd share it with everyone."

"Where are the roaming couple?"

"They are in Sicily and having a wonderful time. Poor Erin didn't realise just how many relatives Dave has and is overwhelmed."

Giggling briefly, the conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Derek and Penelope. Shortly afterwards, Alex, Jennifer and Spencer joined the foursome and Aaron shared his news of Dave and Erin's great adventures before the Agents commenced various consults. Emily gathered up her "go to" bag and made for her office.

-o-

Dispensing with overnight e-mails, Emily sought out the phone number for Warden Mitchell Tate. Her call was answered by his Personal Assistant then transferred.

"Good morning Chief Prentiss. How may I assist you?"

"Good morning Warden. I was hoping to arrange a visit between Prisoner McCall and one of my Agents?"

"Let me guess, SSA Rolston?"

"You are correct."

"Am I right in assuming it is of a personal nature and not an official matter?"

"You would be spot on again."

"I see no problem with your request. Do you have a specific day and time in mind?"

"No, not at this stage Warden."

"I could set something up as early as this afternoon if that suits Agent Rolston? I am sure she is eager to deal with the whole sordid event as soon as possible."

A sob caught in Emily's throat before she answered, "She is and I truly appreciate your cooperation."

"It is the least I can do under the circumstances, and please inform Agent Rolston to be here by three o'clock."

"I will and will also be accompanying her for the trip."

"I look forward to seeing you both, safe travels Chief Prentiss." With those well wishes, the Warden hung up.

Emily took a moment to even out her rapidly beating heart and cease her anxiety over her wife's upcoming reaction to being face to face with her torturer again. That concern returned when Jillian appeared outside her office doorway ninety minutes later.

A somewhat dishevelled blonde walked through the threshold and it was obvious she had been crying. Emily instantly sprang out of her chair and approached with an aching heart inside a tight chest cavity.

Jillian raised her left hand and smiled, "I'm fine Em. I've just come from Aaron's office and was a tad overcome with emotion."

Relieved her wife's current state wasn't as a direct result of her session at the hospital, Emily gave her a grin, "Well hello and what upset you then?" Reaching out, she clasped Jillian's right hand.

Pulling her spouse onto her torso, Jillian gushed, "These were tears of joy my love. I'm so happy for Dave and Erin and I've been cleared for desk duty as of next Monday by Doctor Harvey."

"Oh my goodness, that is fantastic news honey," murmured Emily in between pecks to Jillian's jawline.

"It is and I can resume jogging today."

Leaning back and making eye contact, Emily purred, "It will be nice to have your company again."

"Likewise babe, but for now, I have to release you and go see Chelsea." Doing just that, Jillian clasped Emily's hand.

In return, her wife announced, "I spoke to Warden Tate earlier and your visit is booked in for three this afternoon."

"Excellent and thanks for organising that. I am so ready to deal with McCall."

To say Emily's cardiac muscle did a backflip was an understatement, "I'm so glad to hear you say that and the jet will be ready and waiting."

"Awesome, I'll be here by one."

"See you then and be safe."

"I always try to." Tilting in, Jillian gave Emily's left cheek a kiss before departing.

The BA Unit Chief was left a grinning fool and it took her several minutes to get back into work mode.

-o-

Jillian sat straight backed on the fixed metal chair and waited patiently for Inmate McCall to be escorted into the room usually reserved for legal or Police interviews. Exhaling deeply, she settled her apprehension and focused on the signage informing prisoners to keep from using offensive language. Jillian actually allowed herself a titter while thinking how that was an obsolete warning. She was certain there would be a fair amount of cussing about to be voiced in the not too distant future.

Hours beforehand, Jillian and Chelsea had discussed this very moment and reality was giving the Agent's previous stoic resolve a run for its money. The bravado ebbed; only to be replaced by doubt and dread. Of course, those emotions had been hammered out in depth and Jillian had to dig deep once more to control her urge to flee. Warring internally, she imagined the last words said to her in Warden Tate's office by Emily, "You have the strength within you."

Fortified, Jillian gripped her knees under the table when the sound of McCall's whinging was heard outside the entrance. He was complaining the handcuffs were too tight.

Jillian grinned when a gruff voice answered his complaint, "Suck it up Prisoner Nobody."

"Fook ya," protested McCall with all the charm Jillian had been expecting.

The steel enforced door opened and an Officer stepped inside. The tall, athletically built, dark haired male stood to the left side and the shackled McCall was ushered to the opposite side of the desk by a similarly sized blond.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the delicious Agent Rolston come to see me," spruiked a smirking prisoner while being restrained respectively by his wrists and ankles to the metal bars fixed to the table and floor.

"Thank you Officers," Jillian said in a firm tone.

Once the two guards withdrew, the Agent's demeanour remained professional, "It is not for your benefit that I am here Inmate McCall."

Cocking a grey left eyebrow, McCall smugly questioned, "No? And here I thought ya wanted to continue our last interaction. Ya know, I dream of ya often and wake with a mighty erection."

Outside in the adjacent control room, Emily's hands formed into fists as she observed the monitor. Mitchell Tate cleared the room of Officers; realising what was about to be said was not for other's to hear or witness.

To Emily's delight, Jillian scoffed, "My dreams of you end with you suffering a horrible death befitting the piece of shit that you are."

"Now, now, is that any way for a lady to talk?"

"I'm no lady dirt bag," returned Jillian deadpan.

McCall ran the tip of his tongue around his lips before delivering his next salvo or two, "I can still recall the taste of ya sweet tits and coont. I've relived the moment time after time. When I escaped the warehouse, I sucked on the finger that opened ya coont and it was delectable. Does ya husband fook ya well Agent Rolston? Does he appreciate how fooking beautiful ya are? Does the man treat ya like a good whore or did I spoil it for him by ruining ya? I bet ya are a faithful slave to your old man's cock?"

Jillian's inner rage was being matched by Emily's and the latter's eyes filled with tears as she did all she could not to burst into the room and pommel the disgusting excuse for a human.

Refusing to give in to the turmoil roiling around her mind, Jillian stayed calm, "My personal life is none of your concern. It never was and never will be. I'll admit your treatment of me broke me, but I've healed physically and mentally from your depravity. Your words do not wound me and I wanted you to know you no longer have any control over me. I've managed to rise above the lowest point of my life and you won't be anything but a speck of shit on the sole of my boot." Jillian didn't hear the cheer Emily emitted as she continued, "My life will go on whereas yours will come to an inglorious end. I will be sitting in the front row right here in this facility when the day of your execution arrives. Beside me will be my supporting and loving spouse and colleagues. You won't miss us; we'll be the ones applauding the demise of a hateful, deceitful and lonely monster. You have no friends, no family, no freedom and no love. I have all those things in abundance. I do not fear you, nor I can barely summon the interest to pity you."

Standing, Jillian rounded the table and glared down at the emotionless man and closed her left hand into a fist. Gathering all her strength, she punched her nemesis square on the jaw. The blow caused McCall's chair to rock back and for him to strain against the restraints.

Wordlessly, SSA Rolston moved to the exit and turned the handle. To her delight, Emily was ahead in the corridor waiting. Both smiled before heartily thanking Tate and the Officers.

-o-

Emily waited for Jillian to speak during the one hour and twenty minute flight to Quantico, but had to be content until they reached home. As the couple alighted from their Suburban, Jillian jogged around to Emily and draped hands on her hips and sighed, "I appreciate you allowing me the time to process what happened."

"I will do anything for you honey."

A humongous smile greeted those words, "I'm pleased it is done and dusted and am eager to move on with my incredible family."

Emily beamed, "Good and your mother cooked meatloaf for dinner."

"We are fortunate babe and I believe I can hear two scallywags at the kitchen door. You and I can talk over today's events in private later."

Placing a gentle kiss upon her wife's forehead, Emily whispered, "I look forward to it Jill."

-o-

Entering the house, Emily and Jillian knelt and gathered a child each into their embrace while a tearful Maureen looked on.

Pecking Samantha's brow, Jillian asked, "Did you behave for Nana Little Miss?"

There was vigorous nodding of the head, "Yes mommy, me be good."

"Well done, love you," replied a proud mother.

"Love you mommy."

Squeals of joy filled the room as the twins traded places and received more hugs and praise. It continued throughout dinner and carried over into storybook time.

Jillian had a conversation with Maureen prior to retiring to the main bedroom and finding Emily already in bed reading.

"How did your chat go honey?" enquired Emily while bookmarking the novel.

"Oh you know, tears and laughter and a whole barrel of relief."

"Awesome and expect more when you join me."

"Yes Chief," quipped Jillian before walking into the ensuite. "Right on it."

A wide smile ghosted Emily's lips and a certain part of her anatomy tingled with hope and a smidgen of desire. Knowing her paramour was emotionally raw, she quelled her arousal by crossing her legs at the ankles and closing her eyes. Surprisingly, she drifted off and was startled awake when Jillian removed the book from her hand.

"Crap honey, sorry."

"Don't be babe. It's been a huge day for us and we can talk in the morning."

"I am so in love with you," Emily remarked as she cupped Jillian's face with both hands.

"As I am with you Em, goodnight."

Although she understood why there was an absence of a kiss, Emily was nonetheless disappointed.

-o-

The opportunity to converse about the visit with McCall didn't present itself for the remainder of the week due to the Team being called interstate to Boise, Idaho to investigate a double murder with connections to a case in Miami. A breakthrough occurred Friday morning and the Unit flew home early Sunday.

Once a debrief had been given, Emily rushed home in time to eat breakfast with the twins before they were whisked off by Maureen and Malcolm for a play date and lunch with Elizabeth. Jillian took care of the dishes while Emily showered.

Dressing in linen pants and a faded FBI tee shirt, Emily bounded down the stairs to discover a similarly attired Jillian perched on the lounge reading the newspaper. Taking a seat beside her, Emily lowered her head onto Jillian's shoulder.

"Anything interesting?" she asked.

Folding up the reading material, Jillian discarded it onto the low table, "Oh, just the usual doom and gloom." Reaching for Emily, she hauled her onto her upper body, "I'm happy to have you home."

"Mmm, I missed you."

"Back at you and your devil spawn didn't play up once."

The look of disbelief on Emily's face said it all, "Shit, really?"

Chuckling, Jillian nodded, "I kid you not babe. Little Miss has been a delight as has been Jarrod."

"Phew, hopefully it will continue."

"We can only hope and I think my return to duty tomorrow will be a tester."

"I agree and Will has the day off tomorrow, so he is visiting with Henry."

"Our kids will love that."

"Yes and don't be shocked to find cake at tomorrow's briefing."

"Courtesy of Penny no doubt," guessed a grinning Jillian.

"You got it."

Jillian took hold of Emily's left hand, "Seems as mom went to the trouble of leaving us alone, we should chat about McCall."

Snuggling in closer, Emily was ready, "I'm listening honey, but first I want you to know how proud I am of you."

"Thanks and I'm exceedingly proud of you too. I half expected you to come hurtling into the interview room and go bat shit on McCall's ass."

"Trust me, I was extremely tempted on more than one occasion, but I could see you had everything under control."

"There was no way I was handing him that power again. We have all worked much too hard to allow him to interfere in our lives anymore."

"You did an amazing job honey and by the expression on his face when you left; he received your message loud and clear. It was the first time I'd ever seen him display any dismay."

"Good. Now time to catch up on the rest of the week. I had three sessions with Chelsea while you were in the field and she was happy to cut back my appointments to once a week."

Sitting up, Emil's eyes filled with tears, "Oh that is great progress Jill."

Pools of blue glistened, "It is and more importantly, there have been no nightmares."

Emily's pulse quickened, "Since last Sunday?"

"Yes, so I'm elated about that development."

"Crap, I'm so sorry we didn't have a chance to discuss this beforehand honey."

"It is all right babe. Everything has basically returned to normal, and I'm so ready to resume work. Doctor Harvey recommended only one week behind my desk before I recommence full duty."

The astonishment in Emily's voice was hard to miss, "You've seen him again this week?"

"I've been kind of busy and saw him Wednesday. I asked for a more suitable workout regime to compliment the morning jogging and he was stunned when I told him I'd been lifting light weights without trouble. He readjusted my gym plan and I started it Thursday without any twinges."

Emily couldn't help but cheer, "Well done honey. You are awesome."

"You make me that way Em and I'm forever grateful."

"Oh no, I'm the one who is grateful. It will be so fantastic to drive into work with you."

Leaning over, Jillian purred into Emily's right ear, "I'm looking forward to taking a run with you then having a shower together and making you scream out my name."

The words sent shivers of pure delight up and down the recipient's spine and there may have been a moistening of her labia before she gulped, "Oh dear god, I've missed that particular part of our morning routine."

Placing warm lips upon the flesh of her wife's neck, Jillian whispered in between kisses, "I have too and would like to take you to bed right now."

Emily was certain one more word from her beloved would send her over the ledge and spiralling into an orgasm. She replied with a low moan as she was unable to form words into a sentence.

Withdrawing, Jillian let go and stood, "Race you upstairs Missus Rolston/Prentiss; I hope you've waxed recently."

Forcing down another wave of euphoria, Emily jumped up and chased after Jillian, "Yes, two days ago. The hotel we stayed in had a special offer on massages and beauty treatments. J.J., Alex and Penny took up the deal too."

Halfway up the staircase, Jillian halted and turned around, "Yay for me and it sounds like all the ladies of the BA Unit were expecting some loving from their partners today."

"Maybe you are onto something there Jill."

"I be thinking I am and be prepared my love; we have plenty of catching up to do."

"Music to my ears," gushed Emily before goosing her wife's firm left buttock. The act initiated some lengthy foreplay on the top landing that eventually led to the bedroom.

-o-

Clothes were stripped from one another as keen lips and hands made light contact with body parts. Emily was beyond ready to explode by the time Jillian carefully lowered her to the mattress and positioned herself over her spouse's frame. Fevered kisses ensued as the pair reacquainted themselves physically before a hand cradled Emily's right breast. She climaxed the nanosecond Jillian softly teased the turgid nipple. Emily's body convulsed with rapture while Jillian deepened their lip lock.

Pushing up, Emily found purchase with Jillian's core and both received release after several measured thrusts. Breaking the kiss, Jillian locked onto glazed orbs of melted chocolate and laughed.

"Making love with you fills my heart with so much love that I can't get enough of you," she uttered in between giggles.

"That was beautiful honey, but doesn't explain why you are chuckling."

"Sorry Em. I'm a little light headed," replied Jillian while realigning slightly and pressing into Emily's swollen clitoris. "Shit woman, you feel so bloody good."

"Mmm, love your romantic words," countered Emily as she lifted a fraction.

A lazy cadence was set and Jillian growled from the back of her throat, "I told your mother I was going to take her daughter and devour her."

Without losing pace, Emily questioned, "You didn't?"

"I did and I'm giggling because she suggested you knock me up real good."

Bursting into her own fit of laughter, Emily held on tight, "I think that's a brilliant idea."

"That's great because we have an appointment with a Doctor Quinn for seven o'clock tomorrow night at the hospital."

"Nice segue honey and wow," blurted out Emily as she began to tremble.

Picking up speed, Jillian crushed her mouth to Emily's and ceased all dialogue.

-o-

Countless orgasms and one shared bath later, Emily and Jillian were spooning naked on the couch after replenishing their energy with a bowl of homemade pumpkin soup.

"When are the children expected home?" asked a relaxed Emily as Jillian tangled fingers with the back of her hair.

"Mom said around three, so we have plenty of time."

"Mmm, sounds good to me. How are you feeling honey?"

"Sleepy, but ever so satisfied."

"Would you like to move to our bed in case we fall asleep?"

"Okay. I'll take care of the dishes if you want to head on up and change the sheets?"

"You have yourself a deal Jill."

Pecking the left side of her wife's shoulder, Jillian declared, "I love you so much."

"I love you too and have really enjoyed today."

"It's not over yet babe and I do plan on dirtying the linen again."

Emily let out a groan, "Oh goodness, I nearly forgot how insatiable you can be."

"Only for my sexy and remarkable wife who by the way, has been extraordinarily patient with me."

"I would do it all again Jill if it led us to this moment."

'You are the best Em," mumbled Jillian while suckling on firm skin and gently caressing Emily's left hip.

Losing herself heart and soul to the touch, Emily moaned and changing location was put on hold.

-o-