TITLE: Criminal Minds – "Darkest Days" (A sequel to Behind the Mask)
A/N: Please find the time to review and feed the Muse.
Chapter 58
Grace and Charlie joined the Rolston/Prentiss family for Sunday dinner and the twins continued to display immaculate behaviour. That fact was discussed between their parents once they settled in bed. The lights were extinguished and Emily's head was resting against Jillian's chest. She sighed contently before speaking, "When is your appointment with Chelsea this week?"
"Eight o'clock, why?"
"I'd like to join you if I'm not out in the field."
"Is there any particular reason?"
"I would like to ask her a few questions?"
"Concerning me?" queried Jillian in a higher octave.
"Yes honey and you are so cute when you worry."
Jillian chuckled briefly, "Really?"
Gripping the cotton material of her wife's tee shirt, Emily confessed, "Don't be alarmed honey. I just want to know if there is anything else I can do to assist you."
Jillian pecked the crown of Emily's head, "That's very sweet of you and are you also going to enquire if Samantha's attitude adjustment stems from the fact I have settle?"
"Yes and I love it when we are on the same wave length."
"Me too and I was going to broach the subject myself, but it would be nicer to have you there with me."
Tracing fingertips across the faint scar on her wife's rib cage, Emily started to weep, "I'm so happy Jill."
"Then why are you crying babe?"
"Happy tears my love. We have had to struggle so much, but have made it through all the shit thrown at us."
"That was very eloquent Chief Prentiss and here's to us for persevering."
"Always Jill and now, please make love to me."
"I like your idea of celebrating Em."
-o-
Monday 17th December
Jillian digested the last of her chocolate sponge cake while ogling Penelope. It had been two weeks since she'd had personal contact with the Analyst and the subtle changes caught her eye. Tossing the plastic plate and fork into the nearest trash can, Jillian walked over to her friend and gave her a hug, "Thanks for the welcome back and girl, you are looking extra fine today."
Giggling, Penelope stepped out of the clinch, "Why thank you and Derek has been good for me."
"That's evident and congratulations mama bear."
Shock registered on the blonde's face, "Holy Batman, how did you know? We haven't informed anyone yet."
"Your boobs are fuller since I saw you last and your tummy is slightly rounded."
"Damn you are good and we plan on making an announcement Christmas Day. I'm six weeks along and beyond excited."
"I won't say a word and you and Derek will be kickass parents."
"Thanks Jill and it's awesome to have you back."
Looking around the otherwise empty room, Jillian responded, "I've missed the place and I'll give you a hand cleaning up since the others had to take off."
"Thank you again my Blonde Bombshell."
Smiling at the nickname, Jillian told Penelope about her and Emily's plans for another baby while tidying up the breakroom.
"Shut the front door," screamed Penelope as Emily entered the room.
"You two might want to can the festivities and join the Team in the Briefing Room," she said sternly with a frown.
"What's going on My Chief?" asked Penelope as she followed the no nonsense brunette out the door.
"AUSA Palmer is here to address the Unit."
Jillian caught her wife's right hand, "Is this about McCall?"
"I have no idea Agent Rolston."
Noting Emily was in complete work mode, Jillian dropped her hold and Penelope whispered, "Crap. McCall's trial is due to commence at ten this morning. Freaky Friday, this can't be a coincidence."
Nodding, Jillian concurred, "Opening statements are scheduled and there's no way Palmer would be allowing his second chair to deliver the speech to the jury while he dropped in here."
Emily remained silent as the women joined the others and swiftly found a seat. Jillian studied Rodney's face and detected surprise. Her chest tightened and she looked to Emily for reassurance. The smile she received did the trick and she calmed instantly.
Palmer cleared his throat and began, "I apologise for the interruption, but I have several updates."
Derek showed his impatience, "Go ahead man, you have a captive audience." Surveying the room, he added, "Where is Hotch?"
"Your Section Chief has been informed of the developments and is currently talking to your Director."
"Please tell us McCall topped himself?" urged Penelope hopefully.
"No," responded Palmer sharply. "That is not the case."
"What a shame; we could have celebrated with the leftover cake," lamented Reid straight-faced.
"Okay people," started Emily, somewhat impatiently. "Let AUSA Palmer speak so we can be on our way."
"Thank you Chief Prentiss. As you are aware, the Fugitive Retrieval Team has been tracking Frank Bickmore for weeks and they finally apprehended him in Bora Bora yesterday."
The room filled with a collective cheer at the news.
"That will certainly strengthen your case against McCall," pointed out Alex.
"He won't be giving evidence against McCall," stated Palmer.
"Say what?" protested Derek with distaste.
"Bickmore will go to trial next month, but the case against McCall has been closed."
"What?" demanded Jennifer and Spence in unison.
Standing, Emily took up position beside Palmer, "Okay, let Rodney finish. I'm sure he has a perfectly good explanation, you do, right?"
"I do. Agent Rolston's visit to Lee Penitentiary last Monday had an unexpected consequence. My office received a call from McCall's Attorney an hour ago asking to meet with me as soon as possible; preferably before ten o'clock."
"He's dead," voiced Penelope, more as wishful thinking than a statement.
Eyeing the colourfully dressed blonde, Rodney smiled, "No, but he did change his plea to guilty thirty minutes ago and will be sentenced at four this afternoon."
Sighs of relief and applause echoed off the walls. Getting to her feet, Jillian commented, "Thank crap I don't have to face that prick for his amusement in court." With that announced, she exited the room.
Emily quickly spoke to the AUSA before racing after her wife. She located her in the bullpen sitting behind her desk reading a consult file.
As she approached, Jillian glanced up, "Well, that was fantastic news."
"It was. Are you okay?"
"I'm great Chief Prentiss and totally pleased I won't have to relive my kidnapping and assault in a Courtroom filled with curious onlookers."
With her features softening, Emily sighed, "I am too Agent Rolston."
"Now that we have that cleared, do you mind if I get back to this consult?"
Taken aback by the abruptness, Emily enquired, "Are you pissed at me because I was in full on Chief mode when I collected you and Penelope from the breakroom?"
Not daring to look at her superior, Jillian answered, "No, just wanting to continue my work."
Emily's heart sank at the rebuff, "I apologise for upsetting you."
"There is no requirement Chief Prentiss; work is work and home is home. The two should never be confused, and it is I who apologises for crossing the line."
"Fine, have it your way Agent Rolston, but this topic will be discussed at a more convenient time."
"Yes ma'am," consented Jillian. "You better hurry or you will miss your plane to Dallas."
There was a hive of activity around the duo as the others gathered their bags and equipment for the flight to Texas. Jillian excused herself and headed to the nearest restroom while Emily returned to her office to prepare for the triple homicide committed in the early hours of the morning. There was no time to delve into the reasons behind Jillian's brashness and that put a sting in Emily's tail.
-o-
Jillian was picking at the chicken pasta she had made the previous night when Hotch entered the breakroom and retrieved his own lunch from the refrigerator. Taking a seat beside the blonde, he enquired, "How is your first day back going?"
Sipping from a bottle of chilled spring water, Jillian swallowed before answering, "Pretty busy with the backlog of consults."
"They do have a habit of piling up, don't they?"
"Yes, but I have managed to clear three quarters of the cases."
Black eyebrows crawled up Aaron's forehead, "That is fairly impressive Jill."
"Thanks."
"The Team will be pleased to come back to empty desks at the rate you are going."
"I am sure they will be. If you will excuse me, I'll get back to it?"
"You are excused and we will talk later."
Getting to her feet, Jillian cleared her uneaten meal and returned to her desk.
-o-
Finishing work at five, Jillian called for a taxi and left the SUV in the underground garage for Emily to use when she arrived back from Dallas. There had been no contact from her during the course of the day and Jillian was not surprised. The Team had hit the ground running after their flight, and even Aaron was waiting for an update. Once she walked into the kitchen, Jillian was greeted by two enthusiastic children and one pleasantly pleased mother. Dinner time was followed by baths before Jillian made a dash to the hospital for her appointment with Doctor Quinn.
She arrived home in time for storybook time and had sent Emily a text asking if she was in a position to join them via Skype, but had received no reply.
Securing the house, Jillian turned in for the evening after checking on the twins and giving them both a lingering peck on the temple. Overtired, she drifted off and didn't wake until the alarm sounded at six the next morning.
After a five mile run, Jillian returned to a quiet house and prepared a breakfast consisting of yoghurt and fresh fruit before there was an appearance from Maureen and Grace.
Once the children were awake, there was a mad frenzy following the normal morning routine until a dark blue pants suit attired Jillian bid farewell and drove Emily's Cruize sedan to Quantico.
-o-
Finishing off the remaining consults by ten, Jillian found her way to Penelope's lair soon afterwards.
"Hey sweetie, how you doing?" greeted the effervescent blonde while typing away on the keyboard.
"I'm fine and you?"
"I'd be better if the Team contacted me."
Surprised by the news, Jillian enquired, "Oh, they haven't checked in yet?"
"No, the last I heard from them was at the five yesterday just before I left for home. Derek advised me he expected them to be working through the night. Apparently evidence had been contaminated and no one was happy to have to reanalyse the unaffected pieces from the crime scenes. There was a fair amount of tension between the locals and the Team." Turning in her chair, Penelope stared at Jillian and noted the lack of recognition, "Haven't you heard from your Brown Eyed Girl?"
"There has been no word."
Gesturing to her friend's face, Penelope pointed out, "That would explain your scowl then."
There was a slight smile from Jillian, "It would and Emily and I had words before she left."
"Tell me about it?"
"Not much to say except I was a little annoyed at her professional persona while ushering us to the Briefing Room and her lack of communication."
Blonde eyebrows arched, "Yeah that surprised me too."
"I thought Palmer could have spoken to Emily and me in private before informing the rest of the Team. I felt kind of ambushed the whole time and was overwhelmed by the news."
"I'm with you so far Jill. Maybe Emily was pissed too and didn't have the opportunity to discuss it with you alone."
Jillian shook her head, "That's possible apart from the fact she could have used the time before departure to chat with me instead of having her work broomstick up her ass."
"Oh, I think there is more to this anger from you then just Palmer."
Tears welled behind blue eyes, "Emily was supposed to ask Aaron to fill in for her so we could attend our appointment with Doctor Quinn last night. She totally forgot about it."
"Shit, that blows and Emily's mind was preoccupied honey."
"Some days I dislike the fact work takes priority," bemoaned Jillian while wiping away an errant teardrop.
Reaching out, Penelope squeezed Jillian's left arm, "Uhm, in this case, it shouldn't. Did you keep the appointment?"
"I did and have some tests scheduled for tonight."
"Fantastic. Is Doctor Quinn the Medicine Woman optimistic?"
Allowing herself a laugh, Jillian joked, "Faith Quinn is nothing like her name sake from television except she is really intelligent and has a good bedside manner."
"Well that is good to know."
"We'll know more after the results are in."
"Best of luck and I'm sure Emily is unhappy about missing it."
"Who knows? Is there anything I can help you with? I'm done with the consults and eager to lend a hand."
A smile spread across Penelope's lips, "Pull up a seat and run a maintenance program through my backup computer my Blonde Bombshell."
Happy for the distraction, Jillian headed for the aforementioned system, "You got it my Goddess."
-o-
Emily and Jennifer ambled into their twin bed hotel room and stowed their bags on the mattresses.
"I am too exhausted to shower," complained Emily as she collapsed onto the bed nearest the bathroom.
"I am too, but I stink after two days of chasing after fruitless evidence and dealing with a less then helpful Chief of Police."
"I hear you and you go ahead while I order us some dinner."
"I'll take a burger, fries and a chocolate shake; I need the carbs and protein after missing lunch."
"Sounds good, I'll have the same."
Once the order was placed, Emily called Jillian and received no reply. She phoned the landline next and Maureen answered after three rings.
"Rolston/Prentiss household, Maureen speaking."
"Hey mom, it's Emily. I hope I didn't wake you?"
"No dear I was still up. Why did you call on the house phone?"
"I tried Jill's cell but it is out of service."
"Oh, she's at the hospital and would have turned it off."
Alarmed at the news, Emily hesitated, "Oh crap, is everyone okay?"
"Yes, the kids are safe and sound asleep upstairs and Jill is having tests done."
"Tests?"
The penny dropped for Maureen and explained her daughter's current surliness, "You forgot, didn't you?"
Emily certainly had, "Oh shit, Doctor Quinn was last night."
"She was and I gather your case is a difficult one?"
"It is and I am a terrible wife."
Maureen tittered before engaging, "No, just a busy one. Jill understands the demands of the job and I suggest you call back here in thirty minutes. Our girl should be home by then."
"I will and thanks mom."
"You are welcome dear and Samantha and Jarrod used a new word today."
"Oh god, please don't tell me they swore again."
"No, they actually started using "I" instead of "me"."
"Phew, that is a relief and totally awesome."
"True and you sound tired Emily."
"I'm wrecked and in desperate need of a shower."
"Then I'll let you go, take care."
"You too, love you."
"Love you too."
As Emily disconnected, a refreshed Jennifer exited the bathroom dressed in blue with white stripes flannel pyjamas and headed towards the air conditioner controls, "I'm cranking up the heat."
"Good idea and food will be here in ten, so I am off to wash off the smell of frustration."
-o-
Once the two Agents had eaten, both phoned their spouses. Jillian was swift in answering, "Hey Em, mom told me you called earlier."
"Hi and yes I did. I'm so sorry I wasn't with you for Doctor Quinn."
There was moment of silence before Jillian responded, "I could have done with you by my side."
"Shit, how bad was it?"
"I missed having your hand to hold while a complete stranger was hands deep in my vagina."
Unsure if her wife was being amusing or brutally honest, Emily chose to remain quiet.
"It was unpleasant to say the least," continued Jillian. "I struggled."
There was no presence of humour in Jillian's tone and Emily held back tears, "Did the examination trigger thoughts of your assault?"
"Not after I imagined better times with you."
"Oh honey, I apologise for having my head up my ass yesterday morning."
"Accepted and I was none too pleased with Palmer making the announcement in front of the entire Team. I felt you and I deserved to be informed in private. He was totally impersonal and I was not impressed."
"I agree and admit I was caught off guard with his handling of the situation by notifying Hotch first."
A sigh escaped from the other end of the line, "I don't like that there was a distance created between us when all I needed was to embrace my wife and discuss the matter out of the view of prying eyes."
"I'm sorry there was no opportunity for us."
"You could have taken me to your office during the time we exchanged words at my work station."
"I'm a shitty wife."
Jillian relieved the building tension with a chuckle, "Why yes you are and I anticipate copious amounts of ass kissing when you get home."
"Ma'am, yes ma'am."
"Good. Now say goodnight and go to bed."
"I'm already there and I love you madly."
"Yes you do and I love you more."
"Hug the babies for me and I can't wait to be home to hear more about Doctor Quinn's opinion."
"Me too, night Em."
Unfortunately, that conversation was delayed with Emily and the Team arriving home late Friday night. Their UNSUB had finally be identified that morning and subsequently captured in Abilene hours later.
-o-
Emily crept into a darkened kitchen then made her way upstairs to the twin's bedroom. As she hovered over Jarrod, his eyes opened and he reached for her. Her heart melted as she gathered him in her arms and moved to the rocking chair. Settling him against her chest and lap, Emily draped a nearby blanket over them then lovingly raked fingers through her son's wavy blond hair.
"I missed you mama."
"I missed you more Little Man."
"Mommy sad and cried."
Alarmed her wife had received unfavourable test results, silent tears fell from Emily's eyes, "We'll make her happy in the morning sweetie."
"Otay mama. You get the bad man?"
"Yes."
"Yay for you."
Laying a kiss on the top of Jarrod's head, Emily smiled, "Will you help me make mommy's favourite breakfast?"
"Yes mama and Sama too? She sleepy cos we played at Grandma's with Nana."
"Did you have fun?"
"I did. Can Serg come live with us mama?"
"Would you like that sweetie?"
"I love him. Penny and Der miss him?"
"I think they would."
"Oh, he better stay with them. No make them cry."
Astonished by his compassion, Emily pecked Jarrod's crown once more, "That is very kind of you."
A soft giggle was heard, "I am a good boy. Grandma says so."
"She is a wise woman."
"You funny mama."
"Thanks. Why aren't you asleep like your sister?"
"I had a big nap after yummy food."
"At lunch?"
"Yes mama. Grandma made hottie dogs, they berry good."
Amused by his description of a first time meal, Emily chuckled, "Did you see Grandma cook or was it Katie in the kitchen?"
Eyes opened wider as Jarrod leaned back to look up at Emily, "Grandma done it mama. I like red and yellow sauce bestest."
Running a palm over the toddler's brow, Emily explained, "That would be mustard and ketchup sweetie."
"Otay, it yummy. Made my belly happy."
Emily's grin was infectious as her son smiled back, "Gosh, it's my favourite."
"Mommy too?"
"Yes Little Man and how about we have hot dogs for lunch tomorrow?"
"Yay, yay," cheered Jarrod before yawning.
"You can help me pick them out at the grocery store in the morning."
"Sama too?"
"Yes baby, we can all go."
Mother and son chatted for another six minutes before Jarrod succumbed to slumber's call. Emily tenderly tucked him into his bed then went to the master bedroom. After securing her weapon and equipment, she showered and slipped into bed after ten minutes of hot water indulgence.
-o-
Feather light caresses played a rhythm along the length of Emily's backbone and stirred her awake, "Are those talented fingers of yours planning on removing my pyjamas and having their way with me?"
In reply, a naked Jillian pressed into Emily and a hand slithered under her top and towards a pert nipple. Gently tugging the node, Jillian groaned, "I love you and missed you so much."
"I love you honey and that feels wonderful."
"I adore your nipples."
"Oh, they are pretty fond of you," moaned out Emily prior to discarding her shirt.
Flicking the stiff teat, Jillian whimpered into her wife's ear then began pecking the exposed skin on offer in front of her, "Best start to the day ever."
"You will get no argument from me darling and my bottoms are soaked."
"Yum, I better take them off you in that case."
"I think you should and aren't I supposed to be sucking up to you?"
Within seconds Jillian stripped them from Emily and resumed spooning her from behind, "I couldn't wait. We have an hour and a half before we can expect the kids to wake, so I plan on taking my time."
Reaching behind, Emily entangled fingers with blonde tresses, "Mmm, you are doing marvellously so far; I'm about to come."
With measured pulls and twists, Jillian had Emily climaxing rapidly and rolling into another as her body shook and convulsed.
"Oh dear god Jill, keep going honey."
Jillian did as requested before Emily searched for her hand and guided it to her labia. The invitation was readily accepted as deft fingertips slid in between sodden folds. Seeking out the rigid clitoris, Jillian encircled the base while raising her own leg and draping it over Emily's right hip. Pushing in, she found contact with a firm buttock and growled, "Love you Em."
Emily was lost in the combined rapture engulfing them both, "That's it my love, together."
"Nearly there my Goddess," commented Jillian as her digits penetrated her wife with steady thrusts. "You are so beautiful babe and all I'll ever need."
The reunited lovers tensed within seconds of each other as release washed over them with the intensity of a tidal wave. Remaining inside Emily, Jillian guaranteed another round of lovemaking ensued and their remaining time was put to excellent use.
-o-
As promised, a chatty Jarrod assisted Emily in preparing choc chip pancakes for breakfast while Samantha amused Jillian, Maureen and Grace at the dining table. Little Miss regaled them with a full run down on the previous day's visit with Elizabeth. She too enjoyed lunch and was excited when informed hot dogs were on the shopping list. To everyone's delight, Samantha commenced chair dancing and it wasn't long before food was on the table along with all joining the celebration.
-o-
Emily and Maureen headed out for the supermarket while Grace left for Charlie's in D.C. then onto the airport to fly out for a Christmas in London. Jillian took the opportunity to complete a workout before calling her father for a catch up. Malcolm informed her he'd be arriving that afternoon and she reminded him not to forget her mother's secret recipe for turkey stuffing.
"Oh for goodness sake Jill," bemoaned her father. "Your mother has it memorised step for step. The woman's just being bossy."
Once she stopped laughing, Jillian returned, "She just misses you dad and may be a little anxious."
"I know love and it will be great to see her."
"Samantha is keen to see you too. She has so much to tell you."
"I'm sure she does and I'm relieved for you and Emily that her rotten insolence appears to a thing of the past."
"Chelsea told us being back in a regular routine was the answer."
"Speaking of her, how are your sessions going?"
"Really good and I'm feeling so much more stable."
"I'm really glad love. You had me and your mother worried there for a while."
"Me too dad, but smooth sailing from now on."
"That's my girl and I better make a move and pack."
"Okay, see you later."
"Bye love."
-o-
