TITLE: Criminal Minds – "Darkest Days" (A sequel to Behind the Mask)

A/N: Please find the time to review and feed the Muse.


Chapter 60

Monday 14th January, 2013

Jillian was busy finishing up a consult for the New Jersey Police Department when a flustered Emily approached the bullpen and called for the Team to assemble in the Conference Room. Glancing at her wristwatch, Jillian cursed under her breath, "Shit, not now. It's freaking two fifteen already."

Overhearing the comment, Jennifer sidled up to her and asked, "You don't seriously think Emily will send you and herself out of state on a case, do you?"

The rolling of eyes could not be avoided, "I hope not, because I will be one unhappy Agent if we travel anywhere but locally."

Giving her friend a sideways smirk, Jennifer suggested, "I think you may be surprised."

"We shall see," pointed out Jillian as the pair ascended the stairs leading to the upper landing. Entering the room, she was stunned to find Erin in attendance; that was always an indication the case was significant or of great interest to the media.

Emily was deep in conversation with the Section Chief and Jillian had Buckley's chance of catching her eye. Her frustration carried over until she took a seat and shrugged her shoulders at Penelope, Dave and Derek.

Reid and Alex joined the group and Emily turned to Penelope, "We can begin, if you please Garcia."

Pointing the remote to the monitor, the Analyst brought up two DMV photos of males in there early twenties, "To the left we have Bradley Smallwood, twenty three and on the right is Jonathan Phelps, twenty two. Both men were discovered deceased in Linwood Park, Wichita late last night. As you can see, both men are Caucasian, brown haired with brown eyes. They are of similar build and height. The two victims died from a single laceration to the throat and bleed out." Crime scene pictures appeared on screen followed by autopsy shots, "Wichita PD has established the victims were from out of state and visitors to their city. Chief Ramsay contacted us twenty minutes ago asking for our assistance."

Nodding to Penelope, Emily took over the presentation, "As of two weeks ago, Smallwood was visiting with family in Montgomery, Alabama while Phelps left the family home in Baton Rouge."

Raising his hand, Spencer enquired, "Is there a link between the victims?"

"Yes, both were studying for their Master's Degree in Chemistry at Wichita State University."

"So they were classmates?" asked Dave.

Emily bobbed her head, "Yes, they were due to resume their third and final year of advanced study today. Investigating Detectives report Smallwood and Phelps were close friends and from supportive families."

Derek gestured to the monitor, "What time were the bodies found?"

"Ten past ten," answered Penelope. "They had been out for dinner at a local bar and toxicology reports show a very low level of alcohol in their blood systems and no presence of any drugs or stimulants."

Jennifer spoke next, "Why did the local PD ask for our assistance?"

Emily took the question and Penelope brought up another DMV photo, "A third Chemistry student, Peter Fletcher failed to present for class this morning and is missing from his dorm room."

"Obviously there is a link between all three and Chemistry," noted Alex.

"Wichita PD is following that line of assumption," explained Emily.

"And they need us?" queried Morgan with a scoff.

"And this is where this case gets even creepier," noted Penelope as six new pictures flicked onto the screen. "Wichita Detectives checked with Vi-CAP for similar cases and discovered six murders with the same M.O.D. and victimology involving University students."

"Crap on a cracker," whispered Jillian, realising the appointment with Doctor Quinn was now a non-event. She was also voicing her opinion on the waste of eight, possibly nine young lives.

"All six men were studying Chemistry," continued Penelope. "Three at Florida International University date back to 2010 and three at University of South Carolina occurred in 2007."

"Three year intervals," pointed out Reid. "Chemistry is more than likely the connection."

Erin cleared her throat to gain everyone's attention, "We have our work cut out for us people and Derek, you will be leading the team. Due to a previous commitment, Emily and Jillian will not be travelling with us. I will be handling the media as well as Chief Ramsay. Jennifer, I know you were put on desk duty last week, but I need you to join the Team."

"That won't be a problem ma'am," accepted Jennifer a little too enthusiastically.

"Wheels up in twenty," announced Erin while winking at Dave.

Jillian laughed and stood as the room cleared. Approaching Emily, she asked, "Was this your doing?"

Smiling, Emily admitted, "It was a joint decision between me and Erin. You and I can leave as soon as I tidy up some paperwork."

"I am done with mine and I'll just go thank Erin in person. How long will you be?"

"Give me fifteen SSA Rolston."

"Yes Chief," returned Jillian prior to jogging away.

Emily tilted her head and watched her wife's relaxed stride before heading for her office. She was certain the woman had the ability to turn her to mush without warning any time, night or day.

-o-

As Jillian and Emily exited the elevator on the parking level, the brunette slipped her hand into the blonde's and received a glare.

"You are breaking the rules Chief Prentiss."

A sly look preceded Emily's response, "I felt like living a little dangerously."

Jillian couldn't help but laugh as the duo headed for their vehicle, "So is this going to become a regular thing from now on?"

"I like it, so maybe."

Squeezing her partner's hand, Jillian agreed favourably, "I hope it stays. It is nice to have intimate contact with you whilst here."

"Me too and it feels good to get away early."

"Yes and I have an excellent idea on how we can make use of the afternoon once the kids are down for their nap."

Halting, a giggling Emily withdrew a set of keys from the pocket of her trousers then released her other hand from Jillian's, "I hope you are thinking of adult bedroom antics."

As the doors unlocked remotely, a huge grin appeared on Jillian's lips, "I certainly am and thank you for organising us not to fly out with the team."

Sliding onto the driver's seat, Emily was all kinds of smiles, "I wasn't going to miss out on the appointment nor cancel it. This is important to both of us and Erin was more than happy to step in for me." Starting the engine, she buckled up and waited for Jillian to settle. Reversing out of the bay, Emily glanced at her wife, "How are you feeling?"

"Nervous, excited and horny."

Chuckling richly, Emily approached the exit, "That's makes two of us then."

There was chatter in regards to nursery decorations during the short journey home and Jarrod and Samantha were thrilled to see their parents much sooner than anticipated.

-o-

Emily had a death grp on Jillian's left thigh as the pair sat waiting for Doctor Quinn to enter her office. Jillian patted her hand and commented, "You are going to leave a bruise if you don't loosen up babe."

"Oh sorry honey, I can't believe how anxious I am."

Jillian was about to impart some words of wisdom as the connecting door to the examination room opened. A tall ponytailed brunette wearing a white lab coat sailed through the threshold and immediately approached Emily with an outstretched right hand.

"My apologies for keeping you waiting ladies; it's lovely to finally meet you Emily. I'm Faith."

Standing, Emily shook the offered hand of the woman in her early thirties with sparkly green eyes, "Nice to meet you."

"Okay everything is set up. If there are no questions, how about you go robe up Jillian and get this show on the road."

Emily turned to Jillian, "I have none."

Getting to her feet, Jillian nodded, "Been there, done that, so come along babe; time for you to knock me up."

Doctor Quinn laughed at the interplay, "I'll give you a couple of minutes to get ready before Nurse Ruby and I join you."

"Thank you," returned Jillian while taking hold of Emily's right hand, "Here comes sexy times."

Shaking her head at the specialist, Emily quipped and followed, "My wife is the comedian of the family."

-o-

That night, Jillian was prone on the bed in the master bedroom with two pillows stacked under her knees. Her eyelids were shut and she was grinning. Emily was slowly caressing her wife's left hip in an attempt to lull her to sleep. The silence of the darkened room was disturbed when Jillian placed her left hand over Emily's, "If this doesn't take; I'd like to try one more time Em."

"That's a bit premature honey; I only released the egg two hours ago."

Clearing her throat, Jillian's voice trembled, "I just want you to understand I am prepared mentally if I don't become pregnant. Faith was fairly direct in advising us there is a high percentage possibility of the egg not being able to bypass the scar tissue and attaching."

Leaning in with a heavy heart, Emily tenderly kissed Jillian's lips before saying, "I am aware this procedure may not work and am more than willing to make another attempt if required."

Opening her eyes, Jillian focused on pools of brown, "I love you so much, but I'll only put us through this twice. The pressure it will put on us and ultimately our children is too high a price to pay. I'll be more than content with our two offspring."

"Oh honey, let's not get ahead of ourselves. We can discuss our options if needed. I'm more than happy to carry again, but I have a feeling I won't have to."

Smiling, Jillian bobbled her head, "All right, let's hope you are right and sorry for the negativity babe."

"You're excused. It's been a big day for you. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Some orange juice would be nice."

"I'll go downstairs and grab you a glass."

Pecking the tip of Emily's nose, Jillian whispered, "I am so fortunate to have you."

"Yes you are," Emily cheekily replied while easing off the mattress.

"With ice please Em."

"You got it Jill."

As she turned on the hallway lighting, Emily took a moment to exhale and pray to the Great Lesbian Goddess that the egg had found its mark and Jillian would be spared the ordeal of another procedure. Although the couple had not spoken about it, Emily had noticed Jillian grimacing several times when Doctor Quinn was inserting the lengthy tubing inside her womb. Her left hand had felt the tightening of her wife's fingers, but had refrained from mentioning it.

-o-

Emily returned to the bedroom to find Jillian wiping her eyes with a tissue, "Are you okay?"

"I will be when you return to my side," responded Jillian with a smile that didn't quite looked forced.

Placing two tumblers of iced juice on the night stand, Emily settled on the mattress and gathered Jillian into her embrace, "Why are you upset?"

To her relief, Jillian was quick to answer, "The probe hurt and I'm still a little uncomfortable."

"I know honey. I felt your reaction a few times and wanted to spare you the pain."

"Faith did warn me it was more than likely to happen. I tried to be a hero, but shit, it really did smart some."

Teardrops fell from Emily's eyes, "I am so proud of you Jill. You endured without complaint and when you are able to have sex again; you are going to be rewarded."

Reaching up, Jillian used her tissue to swipe away Emily's waterworks, "Damn, I am so in love with you and looking forward to that day."

"I love you too and I apologise now for my future crankiness."

"You and my both babe, but I can always service you in your hour of need."

The room filled with laughter before Emily smooched the living daylight out of her wife.

-o-

The lip lock was interrupted by the ringing of Emily's phone. Groaning in protest, she reluctantly withdrew and stretched for the offending technology. She looked at the screen and noted, "It's Penelope. She probably has an update on the Wichita case."

"Go ahead, I'll have a drink and revitalise my lips," joked Jillian with more than a touch of sassiness.

Once she stopped giggling, Emily answered the call, "Hey Garcia, what's up?"

"Hey Chief, I'm just calling to ask how our Blonde Bombshell went this afternoon."

"It went well and we just have to wait and see."

"Awesome, uhm, was it painful?"

"Yes unfortunately, but she is resting."

"I'm sorry it wasn't easy. Our girl has been through enough crap."

"Yes she has. How is the case going?" Emily put her phone on speaker.

"Progressing nicely thanks to a nice breakthrough from Strauss."

"Really, that's good."

"I think our Section Chief is having way too much fun and you may never get your position back."

Chuckling at the thought, Emily asked, "What did she discover?"

"She thought it was strange that Smallwood and Phelps and the other victims all studied Chemistry and suggested they may have been doing a little more with their knowledge than just obtaining course credits."

"As in cooking drugs?" queried Emily, fast becoming more interested.

"You got it. After Alex and Dave checked bank accounts and interviewed some classmates; they found another nexus. A large amount of money was being deposited into Smallwood and Phelps' savings once a month. Spencer liaised with the Detectives who worked the other six murders and it all added up."

"Hey Penny," shouted Jillian. "Check for names of the TAs from each University for a match or the name of someone who attended Chemistry classes at the three Universities."

"Hey Jill and on it." There was the echo of typing in the background and Emily took the opportunity to peck Jillian on the temple and surrounding areas. "Man, you are good SSA Rolston. A Paul Chancellor just happened to be the Chemistry TA at Florida International University from 2008 to 2010 and again at the University of South Carolina from 2005 up to 2007. And, is currently Professor Langston's TA at Wichita State University."

Emily was full of admiration, "Well done Garcia, you better inform Derek and the others and arrest the prick."

"Thanks, but your wife deserves the praise, Garcia out."

"Yes she does," agreed Emily while returning her phone to the side table and extinguishing the lamp.

"My mouth can hardly wait," teased Jillian gleefully. "But, no touching other bits."

-o-

Chief Prentiss was sorting through a pile of folders when Penelope tapped on her open door frame. Looking up she enquired, "What do you have for me?"

"The Team is forty minutes out and Paul Chancellor and his partner in crime Topher Atkins are setting in Wichita PD holding cells awaiting arraignment for six counts of murder and a bucket load of drug offences including manufacturing."

Smiling, Emily quipped, "I gather you have spoken to Morgan."

"Indeed I have and he will fill you in when he arrives back."

"I look forward to that discussion."

"How is Jill doing today?"

"I left her at home with two animated kids and nanny. She is under strict instructions to relax and stay in bed."

"Oh, she will not be liking that at all."

Laughing, Emily noted, "She was kind of pissed off, but consented."

"When will she be back?"

"Thursday."

"I sent her flowers this morning from Derek, me and Sergio."

"She'll appreciate that Pen."

"I'll leave you to it Chief."

As the floral dress attired Analyst departed, Emily returned to the task in hand.

-o-

Emily attended the Team debrief given by Erin and smiled as the Section Chief presented a thorough and detailed wrapping up of the case. She praised each Agent and ended the meeting by sending everyone home three hours early. It turned out that Chancellor and Atkins were a two man travelling methamphetamine cartel. Chancellor was the brains of the duo while Atkins dished out the brawn. Their method was for Chancellor to apply for a TA's position and wait several months before manipulating three hapless students into producing the drug supply. This was achieved by using male prostitutes, drugs and capturing it all on digital camera. When the "cooks" had outlived their usefulness, Atkins disposed of them with a hunting knife as Chancellor stood cover with a pistol.

On another positive note, Peter Fletcher was located safe and sound at his uncle's home in California that morning and was now under Police protection. He was more than willing to testify and was singing like a canary when the BA Team left Wichita.

Jillian was modest when Erin called her that night and thanked her for her contribution to the apprehension of two scum bags. She received high praise from her wife too, and more than just a little bit of kissing and a whole lot a conversation.

-o-