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

A/N: Please find the time to review and feed the Muse. She needs all the help she can get lately.

WARNING: Please note this chapter deals with the death of a character and could act as a trigger for some readers.


Chapter 62

Placing his teacup on the table, Malcolm cleared his throat, "I actually retired last week and we've sold the house."

The thought of her parents breaking up was still whirling around in Jillian's head, "What now?" She was close to hyperventilating as Emily retook her hand.

Grinning at her antics, Malcolm continued without delay, "Your mother and I have decided to relocate."

"Oh my god, where to?" gasped Jillian. She glanced at her mother and noted the woman was smiling broadly. "Why?"

"We bought a house four blocks away from here and move in next week," Maureen advised with glee. "We wanted to be more accessible for babysitting duties and travelling to all the places left on our bucket lists. Surprise girls!"

Jillian was frantically attempting to process her parent's words when she was struck with a sharp, severe pain in her lower abdomen. The sensation caused her to gasp with a deep intake of breath. The action did not decrease the discomfort or the dampness she now felt against her underpants.

Emily was none the wiser as she let go of her hand prior to approaching her in-laws and embracing them, "It will be awesome to have you close by." Glancing over Maureen's shoulder, she noted her wife's dumbfounded expression and questioned, "Jill, did you hear your mother?"

There was no forthcoming reply which in turn caused Maureen to release her hold on Emily and approach her daughter, "Sweetie, are you okay?" Tears were welling behind confused eyes of blue and it was then, Maureen realised Jillian's current state had nought to do with the conversation. Turning to Emily, she gave instruction, "Call 9-1-1 now."

Alarmed, Emily withdrew the phone from the back pocket of her jeans and pressed in the numbers. Momentarily lost for words, she looked down and noticed blood pooling around the crotch area of Jillian's pants. "Oh dear god," she managed to mumble seconds before speaking with the Emergency Services Operator.

Malcolm didn't need to be directed; he immediately rushed to the bathroom to collect several towels while Maureen assisted Jillian towards the couch. Arriving back in time, Malcolm placed two bath sheets upon the leather material as his wife guided their daughter downwards.

"There is too much blood," bemoaned Jillian woefully while Emily ended her call then sat beside her.

Not wanting to give voice to Jillian's worst fears, Emily took her left hand and calmly stated, "Help is on the way honey."

"I'll go check on the kids," offered Malcolm as his eyes filled with unshed tears.

"Can you stay with them?" Jillian inquired in between shards of discomfort and gulps of air.

"Of course Sweetie, you don't need to worry."

"The Ambo is five minutes out," added Emily as an afterthought.

Jillian's frame began to tremble as she clung to her wife, "I'm so sorry Em; I've lost our baby."

"Shush honey; just concentrate on your breathing for now. We don't want you to hyperventilate and pass out."

Doing as she was told, Jillian was being transported to Sentara Medical Centre within the next six minutes with Emily and Maureen following closely behind in Jillian's Suburban.

-o-

There was a flurry of directions and activity by medical staff in the Emergency Department before Emily and Maureen were shuffled off to the waiting room. Before their departure, they'd been advised Doctor Quinn had been contacted and was on her way. Elizabeth was also on-route after a hasty phone call from Malcolm back at the house.

Too anxious to sit, Emily paced the floor and after twenty minutes, she halted and made eye contact with Maureen, "This will crush Jill."

"We won't let that happen Emily. There is still a chance the baby is okay."

Defeated, Emily shrugged her shoulders, "Who knows? Nurse "I've got sand up my vagina" herded us out before the Doctor could locate a foetal heartbeat with the Doppler device."

Tilting her head to the side, Maureen agreed, "Nurse Ratchet was a little scary dear, but we have to be patient. Our girl is in good hands and Faith isn't too far away."

"Fuck, fuck and double fuck," cursed Emily as the aforementioned Doctor rounded the corner wearing dark blue scrubs and joined them.

The smile on the woman's face was of great relief to both Emily and Maureen; it was a good sign.

"How is Jill?" asked Emily first.

"She's being prepped for surgery and before you panic, the foetus is fine with a strong heartrate."

Dispensing with manners, Maureen responded, "Thank fuck for that, so what happened?"

"An undetected ovarian cyst ruptured and caused the haemorrhaging."

Emily's heart sank at the words, "Cyst … like in a cancerous cyst?"

Placing a comforting hand on the brunette's left shoulder, Faith explained, "No Emily. I've already had the lab confirm it is benign. I ordered a full blood workup, but believe it may have been as a result of too much Estrogen. I'll advise you once I have the results."

"So Jill has been taking too many supplements then?" queried Maureen.

Shaking her head, Faith continued, "It may simply be a matter of Jill's body going into overdrive and producing extra. An imbalance is not unheard of during pregnancy, but we can closely monitor her from now on."

Emily was almost too afraid to ask, "So what's next?"

"There are three more cysts that require removal via an incision near Jill's navel."

"A Laparoscopy?" asked Maureen.

"Yes, it is much less invasive and recover will be swifter. Doctor Grayson will be performing the procedure while I monitor the foetus. Jillian is fully aware of the situation and sends her love."

Crushing Faith in an embrace, Emily cried with sheer relief, "Thanks for being here."

"You're welcome, but I need to scoot."

Letting go, Emily hugged her mother in-law then called her mother with an update. She wept the entire conversation and was no better when talking with friends. Once everyone was advised, Emily shared a bedtime story with the twins via video chat after explaining what was going on with their mommy. More tears ensued before the Adventures of Winnie the Pooh resumed.

-o-

Sunday 28th April, 2013

A groggy Jillian prised open her eyes and wasn't too surprised to find Emily's body pressed against her left side and a soft snore emitting between her lips. Smiling, Jillian placed a lingering kiss upon her wife's temple and whispered, "Our cherry sized foetus is still with us."

"Mmm, yes honey and I'm so glad you are okay too," murmured Emily as her eyelids lifted. "What time is it?"

Observing the wall clock, Jillian replied, "Four thirty. When did I come out of theatre?"

"Ten o'clock honey. I sent our moms home at midnight and our kids send hugs and sloppy kisses."

The room grew silent for several minutes before Jillian spoke, "I was so scared Em, I thought the worst."

"You weren't alone in that fear Jill. Expect lots of visitors later and be prepared for Penny's avalanche of tears. She was super afraid for you."

"The poor woman and I absolutely love you Em."

"Love you too and you'll be here until Wednesday than not back to work until the following Monday."

"Fine, but you know I wanted to attend McCall's execution at Terre Haute."

"I'm aware of that, but you won't be cleared to fly honey to Indiana."

Sean McCall had been transferred to the Special Confinement Unit of the Federal Penitentiary in Indiana once the President had rejected a plea for clemency back in January.

"Fuck."

"You won't able to do that either," teased Emily with a crooked grin.

Pretending to be offended, Jillian quipped, "I beg your pardon, but we don't fuck. We make love."

"That is true thank goodness."

Once she stopped giggling, Jillian posed the question, "I guess I'll be returning to desk duty?"

"There's that beautiful mind of yours at work again."

Jillian held back another chuckle, "You are being kind of a smartass."

"Blame it on the early hour honey."

"In that case, close your eyes and sleep my darling; I am not going anywhere."

"You better not or there'll be hell to pay."

"Bossy Prentiss is in da house people," joked Jillian in between more chortles.

Laughing, Emily kissed Jillian's jawline several times before settling down. Jillian tumbled into slumber seconds later. Both had smiles on their faces and their hands entwined.

-o-

To Doctor Grayson's amazement and Emily's delight, Jillian was discharged from hospital Monday morning. Her recovery was well ahead of schedule and Emily wasn't surprised that night when her wife suggested she travel to Indiana by car to see McCall off from this world.

Cuddling into Emily's right flank, Jillian slowly drew circles along the outline of ribs on display.

"That is very soothing honey," moaned a sleepy Emily. "And I've already informed the Team of our road trip Wednesday. I've even booked us rooms at the Quality Inn in Terre Haute. It's two point six miles from the prison."

"So I could have saved myself that long winded speech I just gave you and the delectable love making beforehand, is that what you are now telling me?"

A coy grin formed on Emily's lips, "Hey, I am not an idiot to refuse your advances with ulterior motives. By the way, you were outstanding as usual."

Holding back a chuckle, Jillian grazed her teeth along Emily's shoulder blade, "You could never be accused of being a simpleton babe and I enjoyed the sex just as much. Although I did struggle with a few of the positions, but we got there." Snuggling in closer, she asked, "You enjoy acting as Section Chief, don't you?"

"There is more paperwork involved, but at least I still get to travel with the Team while Erin and Dave are travelling the countryside on their honeymoon."

"Dave was generally shocked when Erin presented him the last minute itinerary last week." Taking a moment to kiss Emily, Jillian resumed the conversation, "Is being Section Chief something you'd like to do fulltime in the future?"

"Maybe, but Erin has at least ten more years at the helm before retiring and there is a chance I will not be offered the position."

"True, but the Agency knows good management material when they see it."

"Thank you for the endorsement honey. What about you, do you have aspirations of higher office?"

Blue eyes rolled, "A Unit of my own to run would be nice at some stage, but I'm more than happy where I am."

"You're an excellent team player."

"You only say that because I sex you up."

Letting out a guffaw, Emily leisurely smooched Jillian on the forearm, "Such lyrical words my love."

"Only for you Em; are you ready for sleep?"

"I am and it's so nice to have you home."

"No place I'd rather be then by your side, and it's a goodnight from me."

It wasn't, Emily had other ideas and Jillian once again, showed no ill-effects from her recent surgery.

-o-

When the BA Team arrived at U.S. Penitentiary Terre Haute, Indiana, Warden Ian Campbell was on hand at Reception to welcome them. After introductions, he ushered them to the witness room then informed Jillian McCall had requested to speak to her privately. With it being nine o'clock at night, there was still an hour before the prisoner's sentence was due to be carried out.

Making eye contact, Emily nodded to her, "It's your decision Agent Rolston."

Facing Campbell, Jillian consented to the request and followed the Warden outside and along a corridor that lead to a holding cell area. McCall was seated at a table eating his last meal. The man looked up as Jillian neared and actually smiled.

"Glad ta see ya could make it Agent." Getting to his feet, the cleanly shaven and white scrubs attired inmate walked to the door. "I owe ya an apology fa me disgraceful treatment of ya and wish ya a happy life. Ya din't deserve what I din ta ya and I have no excuses ta explain me actions against ya. In da end, ya was only doing yar job and I had no right in carryin' out me personal vendetta against ya."

Stunned to the core, Jillian couldn't believe what she was hearing, and briefly thought she had suffered a stroke and her brain was hallucinating. Shaking her head, she regained control of her racing heartbeat, "Why the change of heart?"

With what appeared to be genuine remorse ghosting his face, McCall answered, "I've had nuttin' but time ta contemplate all me shite and I've nuttin' ta show fa it. I have lived a life of wrongdoings, murder and lying by listening ta others who craved power and money. Anyting good in me life, well, I just pissed it all away and caused nuttin' but grief, death and sufferin' ta others as well as me own family. I'm gettin' what I deserve and am okay with dat. Give me best ta Agent Prentiss too. I caused her unforgivable sorrow and am sorry. Ya were right, and so was she."

As a silence hung over the conversation, Campbell cleared his throat and interrupted, "Prisoner McCall asked to make contact with surviving members of the families he had a part in destroying to apologise."

"Crap," began Jillian. "They must have been taken aback."

A sly grin formed on McCall's lips, "Most of 'em told me ta fook off and rot in hell; kin't say as I blame 'em. Anyway, tanks fa talking ta me one last time Agent Rolston. I guess I'll be seeing' ya soon. Ya be in da front row like promised?"

"I'll be there along with my supportive wife and colleagues."

"Good on ya fa likin' the ladies; she be a lucky lass."

"I'm the fortunate one McCall," expressed Jillian as she rotated then walked away.

-o-

Campbell caught up with Jillian in the hallway, "McCall's ex-wife and daughter visited last month and I believe that may have had a great influence on his sudden feelings of regret. They didn't forgive him nor did they express any sadness towards this day. The old bastard shed more than one tear and what you just heard, wasn't his only attempt at redemption. He's written letters of apology to his grandson through the Marshalls Department and received replies. He expressed guilt and agreed his ill-gotten money should have gone to the victims of the hospital bombings along with the children of his other victims. He even admitted Doyle was a psychopath and when he looked back on all the years he was in his employ, he was never really happy, just loyal."

Still reeling from Warden's words, Jillian exhaled loudly, "I certainly did not expect to witness the change in him. How ironic that he should see how he was only an instrument for men like Doyle to use after all these years."

"Yes, it's a shame he didn't come to that realisation decades ago."

"I can't even image how many lives would have been spared," considered Jillian reflectively as Campbell led her back to the viewing room.

"What a god damn destructive monster he became," added the Warden before opening the door.

-o-

It was Emily's turn to be shocked when Jillian replayed the conversation she'd had with McCall. "How are you feeling?" she inquired once the others had finished with their questions.

A smile appeared, "Pretty good considering where we are."

Concern displayed on Emily's features as her eyebrows knotted, "No aches?"

"None at all; the keyhole surgery sites have given me no trouble at all."

"Awesome," returned Emily while taking a seat beside her wife and looking at the drawn curtain behind the observation window of the execution chamber. "J.J. sent a text while you were gone to let us know she was thinking of us."

Blonde eyebrows rose as Jillian glanced at her wristwatch, "She's still awake at this hour?"

"Heartburn hit around nine thirty so she is watching the news and sipping buttermilk."

"That's something to look forward to," mused Jillian as several people made their way to vacant seats.

Apart from the members of the BAU, the room was only occupied by two media representatives, three Agents from the Boston FBI office who had assisted in McCall's capture and two Boston PD Officers. No members of the public had made application to attend nor did McCall's ex-wife Niamh, his estranged daughter Catherine or his grandson Callum.

Although acting in a professional capacity, Emily nonetheless knew her wife was internally struggling with a gamut of emotions so she ignored all protocol by reaching over and clasping her right hand. With fingers interwoven, she leaned in and whispered, "I am right here for you."

Glistening eyes returned her smile, "Thank you for the contact. I am kind of experiencing a numbness I've not dealt with before and know this is not easy for you either."

Squeezing her hand, Emily nodded, "I fully understand. McCall is the last connection to Doyle and I for one, am going through a tremendous array of emotions."

"I can't help thinking about all those people they murdered Em. This sadness washing over me is for them and their families not for the horror I endured. I have found peace with what was done to me and only find strength in having survived. I am grateful to be able to continue to exist and share so much with the people I love. You and our children are the light in my life Emily that keeps the darkness away and am forever indebted to whatever force brought us together."

So proud of her spouse's openness and bordering on shedding tears, Emily pressed her head against Jillian's, "I feel the same way my love and am ready to put all the dark days behind us. I'm eager to move forward from today with you by my side."

Straining to remain calm, Jillian countered, "As am I Em."

The couple stayed in position for several minutes before Emily caught the sound of movement within the Execution Chamber. Having attended several such procedures before, she knew McCall was being escorted into the room by U.S. Marshalls. The chamber would have been prepared earlier by those assigned by the Warden, and McCall would have been offered ten milligrams of Valium from the on-site Physician prior to leaving the holding cell. The condemned man would be secured by ankle and wrist restraints on a gurney then a white sheet employed to cover him from toe to chest. The Doctor would be assisted with connecting a cardiac monitor to the inmate that in turn, would be attached to a printer outside the actual chamber. That out-of-sight room would be occupied by the one designated individual who would be responsible for injecting the drugs, along with the medical professional. Both would take up position before the curtain drawn back to protect their identities. Prior to that, IV lines will be inserted using two usable veins in each arm of the prisoner. A flow of normal saline solution would be administered at a slow rate into one cannula while the other held in reserve in case of blockage or malfunction. All actions and methods would be overseen by a Director.

Emily and Jillian sat up straight when the curtain began to move across the glass partition. The Unit Chief stopped breathing when she felt her wife's body tense. As the heavy material gradually revealed two U.S. Marshalls, Warden Campbell and McCall, Jillian relaxed and Emily exhaled. One Marshall was standing to the left of McCall and Campbell to his right. The remaining Marshall was beside a closed door with her back up against the wall while the Director was located beside them.

The back of the stretcher was raised; affording McCall a view of those in the witness area. The man appeared calm and Emily knew that was as a direct result of the sedation already flowing in his blood stream.

The female Marshall turned on the room microphone then picked up a red telephone receiver from its position on the wall. Emily understood she was speaking with someone from the Justice Department's Command Centre when she asked, "May we proceed with the execution?" With a nod, the Deputy returned the receiver to its cradle, turned to face Campbell and stated, "Warden, you may proceed with the execution." There was to be no last minute stay of execution from the U.S. Attorney General.

Retrieving a sheet of paper from the folder he was holding, the Warden brought it to eye level and commenced reading the Court Order of Execution. Once completed, he placed the official correspondence back into the file and looked to McCall, "Do you have any final words Inmate McCall?"

Making eye contact with those in the front row, McCall bobbed his head, "I do Warden." It was plain to see the man was crying as teardrops tumbled down his cheeks and onto his shirt.

"Then proceed Inmate," prompted Campbell.

Looking directly at Emily and Jillian, an expression of recognition floated across McCall's features and both women stiffened, "I've been a proper fiend fa most of me life and din't deserve forgiveness fa da evil I have din on behalf of meself and others. I have destroyed families as well as me own and taken away so much from innocent people. Tis only hollow words fa most, but I be right royal sorry fa da pain I have caused ta so many. No one is ta blame but meself fa becoming so evil. All da best Agents Prentiss and Rolston and yar team, ya make da world a safer place from da likes of me. Tank ya Warden, I be din."

"Holy crap," let out Spencer while Campbell motioned to the unseen person behind the small one-way window.

"I did not see that coming," admitted Derek. "I expected a tirade of abuse not remorse and responsibility."

"He is at peace and accepts his finality," noted Jillian as 2.5 grams of Pentobarbital found its way into McCall's bloodstream causing heavy sedation.

A 20 milligram saline flush followed before a two minute wait commenced during which time the masked Doctor performed a noxious stimuli test to ascertain McCall could feel no pain. Once he signalled all was as it should be, 50 milligrams of Pancuronium Bromide was injected into the IV line. Another salted water wash was next as his muscles, diaphragm and lungs began to be paralysed.

Shane McCall blinked twice before his eyes took on a distant then dull appearance.

McCall was unconscious and his breathing suppressed within seconds as 240 milliequivalent Potassium Chlorine entered his bloodstream and rapidly travelled to his brain. One final saline flush ensued subsequent to the Doctor checking the cardiac monitor's flat sinus line then the inmate's heartbeat with a stethoscope. Shaking his head at the Warden, he said, "Time of death, four minutes past ten."

Campbell looked to the wall clock and conferred, "Inmate McCall died at ten zero four central daylight time. This concludes the execution."

With that said, the curtain began to move across the window and those assembled in the viewing room dispersed and Jillian announced, "That's that." She gave her wife a hand embrace then let go before rising to her feet.

There was a series of curses and cussing from a few people as they exited and Spencer enquired, "Is everyone okay?"

"I'm relieved it is over," cheered Emily. "Now it's time to go to our hotel and get some sleep before we travel home in the morning."

"Sounds good Chief," quipped Derek with a crooked eyebrow. "Or we could go celebrate with the guys from Boston. They extended an invite to an Irish pub called Sonka, a twelve minute drive from here. Apparently it's the local hangout for cops and correctional officers."

Emily turned to Jillian, "Are you okay with that?"

The answer came in the form of a nod and Emily added, "Let's go; lucky I asked for a late check-out time."

Wrapping an arm around Emily's shoulder, Morgan joked, "This is why you are in charge."

"First round is on me," offered an upbeat Jillian. "I have a craving for a cheese burger and onion rings."

Emily couldn't help but laugh, "At least it's not a weird combo."

"Not yet," tossed in Alex while heading out. "Does anyone else find it ironic that we are drinking to the demise of an Irish monster at an Irish pub?"

There was a collective response of "No."

-o-

Once the final chapter had been written in the life of Shane McCall, Emily noticed a serenity settle upon her wife. Jillian was back to work and behind her desk attending to consults without one word of protest or disappointment. The Acting Section Chief was more than pleased to have Jillian return to her "old self" as was the Acting Unit Chief Derek. Jillian's weekly sessions with Chelsea continued to be a great source of outlet for her as did the nightly ritual of conversation between her and Emily. The shared frankness had returned twofold as well as Jillian's libido. The latter caused Emily to be rather chaffed about all the attention Jillian was bestowing upon her and their date nights became more frequent with the couple taking full advantage of having Maureen and Malcolm close at hand for babysitting duties.

There was a lull in cases requiring the BAU to journey out of state and being home on a more regular basis only enhanced the interaction between parents and the twins. An opportunity late in the month of May to take a well-earned long weekend break to visit Jane and Maura presented itself and news of Maura's pregnancy during the trip, thrilled all and sundry. As did the burgers from the Dirty Robber.

Before long, the Prentiss-Rolston family, including Malcolm, Maureen and Elizabeth, took a trip to New York for Beth and Aaron's wedding on the first of June. Jarrod and Samantha were excited to see Jack again and were more than pleased when he returned to Woodbridge with them while his parents honeymooned in Antigua for two weeks.

On Thursday the sixth of June, Derek celebrated his birthday with dinner at his favourite barbeque rib restaurant and Emily graciously gave him the following day off as an extra present. It was to be her last "favour" while sitting in Erin's chair as she and Dave were due back to work the following Monday.

In response, Jillian rewarded her wife with pampering, dancing and dinner over the course of the weekend.

-o-