I knew the nightmares would be back this year; nothing had stopped them for the past fifteen so what would make them finally leave me alone now? Like the past fifteen years I woke up in a cold sweat, tears running down my face.

It was always the same dream every year. I would end up sitting at the top of the stairs and the door bell would ring and no one would ever answer it, granted this year I looked just as I currently do in my dream, but I always had the feeling someone kept watching over me.

It was like some kind guardian angel that you never really wanted.

I was thankful when my alarm clock started buzzing in my ear so I could once again escape my nightmare.

Reluctantly though I showered and had to trade my worn out baseball t-shirt for a more professional look, more specifically a belted black dress with short sleeves and simple black heels. However, for the first time in three months I decided to wear a simple silver chain around my neck that had a silver sparrow dangling freely, the necklace had been hidden in my nightstand since I got home from my first case as a member of the BAU.

Today was just as good as ever to have part of my father watching over me.

"Morning peaches," Garcia said from behind as I locked my front door as I was getting ready to leave. "I'll meet you at the office; you want anything from the coffee shop?"

Living in the same apartment building as Penelope was amazing considering how close we'd gotten, but in moments such as these where she would appear out of nowhere made it just as terrifying. "No." I shook my head at her. "I'm going to in late this morning; I've got some personal business to take care of."

"Oh," her face fell in response. "Is everything alright? Do you need me to call Hotch?"

"No, Hotch already knows I'm going to be a little late."

"Alright then," she began as she bit her lower lip, "I'll see you later then."

I watched as Garcia walked away, some of her spark and pep seemed to be missing since I told her I had a personal matter I needed to deal with. Honestly, it seemed like the magic that surrounded her faded when she wasn't able to do things for people.

Before I could go to my final destination I had to make one quick stop at a local florist for a single long-stem white rose, which the young girl behind the counter graciously wrapped carefully in tissue paper.

Back in the car I headed down the street for another ten minutes before turning into place I had not visited since before I left Virginia for Chicago.

I was back at the cemetery where I said good-bye to my father.

When I pulled over and got out of my car chills ran down my spine and goose bumps covered every inch of skin considering it was the end of June and much of the East Coast was experiencing a heat wave. Each step across the sprawling green lawn I felt more emotions wash over me.

Each marble headstone was a single reminder of how many people had to deal with loss.

Hopefully my job did something to prevent one less tragedy.

When I reached my father's headstone there was a single white rose, identical to the one in my hands, already sitting on the cool granite.

Someone had already been here to pay their respects, which was not surprising considering how many lives he touched.

"Hi daddy," I whispered softly to no one. "I'm doing it; I'm following in your footsteps and catching the bad guys."

Suddenly I realized like I sounded like the fifteen year old girl I was the last time I stood here.

A cool breeze rustled the leaves above me causing me to jump in surprise. "I don't know how you did it for so long dad," I continued. "I'm sure you probably saw me break down a couple of weeks ago in Portland. You don't have to worry; Dave is looking out for me. So is Agent Hotchner." I took a deep breath and mentally groaned when I realized I had mentioned Aaron. "I'm sure you don't want to hear me ramble on about Aaron."

For several minutes I just stood there staring down at my father's headstone trying to figure out what else I could say to him, but only one thing seemed appropriate. "I miss you so much daddy," I finally cried. "I'm sorry I didn't come and see you sooner."

Setting the rose I brought with me along with the one that was already sitting on the hard, cold granite I gave my father's name one last smile before turning back towards my car.

The drive to Quantico was rather depressing; I felt like I had the day I said good-bye to my father before moving to Chicago with my mother. My whole life changed the day my father passed away but then again that was the day I realized I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

What had happened brought me to the BAU and it brought me to the people who I considered more like my extended family instead of just my co-workers.

Everyone at work was busy filling out reports when I got there, only JJ and Reid had enough time to really say hello to me before diving back into the mountain of paperwork that was taking over their desks.

Personally I didn't have much time to pay attention to the stack on my desk before something else was in need of my attention.

"Davidson," Hotch called from the top of the stairs, his arms crossed and was looking just as he did when we had our blow up in his office. "I'd like to see you in my office now, if you don't mind."

Without another word, or even waiting for a response from me, Hotch turned and returned to his office. I caught several concerned looks from the rest of the team as I got up and headed upstairs to Hotch's office.

Instead of sitting behind his desk Hotch was actually seated at one of the metal chairs that usually sat in front of his desk, he had it turned so he was facing the door. "Please, have a seat." Hotch gestured to the large leather couch in front of him.

When I took a seat I was feeling incredibly nervous because I couldn't really read any emotion on Hotch's face, which to be honest was nearly impossible any other day of the week. In the brief moment of silence that settled between Hotch and I, I nervously started fidgeting with the hem of my dress.

"You needed something, sir?"

"Yes, I need you on a flight to Colorado with me in the morning for a custodial interview at the maximum security prison in Florence."

Sorry for how short this chapter is but I just couldn't see it any longer and having the same affect. Also this chapter has a lot to do where the story is going so I hope you all were paying attention. :D

I would love to hear from more of you and know what you all think so please leave me a review!