The team were in shock – not only had Morgan failed to return with the group, but Talia had just walked out of the station without so much as a 'hi'. What on Earth was going on? As the team paused in their conversations to stare after Talia as the door swung shut after her hasty exit, Rossi caught Father Reginald smirk slightly before returning to a neutral expression. Tucking the knowledge away for now, Rossi turned his attention to Morgan who had just entered through a side door and appeared to be trembling slightly in the corner farthest from the team.

Focusing his attention back into the room, Hotch approached the pair that had just been dropped off. 'Glad you made it here safe. Mrs Snow, Father Reginald, my name is Agent Hotchener. Would it be alright if we spoke with you separately to see if you can give us any more insight to what is happening and why?'

When both agreed, Hotch led Talia's mother into an interviewing room while JJ did the same with Father Reginald.

Something was… off about the priest, JJ couldn't quite put her finger on it but he seemed almost pleased with the turns of events. Amused that Carloynn's claims were once again being called into question, although he did seem to regret the lives lost as a result. He also loved to talk about Talia, or rather Tallulah as he continued to call her. When JJ mentioned that no one else was allowed to call her that he smiled a strange smile, a glint shining brightly in his eyes as he brushed it off- he had known her since she was a child, he would always call her Tallulah. They'd always had a special bond, so it didn't surprise him that he would be honoured in such a way. JJ was beyond happy to leave the room when she had decided she was done. There was something that had really unsettled her about the whole thing.

Hotch came out the same time as JJ, looking somewhat troubled – Maria hadn't given too much new information other than some more detail on the committee meeting that started this revenge quest, but one thing she had said resonated with him and refused to let go. When he'd asked her why she didn't believe her she'd simply responded that it was 'ridiculous, I mean for Heaven's sake Talia was his favourite by far, he adored the girl – if he was trying to do anything with any of them it would have been her. Don't think I didn't consider that for a second but then she came home and told me she'd given evidence and I was so proud… and relieved I suppose. If it had been anyone it would've been Talia. Both my girls went to the choir and were very involved with the church, following me I suppose. So I really think I would've known, would've noticed if something untoward were happening to them. It really was just absurd.'

'If it had been anyone it would've been Talia.' Hotch couldn't get the words out of his head. What kind of parent says that about a potential allegation of sexual abuse to a minor? The more they looked at this case, the worse it seemed to get.

Morgan was having a terse conversation with Hotch and Rossi when Talia returned but she didn't acknowledge them. She stared past them and looked blankly at Father Reginald for a moment before turning to Chief Dawson and put a piece of paper down in front of him, telling him it was time. Before Dawson had a chance to look at it, the two women from that first visit to the church walked in and did the same before they joined hands, standing either side of Talia and they all stepped back and turned to face the door. The suddenly silent station followed the motion, immediately jumping into action when Carolynn Stanford walked through the doors slowly with her hands up, unarmed. She was quickly put in handcuffs and the trio walked towards her, each moving to hug the crying woman and apologised to her to the confusion of all present. Carolynn nodded at all of them before she was led away and into a holding cell.

The three women turned and watched her leave and then faced Dawson at his desk once more. 'It's time.' One of the ladies told him 'May we speak with you privately please?'

Agreeing to speak with the Chief in the interview rooms, Talia sighed slightly knowing her team would be on the other side of the glass listening to every word. It was unavoidable. She would do the same in their positions. It was important to the case after all.

After a deep composing breath Talia began,' I hereby retract my statement given on Monday 25th July 2003 in the defence of Father Reginald Hamilton, it was untrue and given under duress, you'll find the details in the report. While I understand this cannot change anything after all of this time, I want to apologise for what I have done and make things right – in any way I can. You will find the same for Celia and Michaela.' She turned and glanced at the mirrored window that she knew her team were standing behind and paused, building the courage to face her past. 'I also wish to make a new statement, providing evidence that Father Reginald did sexually abuse children in his care. He abused me over a period of 5 years while I was a member of the church choir and assisting with Sunday school. You will find details on my statement.'

'And on ours' stated Celia and Michaela stepping forward once again, tears dripping steadily down their faces. 'I'm sorry it took us this long but I guess we thought if we didn't talk about it, maybe we'd forget about it. Ha. Like that would ever happen. We were scared that the same thing would happen to us as Carolynn and, that even if they did believe us… you wouldn't look at us the same way.'

Chief Dawson looked horrified as he looked at the three women before him. He had watched each of them grow from babies to the beautiful ladies they had become today, and he couldn't believe that he had missed this. Missed the horrors that the girls had been subjected to at the hands of a man of God no less. Carolynn, Talia, Celia, Michaela… how many others had he failed?

'I.. I don't know what to say girls. I'm so sorry that we failed you. That you had to lie to make sure you had homes even though you were… I'll have someone take Father Reginald into custody. He won't get away with it this time around.' Dawson went to say more, but choked up. Nodding to the girls he led them into the main area of the station before turning to talk to one of the officers nearby.

Celia turned to face Father Reginald, hatred burning in her eyes, 'you ruined our lives and you're a sick bastard. Our sisters are grown and gone from this town – you can't touch them now. Especially where you're going.'

Police officers cuffed and took him away, the girls hugged Talia before leaving to go be with their families… to explain. Talia ignored her mother as she tried to talk to her, looking at her with disgust 'I know you knew' she told her before moving away from her and joining her team. 'I don't want to talk about it' she said as JJ opened her mouth, nodding the team started to pack away their case files in silence. Talia was called in to go through her full statement before she left for Virginia and as she walked away she turned to face Morgan who had frozen in the corner, still looking at her in pure horror and regret. She gave him a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes – 'Statute of limitations. Thanks.' And she turned and re-entered the interview room.

Thank you so much for reading and especially to those of you who have taken the time to review. Hope you enjoyed the story! 3