JJ and Reid make their way to the station with Hotch as Rossi and Morgan go on a tour of the dump sites. As they drive, JJ looks at Hotch from the backseat.

"Hotch…are you splitting Morgan and I up on purpose?" she asks.

Hotch frowns. "No. You said you wouldn't mind handling the media on this. Trust me…there's plenty of media to be handled on this." He catches her eyes briefly. "Why the hell would I split you two up?"

JJ shrugs and looks away. "No…no reason."

Hotch sighs. "JJ…yes, you all just got back from Hell. No, you haven't been on a BAU case in over 9 weeks. But I have no doubt that the two of you know the job. And if I see fit to put you out in the field with him or feel the need to pull Morgan into the precinct with you it's about the case and only the case."

JJ blushes, ashamed at her doubts. "Right. Sorry, Hotch. That was uncalled for."

Hotch nods. "No problem. Uncalled for but somewhat understandable. I swear to you, JJ, if I doubted either of you then you would be working this case from Quantico."

JJ gives him a small smile. "Thanks. I think I needed to hear that."

Hotch just nods again and continues to drive. Reid turns enough to look at JJ. "Glad you asked, Jayje. I thought it was because he wanted you around to protect me. I was a little hurt."

JJ and Hotch both laugh. JJ winks at him. "Rats, Hotch, he saw through our ruse."

"Ah, well…we tried," Hotch says in mock resignation.

Just as they pull into the parking lot, Garcia calls Hotch. "Sir, we have body number 6."

"Shit."

"Get's worse," she states. "This guy isn't a gangbanger. In fact he appears to be a model citizen."

"Damn it. Emily working his background already?"

"Yes, sir. And police are still on scene at his house and where he was found. His family is being notified as we speak."

"Wife and kids?"

"Life partner and kids."

Hotch nods. "Okay. Reid will be here at the station checking tips. JJ and I will go see his family."

"I figured as much. I already told Detective Sloan you would be on your way."

"Thanks, Garcia." He hangs up.

"Another body," Reid states.

"Yes. JJ, you and I will go see his life partner and kids. Detective Sloan is with them now. This guy isn't a gangbanger. He doesn't fit with the others."

"Could be a copy cat," Reid points out.

"Doubtful. What are the odds of two killers using dogs to—Reid, don't even calculate it," JJ warns as she sees him winding up to answer. "It was a rhetorical question. This could lend credence to an avenging angel aspect."

"How so?" Hotch asks.

"Haven't you heard, Hotch? All us gays, lesbians and bisexuals are deviants slowly destroying society," she says bitterly.

Hotch nods. "Sadly there are those that believe that. It's definitely an angle to consider unfortunately."

Reid gets out and heads inside to start preparing their murder boards and to thumb through leads. JJ moves to the front seat. As Hotch drives he can feel the anger emanating off of her.

"JJ, it's a theory. Don't let it cloud your thinking."

JJ takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "Right. Sorry. Just…I just spent 9 weeks being called all sorts of horrible things by people that hate me just because I am a woman and an American. Guess that theory hit an open wound."

"Understandable. Borrow one of your wife's compartments for a little while. Shove the theory in there for now then take it out tonight and beat it into submission."

JJ laughs. "Uh, okay." She reaches over and pats his arm. "Thanks again."

He nods. "Anytime."

Garcia finishes running a deep background on the latest victim. She calls Emily first.

"Things just got a little weird, Emster."

"Garcia, we're dealing with an unsub using dogs to kill and you think it's just startingto get weird?" Emily confirms incredulously.

"Just listen: okay, victim number 6 is Allen Keenan, CPA, father of 2, life partner of 17 years, devoted family man, and the only negative blip I can find is that he got a ticket for not cleaning up his dog's poop in Clark Park."

Emily stiffens. "Did you say Clark Park?"

Garcia nods. "Yep, the same Clark Park you and Hotch have me running a check on."

Emily looks at the map on her computer screen. "The bodies were all dumped around that park. The other 5 victims were arrested in that park at some point."

"So is this unsub a disgruntled park employee or what?" Garcia asks.

Emily just slowly shakes her head. "Your guess is as good as mine right now. How's the search on any activists for that park coming?"

"It's still running. I wanted to give you the rundown on this victim first. As soon as I know more I'll call you back. You want to let Hotch know about the vic or want me to call?"

"I'll call. You keep playing with your searches. Somehow this unsub is targeting people that were somehow hurting that park. We need to know more about that park and the area around it."

"Gotcha. Talk to you soon!"

Emily disconnects then immediately calls Hotch. She tells him what Garcia had found out about the latest victim. Hotch just shakes his head.

"It's got to be an activist. Any word on Garcia's search on activists?"

"Not yet. She had to just let that run while she ran Keenan's background. Maybe the detective you're working with can get recent arrests and tickets pulled. We could maybe get ahead of the unsu-unnnngh…"

Hotch frowns and stiffens. "Emily? What's wrong?" JJ turns her head sharply at the tone of Hotch's voice, not to mention the question.

"Br—Braxton…Hicks…" Emily forces out. She stands and stretches, moving around until the pain eases. "I'm…fine. Just…getting closer, you know?"

Hotch breathes a sigh of relief. "Right. Prentiss, you scare me like that again and you're fired."

Emily laughs. "Understood, sir."

JJ pokes Hotch impatiently. "What the hell, Hotch?"

Hotch smiles at her. "Braxton Hicks."

JJ rolls her eyes in relief. "Oh, thank God. I don't think I can handle any added stress right now." She reaches over and takes Hotch's phone. "Honey, you okay?"

"Fine, Jen. I remember these from your last few weeks."

JJ chuckles. "Yes, but then my Braxton Hicks turned into real labor. Don't assume you have 3 and a half weeks, baby."

Emily smiles. "I won't. I promise. If they become rhythmic, painful or happen more than 4 times in an hour I will be on the phone with the doctor's office. Promise."

"Good girl. Tell Rocky I'm out of town and she better not try to appear before I get back, okay?"

Emily chuckles. "I'll tell her. Hopefully she's not as headstrong as me and won't demand to be born just to spite you."

JJ giggles…and it is delightful for Emily to hear it. "I keep forgetting she's half Prentiss. Heaven help me." She sighs as Hotch pulls up in front of a quaint house. "Well, we're at Keenan's place. I'll talk to you later, baby. I love you."

"Love you, too, Jen."

JJ disconnects and hands Hotch his phone. "Thanks."

"Like I had a choice," he mutters good-naturedly as they get out and head up to talk to a man about the love of his life.

Robert Dean Keenan stares at his hands. They are shaking slightly as the FBI agents sit down in front of him. Hotch nods to JJ, offering her the chance to take the lead. She leans towards the devastated man compassionately.

"We are so sorry for your loss, Mr. Keenan. I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through. I promise you we will do everything we can to bring the person or persons that did this to justice."

He slowly raises his eyes to meet her. His green eyes glow with unshed tears. "Was…was it a hate crime?"

JJ shrugs. "It's too soon to tell yet but it will be one avenue investigated. Tell me, had you two been having trouble with anyone lately regarding your relationship?"

Robert shakes his head. "Not really. I mean, every once in a while you run into a bigot but no one has been harassing us or anything. We're lucky to have a lot of gay and lesbian families in this neighborhood as well as supportive straight families."

"What about at work? Was Allen having any issues there?"

"No. None. They even offer partner benefits. It's a very open and supportive place in that aspect. His only issues at work were typical work issues: too much work, not enough budget, annoying co-workers, things like that."

JJ nods. "That's good. Out of curiosity, why was he walking your dog in Clark Park 3 weeks ago?"

Robert smiles at the memory. "His office allows pets on Fridays. He works near there so he took Sox for a walk during his lunch hour." He grins. "I picked on him mercilessly for forgetting the poop baggies. He was always so anal about it I laughed that he was the one who got the ticket since I was the one that usually forgot when we were out."

JJ chuckles. "I can see my wife being the one to get caught, too."

He slowly refocuses on JJ. For the first time she sees hope in his eyes. "You won't forget him, will you?" he confirms.

JJ shakes her head, meeting his eyes. "No. And even if I wasn't gay I wouldn't forget him. My team won't forget him, Mr. Keenan."

He nods. "Thank you, Agent Jareau."

She hands him her card. "If you think of anything that could help us, even something that seems small, call me." As he takes the card, she tilts her head to the side. "How are your children doing?"

He shrugs. "Struggling. They're with my parents right now. Mindy understands Daddy is dead but Jeff doesn't quite get it. He just keeps asking when Daddy is coming home. How do I get them past this?"

Hotch leans forward to answer this. "Just be there for them, help them remember Allen, don't stop talking about him."

Robert stares into Hotch's eyes, seeing the pain and regret. "I'm sorry for your loss, Agent Hotchner."

Hotch nods. "Thank you." He hands him his own card. "Anytime you have questions about moving forward, call me. I promise it does get easier."

Robert takes it, holding both cards like they are lifelines. "Thank you both. You'll keep me informed?"

JJ nods. "Yes, sir. As soon as we know something I will call you personally."

The two agents leave, wishing there was more they could do for this man and his family. In the SUV, Hotch looks at JJ.

"You did a great job in there, Jayje. You connected with him, you comforted him." She slowly turns and looks at him. "I hope that shows you that despite where you were and what you went through the past 9 weeks you are still a great agent and still an integral part of this team."

She looks away, ashamed. "How did you know I was questioning that?"

Hotch grins. "Please…I'm a profiler. Hopefully Dave is having a similar conversation with Morgan."

JJ just chuckles and shakes her head. "You're mighty smug there, Hotchner. Just hate that you're right and I can't knock the smug smile off your face."

He laughs as they head back to the precinct.

Across town, Morgan and Rossi pull up at the fourth dump site. The other three had been rather unremarkable. This one had a little more to it. Morgan looks at Rossi.

"The first 5 killed were just dumped near the park. This last victim was dumped right where people would go in to use the ice rink. This is a very popular park. He knew the body would be found and right here there was a big chance he would be seen. Why take that chance?"

Rossi shakes his head. It was bothering him, too. "This victim is different. He's a family man, his only offense was not picking up after his dog. We need to see his autopsy reports. What do you want to bet that his pre-death torture wasn't as bad?"

Morgan shrugs. "But why? Is the depth of the damage based on the perp and their remorse for their offense? Or is it based on whether the perp is a banger or an upstanding citizen?"

Rossi shakes his head. "I don't know. But I think it's safe to say he wanted this man's body found quickly. A sign of remorse from a killer on a mission."

Morgan shakes his head. "It just doesn't make sense. None of these offenses were horribly harmful. And if it's about the park itself, then the last victims offense could be seen as the one that harms the park the most."

"Maybe, maybe not. Gang activity could drive families and community support away. This park rallied from being closed to being a community haven with lots of involvement from volunteers and local businesses."

Morgan looks at Rossi. "The offenses of these 6 were minor harm issues. What if…what if someone did something worse? Vandalism, destruction of property, even if by accident?" Rossi nods, seeing what he's saying. Morgan pulls out his phone. "Baby girl, have you run any recent arrests or tickets given in the park?"

"Sorry, sugar, but I think Hotch is handling that on a local level. If you want me to punch in another search I need a special treat," she teases.

Morgan chuckles. "How about a picture of me working out in the sun wearing nothing but short shorts."

Garcia trills excitedly. "Derek Morgan your search just jumped to the front of my lists of searches. I will be back to you faster than sweat rolled down your sexy body."

Morgan laughs, shaking his head as he hangs up. He had missed the interaction with the crazy but lovable woman. Rossi is studying him. As Morgan puts his phone away he looks at the older man.

"Done profiling me yet?" he asks easily.

Rossi smiles. "Not really profiling. Just…well…we knew, Hotch and I, that it could be hard for you and JJ to just jump back into all this after what happened over there. And if you think I didn't see the doubt in your eyes the first time we stopped you're nuts, kid."

Morgan chuckles. "It's so…different. And I keep…keep wanting to look around for snipers."

Rossi nods. "I get it, kid. Trust me. But I hope you're seeing that what you did and experienced there doesn't have to affect what you do here. You're a damn good agent and profiler, Morgan. Let that shit over there enhance you, not diminish you. And if you need to talk or anything there is no shame in asking. As you always say, I've got your back."

Morgan smiles. "Thanks, Rossi. I appreciate that and…and I learned it's not weak to need help sometimes. I promise to reach out if I start to falter."

Rossi claps him on the shoulder. "And I'll reach back. Come on. Two more stops and then we can get to the precinct to see what the others have found out."

Morgan nods and drives them to the next dump site.

Mitchell Reese stares at JJ as she and Hotch enter the precinct. He grins. She was still beautiful. Too bad she would eventually have to die. He continues to mop the floor as the agents talk to the tall, skinny agent who was weird beyond words.

When Hotch closes the door to the conference room, Reese turns away to finish this hallway. He scratches at the beard and mustache he had grown before starting his projects in Detroit. He had been upset that it had taken the police so long to call in the FBI. He had been beyond thrilled when tall, creepy and skinny had walked in. That meant the blonde and Agent Prentiss. His penis had hardened at the thought of finally being able to exact revenge on this team, especially the two women.

He puts his mop and bucket away. He grabs the rolling trash bin and starts to collect the trash at each desk. It was always amazing to him what cops left out on their desks. And since there was always a few empty cups, he could rustle a bit on the desk and most people just assumed he was being extra conscientious.

He looks up when he sees the black agent and the old agent enter the precinct. He frowns. Where was Agent Prentiss?

"Shit…maybe she transferred," he thinks. Then he grins evilly. "Or maybe she was killed in the line of duty. That would be fine, too."

He quickly finishes his trash collection then clocks out for his 15 minute break. Hacking the station wifi with his iPad he runs a search for dead FBI agents. Though several pop up, Agent Prentiss isn't mentioned.

"Damn it," he mutters. "She transferred or quit. Oh well, I'll send her a little gift via FBI headquarters. By the time it routes to her I'll be finished with my projects in Detroit. Only 2 more kills and then the finale."

He puts his iPad away and gets back to his janitorial job. He didn't know why so many people put down janitors. They get to see so much they shouldn't. And, even better, no one ever really notices them. He smiles. Maybe by the time he finishes here Agent Jareau will know him intimately. Maybe.

Or maybe he'll just make sure she knows this was all for her. That's even better…she can know he's out there and have to look over her shoulder the rest of her life.

Whistling a quiet, happy tune, a spring in his step, Reese gets back to work. At lunch that day, he sends a special package overnight to Emily Prentiss.