Chapter 1
AN – So as promised here's chapter 1, I realise in my last AN I didn't really explain much of the story (nervous rambling) so here goes, this is set around 3 months after the epilogue of Family Ties. It focuses on Meghan and how the shootings impact her but also there are parts with the BAU profiling and working their wonderful magic. So I think that just about covers it, unless I forgot something but hey you'll find out when you read. I want to say thank you for the kind welcome back, so here's chapter 1. I really hope you enjoy it. Also Criminal minds, it ain't mine. It belongs to CBS (sighs deeply)
Lexis4MorganPrentiss – Thank you for the review, I really hope you like the next chapter.
"Local Murders Baffle Police
Police are baffled by the recent string of murders in the DC area. Three teenagers have been found shot dead in the past two weeks. Karin Morgan, aged 17, was found shot dead 14 days ago in Capitol Hill Park. Since then, two others have been found dead in similar regions. So far the only connections between the victims have been their age, with two being male and one female. The police have struggled to find another connection between the victims.
With no witnesses to any of the shootings, police are appealing for witnesses and offering rewards of $250 for any information that could lead to an arrest. Mother of 16 year old Callum McCall made an emotional appeal for witnesses to her son's murder and for people who may know anything 'not to be afraid to go to the police' and to 'help them catch the monster that murdered my son'.
Many neighbourhoods in the capital city have started neighbourhood watches in order to help catch the killer and to keep the children safe. Local High Schools have also increased security with the aim to have more control over who gets in and out of the school. Three out of the four High Schools have been targeted and Police are anticipating a victim from 'Lincoln High School' but have not confirmed it as a definite pattern. Police have also enforced a 10pm curfew as a way to try and stop the killings. But with the police having what seems like no leads, hopes of catching the killer soon are fading.
It is believed that the FBI will be assisting with the investigation. Detective Mark Walters says that he is 'glad of their help' and hopes that their presence will be a key factor in catching this killer."
Meghan placed the paper on the table. "They think it could be one of us next?"
Spencer took a quick glance over the paper. "Most likely," He said absently. He looked over at Meghan seeing a look of panic wash over her. "But he could only be targeting those three schools." He added.
Meghan rolled her eyes. "Great. I feel so much safer."
Spencer looked at his watch. "Shouldn't you be heading off to school?"
Meghan smiled. "Henry is picking me up. He's so happy he's finally got his license, he's driving everywhere."
"Well, it was his fourth try." Reid pointed out.
"Fifth," Meghan corrected. "And with these murders he's pretty insistent on driving me everywhere."
"That's good of him."
"Yeah, it is." Meghan smiled happily. "It's gonna be strange when he goes to college in September."
"It is only February now." Spencer commented.
"I know. But it'll still be weird." Meghan looked at her phone. "Being early isn't really his thing." She chuckled.
"Where is he?"
"Just leaving his house now," Meghan said absently as she tapped a message back to Henry.
"So you'll be late?"
"Yeah, but only to registration," Meghan replied.
"Do you want me to give you a lift?"
"No, it's okay, Henry still has to pass the house to get to school anyway."
Spencer smiled at his daughter. "I've got to go to work now, so I'll see you later, okay?"
"See ya." Meghan waved.
"Will you be okay?"
"I'm armed with pepper spray." Meghan joked.
"Very funny,"
"Where's Emily?"
"She couldn't sleep so she went for a run. She should be back soon." Spencer replied.
"That's gross." Meghan smiled.
Spencer just shook his head and walked towards the door. "Meg?"
"Yeah?"
"Make sure you come straight home." Spencer said in a concerned tone.
"I will. Love you."
"Love you too, sweetheart."
Meghan looked over at the door as she watched it close. She looked at the phone reading over the last text message from Henry saying he'd be fifteen minutes. After everything that had happened with Doyle the previous year, she really hated being on her own. She wasn't as bad as she used to be where every creak would make her jump, but she was still slightly nervous.
Henry had been extremely protective over Meghan since the murders started, although from what Meghan knew about serial killers and from what she'd discovered listening to her dad and family, Henry was probably in more danger considering two out of the three victims were male.
She looked over at the text again; he sent it ten minutes ago which meant he was only five minutes away. Meghan quickly gathered all her things and threw them into her bag. She took her key off the table and left the apartment.
XXX
Emily slowed her jog right down to a walk as she got to the centre of Lincoln Park; it had still been cordoned off for investigation. Emily had to admit that she didn't miss being in the FBI for a minute. She had enjoyed the part of her job where she got to lock away the bad guys and save the occasional life. But it wasn't worth it when it came down to getting to know Meghan or her work. She always swore that she wouldn't be like her mother and that she'd be there for her own child and always make her feel loved. Even though she had missed some of Meghan's life, she was working on their relationship.
Emily took a look at her watch; there would probably be no one at the apartment. She took one last glance at the crime scene before her, she couldn't help the semi profile that popped into her head just by looking at the crime scene; it was out in the open, which said that the killer really didn't care whether the victims were found or not… Emily shook her head trying to forget profiling. She turned around and plugged in her headphones and ran back to the apartment, blocking all thoughts of serial killers and profiles; she just let herself get absorbed in the music.
XXX
Meghan stared out the window of Henry's car, watching the world go by.
"Penny for your thoughts," Henry said as he pulled up to a red light.
"I was just thinking about this article I read this morning." Meghan replied.
"Care to elaborate?" Henry asked.
"It was this report on the shootings."
"Oh, light reading then," Henry joked.
Meghan chuckled slightly. "I don't know; it's just a bit unnerving to think of a lunatic running around with a gun, shooting kids."
"Yeah, I know, my mom and dad have both been giving me the old 'don't talk to strangers' talk and have given me pepper spray and whatever to carry around." Henry replied.
"Oh, it's not as bad as the rape alarm my dad got me." Meghan snickered.
"A rape alarm?" Henry raised an eyebrow.
Meghan shrugged. "He said something like it would alert others and scare off an attacker."
Henry laughed. "What did your mom say?"
"Emily." Meghan corrected. "She looked kind of amused actually."
"You're back to Emily?" Henry asked, as he started driving again.
"Urgh, it's just weird to call her mom. I know she's been back for nearly a year now…" Meghan trailed off.
"You don't have to explain yourself, you know. I was just pointing it out; usually you call her Emily if you've had a fight."
"I usually call her a bitch after a fight." Meghan smiled.
"You know what I mean."
"Yeah, I know." Meghan let silence drop between the two. The remainder of the car ride was in silence, with Henry occasionally looking over at Meghan to make sure she was alright.
Soon the couple were at the school. They slowed as they entered the parking lot. Henry was stopped by two security guards. He rolled down the window.
"Hi, do you two have your student IDs?" One security guard asked.
"We haven't needed those in ages." Henry replied, picking his bag up from the passenger foot well.
"It's procedure for the time being." The security guard informed the pair as he checked their IDs. "You two are late."
"Yeah, it was my fault I couldn't get the car started." Henry explained.
The security guard gave them a dubious look. "Make sure you're on time from now on."
"Will do," Henry smiled, as he drove off.
Henry pulled into a free space. "Great! Now we have extra added security."
Meghan smiled. "I think the newspaper said something about that this morning."
"It's ridiculous." Henry sighed.
"Considering what both your parents and my dad do for a living, you're calling this ridiculous?" Meghan asked tilting her head towards the security.
"All I'm saying is that no one has been attacked in a school yet, so I don't see why we need the security."
"They're just acting with precaution." Meghan defended them.
Henry shook his head. "The police keep saying they want everyone to go on as normal. I don't see how we do that when there's security and curfews."
Meghan picked hers and Henry's bag up from the foot well. She handed him the bag and opened the door signalling the end of their conversation. Henry followed suit and met her at the front of the car. He took her hand in his, giving it a small squeeze. "So what have you got first?" He asked as they walked up the stairs into the school.
"Umm, English." Meghan replied.
They both walked quickly past the receptionists' desk and towards the stairs where the couple would go their separate ways.
"Okay, do you want to meet during lunch?" Henry asked.
Meghan thought for a moment. "I kind of promised Stacey I'd hang out with her for a change."
"You see her nearly every lunch." Henry laughed.
"I know, but you know Stacey, she hates being the third wheel."
"Alright, I'll see you later today then." Henry rhetorically asked.
"Yup," Meghan said.
"Okay, I'll see you by the car." He smiled.
"I'll see you later." Meghan gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. She turned and started to walk up the stairs.
"Meg!" Henry called to her.
Meghan turned around to face Henry. "Yeah?"
"I love you."
Meghan felt her heart stop and then restart again. She quickly ran down the few steps she walked up. She threw her arms around his neck and their lips crashed together. Meghan pulled away quickly remembering where she was. "I love you too."
AN – N'aww so Meghan and Henry are in love, but is it all it seems to be? Will it last? What do we think about the UNSUB? What will happen next? Thank you for reading, please review, subscribe or favourite. I was hoping to update on Tuesday but unfortunately I'm at a University open day so I won't be home until Thursday, so I'll see you guys then. Don't forget to subscribe favourite or review, till Thursday, Rhianx