As always I do not own the rights to Criminal Minds, CBS, ABC and their affiliates. This is a fictional story for entertainment purposes only. All Original Fictional Characters are of my imagination and any resemblance to living or deceased individuals is purely coincidental. Do not use any or all parts of this story without prior permission from the writer.

Buried Beneath Still Waters

Chapter 17

Reid stayed by her side as she identified Sally Anne, afterwards he took her home. The ride was quiet and Reid stole glances at her. She was curled up against the door of the SUV. He knew she was crying softly and he wanted nothing more than to help her. He pulled up to her place, turning off the engine. They sat there for a long time, neither of them moving. When he offered to come inside with her she declined. He didn't hear any anger in her voice when she refused. Instead all he detected was pain etched on her face and raw emotion in her words. Reid did not want to leave her but he accepted the fact that she didn't want him to stay. Soon he would talk to her about all of this but it wasn't the right time now.

Garcia continued to search for missing persons coming up with nothing. She was sifting through the lives of the people of this small town when Hotch came into the conference room and told her to pack up for the night.

Hotch was about to walk away when Penelope stopped him. "Sir what if there are more than what we have found?"

Hotch took a step into the conference room. "What do you mean?"

"I have never had a case where we don't have any grieving relatives or searching parents. It seems like every one of these women has one thing in common, they were completely alone. What if he has been doing this for years? And what if he used the lake too? What if finding Sally Anne's body in Moomaw wasn't an accident. Could he be sending us a message that says look I have gotten away with this?"

"Penelope, you are determined not to rest tonight are you?"

"Sir?"

"I just mean you're on to something. Good work."

Hotch went looking for Chief Benstin, he found him in front of the coffee pot.

"I want divers on Lake Moomaw."

"Why?"

"Because I want to expand the search."

After a bit of argument Benstin finally agreed to have divers come out in the morning. Hotch gathered Rossi and Garcia heading back to the cabin to get some rest.

.

.

Ryan had spent most of the night crying and pacing the floors of her place. One minute she wanted to go back to the police station and demand to be part of this case. The next she didn't think she could even step foot into the building.

It was late when she finally gave up. Slipping on her shoes, she had to do something. Deciding to go to the one place she got the most peace, her hideaway. Ryan clicked on her flash light setting out for the five mile walk.

Reid stood on the porch. He was leaning on the railing thinking of the last time he was here, with her. His heart ached for Ryan, She held him so tightly this afternoon. It didn't last though; she pushed him away once again. She was hurting so bad and Reid wanted nothing more than to hold her. He knew he couldn't go there, not with the team here. And now that Ryan knew the truth about him she obviously didn't want him any longer. He heard the screen door slap shut behind him, snapping him out of his daydream. He didn't bother to look at who was behind him. He knew who ever it was they were there to check on him.

She walked along, it was dark but she had her flash light and the moon was bright enough. She was thinking about the cabin and the man inside. He was a curious thing and drove her to distraction. There were so many questions she needed answered. She just wasn't sure how to ask. The sound of a twig snapping behind her startled her. "Oh my God you scared me! What are you doing? No, Stop!" She screamed.

He pushed her down, quickly jumping on her. He put his hands on either side of her face, squeezing. She looked into his eyes, what where once warn kind eyes were now angry and cold.

"What are you doing here?"

"Please don't, you will not get away with this!" She fought him with all her strength.

He grabbed her head bashing it into the ground.

Emily looked at her friend, he was hunched over. Normally he would be jumpy at the sound of the door. This time though he never even flinched.

"Spencer… here…" She held out a cup of coffee for him.

He stood up stretching his back.

"Thanks!" He took a sip of his coffee. "Perfect, Thank you Emily I needed this."

"Is there anything I can do for you?"

Spencer didn't get to answer because they heard a woman scream. Emily went for her gun as did Spencer.

"Hotch!" Emily yelled into the cabin. She didn't need too because all of them were already at the door.

A/N Special thanks to CSK for helping me with the forensic aspects of the case. Without you Crime Scene Kelly my case would be a bunch of fabricated foolishness. From the bottom of my heart a very big thank you for your time and effort!

Thanks to all of you who are out there proof reading, giving me suggestions and helpful hints. And to you the reader for your reviews and your continued support!