Chapter 12
A/N: I know it's been a while since I last posted. But I will finish this story. It's just been a struggle trying mapping out the back half of the story. I'm thankful for everyone that has been sticking with this story and for those of you who are just finding it. It really means a lot.
Harriet Beecher Stowe once said "The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone."
The rain hit in the glass in a light rhythmic, tapping sound. Erin stared out into the dark grey morning skies of Chicago dressed in a black pantsuit as she waited for Jay. The steady rain reflect the mood of everyone who was mourning Hailey Upton. Today the entire 21st District were burying on of their own. The sound of the floor board creaking pulls her from her thoughts as she turns and catches sight of Jay dressed in his services blues trying to keep his emotions in check. She knows that today is going to be hard for them but it's going to be especially hard for Jay as he buries a dear friend.
Erin never really got to know Hailey. They worked together a short while before she left for New York and from what she could tell she was good police. But Hailey and Jay were partners and she knows the bound that is formed when you have someone who is watching your back day in and day out. Hailey also with Jay during some difficult times these past couples of years and Erin will always be grateful that he had someone to lean on. But that was over now all that is left is the grief of a life lost.
She is pulled from her thoughts when Jay lets out a frustrating groan and throws his untie down on the couch. She makes her way over to him and grabs the tie from the couch. She places it around his neck and begins and effortlessly ties it for him. After she is done straightens his uniform and lays a gentle hand on his heart. Jay places his hand on top of hers but keeps his head tilted down. Erin lays her other hand on his cheek rubbing it softly. He leans into the embrace, closing his eyes as he takes the comfort she is offering him. "Are you ready?"
He shakes his head, "No." Jay allows himself a second to sink into her comfort before he straightens his posture and take a deep breathe. He grabs Erin's hand as they exit the apartment.
…
The funeral was a blur. The entire District 21 was there along with the members of the BAU to pay their respects to Hailey Upton. Everyone sat in silence as the priest spoke about Hailey's life and service as a police officer.. As quickly as the service began it was over and everyone began to leave expect for the Intelligence Unit.
Kim was the first one to break the silence as they all stood around her casket, "I can't believe she's really gone." She says as her voice begins to break.
No says anything for minute after she speaks until Adam breaks the silence, "If only of us had gotten to her sooner." Adam says, "We would be visiting her in a hospital room instead of burying her.
"Adam…" Kim says as she tries to comfort him. He pulls his arm from her.
"No! You weren't there you didn't see what we saw." He pauses. "She…she didn't deserve what happened to her." He says as he pulls away from Kim. Everyone stand is shock at his outburst at Kim.
"Adam…" Erin says with sadness in her voice but she stops herself from continuing and lets her voice trails off.
"I know." Kim whispers as she places her hand on his back.
Jay clears his throat, "Everyone's probably waiting on us at Molly's. We should get going."
Everyone nods their heads in agreement and begins to leave. As the rest of the team leaves. Erin, Jay, and Adam take one last look at Hailey's grave before they turn and joins the others.
….
Dr. Halstead stood in the ED finishing up a patient's chart. He wished he could have been there for his brother and the other members of the intelligent unit but work prohibited him from attending. He checked his watch. If he left now if probably could make it to Molly's but first he wanted to stop by Nadia's room and check on her. He walked into her hospital room and grab her chart to check her vitals to see if anything changed. After seeing that nothing had, he makes his way over to the chair next to her bed and sits down.
"Hey, Nadia. I thought I'd stop by and spend some time with you before I head of over to Molly's. Today was Hailey's funeral and the team is in bad shape. Their scared that they are going to lose you just like they lost Hailey. But I know you're a fighter so you got to fight. Not just for them but for yourself too." The only sound in the room after he finishes speaking in the sounds of the monitors beeping. As Will gets up to leave he notices that her fingers start to move. He thinks it's just reflex but her hers begin to flutter open.
…
Emily looks over at Hotch as he's driving to the prison. She notices the turmoil on his face. She places a comforting hand on his thigh letting him know that she is there. He glances over and gives her a small smile.
"Aaron you don't really think the Reaper is alive, do you?"
Hotch shakes his head, "No, I know his dead. But this case is…" He clears his throat. "The similarities are just to exact. Foyet had to have contact with someone before we caught him or someone has truly spent the time and effort studying the Reaper so they could wreak as much havoc as he did while he was alive."
"Do you think the Jeffery Charles is that person?"
He glances over at her, "Honestly, I don't know what I believe any more. I thought he was before everything that happened with Hailey and Nadia. But now I think Jeffery Charles exactly who the Reaper is.
They pull up at the entrance to the prison, "Well, let's find out what exactly Mr. Charles knows.
They gates open up and they head through gates. They head inside the prison and to sign in and surrender their weapons.
The guard gives them the clipboard to sign in, "Charles knows you're here to see him and I haven't seen so excited since he got here. He's very eager to talk to you."
Emily and Hotch share a glance. They head through the prison to talk to Charles but before they make it to an alarm blares through the prison. The guards rush to find out what happened. The guard escorting Hotch and Emily stops them, "We're going to have you wait here until we found out what's happening."
Ten minutes later the guard heads back to the room, " Jeffery Charles was just killed."
"What!" Hotch shouts.
"There was apparently a fight that broke out in the yard and Charles was shanked."
Emily turns to Hotch, "I find it very odd that Charles was excited to talk to us and minutes before it's supposed to happen he winds up dead."
"Charles defiantly knew something and the unsub shut him up before he could say anything." Hotch takes a deep breath clearly frustrated. "We have to let the rest of the team know about Charles."
…
When they arrived Molly's was already full. They find an empty table towards the back and sit down. Once they find their table Jay and Adam head to the bar to grab drinks for everyone. They seat at the table for a while trading memories of Haley. A little while later the BAU team arrives at Molly's and finds the Intelligence Unit.
Erin notices the look on Morgan face as he approaches the table, "What's wrong Morgan?"
Morgan sighs, "Hotch just called Jeffery Charles was just murdered."
"What!" Jay shouts.
"Hotch and Emily thinks the Reaper killed him before he could reveal what he knew." Morgan replies.
"This guy has been one step ahead of us this whole time! And I'm getting real sick of it." Jay says angrily.
Just then Jay phones starts ringing. Without looking at the id caller Jay answers it, "What." He says roughly.
"Jay, its Will."
Immediately Jay's tone changes, "Will, what's going on man?"
"It's Nadia. She's awake and asking for you."
…
The team arrives at the hospital and immediately spots Will. "Will!" Jay shouts.
Will makes his way over to them, "Hey guys."
Erin takes a breath, "How is she?"
"She's weak but stable. She is being checked out right now. You guys can see her but only two people right now. She's still very weak." Will replies.
"Did she say anything when she woke up?" Voight asks.
"All she asked for was Jay." A nurse comes up to talk to Will after a couple of minutes Will turns back to the group. "She's back in her room. Jay if you would follow me."
Jay moves to follow Will but not before grabbing Erin's hand and taking him with her. They arrive at Nadia's room and Will holds the door open for them to enter.
"Hey Jay, remember she just woke up so take it easy on her."
"Will." Jay starts but Will interrupts him, "I know your just happy she's awake but you also want answers. Just be careful." Jay nods his head and heads in.
Erin's already by Nadia's bed when the door closes behind Jay. She touches Nadia's hand and moves rubs her head, "Nadia can you hear me."
Nadia slowly opens her eyes. She looks up at Erin and Jay, "Hey." She says in a whisper.
"God, it's good to hear your voice." Jay replies.
Nadia swallows, "Hailey?" she questions.
Jay and Erin share a look as Erin grabs her hand, "She…she didn't make it." Nadia closes her eyes as tears slowly fall from them. She begins to slowly sob. Erin moves to comfort her, "I should have helped her."
Jay moves to the other side of Nadia and says, "Hey…hey it's not your fault. The three of them seat there in silence as Nadia greaves her friend. "I promise you Nadia. We are going to catch the guy who did this."
Nadia shakes her head, "No." she croaks out, "Not a man." Erin and Jay look at each other confused.
"What do you mean not a man?" Erin asks.
Nadia takes a breath, "The Reaper is a woman."
A/N: Reviews are welcomed!