Chapter Three - Together

After the surprise of Will having fled, it was clear that things would have to wait until morning, which was rapidly approaching anyway.

Prentiss had headed home to try and get even the smallest amount of sleep. Her mind was racing and when she finally slept, it seemed like no time at all had passed between her closing her eyes and her phone letting out a loud alarm at 6am sharp. That was shortly followed by a reminder to round up the team; something she'd had little chance to forget. With the reminder flickering on the screen, Emily reached for her phone and dialled Garcia.

"Ooooooh, boss lady, look how early it is," said Garcia. "I'll need a few more coffees for my cute to kick in."

"Hey Garcia, I'm heading in shortly. We have a case. Can you notify the team please?"

"No problem, if any of them are awake. Didn't think we'd have one so soon though. Anyway, you know I'm already on it."

"Yeah, thanks. Technically we don't. This one's personal, so, you get it. I've forwarded you some info to tell the guys. Before you go I should probably tell you it's to do with JJ and Will so-"

"Say no more, my favorite boss lady, I know what to do! Strictly hush hush, I'll keep it all low key."

"You're the best, Penelope."

Penelope had only just finished taking her boss's call when her cell phone beeped. She looked at the text message she'd just received, from someone she'd not heard from in some time.

She didn't hesitate to dial back, even though it seemed way too early in the day to be doing so. She was starting to turn into her boss.

"Hey, Baby Girl, yo," came the voice back, disrupting her musings.

'Hey, my chocolate prince, you're up early, come to sweep me away?" cooed Penelope. "Just got your text."

"So I'm back in town, time on my hands, who else would I call? Just surprised you're up at this time."

"No rest for the wicked, cupcake. Besides, Emily just called about a case. A case we need to tread softly with."

"Don't look at me, momma. It was just a social call."

"But you'd be perfect. Still have to keep this place running, need all the hands we can get our hands on. Plus you can fly under the radar."

"Don't think I'll work for free, dollface," replied Derek.

"It's JJ and Will," Penelope said. "There's some trouble."

There was a silence on the other end of the phone for a second, and then Derek was back. "You've got me for as long as it takes, baby girl. Just tell me where to start."

Penelope Garcia was sitting at her desk, when Emily walked in.

"So, Penelope, everyone ready?"

Penelope's nose scrunched up. "Not operating at full force, Dodoboss. Still need the others to run interference and handle whatever else crime throws at us."

"So, who've we got?" asked Emily.

"Just Reid and Rossi… and our secret weapon."

"Secret weapon?"

"Rhymes with Derek Morgan," said Penelope, a big smile on her face. "He was adamant that he was going to help in some way, and I was always one to take advantage."

With Garcia having informed the selection of agents, Prentiss decided that due to the increased complexity of the case, protocol was going to be an issue. With that in mind, she planned to keep it under the radar as best as possible, so sent a message herself informing everyone. Complicated as it may become, she felt it was necessary. As well as protecting Will, no other external forces were to be involved for the time being.

Derek walked back into the BAU, without even a visitor badge. He wasn't sure what favors Penelope had called in to manage that, but looking around at the familiar faces, it was as if he'd never left.

"Hey there, Pretty Boy," he greeted Reid.

"Derek? Don't say you're back for good."

"They can't afford me," Derek said, waving over at Rossi, and making a hand gesture toward Garcia. Then he saw Emily and JJ and walked over.

"Derek," JJ said, hugging him. "Glad you're here."

"I'm always here," he reassured her."

"How are Hank and Savannah?"

Derek smiled. "They're good but we will catch up when we've sorted this. And we will, don't worry."

The conversation was in full flow at the BAU, JJ being caught in the center of it.

"Erm, so, I really don't doubt you but how could he just go and take a body with him?" asked Rossi. "You did emphasise the importance of him staying there, right?"

"Yes! I honestly have no idea where he went," said JJ defensively. "He asked for my help so he wouldn't just leave. You know that. I told him to clean up, not up and take the body on a road trip. Your guess really is as good as mine. I've got a bad feeling about this and I need you on side, Will's a good guy.''

"Not gonna lie, slightly weird, he seems to have taken everything we'd need to look over. Zilch in terms of evidence. Nada. Not great," said Derek.

"We just need to find him," JJ said. "We can do this right, come on?"

Prentiss could see the anguish on JJ's face and wanted so desperately to fend off the questions, but she also knew JJ's inner strength and that she could handle it.

"JJ that's not good enough. He clearly doesn't want to be found if he left that quick with no explanation," Derek said.

"I know that!"

"Oh man. Do you even know this guy?!" snapped Derek.

Stunned, JJ stared at him. "How can you even say that? We've been together for years, you know some of the things we've had to deal with. He's the father of my children."

"I'm sorry, we want to help so we need to know anything and everything, big or little. You know this. And the fact that he left isn't a good sign"

"I am well aware of that."

"Okay Morgan, I think she gets it, back off," said Reid.

"Kid's right," agreed Rossi.

Emily finally stepped in to try and restore some order. "Guys, come on. We're not going to get anywhere or be any help to Will sitting here squabbling. Reid and Rossi, go to JJ's and see if you can find anything that gets us closer to knowing what on earth is going on. Derek and JJ find out what you can over at the police department."

"Do you think I could check out New Orleans since it's possible he might have gone back there?" asked JJ.

"It's a good idea but not yet, no, we have to do this properly," Emily reminded her. "Can't have you out on your own when we don't know what we're up against." Emily looked around the room, seeing if there was anything else anyone wanted to offer, but everyone was silent, eager to get on with their assignments and uncover the truth. Looked like this meeting was over. "I would say 'wheels up in ten' but you know, let's go."