Chapter 8 –

Kate smiled as she leant back in the comfortable chair, John had instantly put her at ease as they sat in the coffee shop, granted it had helped that they were already friendly and knew a bit about each other but the butterflies were still fluttering around her stomach as the two of them sat together on their first official date. The nervous laughter hadn't helped at first but now Kate felt slightly more relaxed as the conversation eased around to films that the two of them both enjoyed.

"Well we could go and catch a film on Friday night if you wanted? That is if you haven't already got any plans of course."

John raised his eyebrows in expectation as Kate looked at him and his deep brown eyes.

"Of course that would be lovely, thanks."

"It's my pleasure Kate, maybe we could go for dinner as well?"

John grinned as he reached across and picked up his coffee, it was as he was bending over that Kate caught a glimpse and instantly her breath was taken away.

"Kate?"

"Huh?"

Kate shook her head for a second as she tried to gather her thoughts and concentrate on the conversation with John.

"Dinner on Friday?"

"Oh yes that sounds great, I'm really sorry John but I've just remembered that I haven't done the reading for tomorrow's lecture, I'd better get back to my dorm room and catch up."

The nervous laughter had returned as Kate spoke but John was nothing but polite as he stood up.

"Of course would you like me to walk you back?"

"No its ok thanks I've got a couple of things that I need to pick up at the store on my way home."

"Not a problem I'll see you tomorrow, thanks for today Kate I enjoyed myself."

"Me too John sorry I'm rushing out on you."

John waved his hand as he dismissed the comment before he slowly bent in, watching carefully for any reaction but on getting none he took a chance and kissed Kate tenderly on the lips.

"Take care Kate I'll see you tomorrow."

John grinned as he picked up his bag and left, Kate felt the redness creep up on her cheeks as she managed a small wave before she glanced out of the window and her heart sunk as she realised that she hadn't been mistaken. Kate waited for a moment, watching John walk away from the coffee shop until she was sure that he wouldn't come back, only then did she walk up to the counter, placing an order for three takeaway coffees before she took a breath and walked towards the black SUV. Determined not to cause a scene Kate didn't say a word or show any emotion as she arrived, silently handing each person a coffee before she opened the door and climbed into the back of the SUV.

"Well at least we got coffee!"

Morgan grinned widely as he turned and looked at JJ as she just rolled her eyes at him.

"Come on let's not make this any harder than it already is."

JJ sighed as she got in and waited impatiently while Morgan climbed into the driver's seat.

Emily sat down at the dining table, hating the fact that the blinds were closed and she couldn't appreciate the wonderful view that often helped her to concentrate, without thinking she had sat down next to Garcia but her eyes glazed over at the sight of the busy screen.

"Are you ok Emily sweetie?"

"Huh? Oh yeah sorry Pen I was miles away."

"That's ok sweetheart it's perfectly understandable."

"What are you doing?"

Emily frowned as she reached across the table and picked up her reading glasses as Garcia smiled and moved the laptop so Emily could see better.

"I'm looking at the address in Baltimore and running complete background checks on the address, current and previous occupants, if there is anything suspicious there."

"I know Pen you'll find it, thanks."

"Not a problem sweetie, now come on I can tell that something is whirring through that brilliant mind of yours so spill."

Emily managed a faint smile as Garcia reached around and squeezed her waist tightly in support, taking a deep breath Emily managed to compose herself, her voice quiet and soft as she spoke.

"I thought that after I left the BAU that things would be different, no more rushing around all over the country putting myself in danger, seeing people I love and care about in danger but it seems that no matter what I do I can't keep Kate safe!"

Emily's voice broke, the emotional toll finally breaching the carefully built barriers that she had put up since everyone had arrived at the house.

"It's not your fault Emily, just remember the countless lives that you have saved and Kate knows that too she wouldn't wish that you had lived your life in any other way. Believe me when I tell you that we are going to stop this, ok?"

Emily slowly nodded her head as she reached up and wiped her tears away, taking a sip of water before she smiled and looked at Garcia, the pep talk had had the desired effect as the steely resolve had seeped back into Emily's body.

"Right then let's see what I can remember about this bastard and why he wants to hurt my family then."