"We are staying local for this case. Earlier this morning, someone had made a tip to the Metro police station that they were going to crash a city bus. They didn't specify as to which one and said that the games were just beginning before hanging up. At 8:37 am, the first city bus was involved in a serious accident, killing 17 civilians including the driver. Just recently at 9:37 am, the second city bus was involved in another serious accident killing, once again, 17 passengers including the driver. Metro has asked us to step in and help catch the guy. The accidents are still under investigation, but there are witnesses that say the buses were speeding a significant amount before running into the sides of the buildings." Hotch said, showing the pictures on the screen.
"So going by that timeline, there will be another accident at 10:37, which is in 28 minutes." Derek said.
"It is presumed that there will be, yes." Hotch said.
"Wait. The unsub said they were only going to crash one city bus. What made them crash another one?" Emily asked.
"Maybe the unsub has a specific target." JJ suggested.
"If they had a specific target, then they would follow them and make sure they were on the first bus." Rossi said.
"Lets head to Metro and see what they've come up with so far." Hotch said. Everyone got up from the table and rushed out the door to the black SUV's. They sped to the station with lights and sirens on. Upon walking in, Emily could see Brandi standing in what looked like a conference room with other officers. Once dismissed, Emily walked over to Brandi.
"Hey, I thought you had your exam today?" Emily said.
"I was supposed to, but they've postponed it. It's all hands on deck for this case," Brandi said. "I would love to chat, but I have to get going and start patrolling the area." Brandi said. Emily could see the worry in her eyes.
"Okay. Hey, be safe out there." Emily said. She pulled Brandi in for a hug. Emily was worried for her, knowing how dangerous cases like these can be. The only other person she's felt this worried about was JJ.
"I will. Remember, I just so happen to be a badass cop." Brandi said, which put a smile on Emily's face. JJ saw this interaction and realized that Emily truly was starting to move on. It broke her at the thought of that, and it broke her even more to see Emily falling in love with someone else.
"Hey, JJ-" Hotch started to say but looked at what, or who, JJ was looking at. "As far as I know, they're just friends. Both her and Brandi want Emily to focus on her recovery rather than a relationship." Hotch reassured her.
"That doesn't mean they don't like each other. It's clear as day just by how they look at each other." JJ said, turning towards him.
"It's very obvious, but Emily isn't ready for a relationship right now." Hotch said.
"I know. It just hurts seeing her in love with someone else." JJ said.
"That's how Emily felt when you and Will first got together. But she buried those feelings until you asked her out on a date as a dare and then shattered her heart when she found out," Hotch said. "I need you to do a press conference in half an hour." Hotch said before walking away.
Two hours go by, and there weren't anymore bus accidents. There weren't any leads, no connections between any of the passengers or drivers of the buses.
"There's been another accident. Except this time it wasn't a bus. It was one of ours." the captain had said.
"Who was it?" Emily asked, very worried it was Brandi.
"It was Tom. I-"
"Captain, we have another officer involved accident. It was Carlos." an officer had said to the captain.
"Okay have everyone out on patrol come back to the station on foot." he said.
"What if they're far away?" the officer asked.
"We can have an agent pick them up if they are far away." he said. The officer radioed for every officer out on the streets to come back to the station. When the officers started to arrive, Emily impatiently waited for Brandi. When she saw her walk through the doors, she ran up to her and gave her a giant hug and kissed her. She didn't plan on kissing her, but she instinctively did.
"So much for them not being together." JJ said and walked away. She couldn't handle seeing Emily kiss another woman.
The guys on the police force were whistling and cheering which caused both Brandi and Emily to blush. Emily pulled away, and they both had a smile on their face. "You have no idea how worried I was for you, not knowing if you were next." Emily said with tears in her eyes.
"I know. I-" Before Brandi could finish her sentence, there were gunshots fired in the building causing the officers and the members of the BAU to draw their weapons. Instinctively, Brandi put herself in front of Emily to protect her. The person firing the gun walks in. Brandi recognized him instantly. "Chad? What the hell are you doing?!" Brandi shouts.
"You know, I had it planned for you to be next, but your boss decides to pull you guys out of your shops. Smart move." Chad says.
"What are you doing? WHY are you doing this?" Brandi asked.
"It's simple really. I want to see our daughter. More so want custody of her." he said.
"And you think THIS is the way to do it?! You're NEVER going to see her after everything you've done today. Why didn't you just ask me to see her? Plus, you know she spends the summer with my mom in Florida." Brandi asked.
"I knew you wouldn't let me. So I had to get your attention. But, I guess it won't matter here any minute. I had one of my buddies pick her up for me." Chad said with a smirk.
"What do you mean?! I swear to god if-"
"Relax. She's fine. He didn't hurt her. At least not yet," Chad said with a laugh. Brandi started to dart towards him, but Emily held her back and stepped in front of her. "My, my. And who might you be?" Chad asked, looking Emily up and down as if she's a piece of meat.
"Not relevant. Now if you were so concerned with seeing your daughter, why would you try to kill her mother?" Emily asked.
"Because if she's gone, it's one step closer to getting full custody. I mean, I am her dad after all." This caused Emily to chuckle.
"From what I've seen, you're not much of a dad. You're just a sperm donor. But if both of you are dead, then what would happen? Well, assuming you have the balls to even kill her. And if you do, then the rest of us will handle you." Emily asked. She could see JJ moving in closer to him.
"Oh I do. Trust me." he said, ignoring the question.
"Oh really? Because you didn't have the balls to come in here with the safety off." Emily said. JJ took that as her cue and struck Chad from behind. She made sure his finger was off the trigger before doing it. After cuffing him, she picked up the gun and realized the safety was in fact on.
"How did you know that it was on?" Brandi asked.
"I learned how to tell from a young age. My dad taught me just in case I ever was put in a situation like this. That way I know if I am able to tackle the person or not and get away." Emily said.
"Mommy!" a small child's voice shouted.
"Baby girl! I'm so glad you're okay!" Brandi said, crouching down and hugging the little girl tightly and letting a few tears out. Derek had happened to see the guy that brought her in and ran after him. He was able to catch him within a few seconds and cuffed him.
"I want you to meet someone." Brandi said, pulling away from her child.
"Why you crying, mommy?" she asked.
"I'm just happy that you're okay. I was worried about you," Brandi said. "Anyway, this is mommy's friend Emily. Emily, this is my daughter Arybella." Brandi said.
"It's nice to meet you!" Emily said with a smile.
"You're really pretty!"Arybella said.
"Well thank you! You are beautiful as well." Emily said.
"I know. I look like mommy, and mommy is the most beautifulest in the world." Arybella said.
"That she is." Emily said, looking at Brandi.
"Mommy, can we get ice cream?" Arybella asked.
"We can after my shift, and then we have to get you back to grandma." Brandi said.
"Desmond, take the rest of the shift off and be with your daughter." the captain ordered.
"Cap, I still have eight hours to go." Brandi pointed out.
"I'm aware, but your daughter needs you more. She's been through a lot, I'm sure. Go and be with her." he said.
"Well I guess we can go and get ice cream now." Brandi said.
"Can Emmy come with us?" Arybella asked.
"Emily has to get back to work." Brandi told her.
"Actually I'm taking a half day today, so after I get my paperwork done for the case I can meet you guys there." Emily said.
"Can we go with her?!" Arybella asked excitedly.
"I don't know-" Brandi started.
"Please?" Arybella begged.
"Sure! Just follow us. We will be in the black Suburbans." Emily said. Arybella jumped for joy. The team gathered their things as Brandi gathered everything she needed. She buckled Arybella in her car seat and waited for the Suburbans to leave once they did, she started following them. She played R5 songs the entire way. They are Arybella's favorite band currently.
They pulled into the parking garage, and Brandi had to park on a different level. She met Emily at the entrance. After signing in and going through metal detectors, they get to the elevator. Emily pressed '6', and the doors closed. "It's so cool being here! I've always wanted to at least see the building in person!" Brandi said excitedly.
"Well now you get your own personal tour guide." Emily said with a smile.
"The cutest tour guide." Brandi said quietly, which made Emily blush. The elevator dinged, and the doors opened.
"So this way leads to the bullpen. Along this wall, you will see everyone that has lost their life on duty. I used to be on that wall, but I will save that story for another time." Emily said. Brandi looked at the wall and was reminded of Tom and Carlos. She started tearing up. They both were like older brothers to her ever since the academy.
"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I didn't even-"
"It's okay. They were great guys who died doing what they loved. I'm sure every one of the people on this wall loved their job just like they did." Brandi said.
"I'm sure they were great guys. Let's get to the bullpen. Be prepared for lots of questions. Especially from Garcia." Emily said. They came up to the glass doors and walked in. Garcia was to first to come up and hug Brandi and Arybella. Then she started with the questions. A lot of them.
A/N
Hey guys! What do you think so far? Let me know in the comments! I hope you like this chapter!