But to love is to hurt. (Criminal Minds)

Cajun

Work was one thing JJ was grateful for. It gave her some normalcy in her life. She just finished dropping off Grace at Elizabeth's before heading into Quantico. When she arrived she walked up to her office flipping on the lights before walking to her desk. She was reviewing files separating them into different piles most pressing to least pressing when her phone began to ring.

"Jennifer Jareu-Prentiss. Yes. Okay. Where. How many? Please fax over immediately the number is ... Thank you I will gather my team and head your way. Bye."

JJ stood from her desk walking over to the fax machine she picked up the file making copies for everyone before calling Hotch saying "Hotch. We have got a nasty one."

When the team arrived they all took a seat around the round table. An empty chair sat against the wall being a daily reminder to JJ of what she is missing. She passed out the file saying "We got a Serial killer in New Orleans who killed at least three men pre-Katrina. Until now, the New Orleans Police Department believed that the serial killer died in the storm."

Derek interrupted saying "What's happened to tell them otherwise?"

JJ answered him saying "A fourth body was found in the French Quarter last night. Same M.O. another male. Throat slashed, eviscerated."

Rossi said "a year and a half? That's a long cooling-off period. Are we sure this is the same unsub?"

JJ looked at him nodding her head saying "He claims to be. He sent a letter to William Lamontagne, the head detective on the case."

Derek asked, "Does Lamontagne have any leads?"

"He died in Katrina. His son is actually heading the case now."

"Hmm. That can't be easy." Derek said looking at the screen

Hotches spoke for the first time "Well we need to pour over the evidence from the first three murders and determine the pattern."

"Katrina washed everything away. The three victims we know of, their autopsy reports, witness statements. DNA test results." JJ said bracing herself on the back of her chair

Spencer leaned back in his chair saying "So, basically, all we have to go on is the latest victim?"

JJ nodded her head to the side saying a somber "Yeah"

To which a Hotch followed up with an "Until he kills again."

The team made their way to the scene when she and the team turned the corner a tall man stuck out his hand saying "You must be BAU Bill Lamontagne."

JJ shook his hand kindly "Hi. Jennifer Jareau. We spoke on the phone." she looked at the scene as he looked her over saying "Well, ok, then. I pictured you different."

JJ turned the attention away from herself "Uh, these are the agents Rossi and Morgan. This is Detective William Lamontagne Jr."

He stuck out his hand "Appreciate you guys being here. My Daddy was too stubborn to ever ask for any help."

Rossi said " Sorry for your loss. I understand you received a letter." and just like that the real work began.

As the case progressed they learned the killer is believed to be a copycat of Jack the Ripper. It was a race against the clock to try and catch them before they could kill again. Throughout the case, JJ found herself around Will a lot. Somewhere she wished not to be. She wasn't stupid. She had seen his eyes on her. It made her want to crawl out of her skin. It was moments like that she was reminded of how much she loved and missed Emily. JJ was a beautiful woman. That was no secret. Often she found herself being admired in the precincts but somehow Emily would get them to stop. They didn't show PDA and they never spoke about their marriage unless it was directly mentioned but somehow Emily sent out a silent signal like a low growl that told the men and sometimes women to look elsewhere.