Mean Something (Jemily)

Chapter 18 - Non-Stop Surprises (Emily POV)

It had been a few weeks since I joined back with the team at the BAU when I received a phone call from Rossi early one Monday morning "Sure, yeah I can be there in 20 minutes" I said answering his request to meet him at his office. After a lengthy conversation alone we gathered a worried looking team into the round table room "Its about Hotch." Rossi said. Everyone listened intently as Rossi explained that Hotch had not gone on an assignment, but instead into hiding after noticing Peter Lewis, better known as Mr. Scratch stalking his son, Jack. "Involving Jack takes this to a whole new level," JJ chimed in, her motherly instinct taking over. "Peter Lewis is not going to stop, which is why Hotch, and Jack, have now entered 'the program'" 'The program' was Rossi's way of saying they had entered into witness protection. I watched as the teams' hearts collectively broke upon hearing that even if we were to catch 'Scratch' Hotch would not be returning to the BAU. He made the decision to keep Jack safe, and none of us could blame him for that, but it still hurt all the same. Garcia asked if this meant none of us could contact him again "The only way to guarantee their safety is if they both stay off the grid." I said answering her softly.

"Oh, and one more thing," Rossi added "Hotch spoke to the director as to who should replace him." He had everyone's full attention "Don't worry, it won't be me. You know I'm allergic to paperwork" He added with a smile trying to lift the mood "But Hotch's final request was that Emily Prentiss become the BAU's new unit chief." "Thank the universe for silver linings" Garcia blurted out. I sighed "I just heard about all of this myself a few minutes ago." Hearing that Luke spoke up "Congratulations Emily." "This will be good right?" Spencer asked innocently "Are you kidding, this will be great." JJ answered locking eyes with me. With that I felt my anxiety spike "I'm really happy for you Emily." Tara added "Thanks you guys... But I haven't exactly signed on yet." Rossi put a hand on my shoulder "Everyone knows you have a lot to consider," He said sweetly "But the bosses need an answer by tomorrow." "Understood." I nodded. Garcia's phone chimed "I hate to interrupt the bad news-good news thing, but we've got 3 missing kids in Delaware."

The team headed to the jet immediately, intending to brief on the plane. Cases involving kids were the hardest, especially when we knew we were working against the clock in hopes to find them alive. "It's a quick flight we should get started." I said as Garcia popped up on the screen discussing the details of the missing boys. We didn't have much to go off of, good kids who snuck out one night without their phones. Spencer mentioned there was a history of hauntings in the area because of an old mental asylum after Garcia added the boys liked to make homemade Sci-Fi-Horror movies. Making that our only lead, we started digging into it. The news of this morning was still weighing heavy on everyone's mind. JJ and I finally got a second alone driving in a SUV on the way to the assumed abduction scene. "So, have you talked to Candice?" JJ asked breaking the silence "Not yet." "You may want to do that sooner than later Em, regardless of your decision." I know JJ was trying to be neutral on this, even though I knew she wanted to ask me to stay. "It's a lot to think about... There are more pros that cons," "But you have a life in London. A fantastic job.... and a girlfriend." I felt a bit of sadness in her voice. I was confused and scared I would say something I'd regret, so I didn't say anything. 

We all grouped together back at the station to go over our theories. Tara and Luke decided they wanted to try and talk to the brother of the two kids who went missing in a similar way over three decades ago once more while Rossi took Reid to go look at the same case files. This left JJ and I alone once again "Have you called her yet?" JJ asked, "No, no. We got to work on this case so suddenly." I said making an excuse. "You should call her," "I will." JJ stared me down "Oh, you mean now." She nodded and left me alone in the office, presumably to go find Rossi and Reid. I sighed and picked up my phone to call Candice.