Searching For Answers (We Can Make This Work sequel)

Chapter 29

** Darcy's P.O.V. ** 

Emily's jaw dropped when she saw me standing there in Hotch's arms. I quickly stepped away from him and stood awkwardly with my hands behind my back. 

"Hi Emily" I said awkwardly  

"Darcy" she started but couldn't find the words to speak 

"It's a long story Emily" I looked at her apologetically and then turned to Hotch "I think it's time to talk to the team" I mumbled 

Without saying another word Emily led us to the conference room where the rest of the team were seated. I stopped before entering and Hotch turned to face me, placing his hands on my shoulders  

"You can do this" he whispered with a small smile  

I took three deep breaths and let Hotch walk in front of me. As I entered the room I heard each one of them take a sharp intake of breath and the whole room fell silent. I couldn't blame them. I had lied to them for so many years. 

"D-D-Darcy?" Garcia stuttered astounded by what she was seeing in front of her 

"Hi Penelope" I whispered as she waddled towards me in her ever extravagant heels and hugged me tight, knocking the air from my lungs 

I turned to face Morgan, Rossi, Prentiss and JJ. Each face just as shocked as the other, except for JJ of course 

"I know I've got a lot of explaining to do, but I also know we have a case and right now I think that's more important. I'm sorry for lying the last 20 years but Casper Donovan left me with no choice. I understand if you can't begin to speak to me or trust me but just like you I have a job to do now, but I hope that in time you will understand my situation. It's nice to see your faces again, I really did miss you all" I finished with a small smile and took a seat beside JJ, motioning for Garcia to begin the briefing. 

Garcia stood there for a minute trying to find the words to say but she was still dumbfounded by my unexpected entry 

"Uhh" she mumbled then pressed the button on her remote to display images of the crime scene on the screen 

"Okay" she began finally regaining her train of thought "We've got 4 white males, early to mid 20's. Each of them were found here on home turf just 30 minutes from here.They were found in the same dumping ground each a week apart. There were clear visible signs of brutal internal and external injuries. COD is internal bleeding and numerous blows to the head" she squirmed as she saw the barbaric pictures on the screen 

"They were beaten to death" I pointed out, everyone looked at me, I suppose it's going to take a while for them to get used to my voice again 

"Yeah" Garcia smiled  

"So we have 3 days until another body turns up" Hotch said grimly  

"Blake and JJ I want you to check out the crime scenes, Morgan and I will visit the families and Rossi I want you to talk to the M.E at the morgue" Hotch ordered 

"Where's Spencer? Was he notified?" I asked Hotch 

"Uh I sent him a message but he hasn't replied" Hotch said bluntly, I could tell he wasn't being 100% honest with me 

I nodded and stood up to leave with JJ. We took JJ's car and drove to the crime scene 

"Do you think they'll forgive me?" I sighed 

"Of course they will Darce, it comes as a shock now, but soon enough they'll realise just how much they missed you!" she said in the most upbeat way she could 

"I hope so" I mumbled  

We exited the car and began walking down a deserted alley. JJ put her arm around my shoulders 

"Hell, I certainly missed you" she laughed 

"Where would I be without you?" I giggled as we arrived at the scene

JJ replied with a small laugh but hung her head and looked awkwardly at the ground. Why was everyone acting so weird?

**************

HEY EVERYONE! Sorry im so slow with updates. Im pretty busy with school and things. I really miss all your comments and feedback! How do you find the story so far! Please let me know what you think

Also follow my twitter @CMFanatic_