Third Moon (Book 3 in The Awakening Trilogy)

8: Guardian Strength

I wake up with his arm draped over my torso. I smile and roll over gazing into his eyes. He smiles at me and runs his fingers through my hair. My phone goes off on my nightstand and I groan. I pick it up.

"Okay, Ellie, we need you in Seattle. Big case and we need someone you speaks every language."

"Hello Spencer how are you?" I ask sarcastically.

"Hi, but can you do it?" I roll my eyes.

"Yes, I'll be there in a few hours." I state.

"Thanks. I gotta go."

"Bye." I hang up and get out of bed.

"We're going to Seattle aren't we?" Jake asks.

"Yeah." I reply grabbing clothes. I quickly take a shower and dry my hair. I get dressed and pull my hair into a ponytail. I walk back into the bedroom and sit on the bed by Jake. I smile at him and quickly kiss his lips. "I'll go tell the kids. You get ready." I order getting up and walking to the kid's rooms. "Guys, I have to go to Seattle, you guys and your dad are coming with me. Go ahead and get ready. You have half an hour."

§§§

The drive was long. Jake and the kids went in the truck, I took my Camaro so Jake and I would have our own vehicles. The only thing that kept me company was the musical stylings of Metallica, Kansas, and Survivor. I pull into the station and turn down my music. I shut off the car and get out. I tighten my ponytail and Jake pulls in beside me. The kids jump out and Jake walks around to give me a hug and kiss. I smile slightly and walk in. Garcia runs to me, her bright yellow heels clicking on the floor. We hug tightly. She pulls back and her eyes avert to the twins.

"I'm spoiling them so bad!" Garcia states before hugging me again.

"Of course you are." I slightly laugh.

"You know you can't stop her, kid." Morgan says from the doorway of the conference room. "Hotch said hurry up, and to bring your little group." I roll my eyes and Garcia and I hook our arms together. We walk I to the room and I stare confused at the screen.

"Why does this look like I've seen it before?" I ask unhooking my arm from the girl beside me and walking to the screen.

"What do you mean?" Rossi asks. I glance at Reid and go through his files. I look back at the board. I smirk and turn around.

"Why so serious?" I quote. "The Joker. Not only a playing card, but Gotham's favorite villain. Someone is a fan of the Joker. His back story is why he cuts a smile on his victims faces."

"So we're looking for a devoted fan?" JJ. I shake my head and pull up the next picture along with everything found at the scene.

"The head injury, as well as the COD, is from a sledge hammer."

"How do you know? There weren't any weapons." Morgan.

"What's the Joker without Harley Quinn?"

"The next one, they found a body, but they also found writing on the wall, in blood." Hotch.

"Everyone has it, but no one can lose it?" Rossi. Everyone glances at Reid for an answer.

"Shadow." I whisper. All eyes on me now. "Everyone has a shadow and can't lose it, unless you're Peter Pan." I shrug.