Felicity

III

   I woke up, a bit more refreshed then the day before. I guessed that having Derek there to calm me down helped me sleep. It was stupid to admit, but he worked better than any kind of remedy I had read about. I sat up in my bed and stretched since I had gotten better sleep hopefully I would be able to focus on work today. I got up and got dressed, pouring myself some coffee. I sipped it happily. I was glad I had gotten enough sleep last night, even after the nightmare I had. I should probably thank Derek again when I see him again... I thought. I finished getting ready and I put a lid on my coffee. I grabbed my keys and I left the hotel. 

   As I hopped into the SUV with my coffee in one hand and my keys in the other. I put my messenger bag on the seat next to me and then I started the car. But right before I pulled out of the parking lot, Derek walks up to the window and waves. I rolled down the window and he said, 

   "Hey, do you mind if I ride with you? The other SUV won't start and I am not risking riding the bus."

   "Sure, come on," I said as I moved my bag off of the other seat. 

   I started to drive to the police department after Derek got in. I didn't know if I was supposed to bring up last night, so I didn't. It was really quiet in the van and I didn't know what to say. Usually, I wasn't so speechless but after last night...

   "Hey, Reid, tell me something," Derek said, breaking the silence. 

   I glanced at him and I said, "Yeah?"

   "How long have you had the nightmares?" He asked.

   I paused and didn't say anything for a minute. From the night Meave died and then on I had nightmares, she was in all of them. Except for last night. But, I didn't want to tell Morgan and then be told that I had to take time off. That was the last thing I wanted and needed. Work was the only thing that kept me going after Maeve died. The cases kept me involved and helped me feel as if there was more purpose than just mourning over Maeve. 

   "Reid, you know you can tell me," He said in his dominating voice, basically telling me that I had to tell him. 

   "Ever since Maeve died," I sighed reluctantly. 

   "Kid, why didn't you say anything? You know I could've said something to Hotch. You don't have to push yourself to be at work. It takes time." 

   "How much time?" I asked. "How long am I going to cry myself asleep? I want it to end but I keep feeling this way. I don't want to keep feeling like a victim."

   "Reid, you're not. And I can't tell you how long it will take, it just won't go away when you want it to. You just can't beat yourself up about it, okay?" Derek looked at me again with his concerning eyes. 

   "Okay. But I am not taking any more time off. I am staying at the BAU. It helps me feel as if something is restored in me. Plus, how could I leave you guys? You need me. I am a genius after all," I said, smiling a bit. 

   Derek smiled and shook his head. I pulled into the parking lot and we both got out of the car. When we were all at the conference room, Hotch came in and said, 

   "There's been another murder. Same park, different place, same positions. Sheriff Walker wants us all at the crime scene."

At the scene of the 3rd murder

     I looked closely at how the bodies were positioned again. Something about how they were sitting seemed familiar almost. 

   "Of course!" I exclaimed abruptly. 

   "What is it?" Hotch asked, walking over to where I was. 

   "These couples are being put in a sequence. Here." I pulled out the other crime scenes' pictures. "You see, these bodies weren't placed in the same place. The first couple was positioned together as if they were just talking. The male in the second couple has his hand in his pocket and for the third, he was positioned at the end of the bench as if he was about to get up. So, the first stage is a normal couple talking, then he has a ring in his pocket, gets up and the next step would be the man proposing," I explained. 

   "I'll call Garcia," Derek said as he started to dial the number. "Hey, baby girl we got something for you."

   "Speak and be heard, what do you need?" She replied.

   "Look for females in their late 20's to 30's who have recently been divorced or are filing for one."

   "Uh, okay. You're going to have to narrow that down for me. I've got thousands."

   "Try women who have been divorced in the past two months. She must also be in a 10-mile radius of this park as well. She most likely has a stable job as well," Hotch added. 

   "Okay, I'll get back at you when I have something. Garcia out!" 

   "Okay, we should head back to the station and deliver the profile," Hotch announced. 

At the station

   "So our unsub is a white female. She has most likely been divorced or has filed for a divorce in the past two months. She is in her late 20's to 30's. She most likely has a decent job, but her work status has declined since the loss of her lover," Hotch starts. 

   "She would be the kind of person that people would describe as outgoing and lighthearted. But, ever since this divorce or loss she most likely has been more anxious and moody," I continued.  

   "You should keep extra eyes on the park, for this is where she finds her victims. She might visit there even when she isn't killing, possibly to scope out her next victims," JJ says. 

   The sheriff dismissed the group and we all gather together. Hotch then says, 

   "Okay, I'm going to need all of us out at the park. Most likely, our unsub will be there. We will hold off on going until later this evening, that's most likely when she gets off work."

   I nodded my head and I looked over to Derek. He was looking back at me. Is he that worried about me that he has to keep watching me? I'm not helpless. I thought. Hotch had let us have a quick break before we needed to go to the park and so I sat down and started to read. It was my third time reading the same book, but it helped calm my nerves. The whole theory behind it made me think so it helped me take my mind off of anything that was going on around me. And right then, I needed that. Because I couldn't understand everything that was going on and I needed a distraction. 

   While I was reading, Derek came and sat next to me. At first, I have to admit, it was annoying when he looked at me but now I find it comforting to know that someone was watching over me. I smiled slightly at the thought of that. Kind of like a guardian angel. Yeah, just like a guardian angel...

Hey guys, thanks for reading! I am sorry about the late update, I was a little busy today. Anyway, don't forget to check out my other works and keep your eyes peeled for the publication of my new book Adrianna. I can't wait to finish the first chapter. Thanks again, love ya'll!