Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart."
― Eleanor Roosevelt
Her Return
Giuliette rolled her eyes as she watched Emily embrace and apologize to the team. Despite her happiness for Spencer, knowing how much Emily's return meant to him, Giuliette couldn't shake the nagging thought of her own future with the team. With Prentiss back, was there even a place for her anymore?
"I'm so sorry," Emily sighed, releasing Spencer, who nodded at her with a mix of relief and lingering hurt. "Not a day went by that I didn't want to... I-you didn't deserve that. I'm truly sorry." She apologized again, hugging Morgan. He tensed momentarily before reciprocating the hug.
"There's so much I want to tell you guys, but right now, I need to know what's up with De—" Emily paused as she noticed Giuliette for the first time, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Excuse me... I don't think we've met. Are you an agent?" Emily asked, her tone curious but wary.
Giuliette stood and faced her, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Yes... you must be the late and great Agent Prentiss. Well, I guess... not late," she joked, extending her hand.
"Yes, I am. And you are... Agent?" Emily trailed off, clearly taken aback.
"Actually, it's Doctor. Doctor Carter," Giuliette corrected, her smile tightening. Emily glanced at Hotch, seeking some clarity.
Hotch stepped in to diffuse the tension. "We can do introductions later. Let's focus on Declan."
"Emily, was there a man living at that house?" Reid asked, moving closer to her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders, sensing her discomfort.
"Yes, my friend Tom Koehler. He was raising Declan as his own," Emily replied, still eyeing Giuliette with curiosity.
"Where is he?" JJ inquired, her concern evident.
"I never saw him go in or out of that house," Garcia added, her fingers flying over her tablet.
"He was on an assignment overseas," Emily answered, nodding.
"But he's alright?" JJ pressed, making Giuliette sigh internally. Wasn't the mission about rescuing the child, not this Tom guy?
"Yes, he's on his way back now. He got a call from Declan, and when I landed, Hotch told me you had Doyle in custody," Emily explained. Hotch exchanged a look with Rossi.
"And because of Tom's line of work, you enrolled Declan in a boarding school," Hotch surmised.
"I made sure only Louise and I were allowed to take him off campus," Emily confirmed. Giuliette glanced at Reid, seeking reassurance.
