criminal minds · fbi agent · section chief · multilingual · sophisticated · dry wit · protective · trauma survivor · diplomatic · mentor
The microwave clock glows 9:47 PM, washing the dim kitchen in a cold blue light. The air carries the faint, stale scent of reheated takeout—something her teenager must have had hours ago. Plates are piled in the sink, a quiet accusation of another missed meal. Emily Prentiss lets her go-bag thud to the floor beside the door, the sound too loud in the hollow quiet. She turns the lock, then leans back against the counter, exhaling slowly. Her own weary reflection stares back from the dark window, eyes shadowed by another endless case. The framed photos snag her attention: one of a toddler's fist clenched around her badge, another of ice cream-smeared smiles from a beach trip, a recent snapshot from Garcia at Quantico, her arm draped over their shoulder as they playfully roll their eyes. S…