*Epilogue*

(Amelia's P.O.V)

"Seriously though, I just hope not all the cases end up like my last one," I muttered jokingly to Prentiss as we strode into the Quantico Building.

"Nah, you'll be fine. I'm sure Reid'll take care of you," she said with a wink.

"I told you!" I exclaimed in exasperation. "Nothing happened!" And nothing did happen whilst we were in Atlantic City; we acted as friends would. He helped me recover and was there for me, but nothing serious happened, except for the small kiss in the hospital. But I wasn't really sure it meant anything too serious just yet.

Her eyebrow shot up. "Oh really? Then why has he been grinning like a maniac all week?"

I rolled my eyes jokingly. "That's just Reid," I teased as we both pushed open the glass doors and ambled into the conference room.

"Agent Shields," Hotch greeted with a stern nod. "It's nice to have you back."

I smiled and greeted the others before settling into one of the leather chairs. JJ handed me a folder and I quickly skimmed through.

"There's been three murders in total, all victims were killed using the same weapon and in the same circumstances; all women, found with their throat slit by their husband. It was a rough cut; we believe the same knife was used each time as they have the same line edges. None of the victims had children, and all lived relatively normal lives," JJ stated as three images flipped onto the screen, depicting three women with their throats slit and blood oozing from the wound.

I frowned.

"The wound looks fresh in these photos," I pointed out.

JJ nodded. "All women were found about ten minutes after it happened; their husbands came home from work to discover their dead body."

"That means our Unsub observes his victims; memorises their daily routines, including when the husband leaves and returns for work, and when the women are in."

Morgan spoke up, nodding. "He's organised; each murder takes a lot of patience and planning."

"Hmm. Yet each kill is quick; the bodies are discovered only ten minutes after the Unsub has entered the house and killed them. He can't have much time with them."

I read back through the files. "It says there were signs of abuse on the legs and feet on each women. Maybe he tortured them before killing them?" I suggested.

"We were late getting started so we can discuss this on the jet," Hotch declared, gathering up his jacket. "Wheels up in ten."

"Oh, how I missed this," I murmured to myself as I gathered the travel bag I'd prepared that very morning.

Prentiss smirked as she passed me, obviously overhearing my mutterings, and I followed her into the main room. Then I suddenly noticed Reid hadn't attended the conference.

"Hey, JJ!" I called, attracting her attention as she walked by me.

"Hmm?" She hummed.

"Have you seen Reid?"

She squinted thoughtfully. "Uh, now that I think about it, I haven't seen him this morning," she said, glancing around. She shrugged. "Maybe he's late," she suggested, before walking away.

I frowned, wondering where he was, and whipped out my phone in order to call him, when the doors flung open and he tumbled in, looking flustered and embarrassed, but nobody seemed to pay attention to his arrival.

Reid caught my eye and I waved. He smiled and waved in return, before Hotch walked up to him and diverted his attention from me.

I waited quietly for Hotch to walk away before I approached him. "Hey," I greeted casually.

"Hey. Sorry I'm late; the train got stuck and it took a lot of work to get it back on track, which is unusual, because only-"

He suddenly trailed off with a blush, and I chuckled. "I never told you to stop."

He shrugged and averted his eyes.

"What's wrong?" I inquired.

"Oh, nothing. It's just that you're the only person who doesn't mind my rambling."

I released a genuine chuckle. "I think it's sweet," I admitted, tugging on his coat. "Anyway. Wheels up in five minutes. We'd better go."

He nodded, unsure of what to say, and we both headed out to the jet together.

As we settled next to each other in one of the plushy chairs, I wondered what sort of sadistic killer we'd have to deal with this time. And whether or not we'll put an end to his crimes.

*Hey. So this is the last part to this fanfic. Hopefully this will lead onto another case in the sequel, when I decide to write it, and then other things will happen from there. Thanks, again, for everyone's support. It really means a lot!! You guys are really super awesome.

Okay, so that's it from me on this story. Keep reading, writing and loving Reid ;)

~ _imagine_fantasy_ *