The Devil You Know

The tension in the BAU briefing room was suffocating. The entire team was assembled, eyes locked on the screen where Garcia had pulled up Travis Denton’s last known location—an isolated cabin two hours outside of D.C.

“He’s off the grid,” Garcia said, biting her lip. “But this property was purchased under a shell company six months ago. And you’re gonna love this—security footage shows him dragging someone inside two hours ago.”

Makayla froze. “Who?”

Garcia hesitated. “It’s grainy… but I think it’s Emily.”

A hush fell over the room. Prentiss hadn’t checked in for hours.

Hotch didn’t hesitate. “We move now. Morgan, you take point.”

Derek was already on his feet. “Let’s bring her home.”

—

The cabin sat like a rotting tooth in the middle of the woods, shrouded by fog and dead silence. The team moved in swift and silent. Derek’s heart hammered as they breached the door.

Gunfire erupted. The team fanned out.

Makayla, kept back with JJ and Rossi, couldn’t stay behind. She knew this place. The layout. The twisted games Travis played.

She slipped from JJ’s side and followed her memory—down the hall, behind the false wall in the study.

There he was.

Travis Denton.

Gun aimed at Prentiss, who was bruised but alive.

“Makayla,” he said, voice too calm. “I knew you’d come. You always come back.”

“You’re done, Travis,” she said, stepping into the light, eyes locked on his. “Let her go.”

“You don’t get to leave me,” he growled. “Not again.”

A shot rang out.

Derek stood behind him, gun raised, breath heaving.

Travis collapsed to the floor—alive, but out cold.

Prentiss coughed, looking up at Makayla. “Told you you were brave.”

Makayla dropped to her knees, helping her sit up. Derek crossed the room, eyes never leaving Makayla.

“You weren’t supposed to be in here,” he said, voice shaking.

She looked at him with tears in her eyes. “I had to finish it.”

He knelt beside her, cupping her face.

“It’s finished now, babygirl. You’re safe.”

She leaned into him, the weight of everything finally crashing down—but she didn’t fall. Derek was there.

He always would be.