She explained about Leo Dillard’s appearance at Jefferson Bell, watching Meredith’s expression shift from impatience to concern as she detailed the morning’s discovery.
“I filed the report when he became inappropriate with me last semester,” Riley concluded.“But I never imagined he’d target April.Bill’s cutting his Nashville case short to check on her tomorrow, but honestly, I’d feel better handling this personally.”
Meredith was silent for a moment.The only sound in the office was the soft hum of the air conditioning and the distant ringing of a phone somewhere down the hallway.
“You told me about that Dillard business when it happened,” he finally said.“He disappeared from the program soon after he was called out on it, right?”
“That’s right.”
Meredith sighed, a rare glimpse of the man behind the title.“As a father myself, I understand your concern, Agent Paige.But I also know Bill Jeffreys.If he says he’ll handle it, he will.”
Riley felt a flicker of frustration.“With all due respect, sir—”
“Agent Paige,” Meredith cut in, his tone gentler than his words, “the Atlanta situation needs your specific expertise.There are twenty witnesses who saw a woman die horribly, and a killer who’s demonstrated both planning skills and theatrical flair.That combination rarely stops at one victim.”
The implication was clear.If this was indeed the work of a serial killer just beginning their spree, every hour mattered.
“Trust Bill on this,” Meredith continued.“He’ll coordinate with campus security, review surveillance footage, and do everything necessary to ensure April’s safety.Meanwhile, I need you and Agent Esmer on that plane to Atlanta.Detective Hayes is expecting you.”
Riley knew when she was beaten.More importantly, she knew Meredith was right—professionally, at least.She nodded reluctantly.
“The jet’s fueled and waiting,” Meredith said, standing to signal the end of the briefing.“You’ll be met at Hartsfield-Jackson.I’ve arranged for a car and hotel accommodations near the studio.”
Riley and Ann Marie rose as well, gathering their materials.As they turned to leave, Meredith added, “And Paige?Keep me updated on both situations.If anything changes with April, we’ll reassess.”
The small concession was enough to make Riley nod gratefully before following Ann Marie out of the office.
They walked in silence toward the elevator, the weight of the new assignment settling over them.When the doors closed, sealing them in momentary privacy, Ann Marie turned to Riley.
“For what it’s worth,” she said, “I think you’re amazing for being able to focus on work at all right now.If it were my family...”She trailed off, shaking her head.
Riley appreciated the younger agent’s empathy, even as she wondered if Ann Marie’s assessment was accurate.Was she really focusing?Or was she going through the motions while her mind remained fixed on the danger potentially stalking her daughter?
“Bill will handle it,” Riley said, as much to convince herself as to respond to Ann Marie.“He’s very good at what he does.”
They left the building and headed toward the small airstrip where the BAU jet waited.
“I’m really looking forward to working this case with you,” Ann Marie said as they walked, her natural enthusiasm resurfacing.“The theatrical aspects, the historical connection—it’s fascinating.Terrible, obviously,” she added quickly, “but fascinating from an investigative standpoint.”
Riley nodded absently, her thoughts still divided.Ann Marie, perceptive as always, picked up on her distraction.
“April’s going to be okay,” she said softly.“And I know you’re worried about more than just that.”
Riley glanced at her, surprised by the insight.“I made a mistake during our last case,” she admitted, echoing words she’d spoken to Bill months ago.“A big one.I let my instincts fail me, and it almost cost someone their life.I suspected the wrong person because I didn’t like her, while completely missing the real killer because she seemed kind and traumatized.”
“We all make mistakes,” Ann Marie offered.
“That’s what Bill said too,” Riley replied with a small, rueful smile.“But it wasn’t like me, at least, not like the agent I used to be.And now I’m heading into another high-profile case while distracted by personal concerns.Not exactly a recipe for success.”
“Or maybe,” Ann Marie suggested gently, “being aware of your potential blind spots makes you more careful, more thorough.That’s not weakness, Agent Paige.That’s growth.”
Riley looked at her younger colleague with new appreciation.Behind Ann Marie’s eager exterior and occasional social awkwardness lay a surprising depth of insight.
As they reached the steps of the waiting jet, Riley paused, taking one last look at the Quantico grounds—the place where she taught, where she had confronted Leo Dillard, where she was supposed to be the expert.The expert who now felt anything but certain.
As she climbed the steps, her phone buzzed in her pocket.A text from Bill: “On my way to Jefferson Bell.April will be okay.We both will make sure of it.”
A small comfort, but a comfort nonetheless.
