AN: Hey everyone. Sorry I haven't updated in like a month. I've been very down mentally so this chapter was tough to write. I went on a vacation to the beach and started reading George R.R. Martin's "Storm of Swords", so I've also been a bit busy. Anyway, I'm going on another vacation soon to a cabin in a wooded area a few states away so I'm not sure what the internet situation will be there, but I'll probably write while there but post when I'm back. Thanks for everyone that has read and reviewed. It really means a great deal to me. Without any further ado, here's the next installment.

-Brittanie

Chapter 7

A Story of Tears

The Jammery would have been a five minute walk away from the crime scene if Spencer and Adrienne didn't have to navigate through ice and slush. They walked together in silence. Neither spoke until they were at the front of the line in the crowded coffee shop and needed to order. With both their coffees in hand, the two found their way to one of the few open tables by the window. Spencer's companion seemed to zone out while looking out the window, watching the fresh snowflakes travel their track to the ground. He was the first one to break the silence.

"So, Adrienne, what's your major?"

The young woman sighed before tearing her gaze away from the window.

"I don't have a major anymore." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"What do you mean? You're not a student here?"

"No. I was a student. But not here. I'm not a student anymore though. I can't be, not after what happened." She took a long drag from her coffee, avoiding Spencer's eyes.

"What happened?"

"It's a sad story. You don't want to hear it."

"Yes I do, otherwise I wouldn't have asked." Spencer could not figure out why, but Adrienne intrigued him, more than Jess. He had to restrain the urge to get up and sit next to her to comfort her. He never got urges like that. It confused him.

"I don't know. You seem like a sweet guy, Alex. I don't know if I want to scare you away."

"It will take a lot to scare me away. I haven't had the easiest life, so I think I can handle whatever you say." He reached over with his left hand, placing it on her free hand and gave it a small squeeze.

"Okay. Well, I used to be a Creative Writing major at NYU until a little over a year ago. I was a junior when I left. Oh, Alex, I loved it there, in New York City. So many people. So much to do. Every night or so I would sit in the a park a few blocks from my studio apartment and just watch people. You know, as research. The only way to truly write characters that come off as real people is to watch real people."

"About four months before I left the city, I noticed that I wasn't the only person people watching. A handsome boy, man in truth, would sit under a tree near my bench almost every day, watching me as I watched others. I remember I was writing notes on a mother disciplining her child the first time he spoke to me. His voice was soft but scratchy. His eyes were a deep blue. A pale, round face with lips that were chapped, probably from chewing on them too much. His hair was short and curly, almost black. His name was David and he was a year younger than me. He asked to see what I was writing."

"It wasn't until a month into the relationship that I realized I had made a mistake by not telling him to go away that day. I started missing classes. He would not let me be alone. He would follow me wherever I went, the deli, the coffee shop, writers' groups, saying he was there to protect me. He liked to touch me when we were out, anything, whether it be holding my hand, an arm around my shoulder, a hand in my back pocket. He would get angry whenever I pulled away. The first time he tried to have sex with me I convinced him otherwise and we curled up to watch a movie instead. The second time I wasn't so convincing. Or the third. Or the fourth. I lost count by the time I broke."

"I dropped out and moved down here to live with my uncle. He owns Red Lou's. It wasn't long before I noticed I was pregnant. I always wanted a child, but not like that. So, I took care of it. I don't know if I'll ever go back to school. I can barely write anymore. Not without seeing his face and seeing the face of the child that I…I…killed. It's always a baby boy, never a girl. I came close to taking my own life twice, my uncle found me the second time. And now these killings, I don't know. They just make me think too much. I'm starting to watch again and that's scaring me."

Both had tears in their eyes when Adrienne fell silent again. Spencer's coffee felt cold, almost as cold as the feeling growing inside of him.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. That should never happen to anyone, ever."

"There's no need to be sorry, you didn't do anything. You weren't the one that forced himself on me or killed my baby." She couldn't meet his eyes, fixating on the falling snow as before.

"I know, but still."

"I think I'm going to go. I should probably get back to the bar." She stood and made to walk away but she didn't get far before Spencer grabbed her arm. He immediately regretted doing so when he felt her flinch.

"If you need anyone to talk to, you should give me a call. Even if you just want to talk about the weather or whatever." He pulled a pen out of his jacket pocket and scrawled his number on her hand. "Anytime. I'll answer even if I'm in class."

"Thanks, Alex. It means a lot. I shall do that." She left the Jammery with a small smile on her lips, glancing back at Spencer as she walked across the street.

Spencer pulled out his phone as he walked up to get a fresh cup of coffee to go. He waited for the call to connect.

"Hey, Garcia."

"Oh! It's my sweet dirty boy from up North. Everything alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Can you look someone up for me."

"Got a lead in your case?"

"No, I don't think she's a suspect."

"She? Oh, I'm interested now! You meeting something sweet? I can feel some jealousy growing in my heart."

" Yes, she's a she. And no, it's not connected to the case."

"Oh! My dove! You did meet someone! I'm so proud of you. When can I meet her?

"Garcia…"

"Come on, Reid! This is big."

"Oh, be quiet.

"But…"

"Please."

"Okay, but this isn't over, junior G-Man."

"Alright."

"Name?"

"Adrienne Louis."