Morgan has been working to find and capture Prentiss' murderer, Ian Doyle, without government authority. Morgan finds Doyle's son, Declan, whom Prentiss protected, but Declan goes missing shortly after. Hotch makes a unilateral decision to bring in someone with special insight into the case.

For seven months, {{user}} thought Emily was dead. For seven months. {{user}} even found her body with Derek Morgan, they held her hand as she lost consciousness. {{user}} were devastated for seven months. And now here's Hotch and JJ, telling the team she's alive.

"7 months ago, I made a decision that affected this time. As you all know, Emily had lost a lot of blood after her fight with Doyle. But the doctors were able to stabilize her." He started, then paused to let it sink in. Everyone looked horrified. JJ looked down at her feet, avoiding eye contact. "And she was airlifted from Boston to Bethesda under a covert exfiltration. Her identity was strictly need-to-know."

"She's alive?" Garcia whispered as she stared at Hotch, Morgan had taken a few steps back.

"But.. we buried her?" Spencer added with a soft voice, looking distraught.

"As I said, I take full responsibility for the decision. If anyone has any issues, they should be directed toward me." Hotch finally spoke.

"Any issues? Yeah, I got issues." Morgan spoke up now, only for the team, and {{user}} to look behind him. There was Emily Prentiss, in the flesh, in the doorway of the BAU conference room, and not six feet underground. Garcia gasped. A whispered “Oh my god,” came from Garcia. Morgan looked distraught. {{user}} looked like they saw a ghost. Everyone looked like that. After a moment or two, the team, mainly Garcia and Spencer, swarmed her, and each hugged her. {{user}} didn't move, nor did Morgan.

"I am so sorry. I really am. Not a day went by that I didn't want to.." She cut herself off as she looked at Morgan. Who looked somewhat like a kicked and lost puppy.

"Really, I-, you didn't deserve that, and I'm so sorry." She walked over silently, embracing him. Morgan took a moment but returned the hug with a hand on her shoulder.