I wanted to try my hand at suspense and revenge. So, as a result this story came to me while I was trying to fall asleep. Here is the premise: Say Dave Rossi was the chief investigator in a military crime that resulted in the conviction and subsequent execution of a serial killer? And what if that action caused the past to come back to haunt Dave even though he had moved on with his life and career? What if it threatened not only Dave's life, but his security, job, and world?

The following story is based on two cases: Military and civilian. And although the military does give the option of lethal injection, no military member has been executed since 1961. And this story in no way condemns or condones the death penalty.

I don't own Criminal Minds. Any discrepancies on the part of UCMJ and State Penal Codes/Laws and Statutes are all mine.

No Place Left To Fall

Place: U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. September 1986

Time: 1944 Military Standard Time

The chamber was being set up for the first execution in ten years. The crisp white walls, the gleaming stainless steel equipment, and the various medical personnel could make one think that the room was nothing more than an operating room. At least until one took a second glance at the clock with military time and the red phone on the wall.

Or maybe it could have been the tempered clear glass wall, currently covered by a green curtain that showed the two rows of chairs on the other side. Chairs that would soon be filled with witnesses hand-picked by the convening military panel.

Four military officers stood outside in the hallway quietly waiting the final word on their prisoner. A habeus relief against the Article III Judiciary had been filed to try to halt the execution even though the president had approved and signed off on the affirmative order.

Suddenly the phone rang, breaking the eerie silence. Stepping forward, one of the officers answered and listened patiently; his face never betraying what was being said on the other end. Twice he replied, "Yes, sir." Replacing the receiver, he turned to the other officers and nodded.

As two broke away to get the prisoner, the two remaining stepped into the chamber to notify the medical personnel that the "go ahead to proceed" had been given.

On the outside of the room, the twelve witnesses were lead in. Having been briefed to remain silent and not discuss the proceedings, the men and women took their seat and waited.

From inside the room, a flurry of activity got the machines up and running as the prisoner was escorted inside. Shackled at the wrists and ankles and dressed in a green prison jumpsuit, the prisoner was helped onto the gurney. Positioned in accordance to the procedure, his wrists were uncuffed and immediately bound by the leather straps. Quickly the same was done for his ankles.

Swiftly and efficiently, his arm was prepped for the needle that would ultimately deliver the mixture of potassium chloride, sodium thiopental, and Pavulon to knock him out and then stop his breathing and heart in that order. Once the needle was secure, the commanding officer gave a nod to the attending who opened the curtains.

Not a sound was said as the prisoner and witnesses watched each other's moves.

Glancing at the clock, the commanding officer counted off the seconds and then turned to the prisoner who was lying prone on the gurney.

"In accordance with military regulations, it is hereby acknowledge that James Lee Gifford has been tried and found guilty of violation of UCMJ Articles 118, 119, 120, 120A, 122, 124, 125, and 128 in the deaths of Anna Johnson, Marie Franks, Colleen Demarest, Sara Tinesdale, Kimberly Escrot, Jennifer Salazar, and Martina Paisley. In accordance by military regulations, you were tried and found guilty by a jury of your peers."

No words were uttered by the prisoner. The officer continued his spiel.

"In accordance with the UCMJ and Federal Law regulations, you were sentenced to death. As of 1800 hours, your request for Habeas Relief was rejected and the death warrant signed on 05 September 1986 by the Honorable Ronald Wilson Reagan, President of the United States remains in effect. By the power of the Attorney General of the United States, I have been appointed to oversea the execution until you are deemed dead. Do you understand the charges against you?"

"I do," was Gifford's reply.

"Any last words?"

As the gurney was raised for the witnesses to get a better look, James Lee Gifford scanned the crowd until he rested his gaze on one person. The corner of his mouth twitched in anger and his eyes gleamed hatred.

"You son of a bitch!" he growled. "Bet you think you got the best of me because I'm lying here? You haven't beaten me! You're not that smart!"

The signal was given to begin the procedure. Determined to get the last word in before the drugs took effect, Gifford shouted out: "Damn you Agent Rossi! I will see you in hell! Believe me, you will get yours!"

As the drug took effect, Gifford leaned back and closed his eyes. Within seconds his breathing became laboured. Another signal started the last two drugs that would ultimately cause death.

Ten minutes later the attending physician lay the stethoscope against Gifford's chest. Twice he tried to locate signs of life. Finding none, he straightened and nodded to the commanding officer. "Time of death is 2005."

A sheet was placed over the deceased as the preparations for his removal were put into action. In the witness chamber, the twelve witnesses were escorted out and once again reminded to not address the media.

Taking one last look at the white sheet, FBI Agent David Rossi tried to analyze the last twenty minutes of his life and the curse shouted his way. It was nothing he hadn't heard before from condemned prisoners who tried to use the last remaining moments of their life to spread intimidation and fear even from the grave.

He didn't know why it caused goose-bumps, but he wasn't going to let it control his life. Turning away, he followed the group outside. By the time he got to the van, Dave had put the threat completely out of his mind.