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Criminal Minds Christmas Gift Exchange: I'm writing a multi-chapter case fic starring Hotch & Prentiss for EmBonesAddict. Her prompts: "Oh, Holy Night," hot chocolate, silver wrapping paper, and a room lit with candles.

Holiday of Angels

Chapter 1 – Is it murder?

"We are each of us angels with only one wing and we can only fly by embracing one another." Luciano de Crescenzo

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Garcia was a flutter of anxiety as she hurried to Hotch's office. She knocked on the open door hoping she wasn't interrupting anything too important, but what she had was uber important.

"Garcia? You need to see me about something urgent?"

"Yes, sir. It's about a case that was just called in."

"And you think you need approval to present it."

"The thing is that the possible crimes are sensitive to a couple of our super team members."

Hotch looked at her with his discerning look that at times could be quite intimidating. But this was not a time for Garcia to be concerned about it.

"The suburbs of Detroit are experiencing a rise in suspected suicides amongst its teens."

"Unfortunately, that's not uncommon this time of year."

"You are right. But last night, a teen that first appeared to have overdosed like the others did, broke the pattern and was given a lethal injection. It's possible that they are all related and they could be murders instead of suicides. The detective that called me thinks that the latest victim fought and the possible unsub panicked and made the mistake of leaving evidence."

"Anything else that would warrant an investigation?"

"I'm glad you asked. Yes, all of the teenagers attended the same youth group. The youth pastor has talked to the detective after every incident."

"Well, let's look at it more closely with the team."

"That's the thing, sir. We already know J.J. is sensitive to this, but now with Agent Rossi's first wife…" She was unable to finish her sentence.

"It's okay, Garcia." Hotch had always appreciated the young girl's heart. It kept the team grounded. But he suspected that she was going to need some reassurance in this case as well. "J.J. and Agent Rossi will be able to compartmentalize."

"And if they can't, then what? It's like you said; it's almost Christmas."

"Then the team will help them through it."

Garcia took a deep breath. "You're right. We can do this. We're a team."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Fifteen minutes later, Garcia and J.J. walked into the conference room to find it was already occupied by Morgan, Reid, and Rossi.

"Baby Girl," said Morgan. "You know I don't like it when you don't look as cheery as your Christmas clothes."

"Oh Sugar, I just can't be myself with this possible case. This one is threatening to ruin my Christmas spirit."

"Possible case?" asked Prentiss as she and Hotch entered the room and took their seats.

"That's what we need to figure out. Why don't we get started," Hotch stated as he nodded to Garcia.

Garcia faced the screen and began her presentation. "Oakland County is a suburb of Detroit to the northwest. On December 5, Amy White, age 14, was found dead and wrapped in a blanket next to a nativity scene in front of the church she attended. It was ruled a suicide by an overdose of anti-depressants. On December 9, Todd Adams, age 15, was found dead with a pillow and blanket in the gym of his high school. It was ruled a suicide by an overdose of anti-depressants. Yesterday, Toby McCauley, age 13, was found dead wrapped in a blanket in the choir room of his church. Cause of death was by a lethal dose of drugs through an injection. Trace amounts of anti-depressants was found in his stomach. And his body shows signs of a struggle."

Hotch added that each of the teens attended the same church and youth group.

"How often did the group meet?" asked Morgan.

Garcia looked at her file. "Every Sunday and Wednesday evenings. They've been meeting more often this month getting ready for a Christmas play."

"The first and third teens were found by the pastor of the church. The second was found by a custodian at the high school," said Prentiss.

"And the youth pastor has been to the police station questioning a detective after every child was found," added Reid. "He claims that these kids were not kids that he would suspect of being depressed even though their home lives were difficult."

"I think there are enough connections to warrant an investigation," said Prentiss. "Garcia, who invited us?"

"His name is Detective Johnson. He received approval from the Chief of Police of Troy after the third teenager's suicide attempt looked questionable. He also attends the same church as the kids and has a long standing friendship with the youth pastor."

"Interesting," said Rossi breaking his silence. J.J. was still quiet but alert and taking in all of the information.

"I agree we need to look into this. Wheels up in 30 minutes," announced Hotch.

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