Heart-Blood Cement

Chapter 1

Austin, Texas

The evening just started but it was pretty typical for Marie Ross since she was a night student at the University of Texas and she studied every night to get the grades that she had earned since becoming a student last fall. It was her ambition to study the Middle East and possibly work for the State Department since her field was in Middle Eastern studies but she had expanded to communications. It was a strong ambition and one that had been encouraged by her neighbor mostly because he told stories of his father's life in Afghanistan and his trips there. It also helped that his son was home and could give some insight though he seemed at times at a loss as to the why she was interested.

Even though the US had been engaged in the war on terror, Marie had been fascinated by the people that lived in that part of the world. Some things she didn't approve of but in her mind, they were people and they had their ways just as the west had theirs and it was okay to be different. These days she would be considered a liberal hippy but she would wear that badge proudly and gladly get into a verbal spar if she had to.

As it were though, she was not staying late to study. Rather she was heading to an interview for a project for class. She had two already done and needed a few more. One she really wanted was from her neighbor's son but she was hesitant since he was home on medical leave and she didn't want to press. The others had been willing to talk to her but her neighbor's son had a very unique perspective and she thought that it would help. He had been willing to tell her a few stories but nothing substantial. Anyway, that was a battle for another day. Right now she was heading to her interviewee who was a specialist in communications for the US army, honorable discharge and had agreed to it.

She drove through the streets of the Hyde Park neighborhood, marveling that the people she had interviewed so far lived within the same neighborhood. She had a couple in nearby Rosedale but it seemed that this was focal point. It was interesting but it didn't really matter to her. She kept driving, following the instructions that had been given to her.

She found the house easily enough. It was a typical bungalow home and nicely kept even though her interviewee had bouts of depression as a result of his deployment. Her mother thought that she should have gone into psychology since she spent so much time with his kind and had to deal with all sorts of issues that cropped up. Maybe she should have and she did take a couple of psych courses more for fun and to have some understanding. She was under the impression that the more you knew about certain things, it was able to bridge gaps. This was one of those things.

She parked her car and gathered her messenger bag, checking to make sure she had everything for the interview. She looked around since it was unusually quiet for the evening and she didn't see people out. The neighborhood wasn't particularly dangerous but you still had to be careful about what you were doing. It just unnerved her and she hurried to shut and lock her car. She took brisk steps up to the front porch and knocked on the door.

She frowned when there was no response and she tried again. She called, "Mr. Harrison? Mrs. Harrison? It's me Marie."

It was puzzling since the lights were on and their car was in the garage. The Harrisons were a young couple and eager to start a family. It was one of the few things that Mr. Harrison brightened over and helped him with his issues. She knocked a little harder on the door after ringing the doorbell and stepped back when the door opened with a slow click as the striker was freed.

Marie felt the hairs rise on the back of her neck and hesitated. She wanted to go in to make sure the Harrison's were okay but something was up and it didn't feel right. Still, she couldn't leave without checking. She looked around and pulled out the pipe used to turn on the sprinklers and held it, ready to use as a weapon. She opened the door and entered the house and prayed that any possible nosy neighbors didn't see her as a burglar or something.

She started in the foyer and looked around. The last time when she agreed to an interview from Mr. Harrison, he interviewed her in the living room, mostly asking questions about her and what the purpose her asking him questions was about. She humored him and went along, answering questions and didn't blame him for being careful. She accepted it and was pleased that he was willing to have her come back. She decided to start there.

The living room surprised her in that it was a mess. Marie knew that Mrs. Harrison was the one that kept tight reigns on cleanliness. This was unusual and confirmed that there was something not right here in the house. She held her weapon ready and called out, "Mr. Harrison, it's me Marie. The door was opened and I want to make sure you're okay." She walked through the halls, making sure that she wasn't going to get surprised by checking the corners.

It was the kitchen that had her gasping in shock as she found Mrs. Harrison on the ground, bleeding from a wound on her head. There was a large puddle of blood and at first Marie didn't know if the woman was dead or not. At least not until the woman moaned and Marie checked for a pulse. She put down the weapon and dialed 9-1-1 while trying not to panic.

She managed to give a description until she turned to face the door she had entered. Her throat choked up as she saw something that made her want to throw up right then and there. What the hell happened here?

BAU

It was pretty much the usual at the BAU as Spencer Reid adjusted the shoulder strap to his messenger bag. He was deep in thought as he thought about the lack of phone calls he had come to expect around this time. It puzzled him and had him worried and surreptitious inquiry through Garcia got him nothing. He wondered if one of his worst fears that hung around in the back of his mind had happened.

He greeted his friends Derek Morgan and Emily Prentiss with his usual greeting and prayed that they wouldn't notice that something was off. He was to have luck in that regard as he set his stuff down and went to the conference room for debrief. He would have to think of something else without making waves and try to take to the idea that something happened and it wasn't a bad thing and that there was a perfectly logical explanation to what was going on.

Sitting in his customary seat, he accepted the paper copy of the file that Penelope Garcia handed to him and turned his attention to the screen. He blinked when he saw the DMV photos of three victims and some crime scene photos pop up. The nature of this job was that they saw some pretty brutal things and they could give you nightmares.

"Alright crime fighters, let me bring your attention to Austin, Texas," Garcia's voice started with her usual cheery peppiness.

Reid listened, not worried about forgetting it since he had an eidetic memory, as it seemed the clouds opened up. The name of the city brought back memories and one that had been elusive from a conversation a long time ago. It occurred to him that this might be the answer to the questions that had been plaguing him the last couple of days. He filed that away as he kept his attention on the briefing. He had a job to do and he could imagine the scolding.

"So all three victims were abducted from their homes where they were missing for three days and then their bodies turn up." Garcia was giving a professional look but she couldn't hide the horror that lined her features when she pulled up more detailed images. "If there was a spouse, they were beaten and left in the house."

"So we have two men and one woman, all taken and then three days later are dumped."

"Coroner reports," Garcia nodded to David Rossi's query as she spoke, "indicate that each victim was put under extreme physical torture; beatings, indications of electrocution, burn marks… whatever you can think of before they were slashed across the throat and they bled out." She swallowed slightly since the sight was not pretty and very…

Reid studied the images and noticed a few things and asked, "Garcia… are all of the victims servicemen currently serving or not?"

"That was how they were identified actually since no ID was found on the bodies," Garcia replied with a nod. "All three were honorably discharged. All Army. The same for the fourth victim." She clicked up another image. "Richard Harrison, formerly a sergeant, expert in communications just recently discharged from the Army after three years in Afghanistan. According to the police report he was to have an interview with a college student for a paper. The student arrived, found the door opened and the wife in the kitchen bleeding on the floor."

"Consistent with the others," Morgan pointed out grimly. "So the unsub is attacking servicemen a grudge maybe?" He looked at Aaron Hotchner with a raised brow.

"Maybe. Austin PD has asked us to look into it since there is a clear pattern and no leads," Hotchner replied as he looked at the information on his tablet.

"There is one more thing," Garcia pointed out. She waited until she had the attention of the room before clicking the button on her clicker. "Austin PD found these painted in blood in the kitchen of every house."

Reid studied the images. He heard slight sounds from the changes in breathing or the whispering gasps of Emily but ignored them. He started at the writing written in blood. He recognized the phrase and was able to answer along with Emily when Rossi asked for what it said, "There is no God by God. It's the first part of the declaration of Islam. With…"

"The second being and Mohammed is his prophet," Emily finished giving an apologetic look to Reid. "There is a splinter terrorist group out of Afghanistan that has been using this declaration when they attack villages."

"And now they are here stateside," Morgan pointed out, "Could we be looking at a terrorist attack."

"Austin PD kept it quiet to reduce a panic since there are some families in the Hyde Park neighborhood where the bodies were discovered that have ties to Afghanistan but they are being cautious," Garcia offered.

"So it could be someone with a grudge and is trying to start a race war maybe?" Rossi frowned at the idea as he looked at Hotchner.

"Either way, since this is a serious allegation we're heading to Austin. Wheels up in thirty."

~0~0~0~0~

Reid stared down at the file on his lap while he listened to the ring tone. He knew he was probably going to get yelled at if it connected but he was willing to take the hits and if he had something for the case at hand…

Hello?

Reid blinked, surprised that he had gotten through this time. He stammered a bit before saying, "Hey, sorry about the timing…"

No problem. I'm sorry about the lack of it.

Reid felt his lip twitch slightly and focused on why he had made the call, "Yeah, um… you're still active right?"

What of it?

"Your zone right?"

Yeah. What do you need?

If Reid had been taken aback by the lack of questions, he didn't show it. Rather he rambled off what had been on his mind knowing his contact wasn't going to mind a bit, "Just if you have anything on the group that uses that phrase you showed me once." He didn't go into detail since it was clear they were on the same page.

What's this about?

"Case in Austin."

I'll look into it.

Reid wasn't sure but he thought he heard a slight hesitancy in the voice. He frowned a little at that since that didn't sound right. He checked his watch and when he noticed the time he realized his blunder. He was really going to have to make amends. Still, he was going to get more information for the team to work with at least for a possible angle that he hoped wouldn't be true. It could be an excuse to start a race war but something about that didn't sit right with him.

"So… who is she?"

Startled from the question, Reid looked up to see Emily looking at him and grinning. He replied, "Ah… who?" He frowned trying to puzzle what it was that was said to him.

Emily chuckled as she took the seat across from him, "Oh come on Reid. You've been anxious all morning and then a secret call… spill."

"It isn't a girl," Reid replied firmly. As much as it was amusing to the others to tease him about his love life or lack thereof, he was not into misleading. "I was calling a friend of mine."

"Friend?" Emily was interested. It was rare that Reid ever divulged a bit of his life to the others. So to hear that he had a friend that was outside of the BAU was a treat indeed.

"Not girlfriend," Reid clarified. "Friend of mine from Cal Tech. Best friend actually."

"And?"

"And he might know something about that fringe group that the writing referenced to."

Emily thought about it. So Reid's friend was someone who was fluent in Arabic script and possibly Farsi. More just opened up on the mystery of his friend. "So he works international?"

Reid was well aware that he was making it difficult just answering questions and not divulging but it was force of habit and out of precaution for his friend. He was well aware of the situation and consequences. He was lucky to even have the privilege of knowing what he knew. He would rather have the questions asked and then he could say yes or no or otherwise. It also helped that he was reading the case file again. He replied, "Yep."

"What does he do?"

"Can't tell you."

"Can't or won't?"

"Both."

Emily sat back and thought about it as she studied Reid. He usually wasn't so evasive but he had to have a good reason. The only reason he couldn't tell… he more she thought about it, the more the pieces came together. She didn't think though that Reid would know someone like that. Still, it made sense and she would respect that.

"It's the nature of his job."

"I get it. Security."

Reid looked up at Emily. He was certain he had said more than he should have but he didn't want people to think the wrong thing. "Something like that," he allowed. "He knows the area and… things."

That was enough for Emily. While it wasn't specific, this friend of Reid's gave enough to think about and was just about as interesting as the tall, dark and handsome that trolled the BAU a while back. She and Garcia never did find out if he had been a consultant or a new hire. They did know that he visited and that was that. It was still a topic of discussion with other agents and whenever there was talk of something that was related to consultant or new hire, it switched to the mysterious guy. This though was something else and something nagged at Emily to press further but she was a little reluctant to do that. So she asked, "And how long have you known each other?"

"Since Cal Tech. Roommates."

"Really?"

"Best kind," Reid allowed. It was a little personal but it wasn't going into what he had been trying to avoid. "Always studying and not making a lot of noise."

"Like you then?" Emily meant it to be a joke but she was stunned by the look of surprise on Reid's face.

"No even close. He played football."

That had Emily pause. True Reid was friends with Morgan who was intelligent but more athletic whereas Reid was the bookworm and the boy wonder as Garcia called him. "A jock was your roommate?"

"Yeah," Reid replied after thinking about it. "He's rated Mensa. So he's a… smart jock." He gave a smile at that.

Emily raised her brow and if she did it anymore, her eye brows would be buried in her hair line. It was the most bizarre conversation she had. What Reid essentially told her was that his friend was a genius who was also into sports and obviously had a job that was dangerous and required secrecy. It was hardly believable and yet this was Reid. He really couldn't tell a lie; he was terrible at it. She took in Reid's smile and asked, "You're kidding right?"

Reid shook his head in innocence, "No. He's rated Mensa and plays football and he has a liking for music."

Emily decided to leave it at that and left Reid to his own devices. If Reid didn't want to tell her about his friend he could have said so instead of making her ask the questions and he give the answers. Then again… It was puzzling and she decided to focus on the case. She sat back in her seat and pulled her copy of the case file up and started looking at it.

Reid knew that he probably had annoyed Emily but he was only doing it to protect his friend. He could tell Hotchner about it and he would understand having met his friend previously, him and Gideon. He didn't though more out of force of habit after all these years, ever since his friend told him he changed careers. He never questioned his friend's reasoning but rather embraced the decision and offered and agreed to be a listening ear. When he learned of the new protocols, he accepted it like it was nothing but his friend often called to check up on him and ask if he was okay with it.

To some it might have seemed over bearing and insecurities rising. Maybe it was but Reid knew his friend was all about others and sometimes at the expense of himself. He remembered when school police had to be called to the dorms and a trip to the emergency room followed that. It had been the talk of the school for days and Reid had become popular because of that, at least for the incident that happened. When the fervor died, things went to normal and it was a relief for both him and his friend.

So it wasn't a big deal when Reid found himself with clearances that he didn't know he had but he kept those cards close to the vest. It was a relief that not even Strauss the section chief knew about it though he suspected that was a possibility and she was biding her time. That was pushed to the back of his mind as he concentrated on the file and then on the briefing and assignments were handed out. He was making sure he had everything when his phone rang.

"Girlfriend?" Morgan teased Reid with a knowing grin.

Reid looked at the number and recognizing it, he answered, "Hey, I didn't expect to hear back from you so soon." He walked towards the rear of the plane for privacy, unaware that the team was watching and curious about what was going on.

I had time.

Reid made a slight sound at that, "You didn't have to work that fast on account of me."

Considering you rarely ask me for help…

Reid made a slight face at that, "You know that's not true."

I do. But it's fun to hear you roll your eyes at me.

Reid made a slight face at the chuckles on the other end. He really was paying for the fact that he hadn't paid attention to the time when he made the call. He retorted, "And I'm sure it's fun to make me think the worst. You missed the check in."

Sorry about that, Spence. I had a situation and…

"It's okay, I know." Reid made a gesture with his hand as if he were placating someone even though they weren't there. "Just… you were going to tell me about it."

And I will. It was a go.

Reid gave a slight smile, "Really?"

Yeah. I'll have to come out and see you soon.

"Yeah. Same drill."

Right. So… about what you asked me. I managed to dig out my info. Now I can have it brought over to the station but you do realize I am giving you intel that hasn't even been released yet, right?

"I know."

Good cause what I have… I don't think it is pertinent to your case but I will have it for you when you arrive.

Reid knew that he was getting the equivalent to the keys of his dad's car. It was not something he took lightly nor abused. He nodded, "Okay. Thank you."

No problem. And Spence, I am sorry. I'll make it up to you.

"Just do what you do best," Reid replied with honesty.

Right. See ya.

The phone clicked to indicate his friend had hung up. Reid paused and took a breath. He turned to see the team trying hard not to look conspicuous even though they had likely been watching him the entire time. The worst was coming from both Morgan and Emily and he was glad Garcia wasn't with them or on speaker. She would have been pestering or worse trying to find out about his caller using everything that lay at her fingertips. It would have bene amusing to see her hit dead ends but it also would have made him react and that would just encourage them more.

Deciding to play their game in that they were just sitting there, he decided to at least give them a breadcrumb so that there were no wild speculations, "Just a contact who may have some information on that splinter group."

Reid didn't miss the slight looks of disappointment when he refused to go further and instead focused on Hotchner. The team leader understood and gave his approval before directing the team to last minute business before touch down. It was a moment of relief but Reid knew that this discussion would be far from over.

A/N: Hello everyone! Here we are with the first chapter, by encouraging reviews, of a fic introducing the character from the teaser Shore Leave. The team gets a case in Austin, Texas and Reid introduces a friend who may be able to help. Stay tuned for more Heart-Blood Cement...