Introduction:
October 1st, 2014. 12:40PM
As I rushed to find a seat I couldn't help but glance up at the agents every few seconds. They were all standing behind their respective podiums glancing at the screen behind them or at each other. I relaxed when I was finally seated, almost in the middle of the room so I had a decent view.
My friend Amber sat next to me in a huff and looked up at the agents, pulling out her notebook. As she pulled out a few pencils she smiled at me.
"Excited?"
I nodded happily and gestured to the front of the room.
"Of course! This is a huge deal! They actually live it daily, who better to get tips from? Are they really the ones from the news?"
Amber nodded excitedly, her brown hair waving around. She gripped her glitter pen in her hands tightly.
"Yes! Incredible isn't it? All that they've done in such a short amount of time." She sighed dreamily, her gaze moving back to the front.
The room had been steadily filling up until it was finally full. David smiled from the other side of me as the room lights dimmed. The agents all focused their attention to us as Professor Urkrane clapped his hands loudly.
"Alright students! As we've previously discussed I promised to bring in some agents who work in the field for all of you. They know better than any textbook the true facts about serial killers because they need to get in their heads. So I figured what better teachers for a Criminal Justice class?" He paused and smiled back at the six agents. "So please direct your attention to the front and please…listen up."
I mentally squealed as he gave up the floor. Finally! Now the good stuff!
The one on the far right spoke up first. She had slightly tan skin, blonde hair that just seemed to naturally curl and the most intimidating grey eyes. She looked formal in her black jeans and blue button up shirt. A casual shoulder bag was placed near her feet. She raised her hand in greeting and started to introduce the others.
"Hello, my name is Dr. Annabeth Chase." Even her voice sounded confident, chills ran down my spine and I made a mental note to try and shake her hand later. She gestured to the man on her right.
"This is special agent Percy Jackson." The man waved a boyish grin on his face. Annabeth rolled her eyes, though a smile threatened to break through her thinned lips.
I tried to hold in a girlish sigh as I studied the agent. No doubt he was attractive, judging by the smiles on the other girls' faces they all thought the same thing. His tan skin stood out more in his white T-shirt. I couldn't see what pants he was wearing because he was standing behind his podium but just from his upper body I could tell he got a lot of female attention. His black hair was falling into his vibrate sea green eyes. He shared a secret smile with Dr. Chase before she gestured to the women next to him.
"Next to him is special agent Hazel Levesque."
Hazel waved, her golden eyes scanning the crowd to stare at everyone. She was smiling slightly but trying to remain serious despite the situation. Her cinnamon brown hair was resting on her shoulders as she adjusted her shirt. Her dark skin looked wonderful in the golden yellow shirt she was wearing. She waved at someone in the crowd but I couldn't see who. Annabeth smiled at her before gesturing to the man next to her.
"That is-"
"Special agent Leo Valdez in the house!" He shouted out excitedly. Percy and Hazel both laughed while Annabeth shook her head playfully. I guess we found the joker of the group.
He winked at a group of girls near the front making them giggle to each other. His curly brown hair seemed untamed; it only got messier when he ran his grease covered hand through it. He looked down at it and smiled sheepishly before grabbing a rag from his tool belt to wipe it clean. His brown eyes scanned the crowd and seemed to brighten when the landed on a girl in the front of the room. She waved at him sweetly and he sighed and leaned forward on his elbows to stare at her. Well I guess the joker is off the market.
"Next to Leo is special agent Jason Grace."
Jason nodded in greeting, his blonde hair trying to fall into his eyes. He wiped the hair away and smiled a little awkwardly. His blue eyes scanned all the students and I felt a shiver go down my spine when his eyes met mine. We only held eye contact for a second but it was wonderful.
"And last but not least our technical analyst Rachel Dare."
Rachel smiled up from her laptop and waved sweetly. Her curly red hair was clipped back, her green eyes bright and alert. Her white T-shirt was covered in paint splotches and her pants had different dots of paint colors everywhere. I'm guessing when she's not in from of a computer she's in front of a canvas. She gestured for Leo to come over to her.
"Hey your updates are done." She faced the students. "Leo helps me run the computers around the BAU."
Annabeth smiled and faced us again. Rachel clicked a few keys on her laptop and two pictures appeared up on the screen. On the left was a picture of a beautiful women. She was smiling up at the camera from her desk, stacks and stacks of paperwork was surrounding her. Her brown hair was braided into pigtails and her eyes seemed to be three different colors at once. Under her picture her name was written in curvy letters. Piper Mclean.
The man in the picture next to her was smiling too. A man stood up in the front seats and waved back at the crowd. Oh he's the man from the picture. Hazel smiled at him. He was a little chubby but it seemed to compliment him. He was fairly tall. His black hair was short and you could clearly see his brown eyes unsure but sparkling. You could tell he was Asian but I suppose that didn't really matter. His name was printed beneath his picture. Frank Zhang.
Annabeth gestured to Jason and Hazel.
"Piper is the agent who picks our cases. She can spend hours up in her office searching through all the paperwork we receive to pick the case that needs us the most. She and Jason are due to get married in a few months."
We all clapped for the announcement as Jason blushed. I could hear Amber curse under her breath in disappointment making me smile and roll my eyes. Hazel smiled and blew a kiss to Frank. She leaned forward.
"And Frank and I dating, very happily. He assists Piper and helps around the BAU. Sometimes he can follow us into the field."
She smiled again as another round of applause rung around the room. A guy in the front of the room, John I think his name is, raised his hand making Annabeth point to him.
"Yeah hey, can you guys just date whoever you want? I mean doesn't that cause problems around the 'office'?"
I could see Annabeth and Percy shared a quick glance. None of the other agents noticed. Leo clapped and pointed at David, a smirk easily sliding on his face.
"Good question kid. And here's the best answer. Our director is pretty cool about that type of stuff so yes. As long as it doesn't interfere with your work in the field or your decisions he doesn't mind too much. But normally it's just us five up here that go in the field, excluding Rachel of course. And none of us are dating the other so it works well."
Another glance between Percy and Annabeth. She coughed a little awkwardly and plastered on a professional smile.
"Yes well is there any other questions before we start?"
About thirty hands rose into the air instantly. Annabeth sucked in a breath, Percy chuckled, Leo smiled and Rachel and Hazel looked out surprised at our enthusiasm. My own hand rose. We all have been waiting for this for a while! Oh course we're going to use it to our advantage.
Rachel clicked on the first slide and Annabeth clapped her hands then pointed to the first student she saw.
"Well okay, let's get started. You?"
0~0~0~0~0
Annabeth Chase:
October 2nd, 2014. 7:10 AM
I walked into our debriefing room, my sparkling water in my hand. Everyone was already seated, waiting patiently. Percy was looking over the pictures, a frown on his face. Jason was sharing a worried look with Piper. She was in front of the monitor; remote in hand. Rachel was most likely back in her little 'cave' Leo was talking quietly with Hazel. I sat down quietly next to Percy. He shot a little side smile my way but I continued to look ahead. Piper clicked a button on her remote and the gruesome images appeared. Piper sadly looked away but explained the situation.
An image of a beautiful girl, no older then eighteen appeared on the screen. Her blue eyes shined back at us filled with life and happiness. Her blonde hair was swept over one shoulder curling down her torso. It was shiny and plump. How healthy hair should look. Piper frowned as she clicked on the remote again.
"Ashley Rugen was found dead two months ago by local joggers. She had only been missing four days before they found her. She had been dead for a few hours before she was dumped off the side of the road." Piper took a shuttery breath before continuing.
"She had been in a confined area for a number of days. And judging from the marks on her wrists and ankles she was tied up the entire time she was with the unsub."
I sighed as I looked upon the picture of Ashley's once beautiful body. Her hair was a tangled mess and had dirt in it. Her eyes were dulled and lifeless but wide in shock. I looked down at the blown up picture in front of me and frowned.
"How many times was she stabbed?" I asked quietly. Piper sucked in a breath and sighed out her answer.
"Thirty two. She was stabbed twice in the stomach before being killed with a stab to the heart."
"So obviously the unsub has anger issues." Leo commented. "He made her feel pain before killing her but then continued to stab her lifeless body."
"Was there any signs of penetration?" Jason asked seriously. Piper shook her head.
"No, none of the victims were raped…Thankfully." Piper shut her eyes and frowned. Horror was etched in her eyes as she looked at us again. "All three girls were stabbed repeatedly in the genitals. But it was post-mortem."
"How many girls are we talking here?" Leo asked straightening up. Hazel leaned back and rubbed her head.
Piper frowned slowly and clicked another button on her remote. Three more girls appeared. All identical in looks. Blonde hair; blue eyed and beautiful. Whoever was killing these girls could now be considered a serial killer. The last girl Charlie Mickle didn't have a deceased picture next to her. She must be his latest victim.
"How long has Charlie been missing?" I asked quickly. Piper sighed and looked down at her file.
"Two days."
Percy rubbed his face and pushed the pictures away from him.
"So we have two days to find this girl." We all let silence be our affirmative answer. "Okay…Okay we can deal with this. Plane goes up in thirty. Piper where are we going?"
"Michigan sir." She responded instantly. We were all up and standing before she could finish her sentence.
People had already started to file out of the debriefing room. Percy looked over at me somewhat sadly and shrugged.
"Here we come Michigan." He mumbled to himself as we left the room together.
0~0~0~0~0
Leo already had his large headphones over his ears by the time he was seated. Hazel was reading quietly in the corner and Jason was talking about the case with Piper. She decided she wanted to come along. I sighed and stood up; alerting Percy and walked into the back of the plane where our food was kept.
As I poured myself a cup of coffee I felt a warm hand brush over my thigh before it ran over my backside.
"Percy don't." I warned taking a side glance at our team. He ignored me and let his hand continue its little journey. He stood to the left of me, my body blocking his from the view of everyone else. His hand gently slid into mine and squeezed.
I let him enjoy the comfort for a minute before I pulled my hand away. My coffee was finally done. As I poured it into my favorite mug I glared at him.
"We were really close to getting caught last week!" I reminded him quietly. "Leo would have screamed it to the world if he was three seconds earlier. When I agreed to this you promised we would keep it a secret!" I hissed.
Percy rolled his eyes and grabbed a bag of chips. He poured them into two snack bowls and looked over at me. He only stared for a minute trying not to make it obvious.
"Yeah I know Annabeth." He grumbled. "You're not my girlfriend. I don't have a claim on you. We're just colleagues and friends who occasionally sleep together and make out in my car. Why tell anyone about it?"
I sighed frustrated when I noticed his angry tone. I let my hand ghost over his hopefully providing enough affection to let him calm down a little. He looked over at me; anger still evident in his eyes but I could see him softening slightly.
"Don't make it sound that way; you make it sound worse than it is." I sighed and flashed him a serious look. "We can talk about this later. Right now we're working on a case. We owe it to Charlie to put this behind us for now and focus on her."
Percy nodded instantly. I knew no matter how important I was to him the case would always come first when it needed too.
"Right." He agreed somewhat sadly. I took a quick glance to make sure no one was looking and gave him a quick kiss. His eyes were visibly brighter when I pulled away.
"I promise." I leaned a little closer to him. "Once Charlie is safe and the unsub is behind bars you and I can go back to your place and talk about this….or whatever else you might want." I told him in what I hoped was a seductive tone. I bit my lip lightly and smiled to myself when he shifted a little. Percy nodded and stiffened when his eyes looked behind us.
"Alright Annabeth I'll let you look into that when we get there. Just be sure to clear it with the head officer alright?"
I could see it in his eyes. Play along. I nodded and reached around him to grab a spoon.
"Yes sir." I responded somewhat sarcastically. Percy handed Jason his chips and let his hand graze my butt again. Before he could fully leave the kitchen he turned back around. Leo was looking at us now.
"Oh Annabeth?" I looked up at him. "I like your idea. Definitely something we should look into."
Smiling at his words and knowing our secretive plans would be fulfilled I smiled and nodded. He shot me a wink only I could see and turned around. I could hear him ask Hazel about her book as I turned back to finish making my coffee. Leo shrugged to himself and leaned back against the window. His eyes closing slowly.
0~0~0~0~0
Piper Mclean:
When we landed I was the first one off the plane, Annabeth right behind me. Percy gave us all our assignments as we walked to the SUVs waiting for us.
"Leo you and Hazel go talk with Charlie's parents. Maybe they can give us insight." Both nodded and started to climb into their SUV. As an afterthought Percy called out to them. "Oh and call Dare. The parents might not know everything about their daughter…Rachel can give us the information we need. Just in case Charlie could be hiding something."
Leo nodded again and climbed into the car. Hazel looked a little disturbed but nodded slowly. I shared a look with Annabeth. The blonde glared at our unit chief.
"You saw her record Jackson. You know she's an honor roll kid. Good grades, decent family hell even her boyfriend is a good kid. Dare won't find anything."
Percy rolled his eyes but opened the door for her of her SUV. We had three for three groups. He gestured for me to get in the passenger seat.
"I think it's a good call." He told her somewhat strictly. "If she's really a good kid then we won't find anything."
Annabeth scoffed and shut the door. I used the dash in the middle to roll down her window. Percy rolled his eyes again and looked at me.
"You two are going to head down to the station and meet with the officers. Set up a room for us to work in. Jason and I are going to visit the latest crime scene and will meet up with you afterwards."
I nodded and Annabeth sighed and started the car. Percy was still looking at her expectantly and she glared at him and rolled up the window. I could see him sigh and lead Jason to their car. Annabeth backed up and started to drive down the road.
"You shouldn't be so upset with him Annabeth. He's just trying to get information that could be helpful."
She sighed and turned on her left blinker.
"Yeah I know." She agreed lightly. "I just don't like that we have to dig into this girl's business when she's the victim."
We quickly pulled into the station and she shut off the engine.
"I get why we have to do it. I just don't like it."
I nodded understandingly and we both climbed out of the car. An officer was already waiting outside for us. Annabeth slipped on her satchel and walked behind me as I confidently walked up to the officer, my hand already extended in greeting.
Once he shook my hand and introduced himself as I smiled.
"Officer Dean Markson."
"Piper Mclean." I introduced myself. The officer nodded and extended his hand out to Annabeth but she took a step back and lifted her hand in a wave.
"She doesn't shake hands." I informed him lightly. He nodded and smiled slightly.
"I promise I've washed my hands today."
Annabeth smiled tightly but shook her head. She adjusted her strap on her shoulder and I could see the flash in her eyes. I smiled to myself. Here she goes.
"Even if you have washed your hands in the past hour you still might have germs on your hand. Even by touching the door handle of the building entrance can spread the germs. They can live for two hours or more on surfaces and spread easily. Did you know that-"
"Annabeth." I cut her off knowingly. She slumped back a little sheepishly while Officer Markson just looked confused. He glanced down at his hand and wiped it on his pants. Annabeth opened her mouth, no doubt to tell him he probably has more germs from the action but I touched her shoulder lightly.
"Sorry about that." I apologized quickly. I gestured to the door. "Shall we?"
Officer Markson nodded and we walked into the small station. It wasn't too big but it could easily hold a couple officers. The small town we were in probably didn't need too many police on patrol.
"We have a room set up for all of you in the back. Agent Mclean it includes everything you requested."
I thanked him as he opened the door for us. Annabeth walked in glancing at the white board in front of us and sat down in one of the chairs, her bag being set to the side.
"If you ladies need anything I'll be right out there." He said kindly pointing behind him. I nodded and thanked him again.
Once the door was shut and we were alone with our work Annabeth held up pictures and gestured to the board.
"I guess we should get started?"
I sighed and nodded. Gently I picked up Ashley's picture and clipped it to the board. Annabeth handed me another quietly. No matter how many gruesome pictures I see…I never fully get used to it.
0~0~0~0~0
Leo Valdez:
Hazel sipped her tea next to me as I looked around. Charlie's house was larger than most; fancier then what I grew up with. Mr. Mickle looked completely distraught; completely natural as he waited for us to say something. Mrs. Mickle however looked calm. She seemed more worried about the grease stain on my pants then her missing daughter.
"Did Charlie do well in school?" I started out softly. "She was a good student?"
Mr. Mickle nodded instantly. His eyes were watering and his bottom lip quivered.
"The best." He answered sadly. "Charlie always put school first. She wants to go to Stanford."
Hazel smiled comfortingly.
"It's a good school." She agreed before sighing. "Now I know this may come off rude but I promise everything we ask you will help you find your daughter."
Both parents nodded. The father seemed pleading; like he would answer anything we needed. Mrs. Mickle still seemed stiff as a board. Obviously she knew something. Her body language is giving her away. I narrowed my eyes slightly but tried to listen to the answers that Mr. Mickle was giving.
"No she's friends with everyone. Charlie plays three sports a year, keeps up her GPA and still manages to have time for her boyfriend and friends."
"Does she go to parties on weekends? Maybe group dates?" I asked quickly. Mr. Mickle nodded.
"If Charlie kept up the good work we allowed her to visit friends on weekends and go to the occasional party…As long as Brandon had her home by curfew."
I nodded slowly making a mental note to have Annabeth interview Brandon later. I don't think he's our guy; considering he might not even know the three other girls but he might be able to tell us something about who Charlie is behind closed doors. There's no such thing as a perfect good girl.
My phone rang making me stand up. When I saw Rachel's name flash across the screen I shot a look to Hazel. She nodded and started to ask another question as I flipped open my phone.
"Hey Sweetness whatcha got for me?"
I could hear Rachel laugh lightly at the name but after a few clicks she sighed.
"Well I guess Perce was onto something. I felt really bad about digging into this girl's life like I was but after searching I discovered something…Something a good girl like herself wouldn't be doing unless she wasn't as good as she's supposed to be."
I glanced back into the living room to see the Mickle's still talking with Hazel. My eyebrows furrowed as I frowned confused.
"What do you mean?"
Rachel hissed as she sucked in air through her closed teeth. I could hear her click on her keyboard a few more times before clicking her tongue.
"Well looks like she visited the doctor's office three times in the past month. The first was for a checkup and the next two were ultrasounds and tests."
My eyes widened and my mouth opened in shock. Rachel hummed at my silence.
"Yep." She confirmed. "Charlie's pregnant."
I shook my head and glanced back at her parents. Her Mom must know about it. I sighed and nodded to myself, running a hand through my messy curls.
"Alright thanks Mama. I'll hit you up if we have any more questions."
"I shall be eagerly waiting!"
I smiled slightly as I shut my phone. Walking back into the living room I gestured to the kitchen.
"Hey Mrs. Mickle you think I could get myself some of that tea?" I asked kindly. "You could use some too…It'll help I promise."
Knowing I knew something she did she stood up and squeezed her husband's shoulder supporting. When we were in the kitchen she started to pour me some tea.
"How long have you known about Charlie's pregnancy?" I asked bluntly. She didn't seem to fazed at the question, she continued to pour.
"Since I noticed she was late." She stated calmly. "She and I have always been on the same cycle. Once I noticed she hadn't used any of the items in her bathroom cabinet I asked her and she told me."
She still continued to pour, the cup already close to the top.
"The stupid girl went and got herself pregnant her senior year! She refused to get rid of it! Claiming she was the thing's Mother and how Brandon supported her."
The cup was overflowing with tea, the warm liquid spilling out onto the counter. Mrs. Mickle continued to rant angrily somehow keeping her voice calm.
"Charlotte had a wonderful future. Stanford! Then law! She could have been something great but she wants to throw it all away to have a family with that idiot boy."
I gently lifted the tea pot so it wouldn't pour all over her counter. I stared at the women with narrowed eyes.
"Mrs. Mickle you do realize your daughter is missing right? Charlie is in danger but you seem more worried about her pregnancy then her life."
Mrs. Mickle gripped her wash cloth tightly in mid swipe. She looked up from the stain and I was surprised by how much anger her eyes held.
"She has no life now. She threw her life away when she walked out of the clinic with a baby still growing."
I looked at her disbelievingly. If this women didn't have the exact same characteristics as Charlie I would assume she was a stranger. This isn't how a mother should act towards her child. I glared at her and called out to Hazel. She quickly rushed in with Mr. Mickle in tow.
"We're leaving." I announced trying to keep the anger out of my voice. Hazel already noticed it and nodded quickly. Mr. Mickle reached out to me before I could take a step.
"Did you get the answers you needed?" He asked quietly. My gaze was still directed at his wife and I nodded.
"Yeah." I spat. "I got all the answers I needed."
0~0~0~0~0
Percy Jackson:
I crouched down near the bushes and sighed when I smelt the foul smell. Her body left more behind then a blood stain. Jason was up near the road by the car talking with an officer while I looked around.
Clearly the unsub just stopped at the stop of the small hill pushed her lifeless body out of the car and let it tumble down into the bushes. He doesn't care about the girls or if anyone finds their bodies. He doesn't think highly of the women he's killing. He must want others to see him as trash; just like he does.
Jason whistled down at me and made me look up. He waved his phone in his hand.
"Annabeth called. Leo and Hazel are back at the station. We have some news."
I nodded and extended my hand up so he could give me a boost up. The dirt below my shoes was soft and easily moveable meaning I could trip. Jason gripped my wrist and pulled me up the rest of the distance. I sighed when I looked back down at the dump sight. How anyone could do that to another person still bothers me.
Jason nodded and looked over at me knowingly.
"I know man. It's never something you can get used to."
I shook my head and we quietly walked to the SUV. Jason climbed in the passenger seat and I jumped in the driver's side. We were silent until we hit the main road. The police station was only twenty minutes away.
To try and lighten the mood; if only for a moment I looked over at Jason and smiled.
"So any new developments on the wedding?"
A grin slowly made its way onto Jason's face. He sighed and leaned back in his seat, looking completely content.
"She wants to kiss under the stars." He mumbled in a love-struck daze. "She said she wants to make a real memory."
I smiled as Jason continued to smile in a daze. Even before they were dating it could easily be seen how much Jason cared for Piper. And vice versa. I was happy for them.
"I'm happy for you man." I told him honestly. "I'm glad you found the right person."
Jason smiled one last time before poking me teasingly.
"Hey we should take Leo and go out for a night on the town. Maybe you can finally find someone."
My mind instantly flashed to Annabeth. Her calculating grey eyes and the many emotions they've held. Happiness, angst, anger, lust. I've seen almost every emotion pass through her eyes. I'm mesmerized every time. But she just uses me for my body and I can't help but let her. I like her that much.
I shook my head quickly to get rid of my thoughts. I shot Jason a causal smile.
"Sounds fun but I would be in it for the guy time. I'm not looking for a relationship."
Jason looked surprised. He nudged me again as we pulled into the station. Once we were out and walking towards the door he looked over at me again.
"What? You don't want lady love?" He asked teasingly. I rolled my eyes and pushed open the door. Through a large window that took up most of the wall I could see the team gathered together. My eyes landed on her instantly.
She was staring at the board now filled with information and pictures. Her eyes were narrowed in though and her fingers were clenching and unclenching at her side. She bit her lip in concentration and I had a really hard time controlling the urge to kiss her.
I shrugged in response to Jason's almost forgotten question. He pulled open the door and Annabeth's eyes locked with mine as soon as I stepped in the room. She offered a small smile before turning to face the team. I smiled to myself.
I've already got the lady love I want. Maybe not to its full extent but I have it…
0~0~0~0~0
Annabeth Chase:
I was the only one standing; everyone was seated at the table as they stared up at the board. I decided to get our little debriefing started. I pointed to the first victim.
"Guys I noticed something unusual." I told them quickly. "Ashley was stabbed thirty two times in the chest. Wounded with the first two then killed with the third. We know the unsub has to have quite a lot of strength to physically stab someone thirty two times."
"So what? We're looking at a physically fit male?" Leo asked; his right hand holding up his head. I nodded but continued to look confused.
"Yes and no! That's what was so weird about it." I pointed to her picture. "Ashley was brutally stabbed. Whoever did it obviously holds a lot of rage and has the strength to do something like this. There were more stabs to her genitals then body. It's personal."
I gestured to the other two girls.
"But with Taylor and Megan they we're only stabbed nine or ten times. Still a bit of overkill but not nearly as badly as Ashley. The wounds are different too; not enough strength as the first kill. Only two stabs to the genitals."
"So you think the unsub knew Ashley? Maybe revenge for something?"
I shrugged and let out a frustrated sigh. Slowly I looked back at the pictures.
"I don't know. Either that or we have two killers."
Hazel thought over the idea. She glanced around looking at everyone.
"Maybe the second killer watched the first one for tips and started doing it himself?"
I gestured to Taylor's wounds then Megan's.
"Yeah look at the wounds. Ashley's while messy still have precision. Whoever did the first killing knew exactly where to stab her the first three times then lost control when she was dead. The stabs in her lower zone were pretty spot on…He hit whatever target was aiming for."
I shivered slightly; I could see Percy stiffen in concern but he remained calm. I stared at Taylor's face while I told them the rest of my theory.
"Then the second killer is sloppy. While both girls were killed with the blow to the heart it took two tries to actually hit 'the right spot'… inexperience is all I see."
"The first killing must have been done by someone with some kind of medical experience." Jason told everyone. He stood up and leaned against the wall crossing his arms. Piper nodded.
"So what a doctor? Male nurse maybe?"
Leo raised a hand up as if he was a student and leaned forward. He gestured to Hazel.
"When we went to go to talk to Charlie's parents Rachel told us Charlie had visited a doctor's office and a clinic…" Leo trailed off. Percy looked confused and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
"She's pregnant Seaweed Brain." I told him annoyance accidentally slipping into my voice. Percy blushed embarrassed but quickly composed himself. Leo nodded and I could see how irritated he was becoming.
"The mom didn't even care. She was more pissed about Charlie 'throwing away' her life because she got pregnant with Brandon's child." He paused to glance at all of us. "What's wrong with choosing family over a college?"
I smiled sadly and Piper placed her hand on his shoulder to comfort him. They were instantly good friends as soon as Leo joined the BAU. He smiled at her gratefully and patted her hand.
"Maybe that's where the unsub is meeting his victims? A doctor's office?"
I quickly dialed up Rachel's number and put the phone in the middle of the table. The dial tone ringing out from being placed on speaker. It wasn't even seconds later that Rachel answered.
"The oracle is in!" She announced happily. "How can I assist?"
"Hey can you look up each victim's medical records? Any and every detail is important Dare."
She hummed in agreement.
"Alright my lovelies. I shall work with the speed of lightning."
I chuckled quietly and smiled at the phone.
"Thanks Rachel."
Once the phone conversation was over we all looked up at the board and thought about what we discussed. We all let the information sink in and Percy stood up. He gestured to the officers waiting outside the room. They were all facing one wall ready for us whenever we left the room.
"We need to give the profile." He announced.
0~0~0~0~0
We all stood next to one another facing the many officers in the room. Some were giving us their full attention and others had notepads at the ready.
Leo was leaning against a desk, his butt barely on the edge with his arms crossed. I was standing next to Percy and I constantly had to scold myself whenever his ocean breeze scent made me shut my eyes in bliss. Jason and Piper were next to me and Hazel was next to Percy. Percy stepped forward first, speaking in a calm but confident tone.
"We believe that there are two unsubs. Two different strengths and MOs for the different killings. Ashley Rugen's killer is involved with medicine; maybe a doctor or male nurse. He's a Caucasian male in or around his late forties or thirties."
"Taylor Ree and Megan Call's killer however is inexperienced and sloppy. He's most likely related or close friends with Ashley's killer. He's learned from Ashley's killing and is trying to replicate it in his own way. He's young; between the ages of seventeen and twenty one."
Piper stepped forward next; a warning in both her voice and eyes.
"Both killers are dangerous. Ashley's killer; the more dominate of the two won't go down without a fight. Since he's believed to be fairly young Taylor and Megan's killer may run if caught. Use extreme caution when patrolling."
Leo raised a hand in dismissal.
"That'll be all. Thanks bros and uh…" He scratched the back of his head. "Bro-ettes I suppose."
Piper and Hazel giggled at his lame joke and I couldn't help but smile. When everyone started to walk their separate ways I felt Percy's pinkie clip together with mine. I could feel his soft grin even though my face was turned away from his. I squeezed for a few seconds then let my pinkie and hand drift away from his as I walked back to the board.
0~0~0~0~0
It wasn't until later that we finally got a big break in the case. Leo was tiredly resting his head on the table; a half drunken coffee near his ear. Piper had her head resting against Jason's shoulder. Somewhere in the back of my mind I felt slightly jealous that they could do that but Percy and I couldn't. I brushed that urge away as soon as I felt it. Not the time. Percy was looking over all the pictures trying to find something we missed and Hazel was on the phone with Frank.
When Leo's phone went off he jumped; eye wide at the sudden noise but he flipped the phone open and put it on speaker.
"Hey Sweetness you're on speaker." He greeted tiredly.
"Aw." Rachel cooed. "My knights and princesses in shining armor are sleepy snooze-y. Sorry to wake any of you up but Annabeth I did what you asked and came up with…shocking results."
We all leaned forward and waited for her to tell us. I rubbed the sleepiness out of my eyes and glanced at the clock. 11:23 PM. I mentally sighed but turned back to the phone. Rachel hummed to herself as clicks from her keyboard rang out through the phone.
"So!" She started loudly. "I checked into all the girl's medical record-even went through dental to be sure- and came up with nothing. None of the four girls went to the same doctor or even around the same time."
My shoulders slumped in defeat and I started to brainstorm how else the killers could meet their victims but Rachel had started talking again.
"But then remembering Charlie's given situation I checked records; sealed and unsealed and looked to see if any of the other girls had been to the…you know special clinic at all in the past two years." She paused and sighed disbelievingly. "Guys all four had either had an appointment or…procedure done sometime in the past year and a half at the same place. Charlie is the first of the four to actually keep the baby."
We all let out sighs. Our eyes widening in surprise. I was the first to recover.
"That must be how the killer meets his victims." I announced the obvious. "RED check out all the employees that work there; try looking for Ashley's killer. Mid to late forties, possibly has a son around the girl's age. Just try and fit the profile."
"Already working on it my dear!" She cried out. "I'll hit ya back in a bit."
When she hung up Leo sighed in relief. Finally what we needed! A thought started to form in my head but cut itself off when Leo spoke.
"Gods I love that woman." He mumbled tiredly. I smiled and shut my tired eyes as I rested in a chair. Percy looked at all of us and took pity.
"While we wait for Dare why don't all of you take a quick nap?" He suggested. Leo was already passed out on the couch before he could even finish. Percy smiled at him.
"I need you all to be alert and focused when we go and get this guy. An hour or two of sleep won't hurt."
Hazel nodded and sat back in her chair. Jason was already closing his eyes and Piper seemed in agreement when her even breathing was heard. I smiled and chuckled lightly. I gestured for Percy to follow me to the small kitchen the officers had here. He nodded and we quietly exited the room. Once we were alone he gave me a look.
"You need rest too Annabeth. I know you didn't get a lot last night." He wiggled his eyebrows a little suggestively at the reminder. A small blush crept onto my cheeks but I forced it down. I rolled my eyes and stuck up a finger; a clear sign I was about to show him with stats that he was wrong.
"Well statistically that's not necessarily true. Fifty two perfect of adults- ages thirty five to fifty four- are more sleep deprived then adults' ages eighteen through thirty four. Only forty four of adults around our age complain of being sleep deprived but even though they're more active they sleep more because they are so active. If you wanted to expand the results it would-"
Percy quickly cut me off with a warm kiss. His lips; which normally worked heatedly and passionately against mine were soft and gentle and I felt warmer and warmer by the second. When he pulled away from the short kiss he smiled.
"Gods." He breathed out. You're nerdy ramblings are so hot."
I rolled my eyes at the 'compliment' and poured myself some coffee. I offered him some and he nodded.
"Well why we wait want to play a game?" I suggested coyly. Percy's eyebrows raised in curiosity. I could see his eyes darken slightly and he licked his lips.
"Depends on what you had in mind." He whispered leaning closer, his voice lowering and becoming more husky. I bit my lip and leaned even closer to him.
I slowly reached into the drawer next to us; my eyes never leaving his. Once I pulled out the small package we needed I saw him grin.
"Oh definitely." He agreed quickly pressing his lips to mine heatedly. We were both grinning when he pulled away. He quickly grabbed my hand and tugged me to a vacant room.
0~0~0~0~0
October 3rd, 2014. 7:08 AM
"You can't beat a genius at poker Seaweed Brain!" I gloated when I revealed my winning cards. Percy groaned and threw his own cards down in defeat as Leo snickered beside him.
I smiled to myself as Leo started to tease Percy at his horrible poker face. I could hear a phone ringing in the next room and stood up quickly. I recognized the ringtone as mine and took off. Once I answered her call Rachel hurriedly told us a name.
"I got him!" She told us quickly. "Rowen and Drew Lantin! Rowen fits your older killer's description perfectly and Drew is his seventeen year old son. He goes to school with Charlie and Taylor! Rowen works as a receptionist at the clinic all the girls went to. "
I picked up my phone as everyone started to grab their things. Percy alerted the police that we had a strong lead and would be needing to leave soon.
"Address Dare! Give me the address!"
"204th Rocker road! I'm sending the coordinates to your SUV's GPS!"
I thanked her quickly and rushed into the parking lot. As we grabbed our FBI bullet proof vests Percy looked over at me.
"Be careful alright?" He whispered worriedly. I rolled my eyes and resisted the urge to kiss his cheek.
"Always am." I smiled at him. "You too!" I agreed in a hushed whisper.
He looked conflicted; I could tell he wanted to kiss me. I didn't leave him the choice. I quickly jumped in the SUV with Leo and Hazel. I could see Percy climbing into the other one with Jason and Piper as we turned on the siren and raced down the road.
0~0~0~0~0
When we arrived Percy quickly announced our jobs. He pointed to Leo and Piper.
"Piper, Leo go with officer Markson and scope the house." He pointed at Hazel and I. "Check the barn out back; Charlie might be there." He looked over at Jason. "Jason you're with me. We're leading."
With one last worried glance Percy and I parted. Hazel and I had our guns out and at the ready; same with the two officers with us. We quietly rushed over to the barn, careful not to make too much noise. When I got to the doors I shared a look with the three law enforcement officers with me. When Hazel nodded; her gun already pointed up at the door I threw it open.
0~0~0~0~0
Jason Grace:
The front door was unlocked when we tried. Leo glanced down at his foot, probably thankful he didn't need to kick it open. I followed in after Percy automatically checking the corner to my left. All of our guns were raised and ready to fire. We quietly crept through the house looking for a sign of movement.
I could hear a television ahead and saw the back of someone's head when we got close enough. Praying it was Lantin I adjusted my grip on my gun. Percy took a daring step closer.
"FBI!" He shouted alerting whoever was sitting on the couch. He shot up like a rocket. Rowen Lantin. He raised his beer bottle threateningly. Percy moved his finger to the trigger.
"Put the bottle down." He warned dangerously. Lantin ignored him and chucked the half full bottle at us. Percy sidestepped to the left and fired his gun before I could even blink. The glass shattered against the wall a second later. The bullet flew into Lantin's shoulder and the older man screamed in pain before dropping to the ground.
We all ran over, putting our guns away as we did so. I kicked everything away from Lantin's body and looked down at him. Percy called for backup and looked down at the older man angrily.
"Where's Charlie Mickle?" He asked harshly. Rowen Lantin just smirked and continued to grip his wound. His eyes glanced at the barn and Percy had his answer. I thought I heard him mumble Annabeth's name but I couldn't be sure.
Leo and Piper were already running out the front door by the time we had Rowen handcuffed. Percy and I followed their lead.
When we snuck into the barn we saw Annabeth, Hazel and Leo all up front pointing their guns at a scrawny high schooler. His eyes were wide in fear and panic but Charlie's eyes were wider. Her hands were resting on her stomach, one of Drew's hands rested over hers. In the other was a gun pointed against Charlie's temple.
"D-don't come any closer!" The boy threatened weakly. Annabeth shared a look with Leo and he held out his gun before slowly putting it in his holster.
"Hey okay. That's gonna go away okay?" He soothed gently. He took a careful step towards the two. Drew took a step back.
"You don't want to hurt her Drew; you don't want to hurt her baby."
"It's my baby too!" Drew shouted. Charlie winced and tears started to pour harder down her face. With my gun still raised I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Leo took another step towards Drew.
"Just like Ashley's baby was yours?" Leo asked quietly. Drew nodded and started to get teary eyed.
"She killed him!" Drew cried out desperately. "She didn't even care. She just killed him!"
Leo took a few more steps closer.
"So did those other two whores! They killed my baby!" He gripped Charlie tighter against him. "But not her. Charlie loves our baby like I do!" His eyes hardened and he pointed the gun at all of us for a second before pointing it at Charlie again.
"Leave us alone so we can be a family! I want my baby!"
I shared a worried glance with Percy. Would Leo reveal the information Rachel told us in the car? Would that push Drew over the edge or give us enough time to get Charlie and the gun away from him? My answers were confirmed when Leo stepped forward again; Drew watching him intently.
"Ashley lied to you Drew…" He told him softly. "You weren't her baby's father."
Drew's eyes widened at the news. In his shocked state he didn't notice Leo step even closer.
"You're a liar! She told me it was mine!" He roared. Charlie whimpered in fright and Leo's eyes hardened slightly. He has a soft spot for crying girls.
"Drew we looked up her records." Leo told him softly. We all started to close in on him. "On the death certificate the baby's father was revealed…He wasn't yours."
"Then whose was he?!"
Leo gulped and I could see Annabeth wince. Yeah it was pretty messed up.
"Your Dad's…Your father was the baby's father."
Once he found out Ashley aborted his child Rowen lost it and killed her. We assume he lied to Drew about being the father and convinced him that Taylor and Megan deserved the same fate Ashley did. He only kept Charlie because she loved her child.
Drew released Charlie is pure shock. Anger and betrayal crossed over his features but Leo already had him in cuffs before he could move. Once he was secure we all sighed and put our guns away. Annabeth and Piper rushed over to Charlie's side and supported her as they rushed her out of the barn.
I helped Leo hold Drew as we led him to the police cars. Once Drew saw his dad he wiggled and squirmed in our arms trying to break free. There's no doubt Drew would try to kill his father if he was free. We just held on tighter and pushed him into the back of our SUV; Rowen was going in another.
I shared a tired look with Leo once the door was finally shut. I glanced over at Charlie. She was looking up at Annabeth and Piper worriedly. The medic was treating a cut on her forehead but I could see her hand resting protectively on her stomach. I gestured to her.
"You think she'll be okay?" I asked quietly. Leo took a minute to smile and nod.
"Yeah…" He said distantly. "Mothers are always strong for their children."
0~0~0~0~0
Leo Valdez:
With the promise I'd be back in time for departure I made my way to Charlie's house. Mr. Mickle had been crying in relief when we returned his daughter safely. And while Mrs. Mickle was smiling and hugging her daughter I could see she avoided her stomach like it was acid about to burn her skin.
I slowly knocked on my door, the small gift in hand. Mr. Mickle opened the door and was quick to invite me inside when he saw me. Charlie and her boyfriend Brandon were talking quietly on the couch; their hands intertwined on her growing stomach. Mr. Mickle watched with a teary smile. I couldn't see a trace of disappointment in his eyes.
"She told me this morning." He told me quietly. "She'd give up everything just to make sure her child would be happy."
"She knows she doesn't have to do that right?"
Mr. Mickle nodded and looked upon his daughter with shining eyes. A small smile worked its way up onto his face.
"Yeah." He whispered. "I'm so proud of her. She agreed to try college again when the baby's born."
"She'll be a good mother." I told him honestly. He nodded; his eyes still shining.
"The best."
I smiled. Charlie noticed me and waved cutely. She stood up when I walked over. When she noticed the bear in my hands she smiled softly. I held it out for her. It was a simple brown teddy bear. I created a small tool belt for its waist and Annabeth sewed on a plush FBI badge. Charlie took it and Brandon smiled at me.
"My Mom was a single parent." I informed them quietly. "She gave almost everything up for me; solely because she wanted me to have a good future."
I looked up; my eyes meeting Charlie's.
"You'll be a good mom Charlie. It isn't about where you live or how much money you have. It's about how much you love your child." I paused to gesture to her hands; which were still resting on her stomach. "You have all the love to offer in the world; and then some."
Soon her slim arms were wrapped around me tightly. I awkwardly returned the hug not really expecting this. She pulled away when Brandon stood up. He shook my hand like a grateful man would and wrapped his arm around his girlfriend.
"How can we thank you?" He asked me honestly. I shook my head and smiled teasingly.
"Just name the kid after me if it's a boy!" I told them jokingly. Charlie nodded seriously and gripped my hand.
"Deal." She whispered. "And if it's a girl we'll tell her all about how you saved my life."
I squeezed her hand comfortingly. She'll do just fine as a Mother. I hope her child grows up with as much love as my mother gave me.
0~0~0~0~0
I stared up at the ceiling. Calypso cuddled up to my side. Thankfully she agreed to buy a bigger bed when she moved in. The twin I used wasn't going to work. Now with a queen there was enough space for everything.
She looked up at me; a beautiful smile on her face. I was already left breathless. She kissed my shoulder before resting her chin on it so she could stare at me.
"What's on your mind?" She asked quietly. I smiled; loving the way she understands me. I looked at her a little seriously.
"Do you want to have kids someday?" I whispered moving my gaze back to the ceiling. "My kids?"
It took her a minute to answer and I instantly worried I messed up. When I glanced back down at her she was smiling. She nodded wordlessly and leaned up to kiss me.
"I get to name it if it's a girl." She mumbled against my lips. I grinned happily; my insides bubbling with excitement at the idea of my girlfriend being the mother of my oh-so-gorgeous children.
"I get to teach her how to shoot a gun!" I exclaimed excitedly. Calypso just rolled her eyes and kissed me again.
0~0~0~0~0
Percy Jackson:
I looked down at Annabeth quietly. She was sleeping peacefully in my arms, her blonde curls spraying out on my chest since her head was resting on my shoulder. My arm was going numb from her laying on it but I didn't dare move it. Annabeth rarely stays the night and sleeps with me like this. Even if it meant I would never get feeling in my arm again I still wouldn't move.
Our 'relationship' started two years ago when she joined the BAU. I was instantly intrigued of her when I first spotted her. She was beautiful; and technically off limits which made it better. We started talking and she freaked out once she realized it looked like we were dating. In a panicked rush; afraid I'd never be able to be with her again I told her we could keep it a secret. I stupidly told her we didn't have to properly date and we could be a secret. A friends with benefits.
She didn't talk to me for two days.
When she did… she quietly agreed and we were back at my apartment in less than an hour.
Can someone regret and love one 'mistake' they made two years ago? I love being with Annabeth; in any way I can. I should have told her how I feel about her all those months ago but I was scared and stupid. Now she'll never let us take that next time and I'm left wanting to kiss her one more time. I almost asked her to meet my Mom two weeks ago!
As Annabeth snuggled closer to me I sighed and pulled her closer. She'll have to know someday; I won't let her leave me forever without knowing how I feel. But…Someday isn't today.
