This one-shot is a response to a prompt on the CBS Criminal Minds Message Boards. There were plenty of great responses there and the thread has become quite a success, so this won't be the only response to a prompt that I post. The prompt was: Pick a case from the show. It can be any case, any episode you choose, just make sure that it has already happened. It will be easier if you pick a tougher, more emotional/traumatic case, but it doesn't have to be. Take a scene, pick a character and write from their emotional state at the time of that scene. As always, this is unbeta'd and I do not own Criminal Minds.
I breathe in, trying to trap my anger in the little box in my head, but it won't go... not yet. All I can think about are three girls. High school soccer players, good kids who are working hard to get into college. Am I the only one that cares about these girls? Their parents are more busy fighting each other than trying to help. I watch my team try to reel them in to no avail. You would think that every last thought should go to the safety of their child, but they are more concerned with pointing their fingers. I ask again, am I the only one that cares about these girls? Because it sure as hell feels like it when I'm more focused on them than their own parents are.
"Alright, that's enough," I shout, finally fed up with all the chaos. The parents quiet down and look at me, so I step up a few paces and continue. "What is the matter with you people? This is exactly what he wants! He is attacking all of you, he is turning all of you against each other, and you're just lettin' him do it! Your daughters are best friends, and you all have known each other most of your lives as friends. Don't let this man beat you this way."
My anger dies down, I start to regain composure. My point has sunk home and I finally have their attention. I advise them to listen to our agents and help us, then I bow my head, signaling to Hotch that the floor was all his. As he speaks, I close my eyes. I see a teenage girl chasing after a black and white ball, her blonde ponytail bouncing up and down as her cleats pound on the field. She controls the ball in between her feet, shifting it from left to right as she continues to run. I open my eyes as he finishes and pray that we find the girls alive. A chill runs down my spine as I realize praying for them is like praying for myself.