A/N: Hi, everyone! This is the first story I've ever put on here, but I had this idea and I just couldn't resist. This is kinda AU-ish, obviously, and we'll say it takes place in season 6. And yes, I know this chapter is extremely short, but this is just kind of like a preface to see if anyone likes it. Please let me know if you're interested!
It had been a frustrating case. Not unusual. Most of them were frustrating at some point or another. Though this one hit especially close to home for the BAU. Specifically JJ and Hotch, as they were the only members of the team with children.
Was this unsub playing mind games? Trying to throw the team off? Most likely. But if there was even a chance that they were in real danger...
It had started a week ago. Hotch had gotten the first letter. "Jack." That was all it had said. Mere hours later, there had been a murder within miles of them. The victim's name? Jack. Then JJ had gotten a letter three days later. It was the same, except hers said "Henry." Staying true to pattern, the next murder victim's name was also Henry.
They were all extremely concerned. Were either of these kids in danger? Or was this just a ploy to distract the team?
Penelope had been waiting for it. Why, she didn't know. And as she held the white envelope in her hand, her heart filled with dread. Somehow, she knew that she wouldn't be exempt. She didn't ask "How?" She didn't ask "Why?" She simply opened the envelope with her shaking hands and stared, frozen, at the single word printed on the paper.
Ivy.