The Sounds of Silence

by Leather2Lace

When the BAU is called to Manhattan to investigate a series of brutal stabbings, the team is taken for a spin as they trail behind a criminal mastermind with the city beneath his heel. How long do they have before another body lands at their feet and just how will this affect the budding relationship of two agents when a new player is thrown into the game?

1. Chapter 1

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you know that this is only my second CM story (completely unrelated to Predetermined Fates) and I'm trying something new this time. I obviously do not own Criminal Minds or its characters. Let's not talk about what would happen if I did. Please let me know what you think; I love reading your reviews and most of all, enjoy!

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I

Typing away at her computer with ferocious speed, Mackenzie came across a hidden line of code in the sequence she was studying. Frowning, she highlighted the bar and began to decode it. Seconds later, a video feed popped up on her screen revealing a secluded alley. Two men were having an animate conversation; one was waving his arms back and forth while the other crossed his bulky arms across his chest. Squinting, Mackenzie leaned closer to the screen and enhanced the image. Once she could improve it no more, she stared intently at the younger man's face. The other was only visible from behind. Suddenly, the man facing the camera froze, lifted his arms above his head and began shaking his head furiously. As Mackenzie zoomed in closer, she saw his lips moving quickly and the reason for his fear. Something shined in the hand of the taller one and as he approached the frightened man, Mackenzie saw that it was knife. Gasping, she pulled up a call from her computer and put on a headset.

"911, what is your emergency?" the operator asked her.

"There's a man, he's about to be attacked in an alley." Mackenzie's altered voice said.

"With who am I speaking with?" Mackenzie heard the audible tap of keys as the operator tried to track her location. Good luck.

"They're on the corner of 8th and Broadway. Hurry, I think he's going to kill him." Mackenzie hung up and continued to stare at the scene before her. The attacker had pounced on his victim during her call, bringing the knife down with impressive force into the younger man's chest and face. Wincing, she counted at least 30 stab wounds before the murderer became too tired to continue. When he was finished, he tore off the younger man's shirt and began to carve something into his chest. As he stood, he did something that sent a chill down Mackenzie's spine: he looked right at her and smiled.