Chapter 2
Gina LaSalle hated Monday's. Monday's always signified the start of something, the start of the week and, in this instance, the start of a new case. Gina was late. Her alarm hadn't gone off at the right time, she couldn't find her car keys, her car wouldn't start, her taxi driver was late and finally to top it all off she got stuck in traffic. Cooper was going to kill her. All in all today was starting out as a shite day.
She finally arrived at the office, half an hour late, and almost through a fit when the door to the conference room seemed to be jammed. She watched impatiently as Mick slowly got up- he was probably doing that to piss her off even more- and then proceeded to open the door and step aside as she barged in, threw her satchel and coat on the floor and finally threw herself back into her chair with a huff. As she looked back she caught Mick and Prophet sharing a grin.
"What's gotten into you today, love?" Mick asked.
If Cooper hadn't held up his hand to show that they were about to start work, Gina would've strangled Mick with the piece of string that just so happened to be in her pocket.
"Troy Smith aged 16 from New York." Cooper began as his team finally settled down. A picture of a smiling brunette boy with green eyes and a tall muscular frame showed up on the screen.
"Last seen in a movie theatre, buying popcorn for his girlfriend before they went to see a film. He was found, five miles from said movie theatre in a ditch." Cooper stated. Beth raised her hand slightly and after a nod from Cooper she asked
"Cause of death? I mean that's why they called us right? This isn't some episode of Coronation Street, just cut to the chase Coop."
Cooper smiled "Patience is a virtue Beth." He stated and then carried on
"Multiple stab wounds around the chest area, as well as some minor cuts around the arms and upper legs."
"I have a feeling this isn't the only victim, am I right, Coop?" Prophet sighed wearily.
"I'm afraid so, Prophet." Cooper answered. He then changed the image of Troy Smith with a blond, blue eyed boy with a small thin frame.
"Derek Brown, also 16 from L.A. Last seen at a park near his house. His body was found six miles away. He was strangled." Cooper finished his briefing and glanced up at his team. They all seemed in some stage of confusion.
"That's not much to go on Cooper." Beth broke the silence
"I mean how do we know these two cases are even connected? The only thing these boys have in common is age."
"I know. Hotchner's team has been wracking their brains for weeks. They've had cases backed up for miles. These two cases, there connected in some way, we just don't know what that way is yet. I told the director that we just finishing up some paperwork, so he gave the case to us." Cooper explained.
"I suppose we should start by runnin' a background check. Y'know see if they were involved with each other in any whey." Mick suggested
"Yeah, Coop can you call Garcia, this process will be a whole lot faster with her involved." Prophet added.
"Gotcha." Cooper stated as he began establishing a link to Penelope's headquarters.
"Hello my lovelies! So, what can I do for you today?" Penelope's chipper voice stated from the intercom. She had obviously already had the 3 cups of caffeine she needed to function early in the morning.
"Hey Penelope, listen I need you to run some background checks on Troy Smith and Derek Brown. Get me anything you can find. These two boys have got to be connected in some way." Cooper asked.
"Why darling, it shall be my pleasure. Now as you said you wanted me to get you everything, I'm just going to have to ask you to give me a while, okay Hun?" Penelope asked.
"Thanks Garcia, it really means a lot to us." Cooper concluded.
"Oh, well daring I have to help. I mean where would you and Hotch be without me? See you my lovelies!" Penelope then ended the video link.
It was at that moment that Cooper's cell phone rang.
Cooper flicked the phone open and began listening to the person on the other line. His team had no idea who- or what- he was speaking about, as he only seemed to answer things by saying "yes" and "of course". The call didn't last very long. Within 2 minutes Cooper was biding the person on the line goodbye. He flipped his phone shut and looked up at his team.
"That was a call from the Indianapolis police. A 16 year old boy's body was found in a river half an hour ago."
