A/N: Once again, special thanks to FX (aka Auraya-of-the-White) for the plot bunny that eventually became this story. I hope you all enjoy!
Four Days Earlier…
It was late in the day and the team was getting ready to leave when JJ emerged from her office, case file in hand, and knocked on Hotch's door.
"We've got one," she said grimly.
Hotch recognized that tone and looked at her with concern.
"I've got an uneasy feeling about this one."
"Already?" he asked.
"Yeah."
They left his office together and met the others in the conference room.
"Sorry guys, I know it's late," JJ began. "Seattle PD has three bodies. All shot three times, one to the groin, one to the chest, and one between the eyes, all within the last two months."
"Ouch," commented Prentiss. "Definitely seems personal."
"Most likely," replied JJ. "All three were registered sex offenders, the last one did some time for rape."
"So we're dealing with a vigilante," stated Hotch.
"Most likely female," added Reid.
"Yeah," said Morgan. "I don't know too many guys who would use that particular shot." They all knew which shot he meant.
Hotch got down to business.
"Garcia, first thing in the morning start by looking deeper into the victims, if they did time and where, their specific offenses, see if there's any overlap with anyone who may have pressed charges against them or visited them."
"Consider it done, sir," Garcia said.
"Also," added Rossi, " Check for any similarities between their crimes or their victims."
Garcia nodded.
"JJ, tell Seattle PD we'll be there tomorrow morning," Hotch said. "Everybody try to get some rest, wheels up at 7:00 am."
The team departed with their case files. Rossi stopped in the doorway when he realized Hotch had stalled.
"Hey," he said. "You okay?"
Hotch stared at the screen for a moment.
"Yeah," he answered, rather unconvincingly.
"Take your own advice, Hotch," Rossi said. "Get some rest."
"Right."