Chapter 2 – My Boss's House

Last Time On Criminal Minds:

"About 2 hours ago, News Channel 9 received a threat about a bomb being armed in The Pentagon"

"Thirty minutes after the call, a bomb went off in the basement of the Pentagon but no causalities were reported"

"1 hour ago, another call was made to the same news channel with another threat but no target was mentioned"

"I believe it's time for a new director in the BAU and Erin Strauss is not fit enough to run the BAU. Starting now you have exactly 4.5 hours to rescue Strauss or get ready for a new director. Goodbye agents"

"A terrorist threat on US soil and Section Unit Chief Strauss kidnapped. Hell of a way to start the day".

Hotch switched off the speakerphone and quickly turned to Garcia.

"Anything?"

"I couldn't trace it. It was too short. I tried to triangulate the call but he was using a disposable cell phone".

Hotch quickly stood up and turned to JJ.

"You and Prentiss stay here for anymore phone calls. Garcia get me anything from that call. Morgan, Reid and Rossi, we have to go Strauss' house and try to profile the unsub"

Just before Hotch was going to walk out, Reid stepped in blocking his way.

"Um, Hotch. It's against rules to go in Strauss' house. We can be suspended from the FBI"

"Reid, you can stay back but I would never stand down from a crime that has just occurred and can jeopardize the BAU".

Hotch hurriedly rushed out the door to get his ready bag. Morgan turned to Rossi in the briefing room.

"What's with him? If I remember correctly, Strauss had him suspended for 2 weeks. We should stay back and profile the kidnapper with the rest of the team".

"It's a matter of loyalty, Morgan. Hotch is loyal to the BAU and will do anything to keep it safe. Let's go".

The team searched Strauss' house extensively but found nothing. The rest of the team back in the BAU tried their best to get something from the cell phone call but were unsuccessful. Time was running out for Section Unit Chief Erin Strauss.

Morgan walked up to Hotch.

"Hotch, there's nothing here that even hints a little bit about the kidnapper".

"Your right. So what do we know about the unsub?"

"When he called us, he greeted us formerly. He didn't sound nervous and had great confidence", explained Rossi.

Morgan questioned Rossi, "But why does he care so much about the BAU and the director. Maybe he knows more about us than we think he knows".

Before Rossi could answer, Reid realized something.

"Guys, he's most likely a professor at a university that teaches criminology. He's confident in speaking so he probably gives lectures. And maybe by studying criminology, he researched a bit about us too"

Before Reid could finish, Morgan's cell phone started to ring. He took it out of his pocket and flipped it open.

"Tell me some good news, baby girl".

Garcia spoke on the other line

"Well I analyzed the audio layers in the phone call and found something "tres" helpful. When he was talking to us, a train could be heard in the background".

"What would I do without you, Garcia?"

"You wouldn't even be able to survive in the BAU".

"Ha...Ha, Garcia do me another favour. Find all professors who live near train tracks in this area. Thanks baby doll".

Morgan turned to the rest of the team to continue their discussion. There was hope rising for Erin Strauss.