Thanks for the reviews and following the story – its so encouraging to know people like what you write. I'm still learning the characters etc so any tips or hints or anything you'd like to see, please let me know and continue to review what you think. Thanks so much you guys :)
The black SUV's pulled up at the large gates that were on the outskirts of a large house. Looking through the window of the 2nd vehicle Morgan blinked in amazement" Woah-this victim is not going short" "Maybe that's the problem.." Reid pondered.
The 2 vehicles pulled to the front steps where they were met by Sheriff Linwood, "Thanks for following, sorry I lost you on the freeway."
"Its not problem Sheriff we always carry our own travel map with us" JJ joked
"We do?" Reid looked confused and Emily laughed, "She means you Reid"
"Oh" Reid realized and gave a slight chuckle.
Sheriff Linwood directed them into the property through the large oak doors, "The victims name is Dr. Vincent McDonald. He was found by his wife who had gone to take their dogs for a walk," he stopped before the doorway of the 2nd room on the left, "I have to warn you – its better bad in here – 3 of my guys have already chucked up"
Rossi gave a slight under breath chuckle whilst Hotcher gave a quick glance to the team before turning back to the Sheriff, "Thank you for your concern but I'm sure we can handle it" The sheriff looked concerned and leaned into Hotcher, "ummm even the ladies?"
Emily stepped forward, "Yes, especially us." Striding past the official she opened the door.
The scene in front of them unfolded like a curtain being drawn at a theatre as the doors opened. Dr, McDonald was sitting in this luxury chair – bond but with no visible cut to the throat. Above the large fire large there were words that read:
'sicut ignis verba possunt aut adolebit…'
As all the team entered the room, Morgan turned to Reid , "Ok kid what does it say?"
Rossi answered him, "Its Latin it reads roughly, like fire words can either burn…that's it"
"That may explain the smell" Reid continued as he walked towards the body. Pulling out his pocket torch and shining it in the guys mouth, "I think I've found the cause of death…"
"I dread to ask" a grimace crossed Emily's face,
"The inside of his mouth has extensive burns there is only a flake of the tongue muscle left, I think this guys was burnt alive"
"Would that explain the petrol smell?"Sheriff Linwood asked holding wiping his nose
Reid leaned down to explain a droplet trail from the body to the open window about 20ft away from the body, "Yes sir I think so"
Morgan was already at the window "It's a hot date, natural to leave the window open-clear entrance and exit
"This is 3rd body in 2 days…this isn't acceleration-he's started at lightning pace" JJ crossed her arms shaking her head. A junior officer paced in,
"Sir there is a whole gang of reporters outside" The Sheriff looked annoyed,
"How did they find out?"
"I don't know sir but they are demanding a statement"
JJ turned towards them, " Sir I can handle it for you, if that's good with you Hotch?" she asked as she turned to look at her boss
"Yes that's fine, no details yet but assure everyone were doing what we can"
She nodded and strode out with the unconfident officers. Reid looked up as she walked away. She always looked so strong and confident when she walked. Her golden hair always flew, almost like a lion's mane which seemed to enhance the authority that she carried and he was constant adoration, when he saw her unexpectly-he found himself catching his breath and now he found himself looking and then staring at the same spot – her prefect form etched on his brain when his thoughts were interrupted,
"Whats that in his pocket Reid?" Rossi asked
Reid pulled out a torn, battered business card the gentleman's jacket pocket. It read, "Dr. McDonald, the McHillian Institute' the rest was illegible.
"That's where Alison worked" Emily spoke up
"2 employees in 2 days. That's no condience" Morgan concluded.
Hotcher nodded, "I agree. So Morgan, you and Reid go to the Institute and find out what you can –what connections theses 2 had or any reasons for targeting this place. Emily and I will go the first victims house and see what we can find."
"What about JJ?" Reid asked then instantly mentally kicked himself, he'd never asked that before.
"She can go with you and Morgan to the Institute" Hotcher replied without seeming to note the unusual nature of the requested info. Reid breathed an internal sigh of relief and had a small internal smile, that was the answer he wanted.
"We'll reconvine in 1.5 hr at the station"
