A Foreign Power Chapter Four
FBI headquarters,
Quantico, Virginia…
"What have we got?"Aaron Hotchner, the dark-haired, no-nonsense leader of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). asked entering the conference room and sitting down at the table with his team.
"Melinda Diller was killed a week ago and Star Strong were killed yesterday in Amity Park, Washington." J.J (Jennifer Jareau), a long-haired blond, said getting up and using the remote to bring up images of the two girls. "They were found in different alleyways after being shot."
"Our unsub has quite the temper." David Rossi, an older Italian man said. Looking at the pictures he frowned angrily when he noticed how the two girls were covered in bruises.
"Yet no stab wounds or rape. Wait, Amity park. Why do I know that town?" Emily Prentiss a long, dark-haired woman asked with a slight frown.
"It's the ghost town. Statistically speaking it is the most haunted place in the world where ghosts are routinely interacting with the living. In fact due to all of the ghosts there are now several fascinating research facilities, including a farm and zoo." Spencer Reid, the youngest, thinnest and slightly curly haired brunette, of the group rambled from memory.
"Real ghosts?" Morgan the clean head shaven, African American man, asked with a slightly disbelieving tone. "Are we going to be interviewing the dead. Wait a minute, are the victims going to tell us who did this?" he ended with a hopeful tone.
"Well, it's not that simple." J.J. said. "Though Melinda spirit stayed around, a week after her death she attacked several people and killed some of the town's people. From the reports, Star's spirit is starting to show the same anomalies. However while the locals have her locked up, they don't know why the spirits are changing like this yet."
"Well that's new. Hm, a brunette and a blond. Other than them both being teenage girls do they have any other connection?" Rossi asked.
"Yes, they were both members of the Phantom Club. Both were targeted while wearing the Phantom colors." J.J. said.
"Phantom club? Is that some sort of Danny Phantom fan club?" Emily asked.
"That exactly what it is, and almost all of the town members are members of that club." Garcia said looking up from her laptop.
"We should talk to him, he'll be connected to this case somehow." Hotch said getting a nod from his team.
"The file also says both girls disappeared in public places. That's a risk." Rossi said.
"Less risky if he's stalking them in advance." Morgan said.
"Or is the unsub just taking victims of opportunity? It says that Star disappeared during her morning run, while Diller was taken in the afternoon." Emily said.
"Either way, we'll have to find out hopefully before another victim. By the way Garcia, I need you with us." Hotch said as the rest of the team looked surprised.
"Sir?" Garcia the brightly dressed, blond, Technical Analyst, asked confused.
"There's a security barrier between that town and the rest of the world. You will need to be there with us to help us on this case." Hotch explained.
"Yes, sir." Garcia said nervously. She was not use to leaving the office.
"Wheels up in 20." Hotch said getting up.
~ Page Break ~ (*) ~ Page Break ~
Getting off the plane the team quickly made their way to the local station. Arriving there they spotted some of the local force coming outside to greet them.
"Welcome to Amity Park." the chief said introducing herself and SSgt Blake who walked out with her.
"I'm Agent Hotch. Thank you for meeting us." Hotch said shaking their hands, before introducing his own team.
"We're just glad you could make it. I had a room setup with glass boards case files, and some rather good coffee. This town may be small, but we have the funding to get you whatever you might need." Ruiz said leading the way through the building.
"Thank you, we'll let you know." Hotch said. 'Do you know anything new about the unsub?"
"Unsub?" Ruiz asked.
"It stands for an unknown subject." Rossi explained.
"Oh. No, but feel free to take a look at the crime scene. Also, we have the family and friends on their way here for any interviews you need." Ruiz said "On the downside, the media has been following this case. Due to what happens with these girls spirits I'm worried about how the public may treat Mr. Fenton, and any of our ghost allies."
"Do you have many of them?" Reid asked with a tone of slight wonder.
"A few leaders from the different territories in the Zone, Ghost Zone that is. Actually they are more Fenton's Allies than the towns'. And after the brief visits Danny got, showed that they are not happy." Ruiz said with frustrated look.
"Will they be a problem?" Rossi asked concerned.
"No, unless you're looking for some help from them." Ruiz sighed. "The only other thing was that Lord Frostbite wanted to take Fenton to his territory to heal. His family said no, but if Danny doesn't get better soon I might have to send him there anyway." Ruiz said.
"We'll keep that in mind." Hotch said "In the meantime Morgan, I want you to stay here and talk to the victims' families. JJ get a handle on the press. Rossi and Emily go to the crime scenes. Reid, go talk to the Fentons. Garcia, find a place to get plugged in. While I'll go talk to the M.E." Hotch ordered receiving nods in return.
"Wait." Ruiz said the team turned to leave. "Before you go, you and your team needs anti-ghost equipment. All of you need Specter Deflectors, Fenton Phones and Fenton Guns." She motioned towards a pile of bags being brought in by SSgt Blake.
"Are ghost attacks common?" Russi asked as he took his equipment, it was surprisingly lighter than it looked.
"Not since the treaty. Though after Mrs. Diller's death her spirit had an effect that caused those nearby to experience extreme fear and panic. The belt will keep that from happening. While the Fenton Phones prevent the wearer from falling under the influence of ghost noise." Ruiz said.
"What about the guns? Anything we should know?" Hotch asked.
"Just that they don't have about half the normal type of recoil and they hurt ghosts. Ghosts attacks aren't as common, but I refuse to let anyone go out in my town without proper protection. You don't have to take a gun, but keep on the belt" Ruiz said staring at Garcia who looked troubled at the idea of handling a gun.
"Um, sure I can do that." Garcia muttered in a relieved tone. As she looked at the box containing the belts Garcia smiled when she saw all of the color options. Reaching for a bright orange one, Garcia felt perhaps this was a sign that this case wouldn't be so bad after all.
"Impressive." Rossi said as the team finished gearing up. It was always better when they could work with the local force.
~ Page Break ~ (*) ~ Page Break ~
Maddie was at home gathering a few more things she needed to stay at the hospital when she heard the doorbell ring. Opening the door her annoyance at the interruption faded as she spotted her friend standing there.
"Ollie, what's going on?" Maddie asked looking past her friend at the stranger standing somewhat awkwardly behind her.
"Hey Maddie, this is Dr, Reid. He's with the FBI team. Agent this in Maddie Fenton" Ruiz said.
"Oh." Maddie breathed. "Nice to meet you, Dr. Reid. My son could use a second opinion."
"Um I'm sorry, I'm not that type of doctor." Reid said ducking his head in embarrassment.
"Oh… well come on in anyway." Maddie said her shoulders slightly slumping. Turning Maddie headed to kitchen out of habit. As she started poured some coffee into some cups she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"I've got this Mag." Ruiz said noticing Maddie was using dirty cups.
"Yeah sure, so what can I help you with… Agent?" she asked looking at Reid.
"I'm sorry to bother you, but due to the particulars variables of this case, I was hoping to learn a bit more about what we would be dealing with in this town. Would you be willing to tell me more about ghosts, or may I talk to your son?" Reid asked while taking a cup Ruiz and giving her a nod of thanks.
"My son's at the hospital. He hasn't woken up since he fought that damn… I don't even know what to call what Melinda turned into." Maddie said.
"Has this ever happen with other ghosts?" Reid asked.
"No. Danny was researching, but then the fight happened." Maddie said in a tired tone.
"Oh." Reid said glancing the partly packed luggage.
"Come with me." Maddie said getting up. "You might as well come down to the lab and see Star."
"If you wouldn't mind." Reid said following her.
…
Down in the lab, Reid was shocked at the sight of Star Strong. He had never seen a ghost before, but he had not expected for one to look like this. It was horrifying, the way that he could clearly see all of the injuries from where she had been beaten and shot to death. Reid could see the spirit's lips moving. He was about to move closer when he felt a hand hold him back.
"Don't mess with the Fenton's container unit." Ruiz said.
"Oh, sorry." Reid said turning to look more at the rest of the lab when he saw Mrs. Fenton enter the lab holding an armful of books. He had been so busy staring at Star he hadn't even noticed that she had left.
"Here." Maddie said handing Reid the books. "These includes an induction to ghosts. Books about ghosts and which are friendly, or not. There's also information that my family has researched. These should bring you and your team up to date about ghosts."
"Thank you, Mrs. Fenton. This will help us quite a lot." Reid said.
~ Page Break ~ (*) ~ Page Break ~
Rossi and Emily first visited the latest crime scene since the area was still yellow taped off. Arriving there they surveyed area.
"She was dumped here, right before she was shot." Rossi said noticing the lack of blood that wasn't from the shooting. The common signs of a struggle were missing as well.
"There's also the fact that no one has claimed to hear the shooting."
"Could be a silencer." Emily suggested.
"Could be. Do you see any cameras?" Rossi asked.
"Nope, this spot was chosen well." Emily said muttered irritated.
"Then we'll just have to wait to see what Hotch learns from the ME." Rossi said.
Leaving they also went to visit the first crime scene location, but they didn't learn anything new.
~ Page Break ~ (*) ~ Page Break ~
Morgan was sitting in the interview room when the first family member arrived.
"Come in. Please sit down, Ms. Strong?" Morgan asked.
"That's me."Ms. Strong said entering the room alone. As she sat down Morgan could see the grief she was going through.
"Thank you for coming." Morgan said. "I would like to ask you a few questions about your daughter. Do you mind telling me about that morning?"
"She liked to go running. My Star had joined the track team last year. I usually run with..., but I... Oh God!" she sobbed.
"There was no way that you would have known." Morgan said gently.
Ms. Strong did say anything, just continued to sob.
"Was it just you and your daughter?" Morgan asked.
"My husband died a few years ago." Ms. Strong said.
"I'm sorry." Morgan said. "I know that sounds like something people say, but… I truly am sorry
"...Do you deal with cases like this all the time?' Ms. Strong asked.
"Yes I do." Morgan said.
"So it's routine for you." Ms. Strong said.
"There's nothing routine about what you're going through, Ms. Strong." Morgan said
"Yeah! What other town in the world would my daughter not only be killed, but provide proof that she's not in some better place." Ms. Strong sobbed.
"Ms. Strong, my team will do everything in my power to catch the one who did this." Morgan promised.
"I know that you'll try." Ms. Strong said giving Morgan this sad sort of look.
"Do you mind if I or a member of my team visits you home later?" Morgan asked.
"You have my permission." Ms Strong said in an uncaring tone, then she left.
…
The Dillers arrived a little bit later.
"Can you walk us through a typical day in your daughter's life?" Morgan asked.
"What do you mean?" Mr. Diller asked.
"The unsub we're looking for may have met Meleina. Can you tell us who she hung out with, or if there was anyone new in her life?" Morgan asked.
"She was just a normal girl, she hung out with her friends." Mr. Diller said getting flustered.
"I'm sure she was. What can you tell me about the last time you saw her?" Morgan asked.
"She went to the market with her friends." Mrs. Diller said.
"Some friends!" Mr. Diller muttered.
"Hush, it was just a regular Saturday. Sure, she stayed out late often, but she was always… she had always come home before." Mrs. Diller sobbed as her husband held her.
"I am sorry that you are going through this, but do mind if I or a member of my team visits your home?" Morgan asked.
"Why?" Mrs. Diller asked looking confused.
"I would like to know more about your daughter. " Morgan explained.
"What's there to know!" Mr. Diller snapped "She joined that damn club and was targeted because of it!"
"I don't know if that's the only reason. Please let me examine her room. This might let me find a clue that will bring an end to this case, and find the one who did this." Morgan pleaded.
Mr. Diller opened his mouth to yell something else, but Mrs. Diller stopped him by gently placing her hand on his...
"If you think that will help you are more than welcome to take a look around." She said giving a similar look to the one that Ms. Strong had given him.
Then the friends of the victims came in. Melina had been with them and then she had just been gone. They thought that she had walked off or might have just gone home. Now they weren't so sure. That was when Morgan saw the look for the third time. It was then that he understood that it was a look that held disbelief that he would catch the killer.
…
Done with the interviews Morgan headed over to the houses. Unfortunately, all Morgan could find at the Diller's home was more evidence that the girl was a fan of Phantom. Club membership cards, colors, poster dolls, and things. Other than that it was just a typical room of a teenage girl. This pattern repeated in Star's room as well. He would just have to hope that there would be more to find on their social media sites.
~ Page Break ~ (*) ~ Page Break ~
Hotch arrived at the local hospital and spotted several Phantom club members arguing with the receptionist.
"No, go away. None of you are allowed in Phantom's room no matter how big of a fan you are. I have other people I need to help." The receptionist said looking relieved at Hotch.
"How can I help you?" The receptionist asked Hotch once he got to the desk.
"I'm Agent Hotch. Which way to the morgue?" Hotch asked showing his badge.
"It's not too far, just take the elevator to the left, and Press B for basement."
"Thanks." Hotch said. Walking off Hotch hear the reception ask why the club members were still there before the elevator doors closed and he was on his way.
…
It didn't take Hotch long to reach morgue, and it turned out that M.E was waiting for him.
"What can you tell me doctor?" Hotch asked.
"Lots of bruising, including a serious blow to their heads. They were both suffering from a concussion. Then they were beaten almost to death." The ME said.
"Then this blast here is what killed them? What kind of gun would that be from?" Hotch asked looking at the wounds on the girls' stomachs.
"It reminds me of the Fenton guns in the case of eco energy, but it differs in the reaction of the body. I also found this needle mark in their arm. I believe they were injected eco fluid.
"What does that do?" Hotch asked.
"It can speed up the healing of humans, which would explain the different stages of healing wounds I found on both girls.
"Who would access to, what did you call it? Eco fluid and eco energy, what's the difference?" Hotch asked.
"Some of the scientist of the town. Before you could only get it from a ghost, or the Zone. However nowadays you can purchase it from the Farm. There are many experiments going on, but there should be a list of everyone given permission."
"Then I'm going to need you to send a copy of that list to my technician." Hotch said.
~ Page Break ~ (*) ~ Page Break ~
It wasn't until the next day that the list was sent to Garcia. She was able to quickly eliminate people from the list due to people being out of town or in jail. Forwarding the info to the rest of the team she went on trying to eliminate more names from the list.
By the next morning, Reid briefed the rest of the team on what he had learned from the books he had borrowed. While Garcia added on with photos of the most known ghosts.
"Alright, same as yesterday more interviews. Morgan and Rossi I want you to head to the Phantom club. Reid finish those books and see if you can what these girls are turning into. Garcia I want you to search the web and do the same." Hotch said getting nods.
"While J.J and Emily come with me to the hospital. The press has gathered there, so J.J you know what to do. Emily, we'll be talking to the Fenton parents." Hotch said standing up. Then they all headed out.
~ Page Break ~ (*) ~ Page Break ~
At the hospital, Hotch spotted several Phantom clubs members and wondered for a moment if he should have just had Morgan and Rossi come here to do their interviews. Yet instead of arguing with the receptionist like the day before; the Phantom club members were blocking the reporters and some also arguing with them. But when the reporters saw them they stopped trying to get through the fans and moved towards the FBI members instead.
"Hello, who are you? / Are you here about the Phantom case?/ Do you know if he is still alive or all dead now?" The reporters started to question them.
"I'm Agent Jareau." J.J. said as the questions from the reporters got louder. "Quiet please! Now if you will all follow me outside I will give a statement then I will be holding a press conference later this week. Anyone who continues to swarm this hospital will not be invited." she said them all a cold look.
As J.J. led them away Hotch and Emily made their way up to the reception desk. After hearing who they were here to see. The receptionist asked them to wait in one their meeting rooms while the sent for the Fentons. For obvious reasons he could not tell them which room the Fentons were staying in. Though it didn't take long for Maddie and Jack Fenton to arrive.
"Hello? I sorry I was expecting someone else." Maddie said giving the agents a confused look as Hotch invited them to sit down.
"Reid is part of my Team. Let me introduce myself. I'm Agent Hotch the leader of this FBI team, and this Agent Prentiss another member of my team. While we're here you will see a lot of us running around."
"Oh, so what can we do for you agents?" Maddie asked.
"We want to ask you a few questions about your son." Hotch said.
"About Danny?" Maddie asked frowning at them.
"What do want to know about our son?" Jack asked looking unhappy as well.
"Mrs. and Mr. Fenton, we're sorry we have to ask but the girls were in a club dedicated to your son." Hotch said as gently as he could.
"So, you think that this is somehow his fault?!" Jack snapped.
"No! We are not saying that at all!" Emily said causing the Fentons to look at her for a moment in shock.
"I'm sorry agents." Maddie said. "The media… It's been rough for our family these past few days."
"That's understandable." Emily said giving them a sympathetic look.
"What do you want to know about Danny?" Maddie asked tiredly.
"Due to his connection to the club, we were wondering if there was anyone you could think of that might have a grudge against your son?" Emily asked.
"Our son is the town hero, and while he is powerful he's not… He's not invincible. Ollie and we made a list of his known enemies. I'll have have her send it to you." Maddie said.
"Hell, a year ago we were one of the ones…" Jack trailed off with a downcasted gaze.
"...Thank you, that will help a lot." Emily said before glancing at Hotch.
"I also need to ask you some questions about wounds on the girls." Hotch said.
"Which of wounds?" Maddie asked thinking of Star.
"It was the gunshot. The medical examiner said it was an ecotype gun." Hotch said handing them a folder with the information.
"Great Fudge!" Jack gasped. "What kind of sick bastard!"
"Those poor girls." Maddie said turning away before her eyes snapped back towards the pictures.
"What is it?" Emily asked.
"This gunshot did seem familiar. Is this all the data on how it affected them?" Maddie asked.
"Yes. Why, does it remind you of a weapon?" Hotch asked.
"I think so. I'd have to check our records before telling you more." Maddie said looking a bit shaken. "Is there anything else you need to know?"
"Reid explained to us the basics of about your ghost allies. Do you think that any of them would have more information about what these girls are turning into." Hotch asked.
"My family and I can try and ask around, but I can't promise anything." Maddie said.
"Thank you." Hotch said
"If we need to ask you anything else will you still be here?" Emily asked.
"No, we're taking Danny home. All we can do is wait for him to wake up. And we rather that, be at home."
"Don't worry just the smell of your cook made fudge will bring him floating into the kitchen, just wait and see." Jack said in a tone he tried to make reassuring.
~ Page Break ~ (*) ~ Page Break ~
Meanwhile at the same time, Morgan and Rossi made their way over to the Phantom Club. It was located in the middle of the town and was a grand looking building, with part of it looking quite new.
Entering the building they could see multiple people a varying age, though the majority were teenageers. Looking around he noticed that while not everyone was wearing the phantom colors, everyone was wearing a black armband. As Rossi walked further in one of the club members got up from one of the couches and approached him with a smile.
"Hello, um if you're here for the tour I'm afraid that it's been canceled." She said.
"No, no we're not here for that. I'm Agent Rossi, and this is Agent Morgan. We would like to speak to whoever is in charge." Rossi said.
"Ah, sure. Follow me." The girl said looking a bit nervous. She lead them through the club and upstairs where she knocked on a door.
"Hey Sarah, These agents are here to talk to you." The girl said.
"Of course they are." Sarah muttered almost too quietly for the agents to hear. "Thanks Mary, why don't you go grab us some drinks or something."
"That's alright I'm fine." Rossi said politely as Morgan also refused some refreshments do to it not being long since their breakfast.
"So the Chief brought in Agents. Are you FBI?" Sarah asked after Mary left.
"That's right. We wanted to ask you a few questions." Rossi said.
"Sure ask away."
"Now from the chief's files we already know that the two victims were some of your longest members, and were in the same year. We were hoping that you might have remembered more connections they might have shared." Rossi said.
"Yeah, I looked into it and I couldn't find anyone. Sure we have our own trolls, mostly online. But I already texted Val a list of sites and the biggest trolls."
"Troll?" Rossi asked.
"It's an online bully. I'll need a copy of that list as well." Morgan said.
"Sure, just let me know where to send it." Sarah said.
"This it the email." Morgan said handing her a card with the info.
"How about inside the club? Is there anyone you could think of that might be a little extreme?" Rossi asked.
"Well, there is Paulina. She's obsessed with Phantom. Which is funny since she never gave Danny the time of day when everyone thought he was just Fenton. Yeah, now that I think about it Melinda was in the running to take Paulina's old position of Vice President."
"I see. Is Paulina here?" Rossi asked.
"No, she's been banned from all Club establishments, Fenton shops, and basically anywhere Phantom might appear."
"Wow!" Morgan whistled "What did she do?"
"I'm not sure what was the final straw, but she attacked Sam, Danny's girlfriend a little over a week ago. She also violated her restraining orders, And there are rumors of property damage." Sarah said.
"Where can we find Paulina? Rossi asked.
"I'm not sure." Sarah admitted. "She hasn't been seen around town lately. I think her parents might have locked her up at home, so Sam's lawyers can't hit them with anything else." Sarah winced.
"Thanks, if you can think of anything thing else please let us know." Morgan said as the two of them got up.
…
Leaving the clubhouse it was simple to get Paulina's address from Garcia. Arriving at the mansion they were stopped by guards at the gate. Letting them know who they were and why they were there the agents were let in and show to a sitting room to meet with Paulina's father, Mr. Sanchez.
…
"What can I do for you agents?" Mr. Sanchez asked in a tired tone only to get an angry look as the agents explained why they were there.
"My daughter had nothing to do with those murders." he growled.
"Forgive us, but we're going to have to ask what she was doing during those time." Rossi said.
"You want to know. Follow me, and I'll show you just what my daughter was doing during those times." Mr. Sanchez said. Walking briskly out of the room he led the agents upstairs before he stopped and opened a door. "As you can see my daughter is in no condition to do anything right now!"
The agents starred, inside Paulina was lying in a coma in a clean room while in recovery from massive burns.
"What happen?"
"I'm not sure. I thought I raised her right, and gave her everything she wanted. But this thing she has going on with that Phantom, and that damn Manson bitch… She just set the fire to get his attention is all." Mr. Sanchez sobbed.
Well, that's chapter 4. I chose to use Criminal Mind agents for the FBI. If you are not familiar with Criminal Minds that is alright because I will not be using any of the Criminal Mind plots for the story. So, please review and let me know what you think.
~ Zeakgirl