Discerning

A Criminal Minds Story

The moment they entered the station it had all changed.

The entire atmosphere.

And for just a moment everyone stood still.

Everyone turned to look in their direction.

It was to be expected though, the last time the team was there it was because one of their own was being accused of murder. They treated her like filth and assumed she was guilty just because everyone else did too.

And they were wrong.

And it was an embarrassment to everyone who worked that night two years ago.

To the entire station.

So David Rossi figured that this might happen. That tension would be high and memories would be brought back up. He only hoped that it didn't interfere too much with the investigation because there was a killer out there, and he needed to be stopped.

"Hello. You must be the FBI. I am Captain Donald Williams, but everyone calls me Donnie," The middle aged man smiled as he stuck out his hand. He was appointed captain about a year and a half ago.

He is a good man.

"I'm Agent Hotchner and these are agents Prentiss, Reid, Morgan, Rossi, and Jareau," Hotch finished as he dropped the man's hand.

The man flinched as he looked over at JJ and suddenly he was very uncomfortable. It didn't go unnoticed by the team.

"Is there a place we can set up?" JJ asked politely, hoping to diffuse the awkward situation.

She didn't want to be there anymore than they wanted her there.

"Uh, uh yes. Right over here, we have a room all set up for you," Donald stuttered as he led the team, "I was just about to send some of my men home for the night. Some have been here for over 24 hours."

"That would be fine, thank you Captain," Hotch stated as he watched the man exit the door before turning to his team. His watchful eye turned to the faded teddy bear that was currently in their blond agent's hand, "What did you find at the Darwin's?"

"Mr. Darwin said he was holding the victim's hand as they walked out of the store, when suddenly he heard screaming and shattered glass. He turned to his son, but it was too late. He didn't even realize that Jeffery had been shot, just remembers the screaming," Reid answered.

"Okay. So we have a seventy-five year old grandmother killed in a public park just after noon. Twelve hours later another attack, but this time a nine year old boy at a gas station. What do we get from that?"

"That his victimology is all over the place and that anyone could be a potential target," Emily tilted her head as she raised her eyebrows.

"Who he kills probably doesn't even matter to him. They found two other bullets lodged into a bench and a tree at the park and more at the gas station, so he could just be a horrible shot," Morgan admitted.

"A horrible shot who just gets lucky one time? It almost seems far-fetched," Dave continued.

"Could it be the panic? I mean it makes sense. This Unsub doesn't seem to have a specific motive as to the people, but it's highly unlikely for and LDSK not to have a reason. But this guy, he kills in public places where there are lots of people. I think he likes to create panic, and he feels a sense of power and control over the people knowing that he has caused their fear," Reid smiled excitedly as he turned to face the team.

"Good. Let's work it with that angle and get a profile set up. He's only killed one person at each crime scene, but he will escalate. JJ there is a press conference set for nine, so in three hours you and I will go over your strategy while the rest of you get set up here. I don't need to tell you how important it is that we focus and keep an eye out. If we're right then this guy won't like that we're in on the investigation, and he may try to make a statement. Be watchful."

The team nodded as Hotch pulled JJ aside.

"Are you okay to do this?" Hotch whispered.

"I'm a professional Hotch, of course I am."

"Good, but I want you to let me know if it ever gets to be too much. We need you on this case, but we need you focused," He stated sternly, but the concern for his agent didn't go unnoticed.

"I'll be fine Hotch. Let's just get this guy," JJ stated as she fingered, Jeffery's bear that still rested in her hands. JJ took a deep breath as she turned and placed it in the middle of the table where it would serve as a reminder.

A reminder to the team of the lives lost and the killer who was still out there.

Three hours later

The team rubbed their tired eyes as they stood up from the uncomfortable chairs they had occupied for the last few hours. They hadn't gotten very far, but they had enough to give a preliminary profile to the officers while JJ held a press conference just outside.

Having gathered everyone in the station the team stood in front of them before Hotch started.

"We believe we are dealing with a white male in his early twenties to mid thirties. He flies under the radar and there is nothing significant about his appearance that would make him stand out. He probably doesn't have a steady job, or has been recently fired from one."

"He doesn't play well with others. He'll be abrupt and like to make people uncomfortable. He most likely grew up in a single parent home," Morgan added.

"Yet he is familiar with guns, but not very proficient with one. So we are going to have to look into all stores that sell his weapon of choice and give them this profile," Emily continued.

"This guy feeds off the fear of other people. It's not the kill he desires it's the panic," Reid nodded.

"He already knows we are onto him, so he'll try and make a statement to show us that he isn't afraid of Law Enforcement. So be cautious and if you do run into this guy don't approach him alone. He won't go down without a fight," Rossi concluded, "Thank you."

Morgan's phone rang.

"Hey, Baby Girl you're on speaker."

"Morgan turn on the TV, quickly."

Reid snatched the remote, knowing that they should never question Garcia.

"Hotch!" A gasp from Emily cried out as the team turned towards her. Her gaze was fixated on the TV screen that was broadcasting JJ's statement. There was a single red dot hovering over JJ's chest.

Reid frantically turned up the volume,

"We are asking the public to be very aware that this guy is out there, and he is armed and dangerous. We will let you know when we have more information, any questions?" JJ asked as questions erupted.

The loud noise shook the speakers and JJ suddenly lost focus on the screaming reporters in front of her and looked off into the distance before she looked down and noticed the red dot.

"Everyone get down!" JJ yelled as a shot rang out and mass chaos exploded.

The team stared in utter shock as they watched as what seemed like hundreds of people darted in every direction screaming and hollering. They couldn't see JJ.

"Does anyone see JJ? Can anyone see her?" Garcia cried out desperately, as she too frantically searched the massive crowd for her friend, hating that she was too far away to help.

Without another thought Emily took off knowing the rest of the team would be right behind her.

Thank you for all of the reading and for all of the positive feedback. Please let me know of any suggestions or criticisms. They are greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

-HCB