A/N: Post #6. Been waiting for this story to update for a long time? Yeah... my bad. I got distracted and behind on writing this story.

Either way, here's the next chapter of the story.

Read, review, and enjoy!

Spencer was completely silent as he watched his girlfriend go through one of the hardest moments of her life. Her father's funeral was beautiful and great; a perfect final goodbye to the great man.

After the funeral, he went with JJ to her mother's house to help them out with the grieving process. He comforted JJ, her mom, and her brother for the two weeks following the funeral. Everyday, he talked them through Mr. Jareau's death and helped them join a meeting for those who have lost loved ones. To his shock, there were a number of people in East Allegheny that had lost loved one to drunk drivers. Too many in Spencer's opinion.

A week after the funeral, the police found the drunk driver who had killed JJ's father. It wasn't the way he'd expected for them to get some form of closure, but it was something.

He helped JJ and her family through the tragedy after getting the all-clear from his boss back in Vegas.

However, a few days later, once he had returned to D.C. with JJ, the Las Vegas sheriff called Spencer with grim news.

"Spencer," the sheriff said on the other end of the line.

"Sheriff, what's going on?" Spencer answered.

"The Metro PD in D.C. just called me to tell me that they found a body in the alleyways of D.C. with an ID saying Simon Charles."

Spencer froze. Simon was his partner; his best friend. He couldn't be dead.

"I need you to go ID the body. If it is him, we've got a lot to do back here in Vegas."

"Yeah," Spencer said solemnly.

"I'm sorry, Spencer," the sheriff said.

They both hung up the phone. Spencer walked over to JJ, who was sitting on the couch.

"JJ," Spencer began. "MPD found a body. They think it might be Simon."

"Simon?" JJ asked, shocked at the news. She had met Simon before and he seemed like a nice guy.

"He told me he was visiting some old friends. I can't believe someone would kill him."

"Do you need the team's help or something?"

"It's okay, Jenny. I just need to go see if it really is him."

JJ pulled him close and hugged him tightly.

"I'm here for you, Spence. Just like you were for me."

Spencer looked deep into her eyes and kissed her passionately.

"Thank you, Jenny," Spencer said once they pulled away from each other.

"Bart Sedaris, Nico Matthews, Winsor Claybaugh, Edward Orfman, Raymond Olsen, Jimmy Nygma, and Paul Kyle were all found in alleyways here in the D.C. area. Each of them had their throats slit and were then stabbed over 30 times each," JJ explained.

"Serious overkill," Elle pointed out. "Seven victims and the same M.O."

"All of them were killed within the past month."

"The past month?" Morgan wondered. "This guy must have a serious issue if he killed these guys like this in a month."

"The local PD is worried since Orfman was one of their men."

"So a cop killer, too?" Morgan commented.

"Possibly. Each victim is from the D.C. area except for this one." She pulled up a photo of Simon Charles. "Simon Charles. He was a detective from the Las Vegas Police Department. His body hasn't been completely identified yet, but the ID said it was him."

"Why kill people from one city then suddenly kill someone from another city?" Emily said.

"Maybe there's a connection we're not seeing here," Morgan suggested.

"Either way we have a serial killer on the loose and he isn't slowing down," Hotch said. "We don't have time to guess."

"We have a bit of assistance on this case," JJ interrupted. "Detective Dr. Reid is here from Las Vegas to identify Charles' body. He has asked to stay and help work on the case."

"So, we have genius boy from Vegas to help us?" Morgan said.

Hotch gave him a stern glare.

"No disrespect to the detective. He did come through for us in Vegas last year," Morgan explained.

"JJ, you, Emily, and Elle head down to the coroner's office and assist Detective Reid there. Morgan, you and Rossi go to the police station. Gideon and I will go to the latest murder scene."

"Detective Reid," JJ said as she stuck out her hand, using her professional voice to greet Spencer.

"Agent Jareau," Spencer greeted as he shook her hand, maintaining his professionalism as well. "Nice to see you again. As well as Agents Prentiss and Greenaway, if I remember correctly?"

"And you do," Emily replied.

"So has the body been fully ID'ed yet?" Elle asked.

"It's definitely Simon. I don't need any DNA tests to know my best friend on sight. It's him."

JJ put her hand on his shoulder. "We're sorry for your loss."

"I just want to find this guy and put him behind bars for what he did."

"We will," JJ reassured, allowing a slight bit of emotion for her boyfriend. Spencer walked away.

"Well, it looks like Detective Reid has changed a little," Emily commented.

JJ pretended to wonder what she meant. JJ knew exactly what she meant. "What do you mean?"

"He has a little muscle now. He was like a pencil last time we saw him. He must've started working out," Emily noted.

"What exactly are you saying?" JJ asked.

"I'm just saying that he is much hotter than he was in Vegas last year. I mean, I would take him if he's on the market."

JJ would normally feel jealousy, but she knew that she had Spence wrapped around her finger. And he would admit that he is.

"What do you think?" Emily said.

JJ shrugged. "If he asked, I'd take it within a heartbeat."

"Really?" Emily teased.

"Why not? Smart and hot. Two things that don't typically mix."

Emily smiled. "True."

"Alright," Elle interrupted. "Enough staring at the genius boy. Let's get back to work."

"So there's major overkill with these victims," Morgan said. "What did these people do to anger the UnSub?"

"There may be a personal connection between the victims and the UnSub," Hotch replied.

"Must be one hell of a connection if it goes all the way back to Nick in Vegas," Spencer added.

"Do you know why he was here?" Hotch asked.

"He said he was here visiting some friends," Spencer replied.

"Did he say who?" Hotch asked.

"No, he didn't."

The phone rang, signaling that Garcia had found something.

"What's up, Baby Girl?" Morgan answered.

"Got some serious info on some of our victims," Garcia said. "Bart Sedaris was journalist who wrote a number of articles desecrating the, quote on quote, 'most hated group in America', Westboro Baptist. Nico Matthews was a homosexual who frequented gay bars hoping to find the man of his dreams as evidenced by his blog. Detective Edward Orfman was not a believer of religion and has had a couple of issues with his religious co-workers. Raymond Olsen said he could speak to the dead though it hasn't been proven if he could. He was interrogated as a suspect for a couple of murders around town since he was found with the bodies. He said he was trying to communicate with them. And finally, Jimmy Nygma has a criminal record of petty theft which has gotten him a total of four months in prison. I still haven't got anything on Claybaugh or Kyle yet."

"What about Simon Charles?" Spencer asked.

"Nothing yet, Dr. Reid," Garcia replied.

"Thanks, Garcia," Hotch said.

"You are welcome. Garcia out." Garcia hung up.

"There's almost no connection between any of these victims," Rossi said.

Spencer pondered for a moment. "Not exactly," he said. "Each of these victims has done something that would anger religious people. Homosexuality, theft, and atheism are considered sins. Speaking to the dead doesn't fall under religion; it falls under the supernatural which isn't justified by religion. They would believe it to be witchcraft."

"What about Sedaris?" Emily asked.

"By writing articles desecrating Westboro Baptist Church, Sedaris might have unknowingly offended the UnSub. Despite the fact that they are considered the most hated group in the country, there are people who listen and agree with their stances."

"So we're looking for someone on a religious cleansing mission?" Morgan asked.

"Possibly," Spencer said.

"Then what sins did Claybaugh, Kyle, and Charles commit to anger the UnSub?" Elle questioned.

"There are plenty of sins for people to commit," Gideon commented. "Blasphemy, adultery, lying... you name it."

"So we have a basic of idea of who's doing this and why," Spencer said. "We just need to narrow down our list of suspects."

"The UnSub is most likely a white male in their 30's living in the DC area," Hotch told to the police who had gathered to hear the profile.

"This person is a firm believer of religion, most likely Christianity," Gideon added.

"He stabs his victims multiple times in belief that he can cleanse the world of sin," Morgan added.

"This person is likely someone who firmly supports the views of the Westboro Baptist Church," Elle added.

"He believes everything that the group believes and will likely go to extreme lengths to cleanse the world of sin," Emily added. "He may have been in confrontations with co-workers or even get into street fights."

"This man will not stop on his mission," Rossi explained. "If it comes to it, he will go down in bullets. The last thing we want is for anyone, including the UnSub, to die. Normally, we would try to talk down the UnSub, but there doesn't appear to be a way to talk this one down. We are looking at an UnSub who will go down in a hail of bullets if necessary."

"He'll be targeting anyone who goes against the beliefs of the church," Spencer said. "Homosexuals, Jews, atheists, thieves, anyone that doesn't fit within the beliefs of the church."

"Wait a sec," one of the policemen said. "He's going after anyone who doesn't support the views of those jackasses from Westboro?"

"Avoiding bias in this case is important," Spencer replied. "But, essentially, yes. Deaths of any kind mean God's rage smacking down on mankind to Westboro. In fact, it wouldn't be shocking if the UnSub would join in picketing funerals of these victims."

"We've recommended to police chiefs that officers be present at the funerals of each victim since the UnSub may likely be among them protesting," Hotch continued.

"However, we do warn you," Rossi began. "This UnSub is not likely among the ranks of the church itself, but he will go to lengths to defend his beliefs. If those lengths include murdering anyone who gets in the way, he will."

"It's possible that he is also extremely paranoid," Spencer interjected. "This makes him more likely to be violent and attack. Beware approaching him. He will kill you if he has to."

"Take extra precautions," Hotch warned. "Don't let your guard down. That's all for now."

"Hotch," Garcia called.

"What do you have Garcia?" Hotch asked.

"I looked further into what we have from the profile and our vicitms. It appears that Claybaugh celebrated the ways of Judaism. Jewish traditions."

"That explains why the UnSub targeted him," Spencer said. "His beliefs don't follow the church's. Jewish people are frowned upon by Westboro."

"Right. Mr. Kyle is an unusual one. He is part of a biker gang called Patriot Guard Riders."

"Patriot Guard Riders form human shields around funerals of military, firemen, people like that," Spencer said.

"They normally form these barriers against Westboro, mainly," Hotch said.

"That was why he was targeted. Patriot Guard impede Westboro's 'God hates Everyone' message."

"I still haven't found anything on Simon Charles."

Spencer pondered for a moment. "Miss Gracia, can you look through street cam footage and find anything involving Simon and any Westboro protestors?"

"Yes, I can. I'll call you when I got something." Garcia hung up.

"Simon hated Westboro," Spencer explained. "He wouldn't pass up a chance to tell them off or piss them off. He refers to them as 'evil annoying bastard mosquitoes'."

"Bastard mosquitoes?" Hotch asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Simon was strange guy. Either way, Westboro was here last week right?"

"According to the news, they're still in DC."

"Our UnSub isn't part of the church but is with the group during their protests."

"So the UnSub likely crossed paths with Simon?"

"I'd be willing to bet that the one Simon told off is the UnSub."

The phone rang, signaling Garcia. "What do you have, Garcia?"

"A video of Simon Charles telling off a Westboro protester. We can't hear what he said, but the protester looks pretty pissed off."

"Can you identify the protester?" Hotch asked.

"Way ahead of you. Protester is Isaiah Christian. He has frequently been fired from various jobs due to fights as a result of trying to stand up for his strong beliefs in the church. He tried to sue the company for discrimination, but his case was turned down since there was no real crime committed."

"Send us an address, Garcia," Hotch ordered.

"Right to your phone sir," she responded. "Garcia out." The phone hung up.

"I'll get a hold of my team. This is our chance to catch him."

Spencer and Hotch rode in an SUV to the address Garcia sent. Upon arrival, they were greeted with two other Bureau SUVs and a slew of police cars. Hotch gathered the authority forces together.

"This UnSub is paranoid and this will likely be his end game," Hotch explained. "He will kill as many as possible and might end up going down in a hail of bullets. Use extreme caution."

Hotch rounded up his team and Spencer. "JJ, Emily, Morgan, go with Detective Reid through the back door. The rest of you will go with me through the front." They broke their huddle and headed for their respective positions.

JJ, Emily and Morgan followed Spencer through the back entrance of the house and searched through the main floor before heading to the basement. That's where they found Isaiah Christian, knife in hand, with another potential victim.

"FBI!" Morgan shouted. "Put your weapon down!"

"No, no," Isaiah responded. "The world has to be cleansed of these sinners. My people will the ones who go to heaven while you all descend to hell for your toleration."

"You realize that there are three FBI agents and one of the best policemen in America with guns trained on you. You make one move at trying to kill that man and you will be killed."

Isaiah looked to his left, grinned, and dropped his knife. "Alright, I know when I've been defeated. I can't outrun the FBI." At that moment, he quickly jumped to the left and grabbed the rifle he saw. Before he could even get his finger on the trigger, Spencer had tackled him and wrestled the gun out of Isaiah's possession. He managed to subdue Isaiah long enough to cuff him.

"Isaiah Christian, you are under arrest for the murders of Bart Sedaris, Nico Matthews, Winsor Claybaugh, Edward Orfman, Raymond Olsen, Jimmy Nygma, Paul Kyle, and Simon Charles," Spencer declared. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, the court shall appoint one to you. Do you understand the rights I am reading to you?"

Isaiah was put in the back of the police car and driven away to a prison immediately.

Spencer leaned up against a Bureau SUV as Hotch walked up to him.

"Congratulations on the capture, Detective. I am sorry about your partner, though."

Spencer looked at Hotch. "It wasn't in vain. His death gave way to the government's first absolute victory over Westboro. Simon would be proud."

Hotch pulled out a small plastic bag. Inside it was Simon's police badge. "This has been signed into your custody, Dr. Reid."

Spencer took the bag. "Thanks, Agent Hotchner."

"No thanks necessary. Just take good care of JJ or we'll all come after you." Hotch had his most serious face possible on. Spencer was slightly frightened. Then he grinned.

"What gave it away?" Spencer asked.

"The second you joined us on the case, I noticed a significant change in JJ. She seemed more comfortable with you around. I've known she's had a secret boyfriend. I just needed to know who." Hotch stuck his hand to Spencer. Spencer followed suit and they shook hands.. "I mean it. Take care of her."

"No worries," Spencer said. "I would never hurt her. I love her."

Hotch gave a genuine smile. "She loves you too." Spencer smiled before his expression turned grim.

"I have to call my superior," Spencer said, excusing himself from the conversation. He dialed the number for the sheriff.

"Spencer, did they ID the body?" the sheriff asked.

"It was definitely him," Spencer said solemnly. "We managed to catch the bastard, though. Simon was targeted because he told off Westboro protesters while he was here."

"Did one of them do this to him?" the sheriff asked.

"No. He was just a paranoid follower. We've put him away for a long time. Westboro's gonna have hell to pay for a little while. Simon would be proud."

"Well, that's a bit of relief. Either way, we'll have to inform his family."

"Would you mind if I do it, sir? They're a bit more familiar with me."

"I would expect as much. Probably a better idea."

"I'll be heading back to Vegas soon once I wrap up everything here in DC."

"Okay, Spencer. I'll see you in a few days."

Spencer was about to hang up when he remembered something. "Sheriff?"

"What is it, Spencer?"

"There's something I might need to talk to you about when I get back."

"What is it? Might as well tell me now..."

Spencer walked up to JJ and grabbed her hand. He just nodded his head and she automatically knew what he meant. She gathered the team together.

"Guys, I would like to introduce to you, my boyfriend Detective Dr. Spencer Reid," JJ announced. Jaws dropped all around, save for Gideon and Rossi, who just smirked, having known all along that they were dating.

"Wait," Morgan said. "Boyfriend?"

"Yep."

"Hid it pretty well, didn't ya?" Emily said. "Nice job. I'm happy for you," she said as she hugged JJ. "You did good. Looks like I was more right than you would admit"

"Yes you were. Thanks, Em."

Elle walked up to Spencer. "You hurt her at all and we will all come to kick your ass without hesitation."

"I know," Spencer said. "Hotch already warned me."

"Who said you could call him Hotch?" Elle responded.

Spencer became flustered. "I-I j-just assumed. It's easier to say than 'Agent Hotchner'."

JJ came over to him. "It's okay, Spence. Elle's just trying to intimidate you."

"She's doing a damn good job of it!" Spencer said.

"I really am just kidding," Elle remarked. "I really am happy for you both."

"So am I," Morgan interjected. "But we are serious. Hurt her and we'll hurt you."

Spencer put his hands up in the surrendering position. "I promise you I won't. I love her too much to hurt her."

Morgan patted him on the back. "Good for you, Pretty Boy."

Spencer quirked his eyebrows. "Pretty Boy?"

"Professionalism isn't needed off the clock. Besides, I think JJ will agree with me."

"And I do," JJ said. "Alright everyone, let's finish up our paperwork and head home for the night."

A few hours later, everyone finished their reports and headed home.

"Jenny," Specer said once they entered her apartment. "There's something I want to talk to you about."

"What is it?" JJ asked.

"I was thinking that maybe we should move in together," Spencer said.

JJ jerked up for a second. "What?"

Spencer's mood sunk. "Nothing."

"No," JJ interrupted. "I heard you. I was wondering what brought this up."

"Well, I think we need to figure out where this relationship is going. I don't want to give up on this relationship. But one of us has to go to the other."

"One of us has to leave their place behind."

"I'd rather be the one that does it."

JJ's eyes widened. "You would give up your whole life - your hometown - to be with me?"

"I've seen how your team works. I would never ask you to leave them. I already talked to my superior about it. My mom's been dead for two years, my dad abandoned me years ago, my partner's dead. I've got almost nothing left in Las Vegas. I love you and I don't want you to give up your job for me. You've got a lot to lose if you leave."

JJ smiled at her boyfriend. "Thank you, Spence." She kissed him passionately. "You are so considerate."

"So I take that's a 'yes'?" Spencer said.

JJ smiled even wider. "Yes."

It was the start of her new life with Spencer Reid.

Sorry it took so long to get this chapter up. By the way, I added a little inside joke. Look at the names of the victims. There's a hidden reference there. Props to you if you catch it! If you can't, rearrange some of the names and look them up.

If you have some time, go check out some of my recent one-shots: "Reid and Rocky", a one-shot about Reid and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"; "If I Can't Love Her", a one-shot about Reid singing a showtune to move past his feelings; "1981-2014", a story about a funeral for a fallen member of the BAU; "Recovery", a story about Reid helping JJ with her PTSD; and "Apartment 104", a story about a new inhabitant of Reid's apartment building.

One other thing: if I offended anyone in any way with this story, I apologize. It was certainly not my intention.

Thank you for reading and I'll see ya next time!

-D.C. al Coda