Chapter 4: Protective Detail
When men talk about defence, they always claim to be protecting women and children, but they never ask the women and children what they think - Pat Schroeder
The girls and Spencer were sitting in Mrs. Hale's office, awkward silence pressing on them. He wanted to ask what was going on between them and the office aid, but not in front of Mrs. Hale. He figured he'd have to wait till he was alone on protective detail to ask one of the girls. Then her cell phone rung and she had to step out to take it. He was now saved by the bell twice.
"I noticed you and the aid were... glaring at each other. Care to tell me why? And who he is?" They hesitated, not sure how much to tell him. Then Amber spoke.
"The perv is Conner Jenkins."
"Perv?"
"He's gotten in trouble for going into the girl's bathrooms and locker rooms too many times to count. And he just stares. It's really creepy." Not exactly what he'd been expecting, but it explained the glaring. So maybe a suspect, maybe not.
Then Mrs. Hale came back in, followed by two older women, one young woman, and an older man. One was short. Really short. Amber, who was hardly five feet tall was about half a foot taller. She had long black hair and big glasses. She went over and stood behind Sara. The second woman went over to stand behind Amber. She was about two inches shorter than her, making her look younger, but Spencer knew she was most likely an older sister. The third woman, who stood behind Kelly, and looked like an older copy. The man was Rachel's father, he guessed (she was the only one left, anyway) and he was taller than his daughter. He made Spencer feel kind of short, and he was a generally tall person.
Spencer smiled as he shook their hands. "Hello, my name is Dr. Spencer Reid. I work with the FBI."
"Yes," the man said. "We spoke to an Agent Hotchner who told us we'd meet you here. I'm John Hart."
"Annie Shiply," the short woman said.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Mary Perish," Kelly's mother said.
"Hailey Grimland, Amber's sister."
"If you don't mind me asking, why did you come instead of your parents?"
"Their both at work," Amber explained. He nodded.
"Dr. Reid," Annie said, "Agent Hotchner didn't say much over the phone. Could you tell us why we're here?"
"Actually, he and a few other agents will be here shortly, and will explain everything." Another moment passed in silence before there was a knock on the door. Mrs. Hale opened it and Ms. Cope gestured for Hotch, JJ, Prentiss, and Morgan to step in. They shook hands with the girls and their family, introducing themselves.
"Will you please tell us why you've asked us to come here?" Mrs. Shiply asked. Hotch nodded.
"I'm sure you're all aware of the murders in this area?" Everyone visibly tensed up at the mention. They all nodded hesitantly. "We think the UnSub-" he cut off at the confused/blank expressions and clarified. "Unidentified subject may come after these girls next."
"Because they were friends with the other girls?" Mrs. Perish asked.
"Maybe, or maybe because there's someone with a grudge against all of them." Most of them opened their mouths to speak, but Hotch held up a hand to stop them. "We're not taking chances. I want one of my agents on a protective detail for each girl."
"Is this really neccissary?" Mr. Hart asked.
"I think so, and I don't want to risk any lives. If it proves to be useless, they I guess we were better safe than sorry." Some of them looked reluctant, but agreed none the less. They didn't want the girls to get hurt.
"Okay, Agent Jareau will be with Kelly and Agent Prentiss will be with Sara. I'm sorry that those are the only women on my team, but gender really doesn't matter." Mr. Heart and Hailey nodded. Hotch continued. "Agent Morgan will go with Rachel, leaving Amber with Dr. Reid." Internally, Amber groaned. How did she get stuck with the nerd? Eff my life! she thought. After a few more comments, everyone walked out of the office. This would be a long case.