AN: Thanks for the feedback everyone, I'm glad you're enjoying it. also I did some google research for this chapter and from what I found, I strongly advise that you do NOT attempt this yourselves.
If anyone asked, it was a behavioural science experiment. A study into addiction and its effects in both someone who was overdosed with their chosen addiction and someone who was cut off from theirs in order to draw comparisons and effectively study the impact of addiction. Information which could be used to further research into criminal behaviour and addiction therapy.
It wasn't the result of four FBI agents being bored and surfing YouTube.
"I really don't think this is a good idea." Reid said as the four stood grouped around Morgan's desk staring at the items before them; half a cup of freshly made coffee and a can of Red Bull.
"Come on Reid, if anyone can handle that caffeine overdose, it's you." Emily said encouragingly.
"We're all going to be here with you and we can get the EMTs if you need them." Garcia added as Morgan poured the can of Red Bull into the mug and stirred it. The liquid inside was a murky dark brown and gave off a smell that could only be described as pure caffeine. Reid carefully lifted the mug to his mouth and took a sip. His face screwed up at the taste but he kept on drinking. After a few mouthfuls, it didn't seem so bad. Finally he set the empty cup down on the desk and wiped his mouth.
"How do you feel Reid?" Morgan asked, watching Reid carefully for any sudden change or reaction from him.
"I feel OK," Reid replied. "Caffeine does take time to take effect but given the high amount the rate of effectiveness will have no doubt increased."
"Ok I'll write that down," Emily mused as she scribbled down notes on the notepad they had had the foresight to fetch. After all, everyone knew it wasn't just screwing around if you wrote it down. Thank you Mythbusters. "Immediate reaction shows no change in subject's behaviour."
"Sorry guys, we've got another one." JJ said walking into the bullpen, files in hand. The four 'scientists' looked at one another before Garcia went to get set up and the others made their way to the conference room. They had been under the impression today was a quiet day, hence why they had been on YouTube and did their experiment today. They literally had no idea what was going to happen.
As they took their seats in the conference room, it was Morgan who noted Reid's twitching foot and the way he kept flexing and un-flexing his hands. That had to be the beginning of the pent up energy and whispered as much to Emily who quickly scribbled it down as Hotch, Rossi and JJ came in.
'5 minutes + an effect seems to have begun, the subject's feet and fingers have started twitching and energy levels have significantly increased.'
"Ok this call came in from Portland; four women aged between 19 and 25 have all been reported missing over the last couple of months. Earlier today police uncovered two of the bodies; Sophie Jones and Danielle Richmond. The other two, Carmen McKnight and Laura Phillips are still missing." JJ explained as the images of four dark-haired women appeared on the screen.
"How long between each abduction?" Hotch asked.
"They can vary. Three weeks between the first abduction which was Sophie; five weeks later Danielle, four weeks later Carmen and then Laura disappeared three days ago." JJ answered. "From what the police can determine, Danielle has been dead for a month, Sophie even longer."
"If he's following a pattern of kidnapping after each kill, we have to assume Carmen may be dead." Rossi deduced, this was going to be a bad one.
"And with the police now aware, Laura's chances are less likely." Emily added; their fun with Reid now long forgotten in the wake of this new case. The job came first.
"Wheels up in 10," Hotch said and they quickly left the room. As the three agents grabbed their go-bags Reid was bouncing on the balls of his feet and shaking with the excess energy.
"Guys this was a big mistake. I feel all this energy and feel like I need to run but I can't run and I can't but there is way too much excess pent-up energy in me and we have to work the case and we're going to get into trouble and is everything going really slow or is it just me and why are you just standing there? Let's go le-" Reid's one-breath ramble was cut off with Emily clapping her hand over his mouth in order for her or Morgan to get a word in edgeways.
"It's going to be OK. We just need to focus on the case." Morgan reassured Reid as they got into the elevator and Emily quickly scribbled another note.
10 minutes+ The subject's rate of speech has increased. Body twitching continues and increases due to energy build up. Effects also include full-body shaking, restlessness and rambling. Hopefully effects will wear off soon.
It was clear however that that would be easier said than done once they were actually on the jet and discussing the case. Trapped in the confines of the jet, Reid's pent up energy was becoming more and more desperate to get out and he was tapping his foot, drumming on the seat, twisting and shifting around like a fidgeting child and unwilling to speak, knowing that once he started, he wouldn't be able to stop.
"Spence are you OK? You haven't said a word all day?" JJ asked worriedly; he did seem to be pale and sweating a bit not to mention all the constant twitching and shaking he had been doing.
"Fine! I'm fine. Totally fine. Nothing wrong with me no sir, I mean ma'am. Let's just talk about the case will we? What's happening again, I wasn't really paying attention because I was feeling all funny and tingly and-"
"Reid!" Hotch snapped getting Reid to stop mid-rant and look at them all in horror.
"I'm sorry but we're doing an experiment and I don't like it anymore I feel all tingly and shaky and shivery and this is bad, this is bad, this is really, really bad. Guys I don't like this! I really don't like this!" Reid said all in one breath as Hotch, and Rossi looked at Morgan and Emily while JJ attempted to calm Reid down.
"It was his idea." Emily said quickly pointing at Morgan.
"What? No it wasn't!" Morgan denied. "Besides she's the one recording everything!"
"Oh I'm sorry, who said 'Come on Pretty Boy it'll be awesome.'? It was you not me!" Emily countered as Reid suddenly stood up, pale, sweating and shaking, swaying slightly as he tried to find his balance.
"I don't feel good," Reid said before he rushed to the bathroom. JJ followed him and held the door open to allow herself the room to rub his back as he got the coffee and Red Bull concoction out of his system. Rossi and Hotch shared a look before glaring at Morgan and Emily who shrank back in their seats, waiting on the inevitable explosion.
Once Reid had been set on the sofa with a blanket around him and both Morgan and Emily had been punished with doing everyone's write ups for a week; the team finally managed to turn their attention back to the case at hand. Reid seemed to be slowly calming down and when nobody was looking, Emily made a few more notes in her notepad.
1 hour+ Subject has been shaking, restless, twitching, rambling and ranting when speaking. Speech rate increased dramatically with loss of control over what has been said. Subject also has been physically sick due to the high amount of caffeine and excess energy unable to be used up and now on bed rest in order to recover. Also observers have been caught and busted by the boss.
Conclusion: Experiment is dangerous and certain to fail. DO NOT REPEAT!
Rule 7: Agents are never to mix coffee and Red Bull. Not even in the name of science
