"So, you think Doctor Reid was taken in a case of mistaken identity?" Cruz's counterpart from the Organized Crime Division asked.
It was later on Monday morning and Hotch and Cruz were sitting in his office trying to get information on what may have happened to Reid.
"That is the assumption we are working under," Hotch replied. "We have identified the owner of the other jacket as Jason Schuster and he is part of your division. We need to know what he is working on and who would be interested in putting him out of commission."
"I don't think that is possible," was the measured response.
"You don't think that is possible?" Hotch repeated heatedly. "Sir, you need to realize that one of my agents is missing, probably taken by someone who mistook him for your agent, and I mean to get him back!"
"What you don't realize is that revealing that information might jeopardize an operation that has been in the making for close to two years," was the reply. "And, I can't risk that."
"What The - ?" Hotch exploded.
"Okay, let's back off and see what we can agree on," Cruz interrupted, putting a hand on Hotch's arm to restrain him. "Dr. Reid is a valuable member of our team and as such he deserves the best effort we can make to get him back."
"Okay, let's start with your guy, Jason Schuster," Hotch began again. "I assume he has been moved someplace secure, like a safe house."
"That's right," was the reply. "And, he has gotten rid of the jacket which seems to have been the cause of this mix-up."
"Good," Cruz told him. "Now, I would assume that he was somehow identified as being a federal agent or as being someone who was involved your operation."
"That is a fair assumption," was the agreement. "Although we aren't sure how the identification was made."
"We may be able to help you with that," Hotch exchanged looks with Cruz.
"And, now, one last question – Women, drugs or weapons?" Cruz asked.
"Drugs," was the reluctant answer. "And, there is one more thing."
"What?" Hotch asked.
"Rumor has it that the man who may be the subject of our investigation may have subcontracted the kidnapping out to some amateurs who may have bungled it," was the cautious response. "And, as amateurs, their actions may be unpredictable."
"OH SH - - !"
