JJ ran her fingers through her hair repeatedly, as if she was going to find the right answers in the mess of of her blonde hair somehow. Now that they had a suspect, it was only natural to go across the country and find him. But, with the suspect knowing his targets were out of state, would he even be in California?
Of course the perp was too much of a coward to do the job himself so he hired Jacobs, but would he want to be around to make sure it down smoothly. Did he even know that Cassie survived. So many questions, and so little answers, she sighed, looking around at the rest of the team. After meeting with Cassie, and recounting her Lifetime worthy tale, Hotch had called the team into a meeting at the hospital conference room.
"One thing for sure is this Montle is no joke," Morgan said, noticing the stressed look on his co-worker's face.
"His outward persona is a local bar owner, of an establishment called Nino Via, and he owns part of a knife company that his brother established several years ago," Morgan said, reading the information he found.
"So the model knife that was used on Cassie came from the same company," Reid asked.
Morgan nodded, "just another link in this twisted case."
"But what about his actual profession," JJ asked, bracing herself.
"Apparently Montle is known as Richard Jax in the mob community in the Santa Barbara and Sherman Oaks area of California. He's been connected to several murders, rapes, and robberies, but the local police have yet to actually pin him. And his criminal record is under Jax, not Montle," Morgan answered.
"So if a woman were to look him up online, all that would show up is his fake good guy act," JJ said, disgusted.
Reid nodded, "and according to police this guy has a strangle hold on men that he employees. The loyalty is fierce, hence why we're having trouble getting any information on his where abouts," Reid said, knowing that it wasn't the news JJ wanted to here.
Rossi walked in the room, with a stoic look on his face. Just by glancing at him, the team knew he had information that wasn't going to be good.
"Sorry I'm late Hotch, I just got off the phone with Montle's secretary from the bar. Apparently our prince charming has been out of town for his friend's funereal for the last week, and there's no set date for his return," Rossi said mockingly, since he knew he that there was no funereal.
The reason he was out of town was to create a reason for one.
"Funereal my ass," Morgan said in disgust.
"He has to be in the area then, I mean the chances of this being a coincident are one in.." Reid started before Hotch cut him off.
"Okay, so we're not going to California at the moment," Hotch said, coming to a decision.
If the team had gone out there, and Montle was in D.C., it would give him more time to come up with a game plan, or to flee.
"I think we should go back and try to figure out where Jacobs hung out since he came to town. He had to of met up with Montle at some point ," Rossi said.
The team nodded in agreement, knowing that there had to be some spotting of Montle. And if he was as powerful as every was saying he was, then he must have some sort of headquarters out here.
"Good idea, Rossi and Morgan go back to the station to find out where Jacobs was staying. Reid, start calling motels in the area and see if they had any patrons by the name of Jax, Montle or Jacobs." Hotch ordered, feeling a bit better knowing that they had some sort of a plan.
"What do you want me to to Hotch," JJ asked, realizing that there was nothing given to her, since there wasn't any media involved in this case.
"Connect with the local pd and make sure that there is undercover security outside the hospital. Also, alert them that if they receive any tips about any activity by Montle, or whatever alias he may use, to alert us immediately. I'm going to have Garcia try to find any activity on Montle and Jacobs credit card," Hotch said.
"Hey Jae" he continued as JJ began to leave the conference room.
The blonde spun around, and noticed her supervisor's face had softened.
"Before you do that, can you check on Emily, to make sure she's okay," he asked.
JJ smiled, knowing quite well that Hotch was concerned for her well being. They all knew too well that when it came to emotions and sharing, Emily was a stone wall. She had always prided herself on compartmentalizing, and it had served her well in this field, but it also made it impossible to find how she was mentally.
Hotch wanted to be there 100 percent, but he knew that he had to keep this investigation strong, so he could end this nightmare for her. He knew JJ was a person that Prentiss confided in at times, and there was something about JJ that made people feel open to sharing their feelings. It's what made the blonde such a great agent, because her empathy was as strong as her skills.
"I will, but I know she'll be okay. As much as this whole situation is a disaster, being able to help Cassie get through her grief will help Emily work through hers," JJ said, knowing Emily would never admit that.
"I guess we'll see," he mused, as he followed the her out the door.