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Chapter 28

"Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye" Helen Keller

When Morgan and Rossi arrived at the bar they were greeted by a friendly young barmaid who instantly offered them a drink. "No thanks" Morgan said "we are on the job." He and Rossi displayed their badges. "We are looking for Kieran Mavis" Rossi said.

"He's not working today … it isn't his shift" she said "He was working last night wasn't he" Morgan asked as she nodded as she put the glasses back on their shelves. "Yeah he was" she said "do you want to talk to him about the abduction last night."

"Yeah we do" Rossi said "do you know him well?"

"Well enough" she said.

"Can you tell us about him" Morgan asked.

The girl frowned "he's quiet… a hard worker… gets on with his job."

"So he keeps to himself" Rossi asked and she nodded "seems like a nice enough guy though" she said "doesn't seem close to anyone except his brother."

Both Morgan and Rossi frowned and looked at each other before they looked back at her "I'm sorry his brother?" Morgan questioned.

"Yeah" the girl said "he has an older brother… he comes in here regularly when his little brother is working."

"We didn't know he had a brother" Morgan said.

"Oh I don't think they are blood related… I think Kieran is adopted or something" she said "excuse me I have to go serve these people."
Morgan and Rossi looked at each other as the girl walked away. "Mavis sounds like the perfect submissive follower don't you think" Rossi said and Morgan nodded as he pulled out his phone "hey Hotch" he said "Mavis wasn't here but apparently he has an adoptive brother. Rossi and I think that he might be the submissive follower."

"Well we are at his apartment right now" Hotch said looking around the apartment he was standing in "Mavis isn't here but we are going to look around until we find something."

"Ok what do you want us to do" Morgan asked. "Go back to the station… see if you can connect Mavis to Mandaville" Hotch said.

"Got it" Morgan said and hung up.

Hotch placed his phone into his pocket and looked at Emily who was going carefully through Mavis' wardrobe. "Find anything" he asked and she sighed "this guy seems to live at work and do very little else" she said "but I did find these work boots though" she said holding up a bagged pair of boots. "I thought we could check the soil in the soles to see if that gives us anything on where he has been in the last few hours."

Hotch nodded and headed into the kitchen and carefully began to go through the cupboards. He was nearly finished when he opened up a small tin and upon opening it he found some small vials.

"What you got there" Emily asked as she came out of the bedroom. "Rohypnol" Hotch said "he is definitely the one who drugged Livie."

Emily chewed her lip looking worried "so the first unsub chooses the victims and then signals to Mavis to slip something into her drink. He excused himself fairly promptly after she took a drink… he must have hoped she'd come out for some fresh air when she felt dizzy."

"And we ended up sending her straight out to him" Hotch said.

Emily moved forward and touched him on the arm "Hotch this isn't your fault" she said "Prescott's agents knew that their first priority was to keep Livie safe… they left her exposed."

"She is my agent Emily" Hotch said "I should have ensured her safety myself… not left it to Prescott and his agents… now because I didn't… Reid has lost the only girl I have ever seen him care about."

"We'll get her back" Emily said "you have to believe it… we'll get her back so that she and Reid can be together."

Hotch didn't agree with her but he sighed "did you find any indication that he has any brother" he asked.
"None" Emily said.

"Ok" Hotch said "let's photograph everything so that Reid can have a look; you never know he might see something we don't."

Emily nodded and headed off to get her camera. Hotch finished searching the rest of the apartment before he reached into his pocket for his phone and called Garcia.

"Green for go" the tech analysis responded as she answered and Hotch could hear that she was typing frantically at her keys. "Garcia what do you have on Mandaville" he asked.

"Well the first time you asked me to look into him I only did a quick exam of his life as we hadn't got any time but then after he took… Livie… I decided to dive to the bottom of the deepest part of this scumbag's ocean and that was when I realised something… this guy has only been around for about six months."

Hotch frowned "how is it possible that you didn't see this before" he asked. "Because the identity Joe Mandaville is as legit as it can get but apparently he has been around for a lot longer than should be possible. Apparently Joe Mandaville was born in 1962… which unless he got bitten by a vampire when he was a kid means that he can't be our dirt bag."

"So our unsub is just using the name Joe Mandaville" Hotch clarified feeling a sinking feeling in his chest "and we have no idea who he really is."

"Yeah" Garcia said sadly "I think he chose Mandaville because he is the most uninteresting person who lives in Lincoln. Apart from his age he doesn't raise any red flags if people managed to find out his name… I relooked into him and discovered that the IP address looking at all that porn I found earlier does not match the one that is listed as Mandaville's address… it is in fact linked to a coffee shop about two miles from the bar in the other direction."

"Which screws up our geographical profile a bit" Hotch said cursing inwardly "yeah I told Reid the news and he wasn't very happy about it" Garcia said awkwardly

"Ok" Hotch said trying to focus again "do you have anything on Mavis."

"Not much" Garcia said as her fingers through over the keys again "online he is squeaky clean and all his accounts seem in order so I don't know if I can get much from him to be honest."

"See what you can find" Hotch said as Emily came back into the room "we are heading back now."

He filled Emily in on the drive back to the station where they found everyone sitting reading a report.

"Anything new" Hotch asked and they all looked up "ME's report came back" Morgan said "I think we know why they dumped Kiera Hager sooner than the others."

"Ok" Hotch said "why"

Morgan sighed "she was nearly two months pregnant" he said quietly and Hotch's upper lip curled in distaste. "Well I guess that answers that question" he said softly "anything else."

"We got all of the people in the bar to help us composite a sketch of our unsub" JJ said handing him a copy "I have it and Kieran Mavis' photo on a national broadcast appealing for anyone who might know them to get in contact with us."

Hotch nodded "good job" he said before looking up as Prescott suddenly opened the door "we found a body" he said.

Everyone froze before they all looked at Hotch whose face darkened "give us the address" he said softly.

XO

Arriving at the crime scene was like Reid's worst nightmare coming to life. As they pulled up on the other side of the tape he stepped out of the SUV as though he were in a daze. He barely heard the sirens and the shouts of the officers as he drifted towards the body unable to draw his eyes away from the sheet draped over the girl's body.

He stumbled over hearing Hotch and Morgan calling to him but it barely registered. He slowly knelt down and reached out a shaking hand to carefully lift the sheet back.

It was like a hole was punched in his chest as he stared at the dead girl's pain filled face that he knew so well. He stared at her light brown curls stained with blood. He stared into her bright blue eyes that stared blankly at him… wait… blue?

He blinked and Livie's face disappeared and it was replaced by another girl's face. It was a shock at first before that was replaced with overwhelming relief; relief that it wasn't Livie. Slowly he staggered to his feet breathing heavily. He felt Morgan catch hold of his shoulder and steady him. "Easy kid it's not her" Morgan murmured.

"I know" Reid whispered "for a moment I thought it was though."

"I know" Morgan said "they dyed her hair to look like Livie didn't they…"

Reid nodded noticing how the girl's naturally blonde hair was dyed sloppily brown; the same colour as Livie's hair which was what had made him first think it was Livie.

He swallowed and looked at Hotch as he came over "they are taunting us aren't they" he said and slowly Hotch nodded "but they are becoming over confident Reid" he said "this means they are more likely to slip up."

Reid nodded and looked around "they um… made no attempt to hide the body at all… they really wanted us to find her…"

"Do we know who the victim is" Rossi asked as he came over "yeah it's Emma Laydon" Morgan said "she was the one missing the longest."

"Rossi, JJ go tell the family" Hotch said quietly. He looked around at the people surrounding the crime scene looking for anyone who stuck out. "They obviously wanted us to find her quickly" Morgan said looking around "they didn't even attempt to hide her body."

"They are taunting us" Hotch said simply as he finished scanning the crowds and he looked back at the remainder of his team who were all waiting his instruction.

"Get the body back to the morgue" he said and Emily nodded before she waved the EMTs through and they headed forward to collect the body.

As they lifted her up Reid spotted something in her hand and he moved forward and quickly pulled a small envelope out of her lose grip.

"What you got there" Hotch asked as he moved forward. Reid slowly opened the envelope and pulled out a note that read 'one down detectives… you had better hurry and stop us or else your girl is going to end up just like sweet Emma. Or maybe not so much in one piece.'
Reid felt his stomach clench as he read the note and he looked at Hotch who was frowning at the note angrily. "Let's get back to the station" he said.

Everyone nodded before they all headed back towards their SUVs. As they did so Reid couldn't help but glance back at the gurney where Emma Laydon lay. Just before the bag was zipped up for a brief second he saw Livie lying there once again staring at him with pain filled eyes, wondering why he hadn't come to rescue her. He quickly looked away breathing fast, praying that these startling visions would not become reality.

XO

When Livie next awoke the unsubs were gone. Everything hurt and she was still covered in blood. Slowly she looked down and saw that they had tended her wounds. There were gauzes over each cut and she could smell antiseptic.

She knew they didn't care for her. The only reason they were looking after her was to keep her alive. Right now she was an essential part of their game and they needed her alive to get as much thrill as possible.

She slowly looked around the room at the remaining six women all looking at her. They knew she was a cop and that she was there to goad the other detectives. They also knew that if the detectives didn't find her soon then they wouldn't live much longer.

She ducked her head feeling guilty that they were being killed. She should have been more careful. She should have watched her drink more carefully, though for the life of her she couldn't figure out how he had drugged her drink. She had kept hold of it the whole time.

But however they had managed it they had managed to get her, they had got her. She was here and her team were working their asses off trying to find her when they shouldn't have to. She shouldn't have been caught.

She shifted uncomfortably and shivered at the cold bite of the air. It was cold in here and she was only wearing a thin top. Struggling to stay warm she rested her head against her arm that was still restrained above her head and closed her eyes. She felt exhausted and desperately wanted sleep. But that wasn't what she wanted most of all. What she really wanted was to be home. Safe. With Spence.

She missed him dreadfully and wanted nothing more than to be home with him again. Curled up in their bed together where nothing could harm them.

She wondered what they were doing now. Were they searching for her? Did they have any idea where she was or who took her?

A horrible thought crossed her mind then; what if they were forced to give up the search? What if they were ordered to leave? She felt a clench in her gut and she blinked furiously trying to prevent tears. What if they thought her dead and left?

But what if she actually died? What would that do to her mom who she idolised, who was her best friend and had been with her through thick and thin? What would it do to her dad and Kaylee whom she had always promised she would never leave? And what would it do to Spence? Her sweet loving Spence. She didn't want her death to cause him pain. He had been through enough already. She didn't want to hurt him more.

Fighting back more tears she closed her eyes and drifted off into an uneasy sleep.

As she slept she dreamt of her team.

She was watching from overhead as Hotch addressed the team; 'I just heard from Chief Strauss. We have another case involving family annihilators… I'm sorry but we have to move on. We have to let this case go… we have to let her go.'

'It has been almost a month' Rossi said with a sigh.

'And no leads' Emily said sadly.

Hotch looked at Reid and Livie saw that he was staring at her picture on the murder board.

'Reid' he said 'I'm sorry… but you have to let her go.'

Reid stared at the board for a long minute whilst Livie willed him not to give up on her. But then much to her horror he slowly nodded and rose from his seat. 'NO' Livie tried to scream 'I'm still alive Spence… I'm right here… don't give up on me… please.'

But no matter how loudly she screamed none of the team seemed to be able to hear her.

And as she watched Reid slowly placed a photo of her on the table. He stared at it for a minute before he swallowed and whispered 'goodbye.' Then he turned and followed the team out of the door.

Livie woke with a muffled cry of fright and struggled against the bonds before a few agonised sobs overcame her and she bent over crying miserably. She stayed there for a few minutes before she suddenly realised she was being watched.

"Bad dream sweetheart" the one called Cody asked and she looked away determined not to let him see that this place actually was getting to her and that she was scared that she would never see her team again.

He laughed softly as he unlocked the door to her pen and slowly moved in towards her.Livie remained turned away until he grabbed her chin and forced him to look at her. "Look who I saw today" he breathed and he held a picture close to her face. Livie felt an ache in her chest as she saw her team standing a crime scene. They all looked pretty angry and to her relief didn't look like they were going to give up any time soon. Reid looked like he was in shock and she hated seeing him look so pained.

"Your little boyfriend doesn't look so happy does he" Cody crooned "aww I bet he misses you as much as you miss him."

Livie pulled away determined not to show her pain and he chuckled "I wonder if they have got anything from the body" he mused as his hand traced over her belly and Livie flinched as his hand pulled at the skin around her wounds making them sting. "Sorry sweetie" he crooned "they do look painful… you are lucky that we need to keep you alive. Otherwise we would have left those to get infected like the other girls."

Livie kept her head turned as his hand traced over her body refusing to give him the satisfaction that he wanted. He continued to probe for a response until eventually he rose "I'll be back later honey" he said "we have a surprise planned from your team."

That got Livie looking round in confusion and worry not liking the idea of them goading her team any more than they already were. He smirked at the fear on her face before he turned and whistling loudly he headed out of the room locking the door behind him.

Livie looked around frantically hoping to see some way out of this but no matter how hard she looked, she could see no escape from this little hell.

So once again she dropped her head and prayed for a miracle.

XO

Back in the police station everyone was sitting in front of the phones manning the tip lines trying their best to remain positive as they hit brick wall after brick wall.

Hotch looked at his team all working furiously to try and catch these unsubs who had threatened one of their own. None of them wanted to watch Reid lose Livie permanently. Nor did they want to have to call her parents and tell them that their daughter was gone.

He did feel slightly guilty. After all, he hadn't wanted her to go undercover in the first place. He should have listened to his gut and ignored Prescott's request. Then maybe she would be ok.

"Hey Hotch" came a sudden shout and he looked over to see Morgan waving him over and he quickly went over to join him.

"Do we have something" he asked and Morgan nodded.

"A couple of uniforms just spotted Mavis going into work to pick up his payslip… apparently he is still in there."

"Go" Hotch said instantly "take Emily with you."

"I'm going" Reid said instantly and Hotch eyed him. He was going to say no but then he saw the look on Reid's face. It was one that plainly said "try and stop me… you won't be able too."

Hotch nodded "don't do anything stupid" he warned.

Reid nodded and followed Emily and Morgan out of the door all three of them shrugging into their vests as they did so.

As they left JJ came over with a pad of paper in her hand. "Everything ok" Hotch asked.

"Yeah" she said "but a call came through to the tip line a few minutes ago from a women who claims to know the other unsub. She said she recognised his picture."

"What makes this one different from the other ones" Hotch asked; they had had a lot of calls from women who suspected that their unsub was an ex-boyfriend who they wanted locked away. It was making it difficult to distinguish the real calls from the fakes.

"She said that she recognised Mavis too" JJ continued "she said that he was her ex's adopted brother… said his family adopted him after his died in a fire or something."

"Ok" Hotch said before JJ smiled "you want to hear what really got me believing" she asked and Hotch nodded slowly.

"She said that her ex liked to and I quote 'tie her up and have rape fantasies with him' she read from the piece of paper in her hand 'and his favourite form of restraint… duct tape."

Hotch instantly reached for his gun and badge "let's go bring her in" he said and JJ nodded.

XO

When Morgan, Emily and Reid all arrived at the bar two police officers were waiting outside. "He's still in there" one of them said "I think he is having a drink."

Morgan nodded "go round the back" he said "wait there in case he comes out." They both nodded and headed off to do as he asked.

Morgan looked at Emily and Reid. Emily looked determined but the look on Reid's face scared him slightly; he had an almost dead look in his eyes. Morgan was worried but knew that they were running out of time.

Morgan took a deep breath before he pulled his gun out of its holster and the others followed in suit before they slowly pushed open the door to the bar and slipped in.

Morgan instantly spotted Mavis sitting at the edge of the bar talking quietly to the same waitress they had spoken to earlier. She looked up and spotted them then and frowned. Morgan gave her a warning look not to alert Mavis in any way.

But Mavis had already seen her frown and he looked over instantly spotted their guns and badges. Quick as a flash Morgan lifted his weapon. "FBI… Kieran Mavis do not move" he warned.

But Mavis was already gone throwing his stool aside as he took off towards the back door. Instantly they all took chase and Morgan leapt over the table he knocked over in his attempt to flee.

He flung himself forward and managed to throw Mavis to the floor where he struggled and squirmed.

As he finished handcuffing him he felt someone shove past him and then Reid was bending over Mavis, his eyes wide with fury. "Where is she" he yelled "where is she you son of a bitch."

"Whoa Reid stop it" Morgan shouted grabbing him and shoving him back. "He knows where she is Morgan… he knows where we can find her" Reid protested struggling to get past him again. "I know but getting him released due to police brutality is not going to help us find her" Morgan warned and slowly Reid realised he was right and calmed slightly.

Morgan looked back over at Mavis who Emily was hauling to his feet. "I'm not going to say anything" Mavis said "I have done nothing wrong."

"Sure" Emily said coldly as she marched him towards the door reading him his rights as she did so.

Morgan looked back at Reid who was breathing heavily. "You can't do that kid" he said firmly "you have to keep you head."

"How" Reid protested "how can I do that when she's out there somewhere being hurt waiting for me to come save her."

"Reid, Livie knows you are doing everything you can to come rescue her… she knows you are fighting for her. She knows you won't stop looking. But getting yourself kicked off the case is not the way to help her… do you understand."

Reid looked like he was going to keep protesting but then he slowly nodded. "Good" Morgan said "now let's get him back to the station so that we can interrogate him shall we."

Reid nodded slowly and they both made their way out to the car where Emily was waiting.

She looked questioningly at Morgan who nodded to her and she turned and climbed in the back next to Mavis whilst Reid climbed into the front. After talking to the two uniforms who had been guarding the bar Morgan climbed into the driver's seat and began the drive back to the station.

At first everyone was silent but Mavis soon broke that by saying "what do you want from me? I haven't done anything?" he demanded.

"We know what you did Mavis" Morgan said without taking his eyes off of the road "we have you on video spiking a federal agent's drink and aiding in her abduction."

"I did no such thing" Mavis protested. "Don't lie to us" Emily said sharply "she's missing and she is loved by a lot of people and she had better come back alive for your own sake."

Mavis' eyes tightened as he looked around worried.

"What do you want from me?" he eventually asked.

"Tell us where they take the girls" Morgan said instantly. "I can't" Mavis responded "they'll kill me."

"Well they aren't the ones you need to be worried about right now" Morgan challenged and Mavis glared at him angrily.

When they arrived at the station there were a lot of reporters waiting so cursing Morgan decided to keep driving and he quickly pulled round the back of the precinct where the reporters couldn't follow.

They got Mavis inside where they found Rossi talking intently to the rest of the police officers telling them where to search and how to do so.

They quickly dragged Mavis to one of the interrogation rooms where Morgan proceeded to cuff him to the table whilst the others watched from outside.

"Did he give you guys anything" Rossi asked as he came in. "No not really" Emily said "but we'll get the truth out of him… no matter how long it takes."

"Where are JJ and Hotch" Reid asked looking around "they went to talk to someone who called the tip line saying that she knew who the other unsub is" Rossi said.

"Really" Reid said suddenly looking slightly hopeful and Rossi nodded "said it was her ex-boyfriend or something."

"Good" Reid said looking back into the interrogation room where Mavis was sitting. Hopefully this girl would get them some leverage or something. Because he had a feeling that despite being the submissive; it was going to be hard to get Mavis to talk. And they needed all the leverage on him that they could get.

'Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.' Helen Keller

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Mysticgirl.