"We've got 2 males and 1 female victim, all about the same age, but from different socio-economic backgrounds. The only thing they seem to have in common is they were traveling to the same city" Hotch said as Reid and JJ started putting up photos on the board at the local station.
"And broken bones. There's a hairline fracture in the wrist, a sprained ankle, and a broken nose. Also, early autopsy reports show soft, clean tissue damage and deep puncture wounds through the major organs" Reid explained
"Bullets flare out when they hit the body, it's gotta be something else" Hotch stated
"Whatever weapon was used cut completely through the front of the chest and went right out of the back. It's interesting, given the point of entry, that each victim has 2 wounds" Reid explained
"And it's always 2" Hotch added as a local walked into the room.
"Uh, Raymond Schaeffer. You must be Agent Jareau" Raymond said shaking hands with JJ.
"Nice to meet you. This is special Agent Aaron Hotchner. Dr. Spencer Reid. This is sheriff Raymond Schaeffer" JJ introduced
"Well, I see you're getting settled" Raymond said
"Thank you for the space" Hotch said
"Well, thank you for flying out" Raymond said
"Um, has Alex Harrison's family been notified yet?" JJ asked
"Not yet. Uh, parents were divorced, he lived with his father. I was waiting for your unit to arrive. I could use the company" Raymond admitted
"I'm happy to come along. Hotch, I'll let you know what I find" JJ said simply
"Thanks" Hotch said
"Is this your first notification, Sheriff?" JJ asked as they walked out of the room.
"Uh, is it that obvious?" Raymond asked
"Uh, I can give you a few tips" JJ said smiling
"I just got this promotion and the sheriff I replaced retired after 30 years. So, I got big shoes to fill. I'm just happy deaths in our county are down" Raymond explained
"Well, believe me, it never gets easy. This father's worst nightmare is about to come true" JJ said firmly
…..
Morgan and Lilith drove up to the mountain in silence. Lilith sighed.
"Okay, ask it" She said suddenly
"What do you mean?" Morgan asked
"I can literally feel you wanting to ask me something" Lilith joked and Morgan laughed.
"Okay, fine, since you're the psychic, what do you think I want to talk about?" Morgan asked
"Well, it's either about my past or about Reid, who is finally acting his normal self" Lilith explained and Morgan nodded.
"I want to know if something is going on between you and Reid? I saw him holding your hand on the jet" Morgan explained
"He was holding my hand because it was the first time I had voluntarily brought up my parents and he was silently telling me he was proud" Lilith explained as Morgan nodded.
"Right… that's why he kept holding your hand for the rest of the trip" Morgan joked as Lilith frowned, trying to remember if they actually did keep holding your hand. Before she could reply though they pulled up and a ranger walked over to them.
"How was the drive up the mountain?" The ranger asked
"Well, before or after the flat tire?" Morgan joked
"That good, huh? I'm the head Ranger, Lizzie Evans" Lizzie introduced
"Hi, Agent Fallon, this is Agent Morgan. Agent Gideon's still in town" Lilith introduced
"You must be exhausted from the trip, but we need to keep moving. We want to be out of here by nightfall" Lizzie explained
"Then, by all means, after you" Lilith said as they started walking into the forest.
"How long have you been a ranger?" Morgan asked
"5 years now, but I've lived in these woods my whole life" Lizzie explained
"Growing up out here help you do your job?" Morgan asked
"Look around. Do you see or hear anything right now?" Lizzie asked
"No" Morgan and Lilith said
"There's a black bear about 25 yards to your right" Lizzie explained as they turned their heads to see the black bear.
"How long before we're able to do that?" Lilith asked
"Depends on how well you use your instincts" Lizzie explained honestly.
"Well, this gives new meaning to the word remote" Morgan said
"Yeah, it'd be awfully hard to find this location if you weren't familiar with the area. There must only be a handful of people who know the terrain well enough to survive" Lilith explained as they got to the taped off crime scene.
"Boot tracks. They're the same tread, but they're different sizes" Lizzie explained
"Well, there's at least 2 people who know this terrain" Morgan stated
"Ok, so, this is where Alex Harrison's body was found. Morgan, from this particular spot there are areas of higher ground that look down to where the victim died" Lilith explained
"Yeah, I got a perfect view of you through the trees right here" Morgan added
"Those are basic tactics that hunters use. They use vantage points to watch their prey" Lizzie explained
"If these are tactics that hunters use..." Lilith started to say
"They were precise enough to cover each other and take out their prey at the same time. If both victims have 2 wounds, could be one for each offender" Morgan explained
"I think we know how Alex Harrison died" Lilith added softly
….
"Politely ask them to sit, and, uh, be prepared for a physical reaction. I once had a woman faint and hit her head and I had to give her the news a second time at the hospital. That wasn't fun. Denial is the first emotion so be prepared to explain to them how you know that this is their child. Be gentle, allow yourself to show emotion. It'll validate what the family is feeling" JJ explained as they pulled up outside the house.
"First rule on the police force, Agent Jareau, no crying" Raymond said simply before knocking on the door.
"Yes?" A man said as he opened the door
"Sir, are you Timothy Harrison?" JJ asked
"Is this about Alex?" The man asked
"Mr. Harrison, can we sit down?" Raymond asked as they walked into the house.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to stand" Mr. Harrison said
"Sir, I wish I didn't have to tell you this but we've found your son Alex in the Boise national forest" Raymond said softly
"So, he's ok?" Mr. Harrison asked hopefully
"I'm so sorry, Mr. Harrison, but Alex wasn't alive when we found him" JJ explained when Raymond choked.
"This is a mistake. Alex doesn't know anyone in Idaho. How do you even know it's him?" Mr. Harrison asked
"Well, sir, when you file a missing person's report you gave us access to his dental records" Raymond explained
"You're lying. God, tell me this isn't true. I'll do anything, please help me" Mr. Harrison cried, causing Raymond to tear up.
"We can't imagine what you're going through, Mr. Harrison" JJ said softly
"He's all I've got, my boy. Don't you understand?" Mr. Harrison begged.
"I do" JJ said
"Sir, we're investigating Alex's death as a possible homicide" Raymond explained
"Murder?" Mr. Harrison asked shocked
"We were hoping that maybe you could answer some questions" JJ stated
"Alex was the best wide out the huskies had seen in years. He was physical, strong. He had great instincts. After graduation, he wanted a career. Didn't want to be known as a jock. This can't be happening. I need to call Alex's mother" Mr. Harrison said
"Of course. We'll stay here until your family arrives" JJ explained
…..
