Chapter 1


"When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence."

-Ansel Adams


The flight to Miami was a quiet one for the BAU. Observing the photographs of the bizarre crimes, Morgan pointed out something unusual.

"It seems to me that the crimes are ritualistic in nature. It kind of reminds me of what the Reaper did, except there was no exsanguination. Notice how the family was butchered in their swimming pool. It symbolizes a pastime that is close to our unsub."

"Morgan's right. He could have butchered them in the family room of the house. But why the swimming pool? It's definitely reminiscent of our unsub's past." Rossi continued.

"The electrocution is symbolic in its own way. Normally, you don't leave a person out in the open and electrocute them. This freezer must mean something to our unsub." Reid stated.

"That would mean whoever this unsub is, he or she is very condescending, and they are serious about committing other acts of murder." Blake said looking at the photos.

"We need to look at persons with a violent history, not necessarily aggressive in nature." Hotch stated as the video chat beeped. It was Garcia on the other end.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your peaceful solace, but Miami Police just found another body. It was found not far from where Megan Simms was, and it was located in a parking deck adjacent to the Starr Records building on Biscayne Blvd." Garcia stated.

"Starr Records was the label that signed Austin Moon. I'm starting to think that these murders are deliberate. Notice how each murder, starting with the manager in the Mall of Miami, can be traced back to both Austin Moon and Ally Dawson. If the lead detective turns out to be Austin Moon, then this investigation will turn out to be very complicated." Reid quipped.

"Reid's right. We need to take this case very seriously. Morgan, you and JJ head to the latest crime scene. Dave, you and Blake will examine Megan Simms' body, and Reid and I will get acquainted with Detective Moon. We'll be landing in a few minutes, so make sure you have everything you need." Hotch said as the plane made a descent into Miami.