I'm quitting my job to start a new life somewhere I belong. A lot of things have happened in my life and I can't handle the pressure anymore. I have good and bad memories here in this country.
I love London, but... after everything that happened here- I... I'm lost and I fall into the depth of darkness. No one could save me but myself.
I received a call from Seattle to seek my help regarding a case. That day would ever change my life forever. ~Novilene Cruz
Stretching her body as she usually does during her normal routine. Novilene woke up at 7:30 am, took a shower, cooked breakfast and made herself a cup of black coffee. She had the calm tune of "Ave Maria" piano version playing in the background because it makes her home feel more lively before leaving this country.
"Drinking your usual strong black coffee to wake yourself up after having a shower. You also left your hair wet. You always cook an egg and bacon sandwich for breakfast while playing 'Ave Maria' piano version in the background." She rolled her eyes and made another coffee for the person who always barges in her house without bothering to knock.
"Good morning to you as well, Sherlock." Novilene greeted the private detective, or she as she called him, Consulting Detective Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock Holmes is a tall man in his mid 20's. His skin is pale as snow, he has dark curly hair, and cold blue eyes. Novilene has never been afraid of him and she's the closest friend Sherlock's has ever had despite their differences. She never judges his crazy experiments, such as placing an eye inside a jar before putting it in the microwave. People always mistook him as a psychopath, while Novilene would correct them and say to call him a sociopath.
Sherlock never said a word, but he snatched his drink from Novilene and gulped it down. Novilene is already used to his behavior as his silent thank you.
"I'm going to quit my job as a cop and move out to a different country, Sherlock. You can't break into my house all the time." She scolded him and used the fact he always breaks her home without a key. Sherlock would usually steal her keys and break into her home whenever he wants.
"Moving to your friend's house and looking for a job." Sherlock answered bluntly. "Why change?" It's pointless to ask her that question, but he wanted to hear the answer from her.
"You, of all people should know my answer, Sherlock." She gave him a pointed look. "I need a fresh start."
Sherlock rolled his eyes. "Oh... yes! Starting over in a new country is the beginning of Novilene Cruz!" He exclaimed sarcastically. Novilene just gave him a deadpanned expression. "You are the only woman who can understand the level of my IQ and have common sense, unlike some dumb people."
"Anderson for instance?" she teased Sherlock with a smirk on her face while Sherlock shot her an annoyed look. "You being here is more than enough to help them out on a case."
Sherlock scoffed and Novilene ignored him. "London would fall without Sherlock Holmes. Everyone knows me as a former Doctor and a cop. It's time for me to step out." She smiled gently and hugged him. "I may be far away from you, but you have to remember that I'm always your friend."
He grudgingly hates public displays of affection, but when it comes to Novilene, Sherlock rarely shows his caring side to her. Novilene always cherishes those moments when Sherlock breaks down his wall. He sighed and wrapped his arms around her shoulders to pull her closer. Sherlock hated to admit it, but he's going to miss his little sister figure. She's the only person who understands him completely. Novilene always annoyed him and made sure he didn't take any drugs for his own experiment by throwing them away and even blackmailing the former drug user. She threw everything away to keep it out of his reach and he would throw a tantrum, but she would always punch him if it got too far.
"You're always welcome to use my home, Sherlock." She pulled away from him gently. "This is like your second home and promise me this house will still be in one piece. I mean it."
He rolled his eyes, but couldn't make promises if he's planning to destroy her house. "Boring! You're too uptight and a bottomless pig!"
She chuckled in amusement and glanced down at her watch. "I need to go soon and catch my flight."
"Ahh... yes, Seattle, Washington. They're seeking your help without knowing you quit the job. How fantastic!" He exclaimed happily like a sarcastic 4-year-old child and stared at her dark brown eyes. "Someone abducted the 5th women while they were testing-"
"Sherlock, I believe they asked for my help without you." She reminded him with a sympathetic look. Most of the cops hated Sherlock for being nosy and always intervening in their cases. "There's a pattern and that's why they need my help."
"Your father and his team are going to get involved." He spoke up bluntly and knowing that Novilene isn't ready to face her father physically yet. Not after him ignoring her the past two years after her mother's death. "How are you going to deal with that, hmm?"
"I really appreciate you stalling to try and make me miss my flight, Sherlock." Novilene immediately saw through Sherlock's plan. "Let's just see how it goes, okay?"
F.B.I Northwest Field Office ||Seattle, Washington||
Novilene started to regret accepting their offer to help them capture the Unsub, or Unknown Subject, considering they have no leads on who could be behind all the murders. She has a long flight and never bothers to have an off because of the serial case. "Pagod ako (I'm tired) the criminals would never let us rests." Commented sarcastically and decided to come inside of the building to see a man is waiting for her arrival.
"Captain Cruz, we are delighted that you're here to help us with the murder case, I'm Agent Ray Davies." The male Agent greeted her with a polite smile. "We would like to apologize for coming you here unexpected." He feels bad for asking her to come over but they need her expertise. He heard a lot of good things coming from her previous Captain.
"That's fine, Agent Davies. I would like to know why I'm being involved in this case." Novilene asked curiously and tilted her head slightly at him. Wondering why they wanted her to get involved despite there's another Unit, BAU or known as Behavioral Analysis Unit that studies criminal behavior to help them out.
"We heard from your previous Captain, Vargas, that you have a lot of experience with this and manage to capture the criminals that are very dangerous people especially when one of them is most wanted." He answered and smiled slightly at her. "Not many people at this young age of yours could do this case but we really appreciate accepting our help." Leading her where their bullpen to meet up other Agents.
She only nodded her head. "When are we going to start studying this case?" Pushing her glasses up while looking at Davies curiously.
"We are waiting for the others to arrive." Davies answered. "Would you like to have some tea or coffee?"
"Black coffee please without sugar. Who are we waiting for?" Muttering a thank you and sipping her drink to relief drowsiness.
"Well... not only we're seeking your help but also from the BAU Department as well." Davies answered and Novilene nearly choked her drink. "We need all the help we could get and I hope you don't mind, Cruz."
"I don't mind at all." Masking her surprise expression and wasn't expecting to meet Gideon in this kind of situation. She blames Sherlock for deducting it right the possibility of her to see Gideon again. Novilene is not ready yet to speak with her father for two years.
A man wears his stoic expression without showing any emotions but only seriousness. The other guy is wearing his playboy smile and smirk whenever he passed by females. A neatly combed wavy brown hair and his eyes showed kindness and shyness around the same of Novilene or maybe a bit older. Silently gasps to see the last person they haven't seen or spoken for the past two years, Jason Gideon. Novilene noticed Gideon changed a lot especially his lasts case making him retire of the job. He's extremely vigilant in his surroundings in case there's in danger.
Novilene is looking down at her drink to avoid being caught by Gideon and the stoic man started to speak. "These are Special Agent Gideon, Special Agent Morgan, our expert on obsessional crimes, Special Agent Reid-"
"Dr. Reid." Gideon corrected him while Novilene wasn't expecting they hired a Doctor unless he has a Ph.D.
"Dr. Reid, our expert on... well, everything. And after 2 years busting my butt in this office, I hope you remember me." Everyone chuckled and Davies clearing his throat to interrupt them while Novilene wanting to dig herself a hole.
"I also seek help from London." Davies informed them and pointing his arm towards Novilene as she smiles politely at them. "Her name is-"
"Novilene Cruz." Reid blurted out before the Agent could introduce her to everyone. All their eyes are on him and he smiled shyly while Novilene looked startled. "She's the first youngest female Captain in London Metropolitan Police and captured the most wanted criminal from two years ago."
"That's her?" Morgan asks with a shocked look on his face. He wasn't expecting to meet this woman let along being so young than Reid. "Who knew she could be so young than our pretty boy here." He muttered and Reid gives him a look.
Novilene is clearing her throat to get their attention. "Can we please get on our case? We're not here for discussing my occupation and my age. Sir, I don't know who you are." Looking at the stoic man and he nodded his head in understanding.
"Aaron Hotchner." The stoic man introduces himself and she just smiles politely at him.
Gideon gives her a silent thankful look and she only observes the bulletin board with a blank look on her face. "He's willing to travel with the body." He explained while examining the picture of a missing young woman.
"Then he drives a vehicle capable of concealing one." Hotchner added and Novilene nodded her head in agreement.
"1 in 7.4 drivers in Seattle owns an SUV." Reid added when he examines the information but often glancing at Novilene which she noticed but pretending to ignore it.
"Explorer with tinted windows." Discreetly observing Novilene.
"Explorers rate higher with women." Novilene added and holding her chin in deep thought while staring at the pictures in her cold calculative look.
"But how do we know it's his car? Ted Bunny drove a VW Bug." Morgan pointed out and she hums in response.
"What about a Jeep Cherokee?" Hotchner asks them curiously.
"Jeep's are more masculine." Reid pointed out while Novilene finished her black coffee drink.
Reid is trying to analyze Gideon's daughter but he stops because she might catch his stare. He only heard a few rumors about her and never expect she could be more beautiful in person. Stopping himself from staring and to focus the case at hand.
"We can confirm this Unsub feels masculinity." Novilene spoke up and gripping her cup gently. "It crosses my thought regarding this case... since when did the Bureau getting involve in this case and myself?" She asks Davies and her phone silently vibrates.
Novilene opened her phone to see Sherlock's message. Holding back her sighing in annoyance.
From: Sherlock
Police are dumb after they found the fourth body as they seek help from the Federal Agents. Enjoying your reconcile with your daddy dearest, Novilene?
Ignoring Sherlock's message and focuses on their meeting. She's going to call him later for being a nosy as usual no matter where you are.
"After the fourth body. He dumped that one out of state." Davies explained it to them.
"On purpose." Hotchner commented.
"If so, knowledge of law enforcement does suggest a criminal record." Novilene and Reid answered in sync then staring each other in a shocked look. They didn't expect to answer together as Novilene looked away from Reid.
"Or that he watches television. May I?" Morgan asked permission from Davies as he hands over the file to him ignoring how they answered together.
"So you wanna see our suspect list?" Davies asked them curiously.
"No, we won't look at a suspect list until after we come up with a profile. It keeps our perspective unbiased." Hotchner answered and Novilene observed the picture from another board.
"When do we sit down with your task force?" Gideon asked them.
"4:00." One of the Agents answered.
"An accurate profile by 4:00 today?" Morgan stopped reading the files from his hand.
"That's not a problem." Gideon approached his daughter and standing right next to her. Noticing she hasn't changed a lot except the color of her light brown hair and tying her hair as usual to a ponytail.
"Agent Gideon, where would you like to start?" Hotchner asked his senior colleague.
"Are you thinking the same thing, Novilene?" Gideon asked his daughter in a soft tone and Novilene blinking her eyes twice.
"Yes, sir." Everyone stares at her and Novilene points the picture of the abandoned underground. "One of us is going to this site from the last murder. The others are going to talk to Woodland's relative. That way- we can save time and hoping we could have some new information." She suggested and ignoring Gideon's stare.
Gideon noticed she's guarding up her feelings and she's not letting anyone know her real emotions. He blames himself for abandoning Novilene when she needed him the most. Her stepbrother, Ethan Hunt, is always been there for her to comfort.
It's a bit strange reunion between Gideon and Novilene. Both of them are expecting to meet up some comfortable place but ended up meeting this case. She's quite grateful for not teaming up with Gideon and Morgan as they go on a site to investigate the place. Hotchner, Reid and herself are going to interview Heather Woodland's brother, David Woodland, to find out some clues regarding her abduction.
Reid is still nervous meeting Gideon's daughter in flesh. He couldn't grasp the fact his mentor has a beautiful daughter but he never mentions it to anyone. Decided to introduced himself again in front of her. "Hi." Reid greeted politely at Novilene and she smiled politely at him. "I-I-I'm Spen-Spencer Reid- Dr. Spen-Spencer Reid. We haven't been properly introduced to each other... not that I don't blame you-"
"Um... Doctor Reid, I didn't blame you at all." She assured him and noticed he's shy towards other people. "I actually know your name when Agent Hotchner introduces his team. How did you know about my name and my achievements?" Novilene asks him curiously.
Novilene asks Sherlock's older brother, Mycroft Holmes, to make sure none of the social media knows her work life. It seems like someone manages to find out about her.
"Your father, Gideon told me." He answered and she blinks her eyes. "He received a picture of you and message. I actually didn't know he was married and-"
"Have me." Novilene interrupted him and smiled. "We didn't come here to talk about my life, Doctor Reid."
Reid blushed embarrassing and scratching his neck. Glancing behind him to see Hotch is smirking at the young Doctor.
Sparing his embarrassment as Novilene knocks the door. Once the door opens, it was a man in his mid 30's wearing a green jumper and brown trousers. "Good morning, Sir." She greeted the man as her English accent slips out of her mouth. "Sorry for bothering you at this late. May we come in? We would like to ask a few questions regarding your sister's missing." They showed them their badges and the man leads them inside.
A golden retriever dog suddenly barks at Reid and he jumps in surprise. "Sandy, no, no, no. I'm so sorry." Woodland apologizes with a guilty look on his face.
"No, it's ok." Hotchner assured him. "It's what we call the Reid effect. Happens with children, too. I'm Agent Hotchner. These are Special Agent Dr. Reid and Captain Cruz, she's from England."
Novilene is looking at Reid with a shocked look on her face. Why would the animals and children seem to hate him when he showed nothing but kindness. She never has seen him a type of threat despite their first meeting.
"You look too young to have gone to medical school." Woodland commented and looking at Novilene with a surprising look on his face. "You look too young to become a Captain."
"Let's just say- few people saw my potential and received a position of it as a Captain." Novilene spoke up with a polite smile. She grabs one of the magazines to scheme reading.
"They're Ph.D.'s 3 of them." Reid answered and Novilene wasn't expecting he's a genius just like her and Sherlock.
"Are you a genius or something?" David asked Reid curiously while allowing Novilene to pet his dog.
"I-I-I don't believe that intelligence can be accurately quantified- but I do have an IQ of 187 and an eidetic memory and can read 20,000 words per minute." Reid rambled while David stared at him in confuse as Novilene chuckled lightly at Reid's nervousness.
"To put it simply as what Dr Reid implying, he's a genius man and it's rare to have someone who has an eidetic memory." Novilene explained and giving Sandy a treat and he eats it happily.
Reid is feeling grateful towards her as she stands up to grab the car magazine and froze. It makes sense why Heather got kidnapped it's because she was planning to buy a car and the Unsub took the opportunity to bait her by test driving the car.
"Not sense. Smell." Reid corrected David and Novilene snapped out her thoughts. "Our apocrine sweat gland releases secretions in response to emotional stress." He explained.
Novilene shook her head and whispered at Reid's ear. "You don't have to explain to him deeply, Reid. You're just making him more nervous." Clearing her throat and looking at David. "Sir, does your sister drive a Datsun Z?"
"No, but she's in the market for one. How'd you know?" David asked the light brown-haired woman while dragging Sandy away from them.
"There's an immediate relationship established between a buyer and a seller, a level of trust." Reid explained it to his superior and finally understand Novilene's theory. "If I want to coax a young woman into my car..."
"Offer her a test drive." Hotchner finished Reid's thought and noticed Novilene is in deep thought like her mind is somewhere. "You okay, Cruz?"
"Huh?" Blinking her eyes behind the glasses and smiles. "Yeah, just had a long flight after receiving an emergency call from them. I'll be fine, honestly." Assuring them since it's not her first time she has done it before.
"Okay, then how about the fact that on one hand, we have a paranoid psychosis..." Morgan spoke while throwing the ball up into the air. "But the autopsy says what?"
"Adhesive reside shows he put layer after layer of duct tape over his victims' eyes." Reid twirls around the chair right beside Novilene who's busy analyzing the files in her usual cold calculative look.
"He knows what he wants to kill them, but he still covers their eyes. He doesn't want 'em looking at him, apparently. Okay, but then he takes the body and dumps it right out in the open, murder weapon nearby."
"Not the M.O of a paranoid convinced he's being watched or surveilled." Reid noticed Novilene's eyes are closed while clasping her hands together as she bows down her head like praying.
Novilene is thinking a lot of possibilities and it clicks her mind. They're not only dealing with one Unsub but two Unsubs. A master and servant. "All right, enough." Gideon stopped their arguments. "Let's tell them we're ready." Looking at Novilene who knew they're dealing two Unsubs as he left the office.
"We're ready?" Morgan asked in disbelief tone then stared Reid with a bewilderment expression. "Reid. You're good with this?" Reid stopped writing down the notes. "We've got a woman who's only got a few hours left to live, an incomplete profile, and a unit chief on the verge of a nervous breakdown."
The senior Agent comes back to grab his coat and folders in his hand. "They don't call them nervous breakdowns anymore." He corrected at Morgan before looking at his daughter. "Novilene, you'll be with me at the meeting later..." Novilene was about to protest but he gave her a look. "We have a similar theory as well... I'll have to drag you with me whether you like it or not." He left and Novilene sighs heavily by his order.
"It's called a major depressive episode." Reid pointed out bluntly and looking at Novilene who's in deep thought.
"I know, Reid." Morgan gives him a pointed look before looking at Novilene. "How did you know Gideon, Cruz?" He asks her curiously. "From what we can tell, you two knew each other before."
"He's basically my father." Novilene answered and pushing her glasses up. "I'm surprised only Reid knew my relationship with him."
"I was there when he received a letter from you." Reid answered and smiling sheepishly.
"You two had a strained relationship." Hotch pointed out and noticed Gideon often tense around her.
"Wouldn't be surprised." Novilene smiled bitterly and grabbing her things before catching up with her father. Her phone silently vibrates to see Sherlock is messaging her again.
From: Sherlock
Such a clever girl you are. You're dealing with a master and servant. They already interviewed him and those idiots never realise he's one of the suspects. You know what to do my dear.
She secretly smiles and closing her phone before anyone notices her and Sherlock know each other before. At least Sherlock is trying to calm her nerves whether it's an intention or not.
Novilene is turning on the projector to help Gideon out prepare their presentation. She's still nervous around him and he's not a fool to pretend they're okay after her mother's death. Novilene finishes setting up the computer and opens the folder.
"Mulan..." Gideon called her using the nickname that she used to admire that character. "You never wear make-up not unless it's a very special occasion. When was the last time you slept?"
"Yesterday and I'm fine, dad." She smiles and drinking her black coffee as usual. "I'm used to it staying up late when it comes to the case. This would be my last case to solve."
Gideon frowned and feels worried about her. "I don't-"
"Dad, trust me on this." She smiles lightly. "Once the case is over, I'll rest." Everyone gathers around as they decided to explain their theory.
"The unidentified subject is white and in his late 20's. He's someone you wouldn't notice at first." Gideon started to explain to everyone. "He's someone who'd blend into any crowd. The violent nature of the crime suggests a previous criminal record- petty crimes. Maybe auto theft."
"We've classified him as an organized killer- careful." Novilene spoke in her British accent for living in London for 5 years. "Psychopathic as opposed to psychotic. He follows the news, good hygiene. He's smart."
"Cause he's smart, the only physical evidence you'll find is what he wants you to find. He's mobile, car in good condition. Our guess- Jeep Cherokee, tinted windows. The murders have all involved rapes. But rape without penetration is a form of piquerism, and that tells us he's actually sexually inadequate." Gideon glance at Novilene to continue where he left off as she opens her mouth to speak.
"Psychiatric evaluations will show a history of paranoia stemming from childhood trauma- the death of a parent or a family member... and now he feels persecuted and watched. Murder gives him a sense of power. Organized killers have a fascination with law enforcement. They will inject themselves into the investigation. They will even come forward as witnesses to see just how much the police really know. That makes them feel powerful, in control." Novilene explained and ignoring their gawking expression on how this duo is sync to there theories.
"Which is why we also think... in fact, we know... you have already interviewed him." Gideon gives them a smug look on his face.
Richard Slessman has been caught by a simple bait to lure him inside of the dark house. Novilene is holding her chin in deep thought and wondering if Slessman is either a servant or master to kidnap Heather Woodland. Seeing him in person, that guy is skinny and impossible for him to carry her for who knows where.
"Captain Cruz?" Snapping out her thoughts to see brown eyes are staring at her dark brown eyes. "Is everything alright? You've been spacing out lately." Reid asks her worriedly.
Novilene blinks her eyes and startled by his caring side towards her. Usually, her colleagues wouldn't careless of her well-being aside from Holmes' brothers. "I'm fine, Dr Reid. I've been thinking a lot lately and I can't get enough evidence."
"Such as?" Morgan questioned the young woman curiously.
"Seeing him in person..." Novilene thought carefully for her words before saying it out loud. "He's a skinny and weak type of guy. I mean- how did he manage to kidnap Woodland so easily?" She asks them a rhetorical question.
Reid frowned in deep thought and couldn't help but agree with her. Slessman is a weak guy and can easily knock him down. "Captain Cruz-"
"No need to be so formal, Reid." She chuckles with an amused look on her face. "I'm two years younger than you so... that makes you my senior."
"Right." He blushed and giving Morgan a look to see him snickering behind them. "Do you know a man named Sherlock Holmes by any chance?"
"Would you believe me if I said-" Her phone beeps and she flips it to see Sherlock message.
From: Sherlock
He's too plain for my taste. He's out of your league and accepts our relationship of us lovers. I love to ruin your reputation 😏
Novilene mentally rolls her eyes and closing it. "I'll tell you later about Sherlock Holmes, Reid." She makes a promise and he smiled.
Reid nodded his head in understanding and appreciates her honesty. "There's no sign of the girl here. We can arrest him with probable cause, but we won't be able to hold him." Explaining it to Gideon as he joined them. "Slessman's been at the top of the suspect list."
"Is that the mother?" Gideon asks them while observing the old woman.
"Grandmother." Another woman spoke before Novilene could answer it when she appeared in front of them coming from the living room. "The mother died in a fire when he was 13."
"Probably not the only fire in his childhood." Novilene shakes off the thought of her mother's death and focusing the case.
"Before his Son of Sam murders, David Berkowitz set a multitude of fires." Novilene pointed out and while flipping different books in her cold calculative look.
"Exactly how much is a multitude?" Morgan asked the unknown woman and Reid.
"According to his diary, 1,400 and..." Reid was interrupted by the other woman.
"88." The older woman finished it off and Novilene glances at her discretely and wondering who she is.
"Luring him out was your idea, right? Greenway?" Gideon asked her and noticed Novilene is busy reading a book in her hands.
"Elle." She corrected the senior Agent. "I don't send a SWAT team into a house with children."
"Hotch says your background is in a sex offender case. What can you tell us?" Gideon questioned Elle curiously.
"Is Hotch short for Hotchner?" Novilene whispered at Reid and he nodded his head. "I see." She continues reading the book.
"The last 4 murders show he's an anger-excitation rapist. He'll keep a victim for a couple of days. He probably records or videotapes them so that he can keep reliving the fantasy." Elle explained it to Gideon and discreetly observing the young woman.
"You okay with Hotch being in on the interview?" Gideon asked Elle in his serious expression.
"I'd like him to lead, actually." Elle answered and stared at the younger woman wearing a cold calculative look when she goes to a different book.
"Fine but hold off. Slessman's done time and he knows the process." Gideon glanced at his daughter then at Elle. "And all you will get now is a demand for a lawyer. Hotch, let's check the garage then show me what you got."
Elle decided to approach the young woman and smiling politely at her. "Hey." She greeted her and Novilene smiles back. "Are you new here?"
"Yes, I'm just here to aid from a different country." Her English accents slip out of her mouth and Elle notices her accent.
"Half British?" She tries to guess and she shook her head.
"Half American and half Filipino. I've been living in London for five years. Captain Novilene Cruz." Raising her right hand to shake hands.
"Elle Greenaway." They shook hands. "I didn't know they are seeking your help."
"Neither am I." Shrugging her shoulders with a small smile on her face. "They need all the help that knows this type of case very well." Excusing herself to go towards the attic to see a board game in front of her. "Wei-chi?" She asks out loud and Reid nodded his head. "Who knew Slessman would play an Asian board game."
"Have you played this game before Novilene?" Reid asked curiously and wondering how she manages to know this game.
"No, my Chinese friend played this game before." She answered and observing the game in deep thoughts.
"What kind of a game is it?" Elle voiced out when she gets inside of the room to join Hotch, Gideon, Novilene and Reid.
"In China, it's called Wei-chi." Reid answered for the older woman.
"Here we call it 'go'." Novilene pointed out and crossing her arms. "It's considered to be the most difficult board game ever conceived. My friend tried to teach me the game but it's hard to play."
"Chairman Mao required his generals to learn it." Gideon pointed out and secretly smiles to see his daughter.
"It looks like he's playing himself." Reid voiced out his opinion and Novilene nodded her head in agreement.
"I agree with you there, Spencer." Novilene agreed with him when she traces the edge of the board by her right fingers.
"How can you two tell?" Elle asked in a surprised tone that she didn't expect the two young people are a genius.
"This might provide an advantage, actually." Reid answered when he twirled the board by using fingers. "Go is considered o be a particularly psychologically revealing game. There are profiles for every player-"
"The conservative point counter, the aggressor, the finesse." Novilene intervened and closing her eyes when everyone stared at her shocked.
"What kind of player is Slessman?" Hotch asked the two young genius. He finally understands why Gideon wanted his daughter to be part of the team. She's quite sharp of observing her surroundings and rarely miss out a piece of information. What makes him intrigue, is she suddenly going to quit the job after this case?
Reid is looking at Novilene and she gives him a nod to answer Hotch's question. "Extreme aggressor." He answered with a grim look on his face.
Novilene tunes out everyone and grabbing the book of the Journal of Applied Criminal Psychology from the bookshelves. Flipping the page to get some answers and froze to see the picture of her father and his colleague.
"Sir..." Novilene called Gideon and Elle are looking at her. "Do you want me to talk to him or you'll do it?"
"What are you talking about?" Gideon asked curiously and froze to see what she's holding it. "I'll do it and come with me. You're a human lie detector could put a good use for it."
Novilene shrugged and ignoring their surprised looks as they go downstairs to meet up with the suspect. Gideon throws the book on the table then seating down across from Slessman.
"You read my paper. Learn anything?" Gideon asked Slessman whereas Novilene stared at him with cold and blank expression.
"Heirens said a man living inside of his head was the one who committed the murders. You said he was lying, that there'd be never been an actual case of multiple personalities." Slessman answered and he squirms seeing the young woman not showing any emotions.
"You have an academic interest in disassociative identity disorder, or you just planning your defense?" Slessman just smirked and Novilene narrowed her eyes at his behavior. "You a fan of Adrian Baal's work?" Gideon grabbed the paper and showing it to him.
"No. I'm a fan of yours. You know they never give you the real facts about the CPR... that outside of a hospital, it's only effective 7% of the time. Your friend had a 93% certainty of dying, but you kept trying... even after you'd broken his ribs, even after his blood was all over your hands." Mocking her father and it irks her.
"Why don't you tell us where Heather Woodland is?" Changing the subject before losing his composure in front of him and Novilene.
"Woodland... isn't she the girl that went missing a couple of days ago?" Smirking at them and never revealing her whereabouts.
"Get him out of here." Gideon stands up and walking out of the kitchen room.
Novilene raises her hand to stop the officers and giving her time to speak with Slessman. "Loyalty, huh? I wasn't expecting you're protecting him whereas you get caught."
Flinching by her cold dark brown eyes and never expecting she could be so cold like ice. "I have no idea what you're talking about." He looks away from her cold gaze.
"You're not fit enough to kidnap Ms Woodland." She pointed out bluntly and shook her head. "You're not an athlete type of person and you have an acquaintance. A servant and master."
He narrowed his eyes but didn't say anything. She continued to speak. "I pity you to be honest." Walking away to pass Reid, who's been eavesdropping their conversation.
Novilene gets out of the house to meet up with Gideon and Hotch. "We're dealing two Unsubs and not one."
"How did you know, Cruz?" Hotch asks her curiously while crossing his arms. Gideon told him she's going to quit her job after this case and wanted to test her intelligence.
"Two clues, Slessman is actually a weak type and hard for him to kidnap Woodland. He's a clever guy considering the fact he lured 5 women by advertising a car. Slessman is not the only Unsub but we're also looking for another guy who's into a brawl and willing to protect him. Second Unsub is the muscle and he involves of Woodland's abduction whereas Slessman is the brain." She explained and pushing her glasses up. "After Gideon left, I interrogate him and assume that he has partners including Woodland's abduction. Slessman looks shocked at my statement and lying the fact he doesn't know where she is." She ignored the silent message knowing it's from Sherlock again.
Hotch is staring at her with a blank expression. The rumors are true of her analyzing skills and she's one step ahead of them. Waiting for the others if they're on the right track before revealing her discoveries. "We're dealing two Unsubs."
"Good work, Novilene." Gideon patted her shoulders and smiled gently at her. "You're thinking of the outside box."
Hotch decided to take Elle and Novilene to be part of their team. He would try to persuade Novilene before she could go on a different job.
Gideon insisting Novilene to join him and Elle to go to the prison. They just recently found out that Slessman has a partner to kidnap Woodland due to Novilene's interrogation and observing his physical appearance.
"Anyone who can tell us more about Slessman?" Gideon asked one of the Agents.
"Tim Vogel was the security guard covering Slessman's block." The Agent answered and looked down to see a bunch of criminals. "That's him over there. I'll get him for you." He leaves them alone as Elle approached Gideon and Novilene while gripping the phone in her hands.
"That was Hotch. Linder's name came up in a police report." Elle answered in her solemn expression.
"And?"
"He's dead." Novilene breathes out heavily and biting her lips lightly. "Car accident, 2 months ago. Linder is dead."
"Linder is out of our list and we need to find out who our second unsub is... fast." Novilene spoke up and feels worried about Woodland's life. She would never forgive herself if they couldn't manage to solve the case fasts.
The three of them were escorted by the guard to the exit since they have no lead so far. Novilene is masking her frustrated look and Gideon noticed her distressed but didn't say anything at all.
"Too bad you guys came here for nothing. I mean, talk about scum. I can't remember how many times I put Linder in solitary for causing trouble with us." The security guard told and didn't notice the look of the young woman as she observes his keys especially his body language is filled with nervous. "You'd think the inmates would try to stay on our good side, right? Especially since half our job is protecting them from each other."
"You protect them?" Gideon asked curiously towards the guard and Novilene can't help but feel suspicious on their guard.
"If you're a little white guy? Especially in a prison-like this." He continued to unlock the gates.
"Linder's 6'4. You talking about Slessman?" Novilene asked curiously as Elle and Gideon already figuring it out who the second unsub is.
"Yeah." The security guard muttered and finally unlocking the gates.
"Thanks for your help." She fake smiles and the three of them leave the prison.
The three of them getting out of the prison and starting to think about the guard, who's leading them out of the prison. Novilene pushes her glasses up and finally found out the second Unsub is the security guard.
"He's a friend of Richard. He protected him. He will feel like he owes him." Gideon explained to the two ladies.
"He fits the profile and did you see them?" Elle asked the father and daughter.
"The keys." Novilene answered and staring at them. "We will follow him and I have a feeling that he's the one who hides Woodland." She crosses her arm and furrowed her eyebrows. "Knowing this guy, he's starting to have suspicious on us now since we found our second kidnapper."
Novilene, Elle and Gideon are following the guard name Timothy Vogel because he's the second Unsub they are looking for. The light brown-haired called Hotch to explained everything to him since Gideon force her to do it for unknown reasons.
"Sir, I've just found your leverage. His name is Timothy Vogel." Elle is starting the car engine and following their second Unsub.
"Good job, Captain Cruz. Keep in touch." Hotchner congratulates her and ended up the call.
Novilene's phone rings again to see her older brother, Ethan is calling his younger sister. She accepts the call and pressing it on her ear.
"Hey, Ethan... as much as I would love to talk with you, I'm busy right now." Elle looks curious about this guy, Ethan means to her but never intends to be nosy of her life.
"Sherlock told me that." Ethan spoke up through her phone and watching outside of the window. "Be careful okay?"
"I will, brother. I'll talk to you later." She ends up the call and feels anxious for an unknown reason.
"There's something wrong." Elle spoke up once she started the car engine. "We gotta pull him over. I can feel it."
"You wanna know the word repeated more than any other in your file?" Gideon asked Elle as she glances at him slightly. "Impatient. You wanna stop him, you give me a reason." In a serious tone while Novilene knows why he doesn't trust Elle because she's a stranger to him.
"His behavior. When he left, he was nervous, unsettled. But now he's stopping at every stop sign. He's using his blinker at every turn. He's slowing at yellow lights. This is not someone who is rushing to kill and dump a body." Elle explained while Novilene smirked that she gets the right track.
"Do it." Elle started to put on the police siren as the car slows down for them.
The three of them getting out of the car readying their guns as they approach the Vogel slowly. "FBI. Put your hands up where we can see them!" Elle ordered him in a stern tone and Novilene knows it wasn't the right time for her to correct Elle. "Put your hands through the window now! Now!" They stared at each other when Vogel raise his hands up outside of the window. "All right, with your left hand, I want you to open the car door from the outside." Vogel opened it as Elle grabs the man and pushing him down then Novilene blink in surprised that it is not Vogel.
"He created a diversion." Novilene spoke out loud from her thoughts when Vogel switch someone to lure them away from him. She clicked her tongue in annoyance then asking the unknown man. "Where is he? Vogel?" She asked the man in her cold tone.
"I don't know!" The man answered and crying out in pain by Elle's grasp.
"What are you doin' driving his car!?" Gideon asked the man.
"He came up to me in the garage after our shift ended. He asked if he could borrow my truck!" He exclaimed and whimpering in pain.
"What kind of truck?" Novilene questioned him but the man didn't answer.
"He's dumping the body." Elle spoke out her theory while Novilene gripping her gun tightly.
"What's make? What's the brand of the car!?" Novilene asked the man in her stern tone.
"Dodge! Dodge Dakota!" The man answered them.
They let the man go free and the three of them go back inside of the car. Gideon's phone ring to see Morgan is calling him and he accepts the call after one ring.
"Gideon, Heather's alive." Morgan told them after finding out Slessman's computer password and allows them to access his file. They stared at each other in a confused expression.
"How do you know?" Gideon asked Morgan.
"Cause we're watching her right now." Novilene breathes out heavily and her hands turned cold that they're running out of time before Vogel could dump Woodland's body.
"Good job and keep us update." He ends their conversation and starting to call Hotch. "Hotch, he's gonna kill her. He's heading there now. We need a location."
"I don't have enough time to get it out of him." Hotchner explained to them in his distressed tone. He's getting frustrated with this guy if only Novilene is here to open him up.
"Find something, Hotch, or that girl is dead." He ends the call and Novilene immediately raises her hand towards his direction. "What is it, Novilene?"
"I need to call Morgan and asked some questions, now." Gideon immediately hands his phone towards her and she called Morgan.
"Gideon, what is it?" Morgan asked while he and Reid watching the laptop with a dreadful look on their face.
"It's me, Cruz. I need you to do me a favor." Novilene answered with a serious expression.
"What is it?" Morgan is looking at Reid and he shrugged in response.
"Look closely at the video that gives us any clues to find out where Woodland's hideout." Novilene explained to Morgan that she mentally curse for not being with them. "If you have the answers, call Hotchner and he'll get answers from Slessman to tell him what you guys found."
"The light bulb hanging from the wire?" Novilene heard Reid's voice that he's with Morgan.
"Yeah, what about it?"Morgan asked the young man.
"It's shifting positions like it's swaying... like the earth is tilting." Reid explained and finally understands why Novilene is asking them to look at the video closely.
"Not the earth, doc. The ocean. Cruz, how on earth did-" Morgan looked shocked and wanted to find out why she's asking them to observe the live video feed.
"Just do what I say. We're running out of time." She ends up the call and handing the phone to her dad. "They already find out the clues and Woodland would be either pier or a dock or a shipyard."
"If Heather is on a boat- it'll take a long time to search for her." Elle pointed out towards the young woman.
"I may not know Hotchner very well but... he's the only man who could get answers from Slessman." Novilene stared at the window and trying herself to shake off her drowsiness.
Novilene, Gideon and Elle are in the Allied Shipyard to save Woodland and to capture Vogel. The three of them separated themselves as Novilene jump over the boat silently and walking slowly while holding her gun. She hides behind the barrel to see Vogel is holding the girl in front of him while he pointed his gun at her.
"Stop!" Vogel exclaimed at Gideon's direction when he didn't notice Elle is across from him and Novilene behind his back. "I'll shoot her."
"I wouldn't." Gideon spoke in a low tone but loud enough to hear his voice. Novilene stared at Elle's direction that she'll shoot Vogel while she saves the girl as Elle nodded her head in agreement. "If I were you, I'd aim the gun at me. You shoot the girl, you got nothing."
"Get... back!" Glaring at the cop filled with hatred.
"Shoot me instead. Come on. What, are you a lousy shot?" Gideon mocked Vogel and raising his hands in a surrender position. "50 feet away. You got a perfect shot. Shoot me."
"You think I'm stupid?" Vogel asks with a disbelief look on his face.
"I think you're an absolute moron. I know all about ya, Tim." Novilene breathes heavily and thinking her father is insane of mocking the kidnapper. "You're at the gym 5 times a week. You drive a flashy car, you stink of cologne, and you can't get it up. Not even viagra's workin' for ya. Do you know what that tells me? That tells me you are hopelessly compensating, and it's not just in your head. It is physical. What did the girls call you in high school? What'd they come up with when you fumbled your way into some girl's pants, and she started laughing when she got a good look at just how little you had to offer?"
"Shut up!" Vogel yelled angrily.
"Short stack? Very little Vogel? I got it. Tiny Tim." He smirked widely.
Vogel shoved Woodland and shoot Gideon's shoulder as Elle shoots at him quickly before he could kill Gideon. Novilene showed up in front of Woodland and she cries harder.
"No, no!" She exclaimed while kicking her legs and Novilene raises her hand with a calm look expression.
"Ma'am, it's alright. You're safe and unharmed. See?" Novilene raises her hand up and never intend to hurt a civilian. "We're here to save you."
Woodland is crying heavily and throwing her body towards the young woman. Novilene is hugging the girl while rubbing her back. "I'll remove those cuffs." Novilene spoke gently and uses her hairclip to uncuff on Woodland's wrists.
They finally save Woodland as Novilene is observing the water in deep thoughts. She's going to move Arizona in three days and her two best friends are opening their home for her until she gets herself her own apartment and job. "Doctor or guro (teacher)?" Muttering under her breath until she heard footsteps.
"Cruz?" Novilene turned around to see Reid is approaching her nervously. "I heard Gideon said this is your last case, why?"
She shrugged her shoulders and looking at the calm waters. "I need a break from the case that's all. I owed you to tell how I know Sherlock Holmes, isn't it, Reid?" Novilene asks him with a gentle smile and he smiles shyly.
Reid would never have a guess Novilene's smile suits her more than the cold calculative look when it comes to the case. She has a split personality between personal life and work. "You don't have to, Cruz... I mean, it's just that... he creates a website called-"
"The Science of Deduction." Novilene interrupted him and pushing her glasses up. "That's his one of his hobbies to do or his blog or among other things." Mentally cringed whenever Sherlock drags her to the morgue room as he did an experiment on a human dead body.
"You knew him very well." He could tell her expression is filled with respect and loyalty towards Sherlock.
"He and I went to University together and hates me." Novilene explained and shoving her hands into her black coat. "Sherlock couldn't read me like any other people he encountered with. I'm the only person who can tolerate his behavior and accepts who he really is. People always assume he's a psychopath but Sherlock is a high functioning sociopath. Deep inside, Sherlock has a rare caring personality."
"To think you're friends with him." He shook his head and couldn't grasp her relationship with Sherlock are friends. "I have a feeling Hotch would want you to be part of our team." Reid is changing the subject.
Novilene frowned the idea of her working in the BAU together with Gideon. She's not ready enough to be back in the field after everything that happened. The young woman is lucky enough she didn't have a breakdown or else their case would be compromised because of her. "My answer is no. I won't join your team, Reid and I'm sorry for that." She smiles sadly and walks away from him.
Reid looks hurt by her rejection of not joining their team. He's determined that someday Novilene would join them soon by changing her decisions.