Perfection Chapter 7: Strong Enough, a criminal minds fanfic

Author's Note: Thanks to all that have reviewed this so far. I realize that this one isn't as much romance as "Reid's Miracle," so thanks for sticking with me. One a side note, I put this comment in "Lonely Day," but I was thinking of writing a crossover story with Criminal Minds and wanted to see if there was a desire for one. I was thinking either Bones or Numb3rs, but wanted to see what people would prefer. If you have comment on that please add it in a review or send me a message! Thanks!

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Perfection

Chapter Seven: Strong Enough

By Ann Parker (None)

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." – Mahatma Gandhi

"He's incredibly sloppy," commented Reid to Hotch. They were studying the crime scene of the second victim. "He left shoe prints, fingerprints."

Hotch nodded, "he's definitely not in control of his emotions." Furniture had been moved, two lamps were broken, and papers were in disarray. Reid grabbed the case file, studying the photo of how the body had been found. Hotch noticed out of the corner of his eye that he kept looking at the photo and then back down at the floor where she had been found. "What do you see?"

"It's just that the way she was killed is efficient. One clean cut across the throat," he replied. "It's as if this," he gestured to the mess in the room, "was for show. He killed her, left his message, and then tossed the place."

"He's driven by revenge and wants to make sure he gets his point across," finished Hotch. "The fact that he left evidence means he doesn't care if he goes back to prison for these murders."

"That's what frightens me," whispered Reid, glancing at Hotch, who put a hand on the younger man's shoulder.

"We won't let anything happen to her," he stated with confidence. He'd be damned if he let another member of his team be harmed. Reid nodded. "I think we've got all we can out of this. Let's meet up with Morgan and Emily and regroup." The two left the crime scene and headed to the sheriff's office.

At the Augusta Correctional Center…

"Warden, why in the hell weren't my men notified about this?" Davids demanded.

"We thought our guards were capable enough to track him down," Warden Brason stated. "We never expected him to go on a murderous rampage."

"He brutally killed his wife and five year old son, not to mention what he did to me, did you think he was just going for a stroll?" snapped Sarah.

"Just show us his cell," injected Gideon, keeping this from escalating further.

"Right this way," Brason stood up and they followed him to Levine's cell. Sarah went in first, Gideon directly behind her. Studying the small room, Sarah noticed something hiding under his mattress. She picked it up to find a few pieces of paper with what looked like escape plans. The last page was a clipping from the bureau's website that contained a small blurb about her joining the team.

"That son of a bitch," she muttered, getting everyone's attention. "He knew…he knew everything Jason." She handed him the papers. "He knew I changed my name, that I got a job with you at the BAU. This was all just a ruse to get me back into town!"

"And he had help," added Gideon. "These plans are about how to beat the security system." All eyes fell on Brason.

"Are you saying my men are somehow involved?" he asked. Gideon stepped over to him and quickly had him against the cell wall.

"Not telling the authorities is looking pretty convenient for you right about now. I swear to God if you were involved in this I'll have you in a cell right next to your men in this jail," he threatened. He was so angry he could hardly think straight.

"Jason," Sarah's voice pulled him back. "Jason, we need to get this to the others." Gideon sighed and stepped back.

"We'll deal with you later," he stared down Brason before walking out of the cell; Sarah and Davids right behind him.

Back at the sheriff's office…

"I agree completely," commented Morgan. The rest of the team was back going over all the information they had gathered. JJ had held a press conference to warn the public while the others were gone and now they were pouring over the files. "He made no attempt to conceal that he committed these two murders."

"That's because it was all a setup." Sarah's voice came from the doorway. Reid noticed the hint of despair in her voice. They entered the room and Gideon set what they had discovered down in front of the rest. "He only murdered these two women to get us, specifically me, to show up. He knew he couldn't get across the state to get me, so he needed me to come to him." She sat down next to Reid with a sigh. "He doesn't care if he gets caught for these crimes as long as he can finish what he started."

"He also had help getting out," Gideon added. He noticed Sarah fidgeting with her ring again.

"I'm sorry guys," Sarah whispered.

"What for?" asked Emily.

"I've put you all in danger. He…he isn't going to stop until he gets me." She tried to blink a few tears away. Reid took hold of her hand under the table.

"You didn't do anything wrong Sarah," offered JJ.

"Yeah, relax girl," added Morgan. "We've seen worse. We'll get this dirt bag." She smiled ever so slightly, taking a deep breath. She squeezed Reid's hand and looked in his direction. He could notice her build up her walls, trying to be strong, just by reading her eyes. He hated seeing her like this, battling her emotions. He could tell a part of her wanted to run and hide even though she appeared ready to fight.

They were the same feelings he was battling on his own, unsure if he could be strong enough for her. She had helped him through his struggle, but could he repay the favor? He took his other hand and cupped her hand with both of his. His fingers grazed the ring on her hand and he closed his eyes, remembering those few moments in his bedroom just some 24 hours ago. He could do this; he had to do this. For his own sake as much as hers.