Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the ideas.
This is my Christmas Gift for MelloJason, as part of the gift exchange on Chit Chat on Author's Corner. The prompts I was given were: Wizards in Winter (Trans Siberian Orchestra), snow, blizzard, snowed in for Christmas. My pairing is Reid and Morgan.
Sorry suddenly realised i forgot to post last night - will do two updates today to make up for my mistake.
. . .
Settled on the jet, everyone was busy studying the information given to them, in preparation for Hotch gathering them together to start the job of profiling the crime. The quiet cough told them that time had come.
Rossi and Prentiss sat facing Morgan and Reid at the table, while Hotch was perched on the end of the bench seat that JJ was sat on.
"Well," Hotch said, struggling to hide the disappointment in his voice.
"Arsonist can be classified in to various categories based on their motive. The 'Vandalism-motivated' arsonist is most frequently a child or adolescent, who seems unlikely in this case," Reid started his monologue, fingers twitching as he spoke eagerly, "Next are 'Excitement-motivated' arsonists, these include thrill and attention seekers also those who want hero recognition, this should not be ruled out from the information we have so far. Another possibility is the 'Revenge-motivated' arsonist, where the fire is used for personal retaliation. A 'Crime-concealment' arsonist seems unlikely as does an 'Extremist'. We need to look into any links that could make this a 'Profit-motivated' arsonist, though again unlikely as the prime motive in most cases is insurance, and these fires have killed complete families, leaving no-one to profit from the action."
Morgan smiled at Reid's ramble, they all knew the categories of arsonist, yet there was always something soothing about the younger profiler's reel that helped him focus his mind.
"Three cabins, in three nights," Rossi mused, "So we can classify him, I use him as most arsonists are male, as a spree arsonist, as there are no hiatus between his crimes."
Without thinking Dave looked at his watch, calculating the time at their destination. Night would be drawing in; the chances were that shortly after landing a fourth case would be brought to their attention.
"All of the families are from the same district of Sweeney," Prentiss commented, "Their kids went to the same schools, and some were likely to be in the same classes looking at their ages. The families would have known each other, their lives crossed paths in so many ways. We definitely have plenty of links to work with, maybe too many."
"I suggest we all try and getting some sleep before landing," Hotch suggested, "I assume my thoughts on getting this over with as quickly as possible reflects everyone else. We'll work though the night on arrival."
. . .
The festive decorations were already starting to bug Morgan as he wandered into the police station with the team. It was like they were actively rubbing salt into his wounds. Telling his Mom that he wasn't going to make the flight tonight and he wasn't sure he would make Christmas at all, was one of the hardest things he done in a long time. Hearing that disappointment in her voice had hurt.
Dragging his feet, as the team made their way into their latest 'home', Morgan flopped into a seat and reached for a laptop. Maybe his personal Angel could lift his spirits.
"Hi," Garcia greeted, more than a little lacklustre to her usually witty refrains.
"Hey you got anything new for us that may just mean we can step right back onto that plane?"
"Oh Baby Boy I only wish I had," sympathy pasted on her face
Morgan sighed, as he turned the screen towards Hotch who was indicating he wished to speak to the tech goddess.
Morgan stood, restless, and made his way to where Reid was busy colouring in an area map.
"What you got Pretty Boy?"
"Well, as Emily pointed out earlier there are a number of links that connect the families. On the map I have indicated the family homes in green, in addition to that I have plotted other buildings of significant importance to all of the families, for example the High School," Reid pointed at a blue blob, before moving to various other coloured spots "Church, shopping mall, Sports clubs etc."
Derek nodded, as he clapped a large hand on his colleague's shoulder. At least this looked like something was moving in a definite direction, but as Prentiss had pointed out there were a lot of potential links. That meant a lot of potential names for the UnSub.
"I think it is best . . ." Hotch started as the door swung open.
"Sorry to interrupt," spoke a nervous looking Deputy, "But we have just received news of a fire in the vicinity of the others. We had already positioned the fire service up there just in case, so hopefully they may be in time on this occasion."
All of the team were up and moving before he finished speaking, making their way to the SUVs.
. . .
Pulling up alongside the lake, the team disembarked; the orange glow in the distance evidence that the fire may have been brought under control, but was not fully extinguished.
"They would be lucky to get a fire truck up there," Rossi muttered under his breath.
Prentiss wrapped her arms around her body, surprised at just how cold the night was. Maybe they should have let Reid give them the lecture on the local micro-climate.
"Prentiss, Rossi can you two start to interview the onlookers," Hotch started dishing out the instructions, "someone must have seen something. Start at the Lodge over there, it seems to be a focal point. Morgan, Reid can you start to make your way up to the latest crime scene. I already have Garcia checking the work schedules for the last few nights, see if anyone stands out up there. Make sure you take one of the Rangers with you, it looks like the SUV will only get you so far, after that you're on foot. JJ you're with me, we will focus on the emergency service crews."
Everyone nodded, except Reid, who starred open mouthed at the inky forest in front of him. Swallowing nervously he followed Morgan towards the black company vehicle.
Getting into the passenger side, he tried hard not to let his nerves show at the prospect of entering the dark wooded area. Morgan headed them off to find a Ranger that could take them up to the remains.
"You okay, Kid?" Morgan asked as he glanced at his partner.
"Um, yeah, fine."
'Fine' the standard answer Reid gave when everything was anything but fine.
. . .