Chapter Six – First One Down
Author's Note: I don't know if this is physically possible or not, but it seems within the realm of plausible to me. If not, oops, oh well. On another note, this is my longest story yet. Totally unintentional. Sheesh. This story really was supposed to be rather short.
"Well, that was fun. You could have just come out and said oldest first you know," Rossi mused as he looked at the finger pointing squarely at him.
JJ's eyes darted to Rossi's a moment. He didn't seem the least bit bothered, and she was pretty sure it wasn't just an act either. While she wasn't showing her own fear in her expression, she was tense and hoping desperately that the unsub wouldn't change his mind and make her go first.
"I~ thought it was. Rather dramatic. Increases the anticipation to the max~, don't you think?" the unsub responded as he hopped in place from foot to foot.
He picked up his supplies and moved to stand before Rossi, careful to stay out of reach.
"Now for the rules~. You my dear," he began, spinning his finger with flair as it came to point at JJ, "scoot as far to the right as your chain will allow. If you try to move closer I will be forced to…"
He made a face and grimaced.
"Well, you know."
JJ didn't know, but she could guess. Not wanting to find out if her guess was right, JJ did as she was told.
"Are you all paying attention?" the unsub asked as he swung around. "Detective?"
Olivia returned his gaze icily without a word.
"Now the same rules will apply each time. You say away from your partner until I'm gone. After that you may do whatever you'd like. EXCEPT!"
He whirled around at the last word, skewering Olivia with his eyes like she was the one student in class he knew would break the rules.
"You may not touch any of the monitors. If you try anything with them, I will know. So just don't. It's really, really, really not a good idea."
By the last really it sounded like nails on a chalkboard, and Emily had to fight not to flinch. This guy was seriously annoying. She'd even take an hour long lecture with Reid at his most statistical over this guy. That was counting this as a regular, everyday discussion too.
"Monitors?" Rossi questioned.
The unsub whipped out a small black box about the size of four decks of cards. Two wires were attached ending in circular stickers used to monitor heart rate.
"Ta da! I call it my Handy Dandy Not Made By Mandy Portable Scarometer!"
JJ's jaw dropped before she could stop it. He couldn't be serious, could he? Apparently he could since he was beaming with pride at the name. She snapped her mouth closed as soon as possible, glad he'd been too caught up in his naming to notice.
"Hands behind your back please, agent~," he directed.
Once Rossi had complied he popped the monitoring device's wired ends to Rossi's chest. A few clicks on the device and two readings later gave him everything he needed to be set up. He flicked one final switch and a red light gleamed on the box.
"Part one is done! And now for part two!"
He'd drawn out the now and then thrust two fingers up and held them before Rossi's face.
"Hand me your chained arm with your hand in a fist please."
He tied off Rossi's arm to expose the vein when he caught movement out of the corner of his eyes.
"Uh uh uh! Try to punch me and I'll have Agent Jareau I believe it is go first. You wouldn't want that, now would you?"
The unsub held his finger up and tsked. Rossi's expression darkened into a grimace. He'd take anything he had to onto himself, but he would not let JJ pay for his attempt. Once more he tucked his hand back behind him.
"Good decision."
Rossi felt the needle slip into his arm but remained still, watching and evaluating. There was a light tingly feeling a moment later, and the needle was withdrawn. His arm was untied and given a quick pat before the unsub stepped away.
"I'd say sweet dreams~, but that would be a rather big lie. So I'll just say see you when you wake up! Bye now!"
He waggled his fingers and skipped toward the door. It clicked shut behind him, leaving the room in silence once again. All eyes turned to focus on Rossi.
"What? Don't all of you look at me like I'm about to turn into the damn Hulk or something."
"Sorry, Dave. How are you feeling?" Hotch asked. He had no idea what the unsub had given his friend so he was facing a dark unknown.
"Fine, though I'd probably be feeling better if you weren't all looking at me that way. Morgan. Emily."
Both agents looked down a bit sheepishly. They'd been caught worrying.
"Sorry, man," Morgan soothed.
"Yeah, we didn't mean anything by it. It's just that this could be it…" Emily added.
"If it is then you worry about yourselves and find a way out of this hell hole. Got it?"
"We will, and we'll get you out too," Hotch answered.
"Bah, Aaron! There's no one out there to need to get my body to if it comes to that. You just worry about getting yourself and the rest of the team out."
Hotch nodded darkly, not liking the answer but willing to agree to it.
"We do," JJ whispered back.
"Hm?"
"We're family, Rossi. We need you back."
"Preferably alive," Emily added.
"We aren't letting you out of this, Dave," Hotch told him.
"Apparently not," Rossi muttered. While he appreciated their sentiments, he didn't want them sacrificing themselves for him if he was already gone.
Without any warning, Rossi wobbled and grabbed the wall for support. He had to fight to keep his eyes open even though he was still on his feet. His name reached him through a fog, and he thought he felt JJ's hand brush his arm.
JJ could tell Rossi wasn't reacting at all, so she guided him closer so she could help ease him down to the ground. His eyes were already half mast and dropping fast.
"Hotch!" JJ called out worriedly.
She pressed her fingers to Rossi's neck, searching out a pulse. When she found one immediately she sighed.
"JJ?" Hotch prodded.
"He's okay. He's asleep. It's just that he went down so fast."
"Keep an eye on him."
She nodded and turned her attention back to her sleeping partner. With the chains she could barely touch him, but it would be enough to let him know she was there. At least JJ hoped so.