He and She

by Skater3

When the BAU receives a request to investigate a possible serial killer in Woodbine, Iowa, it appears to be a routine case. However, when the team arrives on the scene, they find an unexpected surprise and Reid finds himself with the opportunity to make a life changing decision. Sequel to "Missing".

29. Chapter 29

The assault team was soon organized and within minutes was quietly approaching the two story bungalow that the Masters sisters shared. As they got closer to the building, part of the group split off, going around the back while the rest, including Hotch and Morgan, approached from the front.

"Sydney Masters!" the state police team leader yelled once they were all in position on the front porch. "This is the police – Open Up!"

There was no response.

"Sydney Masters – This is the FBI," Hotch added his voice. "Open Up - We just want to talk with you!"

Still, there was no response from inside the home.

The team leader nodded to one of his men, who got into position to kick the front door in. However, before he could begin, Hotch put up his hand in a 'Stop' motion, reached over, and tried turning the doorknob. Surprisingly, the door swung smoothly open.

"Sydney Masters, we are coming in," Morgan called out a warning as the officers swarmed into the front room.

"Okay, we're in," the leader reported to the group in the back of the house, and soon the rooms were filled with officers and the sound of 'Clear' was ringing throughout the building.

"Hotch," JJ called from the top of the stairs. "You need to see this."

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

The room JJ guided him into was obviously a bedroom. However, what Hotch immediately noticed was that the drab room was lacking any type of personalization and that there was no way to tell whether the occupant was male or female.

"In here," JJ had the closet door open.

When Hotch looked over, he could see a bright blue belt hanging on the back of the door. When he got closer, he could tell that the belt had apparently originally belonged on a dress and – He caught his breath – There was a familiar pattern of rhinestones arrayed on it.

"She's here somewhere," he declared. "She wouldn't leave without that."

"Did I see a barn out back?" He walked over the window and looked out.

"At least one," Blake had joined him and JJ in the bedroom. "Plus some smaller outbuildings."

"That's where we need to check next." Hotch left the room and started back down the stairs. "Morgan!"

"Right here," Morgan appeared at the foot of the stairs.

"Out back – Let's start with the main barn and see what we find there."