HALLOWEEN TWO
It took awhile for Joan to get Reid to take her seriously…
"But how can you KNOW which school the Unsub will attack tonight?"
"Uh, psychic revelation?"
"You said you weren't a psychic."
"I said I didn't refer to myself as a psychic. It's not my preferred term, but I don't know how else to describe it."
"But how can you be so specific? I've heard of psychics having generalized impressions of things to come, but the very city and school? And how do you know the attack won't be in Atlanta? The Unsub's pattern so far has been consistent. He bought the hatchet used in the Tacoma attack in Atlanta, so that should mean Atlanta is his next target. Part of his pattern of spelling out 'satan' with the cities he attacks."
The ghost shouts at Joan, "Tell him the killer's name! That will convince him."
Finding it hard to deal with two conversations at the same time, Joan holds up a hand in frustration. Reid pauses, wondering why Joan is giving him a 'shush' gesture. Joan realizes her mistake and lowers the hand.
"The 'A' in Arcadia will suit your 'satan' spelling, and I told you, the Unsub was using the purchases of the edged weapons as a red herring in case you started to figure him out. Besides, the Unsub isn't just spelling satan."
"What do you mean?"
" Jabert School of Dance, University of Hudson River, Denmark Avenue Middle School, Arcadia High…"
"Judas! Another honored name amongst satanic worshippers. Why didn't I see that? Joan, my I.Q. is 187, but I missed this clue. Just how high is your own I.Q.?"
Joan hesitates, giving a quick glance to the ghost who supplied her with the clue. "Spencer, that's just more of the…psychic stuff. So, will you spread the alert to the Arcadia authorities? Remember, you have to keep my name out of it for security reasons."
Spencer Reid also hesitates a moment before nodding. "I'll pass this information on to my team leader in Atlanta, just in case you are wrong about in which city the attack will take place. They can begin concentrating on schools that start with an 'A'. And, I'll send the Arcadia authorities an alert of a possible risk to tonight's Halloween party at Arcadia High. You are sure there's a party there tonight?"
Joan nods. "They hold one every year. The last one I attended a man slipped by security and almost strangled a student to death."
"Then I definitely see the need to strengthen security there. I'll be right back."
Joan breathes a sigh of relief as Reid leaves the conference room and heads for the tech center to send alerts to law enforcement in Atlanta and Arcadia. There was no point in mentioning that the student who was nearly strangled to death at Arcadia High two years ago was her.
"Why didn't you tell him the killer's name?" the ghost of Hester Jabert angrily asks. She and her sister were two of the first victims of the Unsub, and she has refused to go into the light until her killer is caught.
Joan sighs. "Look, I appreciate your help but you have to trust that I know what I'm doing."
"But I told you his name, Dennis Park, an ex-army ranger. He is in Arcadia right now, staying at the Wentworth Hotel – Room 751. Tell the odd man what I've said and no more innocent people will have to die. I don't want to witness another massacre by the Halloween Killer."
"It's not that simple. I have my own instructions in this matter, and I have to deal with more than just this one man."
"Is this about the demons? "
Joan nods. "I detected the stench of two of them attached to this evidence. One is a very weak amnesia demon. It is the one Dennis Park originally surrendered his soul to."
Hester shrugs. "I know that. I know this man Park's soul better than my own. He accidentily killed a child while serving in Iraq, and I know it happened on October thirty first. I know he had a mental breakdown because of that tragedy and was discharged from the army because of it."
"Didn't he get counseling?"
"The V.A. tried, but Park was unable to come to grips with what he did."
Joan sighs. "That must be when the amnesia demon came whispering in his ear that it could remove the burden that was on his soul. I could almost feel sorry for the guy, except for the fact he knowingly sold his soul to a demon. That opened him up to all sorts of added demonic influences."
"I know little of demons, but don't they jealously guard their 'property'? That is, the souls they have stolen?"
"Normally, but as I said, an amnesia demon is very weak. It would curry favor with a more powerful demon for its' own safety from other demons. The second demon is one of the most powerful of all kinds – a death demon, one of the 'princes' of the devil's kingdom. Such a being normally holds sway over large regions, and doesn't bother with individuals. Creatures like these specialize in large scale violence like gang feuds, riots and even wars."
"Then why does it occupy Dennis Park every Halloween?"
"All demons are sensation junkies. Influencing mass murder isn't the same as committing it yourself. So, once a year the amnesia demon surrenders this man on a short term lease. From dusk to dawn on Halloween, Dennis Park is under the full control of a death demon. With Park's army training, it is a deadly combination."
"All the more reason to capture Park before the death demon takes him over at nightfall."
"Which is why I have to get to Dennis Park before the authorities. Because of the amnesia demon, Park has no idea about the monstrous things he has been doing. You can bet the demon won't allow any evidence to be in Park's possession until it is time for the crime, and the man would easily pass any lie detector test. I have to drive out the amnesia demon before nightfall. That way the death demon will have no way of entering Park. After that, the authorities can take their time in building a case against the man."
"Once the amnesia demon is gone, won't Park remember his crimes? I want him to know what he did to me, my sister and all of the others."
"Sorry, no. When I drive the amnesia demon out, the real memories will go with it. The only way to restore his memories would be if the demon voluntarily left Park's body, which it would never do. The other side is very legalistic when it comes to honoring spiritual contracts…"
Meanwhile, in the tech center…
"Okay Hotch, I'll take care of alerting the Arcadia authorities also… How reliable? Who knows? I find Homeland Security's consultant to be a little odd, but then again she is some sort of psychic. I'm sure she believes what she is saying, and…I think I do too."
After perfunctory farewells, Reid begins to dial the police in Arcadia when Garcia calls his attention to a monitor…
"Reid, I'm not sure you should put much faith into your consultant. Look how she's talking to herself."
Reid frowns at the image. "Garcia, I told you to give Miss Girardi her privacy."
"You said I wasn't to record anything in that room. I'm not. This is a live feed with the sound off. Nothing is being recorded. Want to listen in?"
Reid hesitates as he sees Joan in what appears to be a one-sided conversation. It would be interesting to know what a psychic says to herself…
"No, I gave my word. Now turn that off."
Garcia complies, but shakes her head disapprovingly. "Psychics in the B.A.U.? I never thought I would see this day. At least Homeland Security could have sent us a sane one."
"Miss Girardi does have a history of problems that needed counseling, but that doesn't detract from the help she has already given us. Still, I'll keep in mind that she might be a little bit…"
"Crazy?"
"Not my personal choice of terminology, but I'll let it stand. Now where was I?"
"Calling the Arcadia authorities."
"Right. I'll begin with the local sheriff…" Reid says as he decides at that moment to make it a low level warning. What was he thinking - listening to a psychic consultant from those fanatics at Homeland Security? He just hopes he hasn't made a fool of himself with Aaron Hotchner, his team leader.
X X X X X
Getting back to Arcadia turned out to be a lot harder than getting to Quantico. It was lunch time and Reid insisted on paying for a nice meal with Joan. Now back in her presence, the young genius feels that sense of trust he had before as well as his distinct interest in Joan as a woman. Unfortunately, Joan seems completely distracted during the meal. For Joan it is a time of trying to be polite while being concerned about the time and being distracted by Hester Jabert's ghost constant criticism of how she was handling this case. After lunch, Reid got updates from Atlanta and Arcadia, which he shared with Joan. She was distressed when she perceived how low of a priority Reid had made the Arcadia warning, but was in no position to insist on a stronger wording.
Reid insisted on being the one to drive Joan home, but even that turned out to be an event to endure. Reid is a nervous driver who travels just a notch under the posted speed limit at all times. Joan estimates it will take nearly an hour longer to get home than it took to get to Quantico. Still, she isn't worried as there will still be plenty of time for her to deal with Dennis Park before sundown. In the meantime she has to listen to Spencer Reid as he has suddenly decided to become chatty about his life, his interests, his experiences in the F.B.I., etc; Normally Joan would find all of this interesting as she has to admit to a growing fondness for the young man, but Hester Jabert keeps popping in and out of the government SUV with updates on Park. ("Still napping, and you were right - he hasn't picked up his 'murder kit' yet.") If only the talkative ghost would give her a moment's peace...
"Joan, I'm sorry the trip has taken so long, but we're getting close now."
"No problem Spencer, as long as there are no more delays."
"Oh. Well actually, I was hoping...that is, I planned to ask you if we, uh after we get to Arcadia, could...get a cup of coffee together?"
Joan thinks, 'O-M-G, he's really interested in me! How did I miss this'? Of course the answer is the never ending distraction of the ghost of Hester Jabert, who has again popped into the SUV with yet another update - Park is waking up from his nap. Joan realizes that Hester's non-stop chattiness is probably what kept all of those psychics from gleaning any information from the evidence they were handling. The annoying ghost won't shut up!
"Uh Joan...did you hear me?"
Joan nods. "Yes Spencer, an invitation for coffee - first date style. I was trying to think of an appropriate response."
Reid sighs. "Meaning, a kind way of turning me down."
Joan hesitates. Spencer Reid, despite his towering intellect, numerous degrees and well-paying job, is spectacularly unsuccessful with women. Joan is aware that he has his own list of personal isssues, but basically Spencer is a really good guy, and she doesn't want to damage the tiny shred of confidence he has left with women...
"Spencer, I think one of the reasons you're asking me out is that you know I'm still in mourning. It is an acceptable, ego-soothing excuse for a turn down. It also makes me wonder if you are truly interested in me since you are obviously expecting a rejection. What am I, practice?"
"No, no, of course not... Well, maybe - just a little. My friend Morgan, who has been coaching me in how to improve my approach to women, says I need to practice more at asking them out. I haven't been doing that much because as you hint, it is a bit ego deflating. But Joan, I mostly asked you out because I find you so fascinating, so kind and...very, very attractive. I realize the timing is bad, but I had to try."
Joan smiles, as even Hester Jabert has stopped talking while listening to this conversation. (She comments, "He's a little odd, but nice. Why not give him a try?") Now that her distraction has eased off, Joan can read Spencer clearly. The attraction is real, although mixed with a healthy dose of suspicion about her so-called psychic abilities.
"Spencer, I appreciate the invitation. It's a nice ego boost for me considering I haven't worn make-up or tried to be attractive to the opposite sex since Jimmy died. And you're right, the timing is bad. I'm not sure how long I'm suppose to mourn, but it does feel too soon."
"Joan, I'm sorry for being so insensitive."
"Let me finish. I don't know how long I will be in mourning, but I do know that at some point I will start dating again. I like you Spencer, and when that time to start again arrives, and if you're available and still interested, I'd like to go out with you."
"Really?" Reid asks with a smile.
Joan shyly smiles back. She knows it is true. No matter how hard it is to face, she will have to get on with her life, including dating. When that time comes, she will want to avoid anyone who reminds her of her lost love, and there is no one more 'unJimmy-like' than Spencer Reid.
"Maybe we should exchange contact info?"
Before Reid can respond, the ghost of Hester Jabert screams: "Look out!"
Of course Reid doesn't hear the warning, and before Joan can repeat it, the black SUV slams into a deer crossing the highway. Travelling at a mile per minute, the heavy government car lifts the instantly killed deer high into the air and it slams into the windshield. The SUV careens off the road, hits a ditch and flips twice in the air. The vehicle comes to rest near a sign that reads: Welcome To Hogan County...
X X X X X
"Follow the light, Joan."
Joan groans with pain as she recognizes the voice of Nigerian Doctor God. Joan sighs and blinks against the light being shone into her eyes.
"How bad is it this time?"
"A mild concussion with numerous bruises. You should rest, but you will have a full recovery."
"How is Spencer?"
"Also badly bruised, but otherwise unharmed. He is waiting in the hallway to speak with you."
"And my parents?"
"As you are now an adult and were not in any danger, the option to call them was left up to you."
"Good. What time is it?"
"Nearly eight o'clock."
Joan groans again. "Oh crap. The dance at the school has already started, and the death demon will be in the Unsub by now. I have to get to Arcadia High..."
Joan sways a bit as she stands.
"Dizzy?"
"A little, but it's passing. I have to get more protection to the school before it's too late. I've totally screwed this up."
"You're doing your best, Joan and perhaps you should stay here and leave the matter to the authorities. This demon is far more powerful than any you have faced before. The risk..."
"Is one I have to take. With the death demon guiding him, Dennis Park will be able to kill anyone who stands in his way - including the small contingent of cops and school guards at the dance. I have to go."
"As you will, Joan. But remember, two birds with one stone." Doctor God says as he exits with a backhand wave.
Joan finds her cell phone and calls the one man she hoped she would never have to call. The only one who can muster enough force to possibly stop the Unsub and prevent a massacre.
"I know I.B. that he's only one man, but trust me, this guy is super dangerous. Only a massive concentration of firepower by the local authorities can possibly save the people at Arcadia High. His name is Dennis Park, an ex-army ranger. He received a medical discharge after he broke down during his time in Iraq. He accidentily killed a child over there on an October thirty-first, and that anniversary is the trigger that sets him off... You will? Thanks I.B." Joan says as she disconnects, not feeling the least bit guilty about the blend of truth and lies she had to tell Director Dunn to get him to spring into action.
Joan turns back toward the door and sees an aghast Spencer Reid...
"You heard?"
"Yes, it seems you lied to me, Miss Girardi. You know far more than you let on - far more than any mere psychic could possibly know."
What could she say after he heard that conversation? Joan shrugs.
Reid continues, "I should have realized this before now. Your typical Homeland Security paranoia about listening devices should have tipped me off. You were never at Quantico to help the B.A.U. You were there to spy on our efforts so that you could combine our discoveries with what Homeland Security already knew. You were just there to steal CREDIT for solving the case."
Joan winces at the look of disgust on Reid's face. Sometimes fate paints you into a corner. "Grow up, Spencer. Every department has to look to itself when funding time comes. A high profile case like the Halloween Killer will ensure full funding for Homeland Security from Congress."
The look of disgust on Reid's face grows. "By waiting you have endangered the lives of the people at this...Arcadia High."
"I didn't anticipate our accident."
"You can't anticipate an act of God."
"Whatever. I'm not at liberty to discuss my methods, and I have to get to Arcadia High right away."
Joan heads for the door, but the sudden movement causes a renewed dizziness. Reid steadies her as Joan sways...
"I guess I better go with you, Miss Girardi."
"I liked it better when you called me Joan."
"I liked you better...when I called you Joan."
X X X X X
On the cab ride to Arcadia High, Joan tries to center herself for the battle ahead. She has in her bag the silver cross personally given to her by God. She will need that and all the faith she can muster to face down a death demon. Hester Jabert's ghost keeps her updated on Park's actions. He has his 'murder kit' with him now, and he is approaching Arcadia High in disguise...
Joan feels a brief moment of sympathy for Park. Originally a decent guy, he just couldn't deal with what he had done - even if it were an accident of war. But Joan's sympathy is short lived. The man, of his own free will, chose to listen to the comforting lies of a demon who offered 'help'. Now, he leads an oblivious life of civilian comfort while the pesky amnesia demon has him sampling all sorts of forbidden thrills for its' sensation junkie nature. Bad enough, but the 'Halloween Killer' is the result of not caring enough about others and their fates in comparison to his own comfort. Now 39 people have died, and if Joan is unsuccessful, another 13 will be added to that total.
They arrive at Arcadia High, and Reid's F.B.I. credentials get them waved through the police lines. Everywheres cops, sheriff's deputies and even school guards are rushing about trying to secure the campus. SWAT snipers are selecting their spots and emergency medical teams are on standby. Reid and Joan are immediately approached by Sheriff Rakowski himself. As Reid once again displays his credentials, Joan lingers in the background trying not to be noticed.
"S.S.A. Dr. Spencer Reid, F.B.I. Progress report, Sheriff?"
Rakowski replies, "We have just completed encircling the school, and the gym where the Halloween dance is being held is under total lock down. The students and chaperones are safe, but it is still early and we have more students in costume showing up at every moment. We're having to check everyone, and it's much too dangerous to try to send these people home. What's going on here, Agent Reid? We received our first ever Red Alert from Homeland Security and responded, but we were expecting a small army of terrorists. Are this many cops and deputies really here because of only one man?"
Reid, not knowing why but still trusting Joan, replies. "He's known in the media as the Halloween Killer, and he is armed and extremely dangerous. He has killed 39 people that we know of. Your men should approach him with great caution. The man is army ranger trained and won't hesitate to try to shoot his way out if cornered."
"Yeah, Homeland Security included his official army photo and a very brief background. Apparently he is always masked when he commits these attacks, but so is everyone else. I don't want to panic my people into accidentily shooting an innocent civilian, but if this guy is as dangerous as you say..."
"You can't let your men put themselves at risk. Joan, what do you think...?"
But Joan Girardi is gone. Alerted by the ever vigilant ghost, Joan is already rushing for the area of the school's quad. Park is already through the police lines, and he is disguised as a school guard. As Reid wonders what happened to his 'consultant', Rakowski's radio blares out...
"Sheriff, we have him cornered in the quad."
"Who is reporting?" Rakowski responds.
"Sgt. Steiner, sir. I'll leave the mike open so you can hear." (A brief pause before Steiner calls out...) "You there, Dennis Park! Sheriff's department! Stop or we'll shoot!"
"He has a gun!" another deputy calls out.
Steiner adds, "Put it down, Park. There are six of us and only one of you. How do you think this will end?"
A strange voice hisses, "I have 13 bullets in this gun. That's seven more than I need."
Suddenly the sound of six rapid-fire gunshots fill the air. The gunfire comes so quickly, it is difficult to determine there are seperate shots. There is a brief moment of silence before the strange voice is heard again...
"That's six. Send me seven more."
To Be Continued.