I don't own any of the CM characters; can only wish that I did.

Chapter 3

The entire profiling team had gathered in BAU room 30 minutes later for Dave to relate his conversation with the doctor. Detective Liam Carver, in charge of the investigation of Hotch's shooting, had joined them and offered his team's assistance.

"We're sure the caller was Foyet?" said Morgan.

"I think it's a safe assumption. Nobody else would have reason to suggest that particular deal."

Prentiss was re-reading her notes. "Foyet must have somehow infiltrated the hospital... he knew details about Hotch's condition that aren't public knowledge."

JJ agreed. "The media have found out that Hotch was the agent shot and that he is alive in critical condition but they have nothing else. And I've been in touch with the hospital's Communications department. They know not to release any information until they've passed it through me."

Rossi nodded approvingly. "Good."

The detective was pulling out his cell phone. "I'll get a couple of plainclothes officers over there right away. If there's a leak, we'll find it."

Reid spoke up. "I don't think it was a leak. It's far more likely that Foyet was at the hospital. It doesn't fit his profile to have used a partner."

"And let's face it, we were more interested in knowing Hotch's condition that night than looking around at whoever might be listening in." Morgan said bitterly.

He turned to Garcia, who was sitting next to him. "Baby Girl, have you found anything at all which could help us to trace Foyet?"

The technical analyst wrinkled her nose. "Nadda. The snake has slithered back under his rock. No credit card activity, no bank transactions, no movement on any of his addresses. I also contacted that reporter in Boston but he hasn't heard from Foyet since the initial arrest."

"Garcia, how about checking medical clinics and hospitals between here and Boston?" Prentiss suggested. "Send out a physical description. Foyet wasn't in great shape when he escaped, maybe we'll get lucky."

"I'm on it." Garcia left to return to her 'cave' of computers.

Detective Carver added, "And if you can provide my officers with a profile and photograph, we can get eyes out on the streets."

"No problem." grunted Rossi.

"We have to act fast... Hotch will need that operation in less than 36 hours." Reid stated, his fingers twirling a pen in agitation.

Exasperated, Emily took the pen from Reid. "Anything else come out of Barton's talk with Foyet?" she asked while giving Spencer a look of half pity, half annoyance.

Rossi picked up his notebook. "The deal is an exchange of lives: Hotch's for Jeffrey's. But there are conditions attached. Nigel must not be anywhere near the hospital, internet or phone during Aaron's operation. Even then, proof of Hotch's death must be provided before the son will be safe."

"Foyet's done his homework." observed Reid. "He knows that Barton is the only doctor in the country with a chance at making the procedure a success."

"More than that." said Rossi. "He's staked out the whole family. When he called the father, he described the son's current movements with extreme detail: Jeffrey was in his room playing guitar and drinking a Coke."

The detective sat back in his chair. "How do you want to play this, Agent Rossi?"

"We use the profile..."

"And me as bait." interjected Morgan.

The team each stared in horror at Derek. He returned their looks calmly.

"Oh come on. We all know that Foyet wants both Hotch and I dead to get off on his power over the FBI. Hotch is halfway there already and can't defend himself if something goes wrong. That leaves me... and I'm more than happy to have another shot at that scumbag."

Prentiss was shaking her head. "It's too risky. There's got to be another way..."

"No Emily." Rossi sighed regretfully. "Morgan's right. Foyet is targeting the Bartons to get at us. Remember, he likes to manipulate and control. Derek is the only one who will motivate him enough to come out of hiding, except for Hotch and we can't go there."

"The best way to flush him out would be to anger him." Reid said. He had gotten up and was examining the victim board and its resulting profile from their work in Boston some months earlier. "He's an extreme narcissist and recognition-seeker. And he also thinks he's bigger than Bundy."

"He will be if an FBI agent dies..." muttered Carver, "especially a Unit Chief."

"Are you up for a press conference JJ?" Rossi glanced over at the blond.

She steadily returned his gaze. "Of course."

"Great. Let's really piss this guy off. We're going to center the conference around Hotch and Morgan. Start by talking about Hotch. Play up his honour, his devotion to the job and his legacy at putting the bad guys away; a real hero in the spotlight. Call his shooter a coward for attacking an unarmed man in his home. Make this the only mention of Foyet; pass over it quickly, JJ. Then move on to the BAU. Suggest that Morgan may be made interim Unit Chief based on his proven bravery and ability. Give him a quote along the lines of 'ensuring justice is done and the perpetrator will soon be behind bars'. Am I missing anything?"

"What if I get a question about potential suspects?" asked JJ.

Rossi frowned. "As much as I'd love to anger Foyet even more by saying that we don't think he's good enough to catch an FBI agent unawares, I don't want to create panic. This was a targeted attack, not random. Let's preface things by saying that it is an official statement and there will be no questions at the end."

Reid looked at Morgan. "That's a big target we're putting on your back."

Morgan shrugged. "I'm fine with it kid... better me than Hotch. And I have every intention of bringing down the asshole this time."

Prentiss turned to Carver. "Detective, there is no room for error with Foyet. He's extremely intelligent and usually well-organized. Your men will have to be ready."

"We will be." said Carver grimly.

Rossi turned to JJ once more. "How soon can we do the press conference?"

"I can have everyone gathered in a couple of hours."

"Ok, while JJ is taking care of the media Morgan will deliver Foyet's profile to Detective Carver's officers. Prentiss, I want you to organize a safe-house. Reid, follow up on anything that Garcia has found. I'll go back to the hospital to take the next shift with Hotch. That way I can let Dr. Barton know what's going on. Besides, Foyet will expect at least one of us to be with Aaron at all times and we don't want to arouse his suspicions."

"What's your plan?" asked Morgan.

"Since we don't have much time for anything elaborate, we'll use of one Detective Carver's men to act as Jeffrey. We'll make a subtle show of Morgan 'sneaking' him out of the Barton's house to the safe-house and hope Foyet takes the bait and comes after Derek and 'Jeffrey'. But just in case he doesn't bite, I want Prentiss to leave the house with everyone else, but then double back and stay with the Bartons. I'll be at the hospital protecting Hotch. JJ and Reid will be back-up for Morgan."

Prentiss looked unconvinced. "I hope he goes for it... seems a little obvious."

Rossi nodded. "I know. But I'm hoping that Foyet will be so angry that he will want to attack and not think too much. If anyone has a better way, I'm happy to hear it, but the clock is ticking. Hotch needs to be on that operating table ASAP and in no more than 36 hours."

"What about staging Agent Hotchner's death?" suggested Carver.

"I'd thought about that too, but it would involve too much time, too much involvement from people outside of this room, and it essentially lures Foyet back to Hotch; he'll want to see absolute proof after missing out the first time; hearing it on TV won't be enough. I don't want to put any unnecessary lives at risk."

"Sounds reasonable." The detective rose from his chair. "Let's get to it then. We have a killer to catch."

***

33 HOURS TO SURGERY DEADLINE

Morgan had finished delivering the Reaper's profile to Carver's officers and they had been dispersed to their various assignments prior to the press conference. Rossi wanted the trap set before the bait was supplied and before Foyet could get wind of any planning.

Prentiss had established the location for the safe house and organized its preparation. Nobody knew how long it would take Foyet to find the bait irresistible so Emily ensured that there was plenty of food and water and a deck of cards for the agents to pass the time. The small apartment that she had found was often used by the local police for this exact purpose. This was deliberate strategy; knowing the serial killer's profile, the team felt that he would believe the police to be stupid enough to use previous safe house locations and it was absolutely crucial that Foyet believed that the decoy really was Jeffrey Barton. Having finished her task, Prentiss sat in the BAU room with Morgan, waiting for Rossi to give them the green light to begin putting the plan into action.

Reid had been sent to follow up on a potential lead Garcia had uncovered. A retired surgeon had been doing some volunteer work at a small walk-in clinic. Working late one evening, the doctor had been threatened with a knife and forced to treat a thin man suffering from severe anaemia and dehydration. The patient had worn a black mask throughout the ordeal and had spoken with a Boston accent.

"Sounds like our guy." Rossi had remarked when Reid had called him from the clinic. "Good. If he's physically weak, he might be even more tempted to make his move sooner rather than later."

Reid crossed his fingers as he sat in the SUV. "I hope so for Hotch's sake."

JJ had finished writing the statement for the media and done a dry run for Dave. The press had been assembled; it was now time to lay the bait. Rossi locked his office and began to make his way through the bullpen. JJ stopped him at the door to the BAU.

"Are you sure you don't want to deliver the statement yourself, Sir?"

Dave shook his head. "No, JJ. Foyet sees me as the authority figure right now. I don't want him to think that he's worthy of the 'leader's' attention."

JJ grinned ruefully. "I won't take that personally."

Rossi grinned back. "You shouldn't. Okay, you can handle things from here so I'm off to the hospital. Tell Prentiss and Garcia to wait 30 minutes after the end of the conference and then start rolling. Call me if you need to, I'll be with Hotch."

"Yes Sir."

***

The building was shabby and located in a seedy part of town. The place was a dump but that suited him fine; it wouldn't attract any attention. And he didn't think he would need to stay for much longer.

Or would he? The serial killer drew a sudden, sharp and painful breath as the press conference coverage continued on the TV he was watching while sitting in his small hotel room.

George Foyet knew that he couldn't afford to waste his energy on getting angry, yet he couldn't help it. He tried to relax but his hands only gripped the chair's armrests tighter. The FBI's statement was infuriating him. They had started it off by going on and on about the 'heroic' Agent Hotchner, his already-legendary status at the Bureau and his uncompromising pursuit of justice. Well, they wouldn't be talking about him in the present tense for long. The agent wouldn't be so lucky again. Fate would ensure that Hotchner would die. Foyet grinned at the thought. He knew the odds of his nemesis surviving more surgery were small, but the Reaper had already made his back-up plan. This time he would use the knife. This time there would be no doubt as to who was superior. This time Hotchner would be awake until the last stroke. This time he would show fear... and unabated terror!

Two words jerked Foyet's attention back to the television. The blond thing delivering the statement had had the nerve to insult the Unit Chief's assailant, calling him cowardly and weak! Who did she think she was anyway? And where were the higher-ranking agents? His hands clenched involuntarily again and he snarledaloud. Such lies!

Getting up from his chair, Foyet went over to the bed and removed his knife from under the pillow. He stroked the handle fondly, finding comfort in the action and sat down on the mattress, eyes still glued to the TV. His hand was in mid-stroke when he heard that Special Agent Derek Morgan was being considered as a temporary replacement for Hotchner. Putting the knife back in its hiding place, he leaned forward, intrigued. Shortly afterwards the blond thing concluded the statement and left the podium, giving no time for questions. Too bad, she was kind of pretty.

But Foyet's thoughts quickly returned to the press conference. Derek Morgan in a position of power? As Unit Chief of the BAU? Interesting... This development might just have provided an opportunity. Killing Hotchner had always been foremost in Foyet's mind. But if there was the chance to tease Morgan and then kill him too he would take it.

He was under no illusions that this was not a trap. The press conference had been for his benefit. The carefully worded script had been designed to anger him and he understood that Derek was baiting him. They must have found out about the threat to the surgeon's son. Good, let them waste time worrying about the doctor's ethics; it wouldn't matter in the end. One way or another Hotchner would die. And now, so would Derek Morgan. Foyet wasn't concerned about evading the inevitable chase following the deaths of the agents; they would never catch him.

George Foyet looked at his watch and did a quick calculation. He smiled broadly. He could have it all... and all thanks to the FBI.

***