Morgan extends his hand to the man waiting outside the devastated realty office. "SSA Derek Morgan. This is SSA Emily Prentiss."

The man shakes both agents' hands. "Inspector Scott Bethune. Pleasure to meet you." He takes two hardhats out from under his left arm. "You'll need these for each building we go into. There are a lot of loose boards and other debris in the ceiling. This will cover you if anything gets dislodged."

Emily puts hers on. "Thanks. Kinda wondered about that."

"This building is the worst condition-wise but I suggest wearing the hats at each site."

Morgan nods. "I'll take that advice. So what can you tell us before we go in."

"Well, I've had a chance to make my initial survey of each site. In all I've found evidence that there were two other ignition areas."

Emily frowns. "What do you mean?"

"I mean there was the initial bomb. This gave us the first and most powerful explosion. Fire would spread and then there were two other explosions. Smaller but they helped increase the devastation. All of that was assisted by the fact that someone cut off the sprinkler system."

"I had wondered about that," Morgan says, nodding.

"Any idea how the other two bombs were concealed?" Emily asks.

Bethune nods. "I do. Come on inside and I'll show you to see if you agree."

The agents follow the man into the building. Emily shakes her head as she looks around. "Damn lucky anyone got out alive."

Bethune nods. "Those in this area and in two other offices had time to get out before the second two blasts decimated this area." He walks over to the corner of the lobby. "From what I found here there was a coat rack." He points to a very dark area on the wall. "This tells me there was a blast here that then spread up and down. I think a coat was filled with the explosive. It ignited and got the fire burning here on the front wall."

Morgan slowly nods. "Scarily I can see that. It's winter so no one would notice someone hanging up a coat."

"And if it is left behind they would assume the person would come back for it," Emily concludes. "We need to find out if anyone noticed the extra coat and when it was left."

Bethune nods. "I plan to speak with some of the survivors later today."

"Mind if we tag along?" Morgan asks.

"Not at all." He walks over to the remains of the receptionist's desk, which is midway back in the office. "The coat was explosion 3. The second was right here." He stoops and points to the dark mark on the floor. "You can see the ignition point and see where it actually blew out parts of the desk." He points to the splintering in the wood. "Had the receptionist not been dragged out by one of the other realtors she probably would have lost her legs. She had been stunned by the initial blast."

"So she was behind the desk…" Emily mutters.

Morgan looks at her. "What are you thinking?"

"Why didn't she notice whatever that was down there?"

"According to one eye-witness report they kept extra forms and such down there. If it was another cardboard box it wouldn't have caught anyone's eye," Bethune answers.

"Damn. So much for thinking she might have known something," Emily mutters.

"That would have been too easy," Morgan points out with a grin.

"I like easy," Emily admits with a smile.

Bethune chuckles and leads them back to the owner's office. "As you can guess, the bomb was on the desk. We have no idea who pressed the paw but both victims were killed instantly by the blast."

"Small mercies," Emily notes.

"Exactly. Papers on the desk ignited."

Morgan leans close to the remains of the desk. "Is that gasoline scorching?"

Behtune nods, impressed. "Good eye, Agent. My theory is the bomber used those packing air packs but filled them with not gasoline but with gel fuel. Most people don't pay attention to the packaging and anyone who saw it would just assume it was something new to help cushion the gift."

Emily nods. "I believe that. So the bomb coupled with the gel ensures the unsub gets not only an explosion but a devastating fire that will ignite the secondary bombs."

"Add in disabling the sprinklers and he has destroyed the business before fire responders ever make it to start fighting the fire," Morgan finishes. He looks at Emily. "But we still don't know why. Why is he targeting these people or places?"

Emily shrugs. "No fucking clue."

Satisfied they have seen enough here, they follow Bethune out of the building and wait while he secures it. Morgan looks at Emily.

"I'm going to ride with Bethune to ask him more about the bomb spread."

Emily nods. "Good idea. You definitely know bombs better than I do. I just sold the damn things," she jokes.

He grins. "Sick and twisted, Prentiss. Sick and twisted."

They split up to make their way to the next bomb site.

Rossi and Reid meet the owner of the pet supplies store. He was not at work the day the tax firm next door was blown up but he had been close to the man that had died. He shakes the hands of both agents and gestures for them to take a seat in his living room.

"Omar had done my taxes for, damn, 10 years maybe. Before he bought out the previous owner of the firm." Perry Wagon shakes his head. "Still can't believe he's gone."

"You seem to know him well," Rossi states. "Do you know if Mr. Simpson had any enemies?"

Wagon shrugs and shakes his head. "No. Not that I know of. I mean, he always had people that expected more back than they got but they were usually pissed at the IRS not at Omar. This just doesn't make sense." He looks into Rossi's eyes. "Did they target him maybe instead of the IRS?"

Rossi shrugs. "Doubtful since there were other bombings not tax related but we will look into that as one avenue of the investigation. Do you know if in the day or two before the explosion he had had anyone come in that didn't seem…normal? Or that gave him a moment of concern?"

Wagon shakes his head again. "Not that he told me. Tax season is just starting so most people going in were getting initial consults to see if it was worth paying his fees to get their taxes done. He was an honest man. If someone didn't need to spend the money on his services he'd tell them. Omar knew that honesty is something people would talk about and would help get him word-of-mouth advertising. He was a good, good man!" Wagon stresses.

Reid nods. "What about in his personal life? Any ex-girlfriends that were, well, maybe causing problems?"

Wagon nods. "No. He was devoted to his work but when he did date he was a gentleman. Usually his job cost him the relationship and he had no bitter feelings towards the lady and I don't know of any that gave him a hard time after the end. I am sure he'd have mentioned it to me."

"Do you happen to know the name of his most recent ex? Or maybe the last couple?"

"Only their first names. He broke up with Lindsay just before Christmas. Then, damn…maybe in October he broke up with Linda. Hope that helps."

Reid nods knowing Garcia can check Omar's phone records for Linda's and Lindsay's. The agents question the man a few more minutes but it is obvious he doesn't have any information that can help them further their investigation. Reid sends off a text to Garcia to check on the women though neither he nor Rossi feel a bitter ex is behind this attack. But maybe they know of someone that was giving Omar a hard time or just a bad feeling.

In the SUV, Rossi shakes his head. "None of this seems personal to me."

Reid nods. "I agree. There are no connects between these victims that could point towards a fuse all of them lit. We have to be missing something in their background. Something that links them."

Rossi shrugs. "I can't imagine what. Garcia is thorough."

Reid nods. "I know. But why these people if they don't have a link?"

Both agents contemplate that thought for a few minutes. Rossi finally shrugs.

"I have no idea unless the reason for the attacks only makes sense in the bomber's mind. And it is rare that a bomber would not have a specific reason to go after a series of targets. There is a reason these people are the targets we just haven't found it yet."

By the time Emily and Morgan get to the fourth bomb site they know they are dealing with a very meticulous mind. He had placed second and third explosive devices at each site and used the suspected gel-filled packing cushion in each gift that was sent. As Bethune leaves them, Emily and Morgan lean up against the SUV, staring at remains of the boutique. Emily rubs her head. Morgan lifts a brow.

"Headache?"

"Yeah." Emily glances at him. "From fumes, not from the coma. Promise. Haven't had one of those in a while."

Morgan smiles. "Good. So, what do we know after seeing these scenes?"

Emily stretches her neck. "That this is one scary motherfucker. And he is not going to be happy if we figure out a way to disrupt his plans."

"No shit," Morgan agrees. "Damn glad Jayje stayed at home. He may go after us or the cops and I couldn't handle it if…" his voice trails off as he realizes he has no need to voice that fear to his best friend.

Emily just nods. She takes a deep breath. "Henry had a nightmare last night. Dreamt a bad man took me and Jen and we never came home."

"Shit."

"Yeah. We both made him promises we shouldn't but…but we had to," Emily justifies.

Morgan glances at her again. "No need to explain that to me. I get it. He's your son, Emily. You will both say what you have to say to comfort him. And it's my job to make sure those words never become a lie."

Emily smiles and nudges his shoulder. "Thanks, Derek." She looks at her watch. "How about I treat you to lunch while we type up our impressions of the scenes?"

"I'd say that sounds good."

They are about to get into the SUV when a police cruiser pulls up beside them. Seth Lindall gets out, looking angry.

"Why the hell didn't you tell me you wanted to tour the bomb sites? I could have brought you out here!"

Morgan remains calm. "We wanted to see it with the fire investigator to get his opinion on ignition points and possible accelerants used. From you we needed an idea of the bomb itself. Why would we call you for this tour?"

"I should have been with you at least!" Lindall insists.

"Why? So you can continue to withhold information? Or continue to lie to us about the power of the explosion?" Morgan counters.

Lindall colours and Emily wonders if she is going to have to step between the two men. Lindall gets into Morgan's face.

"I withheld info on orders from my captain. He doesn't like others jumping into the investigation with no clue how real police work goes. You all sit in judgment from Washington while we're out in the street making the world safer. Last thing Cap wants is a desk jockey fucking up our case."

"Then you have your captain come speak to us," Morgan tells him. "We can explain what we're doing and show that cooperating will end the deaths sooner than a pissing match. And you EVER get in my face again and accuse me of not knowing how to work a case you better be ready for a smack down!"

"MORGAN! Step off," Emily orders.

Lindall bows up, his fists clenching. "Go ahead, Desk Jockey, take a swing. I'll show you how real cops prepare for perps."

Emily inserts herself between the men by forcing Morgan back before he can respond verbally or physically. "Car, Morgan. Now!" she orders. "Lindall, you're way out of line. So far all you've done with your actions is put yourself at the top of our suspect list. So if you don't want to be arrested and held for 72 hours while we question you you'll step off. Get your captain and come see us but lose the fucking attitude before you do. We're not here to step on your toes or steal your case. We are here to stop a bomber and prevent more loss of life. That's all we are here for. To do that we'll talk to who we need to as we need to without asking your permission first. Got it?"

He stares into eyes of steel. "I dare you to arrest me."

Emily pulls out her cuffs. "I love dares. Now walk on before you find out just how much I love to win them."

He tries to stare her down…and loses. He turns and storms back to his vehicle, leaving skid marks as he tears out of the parking lot. Emily waits until he is gone and turns to Morgan, disappointment on her face.

"What the fuck, Morgan?"

Morgan shakes his head. "He's had me pissed since he started hiding information from me yesterday. His…his attitude just now just…just…"

"Turned you into a rookie idiot?"

Morgan manages a smile. "Yeah, I guess it did."

"You're better than your actions just now would state, Derek. What the fuck is wrong with you?"

He shrugs. "Maybe…maybe I need a vacation."

"I think that's more than a maybe, buddy." She takes a deep breath. "He'll tell his captain and make this out to be more than it was. You need to tell Hotch first so he's ready for it."

"I know. How about we get lunch to go so I can tell Dad I was an idiot?"

Emily nods. "Good idea."

Emily gets in and starts the blazer. Morgan looks at her.

"When did you turn into a peacemaker?"

Emily smiles. "Guess Jen is rubbing off on me."

Morgan chuckles. "Must be." He runs a hand over his head. "Hotch is going to be pissed."

"Yep. Lucky you."

"Right. Lucky me. Shit."

Emily just pats him on the leg, knowing he is kicking himself for letting his temper get the best of him. Hopefully it won't happen again this case.

Hotch runs a hand through his hair. "You did WHAT?"

Emily steps between her boss and her best friend. "Hotch, Lindall was out of line. Big time. Just adds to our suspicions of him. He either is really trying to guard his case or he knows more about the bomber than he is letting on. If he tells his captain about the confrontation he'll make it out that Morgan was in the wrong. I promise you, he wasn't."

Hotch shakes his head. "We don't need added frustrations. Get with Garcia and see if any of the businesses or the shopping center itself has cameras out where you all were standing."

Emily nods and steps away to call Garcia. Morgan stands there, waiting for Hotch's final say on the matter. The unit chief finally lets out a breath.

"Garcia sent us a list of people who bought an unusual amount of fertilizer. Start weeding through it to see if any have anything to do with our 4 bomb locations."

"Okay. And, uh, if Lindall and his captain show up?" Morgan asks.

"Don't say a damn word no matter what he claims, Morgan. Not a damn word," Hotch orders.

Morgan nods. "Yes, sir."

He goes to start going through the list of fertilizer purchasers. Most appear to be commercial farmers so he discounts those a possible unsubs. He uses a highlighter to note which ones deserve further scrutiny. He has just gotten to the last page when the conference room door is thrown open and Lindall storms in with another man. Hotch straightens up, Emily rolls her eyes, and Morgan drops his highlighter.

"What the hell is your problem, Fed?" The captain bellows. "Why the hell are your people screwing with the crime scenes instead of reading our reports?"

Hotch slowly stands and speaks calmly. "My name is SSA Aaron Hotchner. To answer your question, my agents were not 'screwing with' the crime scene. They were getting a tour of them from the fire marshal investigator. We use what they have seen first hand combined with his reports and your tech's reports to help us paint a true picture of the unsub. It's called profiling. We need as much info as we can to find this man and stop him. If you don't want to stop him say the word and we'll leave after putting out a press release that you and your officer would rather have more bodies on your hands than accept help from those of us who specialize in this sort of psychopathy. It's up to you, Captain."

The two men lock eyes. Finally the captain turns and looks at Lindall.

"Lindall?"

Lindall has the grace to look embarrassed. "I, uh, just…thought…they were questioning our ability to get the job done."

"The only thing we've questioned is why you aren't being as forthcoming with information as you could be," Hotch states bluntly.

Lindall looks like he wishes the floor would open up and swallow him. His captain looks enraged.

"I told you COMPLETE cooperation, Lindall. If you are holding anything back cough it up. Now! I know you are desperate for a career making bust. This could be the one if you work with these men and women. Get your head out of your ass and do the fucking job or plan on looking for a new job." He turns back to Hotch. "You have anymore issues with Lindall call me. I want this bastard found and I know how you work. You may know my cousin Malcolm Sooner."

The surprise on Hotch's face is obvious. "I know him well. He's a good agent."

"Thanks, Hotchner. Lindall and I are going to head back to our offices so he can get whatever he hasn't passed onto you yet. We'll have everything to you by 3."

"Thank you," Hotch says sincerely. After the two cops leave, Hotch looks at Morgan and Emily. "Well…didn't expect that."

Morgan leans forward onto the table. "Hotch, I think I am more worried now than I was before. Lindall intimated that his boss wasn't happy about us being here."

Hotch lifts a brow. "Really?" Morgan nods. "Go over everything with a fine toothed comb. If anything seems off or seems to be missing, let me know and I will handle it."

Morgan nods. "Will do."

Emily and Hotch exchange a look. Both know if Lindall tries to screw them over again Morgan will probably lose his temper again. Emily gives Hotch a nod, wordlessly promising to keep an eye on him the way he kept on eye on her when she needed a break. It is obvious to both of them Morgan needs a vacation. Soon.

Garcia sits up as a hunch she had seems to be panning out better than the requested searches. She saves the latest info to the share drive and hurries to the conference room. She once again finds JJ lying on the floor with her feet up.

"Panic needed?" Garcia asks.

"Nope. Just need to watch my salt intake a bit better. Not easy when the nesters want pickles," JJ explains. "What do you need?"

"I sent the search showing large amounts of fertilizer purchases to Morgan but nothing jumped out at me as odd. A lot of commercial use or people with a lot of land that might use it for personal use, you know?" JJ nods. "So I redid the search showing amounts that were higher than a city yard but not enough to throw up a red flag for BATFE. I then narrowed the search down to people that had never made that sort of purchase before and came up with 20 names. Now, some may be new property owners or people who are just getting into gardening but maybe, just maybe, someone is our bad guy."

JJ sits up. "Are these amounts enough to account for the bombs so far?"

"Uh, no. BUT what if it was several someone's so they can spread out the buys AND it would explain the lack of links between victims if each one was targeted for a different reason!"

JJ slowly nods. "That's freaking brilliant, Pen. Info in the share drive?" Garcia nods. "I'll start through it and get some names rolling for background checks. If your brainstorm turns out to be the break we need I am SO buying you lots of chocolates and making Em buy you lots of pretty things."

JJ regretfully sits in a chair at the table so she can get on her computer. Garcia hurries back to her lair hoping she has found a way to break the case open.

Security store manager Billy Johns grins as he opens the box and finds the cool Nerf gun inside. He chuckles as he pulls it out and locks the dart back.

"Hey, Stitch! Check this out! I think it's from that job last week."

Stitch turns and looks at his boss. He frowns. "They sent a toy?"

Johns nods. "Yep. Duck!"

Stitch had seen the news that morning. He had seen the warning put out by some Federal Agent. His eyes get wide.

"NO! DON'T FI- -"

The gun explodes, killing Johns immediately. The blast sets off the fuel gel in the packing bubbles, which explode and cover Stitch in flames. The man screams and spins, panicking as he is engulfed in flames. Other employees scream and try to get to fire extinguishers. But Billy falls against a display of cameras…setting off a second explosion from the dummy box that had been left there the day before.

More panic ensues. Flames now lick all the way up to a display right near the front doors. Two employees race for freedom…and flames set off the third explosion, blocking their exit. The men look around. They cannot get to the back door. They cannot get to the front door. They exchange a look as the smoke makes breathing hard. One man points to the front of the store. It's the path of least resistance.

They clasp hands and race through the flames towards the door. They burst out into the street. Passerby's grab the men and help them roll to put out the flames on their clothes. The men are badly burned and coughing as the EMT's arrive to give them aid. One man, shivering as his body goes into shock is whispering something. An EMT leans close.

"What is it, man?"

"Ner…gun…ki…fla…"

The EMT nods. "Okay. Got it. I'll tell the police. Swear."

The man passes out as the EMT begins life saving procedures. His partner looks up.

"What did he say?"

"No fucking clue. Just wanted him to stop trying to talk so we could treat him."

The other EMT nods, having also done the same for victims where all they could do was offer a moment of comfort in situations whose outcome is sadly a foregone conclusion.