Discerning

A Criminal Minds Story

A nine year old boy died just a few hours earlier. He was killed right in front of his father while exiting a gas station by an LDSK. Or Long Distance Serial Killer. And now JJ and Reid were at that house about to interview the victim's parents and dig into the life of their little boy. It wasn't the first time.

But it never felt right.

JJ took a deep breath as they knocked on the door. Her apprehension didn't go unnoticed by Reid who stood in the dark on that front step beside her. It worried him. Then again he hasn't stop worrying about her since she lost her entire family two years ago and he wondered if maybe he should say something.

"Hey J-."

The door swung open.

Shutting his mouth he made a mental note to talk to her at a later time.

"Hi. Mr. Darwin? I'm Agent Jennifer Jareau, this is Dr. Reid. We're with the FBI, may we come in?" JJ asked politely as she looked at the tear-stained, weary-eyed father. They both noted the blood that currently resided on his shirt.

"Yes, please. I was told you were coming," He led them into the doorway where they were met by the distraught mother, "This is my wife Janice."

A faded teddy bear was being held tightly in her shaking hands.

"Is there a place we could talk?" Reid faltered a bit as he stood slightly behind JJ. Janice nodded and led them to their living room.

"I'm sorry about the mess," Her voice trembled as she scanned the toys that were strewn all over the floor, "I've been meaning to clean it up."

"Don't worry about it. You have a beautiful house," JJ assured her as she sat down, "We are really sorry for your loss."

Reid nodded in agreement. It wasn't often that he was asked to talk to the families, "Mr. and Mrs. Darwin, I'm sorry to have to ask you this, but is there any one that you could think of who could want to harm your son? Or even one of you?"

The father looked at Reid incredulously, "You think it was someone we know?"

"We're just trying every possibility. We would like to stop this guy before he kills someone else," JJ added calmly, noticing the father's temper rising. They also noticed how the two parents sat on opposite ends of the couch, "Why don't you tell us about Jeffery. He is nine years old?"

"Yes. He is our oldest. Our other two children are asleep, I don't think they understand what's happening," Janice cried out.

"That's probably for the best right now," Reid smiled warmly, "Did Jeffery have lots of friends? Have you noticed any strange interaction lately?"

"No.. No… I don't think so," Janice wiped her eyes as she stood up, "I'm sorry this is just too much. I- I'll go make some tea. Would you like some tea?"

"I'll help you," JJ smiled as she helped guide the grieving mother to the kitchen and sat her down in a kitchen chair while she asked where things were.

"Do you have children, Agent Jareau?" JJ flinched as she set the mug on the counter.

"I did." The mother looked up, interest flashed through her eyes.

"I'm sorry. May I ask what happened?"

"He," JJ paused, "He was killed a few years ago."

"I'm sorry. How old would he be?"

"Eight." Janice choked back a sob as she glanced at the ring on her left hand.

"You stayed with his father?" She really didn't mean to pry, "How'd you both get through it? I can hardly look at Ethan right now. It's awful I know, but I just feel like he should have protected Jeffrey. They should not have even been at the station. But Jeffrey was thirsty and Ethan always spoiled them."

"Well I actually." JJ stuttered as she debated whether she should tell the truth or not.

"You didn't stay together?" Janice whispered wondering if that was her coming fate as well.

"Well no, He and my little boy they were both killed the same night. I know that wasn't the answer you were hoping for, but I can I share something with you?" Janice nodded eagerly as she looked sympathetically towards the younger woman, "When they were killed, I was right there and I couldn't stop it. For a long time I blamed myself and not the monster that killed them. But my family, they were my lifeline and by just holding on to them and them not letting me go… that is the reason I am here right now. They saved me. This might not be my place, but I can see that your husband loves you, and he needs you. If you can just hang on to each other… I honestly believe you'll be alright. This pain you're feeling, it never goes away, but it does get better. And you'll always remember Jefferey."

Janice sniffled as she reached over to embrace the agent and for the first time since she received that horrid phone call she felt like they would be okay. Seeing a living example in front of her, she knew that it was possible for her, and her family to stay together and to live. As the teapot screamed, Janice let go and watched as JJ placed a fresh cup of tea in front of her.

It was just a small gesture.

Clutching the heated mug tightly, Janice nodded as the agent said goodbye.

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Darwin," Janice heard Dr. Reid state as they stood at the door, "We are very sorry for your loss."

Janice watched as her husband nodded, waiting as they descended their front steps. As she took a sip of her tea she cast her eyes at the Jeffrey's faded bear that lay unloved on the counter.

"Agents! Wait," She cried jumping up from the chair and racing towards the door, the bear flailing about in her hand. The two agents stopped, looking at her expectantly.

JJ walked back towards her.

"Did you catch him? The person the killed your little boy?" JJ gave her a warm smile.

"We did." Janice nodded as she handed over the bear. JJ didn't reach for it as she shook her head towards the mother.

She couldn't take it.

"Please. Jefferey hated this bear anyway, but he never got rid of it…," Janice mused "Please. And promise me that you'll find the man who took my baby from me."

JJ fingered the bear before taking it and continuing her path towards the car, just as she was about to get in. She gave the parents a genuine answer, "We will do everything we can."

That was a promise she could make.

Getting in the car, she examined the well loved bear, unable to stop the single tear the fell down her cheek.

"Looks like they'll be okay, the Darwins," Reid smiled as he watched the couple hold each other close before he pulled away.

"I hope so."

"We'll be okay too, you know?"

"I know."

At the crime scene.

Derek Morgan sighed as he finished interviewing the teenaged clerk and started towards his team.

"What did you get?" Hotch asked as he stood by the blood pool on the ground.

"Kid couldn't remember a thing, just a lot of screaming and three loud booms. He's pretty shaken up."

"None of the witnesses were helpful either," Emily added joining the group.

"It's unusual that he only kills once. Did you say the kid hear three booms?" Dave stated examining his surroundings as Derek nodded.

"What are you thinking Dave?" Hotch asked.

"I'm thinking. That we aren't dealing with a skilled gunman. Did CSU find any more bullets?"

"One in the side of the station and one pierced a car window."

"So he could be young and inexperienced with firearms" Emily added as she stifled a yawn.

"That's what I'm thinking. But that still doesn't explain his victims…,"

"Well. Let's head to the station and see if we can get a profile. So far he has killed someone every 12 hours. If he sticks to that pattern," Hotch glanced at his watch.

"We have six hours," Dave finished.

It would take a miracle, but each agent hoped they would be able to stop him in time.

Alrighty! How was it? Please let me know if you have any suggestions or criticisms. And thank you for the reviews and for reading! You're the best.

Thanks!

-HCB