Discerning

A Criminal Minds Story

From his small perch Jason Rupert watched excitedly as several workers hustled about setting up the stage for the much anticipated concert later that evening. It was nearly complete, and he could hardly wait for the large masses of people to arrive.

Yep, lots and lots of innocent people who think the only thing they have to fear was the bitterly cold weather.

So very naïve.

His large grin was concealed underneath his scarf as he nodded politely at a passing couple; everything was going according to plan. Jason resisted the urge to laugh maniacally at his own success, but couldn't help the subdued chuckle that escaped his throat.

As he watched the finishing touches spruce up the stage his fingers started to twitch. Jason began fighting his inner urge to pull out his weapon… and… and… He shook the thought away, pleasing his mind with the picture of hundreds, not tens, but hundreds of people running in a wild panic with utterly pure fear controlling their actions. Rubbing his hands together in an ugly satisfaction, he rejoiced at his coming opportunity to make his fantasy real. He couldn't waste it. And if he does… now that's a scary thought.

Rewarding himself for his surprisingly comedic comment he didn't hear the footsteps coming from behind him.

"Hey Kid, what are you doing?" A gruff voice commanded. Jason tumbled off of the bench an exasperated squeal.

"Um, I, I'm," He gasped as his scarf unraveled its hold on his face, "I'm waiting for the concert to start. I'm so excited."

"Didn't you hear?" The large man, in a security uniform sighed as he watched the young man rewrap the scarf, "It's cancelled and we're evacuating the park, so get going."

Jason clenched his hands as he fought the growing anger inside of him, "Why?"

"Apparently the Feds think that the culprit behind the recent shooting would strike here next. It's fine with me, it's much too cold to be out here anyway," The man added indifferently, before walking away, he added to himself mostly, "I hear they're pretty much giving the entire state a curfew."

"Who do they think they are," Jason grumbled as he grabbed his duffel bag and ran out of the park as he glanced at his watch hoping that he could make it to one of his alternate events in time. As the images of panicked eyes and scream-filled chaos, that kept his innate need to create fear quenched, he knew that as they diminished he would lose control.

And as for the FBI,

Jason Rupert would make sure that they feared him.

Back at the station

"So I got the concert and the club to reschedule, but they weren't happy about it," Jennifer Jareau said as she leaned back into her chair yawning. Glancing at her clock she saw that it was nearing nine, she had a small hope that they would be allowed to go home soon, but she knew it wouldn't happen. Yet they all were running on fumes and was slightly surprised they were all functioning as well as they are. Shrugging to herself, she gingerly placed a finger on her bruise and poked it, wincing slightly.

I should probably call Will and tell him that I might not be home tonight, JJ thought before she remembered and groaned silently. It was the little things that still hurt the most. Holidays and birthdays were hard, but it seemed to be the everyday that hit the worst. Going home to an empty house, not reading a bedtime story to her baby boy and not needing to let her husband know she won't be home. And then JJ would wonder if Henry would even like bedtime stories anymore, or if he would have thought he was too old for them.

And then she'd think that she ought to be dead too.

But then she'd think of Will and Henry… and they wouldn't want her to give up her life so easily.

"Will," She prayed in a silent plea, "I'm so sorry."

Emily hung up the phone, with a frustrated grunt, but stopped as she looked worriedly at her friend. She had witnessed JJ's sudden change in attitude. Then again, it could be that she was just exhausted. They all are.

"I got the company and the gallery to shut down too," Emily stated as she looked pointedly at Reid, who was reading a book in the chair and Garcia who was leaning against her chair fast asleep.

"It's actually quite simple," Reid slurred and both Emily and JJ looked over confused.

"What did you say?" Emily asked.

"A unicorn was at one point believed to be real. And are actually quite fascinating, being one of few creatures to not associated with evil or dark such as fear, but is actually a symbol of purity and beauty," Reid muttered still not looking up from his book.

JJ bit back a chuckle while Emily realized that he had not once turned a page of his book. Smiling she turned to JJ, putting her hands underneath her chin to indicate that Reid was sleeping.

"That's Captivating."

"And the name Unicorn actually comes from the Latin word "cornus" meaning Horn."

JJ watched with great anticipation as Emily neared the unsuspecting genius. Her hands gripped the edge of her chair as she leaned forward in her seat.

"It's time to wake up Reid," Emily softly spoke, "REID!"

She gave an amused grin as she watched the poor slumbering agent tumble out of his chair with a completely shocked look clinging to his face before he uttered, "I wasn't sleeping."

"AHHH," A Garcia abruptly yelled as sat straight up, Emily jumped slightly at the unexpected result of her actions.

JJ let out a choked laugh as Emily showed her a triumphant look of victory.

"That was uncalled for," Garcia grumbled as she blinked several times.

Both agents quickly apologized before realizing that Reid was still crumpled on the floor. Emily picked up his discarded book as he picked himself up. Reid fixed his clothes before turning his gaze to the two women who were staring happily at him.

"What?" Reid asked.

"Oh nothing," Emily turned away, "Just…"

"How long has it been Spence?" JJ finished politely.

"What?"

"How long have you been dreaming about Unicorns?" Emily raised her eyebrows expectantly.

"I-I-," Reid stuttered but gave a sigh of relief as the rest of the agents entered, "Oh hey! How did the interviews go? Any leads?"

"Not so good," Hotch simply stated, "What did you find out?"

"That Reid has a fascination with Unicorns," Emily slipped in easily.

JJ snorted, as Emily continued.

"We also got the events to reschedule, but other than that, no one here can think of anyone who matches the profile."

"What happens if he can't find an environment that is suitable for him to create panic?" Garcia asked, the recent discovery about Reid still turning in her mind.

"He could patiently wait for another opportunity," Morgan answered, his eyes flickering at the still blushing Reid.

"Or he could go on a spree," Rossi finished.

"Either way, we have to figure out who this Unsub is, or we may never catch him," Hotch added darkly.

"What about the name Rupert, we profiled him as very disorganized; do you think he could have used his real name?" Emily sighed, clinging to an uncertain hope.

"We already had Garcia run a search, but the list was still long, but," Hotch started looking over at the colorful analyst, "Garcia this time, search but limit it to this area and anyone who has recently lost a loved one, most likely a parent or guardian."

Garcia quickly typed away, "Got one Jason Rupert, 25, lived with his mom until she passed away a month ago."

Morgan looked over her shoulder and at the picture on the screen, "Hey Hotch, that's the kid I bumped into earlier."

"Get this, they both had a restraining order against his father, who was reportedly stalking and mentally torturing both his mother and Rupert."

"Where is the father now?" Emily asked.

"He died, oh my goodness, he killed himself after killing his ex-wife."

"That's the stressor," Emily turned her head to look at her team. Hotch nodded at JJ who stood up to go and find the captain.

"Garcia send us his address," Hotch replied before turning to see both JJ and the captain with grim looks on their faces, "What happened?"

"There's been another shooting," Williams grumbled, "Diner, A mother died… in front of her kids."

No one flinched as Morgan's fist hit the wall.

"I need you to tell me everything you know about Jason Rupert," Hotch folded his arms across his chest as he gave the captain as stern look.

"No. Jason… you don't think he did this do you?" But Williams didn't expect an answer because deep down he wasn't all that surprised.

Only sorry that he didn't see it before.

So, I'm sorry that I took so long to update this time. No excuses really. Anyway thank you for your patience and thank you for reading and for the reviews! Please let me know if you have any suggestions or criticisms. You rock!

Thanks!

-HCB