Here's the new chapter!
I'm trying to update more regularly, but it's hard with exams.
Maybe that'll be my New Year's Resolution?
Enjoy
Your writing is so amazing. I love your characters. I love your writing style. I live for your words. I breathe for each new installation. If I didn't have you to read every day, I don't know what I would do. I eagerly await your next chapter with baited breath.
You did not update today. Where is your new masterpiece! WHY ARE YOU DENYING ME! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME! HOW COULD YOU NEGLECT ME SO!
I would kill for you. I would die for you. Please keep writing. My heart races when I see you have updated. I long for every letter you type. You're words touch and caress me so. I love you.
"All the posts are labeled anonymously, but the source and IP are the same," Garcia explained as everyone read over the comments and many others like it. She looked back at the team and recognized the calculation in all their faces. "There are thousands of them just like these, all from the same username HalsSecret_Lover345. Their IP address is in Reedville, right next to Fleeton."
"Well, the comments reflect that of an obsessed fan," Morgan commented as he scrolled through the various others from their new suspect.
"JJ and Reid, go and find out more information on our suspect," Hotch said looking towards the younger member and the young blond. Both nodded and disappeared out of the techie's makeshift headquarters in her and the other female agents' bedroom. "Garcia, print off all these comments and find out if there is any more like it from someone else." He looked at Prentiss and Morgan, "You two go and give the sheriff a progress report and ask if there's anyone with a record for breaking and entering or acts of violence."
They too nodded and left. Hotch followed them out and closed the door behind him.
"Wait, Hotch, sir?" Garcia called turning around in her chair. Hotch stepped back inside and gave her his attention. She swallowed and stood from her chair. "It's just that I, uh, was looking over the comments and no one showed nearly as close an obsession as this."
Hotch tensed and felt his mind flip over the information. He didn't answer, but felt his heart sink from the disappointment that flooded him. "We'll see what the others find out. In the meantime, look over the brief reviews. The ones that say 'nice job' or 'great chapter.' Then find the reviewers that wrote the most. Get me a list of them."
"Yes sir."
"Do you want to tell me why Hotch had plaster over his nose?" JJ asked as she drove down the main road towards their destination. Large houses passed by, some painted in bright colors and others more subdued in their exteriors. She smiled playfully and glanced at him when she caught the rise of color in his face. "Was it you or did someone else take a crack at your boyfriend?"
"It's a long story, but it wasn't me. I wouldn't be able to punch Hotch," Reid stated looking down at the address. He looked at the house number on the mail box they passed. "It should be the next one."
"You'll have to tell me later then," She joked and pulled into the driveway. "Who are we looking for?"
"A Michael Shepherd."
"Alright," JJ said as she cut off the engine and stepped out. Reid followed her and slipped behind her as they made their way up the long walkway to an old pre-civil war home. Reid hit the doorbell and the sound of old bells echoed from the house. He smiled a little and stepped back.
The door opened and a young girl around eighteen or so stood, her shoulder length hair a dirty blonde shade and her eyes a bright blue. "Oh, Agent Jarreau!"
"Alice," JJ said surprised. She glanced at Reid who looked as shocked as she was. "We were looking for a Michael Shepherd. Maybe we have the wrong-?"
"Oh, no, that's my younger brother," she offered smiling. "He's here-." She stopped and her bright face fell. "I'm sorry, why do you want to see him?"
"We were called in onto the investigation you brought before us. Your brother's name came up during some of our research and we just want to talk to him." JJ informed in her gentle, but professional tone.
"Alright, he's probably up on his computer," Alice sighed. She stepped back. "Come in."
JJ entered followed by Reid. Alice shut and locked the door. She looked at Reid and her brows knit together. "Take a seat and I'll go get him. I warn you he's a little… odd."
Before either of the agents could ask how, Alice hurried up the staircase nearby. Reid and JJ shared a confused look, but they shrugged and moved into the living room and sat on the couch.
A few minutes later Alice returned with a boy a couple years younger but taller than her walking close behind. His hair was died black, kept shoulder length and messy. His shoulders were broad, his physique strong and sure as he walked in and sat in the chair closest to Reid. Both agents shared a glance and turned towards him. "Um, Michael Shepherd, I'm Dr. Spencer Reid and this is Jennifer Jarreau. We're with the FBI and we were called in to investigate the, um, murders that have been occurring in the next town over." Spencer introduced. JJ suppressed a smile. She remembered when Spencer would try to fade into the background and say as little as possible. He had gained more confidence since he and Hotch got together. JJ was right. They were what was best for each other.
Michael sat up straighter and looked at Reid with an indescribable look. JJ felt uneasiness, but took a deep breath. "We were wondering if you had ever heard of Hade's Realm by Hal?"
The intense, lurking look melted into one of adoration. The glowering expression switched to a dreamy grin. The transformation was uncanny and Reid was certain they were looking at a different person. "I love Hal. He's a god come to earth. A Muse in disguise of a man. I would do anything for him. He's my master."
Reid and JJ glanced at each other and looked back at the suspect. "You read his works then?" JJ asked.
Michael nodded vigorously. "I've read all his stories. Even before he shared his own things. He's a genius. An artist with words. I would die for him." He smiled wider. "If I didn't have his stories I don't know how my life would have meaning."
Reid swallowed and nodded. "Well, the murders, I'm sure you know, are based off his stories-."
The smile and admiration vanished as quickly as it came. He snarled, "Whoever is doing that is an imposter! Hal would never accept such homage! He's a good, honest, beautiful man. No true fan would do something so heinous to him!"
"Okay, well thank you for your time," JJ smiled and stood. "It was nice to meet you. We'll keep in touch if anything comes up. Thank you," she smiled at Alice and nodded and stepped away. Reid followed her and they entered the foyer. Alice followed.
"You don't think he's a killer do you?" She asked quietly, looking embarrassed and worried.
"No, but he's definitely obsessive. You may want to keep an eye on him, but other than that, he's harmless," JJ offered and looked at Reid. The younger agent nodded and they bid farewell and left.
Outside they made their way to the car. "So, he definitely enjoys the stories." Reid opened his car door with his sarcastic comment.
JJ smiled and shook her head. "Yes, but not enough to murder. In theory, at least, he's safe for now. We'll have to keep some sort of eye on him though."
"Agreed."
Cles sighed as he threw together ingredients in the large pot of red sauce. He stirred gently and watched the ingredients blend and disappear. Another sigh escaped his lips as he let his mind wonder towards his latest story. It had been a few days since he had been visited by those agents and had his computer confiscated. The young brunette agent had stopped by the following day and brought him a replacement. He was tempted to say it was unnecessary, but he hated typing on his tablet. Taking the computer, he got a vague process report that basically told him nothing.
Thankfully, no one else had been killed as of yet.
Another sigh passed over his lips and he turned away and hummed to himself as he moved towards the living room. He hated days off. They were so tedious. He turned towards the television and picked up the remote. As he pressed the on button, the buzzer at his door went off. He laughed as his cat jumped and ran for the bedroom. Standing he made his way to the front door and hit the button on his buzzer. "Hello?"
"There's a large package for you down here," the young woman at the front door offered sweetly. He knew she had a crush on Adrik and him and had yet to realize they were devoted to each other.
"Alright, I'll be down in a minute."
He turned and grabbed his keys before stepping out and locking the door behind him.
The ride down the elevator was uneventful. A maintenance worker tried chatting him up, but he was polite and insistent on small talk. When he reached the lobby he hurried out and to the front desk. The woman smiled up at him and handed it over. It was relatively large, heavy and completely unexpected. "Who brought it in?" He asked as he used his keys to work the tape.
"A UPS guy. The cute one with broad shoulders."
Cles tried not to roll his eyes and finished off the packing tape. He pulled the flap back and peered inside and nearly blacked out.
He closed his eyes and opened them slowly to peer back inside. The object had yet to change and he moved his hands away from it and turned towards the girl. "Can I use your phone?" He asked calmly.
"Sure, but why? Is it not what you ordered?"
"I would think not," he said closing the flaps and taking the phone as it was passed to him. He punched in the number he memorized and waited. The strong voice of the older agent that had been in his apartment came through. "Hello, this is Cles, um, something just came up and I think you need to get over here. And bring a forensics team."
The girl looked at him curiously and tried to peer into the box. However, Cles waved her indignantly away and turned from her. "Yes, it's a delicate matter, best not discussed in mixed company-."
The girl shrieked behind him and he closed his eyes. A thud followed as the attendant fainted after opening the box.
Chapter 5- End
TBC
Next chapter will have a huge Hotch/Reid moment!