"So, Sheriff, you don't believe these were true UFO sightings," Hotch had arrived at the county sheriff's office and was speaking with Sheriff Larkin, who was overseeing the investigation.
The sheriff scratched his jaw. "To be honest with you, I wouldn't be taking this seriously at all if it weren't for the colored lights mixed in with the white ones," he told Hotch. "But, heck, for all I know some of the local kids painted fireflies and taught them to fly in formation!"
"That would be quite a feat!" Hotch commented. "Do you have any suspects – either for the fireflies or for the murders?"
"We do have a major university to the north of us and another to the south," the sheriff replied. "As well as the research lab that Ms. Snow's husband works at. That makes for some pretty smart parents. As for the kids – Well, that remains to be seen. As far as the murders are concerned, we've run into nothing but dead ends. That's why we called your boss."
"And, we're glad to help," Hotch assured him. "Do you have a place for us to set up?"
"We have a conference room all ready for you," Sheriff Larkin led the way over to a room opening off the bullpen. He opened the door for Hotch and then followed him inside.
"I had my guys move in some evidence boards and a conference room table with some chairs for you to use," he told the agent. "Coffee is just outside your door. If you need anything else, let us know."
"This should be fine," Hotch replied as he looked around the room. "The rest of my team should be arriving shortly and then we'll see where we go from here."
"That scientist fellow showing up, too?" the sheriff didn't sound overly impressed.
"I sent my own celebrity to collect him," Hotch gave an uncharacteristic smirk. "Rossi should be able to keep him under control."
Sheriff Larkin just grunted.