A quick walk down the alleyway verified that it was Roger Steadman's car parked in the spot behind the building.
"Let me call for back up." Rossi pulled out his phone and pushed a button.
"Hotch," he spoke into the phone. "We think we have him! He appears to be renting an apartment two buildings down from where his car was ticketed. We think he is in there now."
"Yes," Rossi continued. "We'll wait for back-up. Thanks!"
"They are on their way?" Morgan guessed.
"And we are to stay put," Rossi completed their instructions.
"Vests?" Morgan suggested.
"Probably a good idea," Rossi agreed, heading back into the toy store. "We'll need to be ready when the back-up arrives."
"Rossi," Morgan began thoughtfully after they had donned their Kevlar vests and returned to the alley to wait. "As far as we know this guy works alone, right?"
"Don't go there, Morgan!" Rossi warned him.
"And, we suspect that he has a woman up there right now, probably beginning his torture routine on her," Morgan continued.
"Morgan!" Rossi warned him again.
"And, it appears that the store on the first floor is closed for the night, with no one in there. So what harm would it do if I just crept up the stairs and listened outside the door?" Morgan persisted. "I might be able to determine which apartment he is in, as well as get some insight as to where exactly he is in the apartment – either the front room or the back room."
"I know you don't like inactivity and I know you want to make sure we get this victim out alive," Rossi told him. "But, do you really think that would be wise? Both for her and for you? We aren't sure what this guy is capable of."
"I know, Rossi," Morgan sighed. "But – "
"Just creep up and listen at the door?" Rossi thought aloud. "Just listen – Right?" He realized that he too was beginning to feel restless.
"Right," Morgan grinned at him before cautiously making his way over to the building's back door. Taking a deep breath, Rossi followed.
As expected, the back door opened into a small lobby area. A door to their right undoubtedly led into the store which occupied the first floor, while the staircase directly in front of them led up to the second floor.
When they got to the top of the stairs, the agents saw two doors. Quietly, with weapons drawn, they waited outside the first one, listening.
"Nothing," Morgan reported. "Let's – " He nodded towards the second door.
As they started to move, Rossi suddenly stiffened. "Did you hear that?" he asked.
"Maybe – " Morgan returned to his place in front of the door and leaned closer.
"Again," Rossi looked over at him. "It sounds like someone is trying to scream but their mouth is gagged."
"Well – This does seem rather flimsy." Morgan stepped back and examined the door.
"There it is again!" Rossi declared, holding up his weapon. "Go ahead - Kick that sucker in!"
"Roger Steadman, FBI. We are coming in!" Morgan yelled as he kicked the door open and the two agents charged into the apartment.