Chapter 6: Copycat

"Conference room, now!" Hotch commanded as he gathered up the whole team, plus Strauss.

"What's this about?" Reid asked.

"I just received a note from an anonymous source," Hotch explained, "it said 'you should have made the deal.'" He showed the team the contents of the note, which included the Eye of Providence.

"But, that's not possible!" JJ exclaimed, "Foyet's dead!" Just then, Grace—his daughter walked in.

"Is this about the notes?" Grace asked.

"Yes." Hotch's eyebrows furrowed.

"I got a note, too, sir," Grace said. Hotch took the envelope and read the contents of the note:

If you stop hunting me, I stop hunting them. Til death do us part.

"That's not possible!" Grace exclaimed, "you killed him with your bare hands!" He's DEAD!" Grace freaked out.

"Guys, a couple Martha and Bart Johnson just turned up dead in Boston. Daughter reported them missing. Said they never returned home from a concert last night. Also, the Eye of Providence was found on their car and the words "for Grace," was written in their blood," Garcia announced as she stormed in the round table room."

"This is clearly a copycat," Rossi said, "who has some special interest in Grace."

"I agree. It's a copycat who's just getting started. Wheels up in thirty. Grace, I need to see you for a minute."

As the rest of the team boarded the jet, Hotch said to Grace, "I don't want you working this case."

"Why?" Grace asked.

"Because it's too personal for you. You are his flesh and blood. The unsub could know you personally—which means you could be in danger."

"It's personal for you, too!" Grace exclaimed, "he killed your wife!" Hotch flinched.

"Sorry," she said, "but besides you, I am the only one who knows him personally. I studied his case. Hell, I'm his daughter. Besides you, I know him better than anyone!" Hotch nodded. He had to agree with her.

"You're going to here some things that may be...difficult. I'm going to have to tell you everything that happened to me. It could be connected to me, too. I mean, I got the first note," the Unit Chief said.

"Or, what if it's directed at both of us, given our history with him?" the Reaper's daughter asked. Hotch nodded. It was a good point.

"Alright, meet us in the jet," Hotch said. As the new agent walked away, Hotch thought Good thing the only thing she got from her father was his determination. At least she used it for good.

"Why the Reaper?" Strauss asked.

"He's the most prolific serial killer in Boston," Rossi said.

"Most copycats copy famous criminals to get attention or because they're in love with the killer," Grace said, "this one's personal."

"If it involves you and Hotch, damn right, it's personal," Rossi said.

"Dave," Hotch said softly.

"Still, his MO was pretty complex," JJ said, "and he changed it according to his mission, just as he did with Shaugnessy and Hotch."

"Who's Shaugnessy?" Grace asked.

"The detective he made the original deal with," Hotch answered, "we should look at his family and the victims. Anyone who might have a grudge against the B.A.U for taking ten years to solve it."

"Yeah, but the words 'for Grace were written at the crime scene," the newest member pointed out.

"An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us," Rossi answered, "you might be a part of his end game."

"Strauss and I will set up at the headquarters. Reid, you and Rossi check out the latest crime scene."

"Uh, Hotch?" Grace asked, "while we're here, I'd like to see my relatives. Uncle Bo hasn't seen me in a long time."

"Actually, that's a good idea," Hotch said, "take JJ with you. Your relatives may be able to give us some key information. It might take your mind off things. And, Grace, we can't rule them out, too."

"I think we can rule out my uncle Bo," she retorted.

"Why?" JJ asked. Grace whipped out her phone and showed them a picture. A fat man in a Hawaiian shirt smiled at the camera.

"Uncle Bo was a really good guy. But he smoked more cigarettes that Popeye. And, he's diabetic. I've been on him about his eating habits ever since I was twelve." She rolled her eyes. Despite the severity of the situation, the team laughed. Hotch had to stifle a chuckle, trying to take their mind off of the tension radiating in the room.

"We might talk to him anyway," JJ offered, "he might be able to help us out." Grace nodded.

"Are there any members of your family who have a grudge against you?" Rossi asked.

"Grandma Ruby always told me I was cursed from day one."

"What about relatives who were too close to your father?" Hotch asked.

She scrunched up her face.

"The only one I can think of is his cousin, Ben. But, he's in trouble all the damn time. Things like DUIs, drunk and disorderly, the guy's in jail every week it seems. He's been that way since high school. He and my father more or less fed off of one another."

"DUIs don't really say 'serial killer,' though," Reid pointed out.

"I'll talk to him," Grace offered, "I'm gonna be catching up with Uncle Bo anyway."

When they got off the plane, Hotch stopped Grace and said, "I didn't mean to interrogate you like that. It's just, you're the best shot we have at finding him. And, if it's personal," Hotch stopped and shrugged, "I'd hate to think one of your relative's involved. That's why I made JJ go with you."

"It's fine, Hotch," Grace said, "I understand. Besides, the unsub could go after my other relatives."

"I know."

"I just don't want it to come to that. I don't want any other people to die because of me."