I do not own Criminal Minds or its characters, including Theo. I do own Jackie, Lucas, Jo, PJ, and Dexter.
Graphic Warning: Viewer Discretion Advised
Also, I've left an important message at the end of this chapter. It's vital that you read it!
No sooner after Theo had talked to PJ that day, he got right to work reviewing all of the request cases that he and Agent Prentiss had looked over together earlier. Her, Spencer Reid as well as the rest of their team had to leave for a case. So he was left to make the tough decision of choosing which case was most important out of all the others. If he could, he would have taken on all of them. But he knew that they could only handle one of them. And after going over every single one of them multiple times, he agreed that the possible resurface of a serial killer in Minnesota was the most urgent. Therefore, he texted the members of the Second Division to meet up immediately.
When he walked into the conference room, he saw that PJ, Lucas and Jo were already there. He wasn't surprised to find that PJ had gotten in there before him. His friend had advised him how to choose which case they ought to do and had seemed confident that Theo would make a quick choice as to where they would be going. But he didn't expect Lucas or Jo to arrive so soon.
"Archer, Baker, you two are here early" he told them as he put his to-go bag down by a seat.
"We were both setting up our new offices" Lucas told him.
"Got your text about a case and came here as soon as we could" Jo added.
"Great" he said happily. "Now, we just need to wait on…"
"And we're here" he heard Jackie's sarcastic voice. He quickly turned to see her and Dexter walking in. "Would have arrived sooner. But, this guy couldn't stop bragging about his new room." Her thumb pointed to Dexter, who strolled behind her.
"It's called a den" Dexter scolded her. "And try to respect it."
Theo shook his head in annoyance. He was well aware of Jackie and Dexter's sibling-like relationship since college. Those two were known to have a ridiculous prank war between each other and they bicker constantly. Yet, they still considered each other as close friends. Good thing none of them would have to worry about hearing their arguing or be thrown in the middle of a prank battle during the case. For Dexter would be working here in Quanico with researching info and data, while Jackie worked with them in the field. He was really looking forward to that.
"Just keep all of your tech stuff to yourself, while the real heroes do their thing" Jackie told Dexter as she sat down.
Dexter stood by Theo as they drew their attention to the big screen. Good thing he had sent Dexter the information about the case ahead of time. Now, he wouldn't have to explain everything on his own.
"Well, Shepherd, let me show you what you will be dealing with" Dexter began while holding the clicker that controlled the screen slides. "Your very first official assignment will take you all to a small town in Minnesota." He pulled up the body of a man who'd been shot in the head and his right leg with an arrow. Perhaps he should have given them all a heads up on the gruesome scene.
"Last night, exactly eleven hours ago, the body of Gregg Marsh was discovered by a hunting party in Gracetown, Minnesota" Theo explained. "He'd been shot with an arrow in the leg, then shot in the head by a gun."
"Just four days earlier" Dexter added as he pulled up a photo of a woman with multiple wounds to her stomach. "Cindy Hilled, from the same area, was found with multiple arrow wounds in her backyard."
"Different victim types, different locations and different forms of killing" Lucas informed. "That's odd for a serial killer."
"We sure that this is serial?" Jo questioned. "Not to be doubtful. But, usually, three is the basic number to refer this unsub as a serial killer."
Theo took a deep breath. "That's the thing. These may not have been his first kills."
They all stared at him with confusion. Then, Dexter pulled up seven more photos of people who had either been shot with an arrow or a gun. Three had been hung upside down on a tree. Two had been beaten to death. The other two had arrow wounds on their chests.
"These are just seven victims from the same area of the exact same timeline" Theo explained. "The unsub got a total of thirteen victims."
"Thirteen?" Jackie questioned. "Why didn't the BAU send the original team in when these murders first began?"
"They couldn't" Dexter explained. "This unsub was active from late March to Early May of 2020."
Lucas nodded. "During the Covid-19 lockdown."
"Exactly. The BAU had been required to take a break from any cases during that time. When things began to lighten up, the murders stopped and the trail went cold."
"Did the local police at least make a list of possible suspects?" Jo asked.
"And keep the autopsy reports from the previous victims?" PJ added.
Theo nodded. "Something like this in a small town doesn't just end up lost. Local law enforcement has every file on this case. We'll have time to look over it all on the jet."
"Wait, what about the original team?" Lucas asked. "I know that we're all excited to get right away with our first case. But, shouldn't the original team take this, since they were supposed to be called to take it in the first place?"
He wasn't surprised that Lucas was thinking that the original members of the BAU should take this case. They did have more experience and had great track records for solving cases and catching unsubs very quickly. But this was no time to doubt themselves. "Dr. Reid and the other BAU first division members already accepted a call in Los Angelus. And Gracetown can't wait for them. This unsub has already risen his kill list to fifteen. Who knows how many more victims he's targeting right now?"
From the other members' nods, he knew that they all had an agreement. Those people in Gracetown needed them. They had to find this killer before they strike again. And if the first division couldn't do it, they would. After all, they did help catch a serial killer before. And this time, they would be working as real member of the BAU. This case shouldn't be any harder than their previous one. Who knows, they just might make it back home within a few days.
"Good" he told them. "This maybe our first case, but we've all passed our exams, both physical and mentally. And know that we are more than ready to call ourselves FBI agents. Don't also forget, we helped catch a serial killer before and that was on our own. This time, we'll be working with Gracetown's law enforcement. We won't have to do everything on our own. So, no hesitations. Wheels up in twenty."
As they all readied their gear, Theo couldn't help but worry about this case. He knew that Prentiss had seemed confident that him and the team would solve whichever case he chose. But still. He knew that one false move could mean that others would get hurt because of him. Still, he knew they were successful before and had no doubt that his team was ready for their first real case. With that, he got his gear and headed for the jet.
So, looks like our heroes are going to Minnesota. What will they encounter when they arrived? Stay tuned!
P.S. On the previous chapter, I told you about a man who is so cold hearted that he did a monstrous act to a wolf cub. Now, it pains me to say that most of the citizens of his home town do not appear to be any better. In Daniel, Wyoming where the horrific act took place, animal lovers and advocates came from all across the country to rally for stricter animal protection laws so that no other living creature ever has to suffer in the hands of an evil excuse for a human being ever again. However, before they had the chance to spread their message for peace between humans and wildlife, the residence of Daniel, Wyoming blocked off parking lots, used cattle trailers to cut off roads and even the police helped to intimidate everyone who was there to speak on behalf of wildlife. Some despicable resident had even killed an innocent coyote puppy and taped its mouth, then showed it off in front of them just to intimidate them. How could anyone ever consider aiding a monster? How could anyone mock someone who selflessly stands up for those who have no voice to speak for themselves? How could an entire town be so cruel to animals and is willing to defend a man without a soul? Are there any true animal lovers in Wyoming? If there are, please don't let these animal abusers be the faces of your home. If you want Daniel, Wyoming to be anything more than a town where animals are tormented, then speak up for yourselves. Stand up to these bullies who are nothing but cowards who pick on those without a voice. Someone once said "protecting animals is what makes us human." Anyone who takes pleasure in harming animals and stands alongside someone who does is no human. Be a hero for these creatures as well as yourselves. If we all stand up against these animal abusers, then we can save innocent lives.