Reid flipped through the case file. Pictures of missing persons popped up on the screen, all having vanished after attending a self-help retreat at "The Garden."
"Twenty-four victims in five years. And our unsub or unsubs seems to have a type. All of them are young, high-achieving, and emotionally vulnerable."
JJ flipped through the pictures, stopping at the most recent person to be reported.
"24 people have been reported missing. Six were found dead. All were going through something difficult: grief, heartbreak, unemployment. That was when they turned to "The Garden"."
Hotch laid his folder out on the table in front of his seat on the jet, his attention landing on a map of a sprawling forest. He flipped through the pictures of the missing, both alive and dead. Finally, there was a mugshot of the cult's leader, Jonathan Kessler.
"This is more than a self-help retreat. It's a strict cult that's lured in two dozen victims that we know of. Some of whom have recently been found buried near the property. The rest are unaccounted for. Kessler isolates his followers and uses fear to demand obedience. Those who defy him are punished harshly, as seen by the wounds on his victims."
Morgan looked through the case file.
"So this guy finds vulnerable people, convinces them that he's some kind of savior, and kills them if they try to get out. Sounds like someone needs to teach him a lesson."
David held up the mugshot from decades prior.
"This isn't Kessler's first run-in with the law. Men like him thrive on control and fear."
Penelope's face popped up on the screen.
"Hello, my crime-fighting friends. I'm so sorry I can't speak with you in person, but I am currently looking through this guy's digital footprint. Bank accounts, phone calls, texts, social media, and anything else I can get my hands on. Spoiler alert: It's all super creepy."
Spencer's gaze remained on the missing person's photos.
"He probably manipulates his victims, promising safety and purpose. Then, once he has them, he uses fear and control to keep them in line."
JJ nodded.
"He preyed on their insecurities and need for a family. His method is simple but effective," she continued, "he isolates his victims, one step at a time, feeds them a distorted view of reality. The longer they stay, the more dependent they are on him."
Prentiss crossed her arms. "He controls their actions and identities until his teachings shape everything they do."
Morgan rubbed a hand against his brow. "We need to find a way to get into The Garden. Send someone on the inside. They can gather intel and help us identify any remaining victims."
"We may have it," Hotch noted, "Sophie Bennett, the most recent person to be reported missing, has recently contacted police. She's doing what she can, but if caught, she will be at the mercy of Kessler and his followers; that's why we couldn't debrief at the round table."
Spencer leaned back in his chair.
"How did she make contact?"
"Through a burner phone she brought on the retreat," Hotch replied."She's been providing helpful information, and the police want to help as many people get out as possible before things turn ugly."
JJ pressed a button, and the recorded call played in the jet.
"91,1 what is your emergency?"
"My name is Sophie Bennett. I'm a member of the garden. I called a few weeks ago. Our leader, Jonathan Kessler, he's not a good person. He's a lir, and a killer. I heard him say he's planning something big. He's calling it a 'test for the chosen one.s' Please, he's gonna hurt us if you don't do something-"
The call ended, and Reid tapped a finger against the table. "Could this 'test for the chosen ones' be a euphemism for mass suicide?"
"We don't know," Hotch answered, "But we do know that Kessler is planning something significant, and he's not afraid to kill to keep his followers."
"That was Sophie's most recent call to the police. In past calls, she has said she can give more information, but not until Sophie is safe and out of The Garden," JJ added, "If she's caught giving too much information, she'll be dead."
Prentiss shook her head. "I can't say I blame her. She's been in this cult for a year now. She knows what happens to the people who step out of line."
"And from what she's told police, Kessler has eyes and ears everywhere on the property. She knows that if she is caught trying to leave, she will be killed," JJ added.
Rossi leaned back in his chair. "We'll need to work quickly then. The more time passes, the less likely Sophie or anyone else on the property makes it out alive."
Hotch nodded. Morgan, I want you and Prentiss to go with the local PD and watch the property. We're trying to keep a low profile right now, so there will be no police presence until we find evidence that the community members are in danger. JJ, you and I will stay at the police station. If Sophie calls, it will be transferred to us. Garcia will continue to search through the financial records, social media, and anything else that can give us information on Kessler and his followers."
"Aye, aye, captain," Garcia said, "If there is anything to find, I will find it."
The plane began to land, and Prentiss checked her watch.
"Time to get to work."
Father Kessler stood at a podium in front of the dining hall, his gaze sweeping across a sea of faces.
"My children," he began, "Today is a day of celebration—a day where we welcome a new member into our ever-expanding family. But first, let us be reminded of the path we have chosen."
Sophie sat on the edge of the dining hall, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Her gaze flickered to those around her. The girl across from her hung onto every word, nodding along. Others sat still, not moving so much as an eyebrow. Sophie knew how to blend in. She nodded at the correct times and avoided eye contact with Father Kessler's gaze swept across the room. She hoped that if things went to shit, this performance could keep her alive.
She wanted to reach for the pendant she usually kept around her neck, but it was hidden along with her journal and burner phone on the property. Not all in the same place, of course, because one of those things being found would be dangerous, but all of them found together would be deadly. The pendant was hidden under her mattress in her sleeping quarters.
Her phone was hidden behind the scrap wood pile behind the chicken coop. She had risked everything to make that first call to the police. The 911 operator had said help was coming. Sophie wanted to know if she could trust them. She wanted to see if they would make it in time.
Kessler's voice rose. "We're not like them. The outside world is sick fand illed with lies and corruption, but here, we are pure. And with purity comes freedom."
"With purity comes freedom," Sophie repeated along with the rest of the crowd.
In her mind, she repeated the words the 911 operator had said almost a week ago.
Help is coming. Just hold on.
"With purity comes strength," Kessler continued.
"With purity comes strength," they all echoed.
Sophie's lips moved soundlessly. Her nails dug into her palm as she began her mantra in her head.
Help is coming.
Kessler raised his hands, calling for silence.
"Today," he said, "A daughter will be renewed. She will be allowed to reflect on her life and choose to trust again. Trust in me and our family; together, we are unstoppable."
Applause erupted, and a girl was brought in front of the crowd. Her head was bowed, and her legs were shaking. Kessler placed a hand on her shoulder.
"My child," he said, "You have chosen this path freely, yes? You wish to leave the old world behind and embrace the freedom we offer here?"
Sophie gripped the table's edge to stop her fingers from trembling and forced a smile on her face. The girl couldn't have been more than nineteen, maybe twenty. The girl nodded. "Y-yes," she said, barely above a whisper.
Sophie's stomach twisted. Just a year prior, she had been at the front of the room, making these same promises.
"Speak up, child," Kessler urged, "Your brothers and sisters need to hear your conviction."
The girl's voice cracked as she tried again. "Yes, I want to stay."
The crowd stood, erupting in cheers, and Sophie joined them.
Just hold on.
Kessler smiled. "Welcome home."
The girl gave a timid smile. Kessler helped her off the platform and into the crowd's embrace. People clasped her hands, patted her shoulders, and said words of welcome. Sophie clapped along, keeping her eyes down.
Kessler raised his hands. "This is what we are. We are a sanctuary for those seeking freedom. We are a family for those cast aside by the outside world. Together, we are unbreakable."
The crowd murmured their agreement. Sophie nodded.
Help is coming.
Kessler smiled, his eyes roaming over the crowd. "But we must remain vigilant. The world seeks to destroy our haven. To return us to its corrupted ways."
Sophie's heart pounded, and she kept her eyes down. Uneasy murmurs filled the room. Sophie's hands gripped each other tightly.
"We cannot allow them to take our sanctuary. We must unite against the forces seeking to tear our family apart."
Sophie's gaze flicked to the girl who had just been welcomed. She stood in the front row, her shoulders hunched.
"By now, you all must see," Kessler said, "The outside world is broken. But here we are whole. Here we are free."
The applause began again, and Sophie forced her hands together.
Just hold on.
The applause died down. Kessler's voice filled the silence like a sword fills a sheath. "Those who stand with us will be rewarded. Those against us will face the consequences of their actions."
Sophie's grip tightened around her skirt.
You better be coming.
The police station was a hub of activity, with officers bustling around the building. Hotch stood in the middle of it with a phone pressed against his ear.
"Have you heard anything from Sophie yet?" Prentiss asked.
Hotch shook his head. "Not yet. Havre, have you noticed anything around the property?"
"It's quiet out here. Too quiet."
Hotch frowned. "Well, that could mean Kessler is being cautious. Stay vigilant. Call me if you notice anything."
"Understood," Emily replied, "We'll keep an eye out."
Hotch ended the call and turned to the police chief.
"Agent Hotchner," the man greeted, "I'm Walter Turner. Call me Walt. Thanks for coming down here so fast."
Hotch shook the man's hand. "Can you give me more information about what we're dealing with?"
Chief Turned sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. "We've been getting reports of disappearances over the last five years. Most of them were people who had gone to this 'Garden.'"
Hotch nodded. "Can you tell me anything about the leader, John Kessler?"
"He comes into town from time to time. He's a charming fellow who promises to take these kids away to paradise. I've wanted to investigate the place but could never get a judge to sign a warrant. They don't let anyone in who isn't seriously interested in joining their church."
Hotch frowned. "Any recent activity? Other than the phone calls?"
"The last missing person was six months ago when Sophie Bennett went missing. She went on a retreat to the property, and no one heard from her until that call three weeks ago."
Hotch's jaw tightened. "Any idea how many people are on the property?"
Chief Turner shook his head. "I can't say for certain. Could be anywhere from thirty to forty people."
"We need to get inside the property. If Sophie is still alive, it's only a matter of time before she's found out."