In Harm's Way - Chapter 4
A/N: Ok, since you were all so patient with me, I am giving you two chapters for the price of one! I am really trying to get this story out. It's been very challenging for me but I think I've got it. I'm just going for a simple case fic to set you up for the finale to the Photographer trilogy... or am I? Bwahaha... please enjoy!
US NAVAL BASE
Undisclosed Location, Afghanistan
JJ Stepped out of her bathroom in her cargo desert camo pants, chocolate brown combat boots, and a matching brown tight fit T-shirt. Her blond hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail to pull together the profressional military woman look.
She shook her head at the three men when she stepped out of her room. Morgan's muscles were bulging out of his shirt, as usual. Hotch had somehow managed to make his desert camo still look crisp and professional, as if he was still in his black suit, something only he could achieve. Finally, Reid stumbled out still looking like a chíc nerd despite the masculine nature of the uniform. JJ couldn't help but smile at the trio.
"Special Agent Veers is expecting us." Admiral Marsden entered the hallway in the enlisted bunker as he motioned towards the door. "here's a vehicle outside that will take us there." He headed towards the door, not even looking at JJ. She didn't mind, but it only made her more paranoid. She would have to ask Hotch about his behavior.
The ride there as silent, except for the Admiral who was sharing stories with Hotch; the Unit Chief simply stored the information away without commenting. He had no desire to indulge the Admireal in his egotistical ramblings.
Reid jumped from the hummer with a sigh of relief. And the team though he was bad! At least he didn't ramble on and on about himself. He shook himself from his musings as they entered NCIS headquarters. A petite brunette greeted the Admiral with a firm handshake before giving the team a warm smile. "BAU, this is Special Agent Sara Collins. She will get you anything you need." He smiled as she scowled slightly. "The hummer outside is for your use during your stay here. Let me know if there's anything else you need." The Admiral left the room, letting his fingers graze JJ's hand inconspicuously. She let it go, just wanting to solve the case and go home.
"Like he said, I'm Sara. If you'll follow me, I believe Agents Veers and Foray are waiting in the bull pen." Collins turned on her heel and walked briskly towards their destination. "So, I guess Marsden is possessive with all women. I don't think Agent Collins appreciated being told she would get us anything we need." Morgan didn't have to look at JJ to know that she was nodding agreement. "At least I don't have to deal with it 24/7."
The team followed Collins silently up into the bull pen where they spotted two men working steadily over their desk; Veers and Foray. "Boss, Vinny, these are Agents Hotchner, Morgan, Jareau, and Dr. Reid." A vibrant, blond haired man shot up from his desk, greeting them with a warm smile. He looked at JJ and couldn't help but grimace. "I've seen that look before. Marsden?" Veers stood up rigidly before looking between Collins and JJ. "I've already warned that bastard to back off of my agent. Say the word and I'll do it again." He gave JJ a serious nod before shaking hands with Hotch.
"Liam Veers. This is Special Agent Vincent Foray. We appreciate you flyin' out here to help us with this. We need all the help we can get." Vinny waved in a gesture that meant he seconded that opinion. Sara stepped towards her desk, retrieving several files from her desk. "These are the restricted personnel files for each of the victims. Hopefully this will help you profile our killer." Reid snatched up the files and immediately began reading them at a seemingly inhuman pace.
"All seven women have male relatives in the military; whether they were an uncle, father, husband... whatever." He looked at Hotch carefully before continuing. "And of those seven, the four victims that were members of the military have notes on their file about their military relative making a formal request for them not to be allowed to be deployed. The three victims who were members in the media have notes in their file about their families advocating against their elegibility to be shipped over seas. Our first victim's father tried to have his daughter committed just to ruin her chances." Morgan folded his arms across his chest before sighing. "Well, we have our victimology." "And a possible part to our profile. Our UnSub would have to have access to these files in some capacity. He's doing his research."
JJ looked at the faces of the women in the various personnel files, her heart sinking. Each woman carried a fire in their eye that had been prematurely and permanently extinguished. "We need to get a statement ready as soon as possible. The press is already going to be up in arms with our arrival." She turned back towards Sara before continuing. "Do you have transcripts from any of your past press conferences? I want to make sure I can shut down as many of the speculations as possible in one conference." Agent Collins nodded before retreating to her desk to call up the files.
"We understand you haven't released the bodies yet. We'd like to see them." Reid looked to Agent Foray who smiled grimly. "Of course. Anything to help us catch this bastard." Morgan joined the young doctor as they headed down to autopsy. Hopefully the dead would speak to them.
BAU HEADQUARTERS
Quantico, VA
Emily Prentiss knocked lightly on the open door that led to David Rossi's office as she entered, her eyes falling on the thick manila folder in his hands. "Don't tell me Strauss gave us an assignment while the rest of the team is away." Her voice held a tone of incredulousness as she accosed the older agent with a frustrated glare.
Rossi remained silent until he finished reading the page before him. "No. I'm going back over Warren Neal's profile. There has to be something in here to tell us where he's gone to." Emily's face remained blank blank as her hand absently brushed the small scar the Photographer had given her. "He went nine years without making a move. He's obviously patient." David nodded his head in agreement with the brunette's sentiment.
"Has Garcia heard anything else from Morgan?" The elder agent pu the file aside, focusing his inquisitive gaze on Emily's dark eyes. "No. They were supposed to be meeting with NCIS today. Hopefully we'll hear something soon." David nodded. "I hope so. The sooner they get home, the better."