The eyes have it.

[Gothic Memories]

Her morning routine had become so boring that she feared she was having some sort of crisis., The six am wake up was getting on her nerves. For the past couple of weeks now a sense of dread and unease followed her every waking moment. Her nights were no longer filled with peaceful dreams of her grandparents farm. Where she had spent her childhood playing with her cousins and little brothers. The carefree childhood before it all came crashing down. No the reality was she was falling behind on normal human achievements. Her brothers were all married with kids and she was still single.  She forced herself to look in the mirror and winced at what she saw.  Her sapphire blue eyes were red because of the sleepless night and because she spent most of the night grading papers. At least the children would brighten her day. Her skin was still as pale as a dolls but it was gaining good color in her cheeks. Her freckles would soon be showing. She wiped her face and realized that she had lots of time before school started.

It dawned on her that it was a beautiful day and that she needed a good bike ride. She always biked to work since it was less than three blocks away from her tiny apartment. The kind that lulled you into a false sense of security and well being. She sighed as she pulled her dirty blonde hair into a French braid. Her helmet was right next to food bowl for her cat Willow. The same cat that was watching her drag her butt out of bed that morning. She was resting comfortably on her cat tree with both eyes on her. The tilted of her head spoke volumes. "I know I hogged the bed again but damnit Willow, you didn't have to take it out on my clothes. " she said as she spotted the torn remains of her favorite blouse. The one she was going to wear.  So she had to go back and change.

Once she was done with that she needed coffee and lots of it. She hummed a bit as the maker sputtered to life. She chewed the end of her pencil as she worked on a Sudoku puzzle. "Aha! Susan was wrong the three didn't go there." She cried in triumph.  The gurgling of her stomach had her scrambling to make herself a good breakfast. However Willow decided to be under foot the whole time thus messing her up. She barely got the burnt eggs off of the stove. The taste made her cringe. Her cooking was better than that. She wolfed down the rest and grabbed her coffe to go and out the door she went.


She got there with plenty of time and she was happy to see that some of her students were there. There was time to stay with them. So that was what she did until it was time for the teachers to head in.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Spencer was not in a really good mood that morning.  He had overslept and this triggered the chaotic rush to work. He missed breakfast so he had to make due with the donuts he found. He saw that everyone was already there. He was the last one. Morgan caught his eye and wandered over with an extra cup of coffee. Spencer took it with a sheepish grin. "Sorry  I'm late, I was working out the link between the cases we just got." He explained. Morgan nodded knowingly. "any breakthroughs?"  Reid nodded and led Morgan to the board.  He began writing at an intense speed that concerned Morgan. Though when Reid was finished he saw it. 


Reid stepped back and showed him. "I'll get Hotch." He said then left the tall man to his thoughts. His mother was not doing as he had hoped. Her doctors had called him earlier the previous night to report that she was refusing to take her medication.  He had no idea how to help his mother.  She was getting worse and he could only watch. He gazed back at the board. They had many unsolved cases of rape.  The team was not on these cases yet but they had been keeping an eye out.

 The cases had been low key because everyone thought they were isolated. Then the cases stopped completely causing the police to believe he was either dead or in jail. He brushed his bangs out of his chestnut brown hair as his hazel green eyes went over the notes. They needed the police forces to invite them in. Sure they had other cases but this one was urgent to him. 

He sighed as J.J entered the room with more case files. "Morning  Spence, wow you went to work." She commented as she saw his writing on the board. She tilted her head in thought. Spencer knew she was in deep thought. He was getting antsy and his hands began to shake because of it. He wanted something to do. He didn't like feeling so helpless.

[Nightmare Before Xmas]

“Lisa?” a voice startled the female from her concentration. “What’s the TOD?” the voice continued. For a moment, the red head female merely stared blankly, then her eyes trailed to her hand, holding a scalpel. Looking down to the metal table before her, she stammered a moment, before composing herself. “Sorry, sir, left the room for a moment. Got lost in thought,” she apologized, before nodding to his question. “Based on the liver temp., the TOD of your victim was roughly around 4 a.m. this morning. Maybe 2 a.m., depending on what the perp. Did before the body was dumped.” She paused, almost assessing if her next statement would be proper. “ Sir? This is the fourth body this month. I believe this to be a spree…” “I am aware, Doctor,” the elderly man responding, a title that he only gave her when it was time for her to stop pressing further. Unfortunately, her peppy nature did not allow her to simply back off the matter. “I heard from the officers that you have called in the FBI to investigate. Aren’t they coming from LA?” she asked, though shaking her head quickly, she decided it was better not to question where the other government workers were heading from. Not that she wasn’t curious, it just wasn’t a need to know. “Actually--” Lisa cut off the man before he could tell her. “ It’s not my place,” she reasoned more to herself.

The man cleared his throat, and Lisa gave a smile. “Jackson said he would keep me in the loop with the piling bodies.” The man nodded. “I also plan to keep you in the loop, Lisa. You’re our top examiner, and we can’t afford to miss any clues.” The female nodded, and smiled, before heading back to work. “I won’t let you down,” she beamed as her boss walked out of her coroner office, and back to the main floor of the building.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pouring over case files and tapping a mindless finger on the desk he sat at, Aaron did not hear the arrival of his youngest agent. It wasn’t like him to not be ever-aware, but this time, things were different. The files were different. Looking up as the younger male cleared his throat, Hotchner nodded. “Hey, Reid,” he merely stated, before standing and pushing the chair back to move from the desk. “Gather the team, we have a meeting in 5,” he stated, before disappearing out of the room. In less than that time, the team was gathered in their meeting room, listening to their team leader explain the situation a few states over. “This guy has been under our radar for some time,” the man explained. “He started here, but has recently been made known going West, as all the victims that have been piling have had the same MO in the killing patterns. We need to find him and stop him, or he will continue this spree across the U.S. We take off in an hour, and we will be meeting with P.D., who will be aiding us in this case. J.J, I’m going to need you to stay here with Garcia for the first half of this case. We need you to investigate the killings here, and talk to any family members to gain insight as to how the suspect had access to these victims, and if there’s any connection between any victim here, and across the states.” He paused, looking to the female who merely nodded. Morgan was the first to speak. “What files are we going to need? There’s too many to bring the entirety of them.” Aaron merely nodded. “Bring what you can. The rest, leave with J.J. We have more files to look at with the P.D. For now, we need to focus on what this guy’s trigger is. Wheels up in an hour,” he finished, before gathering his papers and exiting the room once more.

[Gothic Memories]

Sarah looked up as Jack Hotchner came in with tears in his eyes. She rose from her desk and went to him. "Jack, are you missing your mom again?" She asked. The weeping confirmed it and Sarah's heart went out to him. The poor boy had been having night terrors for awhile now and she saw he had a huge one last night. "Have you told your daddy?" She asked fearing the answer.  Jack shook his head still in tears. Sarah pulled him to her and glanced at the door as the vice principal poked her head  in. "Oh Sarah, you can take him for awhile. I can get Carrie to fill  in. You two need a break, don't worry about not getting paid. You need a personal day." She said as she ruffled Jack's hair. Sarah sighed with relief. "Is there someone you want to call sweetheart?"  "Aunt J.J, dad is busy." 

J.J's head came up as she heard her phone ring. She saw the caller id registered the call from Jack's school.  Her heart began to race., Jack! She picked it up and heard the crying on the other end. Her motherly instincts took over. "Jack, hi honey. You are having a bad day aren't you?" The sniffing confirmed it and she felt her heart break. "I miss my mom." The cracking of his voice confirmed her fear. Jack was getting older and his mother was not there. "Oh honey, I know you do. Who is with you?" "Miss Anderson is, she had a bad night too so she's keeping me company." J.J's worries left her. She had meet Sarah before when Jack had lost his mom. Although she had been a teacher she wasn't his at the time but she became the go to when Jack was at school. "Can I talk to her?"
J.J gently told Jack that she'd talk to him later and she waited.

Sarah took the phone from Jack and felt his arms wrap around her leg. She ruffled his hair. "Hi J.J, it's Sarah. Yes he came in tears eyed and worried. It's getting worse as the days go on.,You knew his mom better than me and I know his dad is busy so we called you. Oh just the same old crap for me. My brother is expecting his second kid and doesn't want me around. You want him to come over and stay with you? Oh I can come too. I'll see you soon."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reid nodded his head. "Understood Hotch, I'll get them." He said excusing himself. It didn't take long for him to round up everyone. He sat back as Hotch went over what he had already suspected. He saw Garcia's eyes widened as it was said he had slipped under the radar. He had felt the same way. J.J was listening to his right and he caught her glance and shrugged. He felt like a computer lets idiot for not seeing it sooner. Morgan's question didn't surprise the young man as he thought about all the files. When Hotch left them he sat back and rubbed his eyes. Missing something was a pet peeve of his. His attention went to J.J as she answered her phone and paled. Bad news from home? No it was Jack and he was having a really hard time. He didn't want to think about how he'd feel if his mom was killed. Though Hayley was killed in revenge and in cold blood. His ears perked up as she spoke to Sarah. He remembered her from the funeral and how she had stood off to the side quietly with Jack's teacher at the time.  He tilted his head as J.J suggested that they come over. It was a good idea. He knew Jack could find things to do and Sarah seemed like a hand ps on teacher. Jack needed that.


Not even twenty minutes later the two arrived and Spencer saw something. The two looked like a family. Jack was walking beside her hand in hand. His eyes were raw from crying but he had a smile on his face. In his other hand he clutched a toy dog. Well a stuffed animal. But Jack didn't seem to mind. J.J and Garcia were the first to get to them and Jack's face lit up.  He watched as Sarah let him go and she fidgeted abit. He had seen this before.  He caught her gaze and she blushed a bit. "Sensory overload?" He asked surprising her. Her meek nod of the head told him a lot. "When did you find out?" He asked gently. "Three years ago when my niece was born. My brother freaked out and sent me home. A week later I knew. My family couldn't deal with a daughter on the Spectrum so they disowned me." She said voice breaking.  Spencer winced. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you." Sarah surprised him by shaking her head. "Oh I know you asked out of concern. How did you know? Few people know I have Aspergers."  Spencer chuckled. "Oh it is easy to miss it in woman. It is more common in man and girls can mimic normal social cues and are misdiagnosed." He said then blushed.  Sarah smiled. "You're at genius level or beyond I see. Yes I was never properly diagnosed. But my family never got me tested. They believe the stigma. They still think I'm an idiot and in need of supervision but the kids bless them accept me." She said also blushing. 

"You're a natural with kids, we have to go on  a case but Garcia and J.J are staying for now. I'm sure Hotch would want to see him." He said warmly as he saw Jack wait for his dad. "How is he holding up?" She asked then blushed. Spencer smiled. "He is good at not showing it but it bothers him. Seeing Jack like this will hurt him. But knowing he is safe and in good hands will help him focus." Spencer assured her sensing her panic.  He watched as Sarah slowly calmed down. "I'll do anything to help. Can we stay in contact? I want to update you guys and catch up. And I need someone who knows a lot about Aspergers." She said surprising him again. Spencer broke in a warm smile. "Of course Sarah, Hotch will like that. You want me to help? You don't mind my ramblings?" Sarah shook her head smiling. "I'm blunt and speak my mind and I ramble when I love something or I am nervous. I need a friend who can help me and accept me for me." Spencer grinned sheepishly. "I can do that, God knows I feel isolated when I'm out there. Hotch won't judge you, I can see your fears. You're among family here. J.J has told us a lot about you. Oh geez we have to go soon. Here is my card. Take care of yourself. You need to slow down." He said as he saw Morgan signaling him to come. Sarah nodded. "I'll do my best. Spencer take care of yourself, you look like you need to do the same." Spencer nodded and gently patted her back and he followed Morgan. 


"You two seem like old friends, kid." "We have a lot in common Morgan."  "She's alone isn't she?" "And on the Spectrum." Morgan looked back and sighed. "With her family nowhere to be seen. We'll keep an eye on her kiddo. Jack adores her and she  has you to fill her in. I'll tell Hotch about this" he said. Spencer nodded. "That's a good idea." He murmurs as they climb into the plane.

[Nightmare Before Xmas]

“Daddy?” a meek voice echoed in his mind. Snapping out of thoughts, Hotchner’s eyes flew upwards from the picture that remained on his desk. A look of surprise and panic crossed his face as the boy, his son, stood in the doorway to his office. The man merely stared for a moment, his face never showing anything but the wrinkles on his forehead. He rose and moved to the boy, his voice ever low and monotone. “What happened, Jack?” he asked, wondering if the ‘daddy’ had actually been uttered at all. Jack seemed to have never spoken, or had scarcely entered the room at all. Aaron hugged the boy, as he kneeled down in front to stare at his child. Why was he out of school? The next half hour seemed to fly by as the arrangements were made to see Jack safe. Aaron could not afford to miss this case, and knowing he had to be away from his son almost tore his heart out. He knew the boy needed him, but there was little he could do when such a pressing matter seemed to beckon him. “Jack, I need you to stay here. I need you…” To be safe, his mind echoed, though the words were quite different. “Do your homework.” Homework? Really? As J.J. took Jack by the hand and led him back to the lobby, Hotchner felt a twinge of regret for not being there enough for the child who looked up to him. He never had a chance to talk to the teacher, or really be informed that she would be caretaking for him as well. Instead, the urgent matter to get airborne was enough to send him on his way. J.J. and Garcia would care for the boy, and it was Morgan who would fill him in later about the schoolteacher who cared a hell of a lot more than the boy’s own.

Aaron rested his arm on the pull down table, as his team entered the private jet that would fly them to where they hoped the suspect would be. He had already arranged for Jack to be taken care of, but secrets didn’t make friends with him. He was unaware of Jack’s nightmares and constant reminder of his mother…something Hotchner would have dealt with if he could…or knew how. For now, though, the boy would be in safe hands, and he could focus on work. As the plane taxied down the runaway, he looked to Spencer, the child prodigy that seemed to save them in tight spots. The boy had his share of pain, too, losing the girlfriend he loved to a stalker’s bullet. He had vanished for a few days, hidden up in his apartment, and ceasing work until they needed him most. Since his wife died, Hotchner sometimes felt it would be best to hide away as well. Disappear from society, from the team, and lock himself in his house. He couldn’t, though, he knew, leave Jack unprotected. Or his team. Too much depending on him being there. Never mind the whirlwind of emotions that still plagued him. It wasn’t until they were off the ground, that the man spoke to Morgan. “There is a lot riding on this mission. If we are unable to catch him, there is a lot more at stack than just getting chewed out by the Bureau. Lives are at risk, and we’re still highly uncertain as to what the triggers are. Reid, do you have any idea what these victims have in common?”

Lisa was in the break room, sipping on a cup of coffee as her boss and co-worker argued outside the glass door. What they were saying was beyond her, but it probably had to do with the case. The tension was high in the Police Department, and the longer this guy stayed near their town, the more people freaked out. The news was no good at keeping secrets, so naturally the area was on high alert and terrified to let anyone go outside. Lives had to continue, but they would sleep easier knowing a killer was off the streets. She wanted nothing to more than to provide that for those she had sworn to protect. The issue, now, however, was how they would do that. It was a good three hours later, as she holed herself back down in the basement of the building, that she heard the elevator doors open. Jackson poked his head into the room for a moment, looking at the girl who was standing frozen with brain matter still in her hands. “They’ve just landed at the airport. The FBI will be here in about half an hour or so. Be ready!” Lisa merely nodded, and went back to examining such a mangled body.

[Gothic Memories]

Sarah waited behind with Garcia as Jack saw his father. She wondered how his father was doing. She knew Jack was taken care of but it pulled at her heart. A father and son speterated because of crime. Garcia caught her looking and patted her back. "It really hits you seeing this, those two need each other but the job is never done." She murmured. Garcia nodded. "You got it, you know a lot about this." Sarah nodded. "I'm an army brat, dad moved us all over the states. He wanted all his kids to follow in his foot steps." She said quietly.  Garcia let out a whistle. "Damn that must have been hard with your mental illness." She said empathizing with her. "My mom claims I was the devil incarnate. She thinks I had all these problems to get back at her for being a horrible mom." She admitted sadly. Garcia shook her head already not liking this. "You had no control of it. Spencer filled all of us in on that years ago." She said. "He's a good guy, he is carrying a lot pain." "You noticed?" "Yes, it is all over his face and how he presents himself. He lost someone he truly loved."  Garcia nodded. "Yes he did. Poor guy disappeared on us. Hotch has lost people too." "Like his wife?" "The job put a strain on their relationship and she took Jack." "Then all hell broke lose." "You were there that day!" "Yes, Jack's teacher at the time is a good friend of mine. She insisted that I go fir some reason."  She explained. "Is that when you started looking out for Jack?" The blush made Gracia squeal. "I knew it! Oh Hotch will want to know that." "He won't get mad? I am a complete stranger to him." Gracia shook her head as she reassured the other woman. "No he'll want to know all about you. Maybe we can arrange it after this case wraps up." She said. Sarah perked up and nodded with a smile. "Stick with us and you'll be part of our family soon." She said clapping her hands. Sarah smiled sheepishly. "I feel at ease around everyone, which is weird." Garcia laughed good naturally. "I can agree with you there, I was mess before I met the team."  Sarah was surprised. "But you look so together." Garcia blushed.  "Oh sweetheart I was not in a good place. I trusted the wrong people and feel in love with a smooth naricasstic man." Sarah blew out a deep breath. "Damn that must have confused you, not being able to be the woman you wanted to be." Garcia nodded then broke into a smile.  "You should be on the team, you are too good." She said grinning as she linked arms with her. "So now what?" Garcia sighed. "The chase begins, J.J and I will be busy but you're welcome to stay with Jack. I doubt Hotch will mind you watching him. Grab some snacks and coffe, this will take awhile." She said leading her to a quiet place.

~~~~~~~~

Spencer wasn't sure how he'd  function without the team.  He had really lost himself when that bullet ended his girlfriend's life.  Anyone else would have fired him for retreating but not Hotch. Now he had found a kindred spirit who needed the stability and comfort of the team.  He looked over the rest of the team and wondered how Sarah would fit in. True she had Jack thinking the world of her but there was still establishing a bond with Hotch. The hours they worked limited it but he felt it was possible. He wracked his brain trying to think of ways to keep Hotch in the loop. Besides phone calls there was a endless stream of possibilities. He caught Hotch looking at him and he smiled. Morgan was also studying him but not in the way Hotch was. Morgan was impressed that Spencer had bounced back after that ordeal and he was curious as to how Spencer had figured out the elusive clue. And that Sarah was finally stepping into the circle. He had often heard J.J speak about her to Garcia and he always wondered what the woman was like. First impression had been a great one. She was calm despite the chaos, friendly even though she was shy and uncomfortable. Helpful and kind even observant. Jack was in great hands. 

Hotch had beaten him to the question but he didn't mind. "This man has a hatred for woman in  every sense of the word. Guys we are dealing with a sadistic man with a fascination for eyes. I noticed that all his murdered victims had different eyes. And these:" He said as he pointed out the numbers from one to eleven. " Twelve and Thirteen will be important to him or to the loved ones. He has attacked and killed woman in professions that aid and defend people. His first one was a young schoolteacher, he let her go after months of confinement and sexual assault unfortunately she committed suicide years ago." He said as he explained the man.  "He'll strike here for sure, he always kills in fours. Ten and Eleven were killed here and dumped outside of town in a ditch. He has no remorse for them. So he is a very dangerous to us and every woman here." He said then let out a breath. He had run out of air explaining himself. 

[Nightmare Before Xmas]

A scream erupted through the piercing silence, the darkness rising ever faster. A female’s shrill cries could be heard, though no light escaped the God-forsaken alley to make sense of the situation. The screams continued, though they seemed to be getting further each cry. Just as the screams died down, the scene opened up to a black forest, trees dead and burnt, fire raging beyond the plains. No firefighters could be seen, no one came to help. Nothing but dead forest lay scattered. Just as soon as the scene opened, it closed once more into another fit of darkness. Aaron sat upright, gasping for breath. Somehow during the flight, during Reid’s speech, he had blacked out. He was sweating, his eyes wide for a moment as his mind recognized where he was. Morgan’s hand was on his shoulder, a concerned look on his face. Hayley. He had to find Hayley. Foyet…. “Hotch, you okay?” Morgan stated, looking down at the team leader. Hotchner took a moment to allow his mind to calm, before nodding. “Yeah, don’t know what happened. I’m fine. We’ve landed. Let’s go,” he stated, shuffling off the plane before either team member could ask anything further.

Morgan shot Spencer a concerned look, but decided to follow and deal with the situation later. As they left the plane, a government limo was waiting for them. They piled in, and were driven straight, stopping for fast food once (agents gotta eat!), to the P.D. of Sorrento County. As the agents entered the building, they were met by the Chief of Police. “Valentine, at your service,” he stated, giving Aaron a firm handshake. “ I would offer formalities, but we have to catch this son of a bitch before he goes on his next spree. We have a new body down with our corner. It’s gotten pretty bad down there. I’m glad we called you in.” Aaron was nodding, though clearly not paying attention as they moved past the forensics room and to the elevator at the end of the hall. As Valentine hit the down arrow, Hotchner looked to his teammates. “Reid and Morgan, you go down to talk to the examiner. I’m going to call J.J. and Garcia and see what they have found during our flight,” he stated, turning and heading off towards an empty office. Morgan looked to his partner, before climbing onto the elevator.

“He’s calling Jack,” he reasoned to his younger counterpart, before watching the doors close, and being taken down into the depths of the building. As they entered the cool ‘office’, Lisa looked up from pushing a body into a cubbyhole. “Hello! We’ve been expecting you,” she stated, pulling off her gloves, and offering her hand for a handshake from the agents. Morgan shook hands, nodding and introducing both himself and his partner. “I’ll happily assume you’re here for the case. I haven’t found much, honestly. Just odd markings on the bodies, sometimes sexual intercourse, sometimes not. I did find something odd, though,” she stated, holding up a bowl. Inside the container were two eyes. One was blue, one green, and on the back, two numbers. “I’d assume he’s carving into the tissue to leave us Easter eggs. Not very pretty eggs, if you ask me,” she muttered, handing the bowl to Morgan, as she moved back to the body.

“There are lacerations near the pleural cavity, which doesn’t seem like it has been on all the bodies. It is defiantly pre-mortem, though wasn’t the COD,” Lisa was still talking, as her boss cut her off. “Lisa, we have Natalia coming in for you. I don’t have enough officers to assist with this case. I actually came down here to ask if you wanted some field experience.” The woman tilted her head slightly, confused at the offer. “I have very limited experience, sir, I wouldn’t be much of assistance.” Valentine looked to Spencer and Morgan, nodding in their direction. “They aren’t going to catch him alone.”

[Gothic Memories]

Spencer had grown very concerned when Hotch suddenly blacked out. He had cut his explanation because of it. He knew those kind of terrors. He had them a lot. When Morgan shot him the look he nodded. "It's okayHotch, we'll get this done." He said knowingly. He wouldn't push him. Not now. He knew he needed. Space to figure it all out. His thoughts went to Sarah and Jack as he followed him inside. He didn't even bat an eye when Hotch disappeared. 

He he nodded his head as he followed Morgan inside the elevator. "He was dreaming about Hayley again, I could tell because that happened to me. He needs to know Jack is safe and he'll be comforted hearing his voice. Plus Sarah will be there. He doesn't know she's there." He reasoned. 

What struck him the most when they got off the elevator was the office was cooler and the warm Coroner who greeted them all smiles. He returned both the smile and hand shake. He looked at her. She was a pretty woman. "Nice to meet you, I'm glad we got called in." He said. His eyes lit up when she presented the eyes. "That's what I found first! He's collecting them then replacing the next victims eyes with them. The numbers are the above ten or under?" He asked curious. He was glad someone verified his findings. 

When end her boss told her to get experience she grew uncomfortable and he understood. "We'd be happy to have you with us Lisa. We'll need your experience with COD and TOD's. I can fill you in with anything.  Our team won't mind having you in the field right Morgan?'

~~~~~~~~~~~

The phone rang in J.J's office and she picked up knowing it was Hotch. "Hi Hotch, he's right here." She said. Jack's eyes lit up as he looked up from his math homework.  He took the phone and looked up at Sarah. "Hi Daddy, I am good and keeping out of trouble. Miss Anderson is helping me with my homework. She's my teacher and she took a day off too. She had a bad night too. Oh she's okay with staying with me. Auntie J.J and Auntie Garcia really like her. We meant to tell you she was here but you were needed." He said as he filled him in.

Sarah blushed abit as Jack talked.  "She's like Uncle Spencer, she has Aspergers. I said it right, I always get it wrong. Uncle Spencer is going to keep her in the loop. I think she's worried about both of us. She knows it hurts both of us when you work. Oh I didn't tell her, she just knows. Maybe she can help you with this. She's really observant and good at reading people. She said you can talk to her at any time about anything as long as you are comfortable about it. She doesn't want to push. She doesn't have a family, Daddy.  Her family turned on her. Oops I think I wasn't supposed to say that. Oh she's okay with it. Her Daddy worked a lot too so she understands both sides. I miss you too. I'll be okay, I know Miss Anderson won't let me out of her sight. Get the bad guy and come home. I want you to meet her."

Sarah's cheeks felt hot as she went beet red. She caught J.J's smile and she smiled sheepishly.  "Auntie J.J says Auntie Garcia found more things. I'll let you talk to her. I love you too Daddy. Bye Bye."

Garcia smiled as she took the phone. "Hi Hotch, yes I found out a lot. Every victim was stalked before he pounced. He got to know them somehow making me think he is easy to talk to or he has a kid. Four of our victims were teachers of Jack's grade which enforces my thoughts. Another was a nurse on the same floor as Jack's grade. He has an obsession with this number.  I worry he'll target anothe woman like that. Also he has a fascination with Numbers so he may have OCD. Spencer was right about the eyes, he is keeping them until a new victim is found. Sir is he going to escalate? His last two victims were butchered. Have you see his latest victim? Okay stay safe. I'll call you when we have more. Ok bye." She said and she hung up.

Sarah saw the fear in her eyes. "It never gets easier does it." "Girlfriend you got that right. I have a really bad feeling. I worry about every woman over there. I worry more about Hotch though." She said when Jack went back to his homework. "I'm worried about him too, Jack thinks he is having nightmares about Hayley." Garcia blew out a breath. "That boy is too smart for his own good." She said quietly.

[Nightmare Before Xmas]

It was ringing. The phone. But not fast enough. They weren’t going to pick up. He had gotten there first. Hayley had died and he couldn’t stop – “Hi Hotch…” Aaron let out a silent sigh, speaking into the receiver momentarily, before he was told his son would soon be on the line. He waited, almost holding his breath, his face still as stoic as ever until the boy picked up. “Hi, Daddy,” “Jack, how are you? Are you getting into trouble? Have you finished homework yet? Miss Anderson?” Teacher. His teacher. Yeah, Miss Anderson… he had remembered the name, but couldn’t quite place the face with the name. Maybe he was just too wound up. “She took the day off? Where is she? With you? How are J.J. and Garcia treating you?” Hotchner stopped talking to let the boy rant about his teacher. Aspergers? Yeah, the kid had pronounced it right. “I know, Jack. I have a lot of work to get done to keep these people safe. There’s a bad guy doing bad things to good people. Help? Maybe. We will see, Jack.” Turned on her?

Jack was gushing now, clearly enjoying the company of the women around him. Typical stud. Hotchner cracked a smile, a side smile, as he thought about the boy surrounded by the older women doting on him. “I miss you, son. I will be home soon and will meet your teacher. And Jack?” Be safe. He almost wanted to say. I love you. Anything. Something. “Finish that homework.” And before he knew it, Garcia was on the phone. Not giving him any time to say what he had wanted to. He listened to their peppy techy, nodding into the phone as she spoke. So, it was confirmed. “Send Morgan a list of anyone in our area that may have been given OCD medication in the last month. And, if possible, anyone given medication over the past year and treated for OCD or any compulsion disorders back there. If we get any hits, it may at least keep us on some target. Or get him frustrated if we aren’t looking for him.”

Aaron looked back towards the elevator down the hall. “Okay, Garcia, one more thing. Keep an eye on Jack. I just don’t want….” He trailed off, but he knew the female understood. “Fill me in on his teacher. I’d like to know a bit about her. And her background. For safety. Keep in touch,” and then the click of the phone. That was it. Hotchner exited the office he had been standing in, and went to the elevator. Pushing the button, he was determined to meet his team downstairs and be filled in and fill them in as well.

Lisa gave a nod to the man who introduced himself as Spencer, and seemed to gloat about figuring out about the eyes. Lisa’s own lit up and she gave a bright smile. “Perfect! I’m not the only one who noticed this. I thought I was just crazy. I can’t quite tell what all of them are. I think it’s 13 and 14, but I can’t be sure. That means he has at least victim 15 or 16 with him currently. We have to catch him, or these body counts are simply going to skyrocket.”

Valentine gave a nod to what the agents were offering, and looked back to Lisa, who was still standing slightly dazed. “I’d be happy to join if I’m needed there rather than here. I’m unsure where to start. And, sadly, I don’t know how to shoot a gun….” Hotchner’s voice cut the silence, causing the girl to jump at the sudden sound of the deep voice. “You won’t need one. Reid and Morgan will be with you. I have information from Garcia,” he stated, filling them in quickly. Valentine gave a nod, asking if he was needed for anything. “Get the department ready. We still need to figure out where he’s libel to strike next, or where he may be holding anyone. We have to figure out his path, forward or backward, before he hops states again.”

“Reid, how many victims is he likely to kill before he moves to a new state?” Lisa spoke up before either had time to answer. “It would seem he strikes at least 4 to 8 before he moves on. He kills in groups, not saying all at once, but a group of people before moving on. Like he wants to leave his mark on every state.”

[Gothic Memories]

Jack listened as his father spoke. "She's with me, she wanted to keep me as safe as possible. Oh yes I'm done with it and I am doing a lot better.  They are treating me like I'm very important. Oh she's very pretty, blonde hair tied in a French braid, expressive blue eyes. She was at Mommy's funeral with my old teacher." He said filling him in.

Jack saw her blush and he grinned. "Oh they believe what's the word? Stigma. They believe all the myths and stigmas. So she's very lonely Unle Spencer knew she had it. I think she's had a rough life. Yes bad guys need good guys like you to catch them. I will do my homework. I love you too Daddy."


Gracia listened to Hotch and nodded her head. "On it sir. Yes I understand, I have them for you. I'll send it over.  We'll keep him safe." She said then let Hotch go. She went to do what was asked of her.

Sarah drummed her pen against the table as she worked on correcting Jack's homework. It helped her relax and focus. She didn't find many incorrect answers and soon she found herself turning to one of her favorite books. Jack was sitting next to her also reading a book. J.J caught herself thinking they were mother and son.  They looked like it. She began to wonder about how she'd interact with Aaron. And vice versa. She kept that in mind as she gazed over the other cases. Her gut was telling her that he already had his next victim.
~~~~~~~~


Spencer was glad Lisa knew her stuff. "No you are very observant and anyone can miss this. We sure did for awhile." He said reassuring her. He didn't flinch when Hotch came back. "He is right, Lisa this is our boss Aaron Hotchner. Hotch this is Lisa. She's the one who verified my theory about the numbers and eyes." he said smiling.

"Lisa is exactly right, he is really OCD and will not waver from this pattern. I worry that he has his next victim. So Lisa you'll need to stay close. Did Gracia find anything?" He said.

Morgan wondered the same thing and about Jack. Though Hotch looked better than before. "Knowing our girl she found a lot. We'll need it." He said.


Spencer nodded his head in thought. He too wondered about Jack. But he'd wait until he felt better. He looked over at the cubbyhole and flinched when another man came down. "They've found another body, it's not far from here sir." The man said. 

[Nightmare Before Xmas]

Jack....so strong. So...just positive. Something Hotchner prayed everyday he could be. He did this, he knew, for the kid. Saving people from bad guys. Keep coming to work after the incident...he did it for his son. To prove that bad guys would pay for their misdeeds. He only hoped it would be enough. To show the boy that even though the work hours kept taking a toll on them both, that it would be worth it in the end. He could only hope that Jack's young mind could one day understand that. For now, though, there was work to be done. As Aaron walked into the room, the young woman standing before them seemed almost petrified at his sudden arrival. She seemed chirpy, but also a bit skittish. Something that reminded him completely of Spencer. He didn't smile, but somewhere in his eyes a glisten gave a slight sparkle, before dying away once more into a serious and emotionless expression. "Hello, sir!" Lisa greeted him as the younger agent introduced him. He gave a nod to the young woman. "Garcia is searching for anyone who may have been given medication in the last year or so either here or there. Even if not a lot comes up with OCD, maybe taking some pressure off him may make him feel like we no longer care and have gone on to more important things. That will either piss him off and escalate him, which we don't want, or drive him to make a mistake. Morgan will be getting the information as soon as she has it." the man said. "'Atta girl," Morgan muttered, a friendly smile crossing his lips. His pride in his team was apparent.

The moment was broken, however, when another man came down, in a police uniform, informing them that another body had turned up. Hotch gave a slight nod. "Let's move," he stated, turning without another word to his team or to the woman who was supposed to accompany them. Lisa stood frozen for a moment, before taking off her lab coat and putting away quickly whatever items she could, and preserving the evidence she had been showing off. The next lab tech would be able to cover for her, she just had to be sure to stay out of harm's way..or worse, getting in the way. As they went back upstairs and towards the waiting black suburbans outside, Lisa followed the agents like a convicted criminal. It was odd to her to be helping out with the FBI, but she was grateful for Reid's more gentle nature. He was studying her, though, she could tell, and something nagged her with knowing she'd never be on his level. As they drove to the crime scene, Hotch and Morgan in one car, she and Spencer in another, she tried to make some light conversation. Or, well, a get-to-know-you session. "You're not average. You're very...." she trailed off for a moment, trying to find words that wouldn't displease him. "Observant. Yet, your eyes dart around quickly, as though you're trying to access everything instantaneously. You're also extremely young to be in the FBI, which leads me to believe there's a lot more to you than the surface.....and yet...your eyes tell me a different story. A sad tale. Pain and heartache, a deep wound that knows no bounds. A memory lost, fear risen. I've pushed too far, I apologize," she stated quickly, looking out the window.

[Gothic Memories]

Sarah was distracted by Jack's questions about herself. She had no idea that Garcia was sending all her background information to Hotch. Though it didn't really matter to her since she was taught not to keep secrets.  Or date for that matter. Even after she was out of college her parents still had her on a tight leash. Hell it was. They never let her do much and now she felt she understood why.  It had nothing to do with love. No she was quote un quote sheltered because she was an embarrassment. Literally word for word from her own mother. 

Garcia ran the list of people getting meds  for OCD in the past year and came up with thousands of names so she ran a search on male patients and it dwindled down to under 900.  Garcia tapped her fingers on her table as she thought of what Spencer had said. She ran another search and bam! 123 names popped up. All had a fascination with numbers.  She began to wonder about something. It had been mostly teachers that had been targeted so she looked at fathers with kids Jack's age. 

J.J looked up as she heard Garcia's whoop of excitement. She didn't hide her grin when the other woman came barreling into the room. Her eyes were lit up like Christmas lights. "How many did you find?" Garcia almost  danced a gig because of the mood she was in. "I found thirty men who fit all the descriptions. They all have kids Jack's age and get this 20 have sons but only ten have girls. Do we think it is a father of a boy or girl?" Garcia said grinning. J.J looked thoughtfully out the door to where Jack was. "Send it to Hotch and he'll have a better idea." She said then watched as Garcia did just that.  She noticed Garcia was also sending something else and it made her wonder.  She knew it had to be about Sarah.  She figured Sarah was in her early thirties. She knew she had two brothers and parents who were not really parents.



~~~~~~~~~~

Spencer kept an eye on Lisa as she panicked abit. She did remind him of himself. It was endearing to him but it also made him protective. Something he hadn't felt since she had died. He wasn't surprised when the other officer told them about the body. The unsub was right on schedule according to his theories. Which made him think about who the unsub could be. It was still hours before school was over and the only time the bodies and murders happened was before four p.m. "He's a father." He said causing Morgan to sigh. "Of course, it all makes sense now, good job Kid." He said. Spencer smiled sheepishly and checked his phone as Garcia's results came in. "Garcia thinks so too.  She ran a reach for men with kids Jack's age. 20 with boys and ten with girls." He replied as they moved to the vehicles. He nodded his head at the suggestion that he team up with Lisa.

It made him feel better having her around. Like having Garcia or J.J with him but different. He was caught off guard when she figured him out so quickly.  He grew worried when she looked away. "Oh don't apologize it is okay. I do it all the time and I still get embarrassed. You're right about me, I have gone through a lot of pain and suffering. My girlfriend was killed by her stalker and I was present. Not a pretty sight for any of us. I lost it and went into hiding until the B.A.U really needed me. Thank god for my friends, it helps ease the pain. And they were there so they know how to handle it. I'm more than happy to tell you more. I ramble a lot and sometimes it comes in handy. I have an iq of 187 and I have Eiditic memory which has saved us a number of times. I hope it saves us again, you have a great memory too. We'll need it." He said gently trying to cheer her up.

Sarah would love Lisa and vice versa. He had a pretty good feeling that right now Jack was pumping out information. "How are you enjoying this new experience?" He asked making conversation after a few minutes had lapsed.