The Photographer

RICHMOND POLICE DEPARTMENT
Richmond, VA

A petite, blond woman with an FBI identification badge pinned to the breast pocket of her dress shirt approached the oak wood podium as a sea of media swarmed the steps of the station. She cleared her throat in an attempt to steel her emotions before addressing the mob in front of her. “As many of you may know, a Richmond Police Officer was killed in a hit and run early two days ago. Officer Stephen Walters was transporting Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner of the FBI to the Richmond County Jail when both men were attacked by an assailant we have identified to be the killer known as The Photographer. While the assailant murdered Officer Walters we have received proof that Agent Hotchner is alive and being held captive by the Photographer. We received this video yesterday afternoon that shows how Agent Hotchner was taken. Please b advised that this video is extremely graphic and should not be viewed by the faint of heart.” Agent Jareau closed her eyes and covered her ears as inconspicuously as possible. She didn’t need to see or hear it again. She could tell by the horrified looks on the reporter’s faces that the video was over, indicating that she could continue.

“If anyone has information on Agent Hotchner’s where abouts or anything pertaining to this case, please call the tip line at the bottom of the screen. Thank you for your time.” JJ stepped down from the podium and headed back into the station before the reporters could begin their slew of questions. She looked at Detective Neal who simply nodded his head in approval. They had gotten the press conference out with seven minutes to spare. They just hoped that had kept the Photographer satisfied to let up on Hotch.

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UNDISCLOSED LOCATION
Undisclosed City, VA

“I’m not going to break down and beg for my life, no matter what you do, including threaten my son.” Hotch’s voice was like ice, remaining emotionless despite the pain that was coursing through his body. His words went unanswered until a TV in the corner snapped on, showing a familiar blond woman give a press conference. Hotch’s breath caught in his throat as the video of his kidnapping began playing on the screen. He had been disoriented after the first hit, so his memory of what happened was slightly foggy, until now. He suddenly understood why his head was pounding and his throat felt so bruised. “Is this supposed to intimidate me?” The Unit Chief’s voice echoed through his dark dungeon. “I could do that to someone if they were handcuffed at gun point, too. You didn’t achieve some great feat.” His blood shot eyes locked on his assailant as he descended down the wooden steps towards his captive. “No, Agent Hotchner, I expect you to be humbled. Now the whole world knows how weak you truly are.” The UnSub balled up his fist and brought it crashing across Hotch’s face, splitting his cheek open and adding to the open wounds that marred his visage. Hotch moved his head with the blow, spitting out the blood that had accumulated in his mouth. He didn’t respond to the UnSub, unsure whether he could keep his composure if he did. The Photographer had attacked the agent from the right approach. One of Hotch’s worst fears was for anyone to see him injured, let alone incapacitated, and this UnSub had managed to show the entire nation what had happened to him in detail. Hotch forced himself to shrug those thoughts off, knowing that he had been strong and showed no weakness. No one would think any less of him… except for himself.

Aaron’s thoughts were interrupted by a sharp crackled coming from the spark caused by the two car jumper cable clamps as they touched together, electricity flowing through it freely from the generator it was attached to. Hotch pursed his lips in an attempt to suppress the jolt of fear and dread that sprinted through him. The electric volt of energy lit up Agent Hotchner’s bloodied features as the UnSub moved closer to him. Hotch’s eyes never left those of his attacker, determined to show him he wasn’t scared.

“Agent Hotchner, your brave façade is not necessary. I know you’re scared… they were all scared.” The UnSub lifted up the sides of Hotch’s shirt before pressing the charged clamps to Hotch’s bare flesh. Aaron’s body began to thrash back and forth involuntarily as the electricity coursed through his body, the smell of burning flesh filling the room. Hotch clenched his eyes shut tightly, trying to block out the pain. The pain was so excruciating that he could only throw his head back in pain, his mouth agape with silent screams. The Photographer grinned with sick glee before pulling the cables away, laughing as Hotch fought to regain his precious breath.

Aaron gasped for air as he fought against his restraints, completely unaware of the camera that was recording their session. The UnSub had decided this was too good for just pictures. The BAU needed to watch and experience the pain. Hotch opened his weary eyes just before the UnSub pushed the cables against his right side, this time coaxing screams of agony. Somehow, even when in pain, Hotch still sounded dignified, like the fearless leader he was known as.

The UnSub shocked Hotch in the same manner five more times before the agent lost consciousness, lasting much longer than any of his previous victims. This pleased him to no end and only made him want to continue his torment with the veteran agent. No longer able to resist the urge, the Photographer retrieved a small bottle and a syringe, filling it with adrenaline. He needed Hotch awake for what was about to happen. “Wakey-wakey, Aaron…” He slid the needle into the crook of the agent’s arm, slowly injecting him with the drug to bring him back to hell.

Hotch’s eyes fluttered open as he woke to a coughing fit, trying to pull oxygen into aching lungs. He looked at his attacker through disoriented eyes as he winced with each breath. “Still not… done?” His breath hitched in pain, forcing him to remain silent.

The Photographer pulled out a pair of pliers, smiling sickly at Hotch as he opened and closed the menacingly. He bent forward, grabbing Hotch’s bare left foot and resting it on his knee. “I don’t want you running off, now.” He took the pliers to Hotch’s little toe, taking hold of the nail with the rusty tool. “Try not to scream. We both know how much talking hurts.” With one swift move he dislodged the nail and ripped it from the agent’s nail bed. He grinned as Hotch began to shout in pain, but was cut off as he began to choke due to his difficulty breathing. The UnSub pulled the three remaining smaller toe nails, then did the same with his right foot, leaving only the two big toe nails on each foot.

Aaron was covered in sweat, delirious from the throbbing pain coming from his blood soaked feet. The UnSub grabbed a handful of Hotch’s hair, looking deep into his eyes. “Stay awake, Hotch. You’ll miss the best part.” He grabbed hold of Hotch’s big right toe nail and yanked as hard as he could. Hotch fought back weakly but only aided in his assailant’s efforts as his nail was forcibly removed. Aaron nearly blacked out as the pain overtook his body. Just as he thought he’d overcome the desire to pass out, the Photographer removed his last toe nail, causing pain that sent him spiraling back into the welcoming arms of darkness.