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The Photographer
folder
1 through F › Criminal Minds
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
23
Views:
1,777
Reviews:
1
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
1 through F › Criminal Minds
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
23
Views:
1,777
Reviews:
1
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Criminal Minds or any of the characters, nor do I make any type of profit from this.
II
VICTOR HOME
Richmond, VA
SSA’s Morgan and Reid exited their dark SUV when they reached the latest victim’s home. They made their way past the police taped off area where Mr. Victor’s body had been found and up to the front door. Before Spencer could knock, a slender woman had opened the door to greet them. “You’re with the FBI, right? Detective Neal told me to me to expect you.” Casey Victor, the widow of John Victor, spoke with a shaky voice that matched her level of composure. Derek Morgan nodded as they entered her home, flashing their credentials. She led the two agents to the small coffee table at the center of the living room, sitting across from the men. “What do you want to know?” Her puffy, tear filled eyes gave away her strong façade.
Dr. Reid cleared his throat gently as he folded his hands in his lap. “Did you notice any strange people around your residence or husband’s place of work in the days leading up to his disappearance?” Mrs. Victor shook her head vigorously, wiping tears from her eyes that she could no longer hold back. “No. My husband didn’t have any new patients and the neighborhood watch didn’t notice any strangers around the neighborhood.” Spencer nodded, continuing his questioning. “Was there anyone that you knew who had been acting strangely? Studies show that eighty percent of murder victims knew their killers.” Casey gasped softly at his information, bringing her bony fingers to her mouth. “Mr. Garrisson! James Garrisson! He lives five doors down from us… He was standing in our yard, just staring at our bedroom window. He said he thought he saw a crack in our window and was concerned, but the whole thing seemed weird. Then, he just disappeared. I used to see him walk his dog every day, but ever since those awful pictures started showing up, he disappeared. I asked his wife where he had been and she said he was on a business trip… but it’s been a long time… Oh my Lord… He killed John, didn’t he!?”
Morgan looked at the woman calmingly, stopping her tears before they began. “Mrs. Victor, we appreciate your help. Now, I need you to stay home and relax. We will find your husband’s killer.” He squeezed her hand reassuringly, then turned to join Reid who had already gone outside.
Derek flipped his phone open and dialed Hotch’s number. It went through half a ring before the Senior Agent Answered.
-- “Hotchner.”
“Hotch, the wife remembered a neighbor of theirs who was behaving strangely, a Mr. James Garrisson. He’s not been seen by her since her husband’s torture began. Mrs. Garrisson told her that he was on a business trip, but Mrs. Victor said he was acting strangely before he disappeared. I think we have something solid here.”
-- “All right. Check it out. Just be careful and call me with any updates.”
A click was heard as the Unit Chief ended the phone conversation, leading Morgan to do the same. “All right, Reid. We’re going to check out the Garrisson home. Stick with me no matter what.” He looked at Reid fiercely, making sure the younger agent was listening. Spencer merely rolled his eyes at Morgan. “Yes, mom.” This was met with a slap to the back of the head, courtesy of the dark skinned agent.
The two agents decided it would be easier to walk down to the Garrisson home as opposed to driving. Reid approached the door and knocked on it lightly. His gentle touch pushed the already opened door even further ajar. Morgan grabbed Reid and yanked him back, simultaneously drawing his weapon. Reid nodded and followed suit as both men entered the home. They cleared most of the house without trouble, until one of the agents entered the kitchen and a wooden bat was swung, hitting its mark.
---
RICHMOND COUNTY MORGUE
Richmond, VA
Prentiss and Rossi entered the dull morgue, flashing their credentials at the girl at the front desk. She nodded and went to get the Medical Examiner, Dr. Miranda Jacobs. Shortly after, a petite red headed woman approached the two agents, shaking their hands and giving them a gentle smile. “Agents. I’m Dr. Jacobs.” Each agent showed her their credentials as Rossi introduced them. “I’m Agent Rossi, this is Agent Prentiss. I believe Detective Neal informed you we were coming to examine the body of John Victor.” The small woman nodded and turned, leading the two FBI agents to the back of the building where the body was already laying on a slab, ready for them to inspect.
Dr. Jacobs spoke in a mousy voice, explaining what happened to the victim as she pointed to each of his injuries on his body. “As you can see, Mr. Victor went through strenuous and extreme physical torture. He’s missing three molars and one of his canine teeth, both thumbnails, his right pinky, left ear and his testicles were removed with a serrated knife – very slowly. He was whipped, strangled, water boarded, burned and electrocuted. Death was slow and extremely painful. He was literally cooked alive, but wasn’t burned. It was like someone put him in a giant oven. I’m not sure how this was done, but I’ve not seen anything like this in nine years.” She met the agents’ pain stricken stare with one of sympathy. “I told Mrs. Victor that he died quickly and peacefully, before the torture was even over. She doesn’t need to know he suffered.”
Emily Prentiss nodded in agreement, her deep brown hair moving with each movement. “So, there were similarities between this murder and the ones nine years ago? I assume that’s what you meant when you said you’ve not seen anything like this in nine years.” The coroner nodded grimly, handing them twenty-one autopsy reports – twenty from the past along with the newest victim’s. “Identical. Every. Last. Bit.” She shook her head. “I’ve been trying to figure out how someone could know all the details of the previous murders. These were never released to the press and the only people who knew were myself, Detective Neal, Agents Gideon and Hotchner, and you.” She pointed to Rossi.
Dave took in the information and nodded. “Thank you for your help.” He turned and headed back out to the SUV, Prentiss not far behind him. “Rossi, what the hell was that all about?” The elder agent waited until they were inside the SUV with locked doors. “I think the coroner is saying that we may be dealing with more than a copy-cat killer.” Prentiss shook her head, trying to understand what he was saying. “If she’s right, then Hotch killed the wrong man nine years ago.” He put the car in drive and sped back towards the police station. He needed to fill Hotch in on what had happened before all hell broke loose.
---
POLICE HEADQUARTERS
Richmond, VA
“If you have any information on this man, please do not hesitate to call the tip line number on your screen. Thank you.” JJ stepped down from the podium and retreated back into the police station. She collapsed into one of the plush chairs positioned around the conference table and began to nurse the coffee that one of the officers had handed her. “Everything all right, Hotch?”
The tall, handsome agent stood with an unchanged look on his face, his right hand placed under his chin in thought. “I cannot figure out why he waited nine years to copy the kills. Did it take the UnSub that long to learn the art?” He picked up a copy of a newly released book, which documented the original killings, and flipped it over to the back. “Son of a bitch…” His name was on the back as one of the sources and was given credit for ‘single handedly bringing down the Photographer.’ “Here it is. Perhaps the UnSub saw my name in this book and assumed that I was benefitting from the murders.” Hotch flipped his phone open and redialed Garcia.
“BAU hotline. Talk dirty to me.” The steady clacking of keys could still be heard over the phone. “Garcia, did you find any connections between the past killings and Mr. Victor?” The technical analyst clicked her tongue in the negative. “No sir. I’ve tried everything, but there are absolutely no ties between him and the original killings.” Hotch exhaled in frustration but quickly shrugged it off. “That’s fine. Change the search. Look for a family member of the original victims who was involved in the case much more than necessary. Someone who would have in-depth knowledge of the case. They would still fit the profile.” Garcia began to type even faster, if that were possible. “Yes sir.” She ended the phone call the same time as he did, leaving him to his thoughts. The only sound that could be heard was the steady breathing of the blond agent curled up in her chair. Hotch removed his suit jacket and placed it over her to keep her warm, allowing the slightest of smiles to crawl across his face as she curled up into his jacket.
Richmond, VA
SSA’s Morgan and Reid exited their dark SUV when they reached the latest victim’s home. They made their way past the police taped off area where Mr. Victor’s body had been found and up to the front door. Before Spencer could knock, a slender woman had opened the door to greet them. “You’re with the FBI, right? Detective Neal told me to me to expect you.” Casey Victor, the widow of John Victor, spoke with a shaky voice that matched her level of composure. Derek Morgan nodded as they entered her home, flashing their credentials. She led the two agents to the small coffee table at the center of the living room, sitting across from the men. “What do you want to know?” Her puffy, tear filled eyes gave away her strong façade.
Dr. Reid cleared his throat gently as he folded his hands in his lap. “Did you notice any strange people around your residence or husband’s place of work in the days leading up to his disappearance?” Mrs. Victor shook her head vigorously, wiping tears from her eyes that she could no longer hold back. “No. My husband didn’t have any new patients and the neighborhood watch didn’t notice any strangers around the neighborhood.” Spencer nodded, continuing his questioning. “Was there anyone that you knew who had been acting strangely? Studies show that eighty percent of murder victims knew their killers.” Casey gasped softly at his information, bringing her bony fingers to her mouth. “Mr. Garrisson! James Garrisson! He lives five doors down from us… He was standing in our yard, just staring at our bedroom window. He said he thought he saw a crack in our window and was concerned, but the whole thing seemed weird. Then, he just disappeared. I used to see him walk his dog every day, but ever since those awful pictures started showing up, he disappeared. I asked his wife where he had been and she said he was on a business trip… but it’s been a long time… Oh my Lord… He killed John, didn’t he!?”
Morgan looked at the woman calmingly, stopping her tears before they began. “Mrs. Victor, we appreciate your help. Now, I need you to stay home and relax. We will find your husband’s killer.” He squeezed her hand reassuringly, then turned to join Reid who had already gone outside.
Derek flipped his phone open and dialed Hotch’s number. It went through half a ring before the Senior Agent Answered.
-- “Hotchner.”
“Hotch, the wife remembered a neighbor of theirs who was behaving strangely, a Mr. James Garrisson. He’s not been seen by her since her husband’s torture began. Mrs. Garrisson told her that he was on a business trip, but Mrs. Victor said he was acting strangely before he disappeared. I think we have something solid here.”
-- “All right. Check it out. Just be careful and call me with any updates.”
A click was heard as the Unit Chief ended the phone conversation, leading Morgan to do the same. “All right, Reid. We’re going to check out the Garrisson home. Stick with me no matter what.” He looked at Reid fiercely, making sure the younger agent was listening. Spencer merely rolled his eyes at Morgan. “Yes, mom.” This was met with a slap to the back of the head, courtesy of the dark skinned agent.
The two agents decided it would be easier to walk down to the Garrisson home as opposed to driving. Reid approached the door and knocked on it lightly. His gentle touch pushed the already opened door even further ajar. Morgan grabbed Reid and yanked him back, simultaneously drawing his weapon. Reid nodded and followed suit as both men entered the home. They cleared most of the house without trouble, until one of the agents entered the kitchen and a wooden bat was swung, hitting its mark.
---
RICHMOND COUNTY MORGUE
Richmond, VA
Prentiss and Rossi entered the dull morgue, flashing their credentials at the girl at the front desk. She nodded and went to get the Medical Examiner, Dr. Miranda Jacobs. Shortly after, a petite red headed woman approached the two agents, shaking their hands and giving them a gentle smile. “Agents. I’m Dr. Jacobs.” Each agent showed her their credentials as Rossi introduced them. “I’m Agent Rossi, this is Agent Prentiss. I believe Detective Neal informed you we were coming to examine the body of John Victor.” The small woman nodded and turned, leading the two FBI agents to the back of the building where the body was already laying on a slab, ready for them to inspect.
Dr. Jacobs spoke in a mousy voice, explaining what happened to the victim as she pointed to each of his injuries on his body. “As you can see, Mr. Victor went through strenuous and extreme physical torture. He’s missing three molars and one of his canine teeth, both thumbnails, his right pinky, left ear and his testicles were removed with a serrated knife – very slowly. He was whipped, strangled, water boarded, burned and electrocuted. Death was slow and extremely painful. He was literally cooked alive, but wasn’t burned. It was like someone put him in a giant oven. I’m not sure how this was done, but I’ve not seen anything like this in nine years.” She met the agents’ pain stricken stare with one of sympathy. “I told Mrs. Victor that he died quickly and peacefully, before the torture was even over. She doesn’t need to know he suffered.”
Emily Prentiss nodded in agreement, her deep brown hair moving with each movement. “So, there were similarities between this murder and the ones nine years ago? I assume that’s what you meant when you said you’ve not seen anything like this in nine years.” The coroner nodded grimly, handing them twenty-one autopsy reports – twenty from the past along with the newest victim’s. “Identical. Every. Last. Bit.” She shook her head. “I’ve been trying to figure out how someone could know all the details of the previous murders. These were never released to the press and the only people who knew were myself, Detective Neal, Agents Gideon and Hotchner, and you.” She pointed to Rossi.
Dave took in the information and nodded. “Thank you for your help.” He turned and headed back out to the SUV, Prentiss not far behind him. “Rossi, what the hell was that all about?” The elder agent waited until they were inside the SUV with locked doors. “I think the coroner is saying that we may be dealing with more than a copy-cat killer.” Prentiss shook her head, trying to understand what he was saying. “If she’s right, then Hotch killed the wrong man nine years ago.” He put the car in drive and sped back towards the police station. He needed to fill Hotch in on what had happened before all hell broke loose.
---
POLICE HEADQUARTERS
Richmond, VA
“If you have any information on this man, please do not hesitate to call the tip line number on your screen. Thank you.” JJ stepped down from the podium and retreated back into the police station. She collapsed into one of the plush chairs positioned around the conference table and began to nurse the coffee that one of the officers had handed her. “Everything all right, Hotch?”
The tall, handsome agent stood with an unchanged look on his face, his right hand placed under his chin in thought. “I cannot figure out why he waited nine years to copy the kills. Did it take the UnSub that long to learn the art?” He picked up a copy of a newly released book, which documented the original killings, and flipped it over to the back. “Son of a bitch…” His name was on the back as one of the sources and was given credit for ‘single handedly bringing down the Photographer.’ “Here it is. Perhaps the UnSub saw my name in this book and assumed that I was benefitting from the murders.” Hotch flipped his phone open and redialed Garcia.
“BAU hotline. Talk dirty to me.” The steady clacking of keys could still be heard over the phone. “Garcia, did you find any connections between the past killings and Mr. Victor?” The technical analyst clicked her tongue in the negative. “No sir. I’ve tried everything, but there are absolutely no ties between him and the original killings.” Hotch exhaled in frustration but quickly shrugged it off. “That’s fine. Change the search. Look for a family member of the original victims who was involved in the case much more than necessary. Someone who would have in-depth knowledge of the case. They would still fit the profile.” Garcia began to type even faster, if that were possible. “Yes sir.” She ended the phone call the same time as he did, leaving him to his thoughts. The only sound that could be heard was the steady breathing of the blond agent curled up in her chair. Hotch removed his suit jacket and placed it over her to keep her warm, allowing the slightest of smiles to crawl across his face as she curled up into his jacket.