Monsters & Men • A Spencer Reid Fanfiction •

CHAPTER FOUR

Nothing haunts us like the things we don't say.
Mitch Albom

"The last victim wasn't mutilated, but she was dragged through the streets," Reid announced as soon as they arrived at the precinct. The rest of the team was already there and set up in one of the conference rooms.

Phoebe's phone rang just as she joined them, and she fished it out of her pocket to see numbers flashing on screen. Unknown Caller. She knew who it was without answering, and she declined the call. When she looked up, she caught Hotch watching her, and she flashed him a sheepish smile. While she appeared apologetic for the interruption, deep down she knew her boss was curious about her mystery calls. Maybe he suspects something already.

This was the hard part about her life. The secrets. The lies. She had to fight of the paranoia all the time. And she did so now by diverting their attention to the case. "I've also been able to analyze the pieces of metal Dr. Pershing found in the victims' stomachs."

Phoebe pulled out the evidence bags and placed them on the table, creating a circular shape with the pieces available. "Well, Reid helped me figure it out," she added with a smile, looking over her shoulder at Reid. The team didn't miss the look he gave her in return. His smile was brighter than the sun shining in through the windows, and Morgan raised an eyebrow in concern.

Phoebe, who didn't really know Reid all that well, probably wasn't aware of the effect she had. But Morgan knew the kid. And he knew Reid liked the girl. Maybe not in a romantic way, but he definitely saw a connection there. And if what Hotch told them about her was true, and that she had a classified background, then Morgan was beginning to worry.

"Is that a coin?" JJ asked, peering over to get a better look at the evidence Phoebe laid on the table.

Phoebe nodded her head at JJ eagerly. She may have had her secrets, but one thing she didn't lie about was her background and her knowledge. She really was taking up Anthropology, and she was glad to have a minor course in archaeology to help her out. "Its an ancient Greek drachma to be more specific. The markings are faded and weathered, but I was able to recognize it."

"Is it authentic? Where would someone get their hands on that?" Rossi asked.

This time, Reid stepped in to join Phoebe. "A drachma would typically be made of 90% silver. We'd have to get this tested to be sure, but I don't think it is based on the weight when you hold it."

"Besides, it would be hard to get your hands on an authentic drachma," Phoebe thought to add. "Have we had any luck identifying professors, scholars or history experts with red flags?"

"Garcia hasn't been able to find anyone suspicious," Hotch replied. "Morgan and JJ were also able to interview the boyfriends yhe two victimes. Their alibis check out."

"Well, we've got to find a lead soon, because I think the unsub has one final victim in mind," Phoebe pointed out.

"What makes you say that?" Hotch asked. She sounded so certain.

"There's only one piece of the coin left missing," Phoebe pointed out. "So five victims in total. The number five must have some significance to him."

"The question is: what?" Morgan finally piped up.

The profilers all stared silently around the table at each other. They didn't have an answer to that question yet.