MO GRÁ | Derek Morgan

chapter tweleve

The team gathered, ready to present the profile. Clusters of police officers surrounded us, anticipation hanging in the air.

"We're looking for a white woman in her mid-twenties," Hotch began, after I explained the profile's purpose to the officers. "Most likely blue-collar and local to the Syracuse area."

"She probably holds a job that positions her as a caretaker," Morgan continued. "Think along the lines of a masseuse, hairstylist, or personal trainer."

"Women likely feel comfortable opening up to her, sharing intimate details about their lives and insecurities, which she then uses to manipulate them," Reid added, his tone serious.

"Do you think she tried to pass herself off as a therapist or counselor?" a detective inquired.

"It's unlikely," I responded. "Her narcissistic personality would make it hard for her to focus on anything that doesn't revolve around her for longer than a few minutes. She's the type who believes she's always right, regardless of her actual knowledge on the subject."

"We doubt she's capable of obtaining any sort of degree," Morgan stated, glancing at me, but I chose to ignore him.

"Wouldn't she need some kind of certification for the jobs you're mentioning?" the detective pressed, and I couldn't help but smile slightly.

I appreciated his curiosity about the nuances of the profile; it was essential for the entire department to learn more about our unsub.

"She would, but she's a master manipulator," Morgan agreed. "She likely talked her way into various jobs before anyone caught on to her fake credentials."

"Make sure to check gyms, spas, salons, and yoga studios for employees who were fired in the last two years," Hotch instructed the officers decisively.

"We need to identify this woman as quickly as possible if we want a chance at finding Molly Grandin alive," I added, urgency in my voice.

After a few more questions from the officers, the department dispersed to receive their canvassing assignments from the detective.

Rossi returned shortly after speaking with Molly's father, bringing news that a year prior, Molly had been treated for an eating disorder at the same hospital where Gail had been treated for depression.

The team successfully convinced both families to release the women's medical records. Before long, part of the team was on the phone with Garcia, trying to identify any overlaps beyond just the hospital.

Penelope called back with video footage showing a woman stalking both Gail and Molly. This woman had used identical accessories to strike up conversations with her victims, blending into their lives.

She sent us an enhanced photo of the woman, and we hurried to inform the rest of the team about this new lead.

We were fortunate to find Molly alive before the unsub could kill her. She was in the process of drowning the girl in the lake when they apprehended her. The sickening plea from the unsub, claiming she was just trying to help Molly, echoed in my mind.

That night, we flew back to D.C., I settled next to Spencer, who was engrossed in a crossword puzzle from a book I had given him for his birthday a few months prior.

It was a fleeting moment of peace as I focused on helping him with the answers. My personal turmoil felt less overwhelming as I collaborated with someone so brilliant. I caught Morgan glancing over at me as he sat beside Emily.

< 𝑀𝑜 𝒢𝓇𝒶 >

The next morning, I sat between Hotch and Morgan, nervously twisting the chain of my necklace. As soon as Emily entered, Garcia launched into her presentation.