willow, criminal minds [ 1 ]

011. collision course

"Prentiss won't be joining us. She's on Reid duty for the time being." Rossi says as the rest of the team are in the round table room. "This one was referred to us by a fellow federal agency, the National Transportation Safety Board."

"So, last week, two separate incidents." Penelope says. "Two separate vehicles hit two separate pedestrians, crashed on the same stretch of road in Bradenton, Florida, just outside of Sarasota."

"And they're sure they're both accidents?" Luke asks.

"No, they don't think so." Rossi says.

"Both vehicles were 2013 Meridians, and both drivers said they lost control of the cars." Penelope says.

"The first pedestrian is alive, but the second one died of his injuries." Rossi informs.

"And it wasn't a vehicle defect?" Tara asks.

"That's what the NTSB suspected, but they've done extensive tests and they've ruled that out, along with hazardous road conditions." Rossi says.

"And they're saying driver error is unlikely, though the drivers suffered head injuries in the crashes and they can't recall any of the details." JJ says.

"Same make and model vehicle, two drivers saying they lost control. It sounds like they're thinking hacker." Stephen says.

"Could be. Most cars made after 2009, regardless of make or model, are vulnerable to hacking." Rossi says.

"Is there any footage of the crashes?" Luke asks.

"Oh, yeah. Middle school security camera caught the moments of impact." Penelope says. "Brace yourselves. It ain't pretty. Here we go." Penelope plays the first video. Molly winces when the car collides with the victim. The second video plays, Molly wincing again as the crash occurs.

"No swerving, no braking, and an unsub turning cars into murder weapons." Tara says. "That's terrifying."

"It could be a whole new frontier for serial killers." Luke says.

"I'm never driving again." Molly mutters.

"Well, Garcia, since your area of expertise is relevant on this one, I want you to join us in the field." Rossi tells her.

"Me? Going wheels up? Sir, yes, sir." She salutes making Molly quietly laugh.

"Great. Wheels up in 20." Rossi states.

+++

"Not to be critical or anything, but this place could really use a splash of color." Penelope comments.

"Really? I find the neutral tones soothing." Tara says.

"Yeah, and they're great background for when you're on the big screen." JJ says.

"You mean I'm the splash of color? Stop it." Penelope says, motioning for her to continue, making everybody laugh.

"I've got Emily calling in." Rossi says before starting the video call. "How's the kid doing?"

"He's hanging in." Emily says. "I'm meeting with an attorney today. I'm hoping she'll take his case."

"That's great." Rossi says.

"It feels weird to not be on the jet." Emily says.

"Well, we've got everything here covered." Rossi assures. "Garcia's keeping your seat warm. You just stay focused on Reid and get us an update when you can."

"Will do." Emily says, hanging up.

"All right, let's get down to business." Rossi says. "Garcia, what have you got for us?"