From the Shadows

Chapter Four

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"You can have my isolation, you can have the hate that it brings, you can have my absence of faith, you can have my everything." Nine Inch Nails- 'Closer'.

Spencer stared morosely at a coffee stain on the round table. One hand cupped his mug of steaming coffee, his long, thin fingers entwined around the handle. His other hand rested on the table top as he drummed his fingertips against the wood. He snapped out of his daze at the sound of the team bustling into the room. He stopped the drumming and rubbed the back of his neck with his palm as he tried to divert his attention away from Emily. He was acutely aware that she was watching him with concern. Penelope Garcia trotted up to the front and grabbed the matte silver control, pressing a button. She wore a bright shade of pink that was both blinding and intriguing. The monitor behind her powered to life.

"Morning, crime fighters. Today, we're staying right here. Three victims have all shown up in DC over the past two weeks with the same MO. All were killed by blunt force trauma to the head and have signs of sexual assault." Three photographs appeared on screen. All of the women had dark brown hair and blue eyes.

"These victims could almost be sisters. This unsub clearly has a type," commented Tara.

"These could be surrogates for someone," answered JJ.

"Where were their bodies found?" asked Matt Simmons. Penelope clicked another button, the screen showing a pair of legs from behind a dumpster.

"All were found dumped in alleys behind dumpsters," responded Penelope.

"What can you tell us about the victims?" asked Emily as she stole a glance at Spencer who was rubbing his chin in thought.

"Sarah Miller, 32, was a hairdresser. Leonie Cuthberts, 31, was an administrator for a local health practice and Veronica Burns, 32, worked in a supermarket," answered Penelope.

"So, these victims are low risk. Anything to connect them?" piped up David. Penelope shook her head, her blonde curls swaying. David frowned, "So this is an organised unsub who has some serious pent up anger and need for sexual release."

"Perhaps this unsub was rejected by someone who resembles these victims?" offered Luke.

"Probably a jilted lover. It's likely he stalked these women before he attacks." Everyone turned to the source of the voice. Spencer had stayed unnaturally silent throughout, sipping his coffee. He raised his eyebrows, suddenly aware that seven pairs of eyes were fixed on him, "What?"

"Oh, you finally decide to join the conversation?" laughed Tara. Spencer scowled at her.

"Spence is right," responded David.