Sin to Win

Briefing and Planning

       I spend the first half of the flight going through the case making note of some of the things that stand out. Once the pilot announces we'll be landing in about an hour Hotch has us gather to start a preliminary profile. "So, we're looking for a single male more than likely in their early twenties because as Ray pointed out his skills are novice at best. The chief of police there has informed me that they found the partners of the women at least the ones they had on the night they were murdered. All of the women who were murdered had been sexually involved with other women earlier in the day. With the factor of sexuality coming into play it's most definitely a hate crime. He's targeting lesbian women." That small piece of information changes the case's perspective entirely.

       "The unsub has probably had a female in his life who came out to him. He could be religious and views their sexuality as unholy. Possibly punishing these women for the type of life they lead." Looking at the photos again something new sticks out to me.

       Flipping the device, I zoom into the book lying open on one of the nightstands next to the bed of the victim. "That's a Bible, isn't it?" They all look at the photo closely. "Based on how far it's turned into I would bet it's open to the book of Leviticus." Reid takes the tablet inspecting it closer agreeing with me.

       "When we land, I'm going to try to get ahead of this with the press we don't need them using it to push some homophobic agenda." We all agree with Jennifer.

       Creating a preliminary profile, we disperse. Returning to our spots I put away my tablet getting Emily's attention. "I want to run something by you." She nods turning towards me. "We only have three days to catch this man which isn't a lot of time. I think going undercover would be the best way to draw him out. The two of us are already set to be there so what if act as a couple? We go in play around a little and become his next targets. It keeps others safe, and we'll have the team as backup." She hesitates for a moment before agreeing that this may be the only way.

       The two of us move to where Hotchner and Rossi are sat reading the newspaper. "Hey Hotch, we think we may know how to catch this guy." They both look up at us as we sit down. "What if Ray and I go undercover and become his targets?" He goes to interject but she stops him. "Look I know you hate putting us in the line of fire, but we're crunched for time here. The two of us know this world well enough to be able to participate in a safe manner. We both have already reserved rooms so us and JJ will stay in one and you guys can stay in the other keeping us close. The two of us also have a background in undercover work so it's not like you're sending in newbies. We'll wear earpieces and you guys can cover the floor." She explains the plan in more detail to him and eventually, he has no choice but to give in.

       Soon the plane is landing, and we break off into groups heading for the station. Arriving we do introductions and inform them of the plan. They hand over all information on the case and we decide it'd be better to set up base at the hotel rather than the station. Emily drives us to the Marriot which is the hotel that's partnering with the convention center for the event. Entering the lobby, we both check in grabbing our card keys. I hand the boys mine because I had booked one of the suites. Heading up to the fourth floor we go to our room with JJ while the men carry the boxes to theirs.

       When she unlocks the door, it reveals two beds. Emily and JJ go in immediately dropping their bags on each of them. I sit mine on the small couch in the room. "You're not thinking about sleeping on the couch, are you?" I mean that was my plan. "That's going to ruin your back, Ray. Since we're going undercover together, we can just share my bed." Looking at her I cross one of my arms over my body. "That is if you're comfortable with that." She mirrors my position looking a bit insecure.

       I grab my bag from the couch moving over to where she's standing dropping it next to hers. "I mean we are going to get to know each other quite intimately in the next couple of days so sharing a bed shouldn't be a big deal, right?" I let out a nervous laugh the realization of what I had agreed to hitting me full force. 

       The three of us begin to unpack a bit not wanting our work clothes to crease and wrinkle. Once we're finished, we go meet up with the others. Walking in Reid is at the table with the blueprints of the building, Morgan is on the phone with Garcia trying to get a guest list and surveillance footage while Hotch and Rossi are going over statements again. As we enter, they stop what they're doing. "Alright walk us through the plan." The three of us sit on the stools from the bar.

       I thought Emily would do the talking but she just sits there picking at her nails giving me no choice. "Alright so Emily and I are going to portray a typical dynamic often found in scenes like this. We're going to participate in the games as that's going to be the only way to draw attention to ourselves in this big of a crowd. I uh don't know how much you guys know about Sin to Win but these games aren't in any way PG so I'm going to go ahead and apologize now for anything you guys may hear over the earpieces. You guys will be watching the floor so hopefully, we'll peak his attention and then separate to lure him out. He'll only follow one of us so you guys will have to break into two teams. Once we get him away from the crowd it'll hopefully be an easy takedown." They agree with the plan and begin returning to what they were doing before. "We have to go get outfits, so we'll be next door at the convention center if anything comes up." Pulling Emily out of her head we leave the hotel all together hitting the sidewalk outside. "Are you okay with all of this? If not I'm sure we can come up with another plan." She shakes her head telling me she's okay. I drop it for the moment instead entangling our hands between us.