Heurism | Spencer Reid¹

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN: PSYCHODRAMA

"The basis of shame is not some personal mistake of ours, but that this humiliation is seen by everyone."

     — Milan Kundera.

—

While Gideon remains with Morgan and Hotch at the scene, we head back to the station. It seems that this time, the UnSub made mistakes — attacking earlier when there were more people, parking his bike right out front, and beating one hostage to death for refusing to undress. If he's already this angry, we might be looking at the beginning of a spree.

Seated around the table with Elle, Reid and JJ, I read through the potential UnSubs they've come up with. Elle shares a glance with me. "So, you're sure this is it?"

JJ grimaces. "Yeah, based on all the parameters — age, armed robbery charge, time spent in prison, approximate location of home address based on a geographical profile. It's about 360 names."

I frown. "Did you include the possibility of an abusive childhood, or any issues with mothers at all?"

"That's what narrowed it down."

Scoffing, Elle picks up a pencil and goes in for a deeper look. "These guys aren't sweethearts, but there's only a handful with sex crimes on their rap sheets, and none are sexual sadists."

Reid sits forward in his seat, pushing his glasses further up his nose. He pulls a pile of files into his lap and starts to thumb through them. "That's not surprising. Bank robbers and gun nuts aren't typically sex offenders. That's what makes this UnSub unique."

"What about a pimp?" JJ suggests. Catching notice of our interest, she opens the file in question. "Roland Lynch, 32 years old."

"Pimps are characteristically sociopathic, and in many cases sadistic."

At Reid's words, Elle shrugs. "Helps control their employees."

"Well, this one started out robbing convenience stores before working his way up to pimping."

I cock my head to the side, thinking it over. "That's definitely an unusual progression."

He nods quickly. "Pimps typically violate by proxy, forcing others to do the work for them. Whereas bank robbers usually operate in pairs or alone."

Elle considers it. "So he's sexually sadistic and has experience with armed robbery."

"Along with fitting all other parameters of the profile."

Sighing, JJ rises from her seat. "All right, I'll get in touch with his parole officer."

A couple of calls later and we're still waiting for news. I take out my phone, glancing at it. As if I'm expecting a call. Another few moments and I put it away again. I can't let myself get distracted but it's hard — being back in LA, working with detectives; it's natural for my mind to wander.

"I'm getting coffee. Orders?" Elle announces, at last breaking the silence.

"Strong," I reply somewhat gruffly. I itch my shoulder, more sensitive than usual considering I've moved my patch from its last usual position.

She leaves and JJ's focus shifts to me. "You okay?"

"Mhm."

"If you want to talk about anything, you know we're here, right?" she quietly offers.

It's clear what she's referring to. Already on edge, I roll my eyes. "Why are you all so interested in my love life, huh? Why does it matter?"

Clearly a little taken aback, she blinks a few times. "I— I wasn't saying— I just meant that you seem... distracted. Are you sure you're okay?"