the great war, spencer reid [ 2 ]

055. annihilator

"Last night in St. Louis, 4 roommates were killed in a rental home in what police are calling a robbery turned homicide." Penelope informs.

"It's brutal." Luke comments.

"Yeah. Looks like the two sides of his brain were fighting with each other." Matt says. "Left side wanted to rob the place, the right side wanted to cause some destruction."

"Yeah, but both sides got exactly what they wanted." Rossi says.

"What was taken?" Spencer asks.

"Nothing traceable. A computer, tablets, cash, jewelry, and the like." Penelope says.

"How long was it before local PD called us in?" Bedelia asks.

"They didn't." Linda Barnes states, marching in. Bedelia quietly groans, rolling her eyes. "I called and offered our services to them, because this is exactly the kind of case the BAU takes from here on." She declares, sitting down.

"Maybe it's just me, but I need a little help understanding our new case selection criteria." Rossi says.

"I'm sure it's all of us." Bedelia remarks, giving the woman an annoyed smile.

"We want cases with good optics that are also quick and easy to clear." Barnes states. "Here we have four victims, young upstanding professionals, all of whom the public can emotionally invest in."

"So... so you want non-controversial victims and anybody else who needs help, it's just... fuck you guys?" Bedelia questions.

Linda glares at her, Bedelia sweetly smiles, though there's nothing but anger in her eyes.

"The crime itself is contained, and the motive appears to be determined." Linda says, refraining from replying to the woman. Bedelia rolls her eyes, sitting back in her chair.

"The M.O. is pretty straightforward." JJ says. "Their hands and mouths were duct taped and they were stabbed repeatedly."

"I see the unsub left a knife. Were there any prints?" Matt asks.

"Negative." Penelope says.

"With this many victims, it could be a team." Luke says.

"Right. Shouldn't rule it out." Spencer says.

"You're right. Okay. Uh, wheels up in 20." JJ says.

"Meet you on the tarmac." Barnes says as they all stand up. The team glance between each other.

"What?" Bedelia laughs.

"You're going into the field with us?" Tara asks.

"Yes." Barnes nods.

"No offense, but you're not a profiler." Rossi says.

"True, but I have worked in the field, and a fresh set of eyes might be useful." Barnes says.

"Not really." Bedelia argues.

"I know you think I'm the enemy, but I'm not." Barnes states and Bedelia rolls her eyes. "I can be your greatest advocate if you'd let me. Now, you've had some poor leadership in the past," Bedelia gives her an incredulous look. "But I know I can help right this ship."

"No. You're wrong." Spencer states. "Emily Prentiss is not a poor leader. She defined what a unit chief should be. I'm not going to stand here and let you destroy her career like this. If you're going, I'm not." He walks out.

"You know, the kid looks a little flush." Rossi comments. "Needs a sick day, don't you think?"

"Anybody else need a sick day?" Barnes asks.