Oblivious || Spencer Reid x Original Character

Chapter 13: Mayhem

David Rossi stood in the bustling command centre, his attention fixed on the urgent news broadcast playing on the television screen before him.

"We're getting reports that an explosion has rocked the neighborhood near federal plaza," the reporter's voice blared. "Authorities have closed the area and are withholding information. With 8 recent incidents in just 3 weeks, speculation mounts about further attacks. No word yet on injuries, but the explosion was heard miles away. Sources suggest it was a car bomb. NYPD and federal..." Rossi's focus snapped to the door as Spencer Reid burst into the bullpen, his usual composure replaced by visible agitation, running a hand anxiously through his tousled hair.

"David, I heard on the radio. I tried calling the others, but..." Spencer began, his voice tight with nerves.

"The cell networks are down," Rossi cut in, meeting Spencer halfway across the room.

"A car bomb. Did they mention where?" Spencer asked urgently, eyes fixed on the screen, his heart pounding in his chest.

"No specifics yet," Rossi replied with a shake of his head. "Can you remember all the locations of the previous shootings?" he asked, turning to face his colleague.

Spencer furrowed his brow, mentally retracing the list. "Hell's Kitchen, Murray Hill, Lower East Side, Chinatown," he recited.

"Okay, if our profile holds, there could be bombs at all those sites. Get Homeland Security on the line, tell them to deploy units to each location," Rossi instructed, glancing over at the case board.

"If we're right, there'll be 16 bombers," Spencer corrected, his mind racing with the implications.

"Sixteen?" Rossi raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, we predicted that they'll hit the second wave of emergency responders also," Spencer added, eyes flicking back to the news report.

"Breaking news just in. The bomb was reportedly inside an SUV parked near 26 Federal Plaza," the reporter's voice echoed through the room. Spencer felt time slow as his heart skipped a beat. His mind raced to one thought: where was Rory?

Unconsciously, Spencer's fingers tapped nervously against his leg as Rossi swiftly dialed Garcia's number, putting her on speakerphone.

"Agent Rossi? We heard about the explosion," Garcia's voice came through.

"Where are you, Garcia?" Rossi's tone betrayed his concern.

"I just got to the CCTV command post," Garcia replied casually.

Spencer's mind raced. Rory was supposed to be with JJ, but JJ had returned to the hotel.

"Can you see anything?" Rossi pressed urgently.

"I literally just walked in, sir," Garcia answered cautiously.

Where was she?

"We just heard it was an SUV," Rossi stated, his voice tight. "A black SUV near Federal Plaza."

"Oh my god," Garcia gasped.

"Do you have eyes on the scene?" Rossi asked firmly.

"I... um... yes, I've got hundreds of cameras in that area. Give me a moment," Garcia's fingers flew over her keyboard, the rapid clicks echoing through the phone line. "I'm looking now."

"I'm with Reid here, but I don't know where everyone else is," Rossi admitted, his eyes meeting Spencer's briefly.

"And, Garcia..." Rossi hesitated, his voice softening.

"Yes, sir?" Garcia replied quietly.

"Find them," Rossi said simply, the weight of uncertainty palpable in his words. One thought thundered through Spencer's mind on a loop.