deep end, cm [ 1 ]

040. jones

"We've got a serial killer in New Orleans who killed at least three men pre-Katrina." JJ informs. "Until now, the New Orleans police department believed that the serial killer died in the storm."

"What's happened to tell them otherwise?" Derek asks.

"A fourth body was found in the French quarter last night. Same M.O. Another male, throat slashed, eviscerated." JJ says.

"A year and a half? That's a long cooling off period. Are we sure this is the same unsub?" Jessica asks.

"He claims to be. He sent a letter to William LaMontagne, the head detective on the case." JJ says.

"LaMontagne have any leads?" Gideon asks.

"He died in Katrina. His son is actually heading the case now." JJ says.

"Hmm. That can't be easy." Derek comments.

"Well, we need to pour over the evidence from the first three murders and determine the pattern." Hotch says.

"Katrina washed everything away. The three victims we know of, their autopsy reports, witness statements, DNA test results." JJ says.

"So, basically, all we have to go on is the latest victim?" Spencer asks. JJ nods.

"Until he kills again." Hotch says.

~ ~ ~

Jessica knocks on Hotch's open door.

"What is it, Taylor?" Hotch asks.

Jessica walks in and shuts the door.

"Okay, I-I, um..." Jessica winces at how to say anything without revealing everything.

"What?" Hotch asks.

"I need your help to keep an eye out on Reid." Jessica says.

"Why?" Hotch frowns.

"Just... his trauma. He's still fidgety, you know, hyper vigilance or whatever." Jessica says, scratching behind her ear. "I just... I'm worried about him."

"I understand." Hotch nods. "I'll keep an eye on him."

"Great. Thank you." Jessica says, going to leave.

"Jessica." Hotch calls and she turns back to him. "If you know anything specific... would you tell us?"

"What do you mean?" Jessica asks.

"I just think, it might be in Reid's best interest if some things weren't talked about." Hotch says.

Jessica frowns in confusion. She looks at him, her head cocking when she notices the look on his face.

"Wait, do you know?" Jessica asks.

"Know what?" Hotch asks.

"You know what." Jessica says.

"I've noticed the signs." Hotch quietly admits.

"Oh, my God." Jessica mutters. "And you're not doing anything? You're his boss."

"Exactly. If it's known, we'd have to report it and he could lose his job and even possibly go to jail." Hotch says.

"So you just ignore it?" Jessica scoffs.

"I'm not even sure he knows we know."

"Unbelievable." Jessica rolls her eyes, walking out and slamming the door shut.

+++

"Hey, Reid. What's going on up there?" Derek asks.

"I was just thinking of this old friend of mine from Las Vegas -- Ethan. I'm pretty sure he lives in New Orleans now." Spencer says.