𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥 | 𝖼𝗆，𝗌.𝗋

𝟢𝟢𝟫

VALENTINA RUBBED HER EYES AS SHE SAT ON THE jets' couch, her headache hadn't disappeared at all. As everyone rambled about the case, Natalia could barely focus.

When the jet landed and the team made it to the collage, many looks were sent to the agents that got out of the SUV's. Valentina's sunglasses shielded her eyes from the bright sun that blared down at everyone.

"No badges." Gideon said sternly, "I don't want to satisfy the UnSub's need for attention by letting him know he got the FBI here. Try not to look official."

Gideon glanced back at everyone, Valentina being the only not in a suit. Gideon opened the door, "Try to look less official."

When they found the Dean, everyone started talking to her about the incident. Valentina was walking at the back with her sunglasses on, the only one with them on.

Spencer slowed down to walk at the back with her, "You okay, Val?"

"Mhm." Valentina nodded, smiling slightly at the smart guy next to her.

"Stop lying." Spencer spoke softly, placing his hands in his pant pockets as he walked.

"Sorry." Valentina sighed, "Just have a headache."

"Have you taken—"

"Yep. Everything. Yet nothings worked." Valentina sighed, rubbing her forehead slightly.

"I'm sure it'll clear soon." Spencer smiled down, "Tension headaches usually only last for about 30 minutes to a couple of hours so it should clear soon."

"Spencer..." Valentina smiled up at the geek, chuckling slightly, "I know."

"Wait, Hotch, Gideon, hold on a second." Derek said, making everyone stop walking to look at him, "You said the chemicals went missing today."

"Uh huh." Fire Inspector Zhang nodded.

"It says that one of the previous fires was set with diesel fuel that disappeared from the grounds—keeping facility." Derek said, looking up from the case file, "How long after it disappeared was the fire set?"

"One day." The dean said, looking up at Gideon who pulled Hotch to the side.

Hotch, Spencer and Valentina headed up to the most recent fire in the dorm rooms. Spencer and Valentina walked inside while Hotch stood in the doorway, "Door was locked."

"Matthew Rowland and his roommate watched as the doorknob turned against the knock." Spencer crossed his arms as he turned to look at Hotch while Valentina's eyes scanned the room.

"But the UnSub couldn't get in." Hotch nodded slightly.

"So he pours the accelerant into the room from the hallway." Valentina spoke softly, her sunglasses in top of her head since the room was dimly lit.

"Which means he couldn't see the fire." Hotch said, shaking his head slightly.

"But he could hear Matthew Rowland screaming." Spencer added on.

"Yeah, but not for long. He would have left quickly." Hotch sighed, looking at the two agents in the dorm.

"Yeah, to avoid being spotted." Valentina sighed.

"Doesn't make sense." Hotch said, walking into the room.

"Pyromania as a mental disorder may just be a simple myth, but we do know from precedent that serial arsonists derive pleasure from pathological fire—setting." Valentin said slowly, tucking her hair behind her ears.

"Sex and power." Hotch nodded at the girls words.

"But a serial arsonist wouldn't just set a fire and walk away." Spencer added on in confusion.

"He needs to experience it." Hotch sighed.

"So why would he set a fire he couldn't watch?" Valentina asked.