Hotchniss - Bonds, Deals and Running

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Disclaimer
This chapter touches on heavy, drastic themes.

As Garcia continued to cross-reference the profile with the church community and local data, Emily's mind whirred. Hotch's gaze shifted to her for a second, a quick concerned glance, while they waited for information from Penelope.

Garcia worked tirelessly, her fingers tapping rapidly as she cross-referenced church records, community reports, and local news archives.

Finally, her screen illuminated with a result that made her pause. "Bingo," she muttered, reaching for her comms.

She connected to the BAU team at the precinct. "Guys, I've got something. I found the man who... probably sat in the confessional posing as a priest. His name is Daniel Kerrigan, age 36. He has a record for trespassing in places of worship and was part of a conservative religious group before they excommunicated him."

Hotch's eyes narrowed as he processed this new piece of the puzzle. "What's his connection to the victims?"

Garcia continued, "Daniel's been known to attend 'Guidance and Confession' nights at the same church our victims frequented. He's also appeared in the background of community photos from those events. And... he used to work as a counselor at a youth program before being dismissed for 'overstepping boundaries.'"

Hotch exchanged looks with the team, urgency palpable. "We need to find him now. Garcia, send us his last known address and any vehicles registered in his name."

"It's been done ages ago, my dearest friends," Garcia said cheerfully.

Hotch looks at the team and states firmly, "It's our guy. Let's move."

The BAU and local law enforcement coordinate a raid on Kerrigan's last known address. The tension was high as they drove through the city streets, sirens wailing. SWAT teams and officers spread out, ready for confrontation.

They burst into the building, clearing rooms one by one. In a small, dark basement room, they found Kerrigan muttering to himself, surrounded by religious symbols and scraps of notes detailing his twisted beliefs about sin and redemption.

After an intense confrontation, Hotch stepped forward, speaking with controlled calm, "Daniel, it's over."

Kerrigan hesitated, eyes darting wildly before he surrendered without a fight, muttering, "I was only trying to save them. God would understand their sacrifice." Hotch felt sick at these words, but his face remained unreachable, as always. 

The two other girls were found in one of the rooms in the basement.

The girls stated that Kerrigan was performing exorcisms on them, and wanted to deliver their babies and then kill them, to 'save them from their sins'. However Emma refused to carry the baby to term, even after the exorcisms. She tried to kill the baby and herself.