Decisions (4th Book in the Boss's Niece Series)

The Team Learns Something About Mel

After making and giving the profile, we set out looking for anything we could to catch the guy.

"Excuse me." someone said.

We looked up to see a man with greying hair and a tracksuit standing in front of us. I immediately recognized his face and tried to hide my own. I did not have a good past with this man.

"Yes, sir. Can we help you?" JJ asked.

"No." he replied. "But I can help you. I was jogging this morning when I heard about your case. You see, I used to be a cop a while ago and I had a case like this as well."

"No way." Sara said. "Did you put the guy away?"

"No. We shot him. Died on contact." he said. "But it was the same everything. Same MO, same carving of initials in the celebrities, same stabbing to the face or neck."

"So, do you think we have a copycat on our hands?" asked Derek.

"Well, if it's not a copycat, then the origional came back from the grave." he said. "If you guys need it, I can help you."

"That'd be nice, thank you." JJ said with a smile.

"If you need me, call me on this number." he wrote his number on a piece of paper and put it on the desk. "Good to see you again, Melanie."

I cringed as he said my name. Sergeant McDonald turned and left. I felt everyones eyes on me as I raised my head to look at them. They all looked confused.

"Who was that and how'd he know you?" asked Alex.

"That's Sergeant McDonald." I replied. "He was a cop when I was little."

"Please tell me he knows you because you were always at the station." Sara said, looking as if she figured out where I was going next.

I hung my head. The team immediately knew what that meant. Spencer, who was standing next to me, gave me a surprised look.

"You-he-you were arrested?" he asked. I nodded. "On what charge?"

"Shoplifting." I replied. "I was 15 and I hung out with a bad group of kids. They dared me to steal some candy from a store and, unfortunately, I was caught. Sergeant McDonald arrested me and questioned me. He eventually let me go because I was a kid and I didn't know any better.

"Why didn't you tell us?" asked Alex.

"I'm not surprised." scoffed Derek.

"Morgan!" snapped JJ.

"What?" he asked. "I'm not. I mean, you can't be all goody two shoes without a little badness in your life. I knew Justin wasn't the only thing she was keeping from us."

"You never asked." I replied. "Plus, I thought you guys would judge me about it. And Morgan, I know you're pissed off about that offer, but you gotta stop acting like a child and start acting your age. You're about to be a father for godsake! Grow up!"

Derek glared at me. At least I finally got that off my chest.

There was silence after that. No one spoke. We soon returned to looking for a way to find our UnSub. My mind began to wander.

*Flashback*

I sat in Sergeant McDonald's office. He was a clean cut man with a bit of stubble, black hair that was slicked back and wore suits often.

I was chained to his desk. I let out a yawn, as if I was bored. The door opened and McDonald entered.

"There he is." I said. "Mr. Big Shot wearing his little suits, tryna look all professional. What are you gonna do? Arrest me? Go ahead."

"That's not why I'm here." he said. "I know that's not the real you talking, Melanie."

"How do you know? You don't know me. You're just another cop." I sneered.

"Melanie, why'd you steal that candy?"

"Cause I felt like it!"

"I don't think that's why you did it. I think you did it because you're trying desperately to be something you're not."

"And what would that be, copper?" I challenged.

"Accepted."

I let my hands, well, hand drop to my side. McDonald looked at me, knowing he was right.

"You know what I'm gonna do?" he asked. "I'm gonna let you go, but you have to promise me you'll be good and not steal anymore."

"I won't. I-I'm sorry sir." I said, my real self coming back.

"It's okay darling."

*End of Flashback*

"That's it!" I exclaimed. The silent room jumped and looked at me. I didn't care to explain. "JJ, call McDonald back. I have an idea."

*Short, crappy chapter. I wrote this on the way back from a school skiing trip, so I was a bit tired. The next few will be a lot better. I promise.*