The Stone Wall and His Weakness [A.H.]

X

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I looked over at Jessica as she entered the apartment, sending a wave my way.

"You here for Jack?" She nodded, "He's in his room, he's so excited. I'm so sorry I couldn't take over, I forgot I had my appointment today to get these damn stitches out."

"It's okay, like I told Aaron, it's really no problem. I'm looking forward to it, the Air and Space Museum is always fun."

"That's true, hopefully twenty-four fifth graders doesn't wear you out. You okay? You look tired."

"Yeah, I am. Couldn't sleep, I guess."

"Right... Well, I'm here if you need anything, okay? When you get back tonight, dinner's on me."

"Aunt Jess!!" Jack came running out of his room, heading straight for a hug.

"Hey, Jack! Are you ready?" He nodded excitedly, giving me a hug before rushing out of the apartment. We laughed at his antics, "I'll see you tonight, good luck."

"Yeah, you too."

I rushed over to the dining table, booting up my tablet and pulling up the file Garcia had sent me. The video call came up next, the team coming into view.

"Hey there, pretty girl. How'd the appointment go?"

"It's not until later, Derek. What's happening with the case? We on with the sergeant yet?"

"About to be... Sergeant Carlson, can you hear me?"

"Sure can. How about on your end?"

"Loud and clear. Why don't you walk us through it, Sergeant?"

"Okay, here we go..." The camera flipped around, showing the gruesome crime scene.

All four victims were sat and tied to chairs at the dining table, their heads hung. The table was set, as if they were about to sit for dinner.

"When were the victims found?"

"About an hour ago. Neighbor noticed the front door was open, called the police."

"Nothing's been disturbed?"

"No ma'am. You're seeing what the responding officers saw."

I could see Penelope grimace at the scene, looking away. Crime scenes were never her forte.

"Is that music I hear in the background?"

"Yeah. A phonograph in the study playing 'Jingle Bells' over and over."

"Sleigh bells in April?"

"The unsub may have been trying to recreate the atmosphere of a holiday meal."

"Looks like their hands were bound."

"They're bound, shot in the head execution style."

"Four victims but six place settings."