Beauty and the Genius

Chapter 5

Gwen sat next to Spencer on the plane, both of them secretly looking forward to the trip because they would get spend time together.

"We never found any evidence of a killer Satanic cult," Rossi said.

"Yeah, because they don't exist," Gwen added.

"I'm guessing you're the reason why Gwen is as weird as she is?" Morgan asked.

"Do you think I'm weird?" Gwen asked Spencer, quietly.

"I like it," he told her, causing her to blush slightly.

"In reality, there are only 2 types of violent Satanic criminals..." Rossi started.

"Uh, type one, teen Satanists assume the Satanic identity to rebel. Minor crimes, theft and vandalism to churches, schools, symbols of authority. When combined with drugs and alcohol, they may turn violent," Spencer rambled.

"Yes, in extreme cases, deadly. That was out of my book word for word."

"Oh, trust us, we know," Morgan said.

Spencer continued. "Killings are accidental, usually resulting from their hobby getting out of control. Killings won't turn serial..."

"Hey, Reid." Morgan glanced at Rossi and made a cutting motion across his throat.

Spencer looked at Rossi. "Sorry."

Gwen leaned in closer to him and put her hand on his knee.

"Ok. So that's one type," Emily said, breaking the awkward silence, "What's type 2?" Emily directed the question to Rossi. "The adaptive Satanist is the one you have to worry about. The typical serial killer rationalizing his fantasies by them on outside forces."

"The Devil Made Me Do It," Gwen said.

"Exactly, Principessa. He adapts his Satanic beliefs to fit his specific homicidal drives. He doesn't kill because he believes in Satan. He believes in Satan, because he kills."

"Well, let's hope it's the teenagers," Hotch said, "Whether you're religious or not, the presence of Satanic elements can affect even the most experienced investigators. And we're not immune, so keep an eye on the locals, and keep an eye on each other."

"I hear you. The saw The Exorcist," JJ said.

"The Exorcist was just a movie. Demonic possession is nothing like that. There's no..." Rossi cleared his throat and Gwen stopped talking. Gwen pouted slightly and Spencer bumped her shoulder with his.

"Tell me about that later?" he asked and Gwen nodded.

"My mother took us to church every Sunday until I moved out. This whole Devil thing doesn't spook me at all," Morgan told them.

"Maybe that's because you never truly bought the God part either," Spencer said.

Morgan looked over at Spencer. "No offense, kid, but you don't know what I believe."

"Well, I mean, logic dictates that if you believe in the one, you have to reconcile the existence of the other."

"People's reactions to Satan is what gives it appeal to these offenders," Hotch told them, "It has power and it would be a mistake to underestimate it."

"Remind me to never debate religion with you. I think you'd win," Gwen told Spencer, causing him to laugh quietly.