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Hands off, Gabriela - S.R.

summery: The BAU is assigned an urgent case in Vegas and as much as you try to concentrate on it, a certain officer is getting under your nerves and into Spencer's pants

genre: mystery/triller, comfort, a bit of fluff

tropes/tags: jealousy AU, BAU!reader, mutual pinning? but they be blind

cw: dead bodies, murder, blood, child abuse, someone trying to steal your man

word count: 8.2k

a/n: hi guys! phew this is a loooong one! It took me a while to finish writing and editing it on top of work which was lowkey kicking my butt for a while. I hope you guys like it as much as I liked writing it <3 Comments and suggestions are appreciated!!

masterlist

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"Sarah Anderson, 24, was reported missing for a week before found in an alley in Las Vegas last month with multiple stab wounds to her body and half her hair pulled off while the other half was braided. Selina Wall, 26, was also reported missing for a week before being found two weeks ago with multiple stab wounds and this time with her hair shaved and same the other half braided. Ellie Peters, 21, was found two days ago with multiple stab wounds but this time her whole head was shaved. Her hair, however, was found next to her body. Sown onto a wig and braided. ," JJ pressed her pointer as pictures of all three women popped up on the screen.

"All three women was found within the same neighbourhood, one alleyway next to another. They were all reported missing for a week before they were found. Coroner's report found that all the later two had smaller cuts on their bodies that had started to heal, believed to be done during the week they went missing."

"Cause of death?" Hotch asked.

"Bleeding out from the stab wounds," JJ answered, "All three women were in their twenties, the only similarity being that they were blonde."

"They had no connections to each other?" Morgan raised his eyebrow.

"Nothing that the local police could find," JJ sighed. "Sarah Anderson was a local of the area, Selina just moved to Las Vegas to attend university, and Ellie Peters was from a different neighbourhood. None of their paths have ever crossed according to the background checks of the police."

You pondered as you sip your coffee. "Why are we being called now and not after the second body?" Beside you, Spencer nodded to your question.

"Apparently, upon receiving the missing person's report from Ellie's parents, Las Vegas police thought that Ellie was just a runaway. She had runaway two times already over the last three years. Multiple disturbance calls to the family house for domestic abuse but no one ever admitted or complained."

Emily shakes her head. "So the victims have no connection, and the only thing tying them together is the fact that they are blonde."

"Seems personal to me," Morgan comments. "Unsub might have a history with someone who's blonde, something triggers them and boom. Lashes out."

"But we're looking at someone that kidnaps them and keeps them for a week before dumping them. That's an emotional connection. In the files over here," Spencer flips open the file he has in front of him, fingers glazing down, "it says that the victims were last contacted during the day. Family and friends only started getting worried once they didn't come home for dinner or to dinner with friends. They could have well been taking during board daylight."

"We're looking at someone that's cocky then," you note. "Someone who isn't afraid of being seen kidnapping someone during the day."

"Cocky but not exactly organised," Hotch remarks. "The crime scene itself screams amateur. It's almost as if they were trying different ways to take their anger out on their hair. Trying out each technique before they found one that satisfied them."

"The hair and the wig, we could be looking at someone who works with hair or even wig maker," Rossi chimes in.

"We could also be looking at someone who the victims can trust. There's no way these women were kidnapped without any witnesses unless it was not suspicious," Emily reasoned, shaking her head.

Hotch nodded.

Pressing the intercom, he asked, "Garcia, can you find out if these women have anything in common. See if they went to the same gym, maybe have the same doctor, anywhere that the unsub could have linked them together."

"On it, sir!" Garcia's voice echoed, "If they walked pass each other two months ago you'll know it! Garcia, out!"

You glanced over at Spencer before chuckling. When you first joined the team, your hands were always shaking. You didn't feel part of the team. All of them seemed so serious, while you wore mismatched socks and bag charms clinking as you walked. You felt like you had something to prove. To prove that you deserved the trust they put on you to be on this team.

Spencer was the first one to notice how stressed you were. He thought it was just you being shy. As the former baby of the team, he knew what it felt like to be the youngest and questioned about his dependability. So him and Garcia went out of their way to make you feel welcomed.

It started out with grabbing a coffee for you and having it on your table by the time you arrive. Always 10 minutes before you guys were to clock in. Seeing this, you responded by grabbing pastries for both of you as breakfast. Till this day you guys stuck to this arrangement.

When he realised that your jitters didn't go away, he switched you onto tea. Went off his theories of how tea could still give you the caffeine needed without the jitters. And when that didn't work, he finally asked you about it. Getting you to admit that you've been straining yourself to try to prove that you belong on the team. Upon hearing that, Spencer's heart sunk for you. All along he thought that maybe with time you'll see how the team likes being around you. But maybe actions weren't what you needed. You needed verbal reassurance.

Once Reid figured that out, he talked to Garcia and Emily about it. He figured out that you might not want everyone to know, but he needed other people on the team to know and help him out. Thankfully, he also switched back to getting you coffee, something that seems to perk your mood up in the mornings.

The way he cared though, noticing even the smallest of things and remembering everything you said, had you swooning. It was exactly how you started harbouring a crush on him. And now here you were months later as his "best friend". Attending movie nights at each other's place and trying out new cafes whenever you guys had time off. At this point, you basically stay over at his place more than yours for the convenience of getting an extra 15 minutes of sleep before work.

"Alright, wheels up in 15 minutes. Everyone grab your go-bags and we'll meet on the runway," Hotch ordered.

Once the team went over some theories after takeoff, you had time to relax until you got to Vegas. Next to you, Spencer took a book out of his bag and already started reading it. Since there was quite a bit of time left for the flight, you decided to plug in your earphones and take a nap.

"You wanna listen to some music?" You whispered to Reid. Everyone on the plane was immersed in their own worlds. Emily seemed to have also decided to take a nap, JJ going through paperwork, and Morgan watching a movie on his laptop.

Smiling softly, Spencer grabbed the earphone you had in your hands and whispered back a soft "yes." You smile back and rest your head on his shoulder. It's been a few cases since you started doing that. Spencer was actually the one that suggested you nap on his shoulder after seeing how stiff your neck sometimes got during cases. He got you the travel pillow just in case, but sometimes a nap on the shoulder is just what you need. You can put it on later if you really needed a change.

~

"Hi, I'm Officer Bakker. The lead detective on this case. I really appreciate you guys taking the time and coming here," an older detective said as she shook Hotch's hand.

"I understand that the bodies were found in the same general vicinity?" Hotch asks.

"Yes. Although we might have more pressing matters. Another girl with the same traits have just been reported missing. She was last seen yesterday night at a bar with some friends before going home according to them. My officers are already interviewing her friends and looking at the bar. We are currently unsure if it's the same unsub but I wanted to look into it just in case."

You exchange a look with Spencer. The unsub is speeding up their timeline. That's no good, you thought to yourself.

"Alright. Prentiss and Morgan, I want you to go to the dumpsites and see what you can find there. L/n and Reid, you guys work on the geographical profile of where these women were last scene and the dumpsites. Rossi and I are gonna head to the coroner's to see what we can learn about the bodies," Hotch told the team.

"I have two other officers working the case with me," Officer Bakker added, "I'll send Officer Hunt to the dumpsites with you guys, and Officer Rodriguez can help with the geographical profile after she comes back from interviewing the newest victim's friends."

Hotch nods and you guys disperse into your respective tasks. Spencer and you were lead to the room you guys were given to work the case. Inside you found a round table, some files, and two empty boards as you guys have requested.

As you finish putting up all the crime photos and the map, Spencer comes back with two coffee cups in his hands.

"Let's see how we feel about these ones," he said with a laugh. "I sure hope it won't be as bad as the ones we had in Chicago last time." You instantly grabbed a cup out of his hands, the strong smell of coffee waking you up.

You guys have been playing a game of rating all the coffee's you guys have tasted in different stations. So far, everything is below a 5 and nothing beats the coffee from the cafe next to Quantico. A bit of a splurge with how much coffee you guys drink, but a much-needed one to get you through the day with the things you see in this job.

After a taste test and the much expected 3/10 rating after Spencer visibly gagged, you guys dive into pinpointing the locations and bounced theories off each other.

The hair tie on your wrists snaps against your skin as you continue playing with it. A nervous habit you picked up when you were younger. It used to keep you awake studying but now it served more as an absent-minded tick you have while being focused.

"Your wrist is red," commented Spencer.

You looked down. You must have been hitting the same spot for hours. There was now a swollen line right where the hair tie would hit. The area around it an angry red before fading into pink. You didn't even notice the sting until you looked at it.

"Here," Spencer said softly, "Last time you left a scrunchie at my place, I'll trade you. I can hold on to that hair tie for now."

He slips the hair tie off your wrist before replacing it with small blue scrunchie. You had bought the pack a month ago before you started leaving it everywhere. You don't even remember leaving it at Spencer's place after all those game nights.

"Thanks," you whispered. He was standing so close now. You look up to observe his face, only to find his eyes on you too. You felt the soft blow of his breathing, realising how tall he actually loomed over you. It wasn't like you never stood next to him. But this was different. The way he towered over you made you feel safe. You wanted to take a step closer to his warmth.

"Do you want more coffee, y/n?" he whispered.

You cough, breaking the trance, and simultaneously he took a step back. Taking all the warmth away with him. You wrist felt cold, and only then did you realise that his hand had been caressing your wrist the whole interaction.

"M-maybe some tea this time," you croaked, rubbing your wrist to get rid of the small tingles. You cleared your throat. "What do you want, Spence? Coffee?" You moved towards the door, needing some space before you do something you regret.

"I think I'll have some tea too, actually. Thanks y/n," his voice came out confused. He was the one to ask if you wanted anything after all. Stealing a glance before you leave the room, you watch as he ran his fingers through his messy hair before staring back at the board.

The kettle grumbled as the water started boiling in the coffee room. You fanned your face as you search for some tea. They didn't have much of a selection over here. Then again, you can't really compare. You and Spencer were basically the main suppliers of the tea cabinet back in Quantico.

Grabbing two mugs, you picked out two bags of Earl Grey.

"Hey how's the geographical profile coming along?" you jump hearing Emily's voice behind you.

"We're currently narrowing down how the unsub met their victims. Currently the abduction sites are a bit spread out to know what the comfort zone is, but the dump sites are all in the middle. The radius of the second location right now is too big without other clues," you reported.

It was true. You and Spencer are hoping that what the rest have found can help narrow down where the second location is because currently all you guys have are a map with circles that don't overlap.

Emily nods, "Hotch and Rossi should be back in a few minutes. We should call a meeting to review what we've found."

As you guys approach the room, a sudden loud giggle cuts through the air making your eyebrows furrow. It's not everyday you hear a giggle in a police station.

Standing at the doorway, you guys are met with the site of a female police officer standing next to Reid. Her eyes were comically big, staring at Spencer. She laughed in delight with every fact he spilt. Your eyes, however, were glued on her hand which was on Spencer's forearm. With every move of his body stepping backwards, she followed.

She was making him uncomfortable.

Emily cleared her throat, bringing the officer and Spencer back to the room. His eyes dart to yours as he stepped further away from her.

"Hi! I'm Officer Rodriguez," she steps forward, her hands shakes Emily's. "but you guys can call me Gabriela. Everyone does here anyways."

You shake her hand, taking a good look at her. She was pretty, there's no denying that. She had shiny, luscious brown hair pulled back into a low pony tail. Her lashes were to die for too. If she wasn't the person you hated the most in the moment, you would have asked her what mascara she was wearing. You hold back a frown.

"Ah! You must be Officer Rodriguez. SSA Rossi, and this is SSA Hotchner," you hear Rossi's voice behind you.

"It's my pleasure! You guys can just call me Gabriela. I've read your book by the way. I couldn't believe my ears when Officer Bakker said that we would be working with you. Your team is very impressive," she says excitingly, looking at Spencer at the end of her sentence.

You shove your hands into your pockets to stop them from shaking.

"Officer Rodriguez, thank you for helping l/n and Reid on their profile. If you don't mind, our team is going to discuss our findings before presenting our profile," Hotch steps around the table.

"Oh! Uh- yea sure!" she stammered, "I'm looking forward to hearing it."

She moves to the door but not before touching Spencer's elbow to say goodbye. You bit your lip as you took in a breath. "Welcome back to Vegas by the way."

"You okay there l/n?" Morgan asked after the door closes. He wore a knowing smile on his face, one that you would love to punch right now.

"Peachy," you reply dryly. The team did not try to hide the fact that they "shipped" you guys together, as Penelope said. This wasn't the first time you were at the receiving end of their teasing. You doubt that Spencer even realises what they were implying sometimes.

Spencer comes to your side, standing close to you. You ignore him though, not wanting him to see how bothered you were with the way Gabriela was acting. It was not the time to admit your feelings, or for him to figure it out himself.

"What did you guys find in the dumpsites?" Hotch asks. And with that the team goes off on theories and ideas. You guys had one hour until Hotch wanted to present the profile, so whatever you guys found better be good.

"Morgan, tell them we're ready to give the profile."

~

"The unsub we're looking for is between the ages of 24 to 30. We believe that they currently work in a position of power, somewhere they have control, but also something where they can fit in and gain the trust of our victims. Think of anyone you'll go to help for: security, teachers, counsellors, therapists, or even the police," Hotch starts.

You were all gathered in front of the Las Vegas police. Some of them looked at each other uncomfortably after Hotch mentioned the possibility of a police officer being the unsub. The usual reaction. Most departments don't take it well to this kind of information, they couldn't believe that one of them would do something like this. Not until all the evidence points to one of them. You keep your eyes on them for any tells. Just in case.

"However, this control is not enough anymore," Morgan continues. "Something might have happened recently that made them feel like they don't have control over their job anymore, or they aren't getting enough credit. They feel undermined. Undervalued. We believe that this might be the trigger."

"It's also very common for this type of unsub to have a troubled childhood, usually parental neglect that manifests into hyper-independency and for the need of control," Emily explains.

"There didn't seem to be a connection between the victims other than the fact that they were abducted during the day, and that they have blonde hair," notes Spencer. As soon as he started speaking, Gabriela's eyes flickered towards him. You clenched your jaw. You supposed that was the reason why she sat in the front row in the first place.

"Because of this, we believe that there's a personal connection for this unsub. These victims serves as surrogates for the unsub's anger. There must have been an event in this unsub's life with a blonde women that caused this much hatred," he continued, talking with his hands. You couldn't help but notice how Gabriela was staring at them. Spence always had nice hands but that doesn't give her the right-

"y/n?" Spencer whispered beside you. You jump out of your thoughts. Right that was your cue.

Clearing your throat, you said your part. "Due to the way the unsub fixates on this particular type of victim, the unsub would typically be male. However, since we found no evidence of sexual assault, there is also the possibility that the unsub could be a women. Like Agent Reid said, the unsub would have a personal vendetta against a blonde person. More evidence would be needed before we can determine a gender."

"Thank you everyone for listening. If you see anyone suspicious that fits the profile talking to someone that fits the description of the victims, please note it down and let us know," Rossi disperses the crowd.

Gathering together as you always do after giving a profile to plan your next move as a team, Hotch opens his mouth before being interrupted.

"Do you guys really think it's a women?" Officer Rodriguez cuts in. Her eyebrows furrowed, hands clutching her notepad and pen.

"There's a possibility, yes," Emily answers slowly. "It's less alarming and suspicious for a women to follow another women board daylight compared to a man. These women would also trust other women more."

"And them being a police officer?"

"It's just a possibility. With these type of cases you do see it a lot. Someone who's supposed to help the community blending in," you tell her.

She scoffs.

You look at Emily, making eye contact. It wouldn't be the first time someone would be resistant to such claims but it never gets easier. Plus you need the police's support, not for them to think that you guys suspect each and every one of them.

"There's just a possibility, we're not trying to blame any of you," Spencer adds. She gives him a tight-lipped smile before placing a hand on his arm.

"Thanks for trying to make me feel better Spencer," she says, eyes softening as she fixated on him yet again.

"I think you should take your hands off Gabriela. It's making him uncomfortable" you said coldly, causing her to turn to you with a raised brow.

"Whoa, l/n! Hold back your claws!" Morgan whistles. Spencer looks me you worried before brushing her arm off.

"BAU team, let's meet in the board room," Hotch interjects. By the way his jaw is clenching, he's definitely annoyed with the way Gabriela is acting and wasting his time. Spencer quietly moves to your side, knowing his presence has always calmed you down. You doubt it would be enough this time though as it only reminds you of what happened.

Once gathered, you guys go over the next steps you guys can take regarding the case.

"It's the just the usual response Hotch," Morgan says. All of you watched their reactions carefully.

"Don't you think Officer Rodriguez is being a little suspicious," you suggest.

"Y/n, we can't make any assumptions based on personal interactions," Morgan refutes.

Your face warms up at what he was suggesting. "I-I'm not saying that because of how she's acting!" you stutter, trying to collect your thoughts. "She's riled up by the fact that we're suggesting it's an Officer. Plus the way she reacted at it being a female offender is a bit odd, don't you think?"

Spencer nods, agreeing with you. Which was the least he could do, if you were being honest. "You know, usually with a group identity such as police officers, pilots, or teachers, people get defensive if they are part of that group. Although, she is showing constant obsession over certain facts of the case. Maybe she knows more than she's letting on?"

"Alright, I agree with l/n. If you guys see anything else let me know," Hotch sighs. "Keep an eye out for the other two officers assigned to the case too, Bakker and Hunt. With this type of unsub, there could be a chance that they want to be involved."

There was a knock on the door before it was pushed open by Officer Bakker.

"We found another body. It's the girl that went missing from that bar," he said to Hotch before meeting your eyes. "Maybe this is the extra evidence you needed."

Your heart sank.

~

This time the whole team went to the crime scene. You guys needed fresh eyes. The timing between this victim and the last was less than before.

"The unsub's timeline is shortening, Hotch," Morgan comments, confirming your thoughts. "They're also getting more aggressive. Look at those stab wounds. It's more than the other unsubs. They've started to spiral."

The body belonged to a Natalia Johnson. She was reported missing the day you guys arrived. Garcia was already tracking your last whereabouts, once you guys ID'ed her.

"Where's Officer Hunt by the way," you questioned. He wasn't there when you guys presented the profile. Considering he's one of the Officers on the case, it made no sense. You wanted to ask during the debrief but didn't get a chance.

"It's Officer Hunt's day off," Officer Bakker replies. Hotch looks at him confused.

"You have a serial murderer on your hands and your police officers get days off?" He asked in disbelief.

Officer Bakker stammered. "W-Well, they have fixed days off every week. All my officers do. It's a demanding job after all."

Hotch pursed his lips. "With all due respect, Officer. We need all hands on deck right now."

Walking away from him, Hotch came to your side.

"Ask Garcia to see if she can find the schedule of all the officers," he murmurs quietly, just loud enough for you to hear. "We'll only ask for it if she can't find it."

You nod discretely, careful not to arouse any suspicion. If the unsub is part of the police department, they could be here right now.

"Hey, Vegas boy!" you hear someone holler behind you.

You turn around confused, only to see Officer Rodriguez strutting over to where Spencer was standing with Emily and Morgan. Morgan raised his brows to the nickname.

"I hope you like coffee," she shoves an extra cup into Spence's hands. "They had a promotion and since you were working all night on that map I thought you might need it!"

You tilt your head. You both were working on the geographical profile, not just Spencer. Spencer's wide doe eyes meet yours.

"T-Thanks?" you strain your ears to hear.

You turn back to Hotch, not wanting to watch the scene. His frown deepened. This case was not going well. Just then his phone rang.

"Garcia, what do you have for us?" He answers, walking away and leaving you alone.

You decide to walk around the dumpsite. It was the same area as the others, never in the same alley. Yet, always the next alley on the right. At this rate you all knew where the next body will be dumped. What's interesting is that no one witnessed the unsub dump the body even though there was high foot traffic in the area. The body was probably dumped last night, but the autopsy report would tell more. The person who found the body was a garbage collector. They were making rounds in the alleyway as some of the buildings have their dumpsters here.

Looking around you notice how some restaurants in the area probably had back-doors here. You took out your notepad, making a note to tell Garcia to look into the restaurants' cameras and also for you guys to interview some staff.

"But why the change in MO?" you asked yourself out loud. With the previous victims, the unsub went from braiding their hair, to half braided and half shaved, to fully shaved and made into a wig and then braided. This time, the hair was still intact and braided on their head again. There must be a deciding factor for the unsub on which one to do based on a quality of the victim. Shaving their hair and making it into a wig before braiding it all takes incredible precision and most importantly, time. They're spending more time with certain victims and less with the others… They're perfecting their ways and getting confident for sure.

"Hey, l/n!" you hear Morgan call you, beckoning you over to where the team was. You join them as Hotch and Officer Bakker start discussing their plan.

"We already have surveillance in the area in case there was another dump, but my officers last night didn't report anything," Officer Bakker says.

"Alright, we might need to up the surveillance then, but not anything noticeable. We can't have the unsub start dumping bodies in another area," Hotch says.

"Actually if they do, we might have a better chance of knowing where their secondary location is with the geographical profile," Reid blurts out, earning a look of disapproval from Hotch since more bodies is never a good thing. Officer Bakker's phone rings and excuses himself to take it.

"Alright, we need as much help as possible. And we need to act fast. Officer Bakker, have your officers document as much as they can, and up the surveillance. Rossi and I are going to head to the morgue again to get the report. Morgan and Prentiss, stay on the scene and see if you can see anything new about this victim. You were the only ones that has been to the other crime scenes. Reid and l/n, head back to the station and coordinate with Garcia to see what you guys can find out," Hotch commands.

"Actually," Officer Rodriguez starts. "I think it might be useful to look at the body cams and also surveillance routes of last night. Maybe Spencer and I can look at that while your other agent corresponds with your tech girl."

You tilt your head. Everything that came out of this girl's mouth was pissing you off now.

"That's not a bad idea," you whip your head looking incredulously at what Hotch just said. Not bad? Not bad?

Your clench and unclench your jaw, trying not to seethe. Spencer was your partner, like how Emily and Derek always get paired up. She could do it alone without his help! It's literally just re-watching video logs.

"Sorry guys, another girl with the same looks was just reported missing. She was last seen two days ago by her friends," Officer Bakker sighs, shaking his head. "They only reported her missing after she missed work today."

"JJ, go talk to the family and friends of the newest abductee. See what you can find out," Hotch adds after sighing. "L/n, have Garcia pull up what she can find on the girl that was abducted. If we work fast, we could still save her. Every body get to work."

Officer Rodriguez immediately grips Spencer's biceps with her claws."Hey I'll drive us back to the station," she says as she steers Spencer to her police car.

"Damn, you've got competition y/n!" Morgan whistles.

Glaring at him you shot back, "What would I be competing for anyways? Sure won't be how shameless I'm obviously not"

He chuckles as he walks away. You feel a hand on your shoulder as Emily says softly, "I wouldn't worry if i were you. We all know Spence only has eyes for you. Even if you both don't see it."

"We're not-"

She laughs and shakes her head. "It's okay. Don't be embarrassed. We're all routing for you guys." She pats your shoulder again, before walking after Morgan to take a better look at the crime scene.

You sigh. At least you'll be riding the van with JJ and not alone right now.

~

"Omg she didn't!!" Penelope screeches as you recount everything that happened. Pen was the only one that knew of your o-so-obvious crush. That apparently everybody knew about. What could you hide from a group of behavioural analysts, you sigh to yourself.

"She did!" you moan with your hands on your head. You were alone in the meeting room that was soundproof, so you weren't worried about anyone hearing.

"And you know what's worse!" you continue in your crisis. "Spencer didn't even push her away!"

"Oh c'mon, knowing him he's probably just a deer in headlights! Freezing cause he doesn't know what to do!" Pen consols you.

But it was no use. You were officially moping.

"I don't know, Pen," you sigh. "Let's just get back to work."

"Alright, but let me know if anything else happens. I can always hack into her house and make her think it's haunted!" she suggests, making you to chuckle.

"Alright, so I took a look at where our latest victim was in the last twenty-four hours, and it seems like she made a grocery run in the morning, went home, and then left with her friends to go to the bar. From the interview notes of Miss Steal-Your-Man, it seems like her friends last saw her leaving their group with another girl," Garcia reports.

"So our unsub is more likely a woman now," you speculate. It makes sense. If the unsub was a woman, all the victims would have lowered their guard more easily. "How about the girl that was reported missing? Any leads with that?"

"I'm looking into it as of current…aaand it looks like she had class that day at the community college. I'll see if I can track her down with the cameras," she answers.

"Okay, thanks Pen. Also let me know about the whole police schedule thing. They still haven't sent it to you?" you asked.

"Nope, but fear not, I will find out anything they are hiding from us. Toodles!" With that you heard a beep that cut the call.

Alone in the conference room now, your gaze moves back to the board. The campus is near the bar where the last victim was abducted. You go to circle it. The abduction sites were now less spread out. You stare at the map, as if the answer would come to you.

You squint as you ironically see how in the overlapping areas between the dumpsite and the abduction sites, resides the police station that you were standing in right now.

Interesting.

You shake your head. You need more coffee for this, and your hair tie cause the scrunchy was not holding all your hair back the way you wanted it to. It was too loose and your hair was falling out, getting you more and more overstimulated. You needed the hair tie to focus at this point.

Heading towards the coffee machine again, you pass by the desk of Officer Rodriguez. Spencer sat by her, both staring at the computer as they watched a sped up cam recording.

"Hey y/n," Spencer calls out. He quickly gets up, walking towards you. "What did Garcia say?"

"She's still backtracking the last 24 hours of our newest victim," you answer, not wanting to give too much information while Officer Rodriguez was still here. For all you know, it could be her.

"How's the geographical profile coming? Gabriela said that she's going clock off now so I was thinking that we could work on it together again. There's not much on the recordings anyways from what we've watched," he rambles.

"O-oh sure!" you stammer, not expecting this turn of events. On one hand, you were happy that he'll be with you now. On the other, it seems like they were on first name basis now.

"Were you heading to grab some coffee?" he continued.

"Yea, I need something to keep my head going at this hour."

"Alright, I'll be back with two cups then," and with that he beelines to the coffee room before you could say anything. Leaving you with Officer Rodriguez alone.

You turn to Gabriela as she finishes packing up her things and stands. Without warning, she shoves something into your hands.

"Give this back to Spencer would you? My hair was in the way just now so I took it off his wrists. Poor thing tried to grab it back until I told him I was just borrowing it and I would give it back once I get off work," she said as you stared at the hair tie in your hands. Your hair tie.

"Excuse me?"

"Yea I basically had to wrangle it off him. That one is a bit fussy over this small thing. I wonder if it's sentimental to him," she comments.

You fumed, "Maybe just don't touch him, he doesn't like it."

She stares at you before smirking, "You must think you're so special knowing that about him and working on this team. But you're just a brat aren't you?"

You opened your mouth in shock.

"Wha-"

"Nevertheless," she raises her voice. "You were the one that wished for another body. Cruel thing you are, aren't you. Always pretending to be innocent. Maybe next time you can be more precise about what happens to it. Like how Natalia Johnson had an iron brand on her."

"What's going on here?" Spencer's alarmed voice rang through the empty office.

As if putting on a mask, Officer Rodriguez smiled at him before coating her words with honey, "Just some girl-talk! I'll see you guys tomorrow!"

You blanched as you watch her walk away.

What the fuck was that?

"Are you okay?" Spencer worryingly asks.

"You two seemed cosy," you deadpanned, turning back to him.

"What do you mean?" Spencer asked confused.

You scoff, opening your palm to reveal the hair tie. "You let her use my hair tie?"

"Y/n it's not how you think it is," he stares at it wide-eyed. "I tried to take it back, I swear. I would never give someone something of yours!"

"Sure Spence," you snapped.

"Y/n, what is this about?" he pleaded. "Are…Are you jealous right now?"

"Tell me what do I have to be jealous about Spencer," you asked back.

He stared at you, before he holds both of your elbows with his hands. You try to wave him off but he just grabs it and pulls you towards him.

"Y/n," he starts, "Tell me you know."

"Tell me that you can see how much you mean to me."

You stare back at him stunned.

"You've always been the one for me y/n. So don't worry about her, okay?" He said before pulling you into a hug. What surprises you thought, was the soft lips your forehead. He kissed it for a few seconds before letting go to look at you all blushed up.

"Glad to see you guys making up," Rossi interrupts. You quickly push Spencer away, like a child being found dating in front of their parents. Rossi chuckles.

"We just got back from the morgue and it appears like our new victim got iron branded by our unsub," Hotch states.

"Iron branded?" Spencer repeats in thought.

"Wait, you didn't know?" You asked confused now. "Did you guys just come back? You didn't call Reid to tell him?"

"What do you mean?" Hotch furrows his eyebrows.

"She-" you stumble, putting the pieces together. "Then how did she know that the unsub was iron branded?"

"Who?" Rossi steps forward. The three of them watched you carefully.

"Officer Rodriguez," you answer, eyes wild. "She just said that to me!"

"Could she have seen it on the scene?" Spencer suggested, turning to Hotch and Rossi.

"The body was clothed and the brand was under her armpit, there's no way she would have known unless she came to the morgue with us," Hotch told the group.

"She-It's her! How did she know that- And-" you were suddenly cut off by a phone ringing.

Hotch stares at you before answering and putting it on speaker, "Garcia what have you found?"

"Well, Sir, it seems like only one officer was off during the time of all the crimes. An Officer Gabriela Rodriguez. For all of the murders, she was off the day before," Garcia's cheery voice rang through the office.

"Which means that she could have dumped the body and then went to work the next day when the bodies were found," Spencer speculates.

"Garcia give us everything you've got on Gabriela Rodriguez," Hotch orders.

"Let's see… She's a Vegas native, her parents open's their home to foster kids. Dad worked in plumbing while Mum was a hairdresser. They eventually adopted their last foster kid, a girl named Emma. She was two years younger than Gabriela. Oh. Emma was taken out of their home two years after she was adopted after multiple house disturbance calls and domestic abuse reports. She was placed into another home, while Gabriela stayed and ran away from home a few years later," Pen answers, keyboards clicking away in the background.

You stare at the phone on the table where Pen's voice came from. It's her. It's definitely her.

"What was the calls about?" You ask curious.

"Uhhh it seems like most of the calls were made from their neighbours and the school the girls attended. Oh this is disturbing! Apparently, the Mum would shave their hair to make into wigs for her business. Teachers reported that Gabriela was constantly compared to Emma, and even got yelled at in front of her teacher during a parent teacher conference which started the whole investigation. Insert quote "Emma's hair is better than yours which is why hers is better for wigs. You will never amount to anything". Social services were due for a checkup but Gabriela was never put into the system because she ran away before the district could do anything."

"Was Emma blonde?" Rossi asks.

"Yes, and I'm sending her picture to you right now. Oh no."

"What is it Pen?" You ask urgently.

"It seems like Gabriela was in line to be promoted but an incident changed that. There was a huge crash, she and another officer was dispatched to the scene… Someone did CPR on a victim, witnesses reported a cop do it however the sister of the victim claimed that she did the CPR instead, which gained media attention. And Gabriela was deemed unfit for the promotion."

"So she was in line for a promotion, got denied cause someone else takes credit for her work where the media hounds in making it a headline story. That's her trigger," Rossi deduces. "Gabriela spent her life being tormented for not being enough, yet someone else steals her spotlight and it costs her promotion."

You shake your head sighing. It all fits the profile. Your phones vibrate, and you open it to see Emma, a blonde girl that looked eerily similar to the first victim.

"Doesn't she look like-"

"Sarah Anderson, our first victim," Spencer finishes your sentence.

"The one who steals your promotion looks like someone your abusive mother used to compare you too?"" you muttered under your breath. "Talk about triggering."

"Garcia where is Gabriela now?" Hotch's voice rang with urgency.

"She just left, she couldn't have gone far," you said. "I was working on the geographical profile just now and I found that the station is actually in the middle of all the crimes. She could live nearby."

"She did mention to me earlier that it doesn't take long from her place to the station," Reid said, earning a questioning look from you. You can ask about it later though.

"Sir, it seems like she lives in an apartment a few minutes away, but a month ago her mother passed away and the house was left to her name. Father died two years ago from leukaemia. The house is seventeen minutes away from the station," Garcia's voice cuts through. "Sending the addresses to your phones now too."

"L/n, call Morgan to tell him and Emily to head to her apartment. We need to split up to find her as soon as possible. Reid call JJ and tell her that we are heading to her parent's house and to meet us there. The house is big enough to hold someone without causing suspicion," Hotch says before taking off with all of you behind him.

Arriving on the scene, the neighbourhood was deadly silent. Most of the houses had their lights on, no doubt the families who lived in it having dinner right now. You guys couldn't draw attention to yourselves. It could cause her to kill the hostage in panic and try to flee. Keyword: try. Cause the house was now surrounded. She wouldn't be able to flee even if she tried to.

"I'm telling you, Agent. You've got this wrong. Gabriela- Officer Rodriguez, is one of my best Officers. An overachiever, if you will," Officer Bakker protests in a whisper.

"Officer if you were sure it wasn't her, why are you whispering right now?" Hotch stared him down.

In your ear piece you hear Morgan's voice, "She's not at her apartment."

"Alright, find out what you can about her and gather evidence. Agents, move in," Hotch orders rang clear.

Hotch and Reid approach her door while you and Rossi flanked the back of the house. You follow Rossi as he creeps silently into the house. You haven't been on the field as long as the rest of the team so you were thankful for the guidance. Rossi lead you guys through the kitchen, you noticed how everything was in place. Dishes in the sink waiting to be washed, flowers on the counter. Your eyes linger as Rossi heads to the living room.

In the living room, you find a couch set in front of a TV. The room was decorated with pictures of a family. Except there seemed to be more family pictures with Emma than Gabriela. Her parents seemed to pose with little Emma while also cutting Gabriela out, you notice as you see a couple of pictures with her face cut-off on the sides.

As you round the corner, you and Rossi walk down some stairs before find yourselves at the entrance of the basement where Hotch's voice echoes from.

"Officer Rodriguez, put down your gun."

"And why should I do that, Agent?" her voice calm as she questioned.

"We know it's you, the game is over."

You watch from the shadows as she chuckled in response. She was standing next to an armchair where you could faintly see the outline of blonde hair. A gun angled towards the head.

"Gabriela, she's not Emma. Look at her," Spencer's voice starts. "That's not Emma."

Gabriela laughs again. "Of course she's not Emma. I killed Emma."

You and Rossi share a look before he nods. He steps into the doorway, ready to intervene in case anything happens.

"Sarah Anderson?" Spencer asked.

"What? No," Gabriela shakes her head. "I killed Emma years ago. No. But Sarah Anderson was the same. They all take your credit."

"Is that why you braided her hair? Because she looked like Emma?" Hotch says, trying to tire her out.

She paused before answering, voice softer now. "She looked so much like her. Emma was a good kid. So I braided her hair one last time. Except her hair was not good. It was fried at the ends. Emma loved her hair braided. I used to do it for her before school every day."

So you were right. There was a reason why she would either braid the victims hair or shave it off to make into a wig before braiding it.

"Ellie Peters though, she had good hair," she continued. "Good hair gets turned into wigs, Mama used to say. The other one I thought she had good hair. But no. I was wrong."

"Gabriela, drop the gun," Spencer tries to reason with her. "I know you're mad. She got out of the house, this house. While you were stuck."

She inhaled sharply. "No. No! You don't get it!"

"You didn't live with them!"Her voice shrill as she presses the gun harder against the girl's head. "Nothing ever mattered to them! I got the best grade. Ranked first in my year. I got better grades than Emma but they still loved her more. I had the best hair before she came! They never hurt her. But she! She was the one that got away. Not me!"

She turns to the girl in the chair, pressing the gun with every word she spoke. "You have no idea what you've done! They were mad when Emma got moved! Their perfect little blonde princess," she hissed. Rossi moved closer as she spoke.

"Gabriela, give me the gun," Hotch repeated. "Emma is gone. Your parents are gone."

She choked on a sob. Gun in hand as she wiped her eyes. Quickly, Rossi moved and snatched her gun. They struggled for a bit, as you and Reid moved closer to them. Finally, Rossi was able to disarm her.

"Hands up, Gabriela," Spencer voice rang.

She looked around at the four guns pointed at her. She could tell she was outnumbered. A sob erupts before she falls on her knees. She cries as her fists slams the floor. Reid was quick to go to the hostage and free her. You and Hotch keep your guns pointed at her as Rossi holds places handcuffs on her.

Finally, it was over.

~

On the plane you unfold your blanket, getting ready for a nap. Reid sits next to you, as he analyses the chess board. Him and Emily started the game an hour ago when the plane lifted and it seems like they won't be done for another thirty minutes with how long they're staring at the board. In front of you, stood a Swiss roll that Spencer took it upon himself to get before you guys left for the airport.

"An apology for how I made you feel," he had said when he presented it to you.

As you lean your head onto his shoulder, he smiles to himself. This is how it was supposed to be. Not him being next to someone else the whole case. He realised that he was wrong to assume you would know how he felt since he never really verbalised it.

As he scans the board another time, seeing that he can win in three moves. He starts formalising a plan in his head. Since you didn't see how much you meant to him, it seems like he's just has to try harder so you will never doubt him now.

He smiles as he check-mates Emily, earning a few curses from her. He kisses the top of your head before putting his head on yours and taking a nap too.

Before you both got the chance to dose off though, you remembered something.

"Spencer, how did you know how far she lived?"

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