Gotcha

none of could possibly be okay doing what we do

[deactivatedx324623]

Dark Lady

[deactivatedx324623]

Will absently fiddles with the camera as he looks at the boy. At the moment, he looks agitated, confused, and below those layers is the obvious sign of fear. Will licks his dry lips. In merely seconds, everything about his world will shatter like a delicate hand mirror. 

It will be fast and take only a tiny bit of pressure before the pieces will fall to the floor. Over time, wounds will heal; of course, this doesn’t mean the pain will go away. Your feet will still bleed when you step on the jagged shards.

He can pick up the pieces and set the glass back into its frame. To the inattentive observer, the mirror will still serve its purpose. However, no matter how hard the boy tries, there will always be the tinniest remnants that will be missing forever. 

"I found her snooping around the tree," Will tells Bev, focusing on the woman in front of him. "She was taking pictures of the tree and the other remains." He hands the camera over. "After a small confrontation, she pretended to have a change of heart and gave me this." Will huffs before he continues, embarrassed that Freddie had caught him off his guard. "She told me that she couldn’t publish anything like this, but she more or less laughed in my face. The only reason why she was halfway successful in tricking me was that I could see she was truly affected. I felt it. Plus," Will gestures to the camera. "She wouldn’t have handed that over if she wasn’t completely incapable of remorse. 

"I took pictures of her that shows that she’s clearly on the crime scene. I figured that Jack could put those to good use." When Will wasn’t being difficult, Bev always let him talk in his own time. For that, Will decides to let her know what he had seen first. "That house," Will allows his words to hang as he tries to find the right way to describe what he had seen. "is filled with a family that was ‘saved.’"

[hairandfiber]

Bev nodded at his words. It was surprising to hear Freddie could actually walk into the crime scenes and still feel considering all she had put online. She was still positive that this boy wouldn't be too gruesome of a subject for her, especially remembering how she reacted with the Hobbs case. Remorse or not, that was definitely her speed.

"I'm glad you took it. Maybe it will keep her off our case for a while. We could all use the break." Jack might finally have the evidence he needed to get her in trouble. Granted, it probably wouldn't be a lot as she was just a bystander without her camera, but a trespassing charge would be nice. Freddie deserved a little trouble after all she had put them through.

It took Beverly a moment to register what he had said, realizing it was about the crime scene, what he had pieced together inside. It wouldn't be the first time they had encountered someone doing 'the Lord's work' or something along those lines. It certainly had the religious connotation. It felt different, though.

"Saved?" Bev asked. She couldn't see the tree from where she was standing. "Saved from what?"

[deactivatedx324623]

Dark Lady

Will walks through the snow in silence, the bottom of his pants completely soaked. The camera is weighing heavy on his neck, bumping against his chest.

Thump.

Stab.

Thump.

Stab.

Thump.

Stab.

He lets out a sigh; physical discomfort is the least of his worries at the moment. His brain is still on hyper drive, making pictures of blood and viciousness dance just above his subconscious. Will blinks and focuses on the situation before him.

Dr. Lecter and Beverly are standing together, only this dyad seems to have formed into a triad. With them is a teenage boy who looks distraught. His eyes are darting around his surroundings, his expression becoming more and more confused by the second.

Shit.

There must have been a second kid, and he has just come back to a slaughter house.

Will walks up and indirectly looks at Bev, who seems to have turned the kid over to Dr. Lecter. Obviously, this is the best course of action. It was playing out like a black comedy; a teenage boy learns that his entire immediate family was brutally murdered and a renowned psychiatrist just happens to be on the scene. Of course, nobody is laughing.

Will stops several feet from the group and Bev turns around. Her face goes from concern to confusion.

“Freddie,” Will says, holding up the camera. He knows that he is going to tell Bev and everyone else what had happened in the cottage, but for now they can discuss his first face-to-face meeting with the harpy.

[hairandfiber]

Bev nods to Dr. Lecter, more than happy to hand off the responsibility to him. She wasn't good with children, and she had no desire to break the news to the boy. None of this is any fun, but she would much rather be picking her way through the bodies than comforting the living.

"Their eldest child," Bev says. "You go. There isn't really a lot more to say about that. I must say, I am glad you have her camera, though. We don't need her harassing the kid already."

This is bound to be an interesting story. Will's interactions with the "reporter" always are. She just hoped his story includes driving her far away from here. This crime scene is gruesome even by Bev's standards.

[deactivatedx324623]

The Grinch

The flight to New Hampshire is uneventful because Will makes sure of it. The great thing about being anti-social is that no one questions you when you’re actually being anti-social.

Will always tries to let his mind go blank before he walks into a crime scene, where it is forced to be filled with the most sick and twisted parts of humanity; but Bev has already given him the canvas. Supposedly, Dr. Lecter is going to give Will the ability to separate himself from the pictures.

Jack has already barked the order for everyone’s retreat. Will is standing in the snow, looking up at the evergreen tree, its branches decorated with flesh. At the very top of the tree sits three human heads, arranged in a way that resembles an ugly star. Atop the first two heads is the head of a woman, the only one whose eyes are open.

Will closes his eyes.

The flashing lights are gone.

Will inhales the scent of fresh pine rank with death.

The hum of conversation disappears.

The pendulum swings and Will begins to paint.

“The family left the door unlocked,” Will says, turning the knob and entering the home. “We stay here every Christmas. Everyone feels safe.” He stalks into the cabin, the television flashing colors onto his face . Will hangs back in the shadows, watching the family laugh at Ralphie presenting his Red Rider BB Gun theme to his teacher. “They’re happier without me,” he murmurs.

Crouching lower, Will grabs a knife from the adjoined kitchen. “I have to kill him first and fast, or I will never bring myself to do it.” He nods towards the father. “He could also stop me.” Will leaps forward, grabbing the man’s head from behind and slashing the knife across his exposed neck. “He might not die instantly, but he won’t be a problem.”

As Will pushes away from the couch, the man’s wife screams. Smothering her mouth with a bloody hand, Will wrestles her to the floor. “Your eyes are open because I want you to see what you’ve made me do.” Tears are now running down the woman’s face, mixing with the blood of her husband. She whimpers helplessly against Will’s palm. She begins to struggle and Will panics. What he has hoped to be a quick kill has become more difficult.

“I’m small, making it harder to keep my victims down and my methods become sloppy.”  Will frantically stabs the woman over, and over, and over again. Once in the shoulder, once in the stomach, until he finally buries the blade into the woman’s heart.

The child is the easiest to kill.

Will drags the bodies outside, their blood seeping into the virgin snow. He drops their ankles once they are under the tree.

“There is no method to my disembodiment,” Will grabs a hand saw from a nearby shed and begins to hack into the bones. “Everything can be used as decoration. I don’t care about the organs.” He throws miscellaneous body parts into the snow: hearts, livers, kidneys, until the bodies are nothing but empty cavities. “For you to see, I must make them see.” After adorning the tree with organs, Will ties the three heads together and finds a latter. He climbs slowly, making sure that the heads are not rattled or hit by anything. “These are my trophies,” Will recites, setting the heads on top of the tree. “This is my design.”

Will shutters and opens his eyes. Hunks of bone and human pulp are still scattered about him. He tries to spin around, wanting to see where everyone has gone, but he stops when he is yanked backwards. His right hand is once again inside the glass box. Will’s mouth falls open and he shakes his head because this isn’t real.

Then, the box is gone and his hand is free.

Now, someone is shouting.

“There’s a kid!”  

It seems that he’s going to have to tell the story later.

[hairandfiber]

Bev looks up at the tree, taking in the grotesqueness of the scene. It is far more graphic than in the photographs, but also far more precise. What had looked random on paper looked methodical and elegant on the tree itself. The killer must have experience with this.

The ground contradicts the tree, though. Blood stained and strewn with body parts. It's hasty, but Bev still doubts Jimmy will find any fingerprints. The parts are leftovers, not incomplete. The tree is finished, it doesn't need anything more. It is only going to make Bev's job harder, going through hairs, bits of clothes, unlikely to find anything.

She stands on the edge of the woods when Jack gives the command to clear the scene. She can still see bits through the dense forest, but not enough to see Will. Only a reminder of what lies on the other side.

Bev turns toward the road at the sound of tires. The local police are arguing about their rights to the crime scene, so she decides to field the approaching vehicle. Removing her ID from her pocket as she moves toward the road, waving down the car with her free hand into a driveway beyond the crime scene. The driver is young and rolls down his window quickly, irritation in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, but the road is closed beyond here. We can have the police escort you in a couple of hours, but until then we ask if you could go into town and find a place to bide time."

"Says who?" he asks, clearly anxious to keep moving. Maybe he is late. It doesn't matter.

"Special Agent Beverly Katz, FBI," she answers, flashing her ID. "I am sorry about the inconvenience, but this is more important. If there is someone waiting for you, we can arrange for you to call them from the police station in town."

"I live at the next driveway, Ms Katz." His tone changes with the mention of her title. "My name is Ryan Mason. You can check me on it. I had a school event last night, so I am meeting my family at our cottage tonight. I was supposed to arrive a half an hour ago, so I would rather not delay more."

Bev is suddenly very aware of the cold, it ate away at her legs. This is not expected. "If you could please excuse me for just one minute. You will be able to pass through sooner than expected." She walks away, finding Jack speaking with Dr. Lecter and Brian. Will must still be at the scene.

"Jack, we have a situation," Bev interrupts. "I think the family has another child, a son that is old enough to drive." She glances to the idling vehicle. She hasn't been told the name of the family yet, but she doesn't doubt this boy is about to get life changing news.

"Brian, if you could tell the others to be wary of this situation. Dr. Lecter, would you join me in talking to the boy? Ryan is his name." She tries to put warmth into her nice, but knows she doesn't succeed. Maybe she will be able to pass it off as stress with the new variable.

[mageofalltrades]

Lucifer & Beverly: Say what you mean, tell me I'm right

Lucifer had yet to bother trying to truly blend into Madison. All he had really done so far was give Scott McCall a concussion, make Stiles Stilinski have a mental break down several times and in public,  ’befriend’ Damon Salvatore at a bar and have a stupid one of Michael’s Nephlium bump into him. Stupid Nephlium. He shook his head in disgust before looking up at the FBI building that seemed to just pop up overnight.

Okay, it was a few nights because he hadn’t really cared about having one in town but as the thought grew on him as to what the humans would do if he let something as ‘smart’ as the FBI exist in Madison. Beverly was persistent which was why he hadn’t just came out and bluntly killed her. Yet. 

She had reached out to him through the ‘mote’ he was staying at the moment leaving a note that she had slid under the door. It of course wasn’t addressed to Lucifer but to Nick, just Nick. He hadn’t even bothered leaving a last name. The letter was written in beautiful handwriting requesting his help. After pondering it for over twenty four hours he decided instead of calling her he’d just pop up at where she worked. 

So, Lucifer/Nick strolled into the Madison FBI building as he owned the place, which in some way he did, and followed the signs to the forensics lab where Beverly stood by herself. He knocked on the door before he walked in. ”Miss Khatz, I’m Nick, the man you wrote to? I would’ve replied sooner but I’ve been rather engaged with other situations of the utmost importance.” 

[hairandfiber]

Bev Katz stared down at her notes, a puzzled expression on her face. Things weren't adding up; there had to be something they were missing. There was evidence, but it was pointing to nothing. She had tried to research, but there was nothing on Madison. It was like the town didn't exist. With so many anomalies, someone had to know nothing.

She found a name a lead, but he hadn't responded. Disappointment leached through her as she looked from vials to plastic bags to her papers, writing down a few things. She was only at home a few hours a night, sleeping fitfully-the questions raging through her mind keeping her awake and preventing piece.

The door opened, and she was about to snap at the person of exhaustion, hunger-she couldn't remember the last time she ate, lunch yesterday?-and they broke the request she, Jimmy, and Brian had put out to not be disturbed. They were out at the moment, but the command still stood. She was not going to be walked over.

"We all think we are the most important," she said shortly. She sighed and closed her folder. "I'm sorry. This isn't your fault," she corrected herself, gesturing to the mess. She stood up, walking over to where he stood just inside the door.

"Thank you for coming at all, and please," she held out her hand, "It's just Bev. I've been told by several people you understand what is going on in this mad place?"

[hairandfiber]

OOC: So I have been MIA the past week as I have moved halfway across the country to Massachusetts, woo! But yeah, it's been a crazy week packing, moving, and starting college. I promise I will catch up soon, ideally before classes start. Just figured I should catch you up on that. You're all wonderful. Claire.

[deactivatedx324623]

As it appears, Maggie, the white poodle mix, has decided to make residence on Will's pillow. Her little stump of a tail is wiggling at the sight of her master, and it actually makes Will smile. "That's not your bed," he says as he begins to rummage through his drawers, looking for clothes to pack. Maggie only wiggles more, happy to hear the familiar voice as opposed to those of strangers.

Will decides to ignore the fact that Beverly and Dr. Lecter might be talking about him.

It's almost a given that they're talking about him. 

They're talking about him.

"Poor little fragile Will Graham," he mocks in an octave higher than his regular speaking voice.

Will picks up a shirt from his floor, smells it, and stuffs it into his duffel bag. It's not like anyone would notice a dirty shirt in a room filled with severed heads and stylishly placed entrails.  

He moves to his bathroom and gathers all of his toiletries. He really doesn't require much to live. As long as Will maintains basic existence, he's fine.

His guests are surely disagreeing with this very train of thought right now.

The idea that so much focus is being placed one him annoys Will. He's not a child. Will stops in his tracks and drops the duffel bag on his bed. There is an actual child that needs all of the attention she can get. Will isn't sure how much a phone call costs when the receiver is overseas, but he'll pay the bill on this one.

The phone rings once and goes straight to voicemail. Something important must be going on. Will settles for a message.

"I'm sure Jack has briefed you on what's happened recently," he pauses, embarrassed about referring to his handling of Garrett Jacob Hobbs. "So I'm just going to get to the point." By now, Will's sitting on the edge of his bed, anxiously rubbing behind Maggie's ear, who has by now jumped into his lap. "The daughter, Abigail, is still in the hospital and I haven't had the chance to talk to her." Will stares at his ceiling, feeling like a complete jerk. "Well, I haven't had a chance to talk to her since she's woken up. I was hoping you could stop by when you get the chance. I'm going to be in New Hampshire for a bit, so it'd be good for the kid. Let me know how it goes and I'll see you soon. Thanks."

Will hangs snaps his phone shut. Hopefully, Alana will be back shortly. She's also very good at following up. Will knows he'll hear from her soon.

"Okay. Let's get you and everyone else leashed up," he tells Maggie. He clasps the leash to Maggie's collar, throws the duffel over his shoulder, and unwillingly leaves his room.

[hairandfiber]

"I am completely aware of Doctor-Patient confidentiality, Dr. Lecter," Bev says, pushing herself up from the counter. "I also know that you are supposed to do your job. That was a seizure. You could see it in his face. Dehydration leaves people looking tired when they pass out. He was tense, that should be proof enough." Her voice is low but strong and her eyes are locked on his.

"I have many flaws, but stupidity is not among them. If you won't give me straight answers, I will just ask Will for the truth later. I don't have an issue doing that unlike Jack who sent him off to you.

"I apologized to be polite, to give you a chance. You are condescending and underestimate me. I don't-" she stops abruptly upon hearing footsteps and the click of dog nails coming from the stairs. Bev doesn't need Will to hear her anger. She wanted him to talk to someone, she told him that. Finishing doesn't matter anyway; Dr. Lecter would be able to tell she didn't trust him by now.

"All set?" she calls, walking out of the kitchen with one last look back at him. "I just need to stop at home for my things and food, but we should be right on time for our flight."

Will isn't stupid either. He will know they were talking about him. She is sure of that much. It isn't that she is trying to hide that fact, no. Bev doesn't want any bit of her distrust to bias his opinion. 

[hairandfiber]

[deactivatedx324623]

Will was going to lie, but he has a feeling that that course of action will not pass by Beverly or Dr. Lecter. Bev knows him as well as another could and will call his bullshit; and though he has only known him for only a few hours, Will is certain that Dr. Lecter is a...

[hairandfiber]

The wooden cupboard doors bang loudly when Bev carelessly shuts them in her frustration. She is tempted to ignore Dr. Lecter's question as it only reiterates her own, but she knows she needs to at least make an attempt with the man. He is going to be joining them for the next few days. Well, if she even makes it through the flight with him.

"Nothing," Bev replies, shaking her head. "I can have Saul make a few sandwiches; I can't imagine he left since I asked him to pack me a bag. We can pick them up on our way." She leans against the counter and pulls out her phone to send him a text.

Could I convince you to make three sandwiches for the trip? She presses send, sure he won't object. Any excuse to practice his skills. After returning the phone to her pocket, she turns to Dr. Lecter.

"Please excuse my actions earlier. I don't do my best work in the middle of a crisis; I am much more suited towards dealing with them hours later when I can dissect them for details." A half-truth but an olive branch.

"Will is my friend, and I am glad he is seeking out your help. That being said, I don't think this is a problem that can be solved with a sandwich and a glass of water." That she part slips out. She is trying to apologize, not accuse. It did need to be said, but not now, not like this.

[hairandfiber]

In Which They Visit Will's House

Bev opens the door to Will's fridge and finds it empty. Both Dr. Lecter and Will insisted the lack of food had to do with the event in the office. Though she did not fully believe them, she didn't have the time to argue the seizure point. While she could trust Will, she had watched him be pushed to the edge on the Minnesota Shrike case and didn't have a lot of confidence in Dr. Lecter's report.

Then again, she was a forensics specialist, not psychiatric.

"Do you have any food in this house?" she calls. If they are going to pull the food, Bev is going to find him something to eat. She moves to the cupboards, revealing a box of macaroni that is dusty and would take too long to make on the off chance it was still edible.

"If you didn't eat today, you haven't eaten in a week," Bev mutters to herself. Saul always keeps their kitchen stocked for his experimenting. It is strange to see a kitchen this empty and it makes her question her doubt that low blood sugar was the cause.

[deactivatedx324623]

[deactivatedx324623]

Will merely nods. There are too many things swirling, dancing, and most of all, crashing inside of his head. Dr. Lecter just gave him the go ahead, which had been the goal of this appointment. Yet despite this, Will is conflicted. He puts one hand on his hip and the...

[hairandfiber]

Bev nods along with Will as she returns the photos to her folder. His help really is needed, and Jack will be pleased to know he has Dr. Lecter's seal of approval and help on the case. She is about to take out her phone to call him when Will's voice falters and stops.

She turns around just in time to see him fall to the ground. Abandoning her papers, she rushes across the room to kneel next to him, placing a hand on his back to make sure he doesn't lean back and hit his head on the desk behind him.

Will starts to speak again, picking up where he left off with the arrangements for his dogs, and Bev begins to suspect a seizure. She had held her little sister's hand through many epileptic seizures during their childhood as they frightened her mother- one of many reason's of Bev's resentment. No. Focus on the matters at hand.

Hannibal is across from her, his hand resting on Will's arm.

"Fully functional and ready to work, you said?" Bev asks, the irritation clear in her voice. She does not appreciate people lying to her, even bending the truth. How could he have not seen this? Supposedly he is one of the best. Why give Will an okay stamp? 

[deactivatedx324623]

Dr. Lecter intends to comment on the shrink remark but is cut off before even starting by a buzzing phone. The polite thing would be to wait for their conversation to finish before dealing with matters from the other side of the door; this is after all intended to be a sanctuary. Although it...

[hairandfiber]

The door swung open just as Bev was about to knock once more. She knew she was being impatient, but she couldn't help it. Jack had made it very clear this couldn't wait; as if Bev had not been able to tell that much for herself.

"You must be Dr. Lecter," she said, holding out her hand. "I am Special Agent Beverly Katz. I left my I.D. in the car outside, but Will can vouch for me or I can go back and grab them. The first would be preferred as we are short on time."

She was talking quickly, her words spilling out. She wasn't fond of asking people for help. To tell Will that Jack needed him on site was one thing. To ask Hannibal to join them was another. She took a step into the room, looking over at Will.

“I really am sorry to interrupt your session, I know it is incredibly disrespectful, but we need you. I have a car outside. There should be enough time to stop by your house to pack some clothes before we leave."

She took a deep breath and turned back to Dr. Lecter. "We have quite the unusual case on our hands or I wouldn't be here." It was the truth. She was glad to hear Will was seeking out help. She wouldn't interrupt for something small. She wouldn't do that to her friend.

"I'll explain in more detail in a minute, but first you need to know that Dr. Alana Bloom, who would normally join us on scene, is currently out of the country. Jack Crawford was hoping you would join us in New Hampshire, Dr. Lecter. He said you are excellent at this sort of problem. I know it is a lot to ask for you to abandon your practice to help us, but it would be only until travel was arranged for Dr. Bloom.

"I'm sure you want to know the case, though, both of you. I can really only brief you here with questions on the flight to Concord. Jack wanted me to wait to explain the full case then, but you deserve to know what you are getting into." She glanced over at Will. He wasn’t supposed to be doing field work, even Jack had seemed reluctant to ask for his help. There was no one else, though. There was no one better.

"Our victims were found in Newbury, New Hampshire. It appears there were four of them, but that is yet to be determined as the owners of the cottage they were found it were a family of five." Bev moved over to a low table, opening her folder. She pulled out a picture, placing it on the table so Will and Dr. Lecter could see.

A smaller evergreen, about 8 or 9 feet in height, stood in front of a cabin. It was decorated as if it were Christmas, but instead of conventional decorations, it consisted of human bodies. Livers, stomachs, and other organs were featured ornaments paired with limbs sliced into chunks. They were accented by garlands made out of the small intestines and thin strips of skin, most likely left over from the removal of the organs. Four heads sat on the top, pulled together in a four pointed star. The woman at the top was the only one with her eyes open.

"The tree was found… decorated this morning," Bev paused for a minute, looking down at the picture. It seemed like such a cruel word. “A neighbor was taking out his garbage at 0530. He thought he was seeing things, so he waited for his wife to arrive home from work at 1000 before calling the local police. Jack heard around noon and came looking for you at the end of class." Time was easy to discuss. Far easier than looking at the scene. If she wasn’t used to seeing crime scenes like this, she wouldn’t have believed it either.

"They know this is not their full time home. If this is the family that lives in the house on the same property of the tree, there is a fifth member- the oldest daughter- that does not seem to be part of the tree, but it is too soon to tell." It was never easy to keep moving, but it did become easier. She had learned not to give them a true face or identity, only to examine them for evidence. To understand the killer was Will’s job. There was little to understand about the family.

"It is likely that this was a vacation home for the family and the killer, the Grinch as Jack called them, was waiting for them when they arrived for the weekend. Plenty of time to work." She looked down into her notes, making sure she wasn’t forgetting anything before looking at Will for any physical response.

"We really do need to get moving. Will, you have to come. Jack’s orders. He’s already mad about the lecture." She turned away from him, meeting Dr. Lecter’s eyes. She hadn’t realized their maroon color nor how it was mildly disconcerting until now. “Dr. Lecter, we would really appreciate your help, but I understand that you have other patients and it is difficult to pull away. Thank you for your time and allowing me to barge in here either way."

[hairandfiber]

To Face a Killer

Bev knocked on the door again, a bit more insistent this time. Impatient, she twisted the handle, hoping Will was still there and Dr. Lecter's next appointment had yet to start.

"Will," she said, smiling a little. Thank god. He had been impossible to reach on the ride over. "I am sorry to interrupt your session, I know it is incredibly disrespectful, but we need you. I have a car outside. There should be enough time to stop by your house to pack some clothes before we leave."

She walked into the room, not waiting for an invitation, tucking the small file Jack had given her under her arm.

"Dr. Lecter," she held out her hand to shake, "My name is Beverly Katz. I work in the lab in Quantico, specifically hair and fiber. Jack Crawford sent me here to request your assistance and Will's. We have an unusual case, more than likely a serial killer, up in New Hampshire. Dr. Bloom is currently out of town and as this is an urgent matter, we would really appreciate your help.

"Like I said, we are short on time, and I can really only brief you here with questions on the flight to Concord. Jack wanted me to wait to explain the full case then, but I'm sure you want an idea of what you are getting into." She looked over at Will. He wasn't supposed to be doing field work, even Jack had seemed reluctant to ask for his help. There was no one else, though. There was no one better.

"Our victims were found in Newbury, New Hampshire. It appears there were four of them, but that is yet to be determined as the owners of the cottage they were found it were a family of five." Bev moved over to a low table, opening her folder. She pulled out a picture, placing it on the table so Will and Dr. Lecter could see.

A smaller evergreen, about 8 or 9 feet in height, stood in front of a cabin. It was decorated as if it were Christmas, but instead of conventional decorations, it consisted of human bodies. Livers, stomachs, and other organs were featured ornaments paired with limbs sliced into chunks. They were accented by garlands made out of the small intestines and thin strips of skin, most likely left over from the removal of the organs. Four heads sat on the top, pulled together in a four pointed star. The woman at the top was the only one with her eyes open.

"The tree was found... decorated this morning," Bev paused for a minute, looking down at the picture. It seemed like such a cruel word. "A neighbor was taking out his garbage at 0530. He thought he was seeing things, so he waited for his wife to arrive home from work at 1000 before calling the local police. Jack heard around noon and came looking for you at the end of class." Time was easy to discuss. Far easier than looking at the scene. If she wasn't used to seeing crime scenes like this, she wouldn't have believed it either.

"They know this is not their full time home. If this is the family that lives in the house on the same property of the tree, there is a fifth member- the oldest daughter- that does not seem to be part of the tree, but it is too soon to tell." It was never easy to keep moving, but it did become easier. She had learned not to give them a true face or identity, only to examine them for evidence. To understand the killer was Will's job. There was little to understand about the family.

"It is likely that this was a vacation home for the family and the killer, the Grinch as Jack called them, was waiting for them when they arrived for the weekend. Plenty of time to work." She looked down into her notes, making sure she wasn't forgetting anything before looking at Will for any physical response.

"We really do need to get moving. Will, you have to come. Jack's orders. He's already mad about the lecture." She turned away from him, meeting Dr. Lecter's eyes. She hadn't realized their maroon color nor how it was mildly disconcerting until now. "Dr. Lecter, we would really appreciate your help, but I understand that you have other patients and it is difficult to pull away. Thank you for your time and allowing me to barge in here either way."

[deactivatedx324623]

[deactivatedx324623]

"My life would be a lot easier if people didn’t find me remarkable," Will mumbles. He realizes that he has just broken some of his levees by his spur of the moment confession. He’s embarrassed and presses the heels of his hands to his eyes, turning his face upward.

If I don’t see you, you don’t see me.   

Well, this isn’t what Will had expected. Maybe it was because Dr. Lecter has been talking to him, not at him. Then when he actually was talking to him, there are few words. 

Whatever the reason, the release makes Will feel the tiniest bit lighter, which is an improvement as to how he felt when he first walked in. Maybe this is actually good for him.

"I don’t want a shrink," Will finally says, opening his eyes and running a hand through his hair. Damn, he’s tired. 

Suddenly, his phone buzzes. 

Will’s eyes actually meet maroon ones in a silent question. There is no objection, so Will looks at two texts. Both are from Beverly. The first being her response about Freddie Lounds.

"It’s not pretty, Will. I’ve only just gotten into it myself. A lot of it seems to be stretched truths that we should be able to squash pretty easily, especially now that you’re looking for help. That being said, did you really have to tell her you’d find her body in a ditch? I know she didn’t make that one up," Will reads out loud. God, it sounds so stupid when someone else says it.

Now that their meetings are now established as a regular occurrence, Will feels that he should probably share these things.

"Shit." He quickly types in Lounds’ number and hits ‘send.’ The text whooshes off. The second one contains variations of “Where are you?"

Something must have happened and Will’s stomach drops. Then, he jumps at a knock on the door.

[hairandfiber]

Bev felt for these students. They had a test next class, she didn't belong at the front of this podium, and they had been interrupted a number of times. To bring the chaotic lecture to a close, the doors slammed open 15 minutes before class was scheduled to end.

"Graham," Jack Crawford said loudly, his voice echoing around the room. Bev shut his laptop, pushing Will's notes into a neat pile. She knew nothing was going to come of this. "We have situation." He paused for a second. "Where is Will?"

"Class dismissed." They filed out quickly. Smart. They must have been here for a while. Younger students would have hesitated, but the room was empty within seconds.

"Will was looking like Will, so I offered to take his class before the appointment."

"Appointment?" he questioned.

"To prove his sanity? He said you ordered it before he returned to the field."

"Right. Dr. Lecter at Alana Bloom's recommendation. Of course it had to be now." He seemed distracted, looking around the lecture hall instead of at her. She was about to speak, but he continued. "I guess that will have to wait. We need him in New Hampshire."

"New Hampshire?"

"All of you in fact. Let's go to the lab. I'll explain as we walk. I need to be leaving in 5 minutes, so you have to brief Will, pack your supplies, and get up there as quickly as possible." He hesitated, breaking stride for a moment. "Bring Dr. Lecter while you're at it. He can work on the profile until Bloom returns."

"Profile? We can't have a serial killer. That girl in the lab means nothing," Bev protested. It was their only action all week.

Jack shook his head. "You are not going to believe this one."

45 minutes and a text asking for office location later, Bev found herself in the waiting room of a psychiatric practice, banging frantically on the door.

[hairandfiber]

OOC: We have our first OC killer! I know there are probably a lot of questions surrounding them, so please drop me an ask. I have a rough but detailed description of them written up, but ultimately, we are creating this killer together. It should be awesome.

Edit: I am really tired out of nowhere, so if you do have OOC questions about the killer, I will answer them first thing tomorrow (Meaning 10 am Eastern Time).

[deactivatedx324623]

Will isn’t a big texter, but when a situation arises that paints him as a psychopath, he makes an exception.

To: Beverly Katz: Tell me what you know about the Tattler article. I want to hear it from you first.

Will hears footsteps just on the otherside of Dr. Lecter’s office door. Will quickly...

[hairandfiber]

Bev held Will's briefcase in one hand, using the other to check her phone and make sure she did have time to teach this lesson. There was nothing from Jack, but an email notified her of a new post on tattlecrime.com. She clicked the link, letting a noise of disgust escape her lips when she saw the title.

This was the reason she subscribed to the damn website. It did more harm than good, but it was always better to know what they were up against. She scanned the article quickly before texting the link to Will on the grounds of "You'll want to see this". He deserved to know regardless of how worn down he already seemed.

She walked into the room, placing her materials and phone on the lectern. A moment later, she turned to the students.

"Sorry about the delay. Professor Graham was needed down in the lab," Bev explained. "My name is Beverly Katz, I work in the lab, and I was asked to come down and help you all get ready for your test next time- no, it is not going to be postponed just because he isn't here." A hand raised."If you are asking if I am qualified, go ahead and leave. Take no review over mine." The hand went back down and Bev smiled.

* * *

About midway through the review, Bev's phone vibrated from where she left it. She finished her explanation of when to declare a crime scene complete before checking it. Will.

"Excuse me," she said to the room full of students. "I just need a minute." She walked out into the hallway, her fingers already flying across the keys.

Will Graham: It's not pretty, Will. I've only just gotten into it myself. A lot of it seems to be stretched truths that we should be able to squash pretty easily, especially now that you're looking for help. That being said, did you really have to tell her you'd find her body in a ditch? I know she didn't make that one up.

Sent. She was about to head back inside, but decided to send him one more message.

Will Graham: Can you send me the number she called you from earlier? I'll call her after class and see what we can do about the situation before it does too much damage. -Bev

Satisfied, she returned to the classroom, placing her phone back in its spot.

"Onto victims that are still alive." There was no reason to break stride. Bev could tell they had questions, but they were only students. They would understand soon enough. This article was bad news. She just hoped Will didn't let this get to him too much.

[deactivatedx324623]

Will makes it to Quantico later than he likes. The headache that has been settling in while on the phone with Dr. Lecter has grown into a full-blown migraine. All he had was a bottle of Aspirin and a few minutes to pass out with his head on the kitchen table. A few…

[deactivatedx324623]

Will nods, his eyes still at half mast. The coffee he had this morning did little to wake him up and he was grateful for the steaming mug of caffeine that he was now cradling in his free hand. 

"Have you heard of Freddie Lounds?" Will doesn’t usually start conversations that don’t have a direct purpose, but his interaction with the reporter has left him in an uneasy state. He knows that this isn’t the last he’s seen of Ms. Lounds. Will quickly shakes his head. “Nevermind." He notices the his hands are shaking because of the two cups of coffee. “I’m late for my lecture," he looks down at his watch. “And even more so because I’m talking to you,"

Will wasn’t accusatory at all. His voice only portrays exhaustion. He can go as far as to saying that he likes Beverly. Yes, she was wary of him like the others, but she always makes an effort to be kind. 

"I have…an appointment that I’m already going to be late for and I was hoping that you could call me out halfway through my class because," Will takes a sip of his coffee. “you need my help on a case. or whatever you can come up with." 

[hairandfiber]

Bev nodded at the mention of the name. Tattlecrime had given them a lot of trouble in the past, revealing information that was being withheld for a reason. Freddie Lounds had many bylines and even more detectives and officers fired with her snooping. Before she could comment on it though, Will continued, and Beverly made a note to check the website later.

"Well, you’re in luck. We have her fresh from the BPD. We don’t think anything will come of it, but Jimmy will be done soon and we can say we need to as one last opinion," Bev answered. She looked at him and then the body again.

"I’ll walk you over there, if you don’t mind." she added. “Brian and Jimmy can hold down the fort here for a few minutes, and I have a few questions for you." Questions indeed, but they had nothing to do with a case. She worried about Will. Not how Jack or Alana did, but as a friend. It wasn’t easy doing what they did; there was a reason for the FBI having such strict screening.

This life.. It took a toll on even those who passed every test. She knew that as well as anyone.

[deactivatedx324623]

Will opens the door for Beverly and allows her to pass through first. He was right to come to her. He doesn’t like to ask for help, but he at least knows where to go if he needs it.Walking down the hall, Will takes another gulp of coffee before he says, “I’m going to see a psychiatrist today. Jack’s not putting me back out until it’s proven that I’m not certifiably insane. I’m going once you get me out of here. So any questions you have will probably the least of my worries." That gave Beverly the go ahead.

[hairandfiber]

"That's good," Bev replied, "but it's only a start. You look like shit. Are you sleeping at all?" They were outside the wing that held the classrooms now and Bev stopped.

"You don't have to go in there; you're already late. If your lecturing on anything forensic, I can give an overview. If not, I'll just tell them you are helping us out in the lab and you will cover it next time. I know what you're going to say: Jack doesn't like people cancelling classes and you'll have to take that fall, but think of yourself just for a minute." She put her hand on the door. "It's up to you. You'll have time to prepare yourself before this appointment. Jimmy and Brian won't care if you're hang around for a few."

[deactivatedx324623]

Will makes it to Quantico later than he likes. The headache that has been settling in while on the phone with Dr. Lecter has grown into a full-blown migraine. All he had was a bottle of Aspirin and a few minutes to pass out with his head on the kitchen table. A few…

[deactivatedx324623]

Will nods, his eyes still at half mast. The coffee he had this morning did little to wake him up and he was grateful for the steaming mug of caffeine that he was now cradling in his free hand. 

"Have you heard of Freddie Lounds?" Will doesn’t usually start conversations that don’t have a direct purpose, but his interaction with the reporter has left him in an uneasy state. He knows that this isn’t the last he’s seen of the of Ms. Lounds. Will quickly shakes his head. “Nevermind." He notices the his hands are shaking because of the two cups of coffee. “I’m late for my lecture," he looks down at his watch. “And even more so because I’m talking to you,"

Will wasn’t accusatory at all. His voice only portrays exhaustion. He can go as far as to saying that he likes Beverly. Yes, she was wary of him like the others, but she always makes an effort to be kind. 

"I have…an appointment that I’m already going to be late for and I was hoping that you could call me out halfway through my class because," Will takes a sip of his coffee. “you need my help on a case. or whatever you can come up with." 

[hairandfiber]

Bev nodded at the mention of the name. Tattlecrime had given them a lot of trouble in the past, revealing information that was being withheld for a reason. Freddie Lounds had many bylines and even more detectives and officers fired with her snooping. Before she could comment on it though, Will continued, and Beverly made a note to check the website later.

"Well, you're in luck. We have her fresh from the BPD. We don't think anything will come of it, but Jimmy will be done soon and we can say we need to as one last opinion," Bev answered. She looked at him and then the body again.

"I'll walk you over there, if you don't mind." she added. "Brian and Jimmy can hold down the fort here for a few minutes, and I have a few questions for you." Questions indeed, but they had nothing to do with a case. She worried about Will. Not how Jack or Alana did, but as a friend. It wasn't easy doing what they did; there was a reason for the FBI having such strict screening.

This life.. It took a toll on even those who passed every test. She knew that as well as anyone.

[deactivatedx324623]

The One Where Will Asks Beverly for a Favor (Reblog with your response for this one, Claire)

Will makes it to Quantico later than he likes. The headache that has been settling in while on the phone with Dr. Lecter has grown into a full-blown migraine. All he had was a bottle of Aspirin and a few minutes to pass out with his head on the kitchen table. A few minutes had turned into an hour.

Hurrying down to forensics with his head throbbing, Will is able to ignore the stares of everyone in the building. He was like an insectunder neath a magnifying glass, everyone was watching to see if he was going to go up in flames.

Will cringes when the lab door closes and inhales sharply, catching the attention of one of the few people he didn’t mind to be around - Beverly Katz.

[hairandfiber]

Bev leaned against a metal table on the side of the lab, a cup of black coffee in her hand. On the table a few feet away a girl lay face down. She had been found by the Baltimore Police and sent here after they failed to identify her.

It was certainly no easy task. She had been found in the Chesapeake Bay. Her hair was shaved short and her teeth were broken, from rocks or intentionally it was hard to tell, and her fingerprints were swollen from the time spent in the water. Bev had spent the better part of the morning combing her for any trace of a killer, but to no luck as it usually was with floaters.

Jimmy hovered around the table now, managing to pull a few prints, but there was no way of knowing if they were hers. It wasn't even clear what the motive of this killer was- it was the first body to turn up of the sorts and it had only been sent to them as they were in a  slow period and the police had no other options.

It was a relief when Will came in, giving her a distraction from the frustrating and seemingly unproductive work; odds are it was an accident as many were, and they would just end up with a Jane Doe.

"Afternoon, Will," Bev said. "Coffee's fresh over there." She waved her hand to a table near the door, never taking her eyes off the body. Though she was impressed with Will's work, she was still wary of him. It seemed to Bev that everyone tiptoed around him, and that wasn't her way.