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Alex felt like she was trapped in one of the nightmares that had chased her for so long. How could Jeff be dead? Questions assailed her mind like frightened birds trying to find a place to land. Nothing seemed to make sense anymore.
Monty followed Alex and Kaely back to their room. “These rooms are really small,” he said. “I like Logan, but that could change by the time this is over.”
“They’re going to be even tighter for the four of us to work in,” Alex said. “I hope Logan finds us another place soon.” Alex took a seat on her bed while Kaely and Monty sat down at the table.
“I ... I can’t believe Jeff’s dead,” Monty said. “Two people I care about gone in just a matter of days. It’s ... it’s hard to take in.” He looked away from them.
“I know,” Alex said. “I’m so sorry, Monty. We’re going to catch this creep. He’s not perfect. He’s made mistakes. We just need to figure out what they are.” She paused for a moment and then said, “Monty, are you sure you want to work this case?” She knew the answer even before he said anything. He felt the same way she would if the situation were reversed.
“I have to be involved,” he said simply. “I just have to. It ... it helps to keep my mind off my grandmother. Really.”
When someone knocked on the door, Alex called, “Come in.”
The door swung open. Bethany, Todd, Robin, and Nathan all stood there. They looked as shocked as Alex felt.
“We’d like to help,” Todd said, his voice unsteady. “We know too many people working a profile can cause chaos, but it doesn’t make any sense for us to just sit around and do nothing.”
“Thanks,” Monty said. “I agree. Since he’s acting chief now, why don’t you talk to Logan? I’m certain we could use your help.”
“We’ll bring it up and see what he says,” Bethany said. She looked down for a moment. When she raised her head, she had tears in her eyes. “This guy has to be brought to justice. He killed Jeff.”
“We understand completely,” Alex said. “Let us know after you talk to Logan. We’d be grateful to have you on board.”
“Okay,” Todd said. “See you all later.”
After Nathan pulled the door shut, Monty said, “I totally get it. I’d feel the same way if I was in their shoes.”
“Let’s get our notes together,” Kaely said, “so we’re ready to work when Logan gets back.” She took a deep breath before saying, “Look, I just came on, so I didn’t know Jeff well, but I know you two are really hurting. I just want you to know I’m committed to doing everything possible to help find this UNSUB.”
Alex could see Kaely had also been moved by Jeff’s death. “Thanks. We appreciate that,” she said. “I haven’t been at the BAU for long either, but Jeff had become important to me. Logan and Monty worked with him for several years.” She got up and grabbed her notebook while Kaely found the file they’d been working with.
“This is personal,” Monty said. “I want this guy.”
“I do too,” Alex said. “For Jeff. And for your grandmother.”
“And for John Davis and Evan Bayne,” Kaely added. She frowned. “We could use more information from Australia. Hope that’s coming soon.”
“I’m sure the authorities will work with us,” Alex said. “There’s no reason for them to hold back. They have some great behavioral analysts there too. They can even bring them in to help.”
They talked about the case until they heard a knock. Alex again called out, “Come in,” and Logan opened the door.
“We’ve been assigned a classroom,” he said.
“We’re ready,” Alex said. “Lead on.”
Alex looked at the sky as they walked down the glass-covered hallway. The dark clouds overhead looked like snow.
“This is it,” Logan said, opening a door. He led them into a room with a large table and eight chairs. Both a dry-erase board and a corkboard sat on portable easels for easy positioning. There was even a copier.
“This will work great,” Alex said.
“The rest of our unit stopped by Alex and Kaely’s room,” Monty said. “They want to help.”
“You’re the analysts assigned to this case,” Logan said, “but I’ll brief them later today. They can work on questionnaires for the police, review the victimology for common elements, and help the police develop investigative strategies.”
“Are you still going to work with us?” Monty asked. “I mean, now that you’re so important?”
