Though Officer John Nolan's career, influenced by a peculiar cosmic will, had far surpassed that of an average patrol cop, he had little experience with serial killers. The old nemesis who was meant to complicate his life had exited the scene early due to certain circumstances (Chapter 86), sparing him such troubles.
Listening to Jack's detailed analysis, John grew curious. "So, do you think he developed this 'claustrophilia' in prison? Maybe from being confined in a small solitary cell, which made him want others to experience the same?"
Before Jack could answer, Angela eagerly interjected, "Or he could have had it before prison. It might have been triggered by a traumatic event during his adolescence, sparking a hidden pathological mindset."
"Wow!" Jack gave her a surprised look. "Is there really that much pressure on female detectives? Your drive to learn makes me think you should go back to college for further studies."
Angela rolled her eyes. "David Rossi may not be great at fishing, but his books are solid. By the way, I read your novel too—it was entertaining."
"When The Detective Jack Chronicles Vol. 2 is out, I'll sign a copy just for you," Jack offered with a grin. Seeing that the trio was interested, he decided to give them an early overview of the BAU's criminal profile.
The LAPD, as the second-largest police department in the U.S. after the NYPD, had over 10,000 officers. Tim and Angela might attend BAU briefings, but as a patrol officer, John certainly wouldn't. Since they had specifically called Jack to the precinct, he figured he might as well explain the profile while he was there.
"We also suspect the killer's impersonation of a federal agent may stem from a need for control. The deference and compliance people show toward federal officers likely feed this desire for authority. He could be seeking recognition of his status and identity, craving submission from others."
"What about his victim selection criteria? Have you identified how he targets them?" Tim and Angela exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions somewhat odd.
"The victims so far have lived in transitional neighborhoods with poor security—women who were alone at home, making them vulnerable. We suspect he conducts surveillance beforehand, but exactly how he chooses or locates his targets is still unclear."
Jack narrowed his eyes at the trio, his gaze shifting between them before settling on John, whose face was the easiest to read. "So... you guys found something, didn't you? That's why you brought me here."
John proudly pulled out a map and spread it on the table in front of Jack. "At first, we weren't sure—thought it might just be a coincidence. But after hearing your FBI profile, I think we've figured out how the killer finds his victims."
He pointed to four marked circles on the map. "These are the locations of the four previous murders. Angela cross-referenced LAPD's crime map data."
As John's finger moved across the map, Jack noticed that each crime scene was near another marked point. "What's this? Another case?"
"Exactly," Angela said, placing four case files on the table. "Within two blocks of each murder scene, there was either a homicide or a sexual assault shortly before the killings."
Tim added grimly, "All of these incidents occurred within twelve hours before each of the serial murders."
Less than an hour later, the entire BAU team arrived at the Wilshire Division. As soon as Rossi entered the conference room, he spoke up. "So, the killer likely stole a police radio or installed an app on his phone to eavesdrop on police frequencies."
Everyone greeted each other briefly before Angela began explaining. "We believe the killer drives around until he hears a call regarding an assault or homicide. He then heads to the scene's vicinity to find a potential victim."
"That makes sense," Reid agreed. "It's a strategy—using fear generated by other crimes to achieve his own goals."
John suddenly spoke up, pretending to play the killer. "Excuse me, ma'am. I'm FBI Agent John Nolan. We're investigating an incident that happened nearby. You may have heard about the tragic event last night—a woman was killed..."
The words sent a chill down his spine. He shuddered involuntarily. "God, that's terrifying. Who would question a federal agent warning them about local crime?"
Angela gave him a thumbs-up. "Congratulations, John. You've got the makings of a serial killer."
Emily took a deep breath. "Single women tend to be cautious, but they also want perpetrators caught quickly. When someone claiming to be a federal agent asks for their cooperation, they might lower their guard and invite him in. The killer is exploiting that trust."
Hotch turned to the LAPD officers. "Have you investigated recent reports of home invasions, sexual assaults, or murders in nearby areas?"
Tim nodded. "Yes, and no new incidents have been reported in the past twelve hours."
"We can't just wait for a crime to happen," JJ frowned, glancing at Jack. She had a feeling she knew what he was planning.
Jack, ever the bait expert, smiled. "Exactly. So, we'll give him what he's looking for. Commander Gray is contacting precincts in North Hollywood and East Division to deploy plainclothes officers and detectives."
"We need to be clear about one thing," Rossi said, his tone serious as he stared at the map John had drawn. "This trap involves luring a homicidal maniac into a community full of unsuspecting civilians. There are countless potential victims, and we won't know who he'll target. If something goes wrong, we'll all share the responsibility."
"It's better than letting him keep killing," Hotch replied firmly. "I'll take full responsibility in my report."
Rossi shook his head. "That's not what I meant. We need a detailed plan and enough manpower."
"...and enough decoys," Angela added. "I'll arrange for at least ten female undercover officers, each paired with a two-person security team."
"Eight will do," Emily interjected, exchanging a glance with JJ. "We can be part of the bait."
"And we'll need safe houses to serve as traps," Jack muttered, rubbing his temples. Time was tight. The sun would set soon, and there was no telling if another crime fitting the killer's pattern might occur at any moment.
"In the previous cases, the killer operated within a two-block radius of other incidents. To be safe, we need to cover a three-block radius this time," Jack explained.
Tim understood immediately. "We'll have everyone in position within an hour. As for the safe houses, we'll need the FBI's help."
"Maintain radio silence," Hotch instructed. "Tell your officers to approach any suspicious person cautiously. They must positively identify the target before calling for backup. We might only get one chance."
(End of Chapter)
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