the violet effect // spencer reid

16 • under pressure

• chapter warnings: mention of shooting, guns, being held hostage, spoilers for s14e15 •

previously:

"The team exchanged a quick glance, knowing they were getting closer to unraveling the UnSub's plan. They needed those names-fast-before Casey could strike again."

•••

The next name on the UnSub's list was Judge Melissa Hamilton, and Violet and Spencer were racing to intercept her. As they drove, Spencer dialed into their team's technical analyst.

"Garcia, any progress on Judge Hamilton?" Spencer asked, his eyes scanning the road ahead.

"No luck," Garcia replied, her voice tight with frustration. "I've reached everyone else, but she won't pick up. I'm pinging her phone now... Wait, you're close. You're really close."

Violet glanced over at Spencer, her face set in determination. "She's gotta be his endgame. He knows we're getting close. We're running out of time."

Spencer nodded grimly. "During sentencing, she made it clear she wanted him to take responsibility for his actions. She threw the book at him. That'll have set him off."

"Yeah, no kidding," Violet muttered, her hands gripping the steering wheel tighter.

"Wait-!" Garcia interrupted, her voice sharp. "She just pulled over."

Spencer's gaze snapped to the side of the road. His eyes locked onto a black sedan idling near the curb. "There," he pointed. "That's her. That's Judge Hamilton. Turn around, Violet."

Violet didn't hesitate. She swung the car around, tires squealing as they headed back toward the sedan. Just as they neared, the black car jolted forward, veering toward a truck. It skidded to a stop, and Casey Pinkner emerged, gun raised and aimed directly at the agents.

"Get out!" he shouted, his voice frantic. He shoved Judge Hamilton ahead of him, forcing her down the street as he fired a shot in their direction. People scattered in panic.

"Go, go!" Spencer urged, his hand already on the door handle as he and Violet bolted after the UnSub.

They followed Casey into a small store, its fluorescent lights flickering overhead. He turned to face them, his gun trained on the agents. "Drop your weapons!" he screamed, his voice shaking with fury.

Violet didn't flinch. "Not happening," she replied, her eyes steady.

"Melissa!" Casey barked. "Take it." He gestured to another gun, pulling it from his jacket and tossing it to her. The few remaining customers in the store cowered, too terrified to move.

Judge Hamilton hesitated, her eyes wide with panic. "Casey, no," she pleaded.

"Take it!" Casey screamed again, his voice cracking with rage. "Or I'll kill your daughter! Point it at them! Now!"

Tears welled in the judge's eyes as her hands trembled. Slowly, she reached for the gun, lifting it with shaking fingers and pointing it at Spencer and Violet.

"I'm not gonna say it again," Casey snarled. "Put your guns down! Now!"

Spencer took a slow breath, his heart hammering. He looked at Violet, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's okay."

With a resigned sigh, Spencer lowered his gun, his eyes never leaving the judge. Violet followed suit, their weapons now lying on the floor in front of them.

"Melissa, pick them up. Toss them!" Casey ordered, his voice cold with authority.

Judge Hamilton's hands shook as she retrieved both guns, sliding them out of reach. She looked at her daughter, held tight by the UnSub. "Please," she begged, her voice breaking. "Don't hurt her. I didn't call them. I don't know how they found me."