the violet effect // spencer reid

27 • fragile paths

• chapter warnings: mention of bomb threats, bombs, spoilers for s2e8 •

previously:

The agent raised an eyebrow but stepped in without comment, the tension in the air thick as the doors slid shut once again.

•••

As Spencer and Violet sat in the SUV parked in front of St. Denis University, a charged silence hung between them. Violet's phone buzzed, breaking the stillness. She sighed as she glanced at the screen, then answered with a curt, “I understand.” After a moment, she hung up and turned to Spencer, her expression grim.

"Cooke was murdered," she said, her voice tight. "Looks like a pipe bomb at the waterworks."

Spencer leaned back in his seat, shaking his head. "He didn’t want security. That arrogance cost him his life." His tone carried a mixture of frustration and sadness. He turned to her, brow furrowed. "Are we heading there?"

Violet shook her head, already opening the SUV door. "No. We’re sticking with the plan. We’ll still go see Professor Kent."

Inside the university lobby, Violet and Spencer approached a poised woman waiting for them. She extended her hand, greeting them with a firm shake. "Hi. Ursula Kent."

Violet returned the handshake with a brief smile. "My pleasure, Professor Kent. Violet Hankel, FBI. This is Dr. Reid."

Spencer smiled, a little awkward but genuine. "It’s a real pleasure to meet you. I’m a fan of your work." His voice carried an undercurrent of excitement.

Professor Kent’s lips curled into a modest smile. "That’s very nice of you to say. Shall we speak in my office?"

Violet nodded. "Lead the way."

The professor led them up a flight of stairs to her office, the air filled with a faint scent of old books and polished wood. Violet broke the silence as they walked. "Your book has become a significant part of our investigation."

"So your colleague explained," Kent replied, her brow furrowing. "I can’t imagine how, though."

"The bomber sees it as some kind of prophetic work," Violet explained. "He’s attempting to save humanity by stopping the proliferation of robotic technology."

Kent chuckled dryly as she pushed open the door to her office. "Well, that’s absurd."

Spencer, always eager to explain, stepped in. "He’s written a manifesto titled A Guide to Practical Living. Several sections of it are lifted directly from Empty Planet."

Violet nodded, her tone somber. "He’s taken up what he believes to be your cause, and he’s killing people for the sake of it."

Kent paused as if the weight of Violet’s words settled over her. She reached for a copy of her book on a nearby shelf and held it up. "But Empty Planet is a fantasy."

"Not to this man," Violet said softly, her expression grave.

Kent shook her head in disbelief. "How could anyone think it’s more than that?"

Spencer began to pace, his hand brushing along the edge of a desk. "Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict how an unstable mind will interpret something." He gestured for Violet to sit down as he took a seat beside her.

"And it’s caused him to kill people?" Kent asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Violet folded her hands. "Do you know Dr. Emory Cooke?"

Kent’s face softened. "Very well."

"He spoke to your classes?" Violet pressed.

"Yes," Kent confirmed, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.