The Second Threat

Thunder cracked overhead as Derek, Makayla, and Spencer Reid made their way into a run-down apartment building in Southeast D.C. A new lead from Garcia had traced a connection between the captured unsub and another man—someone even more dangerous.

Makayla felt the weight of the moment pressing on her chest.

“This address,” she said quietly. “It used to be his cousin’s place. He used to bring me here when… when he wanted to keep me hidden.”

Derek placed a hand on her lower back, grounding her. “You don’t have to go in.”

“Yes, I do,” she replied, her voice calm but firm. “I’m done being afraid.”

Inside, the air was stale, thick with rot and bad memories. Reid scanned the surroundings. “This place has been abandoned, but not long. Someone’s been here recently.”

They found a wall covered in photographs—of Makayla, of Derek, even of the BAU team.

Makayla stared in disbelief. “He’s been watching us…”

Derek’s jaw clenched. “This second guy isn’t just an accomplice. He’s a stalker. He’s obsessed—with you.”

Garcia’s voice crackled over Derek’s earpiece. “Derek, I ran facial recognition on a guy spotted near Makayla’s hospital. His name’s Travis Denton. Former corrections officer. Fired two years ago after a harassment case—guess who the victim was?”

Makayla’s breath caught. “Me.”

Everything fell into place.

“This wasn’t random,” Reid muttered. “It was orchestrated. The first unsub was the smokescreen. Travis is the real puppet master.”

And now they knew: he wasn’t just targeting Makayla.

He was hunting everyone who tried to protect her.