Chapter 202: Coveted Twins (Part 5)

"Are we really going to let the kidnapper go?" JJ finally broke the silence, lost in thought.

"Trust Rossi. He may seem a bit outdated, but he's dealt with perverts and psychopaths for three or four decades. Haven't you seen his interviews with those serial killers in prison?"

Jack's tone was relaxed. Although he didn't remember the specific details, he knew that unless the case involved the BAU members themselves, they rarely failed.

"Uh, Jack, you know we can hear you on the comms, right?" Reid's voice came through the earpiece.

JJ chuckled, her beautiful eyes glancing at Jack. American girls already had big eyes, and they loved using black eyeliner to highlight them. Those big blue eyes could easily make one's heart skip a beat.

Jack awkwardly changed the subject. "Where is Cheryl headed? It's almost time. Help us find a route to get ahead."

"Let me see. The address seems to be a pay parking lot. I'll replan your route."

Following Reid's directions, they reached the location before Cheryl. The dimly lit parking lot at just before 3 a.m. provided Jack the perfect cover. He parked the car in a suitable spot and began checking his weapons.

As expected, the FK7.5 wouldn't be needed today. Jack first checked his FBI-issued Glock 22, identical to the one issued by LAPD, which had become standard for federal and well-funded local police departments.

"Wow, your backup gun is a bit over the top," JJ remarked, surprised by the FK7.5.

"Better safe than sorry. You never know when you'll run into a drugged-up idiot on the street who can still fight back after taking several bullets."

"And this big guy ensures that no carbon-based life form can move after taking three shots."

Jack reholstered the FK7.5 in his custom-made shoulder holster, which Hannah had crafted for him soon after his return to Los Angeles. It included two specially designed belts with four perfectly sized loops at the back for extra magazines.

"Jack's record is reliable. He took down more criminals in a year with LAPD than I've seen in my time with BAU," Reid commented, having evidently checked Jack's file.

"Alright, let's focus on the task at hand. Cheryl's car just pulled in," Jack said, spotting the distinctive yellow Beetle.

"What will the kidnapper do next? Leave a car with keys inside and a disposable phone, making her switch cars and phones?" JJ speculated based on past experience.

"If he's really after Cheryl, he might act quickly. I think I've spotted him."

Jack's heightened senses picked up something unusual in a nearby black BMW, with a shadow moving in the driver's seat.

"Jack, be cautious with your shots. There's a slight chance there might be a hostage in the car, although it's unlikely," Rossi's voice came through the earpiece.

"Understood. I'll scare him off, make him think he's just inches from success, right?"

Jack quietly opened the car door, signaling JJ to continue monitoring. Using the parked cars as cover, he carefully approached the black BMW.

The weather was mediocre, with the little moonlight obscured by clouds. The few streetlights in the parking lot made the night Jack's best cover.

He got within about ten meters of the BMW before stopping. He was confident the kidnapper was inside since the car had no license plates.

"The suspect is wearing a mask and gloves, making it hard to determine skin color. Medium build and... wearing a tie," Jack whispered into his earpiece as he retreated. Getting any closer would insult his marksmanship.

Meanwhile, Cheryl, who had been waiting in the car, stepped out with the cash bag and followed the phone instructions towards the black BMW.

Everything was as Rossi predicted. The kidnapper had no elaborate plans and didn't care about being followed. He used the ransom delivery as a pretext for another abduction.

With Cheryl about twenty meters from the BMW, the kidnapper started the engine and couldn't resist opening the door, placing a foot on the ground.

"Jack, JJ, move in."

With Rossi's command, they both emerged, shouting urgently.

"Cheryl, get down."

JJ, positioned directly behind Cheryl, fired a warning shot into the air.

Cheryl, quick on her feet, immediately dropped to the ground. The suspect reacted swiftly, pulling his foot back and slamming the door, flooring the gas pedal almost simultaneously.

As the tires screeched, Jack ran a few steps, aiming his Glock with both hands, and fired several shots, shattering the right taillight of the BMW.

Watching the black BMW speed away, JJ helped Cheryl up.

"Why did you do that?" Cheryl shouted at JJ, her emotions breaking through. "Are you trying to get Tracy killed?"

"Trust us. The kidnapper isn't after the money. His target is you," Jack said, leading her back to the car under her shocked gaze.

---

Back at the Davenport residence, Evan anxiously hugged his daughter as soon as they returned.

"Cheryl's safe," JJ said, releasing Cheryl to Evan.

Before anyone could speak, the phone rang urgently.

Reid, who had been stationed by the monitoring equipment, grabbed the nearby laptop, ready to take notes. Rossi waited a moment before answering.

The same eerie voice from before spoke, "That was fun, wasn't it, Cheryl?"

"A little scare, heart racing. Did you feel the tension running down your spine?"

The voice panted, seemingly asking but actually describing his feelings.

"It seems those clever federal agents saw through my little plan. Otherwise, you both would be in my grasp now."

"Such a perfect pair. It's a real pity."

"Why are you doing this?" Cheryl's eyes were red and swollen as she questioned.

Rossi quickly pressed a button, the red indicator light illuminating, and motioned for Cheryl to stay silent.

The voice continued, "Because you made me do it, both of you did."

"Tracy, Cheryl, you've been signaling me with your eyes, the way you talk, those cute little gestures. You brought this on yourselves."

---

Running a bit late today. Hehe, slept in.

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