After getting off the plane, Hotch, Reid, and JJ went to Spokane, while Gideon, Prentiss, Morgan, and Bruce went to the forest.
The Boise National Forest was located in southwest Idaho. It was established in 1908 and covered an area of 11968 square kilometers. The main part of the forest was steep and mountainous, and many important local rivers originated here. Tourists often came here for fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, and other activities. The victims were all found deep in the forest.
"I'm Lizzie, the forest ranger captain.
Evans。”
"Hello, I'm Agent Prentiss. This is Agent Jones. Agent Gideon and Agent Morgan are still in town."
Bruce got out of the car and stood on the road looking around. The trees were green, the sun was just right, and there were the chirping of birds. If the car hadn't had a flat tire on the way up the mountain, he would probably be in a good mood.
"You must be tired from the journey, but we have to keep moving. We have to leave before dark." The forest ranger looked at them with a smile.
"No problem. Lead the way."
They walked in the forest. To be honest, if it wasn't for someone leading the way, they would have easily gotten lost. There were only trees around them, and there were no distinguishable signs. They walked for more than an hour before reaching this place. During the journey, they saw many dangerous animals, such as bears.
"Boot marks. The same pattern, but different models." The forest ranger pointed to the marks on the ground, which were surrounded by yellow police tape. "This is Alex's.
Where Harrison's body was found. "
"So at least two people have been here," Bruce said.
Prentiss looked at the marks on the ground and looked back. "Jones, from here, we can see the victim's death from above."
"This is a common hunter technique. They use the terrain to observe their prey." Bruce shrugged. "There are two wounds on the victim's body. They may have each caused one."
After a series of investigations and exchanges, they came up with a profiling. "We're looking for at least two healthy suspects. To pass through this forest, one needs a strong physique. Without backup, no one will be able to enter such a deep place. The Unsub team is like any other cooperative relationship, one is weak, and the other is strong."
"These people have no sexual interest in the victims, so they are either immature or they are relatives. Close relatives will not discuss sexual matters, and they will not perform sexual acts in front of another person."
"Most hunters would end their prey's life to end their suffering. The people we are looking for do not have any mercy on their prey. They enjoy watching their prey slowly die."
"The victims were all healthy adults. They followed their instincts and survived for a few more days. When they find themselves in a wasteland, they are either being chased in a non-dangerous way, or the murderer is waiting for the moment when the prey is exhausted — the best moment to strike. "
"These hunters are very experienced and efficient, so it's not strange that they chose composite bows as their weapon. Composite bows require the highest accuracy, and they bring challenges every time."
"Just like collecting trophies, these people carefully plan the hunting process. They choose the type of victim, the location and method of killing, and the weapon used."
"Hunting is their sport, and human beings are their targets."
The rangers scattered in the forest to look for possible targets. Prentiss found the bodies of a couple hanging from a tree. When she passed by, blood dripped on her face.
"Prentiss, are you okay?" Bruce saw Prentiss standing alone in the distance, facing a tree. She had one hand on the trunk and her head leaned on the arm.
"I'm fine." Prentiss exhaled and wiped her face with her other hand. The blood on her face had already been wiped away, but she still wiped it again. "Although I have seen a lot, I can never understand why someone would be so cruel."
"Isn't that the meaning of our existence, BAU? To analyze them and stop them. "Bruce looked at her.
Prentiss shook her head and sighed softly. "If possible, I really hope — Jones, what are you doing?" Looking back, she saw Bruce running in a direction, shouting, "Who's there?" Prentiss chased after him without thinking.
"Hey, Jones, wait." They ran for at least ten minutes. Prentiss panted and walked quickly to Bruce who stopped in front. "What are you doing?"
"I saw a figure in the forest, so I chased after him. He kept running … Now, I lost him." Bruce shrugged. "Just call me Bruce."
"So, Bruce, what kind of person did you see?"
"Well, black hair, jeans, carrying a travel bag. I couldn't see him clearly in the bushes." There was no such person in the first place. Bruce ran out on purpose. He just wanted to create an environment where he could be alone so that Prentiss would have a good impression of him. The others in the group were probably a little cold to him because of his attitude two years ago.
Prentiss stared at him for a while. "Well, we have to go back now. The forest ranger said we have to go out before dark."
Bruce looked up at the sky. It was already a little dark. "I remember it should have come from this way …"
In the end, they couldn't find the way back under Bruce's lead. The sky was completely dark. It was just a run. Bruce was just careful not to run back. In this completely unfamiliar forest, he quickly lost his way.
"So, what do we do now?" Prentiss shone the flashlight on the ground. The two walked in the dark.
"Looks like we have to spend the night in the forest. Find a higher ground first," Bruce replied.
When the two finally sat down against the trunk, Bruce took out his phone and looked at it. Of course, there was no signal. They already knew that. It was already past nine at night. They sat on the dried leaves that were collected. It wasn't easy to make two piles in the dark.
The atmosphere was a little quiet. Bruce spoke first. "Don't worry, I have a hobby of hunting and have some experience in this. We can treat this as a special camping trip."
"A special camping trip without even a tent?" Prentiss asked.
"Sorry, Prentiss, it's all because of me …"
"Don't say that. We're companions. I won't blame you for this."
Bruce pursed his lips and dug into his pocket. He took out two pieces of chocolate and handed them to Prentiss. They were small pieces, and each piece was about the size of two fingers put together. "Replenish some energy. Since we don't have dinner yet?"
"You even carry this with you?" Prentiss took it and looked at it.
A breeze blew, and the moonlight shone through the gaps in the leaves, slightly illuminating the surroundings. If it wasn't for the sound of various animals in the distance, it would have been a good environment.
"I'm a dessert lover. I always carry some snacks with me." Bruce took out a few candies from his pocket and handed some to Prentiss. They were all fruit-flavored.
"Oh, a boy who likes desserts?" Prentiss' voice was a little teasing.
"You should say man, not boy." Bruce also stuffed a piece of chocolate into his mouth and muttered in a low voice, "What's wrong with liking desserts? Desserts bring happiness."
"No, nothing. It's very cute."
"Hey, I think I prefer you to use some other adjectives, such as handsome or gentle." Bruce took off his jacket and put it on Prentiss. "It's my duty to take care of a lady."
"Thank you." Prentiss gathered the jacket. It wasn't summer yet, and the night in the forest was a little cold. "How old are you, Bruce?"
"Twenty-two."
"Very young. You must be very outstanding."
"Not really. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in two years, then trained at the FBI academy for about half a year, and finally came to BAU."
"Two years. That's very difficult. What did you study?"
"Psychology. Everything I did was to come here. I originally gave up on university. More than two years ago, there was a case in the town where I lived … "
"I see. It's a little … unbelievable." Prentiss looked at him, although only a hazy shadow could be seen under the weak moonlight. "I mean, this department basically doesn't recruit new people. Most of them are experienced and skilled …"
"Elites." Bruce continued, his voice was a little low. "I realized, although this is only my first case. You're all very outstanding, but I have no experience, I … "
"Don't worry, just do your own thing. I'll help you too."
"Thank you, Prentiss."
"Emily, call me Emily."
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