📎A/N. Thanks so very much for continuing with the story and for all your support.

I cannot believe just how many countries that you are all from. So far we have readers in (in no particular order) : Canada, USA, Puerto Rico, Ireland, UK, France, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania, South Africa, Israel, UAE, Oman, Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Brunei, Philippines, Korea, Australia, New Zealand .

Don't forget to vote it you like this chapter, it really means a lot to me and motivates me to keep up with my promised schedule [yes, even you silent stalker readers - you can do it just click the star :-) ]

Anyway onward to chapter 3 - I hope you enjoy it :)

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The drive in Murphy's Cadillac Escalade was in relative silence. After her initial internal battle and overwhelming desire to shoot him, Kaitlyn had decided to take the highroad and reluctantly followed him to his car. The man outranked her, and for the duration of the case, he was her superior. It probably would not look good on her F.B.I record if she was incited for insubordination.

Not to mention the paperwork involved in an accidental discharge, she thought dryly as she got into the passenger seat, not once, glancing across at the driver.

They were out the building and maneuvering through the busy traffic before Kaitlyn could put her seatbelt on. She was mildly surprised at his obvious familiarly with the city's streets. Navigating them quickly and efficiently out of Central Boston thorough the Sumner Tunnel and along the 1A towards Lynn, ten miles north east.

Quinn picked up the file Murphy had taken from Doug and began leafing through it. The folder contained a copy of the information from the incident from two days before. To her dismay, it comprised of very little. The victim had yet to be identified and the medical examiner had not yet determined cause of death.

"That was helpful," she said in disgust as she threw the manila folder onto the back seat.

Traffic having slowed them down, it took nearly fifty minutes to reach their destination.

The small crowd gathered along the distinct yellow police tape was a dead giveaway that they had arrived. The two new partners approached the Scene Officer and presented their identification before being granted entry into the secured area.

The old warehouse was a typical sight in Boston. The building boom had made its way to this part of the country, and the once abandoned building was now being given a second life as a number of high priced apartments. The building had been gutted and only the original concrete frame remained.

Kaitlyn approached a Police Officer who was standing watch just inside the building, "Special Agents Quinn & O'Neill," she held up her identification, "we are after Detective Garcia."

"That's him interviewing the security guard," he replied as he pointed to two men standing a short way off.

Without acknowledging the Police Officer, Murphy headed off in the general direction of the inner sanctum of the crime scene.

"Thanks," Kaitlyn smiled apologetically at the officer as she trailed after Murphy. She was slightly miffed at the Profiler who, once again, provided another example of his rudeness.

While there was a natural animosity between the F.B.I. and the local police department, Kaitlyn decided that there was no need to get on their bad side before they even started.

As she increased her speed to catch up with the object of her ire, she took stock of her surroundings. The floor itself looked like a typical construction site. Exposed wooden beams were fashioned into frames that would eventually be drywalled. A number of builders tables littered with plans, empty cups, and an odd assortment of tools were placed randomly throughout the area; Ladders, scaffolding, and plastic drop sheets hung from some of the beams to reduce the amount of dust and debris that was prevalent in this type of environment.

Off to one side, she spotted a rickety dirty table with an electric jug and coffee cups scattered across it. Chairs were haphazardly littered near the table that Kaitlyn guessed was where the workers took their breaks.

Deciding that there was no point in interrupting the third member of their team while he was otherwise occupied, both Murphy and Kaitlyn headed towards the actual scene, which was currently obscured by large builders plastic that hung in sheets from the upper beams.

The blurred silhouette of forensic staff could be seen through the material. Every few moments a burst of light would flash as another photo was taken. The outline of a number of distinctive yellow markers were visible.

Kaitlyn was slightly perplexed when Murphy opened the plastic flap that separated them and held it up for her to proceed him.

"Thanks," she mumbled as she ducked to pass through the opening. As she came closer to him, her senses where overwhelmed with his very masculine scent, a shiver rushed through her body as her shoulder accidentally brushed his chest. For some inexplicable reason her temperature rose two notches and she could hear the beating of her heart through her ears as her blood pressure increased.

She hastily proceeded through and forced her erratic pulse back under control, totally confused as to why her body would react in such a manner when she came in close proximity to the frustrating man.

One glance at the room, and her pulse literally stopped. Her heart felt as though it had dropped to her stomach. All thought of her previous state immediately forgotten.

Both Murphy and Kaitlyn stood rooted to the spot and took in the crime scene. She had been witness to a number of horrific crimes over the years, but this would be forever etched into her memory. Towards the centre of the room was what looked like a wooden chair tipped over on it side, one of its legs broken. Directly behind the chair was another large builders plastic drop-cloth. Unlike the one they had just walked through, it was splattered and coated in red.

The floor directly below was soaked with blood. The unevenness of the concrete, allowed trickles of the red substance to permeate and flow so that it resembled a map of a haphazard set of streets.

A short distance from this was the disemboweled torso of a man's body. Arms separated from the corpse as if violently torn off. Flesh and muscle hanging from the shoulder cavity where a limb once occupied. Portions of a shredded and bloodied shirt, still clung to the figure as if attempting to provide some level of privacy, even in death.

One of the detached arms looked as if it had been flung at the far wall. A splash of blood was followed by a downward trail of gore leading to the broken, bloodied, and ripped flesh that once was whole.

Looking round, Kaitlyn searched for the other arm. Unlike the first, it was in two pieces. As with the first, flesh had been torn and chunks of skin, muscles and sinew were showing. Even at this distance, Kaitlyn could make out distinct teeth marks against the cartilage of the exposed bone.

Other body parts were scattered across the crime scene. Each one accompanied by a yellow marker. Kaitlyn did a quickly count and gulped. Twenty-three. There were twenty-three bits of this poor man's body in a twenty-foot radius.

The Crime Scene Analysts were efficiently going about their business. They were experienced enough to ensure not to disturb any evidence. However, Kaitlyn recognised that the mood was definitely different from the standard crime scenes.

Normally, there would be a certain level of joviality and conversation amongst the Officers and Analysts. The serious demeanour and hushed tones indicated that there was something very wrong and disturbing about this particular one.

The rustling of plastic alerted them to the arrival of Detective Garcia.

"You're the Feds that the Commissioner has assigned," called out the Detective as he made his way over to where they were standing. "Antonio Garcia, but you can call me Tony," he said affably as he shook hands with Murphy and Kaitlyn, "you must be O'Neill and Quinn."

For some reason, Kaitlyn immediately warmed to the smiling Detective. Unlike others she had worked with over the years, there appeared no animosity at having his case taken over by Federal Agents.

"So," began Antonio, "we'll be working as a team. I'm looking forward to it. I've heard great things about you both."

Before he could get any further, a commotion on the other side of the plastic was heard and they turned as a petite woman stumbled through the opening. Dressed in a pinstripe, knee length black straight skirt, and a matching pink twinset, she teetered across the expanse in her extremely high stilettos, the clicking of heels resonating through the building. Her ponytail flicking with each step she took. A bright smile that reached her eyes plastered over her pixie like face. Oblivious to her surroundings, the young woman made a b-line towards them.

Kaitlyn realised the instant the new arrival registered the tagged evidence disbursed across the room. Her face drained of all colour, and Kaitlyn could have sworn she could see it turning a bright green as the girl brought her hand up to cover her mouth, her eyes wide in shock. Without a word, she spun on her heals and raced out through the plastic opening.

Kaitlyn and the others looked at each other in amusement, a twinge of guilt however, quickly replaced the humour and she felt sorry for the girl, whoever she was. It was obvious that she was not expecting the graphic sight.

Murphy, in what Kaitlyn was discovering was his usual manner, proceeded strait to business, "Has the Medical Examiner determined time of death yet?"

"No, the ME's caught up at another scene. She's about half an hour away," said Antonio shaking his head.

While the Detective briefed them on what he knew, Kaitlyn scanned the area and noticed a number of the female Analyst's and Officer's throwing glances just behind where she was standing.

Turning to see what they were looking at, she immediately realised exactly what they were focusing on. She would have to be blind or dead not to appreciate the sight of the testosterone laden individuals they were eying up.

Antonio, whilst not as large or tall as Murphy, was definitely easy on the eye. His Latino background evident in his olive complexion and thick dark mane which did not have a hair out of place.

Murphy, however, was all man and made the Police Detective look like a boy in comparison. The Profiler exuded raw masculinity. His dirty blond hair was not perfect. His scruffy face reflected his disinterest in how he was perceived. Kaitlyn, however, could not fault him on the way in which he filled out his expensive suit.

She observed that Tony was not immune to the looks being thrown their way, and, now and then would throw a smile and a wink towards one of the women. Murphy, for his part, either seemed not to notice or if he did, ignored the come hither glances that were overtly being directed at him.

Kaitlyn just rolled her eyes at the comical display. She was oddly pleased that Murphy took no interest in what she had decided was childish behaviour that had no place this type of situation.

Before Kaitlyn could join the conversation, they were again interrupted by the same young woman entering the room. This time she managed to make it almost the whole way before she again turned and fled.

On this occasion, curiosity overcame the Police Detective "Hey Paul," he called out to the officer standing guard on the other side of the plastic, "who was that?"

The man being addressed, poked his head through the opening "She's from the DA's office."

"Figures."

The clicking sound of the woman's shoes could be heard as she approached, yet again.

Kaitlyn had to give the girl credit, At least she's persistent.

Making it the whole way across to the three Law Enforcement Officers, the young woman drew a nervous breath, "M... Murphy O'Neill?" she stammered as she looked between the two men, intimidated by not only the gruesome scene, but the three people who towered over her.

Tony cocked his head at the woman from the District Attorneys' office, "Do I look like I've Irish heritage?" he remarked with a disarming smile as he pointed to the other man.

The woman turned to face the Profiler, a look of fear and apprehension reflected in her eyes. "Um..." she began as she adjusted her glasses nervously, "Mr O'Neill sir, my name is Daisy Palmer and I am a paralegal with the District Attorneys office my boss, Trace Anderson, is the Assistant District Attorney assigned to deal with the case and I am here to act as his eyes and ears."

Not once did the girl draw breath.

She spoke so quickly and softly that Kaitlyn struggled to keep up with the words that seemed to blend into one. Glancing around at the other two, she could see the same confusion reflected in Antonio's expression.

Murphy however, continued to regard the new arrival with his usual unreadable expression.

"Go stand over there," he said pointing to a corner well away from the scene, "I'll call if I need you." His tone such, that the frightened Daisy quickly scampered to the place he directed her.

It dawned on Kaitlyn that he had taken in every single word the woman spoke. "You understood that?"

Ignoring her question, he took in the surrounding carnage, "We're going to walk the scene."

"No need," chirped in Antonio, "I already did, you can have my notes."

Murphy shot the Police Detective a glance that left him in no doubt about what he could do with his notes.

Garcia raised his hands in mock surrender, "Suit yourself," he said as he took a step back, "I'll just wait here."

Murphy turned to face the Analysts who were still going about their tasks. "I want this scene cleared now." His voice boomed across the empty building. Everyone halted in their tracks.

Kaitlyn suppressed a smile as she noticed a couple of them physically recoiled in shock as his voice broke through the hushed tones.

I've got to learn that trick.

Kaitlyn was oddly impressed at his ability to command a bunch of strangers. Within a few seconds, the scene was cleared of all personnel.

Yep, she thought I definitely have to learn how to do that.

Being seasoned professionals, both Murphy and Kaitlyn immediately put gloves and crime scene booties on. Murphy glanced at Kaitlyn pointing to the far left of the room, "Zone Pattern, I'll start at one."

"Confirmed, I'll take four," she nodded as she made her way to the far right.

For the next thirty minutes, both F.B.I. Agents carefully inspected the scene, quadrant by quadrant. Throughout the process Kaitlyn would look over to Murphy to view his progression. She was startled when she observed what she could have sworn was the Profiler smelling the surrounding air, as well as some of the evidence. Shaking it off as pure fantasy, she focused back on her own arduous task.

Kaitlyn was crouched down looking at a nearly unrecognisable upper arm when Murphy silently appeared beside her.

She jumped slightly as he spoke, his nearness making her slightly uncomfortable. "So, do you think this is a copy cat?"

Considering the question before answering, she shook her head in the negative "I think we are dealing with the original," she said quietly.

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, for starters," she began pointing to a number of small puddles around the area as well as the walls, "he's urinated around the entire circumference of the area." Kaitlyn knew that this key trademark from the original crimes was never released to the media all those years ago. "The cuts on the torso as well as the face, are consistent with the knife marks from the earlier crimes, the arms and legs torn from the body, the extraction of the internal organs; and not to mention the fact that he fed the parts of the body to some type of canine," she frowned as she continued to survey the macabre scene in front of her.

"Out with it," said Murphy, noticing her expression.

"Something's different though."

Murphy's only response was a slight raise of his eyebrow, and Quinn could not be sure, but she also detected a discernible surprise in his attitude.

"You noticed it too?" his voice reflecting a begrudging respect for the woman whom perhaps, he may have underestimated.

"The cuts are deeper, especially on the face. They are more closer together. It's almost like..." she trailed off trying to find the words.

"Like he's perfected the art of cutting?"

"Exactly," she agreed with his assessment, "the incisions are precise and so close together. That only comes with practice." Kaitlyn looked around the room, concern evident as her eyes turned back to meet his, "So what the hell has he been practicing on?"

Kaitlyn glanced down at the partial limb she had been inspecting when Murphy had approached. "There's also something not right with this," looking up at Antonio who was chatting up one of the young criminalists. "Hey you," she called out, "get a camera over here!"

The Detective trailed the young woman across the room towards them, careful to avoid any of the evidence. Kaitlyn rolled her eyes, yet again, as she noticed him checking out the woman as he followed her. "Good grief" she muttered under her breath as she pulled a pen from her pocket.

The mashed up flesh on the ground was the upper part of a man's arm. A large portion of the flesh was missing and bone completely exposed. A reasonable sized flap of skin was still attached to the blooded and mulched arm. Flipping it closed so that they could make out the skin, she leaned in closer as if it would hold all the answers.

She glanced up at Detective Garcia. "Have they accounted for all part of the body?" she asked.

"We won't know that until the Medical Examiner puts it back together."

"What about that last body? Were all parts accounted for?"

Again Tony shrugged "Examiner still hasn't finished the jig saw puzzle yet. Why?"

"The damage is severe, but that's a Marine tattoo." She pointed to the unrecognisable bloodied meat on the ground.

"And?"

"You would be hard pressed to get into the Marines with flat feet like that." She now indicated to a man's severed foot, that lay on its side a short distance away.

To Kaitlyn's astonishment, Murphy leaned in closer to the upper arm she had been inspecting.

Did he just sniff that?

After looking up at Kaitlyn with an expression that she couldn't make out, the Profiler then moved across to the foot, knelt down and peered closely as he breathed in.

Shit, he did, he just sniffed the evidence!

Murphy then proceeded to repeat the process for a number of the other body parts. Both Kaitlyn and Tony watched in bewilderment as the profiler reexamined the evidence.

"You're right," declared O'Neill, as he returned to his original position, "that arm doesn't belong with the rest of the pieces."

"So, who does it belong to?" Tony asked as he too crouched down to get a better look at the upper arm.

Kaitlyn looked oddly at the Detective, Surely the question should be... How do you know?

Glancing back at Murphy, she was shocked to discover that he was looking directly at her. A micro expression that flitted across his face, told her that he knew exactly what she was thinking. Their eyes locked as she considered the little that she knew about the man. There was definitely something strange about the Profiler. And right now, Kaitlyn wasn't sure if she wanted to know the answers.

Physically dragging her eyes away, lest she drown in the darkness of his intense gaze, she reflected on her observations of him at the scene and his reaction, little that it was, to her answers.

She came to the realisation that Murphy O'Neill knew more than he let on. He knew exactly what was going on. And, if she didn't know better, he knew who the killer was.

This revelation stunned the normally grounded woman. Self doubt then overtook her.

No, that can't be right. I'm reading too much into it.

Get a grip girl, she admonished herself, you have an over active imagination.

Murphy broke into her erratic and wild thoughts "We need to take a look at that other body."

Standing up, Murphy called across to Daisy who was looking anywhere but at the scattered body parts, "Tell you boss the two cases are linked and that 'He' is definitely back."

The Profiler then proceeded to the torso, took out his phone and took a photo of the dead mans face.

"Wait for the ME," addressing Tony, leaving the Detective in no doubt who was in charge, "get her to check that arm against the other body she has. She needs to identify that body ASAP."

"Where are you going?" questioned Antonio as Murphy started to head out.

"To follow a lead."

"Lead? What Lead?" questioned a confused Detective as he looked around the scene to determine what he had missed.

Murphy halted at the opening and turned back to Kaitlyn, "You coming?" he barked out.

Jolting into action, Kaitlyn traversed the short distance to the plastic which Murphy was holding open. This time, he didn't wait for her, and proceeded through the building without looking back.

Managing to catch up with him before they exited the building, Kaitlyn was shocked when the man spoke.

"You'll do."

"Pardon?"

"As a partner," he clarified gruffly, "you'll do."

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📎A/N. So what did you think?

... We have met Antonio and Daisy ... what did you think of them?

Something tells me Daisy has been thrown in at the deep end !!!

... And perhaps young Tony is a bit of a player.... what do you think?

... And isn't Kaitlyn good at what she does!!?? so much so that 'she'll do' - high praise indeed !!

... And what was the lead that Murphy found I wonder??

Comments and feedback welcome. Don't forget to vote and see you on Saturday US time for out next exciting episode :-)

Take care and enjoy your week.

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