A LAMB AND HER SHEPHERD

Author: Sweetwater Gal

Ratings: starting w/ PG13 but will eventually progress to an R for language and violence

Summary/Teaser: In order to get to the Shepherd, one must get to His Lamb...

Spoilers: Don't really know except just to let you know that this is a future/AU fic set in Joan's Senior Year of High School. Oh! Also, since I've started writing this post-Anonymous, any episodes after that including what will take place in the first season finale, doesn't really apply to this fanfic.

Disclaimer: I own nada! Okay, I own the story line and a couple of original characters in which will be featured in this story, but other than that... well, Barbara Hall and CBS and Sony Entertainment own everything else on JoA. Including CgG, Adam Rove, and Gavin Price... those lucky bastards. But if those lucky bastards are reading this and want to "borrow and use" an idea or two or even a new character or two (for next season) from this fanfic, I will not sue you but merely ask for a small fee that is asking you to contact me so that I could officially meet Kris Lemche (aka CuteGuy God). And the sad thing is; I'm not even kidding.

Author's Warning/Disclaimer: This is a complete work of FICTION. Any events/incidents that happen within this story aren't true and any similar real life occurrences is out of pure coincidence.I by no means necessary advocate any of the following acts of violence, especially that to be inflicted upon other people.

Author's Note: Okay... I can't help it because I've been bitten by this suspense bug, and it doesn't help that I've also been checking out Jeffrey Donovan from Touching Evil and Christopher Meloni from L&O: SVU. So those two shows have become somewhat an inspiration for this crime/drama/suspense story. I must apologize now if I happen to get any police/forensic/medical jargon incorrectly. Just like my "A Price to Pay" story, I'm going with limited resources, common sense, and memory from all those cop dramas.

There are sooo many elements to this story that I can't very well focus on the other two multi-chapter fics I've posted, which is unfortunate because, at least I think, that they're good stories. Because this story within itself has sooo many levels to consider, I'm focusing much of my energy and attention on this one so I also must apologize to those readers of the other two fics for the impending delay. Hopefully, this one will make it worth the wait... Oh! And I'll give a cookie to whoever can point out the USA original series crime fighting duo I gave a special shout-out reference to.

JoAJoAJoAJoAJoAJoA

PROLOGUE

Los Angeles - Apartment of Edna Gregory & Lucy Faden

April 12, 2006 - Wednesday

Edna Gregory... Twenty year old college student... Art History major with a minor in theology... As a hobby, Edna was an advice columnist for a local church's newsletter... Three days ago, she had just completed her deadline; answering a young woman's question on whether or not she should marry her boyfriend, who was opposed to marrying in a church... It would be her last column....

"His child... His little child..."

Edna had just returned home that early evening... entering her apartment... a small, comfortable apartment that she was sharing with her best friend... a best friend that she's known since high school... both girls deciding to attend the same college and room together because they've always been close... like sisters... they were going to be each other's Maid of Honor...

"His child... A weak and fragile creation... like a lamb..."

Edna was tired and in dire need of a relaxing, hot bath... her petite frame entered the bathroom and shutting the door from behind, though not locking it... after turning on the tub water and slipping out of her bathrobe, she removed the white scrunchie from her hair... undoing the ponytail and allowing her long brown locks to cascade down her back...

"A delicate lamb within Your devoted flock..."

Edna stepped into the tub as the steam swirled within the tiny bathroom space... she allowed the water to surround and hug her flesh... she began to breathe in the warm vapors... she started to close her eyes and welcome the calm sensation...

But then she saw him... the last sight her eyes were to ever witness...

"Little lamb... Where is He?... Where is your Shepherd?..."

Using his weight, he held his grasp tight around her soft neck... The fingers dug into her throat so deep as they began pushing her head under the water... Fingers grasping tightly until there could be no true barrier between her skin to his gloves except for the cool water surrounding both... water that was slowly being tainted with each strand of crimson caused by his fingers puncturing her flesh...

"Little lamb, where is your shepherd?... Does He not hear your scream?... Doe He not know of your struggle to live?..."

Slowly, he removed his grasp... gently, he knelt down and just stared at her blank eyes and still body... while one hand began to softly caress her forehead, another reached into his jacket... slowly he removed a small, white plush toy... a lamb... a toy lamb that he placed within her dead hands... a child's toy with the words Edna gregory scrawled on one side...

"Does He not know that the wolf has fed off your delicate flesh?..."

He knew her name was Edna Gregory... He knew the lifeless body before him was Edna Gregory... And He knew that she was not the last...

"Little lamb, you are not His chosen one... His most favored... But I know who is... And she will soon know me..."

JoAJoAJoAJoAJoAJoA

CHAPTER ONE

LAPD - Special Divisions - Serial Crime Unit HQ - Conference Room

April 13 2006 - Thursday

Homicides like these caused Detective Rita Samstone to wonder why she agreed to transfer into the SCU division. The thirty-four year old sat back in her chair, tapping her pen rhythmically, and otherwise staring off into space. Her other hand was holding a folder which held the details to the latest serial case.

Sitting directly opposite of Rita, her partner of seven years, Detective David Christian looked up from the evidence bag in his hand, giving a mild half smirk. He watched her for a moment upon immediately recognizing the signs of frustration brewing within. Not to say that their latest case wasn't frustrating...

"They're calling this guy... the what?" Rita broke the silence as she glanced over at her partner.

David dangled the see through bag, causing the plush sheep to bounce from within. Somewhat toying with the evidence, "The Sheep Slayer." He turned the bag around to expose the opposite side, more specifically to what was written on the plush toy. "The perp's calling card via personalized lamb per vic."

"So," Rita began as she placed aside the file and held out her hand. Upon watching David toss the evidence bag and into her awaiting hands, "This sheep slayer is obviously trying to, what?, convey some religious message to the masses?"

"Religious message?" David stood up, making his way towards his partner's side of the conference table and sitting up on it. He earned himself a weary glance from her direction, one which he easily ignored as he plucked the bag from her fingertips. Causing the sheep from within to 'dance' on the desk's edge, David coyly smirked, "And here I was assuming that this psycho had an unfulfilled sheep fetish..."

Rita tossed one more tired glance before grasping the evidence back from him. Her blue eyes strayed towards the clock on the wall and she began musing out loud, "Speaking of unfulfilled... what time did the Chief ask to meet with us regarding this case?"

David glanced at the wall clock before looking at his own watch as he turned his right wrist over. Running one hand through his slightly spiked sandy blonde locks, "Ten o'clock sharp."

"It's twelve minutes after the hour."

"Relax, Sam." David assured his brunette partner, using his special nickname for her. "Y'know Stockwell and his fifteen minute rule. If he says that he'll meet us at a certain time, that translates to him arriving fifteen minutes after the fact. However, if he asks us to meet him at a specific time--"

"I expect both your asses to be present fifteen minutes before." A voice interrupted David's exposition, causing the two detectives to turn their heads towards the door.

Head of the SCU for the Los Angeles Police Department, Chief Robert Stevens, whom his younger colleagues affectionately bestowed the nickname 'Stockwell' because of his uncanny appearance to the actor Dean Stockwell, tossed an amused smirk at his two detectives. As he entered the room, a young man in a dark suit closely followed his lead.

"Guys," Stevens began as he indicated towards his companion, "This is Special Agent Jonathan Michaels. Straight from the Washington DC Bureau of Organized and Specialty Crimes." He glanced down at the paper in his hand before adding, "And according to the temporary transfer paper that was just faxed over, he is to be on loan to us pending this investigation."

The two detectives each gave Michaels an acknowledged nod, in which he respectively returned. David glanced over at his partner and briefly rolled his eyes as he watched her give the new guy a once-over. From David's point of view, there wasn't anything particularly interesting about Michaels. Standing at, what David could guess, five feet eleven, Michaels had this young and lean rookie look about him. He quickly glanced over at Michaels's hands, as they clutched onto a briefcase, and silently nodded to himself. David, ever the observer and most often or not accurate, quietly noted that because of the hands' smoothness, Michaels was in fact a rookie. If you've been in this particular job for as long as David was, your hands are bound to not just get dirty but gain some rough scars along the way.

If David had to compare Michaels to an actor, the detective had to go with that Damon guy sans Ocean's 11. Of course Rita would probably know the name of "that Damon guy" considering that she's more than once proclaimed to her partner that she would "jump his bones" if she was given the chance. It was information that David regarded as slightly "over sharing."

Stevens nodded at his two detectives, though talking to Michaels. "Since two of the Slayer'shomicides have occurred in our jurisdiction, you'll be working with Detectives David Christian and Rita Samstone. They're the best that our SCU division has to offer, which is why this case has been directly handed over to them."

"DC, huh?" David spoke up. As he watched Michaels place his briefcase on the table, "Isn't that where the Sheep Slayer started?"

Stevens took a seat at the head of the conference table, just as Michaels gave a nod and began reaching into his briefcase. "His first victim that we know of." Michaels pulled out four file folders, one in which he handed straight over to David. "November 15 of last year. Vanessa Gales. Eighteen years old. She was found tied to a pole in an empty lot just a few blocks away from her own home." He had cast his eyes downward as he took an intended pause. "Autopsy reported a massive blow towards the back of the head, that in which was not the initial cause of death. Which means that the Slayer had probably knocked Gales out before he--"

"The sick bastard burned her alive?" David looked up from the file, which held photographs and various reports from different investigative departments. His voice was filled with disgust and mild surprise -- if only because he's, unfortunately, seen much worse.

He answered with a reluctant nod before moving on. "Next to what was left of Gales was the toy sheep with her name on it. We could only assume that it's his calling card because he continues to leave one for each of his victims." He handed over the rest of the folders to David, who handed the Gales file over to Rita. Each taking turns looking over the different case files.

As Michaels started to briefly explain each victim, David regarded the young agent with a mixture of disbelief and awe. He couldn't help but be impressed at how professional and quick to the point this young man was. However, because of Michaels' obvious youth, David found it hard, and annoying, to regard this agent as an equal. He really couldn't believe that Michaels knew of yet the horror humanity can turn into for, because of his age, he will have to lack the field experience that David and Rita were unfortunately privy to. Then again, maybe because of his lack it is why Michaels could explain each situation without so much as a cringe... Yet, David found himself picking up on Michaels's voice as it managed to reveal a soft empathy...

"The following month, December 12. Harriet Gaines. Victim number two. Tampa, Florida. Twenty-one years old and, just like Edna Gregory, died after being strangled in her own bathtub. Her little sister, who was visiting Gaines at her apartment, found her and the toy sheep.

"January 13 of this year. New York. Nineteen year old Helena Gibson's body was found, by the roommate, hanging in her dorm room. A plush sheep found on the floor under her body.

"Two months later, March fifth, there was another hanging. This time all the way across country to Seattle, Washington. Sixteen year old Odina Gold, the youngest known victim. Her father, Rabbi Jack Gold, found his daughter's body in, of all places, their synagogue. And if that wasn't enough, the Slayer had placed his calling card directly on their Torah."

Rita shook her head, recalling the rabid media coverage. "Talk about a way to bring yourself into the public eye. It's because of that case that we, and the entire nation, became aware of this Slayer's existence, and now you're telling us that this psycho's been around for nearly half a year already?"

"I understand your disbelief, Ms. Samstone." Michaels began, though Rita interrupted him with a half smile.

"Addressing me as Rita is just fine, Agent Michaels."

"As is addressing me as Michaels." The young agent replied with a small grin.

"And since we're getting formalities out of the way," David had cut in with a smirk, while repressing the urge to puke upon watching their interaction. "If you start on the 'Mr. Christian', I'll be looking over the shoulder for my father. It's David." He paused, then added with a coy grin, "Or even Sir will be fine, Junior."

Michaels blinked, a bit caught off guard by David's remark. "I think David sounds good enough for me."

"So you were saying, Michaels?" Rita had asked just after she momentarily rolled her eyes at her partner.

"Rita, your disbelief regarding this case is understandable. I've been with this entire investigation from the start and I still cannot fathom why this killer has yet to be caught. However, you must keep in mind that, with the exception of these latest two homicides, the Slayer has killed within monthly intervals. Not only that, but he seems to be extremely careful as to not leave behind any trace of evidence of his existence, not counting his calling card."

"So," David started, "We're obviously looking for a brilliant psychopath. Considering that he was smart enough to not only physically strangle Gregory and Gaines underwater, but also use gloves. Not spandex, but leather -- according to the autopsy reports of finding particles on each of the victim's throats."

Stevens, who was observing the detectives quietly, finally chimed in as he held up their own case folder. "And after the more publicly known death of Gold, and before the latest homicide that is the drowning of Gregory, we have Agnes Gabriel."

Rita began looked over at Michaels. "Speaking of religious connection, twenty-one year old Agnes Gabriel was well on her way to joining the Sisterhood. Gabriel was just moving back into her parents' home and awaiting a visit from Sister Daphne Cole. Sister Daphne was the one to find Agnes..." Rita glanced away from Michaels before adding, "At least what was left of her. She suffered the same fate as Vanessa Gales."

"Sister Daphne," Stevens pulled out a photograph and placed it squarely on the conference table. "Also found that plush animal with Gabriel's name on it right next to her body."

A heavy silence seemed to fall upon the four officers before David spoke up. "Okay, so we have a total of six victims in a span of seven months. Besides the infamous fluffy calling cards, what other leads do we have? Any specific MOs we should be looking for, Junior, regarding as to whom might be this sicko's next vic?"

Pointing out the obvious, "Female. So far, ranging from ages sixteen to twenty-one. Also," Michaels started pulling out a regular head shot photograph of each victim. "The young women share a couple of physical traits; medium to long cut brown hair and averaging height of around five seven to five eleven."

Rita gave a confirmed nod, "Both Gabriel and Gregory had brown hair, Gabriel was five feet seven inches and Gregory was five nine."

David's eyes had found themselves staring at the Gregory-marked toy sheep in the evidence bag. He was momentarily silent as he regarded the plush before mumbling, "Edna Gregory... Edna Gregory... Gregory... Gregory... Gabriel--" His eyes suddenly widened as he began raising his voice. The others looked on, though Michaels seemed less confused than the other two. Even bordering on silent amusement.

As David began reciting the last names of each of the girls, Rita interjected using her own nickname for him, "What are you going on about, Chris?"

"Gales... Gaines... Gibson... Gold... Gabriel and Gregory! All of their last names start with the letter G."

"Wow, partner." Rita smirked, "I've never been more impressed by your knowledge of the alphabet."

The thirty-five year old glared at his partner, who was also unfortunately his best friend and the one person he allowed a jab or two. David turned to Michaels, "So this guy is targeting young brunette women between the ages of sixteen to twenty-one, all of whom posses the last names starting with the letter G."

"That's the basics. While I was in Seattle covering the Gold case, the local authorities I was working with came up with some interesting theories. One in which that this was some madman's religious crusade."

"That's also what we've been thinking," Rita spoke up. "I mean, out of all the things to leave as your personal trademark, why a sheep? A perfectly small white sheep? A lamb basically if we have to get really biblical."

David began opening up each of the women's folders and briefly scanned through them. Finding what he was looking for, "This guy's been doing his research, I mean, is it any wonder why he'd move in for the kill per month? Check this out; Gales is an apprentice to a Wiccan Priestess, Gaines had just been baptized as a Jehovah's Witness, Gibson had just published a critical theological essay all the while being an avid atheist, Gold is the daughter of a respected Rabbi, we've got Gabriel who was about to become a nun, and finally we have Gregory who, according to her file, was a well known advice columnist for her church's newsletter. Each of these women had some personal religious connection."

"This is all well and good, people." Stevens said, "However, how is this going to help us find this bastard before he claims another victim? I don't mean to sound rude or anything, but we have to keep in mind that now the media is starting to get their hands all over this case. Michaels, I know that the higher ups have been helping you to keep this investigation under low profile, but this can't stay covered up forever."

"I'm well aware of that, sir." Michaels then glanced over to David and Rita. "Which is why I'm here and asking for some assistance. Because of the fact that the last two girls were both from here, I have to guess that the perp is still within the west coast area of the United States."

Rita nodded, "Which means we have to move fast and try to find any clues as to this guy's and or his next victim's identity. Before he kills again." Her eyes strayed on over to her partner, causing her to regard him uneasily. "Uh, David... what are you doing?"

David, whose own eyes seemed to be intently studying the plush animal, momentarily glanced over at his partner before turning his attention back to the sheep. Suddenly, his eyes slightly widened, which signaled to Rita that David had made a discovery.

"Hello, beautiful, what have we got here?" David began opening up the evidence bag, but not before stopping to toss Rita a look. Rita gave an understanding nod before standing to leave, exiting the conference area and returning back with a pair of gloves. As she handed the gloves over to David, Michaels regarded the two detectives with a mixture of amazement and interest while Stevens looked on with amusement, for he was used to seeing the pair work together in perfect sync.

Curious, Michaels sat himself down while observing David, "What are you doing?"

"Is it just me or was there something different about this particular little lamb that stood out from her other 'flock'?" David replied, though his attention was focused entirely on the plush animal.

Three pairs of eyes turned their attention to the photographs of the other sheep in question. Rita and Stevens slightly widened their eyes in realization, while Michaels gave way to a soft smile. Rita looked over at her ever observant partner, "Edna Gregory's sheep has a collar on it."

"Exactly." David smiled proudly at Rita. As he began slowly removing the small black collar from the toy sheep, "Now why is that?"

"I guess we're about to find out." Stevens remarked, proud in knowing that putting Rita and David to work on this case was the right decision on his part.

"Gentlemen, and a lady, we have words..." David began as he regarded the collar, which was now removed from the toy. He squinted his eyes, "Okay, this guy obviously thought this whole plan out. This collar has got to be custom made and the words on the back are hand stitched." David read the words once more before slightly paling in realization. He looked up at his colleagues, "The killer is either setting us up... or he just gave us his next victim."

JoAJoAJoA

Arcadia Police Department - Chief Roebuck's Office

April 14 2006 - Friday

For the two years that Lieutenant Will Girardi has ever worked under Roebuck's command, he has never felt this much unease and anticipation standing outside of his office until now. He glanced at the wall clock, 11:34 PM, before gazing over at his good friend, and partner, Lieutenant Toni Williams. Toni immediately recognized the look of apprehension on Will's face and, despite knowing how it feels, quietly cast him a small amused smile.

"You find this funny?" Will asked, though unable to stay the least bit upset at his partner's disregard. "Visitors from out of state, asking to speak to Roebuck within the privacy of his office. Did you not only pick up on this vibe of urgency coming off of them? And did you not see that look just now that Roebuck tossed over in my direction? Please share your take on this obviously amusing situation that I myself don't see."

"Will," Toni gave him a light pat on the shoulder, "Relax, okay? Maybe those guys are here on assignment needing extra help on a case? And maybe," She shrugged. "Maybe they've heard of you and thought that you could be the best man for the job?"

"You think so?"

"Hey, if I had to seek out someone to go in undercover for a mafia related operation, I'd recommend you in a heartbeat, partner." Toni lightly smirked, which caused Will to slightly glare.

"Never underestimate the Italians and their family. That is a fact that I encourage my own children to never take lightly."

"Why do I not doubt that?"

While Will and Toni remained outside Roebuck's office, the banter from within the office was anything but light. Arcadia Police Chief, formerly Undersheriff, Roy Roebuck regarded the three visiting officers with guarded ease. He had offered them a seat, with only the woman, Detective Rita Samstone, taking it while her other companions, Det. David Christian and Special Agent Jonathan Michaels, stood on both sides of her. As he took his own seat behind his desk, "So to what honor do I have with your visit? Especially since it must be of the utmost urgency considering that one, you've traveled all the way from Los Angeles, I believe?, and two, you asked to speak to me alone while I was in a meeting of my own with my officers."

"Well, sir," Michaels began, his voice as calm and on the edge of nonchalance. This mildly irked David just as he glanced over his shoulder to briefly regard Girardi. "The matter actually concerns one of your officers; Lieutenant William Girardi."

"I'm listening."

Before Michaels could further explain, David had cut himself in, earning a slight disapproving glance from Rita. Since their first meeting with Michaels, Rita had a sneaking suspicion that David didn't look upon the young agent with the utmost high regard. If anything, Rita could detect the scent of territorial jealousy reeking off her partner. Which, despite it all, actually amused her.

"We would like to ask a couple of questions concerning Lieutenant Girardi. Mainly try to get an overall impression of him."

Roebuck crossed his arms. "Why? Or more specifically, what is your objective in questioning my officer through myself when you could very well ask him?" He quickly gazed up and behind the visiting officers, tossing Will a brief questioning look before turning his attention back.

His entire demeanor turned that into the questioner instead of the questionee. This caused David and Rita to inwardly hesitate on their strategy, especially considering that they were now questioning a fellow officer -- one that was of higher rank than themselves. David glanced over at Michaels and found, to his amazement, that the agent wasn't at all put-off.

Michaels, in fact, was echoing the same calm front that Roebuck had placed himself in. "Chief Roebuck, if you're concerned that we're acting on behalf of Internal Affairs--"

"I know you're not working for them, Agent Michaels." Roebuck interrupted, his stance clearly unmoving. "Internal Affairs wouldn't be questioning in such a polite, even hesitant, manner. Most just barge in and start interrogating."

"We're not like that, sir." Michaels gazed over at David, sending him this silent "Let me handle this" look. It was a glance that didn't sit too well with the older detective, however a silent jab from his partner caused him to reconsider Michaels's request.

"Good." Roebuck began, "Because even if you were a part of Internal, I would still refuse to give you the information that you're looking for. So, unless you A) give me a good enough reason to talk about Girardi or B) have a court order in which requires me by actual law to answer your questions-- I suggest you leave before I have my officers, Lieutenant Girardi included, kick you out of my station house."

Michaels looked over at David, who in turn glanced over at his partner. Knowing that this might have happened, they had agreed on a Plan B. Rita gave a small nod before calmly gazing over at Roebuck. "Sir, we apologize, first off, for not being upfront with our motives. For trying the old run around tactic. It was unprofessional of us. However, on our defense, sir, we're actually working on a highly crucial case with not only a very limited time frame, but by orders of the Government must be kept very low profiled. Though, because a life literally depends on this investigation, I'm sure that my colleagues and I are willing to sacrifice secrecy over getting the proper details ASAP."

A silence had fallen upon the office as Roebuck took her words in. Finally, with a hint of a smile playing on the corner of his lips, "Now you have my full cooperating attention, detective."

David gently gave his partner a brief pat on the back while Rita tossed Michaels a nod. Encouraged by her, "Chief Roebuck, by any chance does Lieutenant Girardi have any children?"

Refraining his reaction by such a question, Roebuck replied, "He does. In fact, I've seen Will with his kids and he is a very attentive, loving father to them. And his children regard him with a tremendous amount of love and respect."

"Children." David spoke up. "As in more than one?"

Roebuck gave David an amused smile as he recognized his interrogating strategy. "Yes, Detective. Will is a father of three children. Would you even like me to inform you of their ages?"

It didn't take much for David to realize how foolish his "small and vague questions only" approach was sounding. Especially towards this obviously more experienced officer. With a sheepish smile, "That would be very helpful, sir."

With a gentler smile, especially upon noting how he had just intimidated the younger gentleman, "His two sons are Kevin and Luke, twenty-one and seventeen respectively. The middle child, Joan, is around eighteen, I believe? She's actually graduating high school this coming June."

David and Rita unintentionally glanced at each other, surprised by this information. Not realizing his words or the fact that they were still in Roebuck's presence, David stared at Rita and Michaels, "Joan is his daughter."

Before any of them had the chance to truly react, though Michaels seemed to be taking this revelation with as much reserve as possible, Roebuck startled the three officers by standing up from behind the desk and making his way towards the door. Poking his head out, he sharply called, "Girardi."

"Chief Roebuck--" David began, but was immediately cut off.

"Listen, I was willing to play along with your little interrogation game. Mainly because of your more humble approach..." Roebuck's voice started with light sincerity, though quickly hardened as he continued, "However, as soon as you started treating me as an inferior instead of an equal--"

David was about to comment, but Michaels silenced him by stepping up ahead and placing a gently, yet firm, palm on David's chest as if to halt him in his approach. With his voice steady and even as his gaze on his fellow officer of the law, "That was not our intention, sir."

"You beckoned?" Lieutenant Will Girardi's voice entered the scene and had unintentionally cut the tension that had slowly brewed within Roebuck's office. Will walked up to Roebuck, with Toni right behind him.

Before anyone had a chance, Rita stepped forward towards Will with a friendly, yet somewhat neutral, smile. "If you don't mind, Lieutenant Girardi, my colleagues and I would like to have a word with you and Chief Roebuck. A private word..."

"Well, with all due respects Ms...?"

"Detective Samstone. LAPD: SCU division. But Rita is just fine, Lieutenant Girardi."

"So is Will." He replied with a soft grin, though quickly cleared it as he finished, "And, again, with all due respects, Rita, but whatever you have to say to me, I'll have to insist including my partner, Lieutenant Toni Williams."

Rita and David shared a look, one in which no words were needed for them to agree that they truly know the bond between "partners", especially in this line of work. David gave a soft nod, "We have no problem with including your partner in this investigation. In fact," He gazed over at Rita and Michaels before adding, "For this case especially now, I believe we might need a few more people involved than we initially realized."

Michaels looked on and nodded at David's words, "Detective Christian is right. Especially now that it's been confirmed, by your Chief, that you're the Girardi of Arcadia that we've been looking for."

As Roebuck reached over to shut the door, Will regarded the three officers with an amused smile. "Before I start to ask what is this all about, it'd be good to know the company that I'm currently dealing with."

"Girardi, Williams," Roebuck answered for Michaels, "These are Detectives Rita Samstone and David Christian of the Los Angeles PD, Serial Crime Unit. And that is Special Agent Jonathan Michaels."

Unable to help himself, David softly snipped, "From the Bureau of Organized and Specialty Crimes. Washington, DC."

"DC?" Toni remarked. "Wow. So are you trying to tell us that whatever assignment brings you here to Arcadia, that it's high profile enough for the folks from DC to send out their agents?"

Michaels reached for his briefcase and pulling out six folders. "In a manner of speaking..." As he handed the folders, two each, to the three Arcadian officers, "Have you heard about the Gold murder that happened last month? Seattle. Odina Gold, daughter of Rabbi Jack Gold?"

Without needing to open up the files he was given, Will nodded. "I think we more than heard about it, Agent Michaels. Word amongst officers is that whoever killed the young woman was also responsible for several more deaths. Two in, I believe, where," He looked over at David and Rita, "You're from, detectives. LA?"

"The papers that were covering the Gold murder," Toni added, "Started calling the guy the... the--" She glanced over at Will, though it was Roebuck that answered.

"Sheep Slayer." After getting a confirmed nod from Michaels, Roebuck continued, "Because this serial killer would leave behind little toy lambs with each girl's name printed on them, correct?"

David nodded, "Which basically brings us to why we're here..." He looked over at Will, who was currently looking at Edna Gregory's file. From what David saw, Will's eyes started to flash with disgust and pain. If he was this affected reading the files on these young women, practically strangers that could very well befriended his own children... how would he react upon finding out-- His train of thought was broken upon Roebuck's voice.

"Are you here because of this Sheep Slayer case?"

Will glanced up, his eyes jumping from Michaels, to David, Rita, then found their way to lock on to David's. His police instincts started to kick in, especially noting the hesitant silence that brewed between the three visiting officers. David broke the steady gaze by looking down and clearing his throat. Will straightened his stance, not liking the uneasy vibe within the office area, "What's going on? What are you three not telling us-- not telling me?"

David finally looked up at Will. His hands had found their way into his own briefcase and slowly brought out an evidence bag containing a little black collar. Knowing that there was no real easy way to explain, "Edna Gregory was the latest known victim and on her sheep was not just her name, but it had a black collar around its neck. Unusual within itself because the other toy lambs never had collars. Which is why we believe that he's finally sending us a message -- maybe even a warning, and... well, on the back of the collar is not only a place, but a name. A name we have reason to believe may be his next victim, and..."

The detective trailed off and decided that actions might speak a lot louder than words. Gingerly, David turned the evidence bag around, allowing Will to view the back of the black collar. Especially as it read in perfect white stitching:

Joan Girardi -- Arcadia, MD

JoAJoAJoAJoAJoAJoA

A/N: Ahh... okay... y'know the drill... R&R... which does not mean Ross&Rachel by the way LOL.. All kidding aside, this seriously will be my main concern of a project. I swear on all the hotness that Kristopher Lemche embodies!

This is my rather big first attempt at a JoA suspense and for those J/A fans that are worried; Fear Not! I've got J/A moments... also got J/CbG, J/Price, and J/Grace moments... LOL Joan will share onscreen time with many characters from the series AND some original ones of my own.