The room stayed silent as Tara looked around her at the other agents, quietly piecing together theories in their heads. It was obvious that the consensus was a possible serial killer.

“Any leads?” one younger agent asked.

Reinhardt shook his head.

“Any connection between the victims?”

Tara looked down the table to see who was speaking, and her eyes met Frank Warren, the FBI’s most skilled veteran. His impeccable suit and perfectly combed over silver hair screamed intimidation. He leaned forward over the table, staring directly at Reindhart and meeting his eyes—something only an agent with his amount of experience would do.

“The couple and the third victim did not know each other. But they were hiking around the same area. All three in their early twenties,” Reindhart replied before pulling himself closer to the table and resting his forearms on the surface. “The couple was spotted in Hanover the day before they went missing. Then search and rescue got sent out and they found the blood on the trail.”

“Were any arrows recovered?” Warren asked.

“Yes, in the third victim. A carbon TenPoint Alpha-Nock.”

Warren nodded as he scribbled down the name on a pad of paper in front of him. Other agents followed his lead, including Tara, who quickly grabbed her pen.

“I’m going to need to fly a couple agents out there immediately…Warren, I’m putting you on this case.”

He nodded his head promptly as if Reindhart just confirmed what he already knew.

“Mills,” Reindhart then said. Tara turned her head toward him, surprised to even hear her name. “I want you on this case too,” he added.

Tara stared at him for a moment of awe as she felt all eyes peering at her from every edge of the table. She had hoped for this moment, and she had a feeling it would be today, but to hear her name felt surreal.

Tara blushed. “Yes, sir. Of course.”

Reindhart than preceded to dismiss the meeting, except for Tara and Warren, whom he asked to hang back.

Tara sat in her chair as she watched the other agents leave the room. Some stopped and talked to Reindhart a moment, before turning to leave, and as each one left, Tara felt her heart pound faster against her chest.

This was her first real case, her first serial killer case, and a chance to really prove herself. A tinge of pride flooded through her body, but just as quickly as it entered, she immediately felt sickened by the feeling. After all, Tara knew too well how a death affected a family. It was a line she often struggled with, when to feel proud of a career gain and when she was knocking on the borders of selfishness.

“Mills, let me introduce you to Frank Warren.” She heard Reindhart’s words before she realized that everyone had left the room. She quickly stood up and walked toward them,

Warren’s face remained emotionless as Tara reached out her hand to greet him. He then let out a sigh. “I just hope you know what you’re in for,” he said as he shook her hand.