There are many more serial killers living outside the prison walls than inside.

- Pat Brown

"We're going back to Quantico," Hotch said to his team, who were arranged around the small conference room in the police station. It was clear that everyone in the room was tired, and annoyed. It had been two weeks since Carson Zander escaped custody and they had zero leads. The man had managed to get the gun from the officer escorting him to prison, and kill him before dumping the body and taking off with the vehicle. The car had been found abandoned a few miles away and that was the last sign of Zander. The BAU had made sure to track all his credit cards and back accounts, and there was a 24 hour watch on his home, but he never showed up.

"Zander is playing it smart, laying low. The police department have the profile, they know who they are looking for, all they have to do is find him, our job is done. There are other cases that need our attention, we have been here for three weeks". He could tell that at least Morgan and Prentiss were about to speak, no doubt in his mind that they disagreed with his decision, so he held is hand up. "The jet leaves in one hour".

10 days later...

Aaron Hotchner was not very happy when his phone rang at 6am. After the team returned from Brick, they were sent on another case in Denver and had only returned the evening before. He was hoping for a break from cases so he could spend some time with his son. But he knew without checking that the caller was JJ, and the overworked profilers had yet another serial killer to chase after.

"Hotchner," he answered sleepily.

"Hotch, it's JJ. You better come in right away". He sensed the slight alarm in her voice and it instantly made him alert.

"What is it?"

"I'll explain when the team is here".

Less than forty-five minutes later the entire team, including Garcia was gathered around the familiar round table in FBI Headquarters.

"Quantico PD called me about an hour ago," she pressed a button on the remote in her hand and three images of middle-aged men appeared on the screen, dead. "Three deaths in five days. Jason Timmons, Anthony Miller and Ross Hagan. All fathers, shot in the head, during dinner".

"Our guy is back, he followed us home," Morgan spoke harshly. JJ nodded and frowned.

"There's more". A photograph of a note written in black marker showed up on the screen. "This was found taped to the door of the latest victims home. Silence fell over the room as the other six people read the note with disgust.

Yes BAU, I am back. I may have failed at showing you how serious I am before, seeing how you all survived my attempts, but be warned. I will not fail again.

-Carson Zander

Author's Note:

Well, there it is. Sorry it took so long to get up, I was nervous about writing this first chapter. It will be a little slow at first but it picks up believe me. I have the story about half planned out, and will be updating as often as I can. Thank you so much for reading, don't forget to review! Constructive criticism is always welcome. Also, if anyone was wondering, both Into the Darkness and this story are set in the beginning of season 6.