Chapter 426: Reid's Spring (Part 4)

Tyler Kelly raised her chin proudly, exuding a demeanor that clearly said, "I'm not here to beg for help this time."

"I've got an important lead, and it's related to the case you're working on."

Seeing her smug attitude and reluctance to reveal more, Jack stood up, positioning himself between her and the BAU team, blocking her playful attempts to wave at JJ and Angela.

"Out with it, or I'll throw you out and call Hannah to interrogate you."

Tyler theatrically leaned forward, resting her hands on her knees and sticking her rear out, faking fear. "Are you serious? You could interrogate me yourself. Do you know how to use a belt?"

Jack had to stifle a laugh, especially considering the amused glances from the team behind him and JJ's teasing expression. For a brief moment, Jack was tempted to play along with this cheeky woman, maybe even try out some of those "techniques" he'd seen in certain tapes but hadn't yet found the opportunity to use.

"Behave yourself, Miss News Anchor. Hasn't winning a Pulitzer Prize satisfied you yet?"

"Okay, fine, no more jokes. One of my friends is in trouble. She's scared, and I think it's connected to your case."

Tyler's teasing tone disappeared, replaced by the poised professionalism that her audience on Channel 8 was familiar with.

"Where's your friend? What kind of trouble?" Jack asked.

"She's next door. John is talking to her. As for the trouble…" Tyler pulled out a copy of that morning's Los Angeles Times. The front page headline was about the murder of actress Natalie Lane. But scrawled across the paper in red ink were three ominous words: "You owe me."

Jack handed the paper to Hotchner and left the room for a moment, returning shortly after. He tilted his head toward Reid and said, "Dr. Spencer Reid, time to greet your guest."

——

Reid quickly followed Jack into an office, his mind still wondering why Jack had used such strange phrasing. But all thoughts vanished when he saw a familiar face.

"Lila? Hi!"

"Hi, Spencer," Lila Archi's tense expression relaxed the moment she saw Reid.

——

Since too many people wanted to eavesdrop (or gossip), Jack borrowed a break room from Tim. Hotchner and Reid sat down for the interview, while the rest of the team stood or leaned against walls, pretending to review notes or documents.

Rossi and Jack leaned against the filing cabinets, each holding a thermos, looking for all the world like overprotective father figures. To an outsider, it might have looked more like an awkward matchmaking meeting than a police interview.

Jack had bought extra goji berries and American ginseng when preparing medicinal meals for pregnant women and the elderly. Some of it went into making wine, and the rest he used for tea. He had switched from coffee, and Rossi, who had also grown fond of the tea blend, praised its taste.

Lila Archi, wearing an off-the-shoulder knit sweater and jeans, sat in the middle of the room, her stunning figure on full display. She seemed unfazed by the attention, accustomed to being the center of focus. Next to her sat a middle-aged white man, presumably her manager, who kept rambling about how stars often face issues like these.

Hotchner cleared his throat and began, "How well did you know Natalie Lane?"

"We'd chat at public events, but we weren't friends," Lila said, raising a hand to silence her manager.

"What about Willie Merman?" Hotchner asked.

"Who?" Lila looked puzzled.

"A producer. He was killed two months ago," Reid prompted.

"The papers said it was a robbery gone wrong, right?" Lila glanced at her manager, then at Tyler.

Tyler shrugged. "Don't look at me; the papers make stuff up all the time."

"Did you know him?" Hotchner pressed.

Lila still seemed confused, not quite understanding why the FBI would be asking about this. "We met a few times regarding a project, but I didn't get the role. They changed their minds."

Her tone revealed a hint of bitterness at the memory.

"So?" Reid encouraged.

"They chose… um, someone else." Lila suddenly stopped, her eyes widening as realization dawned. Her manager had the same look of sudden comprehension.

"Oh my God!" Lila turned to her manager.

He sighed, resigned, "They chose Natalie Lane."

That explained a lot. Rossi pointed to the evidence bag containing the newspaper with "You owe me" scrawled on it.

"I guess that's one way to win a competition," he remarked.

With everyone's eyes on him, the manager raised his hands defensively. "Don't look at me like that! Do I seem that dumb? I'm the one who drove her here to the station."

Jack glanced at Tyler, whose eyes were practically sparkling with excitement. He put his cup down and asked Lila, "Have you noticed anyone watching or following you lately?"

"When I'm on set, I'm always surrounded by people—hairstylists, makeup artists, wardrobe, producers, writers, managers, PR, photographers. I never have a moment alone."

Jack nodded in understanding. "Anything that stands out? Something unusual or out of the ordinary?"

"What do you mean?" Lila blinked, confused.

Reid clarified, "For example, repeated phone calls that hang up when you answer, or anonymous gifts sent to you."

Lila thought for a moment. "I do get flowers. Every month on the 7th, there's a bouquet of flowers left in my trailer. No note, just a simple glass vase."

"What kind of flowers?" Hotchner asked.

"Pink anemones—my favorite," she replied.

"And you've never wondered who might be sending them?" Hotchner pressed.

"Stars always receive anonymous gifts. I'm sure Kelly gets her fair share, right?" her manager said, half-explaining, half-flattering Tyler.

Tyler ignored him, draping an arm around Lila's shoulders in a gesture of comfort.

Emily, now holding a photo that JJ had passed her, asked, "Do you remember encountering anyone unusual on the 7th of any month, or in July specifically?"

"No," Lila replied, sounding increasingly frustrated.

"Willie Merman was a producer. He considered casting you but ultimately chose Natalie Lane instead, making her your competitor. And this woman—Chloe Harris—doesn't she look a bit like you?" Emily held up another photo.

"And who's she?" Lila asked.

"She was another potential competitor. She was murdered as well," Reid explained.

Lila covered her face with her hands, on the verge of tears. "Are you saying all these people were killed because of me?"

Hotchner, unusually hesitant, replied, "We suspect… it's a possibility."

"I can't take this. I need to leave." Lila gently pushed Tyler's arm away and hurried out of the room, clearly shaken.

Jack nudged Reid with his foot, and the young agent snapped out of his daze, quickly chasing after her.

"Is there something going on that I don't know about?" Tyler asked, eyeing the door suspiciously.

"That's not important. Come sign a confidentiality agreement," Jack said with a smile, handing her over to JJ. Then, pulling out his phone, he sent Reid a message instructing him to drive Lila home and ensure her safety before returning.

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