Note: I do not own Criminal Minds or its characters but instead, I own the plot.

Prologue

The office was busy as any other usual day; with the BAU agents gathering at the center of the room and just talking. The only BAU team member that was sitting at his desk was the insecure Dr. Spencer Reid, who threw his mobile phone back on his desk in frustration. He sighed before grabbing his mobile phone and tried to make the call again. Engrossed with the call, he did not notice Derek Morgan looking at him and approaching him.

"Reid, are you alright? You looked real pissed," Morgan said as he leant against the desk divider.

"Worried, actually," Reid muttered in response as he tried making that call once again. He dialed the number again when the line got cut off a few minutes later. "I'm just trying to call someone but there's no answer."

Morgan chuckled and grabbed Reid's mobile phone which he then held it far away from Reid's reach. Reid tried to snatch it back but gave up when he realized that it was impossible. "Take it easy, smart boy. Maybe the person you're calling is unavailable now so give that up and come join the conversation."

Reid paused for some time before standing up. Morgan passed Reid his mobile phone before walking towards the other BAU members. He stared blankly before walking there himself but was forced to walk the other way round when the loud voice of Aaron Hotchner could be heard, instructing for a meeting in a conference room. The other agents followed subsequently with a heavy heart because they all know that another case means another sinner needing to be caught.

Reid was still trying to make the phone call when the rest of the team went in and sat on the chairs surrounding the round table. JJ came in a few seconds later carrying a pile of files and evidence and passed the files around the table while she pinned the evidence on the bulletin board. Gideon stood up after they were settled down.

"Reid, do you mind putting that away?"

"Sorry," Reid said as he fumbled with the phone and looked at the bulletin board.

"Case is a kidnap. The only evidence that was found in the victim's apartment was this letter which has been sent to us by her family a few hours ago. According to the letter, the kidnapper is holding the victim back for ransom. Nothing much is known now but the only thing we know is he's going to kill the victim if he doesn't get what he wants."

Gideon turned away from the bulletin board and grabbed a file from the round table. He pulled out a picture of a young woman in her twenties who has long blond hair and held it up.

"Victim is Elyon Willis, a twenty year old woman and has been reported missing since last night. The police raided her apartment and found the letter, confirming that it is a ransom. The kidnapper's reason, we still do not know and that's why we have to go help their police out."

Spencer Reid was frozen in shock as he saw the picture of the girl, causing his mobile phone to slip through his fingers and gave a loud thud when it hit the ground. The other BAU agents looked at him in curiosity. Reid gave a shudder as he opened the file placed in front of him and looked at the picture closer.

"No, it can't be. What time was she reported missing?" Reid asked in a small voice.

"Around midnight which was after a few hours when she always make her daily calls to her mother. Mrs. Willis got worried and tried calling the cops about it who found the ransom letter when they went to her apartment," Gideon said slowly as Reid turned pale.

"I talked to her last night, she sounded alright. She didn't sound distraught or worried. She was driving back home. Is that why she isn't picking up her phone, is that why..." Reid trailed off. He looked up at Gideon with his brown eyes which was filled with fear and worry. "Do you think she might be dead, Gideon?"

Gideon fell silent. He cleared his throat before began to talk.

"I can't say but I have a feeling that she is still alive. The kidnapper wants something from her so I doubt that he would kill her before getting it."

"Do you know her, Reid?" Elle asked.

Reid bent down to retrieve his fallen mobile phone and nodded weakly when he resumed his seating position.

"How do you exactly know her?" Elle asked once more.

Reid fell silent. He did not want to answer that question- it was too personal. Before the rest of them could ask any more questions, Reid stood up and rushed out of the conference room and went straight to the men's room where he stood in front of the sink. He left the tap running as he washed his face with the cold water, looking back at his reflection.

Where are you, Elly? Please be safe.

Reid thought to himself before taking a deep breath and stopped the flow of the water from the tap. His thoughts were interrupted by the door being opened by none other than Morgan. He stood next to Reid and placed an arm on his shoulder for a few seconds, trying to comfort him. Reid gave a small smile and looked away.

"Are you okay, kid?"

"Yeah, I will be. Are you guys taking off now?" Reid asked.

"Yeah but you can bail on this one if you want to. Trust me; we can handle a case without you." Morgan replied with a laugh. Reid just looked blankly back at him and shook his head.

"I can't, Morgan. I must find Elyon. I want her to be safe and sound and if I don't... I can't do anything without feeling guilty. I talked to her last night, Morgan. I should have known-"

"No, Reid. You would not have known if a kidnapper was there behind her," Morgan interrupted, "She would not even know that herself. It's not your fault, stop blaming yourself. Now, let's go find her and get her back. Anyway, how do you know her?" Reid remained silent before walking out, leaving Morgan alone.

That was the first time in his whole career; Spencer Reid felt that their personal lives are not respected. He used to think that the other agents were too paranoid or too insecure but now he finally understood. He now knew why Morgan always snapped at him if he asked anything more than what he reveals; he now knew why Gideon doesn't talk much about himself. Because they're personal agendas were not respected enough.

Reid knows that he has to face their questions at a point of time. He can't keep avoiding them. But right now, all he was worried about is Elyon. He wanted to save her. He has to save her.