Uncertainty

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A/N: I know where I'm going with this fic, but I haven't written a lot. I'll try to update soon though. Reviews are appreciated. :)

Unbeta'd for now, I might've missed some typos. I'll be re-editing this fic.

Disclaimer: I don't own Numb3rs or any of the characters. I'd love to, but I don't.

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Light attacked Don's senses, made its way to his head and bore through his skull. Before he could become aware of his surroundings, his eyes needed to adjust to the brightness. Moving didn't feel like a good idea, but he knew he had to try if he wanted to find out what had happened. It seemed like an eternity later but he'd finally managed to open his eyes. His head felt numb, his limbs uncooperative, but he was moving. He ignored the different aches. His body screamed for attention, attention he didn't have time for. He reminded himself he needed to move. Now.

Getting on his feet was easier said than done. He guessed it was a rush of adrenaline pumping through his veins, pushing him to his feet. He could ignore the dizziness and his ribs screaming for attention. He could even ignore the shoulder pain his body kept warning him about. He was a mess, he knew as much. The only thing which really bothered him was his right side. He quickly moved his right hand to the spot and found a wet bandage there. His hand came back bloodied. It wasn't a good sign, but he wasn't entirely surprised. He went back to ignoring his body, for now.

Much to Don's surprise the door was unlocked. Whoever had disarmed him and brought him to this room, hadn't bothered locking him in. He didn't remember who was responsible, but he vowed he'd find out. The door led to an empty corridor. He followed the square tiles to another door and silently opened it. He was careful, he needed to be able to use the element of surprise if someone was still inside the seemingly abandoned building. He found a small storage room, but what he didn't expect was his gun, phone and an envelope with his name on it. He quickly shoved the letter inside his jacket pocket and grabbed his sidearm. Given the situation he'd have to read it later. He just hoped it would make sense and shed some light on the dark situation he found himself in. In one fluent movement he tucked his phone away as well.

Before making an extremely important call, he quickly searched the rest of the building. He kept finding more rooms, their emptiness staring back at him. He was on his own. The exit was easy enough to find, it led straight to what seemed to be the middle of nowhere. There was no way he'd make it very far. Not like this, not on his own.

Don grabbed his phone and he knew they'd left it in the storage room so he'd survive. What he didn't know was why. Why had these people taken him, only to set him free after the act, let him live to tell people about it. It was a simple equation, one he knew the answer to, to some extent. It wasn't mercy or compassion. It had to be something else, a reason which went beyond his imagination for the time being. He couldn't think clearly.

He considered calling his family, he figured they were worried sick. Unfortunately calling them wasn't the logical course of action. He dialed David's number instead.

"Sinclair." He could hear doubt in David's voice, as if the man didn't believe he was really on the other side of the line.

"David, I need you to trace this call."

He could hear his second-in-command moving and giving orders. David was doing exactly what he'd just told him to do.

"Are you in danger?"

"Don't think so. They left."

"Are you hurt?"

"Yeah," he admitted.

"I'm calling an ambulance. We'll be there as soon as possible, hang in there. How bad is it?"

David understood he wouldn't really know the real damage until he arrived at the scene, but he needed to ask anyway.

"Don't… really know. I'm good… I think."

David didn't believe a word his boss was saying, he didn't miss the 'for now' in between Don's words.

"Don?"

When he didn't get a response he tried again, "Don?"

"Yeah."

"Try to stay awake. It won't be long."

"Still 'ere."

"Good. Tell me what happened." The least he could do was try to keep his boss awake long enough for the ambulance to get there.

Don leaned against the wall behind him and slid down until he was sitting on the floor, resting his head against the cold tiles behind him.

"What happened?" David repeated.

"I… don't remember.

Don closed his eyes and concentrated on breathing.

"Stay with me man, I'm not explaining this to your dad and Charlie.

He didn't know how long it really took for the sound of the sirens to reach his ears, but it felt like an eternity. He could let go now. They'd found him. David was still talking to him, ordering him to stay awake, keep his eyes open. Truth was, he'd obeyed the man's orders long enough. It was time to sleep now. He gave in to the bliss of knowing nothing.

TBC

PS: Once again, I apologize for any annoying typos.

Tell me what you think.