Computers are like Old Testament gods; lots of rules and no mercy.
Joseph Campbell
Unknown Hotel Room, Unknown State
Merci's senior picture flashed on the television screen and she fought the urge to turn it up. "The search for fourteen year old Merci Reid continues tonight with a candle-light vigil. Merci's half-brother FBI Supervisory Special Agent Dr. Spencer Reid spoke in a press conferance this morning."
Spencer stood nervously in front of camera and microphones. "My younger sister Merci disappeared yesterday. I have been taken off the case, but I've been assured that Merci's case in the best hands. As of now, there are no connections to her two-day disappearance in August. I want Merci to know that I'm not mad about your actions. Whoever you're with, wherever you are please come home."
Merci stood up and turned off the television. She knew Spencer was lying so Vanessa and the man didn't suspect that they knew who she was with. That's what she would have done. They were some much alike and it annoyed her.
Vanessa walked into the room and stared at the upset girl. "Hey, Macy. What's wrong?"
Merci smiled faintly. She took a deep breath and didn't even lie. "I'm nervous." Although about what she didn't say.
Vanessa closed the distance between them. "Oh, sweetie. You don't have to be scared. What's happening to your body is a miracle." She put a hand on Merci's stomach. "You're going to be alright." She pressed the other hand to her face. "I promise."
Merci nodded once. "Okay."
"You need to stay relaxed. Stress won't be good in a few months. Go back to bed."
---
Reid Sibling Apartment
Spencer was shaken a little by his lie, but he knew that it kept Merci safe. If Merci was pregnant, Vanessa needed her alive for at least another seven months. He poured another cup of coffee and smiled to himself. Since Merci had come to live with him, they were going through the caffeinated beverage twice as quickly. He looked into Merci's room and thumbed through her closet looking for god-knows-what.
He noticed the Merci didn't own a single pair of jeans or slacks. All but one skirt where about knee-length and all her shirts were modest. There was a small pile of college catalogues stacked on the bedside table and a diary. He opened it, slowly. He had to read it to see if it would help. The first entry was from June.
June 13th
Mom told me about a man named Spencer today. He's supposedly my half-brother. He's a genius of some sort, maybe even smarter then me. I think she told me so I'd have someone to look up when I go back East. Gretchen noticed that I was shaky over the past few days. I admitted to Gretchen that my mother was dying and I didn't know my dad.
Surprisingly, she didn't laugh. She bought me a beer and told me to tell her all about it. I'm not sure if I should be drinking at all. I know the statistics and what it'll do to my brain, but I can't help myself. Gretchen is the first friend I've had in a while. It's nice to be accepted.
June 17th
Some guy made fun of me at the bar. I think it's because of the way I dress. I guess I don't dress like a bar goer. Anyway, Gretchen tricked me into singing tonight. Either the listeners were really inebriated or I was actually pretty good…
Spencer read at his normal speed, until one entry caught his eye. The day before Vanessa took her the first time.
August 29th
Mom's in the hospital again and this time I don't think…
The green gel pen was streaked here, as if Merci had cried over the words. He could still read them clearly, but it was like he could feel her pain.
I don't think she's going to make it. I need to call Spencer but I can't get his number. FBI people are apparently unlisted. I considered calling our father, but he signed me away. I guess I don't blame him. Everyone makes decisions and I shouldn't let his affect me. He's going to regret not knowing me.
The period at the end of the last sentence was darker then any he had seen her write. It was almost aggressive and showed how sure she was. She wasn't going to let their father get to her. He smiled. She was defiantly determined, just like he was. He was going to find her, even if it was the last thing he did.
There was a knock on the door and Spencer answered it. Morgan stood on the other side. "You've been moping, Reid."
"She never finished unpacking," he mumbled. "Why didn't try to get to know her?"
"They're not going to kill her Reid. She has something they need." Morgan followed Spencer back into the missing girl's room. He touched the worn guitar case. "Does Merci play?"
"I'm not sure. She wouldn't touch it. I think it was her mother's."
"You'll have to ask her when she gets back."
Spencer didn't tell Morgan he didn't think Merci was coming back. They both already knew.