Chapter Seven:
Her entire body felt like it had been run over by a train. Nick O'Connell had just interrogated her again. She was almost certain her wrist was broken from trying to break free from the holds he'd had her in. Her left eye was almost swollen shut, and she couldn't get the taste of blood out of her mouth. She wanted to sleep, but the pain was too much. She just kept waiting for the next round of torture.
"Why are you doing this? What did my father do to you?" She'd asked him over and over. He never answered her. It only seemed to trigger more anger, so she stopped saying anything at all.
Penelope's worst fear was that Nick O'Connell's face would be the last thing she'd ever see. Ever since her parents did, that was something she thought about a lot. What would be the last thing she laid eyes on before she died? Who would be the last person she spoke to? What would be the last song she ever heard? These questions were haunting even more now. And, for the first time in a very long time, she let herself wish her mom was here. She tried not to think about it much because it brought her so much pain and guilt. Right now though, no this could very much be where she dies, she wanted to hug her mom.
Barbara had been a wonderful mother. She loved Penelope more than anything, and always tried to make her happy. It was that reason that she died. Penelope was out past curfew and Barbara was so worried, she and Penelope's step father went out looking for them, A drunk driver hit their car head on, killing them both instantly. Penelope's step brother's blamed her for their untimely deaths, and she agreed with them. It had been all her fault. So she left. She went underground and became something she never wanted to be. Once she was caught, she knew she had to turn her life around. Her parents would have been so ashamed.
She knew if her parents hadn't died, she never would have joined the BAU. Which also meant she never would have met Derek. She believed everything happened for a reason, but even so, she wished her parents were here. And, she prayed if this was where her life ended, she would at least be reunited with them in whatever afterlife was waiting for her.
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Derek was with Hotch, Reid and Prentiss. They were following behind Liam Kelly very cautiously. One wrong move and Penelope would be dead. JJ and Rossi had just sent them some information about the location where Penelope was being held. Citizen's high school closed down fifteen years ago, and the building was abandoned. It was pretty far outside of town, so it would make it a perfect location for what Nick O'Connell needed it for. Derek wanted to be the one to nail O'Connell. He knew, though, that if he got his hands on him, he'd kill him. Hotch had reminded Derek that Penelope would need him, and that was more important.
Liam's car stopped outside the brick building. Despite being abandonded for over a decade, the building was standing still. It look stable and mostly undisturbed, except for a small amount of graffiti. Liam exited his car and began to make his way into the building. They waited until he was inside for a few moments before they followed.
They split up, knowing they'd likely encounter mob members along the way. Derek went in through an open window that led to what appeared to be an old gymnasium. There was no in the room, but Derek kept his weapon drawn, and crept slowly through. In the middle of the room was a metal chair. In front of it was matches, a gag, rope, a scalpel, and a bloody rag. Derek's stomach turned at the sight. What had they done to his baby girl? Derek heard voices coming from the hallway. He pushed his body against the wall, not making a single sound.
"When Liam Kelly and his daughter are dead, where are we gonna go?" A voice asked. "She's a fed, they're gonna come for us."
"Don't think about that now. We gotta get the stuff for the boss." A second voice stated.
Derek realized the were coming his way. It was important that he not give his presence away. If these guys knew he was here, they'd alert their boss and he'd kill Penelope. The hallway was dark, and Derek figured it was his only shot. He quickly slipped out the door, and moved behind some old lockers. The two men didn't notice him and continued on into the gymnasium.
"You're gonna let her go, you son of a bitch!" Derek heard Liam Kelly shout.
All rationale left Derek's brain. He took off at a sprint toward the sound. A few doors down, he found them. In what was most likely used as an office, stood Liam Kelly. In front of him was who Derek assumed was Nick O'Connell. Nick was holding a gun at Liam.
"Put your weapon down." Derek instructed as Prentiss and Reid showed up behind him. Hotch appeared a moment later.
"Shoot me, I dare you." Nick O'Connell teased. "If you do, the rest of my people will never stop coming for Penelope."
"Okay, okay let's talk" Prentiss reasoned. She lowered her gun and stepped forward. "We both know that if Penelope dies, you are going to prison for the rest of your life. Tell me what I can do to save her."
"I'll tell you where she is. All you have to do is leave me with this fuckhead." Nick gestured to Liam.
"We can't do that, Nick." Prentiss told him. "Why don't you tell me why Liam is so important?"
"He killed my wife." Nick informed them.
"Nick I didn't kill Catherine! It wasn't us, I told you that!" Liam insisted.
"She was shot and lift in a river!" Nick exclaimed. "Like she was nothing! I helped you keep your girl and daughter safe, and you let Catherine die!"
"I would never have done that!" Liam said. "I swear to you on Penelope's life, we didn't kill her. I don't know how Catherine died, but it wasn't my doing. Even after you left Nick, you know that's not a line I would have crossed."
"You...you're lying!"
"Look at me, I have nothing to hide."
The team watched intently. Nick slowly brought the gun down.
"Penelope is in the old cooler." Nick said.
Derek all but sprinted to find her. Prentiss was right behind him. Reid and Hotch were handling things with Liam and Nick O'Connell, who had called him men off. It was uncertain what would happen with all of them, but that wasn't Derek's concern. He only cared about getting Penelope home safe, and helping her heal from this.
The key to the cooler and handcuffs was right next to the cooler door. Derek made quick work of undoing the lock and getting the cooler open. Prentiss used a flashlight so they could see inside the cooler better. In the back corner of the cooler, cuffed to a pipe, was Penelope. She was unconscious when they opened the door, but she slowly began to come to as Derek undid the restraints.
"Derek?" She mumbled, exhaustion clear in her voice.
"I'm right here, baby." He assured her, lifting her into his arms. "You're safe now. We're gonna take you to the hospital and get you checked out."
"I'm sorry." She said as she loosely wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Sh, you have nothing to apologize for, honey." He replied, kissing her matted blonde hair. "Everything is going to be alright. I won't let anyone hurt you again."
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Penelope was taken back right away when they arrived at the hospital. JJ and Rossi were waiting for them when Derek and Prentiss arrived with her. Hotch and Reid were still handling things with the police, so they weren't there yet. Derek hated having to wait in waiting rooms. It was awful not knowing what was happening. They weren't going to give them any information until Derek told the ER staff that he was Penelope's boyfriend, and that they were her family. The lady was skeptical, but when Derek flashed his badge, she told them Penelope was getting at cat scan and they'd have information soon.
It felt like an eternity before they got word on Penelope. The doctor finally came out and told them that Penelope had no brain bleeds, just a minor concussion. Her wrist was sprained, but other than that it was mostly bumps and bruises that would heal over the next few weeks. He explained that she was extremely lucky, because most people don't come out of situations like she did. He told them she would need someone to stay with her, and Derek quickly told the doctor Penelope lived with him, which she still sort of did. Most of her things were still there, and if Derek could sway her, she'd never leave.
"One of you can come back and see her. She'll be released soon, just gotta get the discharge papers around. It's a busy night, so it could be a little while." The doctor explained.
"Derek, you'll let us know if she needs anything?" JJ asked. "And let Pen know I'll come by and see her when she's up for visitors?"
"Me too." Emily added. "Tell her we'll make it a girl's day."
"I'll tell her." Derek assured them.
"Take care of our girl, Morgan." Rossi said, a bit of warning in his tone.
"I will." Derek promised. "You guys go home and get some rest. It's been a long day, and it's getting late. I'll let everyone know how she's doing tomorrow."
The others nodded in agreement. It was nearly 1:00 in the morning now. The whole day had been spent looking for Penelope, and then rescuing her, and waiting for news. The team was relieved she was safe, and were ready to get some much needed sleep. Knowing she was in good hands with Derek, the others bid him goodnight and headed out.
Derek was taken back to Penelope's room. She was fast asleep in her hospital bed. They'd given her some meds for the pain, and the doctor had told him they'd make her very sleepy for a while. Derek knew she probably needed the sleep anyway. He sat in the chair next to her bed, grabbing her hand softly.
Derek hadn't planned on falling asleep. He hadn't even meant to close his eyes. But, the next thing he knew, he was awakened by Penelope mumbling something in her sleep. He shot up from the chair. It sounded like she was crying for help. Gently, he shook her awake. As she came to, she was disoriented and groggy and confused. At first, she shrieked back, but when she realized it was Derek, she relaxed.
"It's okay, love." He said softly. "You're in the hospital. They're going to discharge soon and we'll go home."
"Where is everyone?" She asked, still slightly groggy.
"The doctor would only let one person come back, so Emily, JJ, and Rossi went home. Hotch and Reid had to finish up at the scene, but I let them know you were doing alright and to head home when they're done." Derek filled her in. She nodded. "We stopped Nick from shooting Liam. I'm certain they're both in cuffs by now."
"What if more mob members come for me?" Penelope asked.
"Well, we found out why Nick wanted Liam dead. He thought that Liam was responsible for the death of his wife, but he was wrong. I think he realized that. Now that he had a chance to face Liam again, he got what he wanted. I believe you're safe now, baby. But if it makes you feel better, we'll get extra protection around you."
"If you think I'm safe, I trust you." Penelope said, she yawned.
"Sleep some more, sweetheart." Derek instructed. He gave her hand a squeeze. "We'll talk more later."
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Penelope was discharged a little while later. It was too late to call the others, so Derek sent them all a text letting them know they were on their way home. She was still tired, so Penelope dozed on the way back to the house. Once they were there, Derek helped her get settled in bed. She had wanted to shower, but she could barely keep her eyes open. Derek was able to convince her to sleep for now, and promised her a hot shower in the morning. He was planning on sleeping in the spare room, but Penelope grabbed his hand and demanded he sleep next to her.
Some time in the early hours of morning, Derek had put an arm around her waist. He held her close against him. That's how they woke up the next day: wrapped in each other's arms. By the time they finally woke up for the day, it was after noon. Penelope's grumbling stomach finally brought her out of her hard sleep. Her stirring awake woke Derek too.
"Morning beautiful." He smiled at her. "How are you feeling today?"
"Better with you next to me." She replied, blushing a bit.
"We should get you some food." Derek said. "Why don't I whip us up some veggie omelettes, and you can take a nice hot shower."
"Or...you could shower with me." Penelope said with a grin. Derek chuckled.
"Baby, you know how much I would love that. But you're healing, and we have some things we need to talk about." Derek said, brushing a piece of hair from her eyes. "So, you get that gorgeous but of yours in the shower, and we can talk after."
She sighed, knowing he was right. She climbed from the bed, and gathered some clothes to change into after she finished her shower. Derek gave her a quick peck on the lips before he headed downstairs to get their food started.
Penelope was afraid to look in the mirror when she went into the bathroom. Seeing the marks that Nick O'Connell had left on her was terrifying. She had to do it though to get it over with. The bruises on her face were a deep shade of purple, but the doctor had said they'd fade in the next couple of weeks. She could see the burns marks on her neck, and wondered if they would scare. Her body ached from the pain he'd forced on her. Derek, though, still thought she was beautiful. She didn't feel beautiful right then, but she couldn't let this destroy her. She was confident in herself, and she wouldn't let this take that away from her.
The hot shower felt good on her sore muscles. She wanted to wash away everything that had happened recently. Not just Nick O'Connell, but everything leading up to it too. She was ready to move on with her life and let herself be happy.
As soon as Penelope finished her shower, she headed downstairs to where Derek was waiting for her. He had just finished making their omelettes and was pulling some orange juice out of the fridge. He smiled when he saw her, and handed her a plate. They grabbed their food and sat at the table together. Derek had even put hot sauce on the table, knowing that Penelope loved it on her eggs.
"Thank you for making food, hot stuff." Penelope said as she at her brunch.
"Anything for my favorite girl." He said to her.
They made quick work of eating their breakfast. Neither had really realized just how hungry they were until they had food in front of them. Once they ate, Derek insisted Penelope relax in front of the TV while he did some cleaning. She tried to argue, but it was no use. She found some old Project Runway episodes to enjoy while Derek did some housework.
Derek finished after a little while and came to join her. They snuggled up as the episode finished. When it was over, Penelope clicked the TV off, knowing it was time for them to have a much needed talk.
"Baby, I was so afraid I'd never see you again." Derek told her, grasping her hand. "I don't know what I would have done if you had...if…"
"I'm sorry I scared you, love." She said. She gave his hand a squeeze. "And, I'm sorry for what happened before. I knew you'd never let me go with Liam Kelly, so I had to distract you. It was wrong. I didn't want to hurt you, and I wish I could take it back."
"I always know when you're lying, but when you said you'd never love me, my whole sense of reason was gone." Derek explained. He tilted her chin so she was looking him in the eyes. "Penelope, I need you to hear me when I say this: I love you. I love you as more than my best friend. You are my soulmate, the love of my life, my everything. I want life with you, not just sex. I want to wake up next to you everyday, and fall asleep next to you every night. I want to put a ring on your finger, and make you the mother of my children. I want all of it, but I can only do it if you're all in."
"I am." She said, tears streaming down her face. "I'm all in, Derek. I love you, and I want it all with you too."
"Good, then we're in this." He smiled. "Move in here permanently, baby."
"You couldn't kick me out if you tried." She said tearfully.
Derek leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. She held onto him life he was a life preserver. She couldn't stop crying. She had almost lost her chance to be with him. She never would have survived without him. And now, he was hers, and she was his.
"I can't believe this is happening." She said with a slight chuckle. "Chocolate Thunder and his Baby Girl finally got their shit together and got together."
"About damn time." Derek replied with a smile.
A/N Theres only a few chapters left to this fanfic! I think probably two more an epilouge, but we'll see! I hope you guys enjoy this installment :)