Darkening of the Light

"In the quiet secret places are you there"

Meredith had no idea where he was taking them. She doubted it was to his house- the house that Jason had agents watching. She tried to listen, to notice everything she could- the smells, the feel, whatever her senses could pick up- just in case. She tried not to think about Spencer or the bloody wound on his head where Joel had clocked him when his cell went off. Of course, she knew he'd probably been through worse in school- a trunk is much roomier than any high school locker she'd ever encountered- not that the thought brought her much comfort. She winced internally at her own memories.

Finally, the car seemed to be slowing, making more frequent turns. She hoped this intolerable ride would be over soon. And perhaps her blindfold removed; at least then she might be able to read her attacker. Eventually the car came to a stop. Engine still running, she heard a soft clunk- changing gears?- followed by a beeping like a car alarm being activated and a soft rumble- garage door?. They were moving again, but only for a moment. The noises repeated themselves, this time the engine was cut off. A car door opened and closed, footsteps, a scraping sound- the trunk, Spencer. Her mind was screaming, she tried to calm herself- damn-it Meredith get a grip, turning into a basket case won't do anyone any good. Steadying herself, she waited for Tallen to come for her.

She didn't have to wait long, her door was pulled open and a hand wrapped around her arm to guide her out of the vehicle. It had to be a house, too many rooms she was being lead through, and most kidnappers didn't bring their trophies home to a one-bedroom apartment. Meredith found her self being seated on what felt like a bed and shivers ran through her body at the connotations. A door closed and hands reached behind her head to remove the improvised blindfold.

She was indeed seated on a bed, on the floor against the far wall she saw Spencer- he was conscious, a definite improvement from the last time she'd seen him. He was looking dejected and smaller than normal, head bleeding and bruised; hands bound as hers were. She held herself in check, knowing full well, that any sign of concern or attempt to console him would only serve to infuriate their captor and put Spencer's life in more immediate danger.

Tallen followed her gaze waving his gun in Reid's direction. He sat next to her, taking her chin in his free hand, "you didn't think that pipsqueak could protect you?"

Meredith wrenched her head back, biting at the fingers trying to keep purchase on her face.

"Now, now, that's no way to behave. I'm just trying to do what's best for you, for us." Tallen's voice was low and sultry- chilling. "You need someone to take care of you." He rubbed the tip of the gun along her fine-featured face as if it was merely an extension of his hand.

Reid snorted from the floor.

Tallen glared at the source of the interruption.

Reid glared right back. "She doesn't need you."

"Hmmph, and what does she need- you?"

"More to the point, what makes you think she needs you?"

"I CAN protect her!"

You couldn't protect and serve for the police, so why should she believe you could protect her?"

Tallen screamed as he moved closer to where Reid sat, "I can and I will!"

Reid let out another half snort, mumbling, "the only thing she needs protection from is you."

Meredith could see Tallen visibly tensing and hear the low growl from his throat. "Shut up!"

"Why? Are you afraid I'm right?"

"You're not!"

"Are you so sure…?"

Suddenly, Meredith screamed, "SHUT UP! What the hell makes either of you think you know what I need!"

Both men stared at her, her chest heaving, and eyes as piercing as hot steal in a face of stone.

Horrified, Tallen moved towards her, arm outstretched pleading. "Meredith, honey, I just want to protect you. Let me protect you."

"NO!"

The gun went flying as Tallen toppled over onto the bed. Reid had bowled into him. Meredith ran, she didn't need anyone to tell her that.

The two men struggled on the bed, Tallen vainly attempting to reach the fallen weapon. Reid held fast using his small frame to his advantage. There was a crash and Tallen's body went limp. Hands pulled at Reid helping him off the fallen man.

"You ok?" Meredith panted.

Reid looked into her face, "Get out of here!" he hissed.

"No. He's out." Meredith crawled over to retrieve the gun. She handed it to Reid. "And I'm not leaving here alone."

Reid sighed, he held Meredith's gaze touching her face where the gun had caressed only moments before. He spoke softly, but with an intensity she had not expected, "Meredith, we need to contact Gideon, you know that. I need you to get to phone. You understand? Go, please."

The stress of the last days was beginning to boil over inside Meredith, a tear streamed down her face as she nodded and stood to complete her quest.

Slumping slightly and cringing at the pain in his head Reid exhaled deeply. His head snapped up as heard the sound of running.

Meredith appeared once again in the doorway. As he was about to chastise her for returning, she cried, "Dad!" And her tears began to flow freely as she collapsed to floor next to Reid clutching a phone.

---------

An hour later found Reid and Meredith being fussed over by EMTs.

Lightly slapping Reid on the shoulder Morgan smiled, "ya did good mongoose."

Reid took on depreciating look, "Actually, the mongoose is considered so dangerous not for it's fighting ability but for it's destructive impact on native vegetation."

With a slight chuckle, Elle mused, "well, at least we know your head's alright."

Smiling whimsically, Reid put his hand on Meredith's leg, "Mer's the one that broke the lamp over his head."

She blushed slightly at the attention being drawn to her. "You did the hard part, though, getting him worked up like that."

"But it was your outburst that pushed him over the edge and lowered his guard." Reid added matter-of-factly.

As their discussion continued Morgan and Elle backed away slowly.

"They are a pair aren't they, Derek."

"Yeah," he sighed, "you think we'll be able to survive them?"

Laughing outright, "No clue, but I wouldn't miss it for the world."

---------

At Gideon's insistence, the two were being taken to the hospital for a proper exam. As they sat in the ambulance cuddled next to each other under a hospital issue blanket, Reid asked, "Why do you call him "Dad"?"

She smiled at him, "easy, he is."

Reid perceptibly blanched.

"Well, technically, he's my uncle but he's been my legal guardian since my parents died."

"How old where you?"

"Six."

They sat in silence for a few moments, as Reid's features played out his mental debate on his face. Then, finally, with the seriousness of a pallbearer he asked, "So, does that mean I'm dating the boss' daughter?"

Meredith nuzzled closer to him smiling widely, "yeah, I guess it does."