Okay so I do want to give a heads up, this does have a little violence in it, so is more of a K+ For some this may be on the minor side of violence, but I still just wanted to give a warning.

Her head was pounding. Her sides beyond being in pain. One eye was swollen shut, while the other's view was blurred by sweat and blood. Every breath was labored. Her heart, already fragile, was working overtime to pump the blood through her veins. And of course having her hands tied behind her back wasn't in anyway helping. Even with everything that was against her, she tried to remain calm.

God please give me strength. Until He comes she prayed silently not knowing where else to turn, until he came. For surely he would come. He always came. Maybe a little late, but at least she could count on him to show up.

Joss' ears were swift to hear the movements of her captors within the darkened room. She licked her swollen bottom lip, disgusted with the taste of her blood. Another reminder that they had beaten her like a man. All because she refused to reveal where she was keeping a witness hidden. Her mother would throw a fit if she could see her now. Her mom already had her opinion about the dangers of her job and now look at her. Tied up, beaten, no doubt a few broken ribs, and waiting on John to save her. She only hoped her mom had a little compassion today, in spite of her decision to choose such a dangerous living, and was sending up a few extra prayers on her behalf.

She took another uneasy breath. She could make it. She had been trained for this moment. And she wasn't talking.

"Boss, she ain't talking."

That's right. Inwardly she smiled knowing the timing for showing signs of happiness was odd. No doubt this was her pit and the pendulum experience. Where she was drifting somewhere between sanity and insanity as she awaited her fate.

"Kill her then." The boss demanded roughly. His voice consumed with his exasperation. "We've wasted enough time."

"But Boss what good is she dead?"

"At this rate what good is she alive?!" She heard him sigh. "If you want to try once more, then do it! But, make it quick."

Joss heard him retreat and groaned not sure if she could take much more. God, if I don't see him again, I hope he knows how much I love- No! She couldn't think that. Her time wasn't up. John still needed her and he was on his way. A shadow closed in, Joss turned her head towards it, unsure which of the goons wanted to play bully. She weakly braced herself for another attack.

"Alright Detective. Times running out. You've had a ring of luck with your black knight, but he can't save you every time. You've got a son. If you ever want to see him again I suggest you tell us what you know."

She didn't respond. Roughly his hand grabbed her jaw, his fingers pressing into her tender flesh. Pushing her skin into her teeth. He made her look at him, not that she could focus in on any of his features. He spoke in a growl calling her every fowl name in the book. "I said tell me where he's hiding."

He waited only a second before his fist painfully connected with her face. Joss whimpered. Needles of pain traveled from her temple down to her neck.

She felt her attacker move in for another blow, abruptly he was stopped. A commotion disrupted in the room. Joss tried to look around, but the bodies before her were nothing but moving silhouettes.

They were fighting. A heated and gory battle if the sounds and swift movements were any indication. Two forms at last gave way, then Joss heard two shots. The lone figure still standing turned towards her and approached. Unwittingly Joss flinched in fear. The form hesitated then continued his advance with caution.

A hand, with a gentle soft touch carefully lifted her chin. Joss forced her eyes to focus. Dark hair came into view, a white face, and beautiful blue eyes.

"John," she sobbed her shoulders sagging in relief. Tears streamed down her face, mixing with the blood.

Without a word John worked quickly to free her from the tight ropes that were engraving their mark into her skin. Joss could feel the rage pouring from his tense body and she wondered if the shots she heard had been fatal. Finally free her body slipped beyond her control. John reached and caught her, carefully bringing her head to rest on his shoulder. She wanted to protest, conscience of the human fluids draining from her face that would ruin his suit. But John didn't give any time for her protests and she was overtaken with her husband's embrace.

Her tears came down harder and she fisted one hand into his dress shirt crying his name over and over.

"I'm here babe." He kissed her head. "I'm here."

Joss shuddered soaking in his strength, smell, everything that made him John. He made it. Just like she knew he would. Thank God. He made it. She knew her time wasn't up. Joss sighed trying to soothe her jumpy nerves. It was over. It was all over. Despite her pain and tears, she smiled. Knowing that John's aggravation would soon pass as well.

His body was still rigid, jaw locked tightly. Veins protruding from his neck.

What had they done? He wondered.

It had only been a few hours yet they had managed to do this much damage to her. His heart burned with indignation. He had vowed that no one would harm her. The urgency to keep that promise had only intensified after she became his wife. But again he had failed. She had endured pain when it could have been prevented.

He pulled out a handkerchief and leaned back to carefully clean Joss's bruised and battered face. She looked so weary. His touch was soft, not wanting to cause her further pain. When her eyes were at least clear, he rested her once again on his shoulder.

Carefully he shifted his arm beneath her legs. He lifted her into his arms and she hissed in pain. Pausing he straightened letting her adjust. His gaze roamed to where her captors lay. Alive. He had been tempted to finish them for good for what they had done. He almost had. But Joss wouldn't have wanted it. And he wasn't that man anymore.

"John. Let's go home."

Her voice, although barely audible, cut through his thoughts. She knew where his mind had lingered and was trying to distract him. She was right. He needed to leave.

For now he had freed her, and she was safe in his arms again. He lay another kiss to the top of her head and walked towards the door, freeing them both from her prison.

The pit and the pendulum is referencing Edgar Allen Poe, I do not on that either and the reference just seemed to fit. There might be a part two to this in the future.