The next two weeks, Spencer was busy with cases, so we did have to postpone the brunch with Caroline. On the upside, I did get a very cute picture of Henry dressed up as Spencer for Halloween. I hadn't told Daniel about Spencer yet, but I figured that I had to do it soon. So, on the fourth of December on the bench, I decided inform him.

"I'm seeing someone," I blurted out as soon as I sat down.

"Name?" he asked, all business.

"Dr. Spencer Reid."

"That's one of the people I did a background check on a few months ago, correct?"

"Yeah," I said. "We've been dating for three months now, and I figured you should know."

"You know that-"

"You don't recommend relationships in case of a blown cover, etc., etc.," I said. "I know, but I really like this guy."

"No red flags came up, so I assume it'll be fine."

"Okay, good."

"Here's your brief," he said, handing me the familiar envelope. "But I do have to let you know that you have to be more careful."

"Why?"

"We have intel that indicates that he is no longer in Texas, but heading north."

"You don't think that-"

"There's no reason to think that he knows you're here, but just in case, take extra precautions."

"I will."

"I'll see you next month," he said, getting up and leaving. I watched him leave before thinking about what he said.

Why would he be heading north, unless he knew I was here?

Did he know who I was?

If Penelope could crack my cover, couldn't he?

My phone ringing, interrupted my thoughts. Checking the caller ID, I tucked the envelope into my purse.

"Hey Spence," I said. Spencer had teased me for picking up the nickname, but quickly stopped when I called him 'Pretty Boy' for two days straight.

"Hey Sarah," he said. From his tone of voice, I knew something was up.

"Where are you off to this time?"

"Miami."

"The weather should be nice," I said. "But I'm guessing that means we can't get dinner tonight?"

"I'm so-"

"Don't apologize," I said. "How was baseball with Derek?"

"I can't hit the ball."

"Well, if you get back in time, maybe I can teach you some skills."

"You played?"

"When I was in high school, I was known to dominate the club team," I said, laughing as I got up from the bench, beginning my walk home.

"I might have to take you up on that," he said.

"So, when do you leave?"

"Three hours," he said.

"How long do you think this one will be?"

"Three, four days?"

"But that's just an estimate, right?"

"Of course."

"Well, promise me you'll be safe, okay?"

"I always am…I need to go get my stuff together…I'll call you as soon as I can?"

"Sounds great. Bye Spence."

"Bye, see you soon."

The click of the call ending brought on an unexpected feeling of sadness. I already missed him. And knowing how he got with work and cases, I probably wouldn't hear from him till he was heading home.

I decided to go grab my weekly groceries. I opted to go the smaller market that was farther from my apartment. I didn't go there often, but they had the best sourdough bread in town. And sourdough grilled cheese?

That was my shit.

The walk back to my apartment wasn't long, but it was starting to get a little colder. I tried to tighten my sweater around me, but my bags were just a little too heavy. I picked up the pace to get to my apartment faster. I had approached the building, when my phone rang. Struggling to pick it up, I answered.

"Hello?" I asked, balancing as I made my way to the door.

"Is this Sarah Bennett?"

"Yes, who is this?" I asked, not recognizing the voice. I was now up the stairs.

"…"

"Is this a prank call? Or telemarketer? I'm not interested in whatever you are selling," I said, searching for my keys outside my door.

"…"

"Okay…So I'm just going to let you go," I said. I hung up the phone. I really hated prank calls.

No sooner had I set my bags down, my phone rung again.

"Hello?" I asked, picking up the phone again.

"Aunt Dani?"

I froze. It couldn't be…

"Who is this?" I demanded, sitting down, trying to avoid panicking.

"Ben, it's Ben."

"What, wait, Ben?" I said, panic setting in. "Where are you? How did you contact me?" There was a rustling noise before the next sound came through the phone's speakers.

"Hello Danielle," came a voice. I gripped the sides of the chair as I recognized the voice.

"Nicolas," I whispered, before anger overtook me. "I swear to God, I will kill you if you don't let them go, you sick, son of a bitch."

"Fiesty as ever," he said, his voice smooth and deep. "You have sworn to God, but let me swear to you, that if you notify anyone that I have contacted you, I will kill them."

"What do you want?"

"For you to shut that pretty little mouth of yours and listen."

"I'm listening."

"You are going to do what I say, or else I will kill all of them, you understand me?"

"Why are you doing this? They have nothing to do with anything. This is between you and me," I said.

"And it will be settled between you and I, love…just not yet."

"If you want me to do anything, you are going to have to prove that they are all alive," I demanded. "Ben, Ashley, and Charlie."

"You are in no position to be making demands, Dani," Nicolas said. "But, as I am merciful, say hi guys."

"Dani, do not listen to him," came Ashley's voice.

"Ash?" I asked. "Has he hurt you?"

"We are fine. Dani, do not listen to him. He is going-"

"And now for Charlie's turn!" Nicolas said, a sharp sound of a slap followed by a yelp cutting off Ash.

"Danielle," Charlie's voice came through the speaker, his voice soft and ragged.

"Charlie," I said, "Has he hurt Ash?"

"No, no," he said. "But I can't move Danielle. He has me tied up and keeps drugging me."

"I promise, I'm going to get you guys out of this, okay? Keep Ben and Ash calm, okay?"

"And that's all the time we have for today," came Nicolas' voice.

"You son of a bitch, let them go. Come face me yourself, you coward," I growled, trying to pretend that I wasn't terrified to my core.

"Now, now, let's calm down."

"What do you want from me?" I cried out, feeling my eyes watering.

"Be on the lookout for another call. If you get the police involved, I will kill them and I will enjoy it… Bye-bye Dani…or should I say Sarah?"

The line clicked.

He was gone.

I let the phone fall to the ground.

He had them.

He fucking had them.

I felt tears rush down my cheeks.

How did he find me?

How did he find them?

I knew one thing for sure.

If he had them, he was going for me next.

And I'd be damned if I wasn't going to go without a fight.

I made sure the door was locked, and slowly walked to my closet. I searched for the bag that I had been given four years ago, but had never used. Opening it, I grabbed the gun. Removing the safety, I pulled a chair into direct line of the door way.

This was going to be a long night.