AN/N: Here is the next chapter. I was beginning to wonder if anyone was ever going to read this story. But now that someone has finally read and reviewed this story I have decided to give it an update. Like always read and enjoy:)
Chapter 6- Taken by Surprise
Not far from the main door entrance of the OSP headquarters Nell steadied herself against the wall with her hand as she took deep breaths to calm herself. The mid-afternoon breeze seemed to have an effect on her for she could feel herself beginning to relax. Closing her eyes Nell could still see the pages of the journal she had just read staring back up at her as if she was still holding the journal in her hands, reading it like she would a good book. Quickly shaking her head Nell forced the image from her mind. She still couldn't believe what she had read. The words on the page revealed how to create something evil, something she couldn't believe her childhood friend would do.
Lost in her own thoughts Nell didn't hear the approaching footsteps coming towards her from behind. Suddenly an arm wrapped around her and held her tightly in place. Overwhelmed with terror Nell struggled against the vice grip arm that held her. Just as she opened her mouth to scream a hand appeared and pressed a white cloth-like material to her mouth. Breathing heavily from adrenaline Nell inhaled the chloroform coated cloth causing her struggles to cease as she was enveloped in darkness.
Having become nothing but dead weight Nell's body collapsed into her attacker's awaiting arms. Lifting her completely into his own arms the man quickly carried her to his car that was parked a short distance from OSP headquarters. On the ground marking where Nell had just been standing was Nell's bag with its contents scattered across the pavement from the surprise assault.
Back within the semi-dark computer tech center Eric was typing away on his keyboard trying to find more information on the virus software that Doyle had created. But as he worked his thoughts continued to float back to Nell's overwhelmed expression as she fled from the tech center. Everything about the case bothered her in some way, and he really wanted to help her cope, but he just didn't know how. Pushing the thought to the back of his mind Eric continued to concentrate on getting the job that Callen had assigned him done.
Nearly an hour had passed when Eric had completed his research. As he leaned back in his chair with his hands behind his head realization seemed to fully set in Eric-Nell still hadn't returned from getting some air. Worry seeped into every crevice of his mind as he jumped to his feet and quickly made his way down the stairs to Hetty's desk.
Coming to a halt in front of their short yet large hearted operation manager's desk Eric waited as patiently as he could for her to find a stopping point in the giant stack of paperwork pilled upon her desk. Closing the packet of papers after marking her place Hetty turned her gaze to the eagerly waiting computer analyst. Looking at his face Hetty could see the worry that filled his spectacle covered eyes, which was now starting to show on his face. Rising to her feet Hetty kept eye contact with Eric as she asked,
"What seems to be the problem Mr. Beale? Has something happened?"
Without taking a moment to think Eric quickly replied,
"Hetty, it's been almost an hour since Nell went outside to get some air and she still hasn't come back yet. I'm really getting worried about her."
With a simple nod of her head Hetty replied,
"I understand what you are saying Mr. Beale. Have you checked the security camera footage to see if she's still outside?"
Having not thought of the idea himself Eric mentally slapped himself on the head as he replied,
"No Hetty I didn't look at the security footage. Not knowing where exactly Nell had went to get her fresh air I wouldn't know where to look first. I was hoping that you or someone else had gone out and checked to make sure she was alright."
A sad look appeared on Hetty's face as she shook her head no,
"No Mr. Beale, I haven't gone to check on Miss Jones, and I haven't seen anyone else do so either. But I believe I may know where she went. I will go check on her while you look at the security camera footage of the front entrance."
With a quick nod of his head Eric made his way back up the stairs to look at the selected security footage. At the same time Hetty made her way to the main entrance door. Stepping outside there was Hetty found no one there to meet her. Wanting to make sure that Nell hadn't tried to hide from everyone else who may have stepped outside Hetty searched every possible place that she could be. Coming up empty handed in her search Hetty turned back to the door to head back inside. It was then that she saw Nell's bag on the ground with its contents scattered all around. Holding the empty bag in her hand Hetty quickly took out her phone to call Eric. After only one ring she heard,
"Hey Hetty, did you find Nell? Is she ok?"
Hating to have to be the one to tell him what she had found Hetty replied,
"No Mr. Beale I didn't, Miss Jones is gone. I've found her bag lying on the ground, its contents spread out on the ground around it. She's been taken Mr. Beale- someone has kidnapped Nell. Gather the team including Nate; I'll be up there in a minute. We are going to need everyone's help to locate Miss Jones and her kidnapper."