Two days later Molly had never been so happy to be home. It was late afternoon and she was curled up in bed a purple coffee mug full of hot tea sat on the nightstand. Her favorite quilt was pulled up to her shoulders. A movie she'd been meaning to watch was in the dvd player. The movie was a distraction. Something to make Molly forget why she was home in the middle of the afternoon instead of being at work. To forget why her right arm throbbed and why it hurt to talk or swallow.
Molly sighed and burrowed further under the quilt and tried to concentrate on the movie. It'd be better if Greg was here but he'd had to work. He'd been by her side until she left the hospital. That had sort of surprised Molly. Nobody in her life outside of her family had ever been that reliable. Molly would never forget the expression on Greg's face when she'd awoke for the first time. The relief and happiness mixed with sadness was a potent combination.
Greg had promised to stop by as soon as he got off. She had tried to assure him that she was okay on her own. They both knew that was a lie. It would take some time for Molly to recover emotionally from being kidnapped. Logically she knew and understood the recovery time. The other part of her hated it. Hated that he still had that control over her. Molly still looked twice at shadows, investigated noises she normally wouldn't. Molly's cell phone chimed signalling a waiting text message. She reached with her good arm and took the device off the nightstand. She activated the message and smiled seeing it was from Greg.
'Hope to be done by six. I'll swing by that pub you like and pick up some of their soup.'
Tears caused the screen to blur but Molly blinked them away long enough to type a reply and hit send. She leaned back against the pillow and allowed the tears to flow. She truly was lucky to have someone to care and look after her when she needed it. Minutes later the phone still in her hand Molly drifted off to sleep.
Using the key Molly had given him Greg let himself into her apartment. It was a half hour later than he'd promised. Traffic had been hell and service at the pub hadn't been any quicker. Closing the door behind him Greg walked quietly to Molly's bedroom. He peaked in and saw she was asleep and the tv was on. Crossing back to the small kitchen Greg placed the take out bag of food in the refrigerator. He'd reheat it later when she was up to it. Returning to the bedroom Greg leaned against the doorframe watching Molly sleep.
The bruises on Molly's throat had started to fade. The ones on her arms had not and were still harsh against the doctor's pale skin. Seeing them caused Greg's stomach to twist. It was a reminder of how close he'd come to losing her. Too damn close. The risks were part of the job. Part of being in law enforcement which they both loved. The understanding of the risks didn't diminish the anguish and fear Greg had felt. Nor had it done anything to control the anger. Mistakes had been made that had cost lives and endangered Molly. Mistakes that the Yard and other police agencies would live with and try to use to make a better future.
One good thing about the past forty-eight hours was it had given Greg a lot of time to think. He'd admitted to himself that he loved Molly. He enjoyed her company and wanted her to be a part of his life. Greg knew that Molly wasn't to the same place he was yet. He knew she cared for him and that was enough for now. Seeing the movie had ended Greg stepped into the room and shut off the tv. He turned just as Molly stirred and woke. Greg smiled in greeting and walked to the bed.
"Sorry, was trying not to wake you."Lestrade apologized as he sat on the edge of the bed.
Molly gingerly scooted into a sitting position setting the phone on the nightstand.
"It's okay. "Molly replied hoarsely. "I'm glad to see you. What time is it?"
"Nearly seven was a bit later than I'd hoped."Greg replied as he leaned in to kiss Molly quickly. "I brought dinner, you hungry?"
Molly shook her head tiredly. "No, sorry."
"It's okay, it'll keep."Greg acknowledged. "How are you feeling?"
"Sore, but better."Molly replied.
"Good."Greg commented as he picked up the discarded dvd case. "How was the movie?"
"Don't know fell asleep."Molly replied with a smile. "Want to watch it with me?"
"Best offer I've had all day."Greg stated with a smile as he lightly kissed Molly before standing.
Greg kicked off his shoes and walked around to the other side of the bed. He sat down, stretched out and scooted closer to Molly. Gently he pulled her onto his lap quilt and all and wrapped his arms around Molly's waist. Molly smiled and squeezed Greg's left hand. Using the remote Molly turned the tv on and activated the dvd player. The opening credits began and Greg rested his head on top of Molly's.
"Thank you."Molly stated quietly.
Greg tightened his embrace. He knew the thank you wasn't for the movie or the food.
"You don't have to thank me, Molly-girl."Greg replied huskily. "I'm just glad you're okay."
Molly snuggled against Greg and together they watched the movie in quiet contentment.