Against the clock

4.

tw: kidnapping

Mer's pov

'Please, just ignore him and drive,' I pleaded, my voice trembling as I glanced at Derek over my shoulder. 'Meredith, calm down,' he reassured me, locking eyes with intensity. The persistent knocking continued. 'Is this your dog?' the stranger asked, cradling my little dog in his hands. My heart sank; how did my dog end up here? Did he take him from my house?

'Doc!' I exclaimed, eager to open the door, but Derek firmly caught my hand, halting me. His gaze held mine as he inquired, 'Do you know this man?' I shook my head, desperation evident. 'No, but he has my dog. I have to get my dog,' I insisted, reaching for the door handle. Derek resisted, gripping my hand. 'No,' he insisted, and I shot him an angry look. 'That's my dog! He's probably scared.' I yelled.

'It might not be safe. Why would he have your dog?' Derek questioned, releasing my hands. The stranger knocking at the door grew impatient, interjecting, 'Do you want it or not? I can get rid of it easily if you want' I was on the verge of confronting that man, ready to take drastic action. However, before I could make a move, Derek stepped in, asserting, 'Don't go outside. I'll open the window a bit.' In that moment, Derek took charge, redirecting the situation and preventing any impulsive actions. Derek signaled for the guy to move to his side of the window, but the mysterious man appeared unwilling to cooperate. Despite Derek's repeated gestures, the man remained unmoved. Derek sighed quietly and addressed me, 'Meredith, I'm going to open your window a few centimeters. Don't talk. We'll get your dog back,' Derek assured, his calm demeanor offering a much-needed sense of reassurance in the tense situation. He placed his hand on my leg, a subtle yet special gesture, a wave of happiness washed over me, grateful for his comforting presence in that moment of uncertainty.

Before I could comprehend the unfolding situation, the man inserted a pistol through the small gap that had opened in the window. The gun was pointed at me. Time seemed to freeze, and I felt a surge of fear gripping me. Derek's hand on my leg tightened subtly, a silent signal to stay calm. Derek, maintaining his composure, raised one hand in a placating gesture. 'Easy now, we don't want any trouble. Just tell us what you want.'

The mysterious man's eyes darted between us, and a sinister grin crept across his face. 'I want her. Step out of the car, and you're free.'

'What?' I stammered, confusion and fear swirling within me. What have I ever done to this man? My mind raced to make sense of the demand, searching for any connection between me and the unfolding threat. The realization that I was the target sent shivers down my spine, and a wave of vulnerability washed over me. I could sense Derek's fingers gently parting, creating a subtle sensation.

Derek's expression remained steady, his protective stance unwavering. 'I am sure we can find another way to settle this,' Derek urged, his voice calm but authoritative. The man's grin widened, his eyes glinting with a malevolent glimmer. 'I'm not interested in negotiations. She comes with me, or things get messy. Choose wisely, Dr. Shepherd.'

I glanced at Derek, a silent plea in my eyes. The situation had escalated far beyond anything I could have anticipated, and the feeling of helplessness gnawed at me. He took a deep breath, assessing the dangerous standoff. 'Let's talk about this. There's no need for anyone to get hurt. What is your motive here?'

The man's laughter cut through the tension. 'Motive? That's none of your business. You have one minute to decide.' Dread hung in the air as the seconds ticked away. Derek's grip on my leg tightened once more, a silent reassurance that he was still in this with me. 'I have money',' he declared, the desperation in his voice revealing a hidden vulnerability. 'Just name your price, and we can work something out. No need for violence.' The offer lingered in the tense air, a fragile hope in the face of impending danger.