Disclaimer: Criminal Minds does not belong to me…

….

"Hello Mr. Benders." Jason's voice was even and smooth, like he was talking to a friend he hadn't seen in a long time. Reid felt a feeling of relief spread through his body, even though he knew his situation was nowhere near good. But just hearing his mentor's voice through the device and knowing that the BAU was on the case made him feel that much better.

Nick, however, was not so convinced. He no longer doubted profiling. No, not after what he saw Spencer was capable of doing. But Benders seemed to have serious issues with authority, especially law enforcement. How would he handle talking to the leader of the BAU?

"What do you want?" asked Samuel roughly, aiming the gun towards Spencer unconsciously. This was his boss, so he should take the bullet if anything goes wrong.

"First, I want to know if my agent and CSI Stokes are okay," said Gideon, just as calmly as before.

"Yeah, they're just fine," said Samuel sarcastically, eyeing the two men with distaste.

"May I talk to Dr. Reid?"

Benders wasn't expecting this. His face contorted into a scowl, rage burning in his eyes. They were going to play a trick on him…pull a fast one with one of their funny codes. But he wasn't a moron. He was smarter than that.

"No. Take my work. They are alive."

"Mr. Benders, I do trust you. But it is protocol in these kinds of situations to communicate with our agents in the field. If we don't follow protocol, we might end up in a more serious situation than we already have."

Reid knew that his was complete bull, but pursed his lips and made sure his face was impassive, so as not to give anything away. One thing was certain. Jason Gideon did not trust Samuel Benders.

Samuel turned to scrutinize Spencer, who just shrugged apologetically. "It is protocol. It'll be quick. No tricks, I swear."

Samuel's fear of prison overpowered his distrust of Spencer, and he begrudgingly slid the walkie-talkie over to Reid, who gently picked it up and spoke into it. "Gideon?"

Reid could almost hear Gideon's relief through the machine in front of him. "Dr. Reid. Are you hurt in any way?" Gideon was keeping it formal, making it seem more professional and as unemotional as possible.

Reid looked up at Samuel, who nodded his head once, signaling him to speak the truth. "Smack to the head, but I'm fine. Nothing to worry about. CSI Stokes is fine as well." Reid played along.

"Excellent. May I ask how many hostages there are?" Reid looked towards Samuel, whose eyebrows furrowed as he thought. He seemed to decide that there was no hidden intent behind the request, and he ordered Nick to do a head count. A minute later, Nick returned and replied, "23."

"Twenty-three," replied Reid.

A pause. "May I please speak to Mr. Benders, Dr. Reid?" Reid handed the device over to Samuel, who frowned at took it.

"What?"

"Mr. Benders, we would like to request that you release your hostages."

Benders actually laughed. He threw his head back as a loud barking noise escaped from his throat, causing the hostages to either jump or shrink farther back from him. "You think I'm that stupid? I know what will happen the second this place is evacuated. SWAT comes marching on in and I'm behind bars before I can count to three. So no, Agent, I deny your request."

Another pause. Reid knew he was probably talking their options over with Hotch this very moment. Reid knew what he wanted Gideon to do…he just hoped Hotch could convince him.

"That is understandable, Mr. Benders. We have another request for you to consider. Can you release your hostages, but keep CSI Stokes and Dr. Reid with you?" Reid sighed, thanking Hotch silently. Benders had said it himself. They were the only two things keeping him out of jail. Now the innocent bystanders could be released…Reid had been in worse situations. He could handle this…he hoped.

It took over five minutes, during which Jason waited patiently, not interrupting Samuel's train of thought. Finally, he nodded, and then spoke up. "Fine. But we do this my way!"

"Agreed."

…..

Benders way was slow. It required each person to squeeze themselves through the door, opening it just enough so that their bodies could pass through. The second they reached the safety outside, Nick was to close the door immediately, or risk a bullet to his leg.

Reid was positioned on the ground by Benders, but he was tall enough so that he could just see through the bottom of the long glass windows. He watched as each person ran to safety; some crying, some calm, some motioning back towards the library to loved ones who hadn't come out yet.

But they all came out. Slowly, but surely, the retreated to safety.

Benders kept his word. This time.

But Benders was erratic, paranoid, and desperate. There was not telling what he would do next. Jason knew that, which was why he knew it was necessary to evacuate the building in case Samuel decided to shoot off some of his anger. The last thing they needed was a civilian getting shot.

The last person Spencer saw through the window was the elderly librarian. Right before she was escorted away, she turned suddenly and looked straight at Spencer, startling him slightly. She put a hand over her chest and nodded at him slowly, before following the SWAT man to safety.

Now it was only Spencer, Nick, and Samuel left together in the library Reid knew oh-so well.

…..

Author's Note:

Know it's a bit short, but what are ya gonna do?

Hope you are enjoying it so far, because I'm enjoying writing it:)

With love, MissdaVinci77