Chapter Text
Arthur woke up to his phone ringing. He groaned and rolled over, grabbed it off the nightstand, and swiped the screen blindly.
“Pendragon,” he muttered.
“It’s ten in the morning and you’re still in bed?”
“It’s Saturday, Morgana…what do you want?”
“How was your first week back on the job?”
“Like I was never gone. Two more victims and we are no closer to catching the bastard.”
“I hear you have a witness for the one last night.”
“And just how do you know that?” Arthur asked, not holding back the annoyance in his voice.
“Jacobs, he put it in his report,” Morgana said.
“Right,” Arthur rubbed his eyes, “Yeah I have a witness that’s all I am confirming.”
“Where is he now?”
“He’s in a safe place.”
“You think he is in danger?”
“Yes,” Arthur said, “I have no doubt.”
“You need to bring him in. He should be in a safe house.”
“Trust me, Merlin is safe.”
“Merlin?” Morgana asked, “Jacobs said he wouldn’t give his name. Should have known you would get it out of him.”
“He’s a street kid, he doesn’t trust easily and I am not going to let anything happen to him. He tried to save the victim and the killer saw him.”
“Father wants me on this case with you,” Morgana said.
“No, absolutely not,” Arthur said adamantly.
“Sorry, dear brother, he is the Commissioner. You do not have a say in the matter.”
“Fuck,” Arthur rolled his eyes.
“I just made detective,” Morgana said, “You think I want to be stuck on this ongoing case with you? Coming into this mess a year in is not exactly my idea of fun either, you know.”
“Fine, ask Jacobs to get you the files, go over them, and get caught up,” Arthur said.
“Already on it. I want to meet with your witness.”
“I was planning on going to check on him this afternoon. I put him up in a hotel. He is badly in need of new clothes. He’s been on the streets for seven years. He has nothing and no one save for another homeless friend named Gwaine that I met.”
“Poor kid,” Morgana said softly, “I’m on my way to your place.”
“I need a shower and a shave.”
“I’ll let myself in.”
Arthur let out a breath. “Fine, hurry up then.”
He ended the call and then dragged himself out of the bed and into the bathroom. He barely slept, unable to get Merlin off his mind. What the hell was wrong with him? Maybe what bothered him was the fact that Merlin had him figured out. He was lonely and stressed and while he had never really questioned his sexual preferences, there was no denying the attraction and yes it was mutual.
Arthur showered and dressed, pulling on his coat just as Morgana let herself into his apartment. He raised an eyebrow as she gave him a brilliant smile and kissed his cheek.
“You look like hell.”
“Considering I didn’t get to sleep until like six a.m., I look pretty good.”
“You would think with all the time off you would be well rested.”
“Yes, because convalescing from two gunshot wounds is so restorative.”
Morgana looked at him, tilting her head slightly. “Maybe you came back too early.”
“I was going mad sitting around watching the news and knowing I should be out there on the street. Four more victims in the time I was recuperating.”
“You can’t blame yourself,” she said.
“Can’t I? I am supposed to be good at my job. Nothing makes sense in this case.”
“You are the best, but you are human.”
“Do me a favor and tell our father that would you, he still doesn’t seem to grasp that concept.”
“It’s your own fault, you have exceeded his expectations in everything you do. In his eyes, you can do no wrong.”
“I could say the same about you.”
“We are Pendragons, there is nothing we can’t do,” Morgana beamed and patted Arthur’s cheek.
“Right,” Arthur gave her a crooked grin.
“So, tell me about this Merlin,” Morgana said as she handed him the hot cup of black coffee she had picked up for him on the way over. He nodded appreciatively and took a sip.
“Getting anything personal out of Merlin is like pulling teeth. All I know so far is he’s twenty-four, I thought he was much younger at first. He has lived on the street since he was seventeen. His mother died when he was twelve and he never knew his father. He ended up in foster care until he was seventeen when he ran away and ended up on the streets.”
“Why did you put him up in a hotel on your own dime?”
“Because I can’t let anything happen to him. If he saw the killer the killer saw him.”
Morgana nodded, “All right, let’s go.”
“You’re so bossy,” Arthur rolled his eyes, grabbed a blue backpack from the sofa, and followed his overbearing sister out the door.
Merlin sat back on the bed with his phone searching the news for information about the serial killer. He frowned as he read the news story about Katie. She left behind a husband and a baby girl. If only he had gotten to her faster. If he had done more to stop her killer. He had to help Arthur catch this monster. Even if it meant using himself as bait. There had to be a way of luring this killer out.
A text message came in a few minutes later from Arthur. He opened it and laughed.
Merlin, for what it’s worth I am so very sorry.
Merlin typed a response.
Um, for what?
Arthur’s response was immediate.
I’m on my way, but I am not alone. My sister is impossible to say no to. She insisted on meeting you as our father put her on the case with me.
Merlin laughed and typed back.
Should I make a run for it?
Arthur sent a frowning emoji…
Don’t even think about it. She’s harmless…mostly.
Merlin texted back.
Is that supposed to be reassuring?
Ten minutes later there was a knock on the door. Merlin jumped up and looked through the peephole. Seeing Arthur, he unlocked the door and opened it. He found himself face to face with a gorgeous brunette with stunning jade-green eyes.
“Merlin, my sister Morgana…Morgana this is Merlin.”
Morgana eyed Merlin up and down and he suddenly felt very exposed still wearing the pajama pants and no shirt.
“Um, sorry I would have gotten dressed but I had nothing to wear,” he grinned shyly under her penetrating gaze.
“I’m certainly not complaining,” Morgana beamed wagging her eyebrows as she shoved half a dozen shopping bags into his hands. “You are absolutely adorable.”
“What’s all this?” he asked in confusion.
“What’s it look like? Arthur said you needed a new wardrobe.”
“To be fair I said he needed some new clothes. You were the one who went overboard,” Arthur grinned.
Merlin looked in the bags. “Thank you, but this is a lot.”
“Thank Arthur it was his credit card,” Morgana winked and pulled off her coat taking a seat on the end of the bed. “This bed is rather hard.”
“Compared to a park bench it’s like sleeping on a cloud,” Merlin said as he pulled a blue shirt over his head. It was a long-sleeved T-shirt, fitted with a round neck and three buttons. It fit him perfectly.
“Perfect,” Morgana smiled.
Merlin glanced over at Arthur. “Thank you,” he said tilting his head. Arthur stared at him intently for a full minute before finally shrugging and averting his gaze.
“Now you can toss your old clothes. These will be much warmer. I got you a new coat too. Can’t have you freezing to death.”
Merlin pulled the coat out of the bag. It was dark gray, quilted, filled with down, and lined with a warm, soft flannel. It had a hood and tons of pockets. Tears came to his eyes as he held the coat against his chest.
“Oh, Merlin,” Morgana said wrapping her arms around him, “Don’t cry, sweet boy.”
“Sorry, just…no one has ever done anything like this for me before,” Merlin said then huffed a laugh and swiped at his eyes.
“You deserve it,” Arthur said as he met Merlin’s gaze over Morgana’s shoulder. He felt a warm sensation wash over him as he looked into those wet blue eyes. He couldn’t have looked away if he’d wanted to and Merlin smiled awkwardly. Arthur cleared his throat and nodded. He knew he was in trouble the second Morgana turned and caught the exchange between them. “I mean, it’s the least I can do,” Arthur said, shaking his head dismissively before averting his gaze.
“Of course,” Morgana said her eyes narrowing suspiciously.
Merlin draped the coat over a chair and then went into the bathroom to get dressed. He closed the door and pulled out the package of underwear and socks. There were three more shirts in different styles and colors and three pairs of jeans. Two blue and one black pair. He shook his head when he pulled out the box that held a brand-new pair of black boots. There were two belts, one black, and one brown.
Putting on the underwear, he then pulled on the blue jeans and grabbed the brown belt, worked it through the belt loops, and fastened the buckle. Grabbing a pair of socks and the boots he left the bathroom and walked out to sit on the bed putting them on. He then stood up and Morgana swirled a finger in the air for him to turn around. She reached out and tugged on the belt.
“My brother got your size just right,” she said with a sparkle in her eyes.
“Yeah, even the boots,” Merlin grinned.
“What?” Arthur asked, “Being observant is part of my job. Means nothing.”
“Right,” Morgana said eyeing him with curious amusement.
“Thank you, Arthur,” Merlin said.
“You’re welcome,” Arthur said as he glanced out the window. They were on the sixth floor, but he double-checked the locks anyway. “Nothing unusual happened today?”
“No, I refused housekeeping though. Didn’t want to let anyone in,” Merlin said as he went into the bathroom to brush his unruly dark curls. “I really need a haircut,” he said.
“No, your hair is perfect,” Arthur said from the doorway blushing as Merlin grinned at him. “Shut up.”
Merlin walked out of the bathroom and opened the dresser putting away his new clothes. Morgana watched him and Arthur closely with a hint of a smile.
“Arthur, are you really going to make poor Merlin stay locked up in this room?”
“For a few days, yes,” Arthur said, “I need to keep him safe.”
“Would you do this for every witness?” Morgana asked raising an eyebrow.
Arthur glared at her knowing full well what she was getting at. “Only the ones who are in immediate danger because they crossed paths with a fucking serial killer I have been hunting for a year,” he snapped.
“Merlin, what did you see?” Morgana asked.
Merlin looked at Arthur who nodded and tilted his head toward his sister. “She’s my partner on this now. Go ahead.”
“I was walking through the alley heading for my usual sleeping place. I heard a muffled cry and a struggle. I rounded the corner and there was a woman on the ground the guy was going through her bag and took her phone. He took a photo of her. I yelled at him to stop his hood slipped down I caught a quick glimpse of him. He pulled the hood back up and took off. I went to the woman…Katie, to help, but she was already dead. I borrowed a phone from someone and called 911 and waited around for the cops. He was a bit shorter than me and stocky, dark coat, work pants, and heavy boots. He had whitish-blonde hair.”
“You must have been scared,” Morgana said.
“If I had been quicker, maybe she would still be alive,” Merlin said softly.
“No, Merlin,” Arthur said putting a hand on his shoulder, “This guy, he goes for the kill. It’s instant. She was probably dead the moment he grabbed her.”
Merlin shook his head, “What kind of man knows how to kill like that?”
“A monster,” Morgana said.
Arthur thought for a moment then met Merlin’s gaze. “Military…trained military soldiers know how to kill quickly and efficiently. He’s probably military.”
“That makes sense,” Morgana nodded, “Merlin, you’re a genius.”
“I knew there was a reason I kept you around,” Arthur said then pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Yea, it’s Detective Pendragon. I need you to check military records for anyone with a history of violent crimes in the New York area. Anyone in the age range of our killer that fits the description I emailed you this morning. Special forces, anything. Yes, I know it is a long shot, just do it. It’s a lead.” He ended the call and looked at Morgana. “You have any ideas?”
“Yes, actually I do,” Morgana said, “Let’s order room service and watch a movie.”
“I was referring to the case,” Arthur said.
“We are taking care of our witness. If he has to stay on lockdown the least we can do is keep him company. What do you think, Merlin?”
“I’d like that,” he grinned then turned to Arthur, “I like her, she’s nice.”
“See, he is a genius,” Morgana beamed at her brother.
“Yeah well, he didn’t have to live with you all these years.”
Merlin smiled sadly, “Take it from someone who has no one else…appreciate each other.”
“Oh, Merlin,” Morgana said launching herself into his arms and kissing his cheek. She looked at her brother and smiled, “Whatever happens, you’re not alone anymore. You have me and Arthur to look after you now.”
“You two are both nuts, I’m nobody…just a street kid. When this is over I’ll be back out there where I belong.”
“Is that what you want, Merlin?” Arthur asked.
Merlin shook his head, “It’s not about what I want, it is who I am.”
“I don’t believe that,” Morgana said.
“Neither do I,” Arthur said.
Morgana turned and bounced on the bed grabbed the room service menu off the nightstand and picked up the phone. She ordered an obscene amount of food. Arthur approached Merlin putting his hand on the back of his neck.
“She’s right, you know,” he said then ruffled his thick dark hair, “You’re not alone anymore and if I have anything to say about it, you’ll never sleep on the street again.”
“Arthur, I am not worth all this.”
“Can you honestly tell me that you miss sleeping in an alley not knowing where your next meal is coming from?”
“Of course not, but what makes me any better than the hundreds of other homeless people out there? I don’t deserve to sleep in a soft bed any more than they do. Gwaine deserves to be taken care of. Not me.”
“Gwaine will be taken care of,” Arthur said and Merlin looked at him.
“What do you mean?”
“I called Leon this morning, he and his wife Gwen are going out to find him today. Leon has a job for him, in construction. He will have a place to live and a steady income.”
“Gwaine won’t accept it,” Merlin shook his head, “He is stubborn and he can’t forgive himself.”
“Leon and Gwen will convince him. They won’t take no for an answer. Gwen is also a grief counselor. If anyone can help him deal with what happened, it’s her.”
Merlin’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you,” he smiled with a slight nod.
“You’re welcome,” Arthur said.
After two movies and far too much food, Morgana got up and grabbed her purse and her coat. She winked at Merlin and then kissed her brother’s forehead.
“You’re ready to go,” he said getting up from the chair.
“I called a cab, you stay. I have a date tonight,” she said.
“With who? Are you still seeing that lawyer?”
“No, I found out he was married. Useless ass. I am going to a play with Percival.”
“Oh, I thought you didn’t like dating cops, much less big muscular ones.”
“He’s sweet and he’s not married,” Morgana shrugged, “See you later. Merlin, it was wonderful to meet you. We will catch this guy now that I’m on the case. I promise you.”
“I should drive you,” Arthur said getting up from the chair.
“Taken care of, dear brother. I will see you later. Love you, even if you are a pain in my ass.”
“Love you too, even if you are a witch,” Arthur grinned and hugged her. “I guess having my sister for a partner might not be so bad.”
“Don’t tell father that, or God forbid, he will make it permanent.”
“Right.”
“See you both later,” Morgana said then slipped out the door.
“That was fun,” Merlin grinned.
“She’s a bit overbearing.”
“Must be a family thing,” Merlin chuckled as he got up off the bed.
“Funny…very funny,” Arthur said while gathering up the empty food containers and putting them into a trash bag. He watched as Merlin went into the bathroom to wash his hands and face. He was still staring when he turned around and their eyes met. “Um, I should probably get going too.”
“Arthur, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Oh, I brought you a backpack of snacks, some notebooks, pens, and a few books. I know it can’t be fun being stuck in this room.”
“Why are you doing all this for me?”
“I told you why.”
Merlin closed the distance between them, looking into Arthur’s blue eyes. “Morgana’s right, you wouldn’t do this for just any witness.”
“I feel responsible for you, that’s all.”
“Well, you’re not.”
Arthur averted his gaze and finished gathering the trash. “I guess you will need to have housekeeping come in tomorrow.”
“Arthur, stop it, please,” Merlin said, firmly and Arthur turned and dropped the bag by the door. “You don’t have to do this.”
“Yes, I do. I have to because I can’t let anything happen to you. I can’t let that bastard get his hands on you,” Arthur said running a hand through his dark blonde hair. “It’s my job to keep innocent people safe and I have failed to do so too many times.”
“Is this about you getting shot?” Merlin asked his voice soft.
“No—no, I don’t know, maybe.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“That is the last thing I want to talk about.”
“Just saying, maybe I’m not the only one who needs taken care of.”
“I assure you, I can take care of myself, Merlin.”
Merlin moved closer his eyes drifting to Arthur’s mouth and then back to his eyes. He gave him a half smile. His long slender finger hooked through Arthur’s belt loop and Merlin shook his head slightly, his gaze heated and curious.
“Perhaps you just need someone who understands what you really want,” Merlin said, his lips just a hairsbreadth away from Arthur’s. He breathed out sharply and surged forward pressing their lips together. His heart stuttered when Arthur moaned.
“Merlin, dammit, no,” Arthur turned his head and pulled away trying to ignore the flash of disappointment and regret in Merlin’s eyes.
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have done that,” Merlin said then moved away.
“I have to go…now,” Arthur said then grabbed his coat and headed for the door. “Lock this behind me,” he hesitated for a moment, “Merlin…”
“Right…yeah, lock it behind you…got it.”
Arthur looked like he wanted to say something else, but instead, he shook his head and walked out of the room. Merlin nodded and walked to the door, locked it then turned around leaning back against it. He let out a long low sigh.
“Stupid move, Merlin, you idiot. Now you’ve ruined everything,” he said aloud then his lips parted in a soft smile, “But God, it was worth it.” He moved away from the door walking to the windows to look outside, watching for Arthur to emerge from the building. It was ridiculous the longing he felt for this man he’d barely known for a day, but he couldn’t deny it was real.
Arthur nearly ran to the elevator and couldn’t get to his car fast enough. His breathing was erratic, his heart pounding. Merlin had kissed him. His lips were still tingling from the brief contact. He’d never had such an intense reaction to a kiss before…from anyone. It was all he could do to keep from going back up to that room and giving in to what Merlin was offering with that kiss. God, he was lonely. And not just for the sex, but the closeness, the being with someone to who he felt a deep connection. Merlin…the damn kid had gotten under his skin and made him feel things he had no business feeling…not for someone so vulnerable and Merlin was definitely that. No, he could not…would not use him in that way.
Sliding behind the wheel of his car, he started the engine and pressed his hands to his face. He could still see the look in Merlin’s eyes…the longing and the sadness. He was alone in the world and he wanted Arthur of all people…why would he want him? He had no idea what to do.
“Dammit,” Arthur said, smacking the wheel with both hands.
Merlin flopped down on the bed and turned on the tv, finding another movie to watch. It wasn’t five minutes before there was a knock on the door. He smiled and got up, going to answer it.
“Changed your mind?” he asked as he flung the door open. He barely registered the familiar face staring back at him before he was struck and everything went black.
“Dammit, Merlin, answer your phone,” Arthur said as he paced the floor in his apartment. He thumbed the screen and called the hotel. “Security please, this is Detective Arthur Pendragon, I am calling to check on my witness. He is not answering his cell phone.”
“Detective, I was just about to call you. I was making my rounds the room is empty the door was wide open. We have searched the building, but he is nowhere to be found. The TV was on and his things are still in the room. His phone is gone. I have already called the police.”
“Goddamn it,” Arthur yelled, running a hand through his hair. “I’ll be right there. Do not let them touch anything in the room until I get there…understand.”
“Yes, sir…the room is secure. No one but me has been inside.”
“Thank you,” Arthur said as he ran out of his apartment. Arthur reached the hotel in minutes having run every light. He exited the elevator to find several officers standing in the hallway. “Have you found him?”
“Detective Pendragon,” one of them said, “I am officer Halsey. We haven’t found him, but there is something you should see.” He held out a tablet with security footage. A figure in a coat with a hood at the door and Merlin opening it. The man hit him and Merlin fell to the floor unconscious. The man entered the room and dragged Merlin further inside not even bothering to close the door.”
“That’s it? That’s all the footage you have?” Arthur asked.
“Whoever that was, they dragged him down the fire escape. There were traces of blood and a piece of torn fabric.” Halsey handed him the small evidence bag, the piece of fabric was from the blue shirt he’d bought him. Arthur fought the rush of emotions…the wave of guilt. If only he had stayed…
“I want every available man on this. The guy who grabbed Merlin is the serial killer we have been after. He saw his face when he killed Katie Shaw.” Arthur swallowed hard then shook his head. “He will kill him if he hasn’t already.”
“Yes, sir,” officer Halsey said then went to pass on his orders.
“God, Merlin,” Arthur said softly as he walked into the room. He reached down, picking up the new coat he’d bought for him. “Son of a bitch,” he muttered then, taking the coat with him, he climbed out the window and down the fire escape. The bastard had taken Merlin, he was out in the cold with no coat. He made his way down the alley checking every dumpster and every doorway. Why would the killer take Merlin? This was not his usual pattern of behavior. He killed without hesitation. Which meant that he had something else in mind…he wanted Merlin.
Arthur’s phone rang and he swiped the screen. “Pendragon.”
“Detective Pendragon, we have a match on that lead you called about earlier. His name is Gideon Martin, dishonorably discharged for attacking a fellow soldier, put the man in traction. He was special forces and has a disciplinary record a mile long. He lives in Brooklyn. Apparently, he was married for ten years, but when he was kicked out of the military his wife left him. He’s thirty-five, no children that we know of. This could be your guy.”
“Do you have an address for him?” Arthur asked.
“No known address, but he works at a cold storage facility. I’ll text you the address of the warehouse.”
“Thank you,” Arthur said then hung up. With one last glance around the alley, he turned and headed for his car.
Merlin woke up, he was cold. Colder than he ever remembered being. He shivered then realized why. He was tied to a metal chair in a cold storage locker.
“This can’t be good,” he said out loud, wincing at the pain in his head.
“Ah, sleeping beauty has awoken at last.”
Merlin huffed a laugh, “I am surprised I’m even breathing.”
“I couldn’t very well kill you in the hotel, now could I? That would be so messy…I don’t like messy. I much prefer the outdoors…the elements. There’s nothing quite like autumn in New York…it’s cold, but the ground is not quite frozen…much easier to bury the bodies.”
“You’re fucking insane,” Merlin muttered.
“Insanity is all relative.”
“I think it’s safe to say, yours definitely were,” Merlin smirked.
“Clever…not to mention utterly and obnoxiously snarky.”
“It’s a gift,” Merlin shrugged.
“It seems our favorite detective is quite fond of you.”
“You’re wrong, he doesn’t care about me. I am just a witness to protect, nothing more. And you know what is ironic and funny? I didn’t even get a good look at you the other night.”
“No matter, killing you is a bonus. It’s Arthur Pendragon I want.”
“I hate to break it to you, but he doesn’t swing that way. Believe me…I wish he did,” Merlin said.
“Aww, did he reject you?” the man chuckled, “What a shame.”
“If you think he’s going to come looking for me, you’re going to be disappointed. I guarantee he will cut his losses and move on to the next lead,” Merlin said, “He’s not going to risk his life for me. I’m no one. He will assume I’m already dead.”
“Ah, but you are so wrong. You see I know Arthur. I study him as he studies me…we may be enemies, but I do admire him. He is relentless and will always protect those he cares about. At times to his own detriment. He proved that the night he got between a bullet and that bitch.”
“You shot him,” Merlin stared in disbelief. This guy had blown past certifiable, switched tracks at lunatic junction, and derailed at psychopath station. “It was you.”
“Yes, well that wasn’t part of the plan. Caused me a lot of trouble too. I only meant to take her out. He got in the way. She was not worthy of a man like him…no woman is. Why can’t he see that?”
“What do you mean it caused you a lot of trouble?” Merlin asked, his eyes narrowing.
“You keep asking me all these questions, Merlin. It’s not like you are going to live long enough to do anything with the information.”
“Then there’s no harm in answering them, is there?” Merlin shrugged.
“No, I suppose not.”
“You know my name, but I don’t know yours. You may as well tell me, you’re going to kill me anyway.”
“Why are you not afraid of me?”
“Merlin huffed a laugh, “I’ve lived on the streets since I was seventeen. It takes a lot to scare me.”
“So it would seem.”
“Why did you kill all those women?” Merlin asked, “What did they ever do to you?”
“My bitch wife left me after I was discharged from the military. Women are useless…manipulative and they lie.”
“Can’t imagine why she left, considering your obvious penchant for violence.”
“You know nothing about me,” the man hissed.
“We could start with your name?”
“Gideon Martin,” he said flatly.
“I would say it is nice to meet you, Gideon, but well…it isn’t,” Merlin said.
“Gotta say, you’re braver than you look.”
“Would you mind turning up the heat? It’s a tad nippy in here.”
“Actually, we are going for a little trip,” Gideon smirked.
“Oh, how nice. What shall I pack? Somewhere tropical I hope.”
“Funny…you’re funny.”
Merlin waited while Gideon untied him from the chair and then tied his hands behind his back. He winced as the movement jarred his bruised shoulder.
“Your hospitality leaves much to be desired,” Merlin frowned.
“Shut up,” Gideon grumbled as he shoved Merlin out of the room and into the warehouse. He forced him into the open trunk of his car and slammed it shut then got behind the wheel. Starting the engine, he drove toward the exit and pulled out of the warehouse turning onto the nearly empty street. He drove toward Central Park checking his rearview mirror.
Arthur spotted the car as it pulled out of the warehouse and turned onto the street. It had to be Gideon, the place was shut down, and no one else would have reason to be there at this hour. He followed at a safe distance. He could only see one person in the car and he prayed that Merlin was alive and that he was in that car. It didn’t take long to figure out where Gideon was going…Central Park, one of his favorite hunting and dumping grounds for his victims.
Arthur’s heart sank, either he was taking Merlin there to kill him or he was already dead and planning to dump his body in the park. He pressed his foot down on the accelerator and passed the car as it pulled into the park and stopped. He drove around the corner then parked and drew his weapon before heading through the trees back toward Gideon.
As he rounded the wall and crossed the bridge he spotted Merlin struggling against his captor's hold. Gideon had his knife pressed to his throat to control him as he dragged him toward the trees. Arthur stepped out of the shadows and leveled his weapon.
“Release him, Gideon,” Arthur said, keeping his voice even, “It’s over. I know who you are. Let him go.”
“Detective Pendragon, I’ve waited for this moment for a very long time.”
“Arthur don’t,” Merlin said, “Just walk away.”
“Not happening, Merlin.”
“I was right,” Gideon smirked, “You do care about this street urchin.”
“Dammit Arthur,” Merlin said, “Leave me…run, he is the one who shot you.”
Arthur looked at Gideon, “Is that right?”
“I assure you, it was not my intention to shoot you.”
“You shot my girlfriend,” Arthur said and Merlin looked at him in surprise, “Mithian was innocent.”
“She was using you…causing you to stray from your pursuit of me. I couldn’t have that…not part of the plan,” Gideon shook his head. “It was just a mistake, but I paid the price.”
“What are you talking about?” Arthur asked.
“You’re meant for a higher purpose, Arthur Pendragon.”
“What purpose is that? Enlighten me.”
“It is not for me to reveal. He will decide.”
“Who is he?” Arthur asked, shaking his head. This guy was delusional and deeply disturbed. One wrong move and he would kill Merlin. His knife was too close to the main artery, it wouldn’t take but a few seconds for Gideon to sever it and for Merlin to be bleeding out on the ground. He had to be careful.
“Let’s just talk about this, Gideon. Let Merlin go and I’ll drop my gun. We can settle this little misunderstanding.”
“I let him go you will put a bullet between my eyes.”
“Arthur…” Merlin winced as the blade drew blood.
“Hold on Merlin,” Arthur said softly as he crept closer until he was no more than six feet away. “Release him, Gideon. There’s no way out of this.”
Merlin met Arthur’s gaze, pleading silently with him to just go, to leave him. He could feel the knife at his throat. He could also feel the cold steel of the gun tucked into Gideon’s belt. If he could just get one hand free…
“Gideon there has been enough bloodshed. Let Merlin go, take responsibility for what you have done,” Arthur said.
“Either I die here or die in prison it doesn’t matter. But I am taking him with me.”
Gideon shifted the knife away from Merlin’s skin, just a fraction of an inch. Merlin slipped his right wrist free of the rope and threw his head back, Gideon howled in pain as the impact broke his nose. He growled and his arm came down across Merlin’s chest driving the knife in at an angle. Merlin screamed in pain but still managed to grip the 9mm yanking it from Gideon’s belt as he fell to the ground and rolled. He raised the gun and fired at the same time as Arthur. Gideon fell backward and was dead before he hit the ground.
“Merlin!” Arthur cried out as he dropped to his knees next to Merlin and grabbed his phone dialing 911. “Merlin, hold on,” he said as he put pressure on the knife wound.
“I’m okay,” Merlin said weakly as he struggled to sit upright.
“Dammit, Merlin, you’re not okay. Lie still.”
Merlin fought to remain conscious. He saw flashing lights and heard voices. Arthur’s voice was the clearest. Arthur was there. Arthur had come for him.
“Merlin,” Arthur said his hand against his cheek, “Still with me?”
“Messed up my new clothes,” Merlin chuckled. He looked up to see tears in Arthur’s eyes. “Sorry.”
“Merlin, I’m sorry,” Arthur’s voice broke, “I was supposed to protect you.”
Merlin cried out in pain as the paramedics lifted him from the ground. “Ow, fuck…that hurt,” Merlin muttered.
Arthur climbed into the back of the ambulance with him and took hold of his hand. He lifted it gently, pressing his lips to Merlin’s bruised knuckles. Merlin looked at him and gave him a weak grin.
“Did you just kiss my hand?”
“Shut up, Merlin,” Arthur rolled his eyes.
“Arthur…”
“Yeah?”
“Whatever happens…”
“No, you’re going to be fine. Don’t say it…”
“Just…thank you…Arthur, thank you for caring about me,” Merlin said his voice wavering as he slipped into unconsciousness.
“Merlin,” Arthur pleaded silently for the ambulance to move faster.
“Save him, please…he can’t die.”
The paramedic nodded in understanding as she worked on Merlin.