Title: CSI commercials
Author: Me!
Rated: K-T
Summary: CSI's selling products
Disclaimer: I own everything ... EVERYTHING. ( Not really)
A/N: Leave a review

Batch one

( Batch two )

Title: CSI commercials
Author: Me
Rated: K- T
Summary: Our CSI's selling products
Disclaimer: I don't own any recognized person or product.
A/N: I was bored so I did this...



( Batch one )

Title : Nevad Nightmare
Author: Me
Beta: ummm.. no
Spoiler: um. not really
Disclaimer: Um... no again
Rated: T
summary: This is a strabge little story. It's about an illness that strikes the city of Las Vehas.


chapter one

Chapter 2

chapter 3

Title: The Cold Dead of Winter
Author: Me
Rated: M ( for future chaps)
Disclaimer: see above
Summary: In the cold dead of winter anythin could happen.
A/N This is a strange read. I had been reading stephen king so naturally.... happy early halloween...

Chapter 0ne

Chapter 2

DAY TWO

When Sara woke up bright sunlight was pouring through the bedroom window. She knew the light was brighter because the sun's rays was reflected off the snow, but it was nearly too blinding for her. She was used to pulling her drapes closed and waking up to a dark bedroom, but she figured it was good for a change. She turned to her side and gazed at her sleeping husband, his hair in disarray from the previous night's activities.

“Good morning sleepy head,” she sighed, kissing his sleeping face.

Gil opened his eyes slowly and focused on her. “Gimme five minutes,” he slurred.

Sara kissed his head one final time and rose from the bed, the cold air hitting her immediately. She rubbed her bare arms and shrugged on her bathrobe, the floor was cold against her bare feet. As she padded down the hall she saw Emily stirring in her sleep, a sign she was about to exit dream land and return to earth. She tiptoed down the stairs, carefully because she was still groggy. As she walked through the living room she noticed a black and white cat, waiting patiently at the front door.

“Who are you?” Sara asked softly, walking up to the big paned door and tapping her finger.

The cat cried and stood up to lick her finger through the glass. It was probably a stray that everyone fed. At home, no matter how many stray cats came to the house, Gil was firm about not feeding them or taking them in. Sara didn't blame him, Emily was asthmatic and allergic to a lot of things. They weren't sure if cat hair was on the list, but they weren't in a hurry to find out. Sara turned back to the kitchen and turned her thoughts towards breakfast. It was a rare occasion that the Grissom family all woke up together and she was going to make the most out of every day for the next three weeks. She pulled open the refrigerator and pulled out the eggs, milk and butter. Despite being a vegetarian and their breakfast fixings being the products of animals, she figured some things were better than meat and left it at that.

“What's cooking, good looking?” Gil said, shuffling into the kitchen.

Sara smiled as Gil kissed her in the crook of her neck. “Are eggs and toast alright?” she asked.

Gil shuffled over to the coffee pot and started a pot. “Thats sounds fine.”

A few minutes later they heard a smaller pair of feet walking slowly down the stairs. Sara heard a soft whine and knew that Emily had what Gil called 'Emily Grissom's Morning Mood Swing'. Soon she appeared, rubbing her eyes and looking around.

“Good morning, caterpillar.” Gil said, taking a seat at the table.

Emily climbed into Gil's lap and leaned her head against his chest. “I forgot we were here,” she said, groggily.

“I bet that scared you, huh?” Sara asked, pushing the scrambled eggs around with the spatula.

“What do you think we should do today?” Gil asked, looking down at Emily.

“Build a snowman.” Emily answered.

“Okay, one snowman. How about we go look around town, too?” he said.

Sara dished the eggs and toast out onto three plates and set them on the table. She poured Emily some juice and coffee for her and Gil. “That sounds good.” she said.



They had parked their jeep in front of the small store and walked around town on foot. Gil was interested in all of the old and unique structures of the buildings, it wasn't something one could see in Vegas. Sara was glancing in shop windows at antiques and old fashioned home made clothing.

“It's like stepping into the past.” Sara said.

They had lunch in a small dinner that had old fashioned wooden booths. Emily was wide eyed, starring at people out the window.

“What looks good to you?” Gil asked, trying to strike up conversation.

Sara opened her menu and stared at the listed foods. “I'll just have a salad.” she replied.

“Mommy you always have a salad.” Emily said.

“Well, what are you getting?” Sara asked her.

Emily made a pleased face and licked her lips. “Grilled cheese!” she answered.

Sara laughed and looked over at Gil, it was good to be alone as a family. Sara knew she had be hounding him about switching shifts or taking time off, but it wasn't for her sake, it was for Emily. Sara knew her days of CSI were over for now and she missed everyone she worked with. They still came by from time time and she still went to the lab for a visit, but their lives were different now because Emily was now their main concern. Sara didn't want her to not know her father, or to have him miss out on her. She wanted him to be awake when Emily came home from school, instead of sleeping the afternoon away and getting up to go in early. His job as a supervisor had never been easy, she knew that. It was just simply time to slow down and enjoy their daughter.

“Here ya go.” the waitress said, bringing them their food.

“Thank you.” they all said, simultaneously.

The waitress looked at them for a moment and smiled. “I don't mean to pry, but you are tourists right?” she asked.

Gil nodded. “We're staying in the mountains.” he answered.

“Well, it's just that from all the tourists we get, you don't find much like you.” the waitress said.

Sara paused for a beat. “What do you mean?” she asked.

“Well, I see the people who come up here to get away from one another or married couple who can't look at each other. When I saw you two, I knew you two were in love with each other. You just don't see it anymore.” she said.

Sara blushed. “Thank you, we are in love.” she said.

“You have a beautiful child, she looks like both of you.” the waitress said.

Beside Sara, Emily was busy chewing on French fries and looking at the small dessert menu, she hadn't been listening to the conversation. However, when she heard the word 'Child' she looked up and smiled her snaggle-toothed smile.

“Thank you.” she said.

After their trip into town Gil picked up a book and left Sara and Emily to romp in the snow. Sara had buttoned Emily up in a little blue coat, which Emily didn't like very much.

“Mommy it's hot.” Emily whined.

Sara laughed.”Just wait until we get outside.” she said, tyeing her hood.

Sara buttoned her own coat, grabbed the necessary 'snowman equipment' Outside the air was bitter, the sun was omitting a small amount of warmth and softened the snow.

“Mommy.” Emily sang, throwing a handful of snow.

Sara laughed and tried to dodge the small handful of snow. “That's not how you do it.” Sara said, scooping up a handful of snow and packing it in her hands.

Gil could hear Sara and Emily laughing from inside the house. He set down his book and walked to the window, watching them as they threw handfuls of snow at one another

“Mommy, you better run!” he heard Emily laugh, running up behind Sara.

When Emily had asked about snow, it seemed to be on queue. His final will and testament had been on his mind and he couldn't help but think of the things he wouldn't experience with Emily. He was quick to find a snowy mountain getaway and whisk his family away for a month.

“Ahhhh!” Sara screamed playfully as she was hit with snow.

Gil marked his place in his book and went to join the play. If he was worried about spending time with Emily, then there was no time like the present.


Emily looked up at her mommy and daddy as they put the rest of the vegetables on the snowman. Daddy had put a carrots where it's nose was to be and baby tomatoes for it's eyes. Mommy said it looked evil and she had laughed.

“It needs arms.” mommy said, wrapping a scarf around it.

“Look for big sticks.” daddy told everyone.

“Stay out of the woods.” mommy warned, looking around the jeep they had rented.

“Kay.” Emily said, pushing the snow around with her foot.

She walked around the side of the house and peeked around the corner for any sign of debris. She spotted something white and lumpy leaning against the trunk of a tree, like it was waiting. She stepped closer and noticed it was a doll, a porcelain doll.

“Mommy, look what I found!” she called, grabbing the doll up.

Emily ran back to her mother, holding the doll. “Can I keep it?” she asked.

Her mother took the doll. “It looks expensive, where did you find it?” she asked.

“By a tree.” Emily answered.

Her mommy bent down on one knee and wiped Emily's nose. “Let's go inside and warm up, your nose is running.” she said, wiping Emily's nose with her glove.

Emily nodded and the three of them walked towards the house. She turned and looked back towards the woods.


“I'm going name you Anastasia.” Emily said to the doll, propping it up on a chair.

Sara opened the opened one of the lower cabinets and found a bottle of dishwasher soap, she squirted it into the holder and started the dishwasher. She glance over at Emily who had pulled out her toys and sat in front of the fire place, playing with her dolls.

“What's that Anastasia?” Emily asked, leaning her ear closer to the doll.

Sara smiled and wiped her hand on a dishtowel. “Baby, it's time for bed.” she said.

Emily brushed the doll's hair out, its blue eyes trained on Sara. “Not yet, she has tangles.” Emily said.

Sara came around to sit down beside Emily and brushed her hair back from her face. “I promise you can play with her as soon as you get up.” she said, kissing her head.

Emily sighed and Sara took the doll from Emily, placing it in her toy bag. “Can I sleep with you and daddy?” she asked.

“I thought you liked the top bunk.” Sara said, picking Emily up as if she weighed nothing and technically she felt like it. Emily had always been small.

“I do, but I want to sleep with you.” Emily whined.

“Baby, daddy snores.” Sara said.

“I don't care.” Emily replied, sleepily.


Emily had won out and the next morning Gil awoke with her tucked under his arm, finger in mouth. Gil stretched the kinks from his muscles and rolled over to look out at the white snow on the treetops.

“Ow!” he hissed.

He reached behind him and pulled out Emily's new porcelain doll, its arms reaching out for a hug.

DAY ONE

“This is going to be just what we're looking for.” Gil Grissom said, navigating the Jeep Cherokee around a bend in the road.

Sara Grissom looked out the window at the scenery. It was the dead of winter and icicles hung form all the tree boughs. She wasn't used to being surrounded by trees and sky, but it was a nice change.

Gil picked up a map he had printed from off the Internet and raised his eyebrows at it. “The house should be coming up soon.” he said.

“Is it a big house daddy?” Emily Grissom, their seven year old daughter, asked from the back seat.

“From the pictures I saw, it's pretty big.” Gil answered, taking a left at a fork in the road.

A few months ago, during one of Las Vegas' heavy rains, Emily had asked about snow. Gil made it a personal goal that his daughter saw snow before the end of the year and started looking for winter getaways in northern California. He found one, a place called Mountain View.

“How far is it from town?” Sara asked, glancing at Gil.

“There's a town on the other side of it call Hickory Ridge about twenty minutes north, so not too far. If we need anything we'll be fine.” Gil said, taking another bend.

“This road is fun!” Emily laughed from the back.

They had rented a Jeep Cherokee for their trip, to better prepare themselves for driving in the mountains. Sara had also gone on a shopping spree; buying winter clothes, extra blankets and anything else they would need to live in the cold for the next three weeks. She planned to make a trip into the nearest town, to shop for food.

“Daddy, how far away is home?” Emily asked.

Gil pursed his lips and thought about her question. “Home is about seven hundred miles back.” he answered.

Sara watched Emily's reaction in the rear view mirror. Her eyes widened, like she had just been given a unicorn, and she turned to look out the back window. “Wow, how long have we been driving!” she asked.

“A very long time!” Sara laughed.

They had started driving towards Fort Jones at about four in the morning, it was now pushing five in the afternoon. The only stops they had made were for food, bathroom breaks and gas. Sara tried to sleep on the way, dozing against the window,

“Well, we'll be there in just a few minutes.” Gill said, taking another bend in the road.

“Good, because I can't feel my legs.” Sara said with a smile.

“And my butt tingles.” Emily added.

After yet another bend in the road, Sara saw the turn off. It was marked by an old wooden sign and was hard to spot. She would have surely missed it if she had been driving. The turn off was called 'Sunny Acres'.

“Magical name.” Sara remarked, sitting up to get a better view of he road ahead.

“Horses!” Emily yelled, plastering her face to the window.

Gil and Sara looked to their left and sure enough, they saw horses. They were beautiful black stallions, busy munching on hay rolls and switching their tails.

“Mommy, can we ride them?” Emily pleaded from the back.

“I don't see why not, baby. We'll have to find out whose in charge of them first.” Sara replied.

“Wow, real horses.” Emily said with wonder.

Ten minutes more into their drive Sara saw a two story, ranch style house. Sara shook her head slightly and looked again, shocked that Gil had found such a beautiful place to stay.

“Is that our house?” Emily asked, taking the words right out of her mouth.

“Yes it is.” Gil said with a smile in his voice.

They drove past a mail box and up a gravel driveway. The house was surrounded by a thick forest, another house was not in sight. A woman stood waving on the front porch.

“Daddy, whose that?” Emily's small voice pipped up.

“That's Mrs. Johnson, she owns the house and she may even own the horses.” Gil replied, bringing the Jeep to a stop.

Gil opened his door and the woman walked down the stairs, holding a set of keys. “Mr. Grissom, I'm Jenifer. I know you had a long drive, coming all the way from Las Vegas. Come on, it's warmer inside.” She said, waving the Grissom's into the house.

“We'll come back and bring the bags in.” Gil said to Sara as she opened her door.

Sara stepped out onto the snow and looked around, it was like a winter wonderland. The house had a stone walkway that led up to a wooden stairs, leading up to a large wrap around porch. Icicles hung from the eaves of the house, stopping at a sharp point. There was a wooden swing on the porch, where Sara was sure she be spending a lot of time.

“Mommy, can I play?” Emily asked as Sara unstrapped her.

“No baby, we're going to go look at the house.” Sara said with a smile.

“But, what if I come back and the snow is gone!” Emily whined.

“Honey, trust me. The snow will still be here waiting.” Sara replied.


When the Grissom family walked through the front door they gasped at the giant living room, with white furniture and a crackling fire. The floor was hardwood, not the linoleum kind that could be found in many Las Vegas homes, but the sturdy kind that could only be found in log cabins and country homes.

“It sure is big.” Emily said.

Sara nodded in agreement. “And beautiful too, very beautiful.”

Jenifer led them into a large spacious kitchen and Sara gasped. The cabinets were made of a light colored wood and paned with glass. The counter tops were a black granite and housed a matching stove, dishwasher and refrigerator. The floor wasn't the same wood as the living room was, but smooth white tile. A large wood table sat to the side underneath a giant bay window.

“This kitchen is beautiful. This can't be just ours for thee weeks.” Sara said, starring open mouthed at the kitchen.

“Well, it is.” Gil said, putting his hand on the small of Sara's back.

“You'll have to get your own food, of course.” Jenifer said.

“That won't be a problem.” Gil said.

Jenifer walked over to one of the cabinets and opened it to reveal stacked plates, bowls and glasses. “You can use all of this, but all I ask is that you clean it and leave it how you found it.”

The rest of the tour was packed with more wondrous surprises and beautiful rooms. The room that Gil and Sara were to share was spacious with a king sized bed, much like the one they had at home. The room Emily was to sleep in looked more like a young boys room, with a bunk bed and airplane wallpaper. She didn't seem to mind it, in fact she was excited and claimed she would sleep on the top bunk.

“We'll see.” Sara had said.

When the tour was over, and Emily was playing in the play fort in the yard, Sara had pulled all of their luggage into the house and arranged all their things ,before settling down on the front porch swing to look at the snow. She had seen snow before, when she was an undergraduate at Harvard. The snow there had been cruel and cold, she had never gotten used it.

“Mommy, it tastes good!” Emily yelled.



Gil had stayed behind at the house to rest while Sara and Emily had gone to explore the town of Hickory Ridge. She didn't blame him for being exhausted, seeing as he had driven nearly twelve hours. Gil had given her the keys, warned her about the twists in the road and reminded her to get matches for the fire place.

“Mommy, can I get Lucky Charms to eat?” Emily asked.

“Yeah baby, we'll get you some Lucky Charms.” Sara replied, passing a sign that read 'Welcome to Hickory Ridge'.

The road that drove through town had been swept clean of snow, it sat banked against the sides. She saw a small grocery store and parked in a front parking spot.

“This is a small store.” Emily observed.

“Yeah, it's a small town. The store doesn't have to be very big.” Sara replied.

She took Emily's small mittened hand and walked her into the store. They selected a basket and Sara put Emily in the small seat in front. The store didn't have as much food as their local grocery did back in Vegas, but it had what they needed. As she paid for the supplies and food the chastiser smiled at her, he was a older man.

“You're not from here, are you?” he asked.

Sara smiled. “No, we're actually renting a lodge for a few weeks.”

The cashier nodded. “It's a beautiful place during the winter, but it's harsh.” he said, packing her groceries.

Sara smiled a reply and took her bags. “I think we'll be fine, we're staying in a nice place.”

“Oh really, where at?” he asked.

“Mountain View.” she replied.

“Oh, Jenifer Johnson's property. It's a shame how she's been treated.” he said.

Sara furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”

“It's just that she has had other customers, such as yourself. A lot of them sort of high tailed it out of town with out paying her. That's a really shitty way to treat someone if you ask me,” he glanced at Emily and frowned. “excuse me.” he added.

Sara frowned at his use of language around Emily, but shook it off. “Well, we have every intention of paying. As a matter of fact we did in advance.” she said.

The old man nodded. “That's good.” he said, turning his attention to the next customer.

“Well, maybe we'll see you again.” she said as she left.



“We've got to get a bathtub like this.” Sara said, leaning back in the large white porcelain tub.

Gil stood at the sink, trimming his beard. “Is it that nice, I haven't tried it yet.” he said with a grin.

After dinner Emily had been exhausted from the long drive and had gone to sleep, in the top bunk, almost instantly. Sara decided to take advantage of the large bathtub in the bathroom adjoined to their room.

“You should, I can lay out straight and slip under if I'm not careful.” she said with a smile.

Gil turned with a slight smile and looked down at her, lying naked in the bath. “Sounds tempting.” he teased.

“I know we're going to sleep good tonight,” she said with a smile. “that drive wore me out.”

Gil laughed and began to remove his clothes. “I don't think you were driving.” he said.

“Well okay, I wasn't driving, but it was still exhausting.” she said.

Sara sat up and Gil stepped into the bath with her. He leaned back onto her chest and she held him from behind, running her hand over his chest.

“This is a nice place, isn't it?” he asked.

Sara sighed and leaned her head against his. “Yes, it's beautiful here. Em, is ecstatic over the snow.”

“Yeah, we'll have to take her sledding.” he said, rubbing his hand over her thigh.

“Do you like it here?” she asked him.

Gil nodded slightly. “I think it's relaxing.”

Sara kissed the shell of his ear and sighed as he turned to face her. “I do too.” she said.

“Baby, it'll be OK.” Sara cooed to her screaming daughter.

Emily's face was a bright red and she was hiccuping as she wailed. Sara inserted the thermometer into her ear again and Emily screamed louder, shaking her head.

“It's not going to hurt you.” Sara said, kissing her sweaty little head.

Sara bounced her daughter softly, waiting for the thermometer to beep. Emily burped and vomited over the front of Sara's robe.

“Oh my poor baby!” Sara said, sitting down with Emily and ignoring the vomit momentarily.

Emily's sobs subsided and Sara sighed. “Feel a little better?” she asked.

Emily rested her head on Sara's breasted and whimpered softly. The little gray thermometer beeped and Sara read the numbers.

“101!” she gasped, standing up and rushing to the sink.

She adjusted the water until it was cool and stripped Emily's clothes off. She dipped a small towel in the sink and wiped her small body down.

“This will help you to feel better, sweetheart.” Sara said,



“Traffics backed up all the to California, it seems.” Brass said, stepping into Grissom's office.

Already some of the sick had been brought in from the hospitals, every nurse and doctor n Las Vegas were working through long hours. Grissom had seen some who were mildly sick to some who were violently sick, loosing hair and having memory loss.

“Have Warrick and Nick question the patients, I want to know where they were in the last week and what they ate.” Grissom said, handing brass a clip board.

Brass raised his eyebrows. “That's going to take hours you know.” he said.

“I know. Hodges is up to his elbows in feces so, they have a cleaner job.” Grissom replied.



If Brass was to look for Warrick Brown at this point, he wouldn't find him at the lab. He was pulling in to Catherine's driveway, bringing soup and medicine for Lindsey. Catherine came out to met him in the yard, she looked exhausted.

“Hey, I brought some Tylenol and some other things.” he said, holding up a paper sack.

Catherine took them from him and smiled. “Thanks, she's out now. The doctor is booked solid for three weeks.” she said.

“Bring her to the lab,” Warrick said. “the hospitals are full and we're getting a lot of the overflow. The men are being sent to Henderson high school. There are doctors at the lab, we'll look after her.”

Catherine wrinkled her forehead and nodded.”Let me get a few things.” she said, walking back to the house.

Warrick followed and walked through the Catherine's front door to find Lindsey slumped on the couch. Her hair looked matted in sweat and she was tossing in her sleep.

“I'll put her in the car, you go get her things.” Warrick said, picking her up softly.

Lindsey moaned softly and wrapped her arms around Warrick's neck.

“It's me, Linds.” he said, carrying her out the door and to his Tahoe.

Catherine hurried behind them carrying a bag and they left for the lab. With hopes that something would help Lindsey.



Nick slumped down at the break room table and sighed. He had asked every woman and child what they have eaten, or where they had been in in the last three weeks. Many couldn't remember and some gave Nick a whole list of things. It was going to take a least a couple of days to make comparisons.

“Nick, Warrick is bringing Lindsey and Catherine here. Find Lindsey a free spot and get her urine sample, one of the nurses will us a catheter if they have to. You give them one too.” Grissom said.

“What are you going to do?” Nick asked.

"I have to try and get Emily and Sara here too, traffics backed up so I'm going to have to walk.” Grissom said.

Nick stood. “No, I'll go.” he said.

Grissom didn't want admit it, but he knew Nick was right. It was too hot for a man his age to be walking in the middle of a heat wave, and he needed to get his daughter here as soon as he could.

Grissom nodded. “Alright, hurry.” he said.



The light sponge bath brought Emily's temperature down to 99.5 but it was still to high for a baby. Sara swaddled her in a sheet and rocked her in the rocking chair they had bought when she was pregnant.

“Hush little baby, don't you cry,” she sang softly, looking down into Emily's sleeping face.

After she sponged Emily off she had changed her diaper. She had gone though nearly six diapers in an hour and it was getting worse. She had tried to call Grissom on both his cell and office phone, but her calls never connected.

“Mommy's going to bring you a mockingbird, and if that mockingbird don't sing,” she sang.

Emily whimpered softly and Sara switched arms, cradling her. During the last few hours Sara had been wondering if there was any hope. The local news said the schools had been closed and the hospitals were turning people away. She prayed her baby wouldn't die in her arms.

“Mommy's going to buy you a diamond ring, and if that diamond ring turns brass.” she sang.

Since Emily had fallen asleep Sara had been making frequent trips to the bathroom, vomiting and other. She took her own temperature and she was now at 99.9, and she knew she had whatever was going around. She felt constant stomach cramps that tore through her abdomen like a knife, nearly bringing her to her knees at one point.

“Mommy's going to buy you a looking glass, and if that looking glass gets broke.” she sang.

She heard a knocking on the door and carefully stood, trying to walk as softly as she could. She stumbled for a moment and sank to her knees, a stab of pain cut through her abdomen and she cried out.

“Sara, it's me.” Nick's voice said.

Sara felt the pain subside and she shuffled to the door. When she opened it she was met by a sweaty Nick.

“Yeah?” she asked.

“Grissom wanted me to come get you and the baby. “ he said

“Is he still working?” she asked, growing faint.

“Yeah,” Nick said slowly. “are you alright?” he asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Sara shook her head and held Emily out to Nick. He took her before Sara fell to the floor.

Four days after

Warrick and Catherine hurried into the lab with Lindsey. Judy looked up from her work and nodded, she too looked almost white.

“Warrick, I have a cot for Lindsey in my office.” Grissom said.

“Where's the doctor.” Catherine asked.

“He'll be around to see her soon, we need to get a urine sample to you think you can wake her up.” Grissom asked.

Warrick shook his head. “She's out cold.” he said.

Grissom nodded. “Go lay her down.” he said, rushing past them to join Brass.

Two days after.

Sara turned her car into the parking lot of Emily's day care and entered the building. It was unusually quiet for that time of day. Usually she heard children screaming for their parents or the sound of children at play, but today it was quiet. Sara opened the door to the toddlers room and spotted one of the care givers holding Emily. She was throwing a fit about something.

“Hi, Mrs. Grissom. Emily was fine earlier, but she didn't want to eat.” The care giver said.

“How long has she been acting like this?” Sara asked.

“Since after lunch, she wouldn't go down for a nap. When I changed her, I noticed she was a little runny. I took her temperature, but everything appeared to be normal.”

“Honey, I got you. Calm down.” Sara cooed to her.

Emily shoved her hand in her mouth and quieted down to whimper. Sara gathered the diaper bag and Emily's blanket and left for home.



“What's wrong, honey?” Grissom asked, holding Emily and trying to entertain her. He held a stuffed rabbit and wiggled it, but Emily smacked it away.

Sara was pilfering in the bathroom, trying to locate the baby thermometer. “The care giver said she didn't have a temperature, but I'm going to check again.”

Grissom lifted Emily up and tried to hand her to Sara, but Emily pitched a fit; kicking her legs and screaming.

“You do it.” She said, handing Grissom the thermometer.



“Okay, team... we have a busy night tonight so... Where's Catherine?” Grissom asked, looking around the break room.

“She called in, Lindsey's sick” Nick said.

“Must be something bad if Catherine's staying home with her.” Warrick said.

“There is something going around. I went to the store today and it was like a horror movie; Invasion of the body snatchers or something.” Greg said.

The three men at the table nodded.



“Baby, please calm down.” Sara said, pacing back and fourth with Emily.

After her temperature had come back normal, Sara did everything she could think of. She bathed her, dressed her in her pajamas, looked for scrapes or insect stings and even tried to feed her again. Nothing was working.

“I hate that I can't do anything for you.” Sara said to her.

Emily continued to cry.



“This is creepy.” Greg said, looking around the parking lot of the Stop-n-shop.

“Tell me about it, have you ever seen Dawn of the dead?” Nick asked.

“I'm prepared to handle zombies.”

“Yeah, but if I see a zombie I'm putting you first.” Nick laughed.

Greg laughed. “Dude, that's cold.”

“Hello.” Catherine said, sleepily.

“Cath, it's me. I was just wondering how she is.” Warrick said.

“She finally went to sleep. She doesn't have a fever, I don't know what to do. She vomited a few times. I guess I'll take her to the doctor tomorrow.”

Warrick pursed his lips. “Cath, if I can do anything. Just call me.”

“I will, I'll keep you posted.”

Three days after

Grissom opened his front door and was greeted by Hank, who walked sluggishly into the room. Grissom strained his ears for any sound, but all was quiet. He stepped inside and softly shut the door, being careful not to be loud. He tip-toed down the stairs and into the kitchen, where he set his jacket and briefcase on the counter.

“Gil?” Sara said, sleepily.

Grissom turned and he saw Sara standing at the door. She looked exhausted.

“Hey, is she sleeping?” He asked.

Sara nodded. “She finally went down around two.”

“Two in the morning!” Gil asked.

“Yeah, two. She's not sleeping good either, she whimpers. Gil, I want to take her to the doctor today.” Sara said.

“Okay.” He said, yawning.

Sara smiled and walked towards him. She wrapped her arms around him and sighed.

“What's wrong?” He said, wrapping his arms around her.

“I'm scared of something.” She said.



“I can't wait that long, is there anyway someone can see her today?” Catherine said into the phone.

“Mam I wish we could do something, but we're booked solid. Whatever it is, everyone and their mother has it.” The receptionist said.

“There's no way?” Catherine asked again.

“The best I can do is next week.”

Next week!

“Okay, I'll make that appointment. I'm going to call around and if I find something better, I'll call and cancel.”



“What do you mean the hospitals are turning people away.” Brass said to Conrad Ecklie.

“They can't take anymore people; whatever it is, it's taking over.” Ecklie said.

“Isn't this the CDC's business? This is a crime lab.” Grissom said.

Both Grissom and Brass had been called for an emergency meeting. The hospitals were turning people away and the sick were turning to the police.

“Originally, it would be. But the CDC needs a report before they can investigate. I want this lab on it, our citizens are counting on us.” Ecklie said.




Sara filled her glass and guzzled the water down. She had just gotten off the phone with Emily's pediatrician. They were booked solid for the next three days, Sara couldn't let her daughter suffer like that. Emily had eventually quited down and was laying in her crib, wide awake.

“Mommy's not going to let anything happen.” Sara said.



“You know I'm not going to let anything happen.” Catherine said to Lindsey, smoothing her hair back.

“I know, I feel a little better now. But I feel weak, I don't even feel like picking a pencil up.” Lindsey said.

“It's probably the flu.” Catherine said.

“It sucks.”



“So where going to put them where?” Brass asked.

“Well, the schools have been closed and we have the use of their gymnasiums. So we're going to put women and children here, and the men will be over at Henderson high school.” Ecklie said.

“Do you know how many people live in Vegas?” Grissom asked.

“I know, we have to filter out the sick from the well so... this is the best I can do right now.”

Grissom pursed his lips and nodded.

My daughter is sick.

Who else is?

A/N WolvGambit: This chapter has two different endings…one by me and one by csisupervisor. Leave a comment.


Thanks and Enjoy!



A/N CSIsupervisor: Yeah, she's been a big help. I never would have gotten this far... baby steps.





“If it was up to me you would be gone, Sidle.” Ecklie boomed.




“Sir, I don't know where I put it. I thought I included it with the evidence.” Sara said, shifting her weight nervously from foot to foot.




“Because of your carelessness someone is going to get off the hook. If we can't locate this file your job is going to be on the line.” he said, pointing at her.




Sara was standing in Conrad Ecklie's office, reaping an unnecessary scolding. A file had gone missing, Sara being the lead CSI on the case.




“Look, I didn't loose it on purpose and I definitely didn't throw it out, so why don't you just calm down.” Sara rebutted.




“Sidle if it was up to me, you wouldn't be working here. I hear the rumors of Grissom letting you keep your job out of pity-” Ecklie started.




Sara held up her hands. “You don't know anything about me and he most definitely does not let me keep this job out of pity. I work my ass off!” Sara said, her voice gradually rising.




“Sidle, lower your voice when you speak to me!” Ecklie said, his voice matching hers.




Sara didn't notice her hand on the coffee cup on Ecklie’s desk, it felt as if she were watching a movie and someone else's hand was reaching towards it. Before she knew it the mug was flying from her grasp and shattering behind Ecklie's head. Ecklie sat; shocked that she had just thrown something at him.




“I'm sorry, I just lost control.” she said, her voice quavering.




Ecklie's office door opened and Grissom, of all people, stuck his head in. “What happened?” he asked.




“Get her out of here!” Ecklie thundered.




Grissom grasped her upper arm and she pulled out of his grasp. “Look, I just lost my temper. It wouldn't have happened if he wasn't being such an ass.”




Ecklie stood up angrily and Grissom held up his hand. “I'll take care of it Conrad.” he said




Ecklie pursed his lips and pointed. “You better.” he said.




Grissom opened the door and Sara exited the office. Outside the office, Grissom grabbed her upper arm and spun her around to face him. His blue eyes were angry.




“What went on in there?” he asked sharply.




“I ... lost my temper.” Sara replied.




“That's obvious. What broke?” he asked.




“A mug.” Sara answered nonchalantly.




She turned to walk away but Grissom tightened his grip on her arm and pulled her back. “Tell me you didn't throw something at him.” he said.




Sara didn't answer, she simply averted her eyes. Grissom groaned and rubbed a hand over his face.




“Okay, clock out and go home.” he said, waving her away.




Sara did a double-take. “What!?” she asked.




“Sara, you threw a coffee mug at our lab director. I have to kiss some major ass to make sure you keep your job. If you’re lucky you'll only get suspended.” he said sharply.




For some odd reason Sara found herself excited by the grip Grissom had on her arm. He had always been strong, but the way he was holding her told her that he could do a lot more if he wanted to. His serious eyes burned through her and desire coursed through her.




“You're going to suspend me!?” she asked.




Grissom didn't answer, he simply let her go so she could clock out and return home.




Sara keyed into her apartment and sighed as she dumped her bag on the counter. She had been given suspension papers by Grissom as she was leaving, avoiding her eyes as he did so. Instead of going to the townhouse, she went to her apartment to think…even though it was scarcely furnished and mostly used for storage.




“A month’s suspension with pay.” she said to the empty apartment.




She groaned again as her phone chirped, she wasn't in the mood to talk to Greg, Nick or even Grissom. Especially not Grissom, who wasted no time in sending her home and throwing to the birds. Yes, she didn't want to speak to Grissom.




“I'm not answering you.” she said to the phone, taking her jacket off and tossing it to the side.




The phone ceased and a banging on the front door rang through the silent apartment.




“Sara, open up!!” Grissom called.




Sara turned on her heel, shocked a little but not surprised that he had come to her apartment. She hurried over to the door and peeked through the peephole, an angry Gil Grissom stood waiting.




“Go away.” Sara said sharply though the door.




“I'm not here for anything personal Sara, we need to talk about what happened.” he said, his voice echoing down the hall.




Down the hall one of Sara's neighbors opened the door and yelled at Grissom for shouting at an ungodly hour. Sara opened the door and extended her arm.




“Come in your majesty.” she said.




Grissom pushed past her and thumped a folder onto her counter. “If you had just controlled your temper everything would have been fine, we found it in the garage.”




Sara slammed her door. “He was yelling at me like a suspect. I'm glad I threw it.” she said, starring into his blue eyes.




A tingling sensation started in her stomach as she looked at this angry Gil Grissom. His angry demeanor told her he meant business, and a serious Grissom always turned her on. Sara shook her head and tried to push the image of Grissom pinning her to the wall out of her mind.




“Go home, Gil.” Sara said, crossing her arms.




“No, I'm not going home until you tell me what possessed you to throw something at MY boss.” Grissom said.




Sara began to get heated, not only from Grissom's forceful behavior, but from muscles she saw on his arms as he took his jacket off. Suddenly she imagined him over her, giving her the punishment she had coming to her.


CSI Supervisor’s Ending






“Gil, I can't explain it. I just erupted at him.” she said.




“Sara that's not going to cut it, this is serious.” Grissom said.




She looked at her feet and took note of the rug, she envisioned Grissom giving her her punishment on it. Her knees rubbing against the carpet.




“Are you listening to me?” he asked, putting his hand on Sara's chin and lifting her face.




Grissom had never forcefully put his hands on Sara since she'd known him and she knew he didn't intend to ever hurt her; the simple dominant gesture he made stirred Sara's desire stir. She jerked away from his hand.




“Keep your hands off me, Gil.” she said.




Grissom pulled his hand back and starred into Sara's eyes. Sara slid a hand around Grissom's neck and brought him down for a kiss, her tongue slipping into his mouth and touching his. Grissom pulled back and looked at Sara with a puzzled look.




“I'm not exactly in the mood right now.” he said.




Sara, feeling bold, hooked her fingers around Grissom's belt and pulled him closer. “I lost my temper and it won't happen again. I know you want to give me my punishment.” she whispered in his ear.




Grissom's eyes widened. “Sara... this is.... serious.” he said, starting to loose his edge.




She skillfully unbuckled his belt, pulled it through the loops and tossed it behind her. “I know, I'm serious too.” she said, pulling his shirt free.




Grissom was fighting a loosing battle. “So... you like being in trouble.” he stated.




Sara looked up into his eyes. “It's odd I know, when your so demanding and forceful I can't control myself.” she said, running her hands up his shirt and over his smooth muscles. She tweaked his nipples and he moaned.




“That's what got you into trouble in the first place.” he said, grasping her waist firmly with both hands and dropping his head to her neck.




Sara rolled her head back so Grissom could kiss across her throat, a spot that always been on of her most sensitive areas. “I'm sorry.” she said, putting a playful pout in her voice.




Grissom didn't know if he should smile at her playful behavior or get angry, she had nearly lost her job and risked his own as well.




“You will be.” Grissom said, playing along with her fantasy.




“What fetish is this, Dr. Grissom?” she asked, running her fingers up the back of his head and throw his hair.




“I think it's called Harmatophilia; a fetish for mistakes, trouble and punishment.” he said, tightening his grip on her hips and pinning her forcefully to the counter.




Sara arched into him, rolling her hips and pressing herself into Grissom's erection. “Isn't this what we're doing, breaking rules. If we get caught having our office affair we could loose our jobs.”




Grissom grunted his agreement, too involved in the moment to utter a coherent answer. With one hand he unhooked Sara's bra through her shirt, bring his head down to suckle her through her shirt.




“Gil!” Sara yelped, digging her fingernails into the back of his neck.




Grissom ran his hands up her ribs, taking her shirt off as his hands traveled north. Her unfastened bra slipped of as well and they fell soundlessly to the floor. His head returned to her heaving chest and he sucked hungrily, massaging the other as he sucked.




“Ah!” Sara gasped, pressing his head into her chest.




Grissom hoisted Sara up and turned with her in his arms. “You frustrate me sometimes.” he said, laying her on the carpet.




“What are you going to do about it?” she toyed.




Grissom lifted his hand and slapped it against her jean clad thigh. “That.” he said.




When Grissom's hand smacked against her thigh her body jumped, they had never been into spanking each other, but the moment his hand came down she felt a rush of heat.




“Mmmm, have I been that bad?” she asked, lifting her leg and running her foot against the side of Grissom's head.




Grissom didn't answer. Instead he pinned her hands above her head and fumbled with her jeans. “You deserve worse, but I suppose I can go easy on you.” he said, tugging her pants open and slipping his hand in. Sara sighed and arched up into Grissom's grasp.




“Oh yes!” she gasped.




Grissom dipped a finger into her wet heat and curled his finger, stroking her clit as he pulled out. Sara slammed her eyes shut and wiggled in ecstasy. Grissom added a second finger and watched Sara throw her head back, biting her lip.




“God Gil, quit screwing around.” she hissed, attempting to jerk from his grasp.




Grissom withdrew his hand, sucking her juices from his fingers. He unbuttoned his shirt and kicked his shoes off, eyes on Sara as he did so. “I believe I'm the on dishing out the punishment, so I'll do as I please.” he said.




He pulled his erection out and stroked it a few times. It was dark and swollen, dripping from the tip. Sara gasped playfully. “Is that for me?” she asked.




“Every inch.” Grissom said, grabbing Sara's pants at the cuffs and pulling them off.




Sara pulled herself up and brought Grissom down for a forceful kiss, the taste of her still lingered on his tongue. She snaked her hand between their bodies and wrapped around the base of his cock, relishing the velvety-smoothness of him. Grissom slammed his eyes shut and pressed his teeth into Sara's freckles shoulder.




“Get on your stomach.” he chocked out.




Sara let out a sultry laugh. “Is that how you want it?” she asked.




Grissom turned her and pressed her gently, yet forcefully, into the carpet. He pushed her panties aside and slid home with one smooth motion.




Sara yelped and arched backwards into him. “Gil, god you're huge!” she hissed.




Grissom started a slow pace, Sara's clit rubbing against the carpet with every thrust. He brought his hand up and brought it home against Sara's thigh, it resounded with a loud smack that made Sara squeal with pleasure.




“Again!” she cried, arching back into him and looking back to watch him repeat his action.




“You like that, bad girl?” Grissom whispered in her ear.




He brought his hand up again and brought it down again, driving into her faster as he did so. The sound of his dick sliding in and out of her combined with Sara's yelps of pleasure were driving him closer to the edge. Sara raised her pert behind higher, allowing Grissom to thrust deeper into her.




“Sara, you feel so good.” he gasped, tightening his grip on her hips.




Sara brought her thumb down to her clit and with a few flicks with her thumb she came, screaming Grissom's name. Bright lights danced in front of her eyes and she felt as if she were flying.




“Gil...oh...oh!” she cried, tumbling over the edge.




Grissom felt his balls tighten and soon he tumbled after her, thrusting into her faster. He exploded inside of her with a groan and his thrusts slowed.




“If that's my punishment I'll break the rules more often.” she gasped.




Grissom pulled himself out and rolled onto his back. “Just don't throw things at the lab director.” he gasped.


WolvGambit's Ending





“He made me mad.” She replied simply.




“Not good enough.” He answered without hesitation.




“He accused me of something I didn’t do, threatened my job, and talked about you.” She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.




“It was still uncalled for Sara.”




“Whatever.” She started to walk away and he grabbed her wrist.




“Don’t walk away from me when I’m speaking to you.” He stated thickly.




She wrenched her arm from his grip. “Go to hell.”




“Sara! That is enough. What has gotten into you?” He combed his hand through his hair in agitation. “You’re very lucky you didn’t get fired.”




“What else is new?” Her gaze caught his and she started walking away again, next thing she knew she was up against the wall. “Let me go.” Her voice was low, dangerous.




“Not until you tell me what’s gotten into you. You don’t just do that anymore since we started talking.” He sighed, keeping her hands above her head. “Now tell me what’s going on.”




“Nothing now let go.”




“Sara.”




“Grissom…”




“Okay, something is really going on here; you haven’t called me ‘Grissom’ in a long time. Start talking.”




“No.”




“Sara.”




“I said no!” Her body was on fire as she continued to defy him, hoping he’d take the hint and get on with it already. The heat in his eyes made her instantly wet between her legs as she was stuck between the wall and his thick frame. She breathed in deeply, taking in his scent, that lush fragrance that was all male, all Gil. She knew she was flushed, she could feel it in her face, over her body as her eyes rested on his again and she struggled against him once more, this time for a totally different reason.




He noticed the change almost immediately when she started to wiggle against him. His body’s response was immediate; he was hard as a diamond against her belly. Trying to will it away by reciting the names of insects in Latin, it was no use as while he was distracted, her lips were on his in a heartbeat. A long, low, groan came from his lips as he hauled her up and into the wall her legs immediately wrapping around his waist as he thrust against her, rubbing his erection and feeling her heat through both sets of clothes. Without thinking he ripped her shirt apart, the buttons flying everywhere, and then he cupped one of her breasts through her bra and hefted her higher as his other hand went towards her pants.




“Is this what you wanted?” He asked against her neck, nipping at the soft flesh. When there was no answer, he thrust harder against her through the panties that were the only barrier between her and his dress pants covered erection. “Is it?”




Her moan told him everything as she dug her nails into his shoulders. Fumbling with the belt, button, and zipper, he finally had himself free and thrust into her in one quick motion. She didn’t need any foreplay; she was already dripping for him as he shoved her panties to the side and heard the welt squelsh of her liquid heat. “God how you test my patience.”




“Gil!”




He set a fast, hard rhythm, their combined bodies banging against the wall as she gripped him to her body, his shirt chafing her chest and his pants the inside of her thighs. Few words were spoken as they continued to gyrate against the wall and each other. His mouth was on hers, tongues tangling; her hands were in his hair clutching the strands to the point of pain. He felt her climax first, her head kicking back and hitting the wall with a dull thud as she shouted his name on a breathless bark, her head falling to his shoulder as he continued to pound into her. It didn’t take long, a few moments later he was shouting his release as they slid down the wall and onto the floor.




“Going to test me again?”




“If it provides the same results.”




Her smile was contagious as the sat their in the blissful afterglow.

April 20, 1981

Issy and I haven't spoken since I had gotten in trouble. As a matter of fact, I haven't seen her around; but I know she's here. I had most of my privileges taken away and had been put on kitchen duty for three weeks. When all the other kids are done with their dinner, it was my job to collect the dishes and help wash; I was just thankful I hadn't been given bathroom duty.

April 22, 1981

Today in school, one of my teachers pulled me aside and asked me about the end-of-the-year spelling bee.

"I don't know... I didn't really think about it." I said.

My teacher, Mrs. Eads, grabbed a book and opened it for me. "If you go home and practice these words, I have no doubt you could lead our school into the finals."

I grasped the book and stared at the word. "Paradoxical...insufficient...probably," I read. "These are easy words."

Mrs. Eads nodded. "That's why I think you'll have no problem."

Right now I'm sitting here with the book opened.

I hope I don't let anyone down.


May 1, 1981

Sorry I've been skipping days, I've been so busy studying these words. There's only one word that gets me every time...misanthrope.

I hate that word.


May 3, 1981

Well, the end of the year is just around the corner and so is the spelling bee. When we arrived at the school I was so nervous, I nearly got sick; Issy had come to cheer me on.

"I'll be cheering you on, Sidle," she said, smacking me on the back.

The spellers soon stepped onto the stage and took their seats. Before I knew it, I had been called up for my first word.

"Complicated." The judge said.

"Complicated C-O-M-P-L-I-C-A-T-E-D complicated," I said proudly.

"Correct." The judge said.

I smiled proudly and took my seat

The other spellers soon began to miss words and leave the stage. Before I knew it, it was down to me and this other girl.

“Number 11. Your word is Contagious," the judge said to the other girl.

"Contagious. C-O-N-T-A-G-I-O-U-S. Contagious." She said with a nod.

"Correct. Number 42, your word is Misanthrope." He said.

I stepped forward and gulped. Not that word.

"Misanthrope. M-I-S-E-N-T-H-R-O-P-E. Misanthrope," I said.

"Incorrect," He said.

I felt my stomach drop as I looked towards Issy.

"Number 11, if you spell this correct you're our winner. Misanthrope."

Spell it wrong. I pleaded to myself.

"Misanthrope. M-I-S-A-N-T-H-R-O-P-E. Misanthrope," she said proudly, putting an extra emphasis on the 'A'.

"Correct."

The whole gymnasium erupted and applauded for the other girl.

I lost.

I let everyone down.

May 6, 1981

As if loosing the spelling be wasn't enough, the end of the school year was around the corner. I would soon be moving to a new home: Bob and Margaret took me to meet my new house parents.

"Sara, this is Mr. And Mrs. Edwards," they said.

A man and woman stepped forward and smiled.

"Hi Sara, my you're a pretty girl," Mrs. Edwards said.

"You'll love it here Sara, there are kids your age and since the summer is coming up, we'll visit San Francisco Bay," Mr. Edwards said.

I looked around and nodded, this house was much bigger than Bob and Margaret’s.

"Doesn’t that sound nice?" Margaret said, giving my hand a squeeze.

I nodded, even though it didn't.


May 8, 1981

Not only do I have to change homes, but I have to switch schools too. It doesn't matter; I start middle school next year anyways.

May 12, 1981

Well, tonight's my last night here. Bob and Margaret threw me a party and some of the others brought me things. After everyone had gone to bed, Issy came to my room.

"Hey, Sidle," she said, sitting on my bed.

"Hey," I whispered.

It seemed like forever before she spoke again. "I'm sorry I left you that day."

I blinked and looked at her. "Why did you?” I asked.

Issy flopped back on my bed and sighed. "Because I would have gone down for sure. When I heard him talking to you, I ducked out the back. I hoped you would've got away, but you never came out. So I went home and waited. The police brought you home that night."

I sat next to Issy and sighed. "They probably knew I wasn't alone. That's why they're moving me."

Issy nodded. "Look kid, I have something for ya." She said, handing me a couple packs of cigarettes and a Zippo.

"Wow... thanks Issy." I said.

"Just don't get caught," she said.

I threw my arms around her and began to cry.

"I'll miss you too, kid," she said.

May 15, 1981

I have been spending my days getting settled. I have a room all to myself and at night, this house makes weird creaking noises. There are few older boys in the house and the first night I was there, they got into a fight over the remote control.

"Maybe you can just take turns," I had said.

"Girl, shut your gapped tooth mouth up!" one of them said to me.

I know we're not going to get along.

May 18, 1981

My days are filled with nothing but boredom, back in the bay I would have been skating with my friends or swimming, but here it is much different.

May 23, 1981

I miss my old house, the boys fight constantly here. It would always be over something stupid.

"What's in the book Silly Sidle?" one of them asked me one day.

"It's my diary, so leave it alone," I boldly said.

One of them groped for it, but I snatched it up and threw it into my trunk, slamming the lid.

"We have a sharing rule in this house, Sucky Sidle." The other said.

"I don't care, leave my stuff alone," I said, locking my trunk.

"Are you saying you don't care about the rules?" one of them asked.

"No you idiot, now get of my room!" I yelled.

"Hey I know what we can call her Dave," one said. "'Gapped-toothed girl'."

"That's pretty good, Chris," the other laughed.

"You better not call me that!" I yelled.

"We better leave or she'll go crazy, I heard her mom killed her dad. She may kill us," the one named Chris said, laughing.

I slammed my door after they left and cried.

May 30, 1981

I wandered around town today, trying to escape the other kids. This town was not as big as San Francisco, it is called Morgan Hill. Since the town is so small, I could walk to the library and back all by myself. If I had to, I'd spend every day here, just to escape.


June 1, 1981

I hate this place! Issy would never have let them treat me this way.

June 5, 1981

I caught myself looking in the mirror today, examining my teeth. I stared at the spot between my front teeth and hated it. I hate everything about me sometimes.

June 10, 1981

We went to the San Francisco Bay today and Mrs. Edwards tried her best to get me to swim. I had brought a book along and wanted to read it instead, she finally gave up.

June 13, 1981

Today is Friday the 13 and the older kids wanted to watch the film 'Friday the 13'.

"I don't want to watch this!" I cried.

"Tough, we do," they all said.

"Go play with the younger kids then, Gapped-toothed girl," Chris said.

I didn't want to watch it because it wasn't scary; Halloween was much scarier. It was just a stupid movie about teenagers getting laid and then hacked up by a machete.


June 20, 1981

I read the best book ever, Moby Dick. It was about a man named Ishmael aboard a boat captained by a man named Captain Ahab. Captain Ahab wanted to find one specific whale named Moby-Dick, because Moby had torn up his ship and bit his leg off. After I read it, I borrowed some crayons from the younger kids and drew a picture of Captain Ahab harpooning Moby. Sometimes I feel like Moby, a Captain Ahab was after me, hunting me down.

June 25, 1981

Mr. Edwards found my drawing today, I had proudly pinned it to my wall. He snatched it off the wall and looked at it with disgust.

"Irma!" he called.

Mrs. Edwards stepped into my room. "What is it James?" she asked.

"I need to talk to you," he said, taking my drawing and leaving the room.

What's the big deal?

June 30, 1981

Everyone's making a big deal out of my drawing; it was just something I drew. However, Mr. And Mrs. Edwards didn't see it like that. They made an appointment with a horrible new doctor, I was afraid they would try to stick electrodes to my head.

"Sara, why did you draw this?" The doctor asked holding up my drawing.

"I read Moby Dick and it's about a whale named Moby-" I started.

"I know, you said that. But the whale doesn’t die in the book, here it's dying," he said, motioning to my art.

"Would you rather I drew captain Ahab Dying?" I asked.

The doctor took off his glasses. "Sara, do you miss your mother?"

That was the most idiotic question in the world. "Yes," I simply answered; I didn't know how to make myself any clearer.

"You've hardly spoken about her."

"Maybe I don't want to. Maybe thinking about it makes me cry, but everyone's too concerned about my picture right now," I said.

"Sara, I think it's about time you let someone read your diary. It's the only way to let someone in."

I shook my head. "I just want you people to leave me alone."

"Who is 'you people'?" he asked me.

"Everyone!" I screamed. "You, the people that move me all the time, the cops, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards...EVERYBODY! You took Issy away!"

"Sara, calm down. It's OK," the doctor soothed.

"I just want to be left alone!" I cried.

July 1, 1981

"Open up Sara," Mrs. Edwards says every night.

After I broke down and screamed at the doctor, I had to start taking medicine. I hate the way it tastes and it makes me sleepy. The older boys started calling me a 'pill popper'. They think I don't know what they're talking about, but I'm not stupid.


July 4, 1981

It's Independence Day. On this day in 1777 we signed our Declaration of Independence. Which I think is pretty amazing; if we had lost the war they would have been tried for treason.

I think our Fore Fathers would be ashamed of some people.

July 6, 1981

We had a few fire crackers left from the Fourth so I snatched them up to light them. I stayed inside reading during the party, so I missed out. However, when I ran outside, the older kids were already there.

"Hey, thanks gapped-toothed girl," one of the girls said to me.

I held the fire crackers to my chest and shook my head. "Go find your own, these are mine," I said.

One of the boys stood up and held out his hand. "Come on, just hand them over and we won't throw your shoes in the tree," he said.

I stepped back with my fire crackers. "I don't think so."

And that's when it happened. He reached out for my fire crackers and I kicked him square between the legs. If Issy had been there she would have laughed her ass off, but the others didn't laugh. They stood angrily and tried to help their fallen friend.

"Get that little gapped-toothed Bitch!" he gasped, grabbing his privates.

I turned and darted away from them, I could hear them running behind me. Finally I reached the porch and threw my fire crackers at them.

"Here!" I shouted, hurling the fire crackers at them.

"Let her go, we'll get her back," one shouted.

I'll be ready.

March 8, 1981

Today was a bad day, I'm just going to admit it. It all started when Issy and I came home from school. We thought we were alone in the house so we turned on the television and lit up, it was against the house rules to smoke. When we heard Bob's heavy footsteps coming we jumped off the sofa, fanning the air and turning down the television.

“Girls?” He said, walking in the room.

“Hmm?” We asked innocently.

“Do I smell cigarette smoke?” He asked, hands on hips.

Issy widened her eyes and shook her head slowly. “No. We know that it's against house rules.”

Bob grabbed the remote off of off the sofa and flicked the T.V off. “Girls, we need to talk about something Margret and I have been talking about for a while.”

I sat on the couch with my knees propped up. “Sure, what's on your mind?” I said, coolly.

Bob looked down at me and took a seat next us on the couch. “Girls, we know there has been some smoking going on in your room and we know that one of you has been sneaking out at night.” He said, looking at Issy.

I stuttered to speak, I hadn't been sneaking out. But before I could defend myself, Issy spoke up. “You don't have proof.” She said, laughing.

“Young lady, I don't need proof. Speculation's enough. Now we've talked about it and we've decided to move Sara to another room.”

My eyes widened. “What?! Why?!” I cried.

“Because we don't need one of setting bad examples,” He said looking at Issy. “And one egging the other on.” He finished, looking at me.

Issy stood up and grabbed her backpack. “This is fucked up, come on Sidle.” She said, heading towards the door.

“Isabelle, I won't tolerate that language!” Bob said loudly.

I clamped my hands over my ears and sat further back into the couch, it was just a matter of time and then the furniture would be flung across the room. Just like when dad came home.

“I don't care, you're not moving us. Coming Sidle?” Issy said.

I lowered my hands, I wanted to go with Issy, but I was glued to the cushion.

“Stay there Sara, Isabelle if you leave you're going to loose privileges.” Bob warned.

Issy sighed. “Fine Side, be a goody-goody, I'm leaving.”

Issy turned on her heels and headed towards the front door.

“Isabelle... Isabelle Worrall, you stop right there!” He thundered.

“You're not my father!” She screamed, rushing out the door and slamming it behind her.

I sat stunned at what had happened, wondering if it could have gone differently. Bob put his hands over his eyes and sighed.

“Sara,” He said, looking at me. “Go and pack your things, I'll be there to move you're trunk soon.”

“Bob, Issy and I-” I started.

Bob held up his hand. “Go pack.”

I stood and turned to the stairs. Issy was right, this wasn't fair.

March 9, 1981

Issy came home past mid-night. I had been moved to a new room, that I shared with no one. So I was scared when Issy creaked my door open, I have expected it to be my father.

“Sidle?” She whispered.

“Yeah.” I whispered back.

Issy slipped into my room and pulled back my blankets, crawling into bed with me.

“I don't want to be alone.” She whispered.



Issy and I had our television and game privileges taken away for smoking. Issy had her curfew pushed back to six o'clock,I expected her to fight it, but she took her punishment. I was glad. The less fighting the better. Despite the fact that we had been separated, we still spent our time together. Issy Is my friend and she will never leave me.

March 17, 1981

Sorry it has been so long since I have written, I have been busy with my project for the science fair. I was a little surprised when Bob and Margret wanted to help me.

“What exactly are you making?” They asked me as I piled all my supplies on the table.

“I'm going to cause an earthquake.” I said proudly.

Bob picked up a few of the poker chips I dropped onto the table. “And what are these for?” He asked.

I smiled. “ Those are my tectonic plates.”

When I heard about the science fair so many of the other children brought up the idea of volcano's or tornadoes in soda bottles, but I honestly have never seen an earthquake. I know I live in California, a place where earthquakes are supposed to happen, but in all my ten and half years, I've never seen one.

“Honey, I'm afraid we still don't understand.” Margret said.

“Okay, under ground are things known as tectonic plates, and a vibration big enough can move them. If they shift a lot, then an earthquake happens. Now these chips, are my plates. I will stack them like so,” I said, staking a few of the chips. “And I will build a town out of legos. After I'm done with that, I'll pack soil around it and place it on a radio speaker. Hopefully, when I turn the radio up loud enough, the chips will move and the town will collapse.:

“I see.” Margret said.

So all that wee I worked, digging up soil from the garden and lining up my poker chips in a giant baking pan. Margret had put down newspaper so I could work in the kitchen. Finally he day I had been waiting for had arrived. Bob, Margret and a few children from the house ( including Issy) all came to view my project on the day it was reveled.

“Now this young lady,” The judge said, walking over to my project. “Is attempting to make an earthquake.”

He nodded to me and I stepped back and introduced my experiment.

“Ladies and gentleman, for the science fair of '81 I decided to make an earthquake. The city we live in is known for it's earthquakes, but in the years I been alive, I haven't seen one. The town I have created here, is made of Lego's. However, the buildings of San Francisco are made of much stronger material and are secured with beams.” I said, bending over to hook up the speakers.

“Hopefully the vibrations from this radio will be equal to a sonic boom and my town will collapse.”

I hooked up the speakers and cranked the volume as loud as it would go. Sat first nothing happened, but then the tips of my buildings began to vibrate.

“It's happening!” I cried.

Soon, the soil began to shake and one of the buildings fell, sending legos across the floor. I wished I added a car or two, When the entire town had crumbled I turned off the radio.

“Now Newton's second law of motion says: An object in motion will stay in motion until acted upon by an outside force. However, we don't have any forces so, unfortunately an earthquake continues until it is not felt any more. Thank you.” I said, bowing.

I got second place, first place went to a boy with a colony of bees. He claimed if bees disappeard then the world would end. I believe him.

I should have won first.

March 20 1981

Nothing to report, same old same old. I hate my new doctor.

April 1, 1981

Good God, it's been a while, sorry. Nothing really important is going on. It's April fools day so Issy and I put plastic wrap on the toilets in the boys bathroom and they peed on the floor. We could hear them screaming from down the hall, it was hilarious. That is until Bob made us mop it up.

April 5, 1981

That's it, I'm never going back to that doctor! They all think they know me, but they don't. They can't size me up and examine me, I'm a human.

Here's what happened:

I walked in the doctor's office and took my usual place on the sofa. The doctor came in with a can of soda and handed it to me.

“Sara, I hear you've been getting into mischief.” He said, taking the seat across from me.

I looked at him and shrugged. “So.”

“Sara, I'm sorry to have to break the news to you, but your house parents and I have agreed to move you to another home. The agency is looking for an open spot right now, we think that getting away from-”

“What!?” I yelled as I stood, dropping the can of soda.

“Sara, it'll be best if you stick to your studies and keep yourself out of trouble, your the youngest person in you current home.”

“No, your all just trying to see me suffer!” I cried.

“Sara, your an excellent student, it's clear that you love science, you'll thank us someday, but for right now it's best that you be moved. We'll wait until the end of the school year.”

I slumped back onto the sofa. “This is fucked up.” I whispered.

The doctor ignored my comment. “Sara, how do you sleep at night?”

I looked over, shocked that he would still try to ask me questions. “Why do you care?” I asked firmly.

“Sara, we all care about you”

I turned my head and cried.

Yeah, right.

April 10, 1981

I'm made at everything and I don't know how to stop. Sometimes I hate this world and the people in it.

April 15, 1981

I'm in some serious trouble now, I don't know what Bob and Margret are going to do. I hate this, it's all fucked up. It was just a regular day, Issy and I had decided to stop at the corner store and play pac man. After a few rounds my stomach began to growl, so I tapped Issy on the shoulder.

“What, Sidle?” She asked me, eyes glued to the screen.

“I'm hungry, can we go?” I asked.

Issy swore as her pac man was eaten by a purple ghost and turned to me.

“Just grab something.” She whispered.

"But you have money." I said.

“Of course I do, just stick something in your bag. Like we did last time.”

“Issy, I don't know...”

Issy took my hand and lead me behind a display of chips. “I'm hungry too, so let's just pack up and go.”

Issy turned m me around and unzipped my bag. She reached over and grabbed a bag of chips.

“There, now I'm going for sodas,” She whispered, stuffing the chips inside. “Stay here.”

I nodded as she turned the corner. I tapped my foot and waited on her.

“What do you have in your bag?” A voice asked behind me.

I turned and was face to face with the manager.

“Ummm... homework.” I stuttered, stepping back.

Issy, where are you?

“Then you wouldn't mind if I looked.” He said.

I turned and darted for the door, but he snagged my bag and opened it.

“You little thief!” He yelled, pulling the bags out.

“I won't do it again, I got to go home!” I cried.

The manger dragged me to the front of the store. “What's your name little girl?” He asked.

“Sara. Please I won't do it again.”

“I know you won't.” The manager said, picking up the phone.

“Don't, they'll arrest me!”

“Yes, police. This is Mark, down at the Stop and Save. I'm afraid I caught me a little shoplifter.”


I sat behind the counter, waiting on the please. I watched as different people came up and paid for their items.

“What a cutie,” one woman said. “Is she your daughter?”

I made a disgusted face. “I'm not related to him!” I said loudly.

“No mam, I caught this little brat shoplifting.” The manager said, handing the woman her change.

The woman shook her head. “Pretty little girl, such a shame.”

As the woman left, a police man walked in.

“What do you got back there, Mark?” The officer said, pointing at me.

“I got a little shoplifter who needs a ride home.” The manager said.

The officer motioned for me to stand and walk around the counter. I stood on shaky legs and walked over to him.

“Are you going to arrest me?” I asked.

“Maybe, who was with you?” He asked me.

I didn't know what to say, I didn't want to betray Issy.

“No one, I was just hungry.” I said

“I find it hard to believe that she stuck two bags of chips in the backpack that was on her back, it wasn't zipped. Apparently I spooked the other person.” The manger said.

I chewed on my lip.

They know I'm lying.


I rode back to the house in the squad car, I feel like a felon at ten. When Margret opened the front door she gasped.

“Sara, we've been worried about you. Is she OK?” She asked.

“Yes man, I'm afraid we caught her shoplifting.” The officer replied.

By this time Bob had come to the door, he didn't look too happy. “Sara, is this true?” He asked.

“Yes, sir.” I answered, looking at my feet.

Bob put his hand on my back and I flinched; he drew his hand back and looked down at me. “Come on inside, we'll talk about it in the morning.”

“This is going to be just what we're looking for.” Gil Grissom said, navigating the Jeep Cherokee around a bend in the road.

Sara Grissom looked out the window at the scenery. It was the dead of winter and icicles was hung form all the tree boughs. She wasn't used to being surrounded by trees and sky, but it was a nice change.

Gil picked up a map he had printed from off the Internet and raised his eyebrows at it. “The house should be coming up soon.” he said.

“Is it a big house daddy?” Emily Grissom, their seven year old daughter, asked from the back seat.

“From the pictures I saw, it's pretty big.” Gil answered, taking a left at a fork in the road.

A few months ago, during one of Las Vegas' heavy rains, Emily had asked about snow. Gil made it a personal goal that his daughter saw snow before the end of the year and started looking for winter getaways in northern California. He found one, a place called Mountain View.

“How far is it from town?” Sara asked, glancing at Gil.

“There's a town on the other side of it call Hickory Ridge about twenty minutes north, so not too far. If we need anything we'll be fine.” Gil said, taking another bend.

“This road is fun!” Emily laughed from the back.

They had rented a Jeep Cherokee for their trip, to better prepare themselves for driving in the mountains. Sara had also gone on a shopping spree; buying winter clothes, extra blankets and anything else they would need to live in the cold for the next three weeks. She planned to make a trip into the nearest town, to shop for food.

“Daddy, how far away is home?” Emily asked.

Gil pursed his lips and thought about her question. “Home is about seven hundred miles back.” he answered.

Sara watched Emily's reaction in the rear view mirror. Her eyes widened, like she had just been given a unicorn, and she turned to look out the back window. “Wow, how long have we been driving!” she asked.

“A very long time!” Sara laughed.

They had started driving towards Fort Jones at about four in the morning, it was now pushing five in the afternoon. The only stops they had made were for food, bathroom breaks and gas. Sara tried to sleep on the way, dozing against the window,

“Well, we'll be there in just a few minutes.” Gill said, taking another bend in the road.

“Good, because I can't feel my legs.” Sara said with a smile.

“And my butt tingles.” Emily added.

After yet another bend in the road, Sara saw the turn off. It was marked by an old wooden sign and was hard to spot. She would have surely missed it if she had been driving. The turn off was called 'Sunny Acres'.

“Magical name.” Sara remarked, sitting up to get a better view of he road ahead.

“Horses!” Emily yelled, plastering her face to the window.

Gil and Sara looked to their left and sure enough, they saw horses. They were beautiful black stallions, busy munching on hay rolls and switching their tails.

“Mommy, can we ride them?” Emily pleaded from the back.

“I don't see why not, baby. We'll have to find out whose in charge of them first.” Sara replied.

“Wow, real horses.” Emily said with wonder.

Ten minutes more into their drive Sara saw a two story, ranch style house. Sara shook her head slightly and looked again, shocked that Gil had found such a beautiful place to stay.

“Is that our house?” Emily asked, taking the words right out of her mouth.

“Yes it is.” Gil said with a smile in his voice.

They drove past a mail box and up a gravel driveway. The house was surrounded by a thick forest, another house was not in sight. A woman stood waving on the front porch.

“Daddy, whose that?” Emily's small voice pipped up.

“That's Mrs. Johnson, she owns the house and she may even own the horses.” Gil replied, bringing the Jeep to a stop.

Gil opened his door and the woman walked down the stairs, holding a set of keys. “Mr. Grissom, I'm Jenifer. I know you had a long drive, coming all the way from Las Vegas. Come on, it's warmer inside.” She said, waving the Grissom's into the house.

“We'll come back and bring the bags in.” Gil said to Sara as she opened her door.

Sara stepped out onto the snow and looked around, it was like a winter wonderland. The house had a stone walkway that led up to a wooden stairs, leading up to a large wrap around porch. Icicles hung from the eaves of the house, stopping at a sharp point. There was a wooden swing on the porch, where Sara was sure she be spending a lot of time.

“Mommy, can I play?” Emily asked as Sara unstrapped her.

“No baby, we're going to go look at the house.” Sara said with a smile.

“But, what if I come back and the snow is gone!” Emily whined.

“Honey, trust me. The snow will still be here waiting.” Sara replied.


When the Grissom family walked through the front door they gasped at the giant living room, with white furniture and a crackling fire. The floor was hardwood, not the linoleum kind that could be found in many Las Vegas homes, but the sturdy kind that could only be found in log cabins and country homes.

“It sure is big.” Emily said.

Sara nodded in agreement. “And beautiful too, very beautiful.”

Jenifer led them into a large spacious kitchen and Sara gasped. The cabinets were made of a light colored wood and paned with glass. The counter tops were a black granite and housed a matching stove, dishwasher and refrigerator. The floor wasn't the same wood as the living room was, but smooth white tile. A large wood table sat to the side underneath a giant bay window.

“This kitchen is beautiful. This can't be just ours for thee weeks.” Sara said, starring open mouthed at the kitchen.

“Well, it is.” Gil said, putting his hand on the small of Sara's back.

“You'll have to get your own food, of course.” Jenifer said.

“That won't be a problem.” Gil said.

Jenifer walked over to one of the cabinets and opened it to reveal stacked plates, bowls and glasses. “You can use all of this, but all I ask is that you clean it and leave it how you found it.”

The rest of the tour was packed with more wondrous surprises and beautiful rooms. The room that Gil and Sara were to share was spacious with a king sized bed, much like the one they had at home. The room Emily was to sleep in looked more like a young boys room, with a bunk bed and airplane wallpaper. She didn't seem to mind it, in fact she was excited and claimed she would sleep on the top bunk.

“We'll see.” Sara had said.

When the tour was over, and Emily was playing in the play fort in the yard, Sara had pulled all of their luggage into the house and arranged all their things ,before settling down on the front porch swing to look at the snow. She had seen snow before, when she was an undergraduate at Harvard. The snow there had been cruel and cold, she had never gotten used it.

“Mommy, it tastes good!” Emily yelled.



Gil had stayed behind at the house to rest while Sara and Emily had gone to explore the town of Hickory Ridge. She didn't blame him for being exhausted, seeing as he had driven nearly twelve hours. Gil had given her the keys, warned her about the twists in the road and reminded her to get matches for the fire place.

“Mommy, can I get Lucky Charms to eat?” Emily asked.

“Yeah baby, we'll get you some Lucky Charms.” Sara replied, passing a sign that read 'Welcome to Hickory Ridge'.

The road that drove through town had been swept clean of snow, it sat banked against the sides. She saw a small grocery store and parked in a front parking spot.

“This is a small store.” Emily observed.

“Yeah, it's a small town. The store doesn't have to be very big.” Sara replied.

She took Emily's small mittened hand and walked her into the store. They selected a basket and Sara put Emily in the small seat in front. The store didn't have as much food as their local grocery did back in Vegas, but it had what they needed. As she paid for the supplies and food the chastiser smiled at her, he was a older man.

“You're not from here, are you?” he asked.

Sara smiled. “No, we're actually renting a lodge for a few weeks.”

The cashier nodded. “It's a beautiful place during the winter, but it's harsh.” he said, packing her groceries.

Sara smiled a reply and took her bags. “I think we'll be fine, we're staying in a nice place.”

“Oh really, where at?” he asked.

“Mountain View.” she replied.

“Oh, Jenifer Johnson's property. It's a shame how she's been treated.” he said.

Sara furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”

“It's just that she has had other customers, such as yourself. A lot of them sort of high tailed it out of town with out paying her. That's a really shitty way to treat someone if you ask me,” he glanced at Emily and frowned. “excuse me.” he added.

Sara frowned at his use of language around Emily, but shook it off. “Well, we have every intention of paying. As a matter of fact we did in advance.” she said.

The old man nodded. “That's good.” he said, turning his attention to the next customer.

“Well, maybe we'll see you again.” she said as she left.



“We've got to get a bathtub like this.” Sara said, leaning back in the large white porcelain tub.

Gil stood at the sink, trimming his beard. “Is it that nice, I haven't tried it yet.” he said with a grin.

After dinner Emily had been exhausted from the long drive and had gone to sleep, in the top bunk, almost instantly. Sara decided to take advantage of the large bathtub in the bathroom adjoined to their room.

“You should, I can lay out straight and slip under if I'm not careful.” she said with a smile.

Gil turned with a slight smile and looked down at her, lying naked in the bath. “Sounds tempting.” he teased.

“I know we're going to sleep good tonight,” she said with a smile. “that drive wore me out.”

Gil laughed and began to remove his clothes. “I don't think you were driving.” he said.

“Well okay, I wasn't driving, but it was still exhausting.” she said.

Sara sat up and Gil stepped into the bath with her. He leaned back onto her chest and she held him from behind, running her hand over his chest.

“This is a nice place, isn't it?” he asked.

Sara sighed and leaned her head against his. “Yes, it's beautiful here. Em, is ecstatic over the snow.”

“Yeah, we'll have to take her sledding.” he said, rubbing his hand over her thigh.

“Do you like it here?” she asked him.

Gil nodded slightly. “I think it's relaxing.”

Sara kissed the shell of his ear and sighed as he turned to face her. “I do too.” she said.

Day 2: Over the hill and through the woods.

“Rise and shine my happy campers. Time for another fun filled day of nature.” Claire's voice called.

Sara slowly opened one eye and looked over at Catherine's sleeping bag. Catherine had her head under her pillow and was trying to cover her ears.

“We have hiking on our agenda today so lets get hopping. Camping. Is. Fun!” Claire sang out, putting emphasis on the word 'Fun'.

Sara pulled her blanket up over her head and mentally cursed the world. It was a well known fact that she loved both animals and the environment, but she wasn't a 'Roughing it' kind of girl. Beside her Catherine groaned and threw her pillow across the tent. It smacked the side and made the tent shake, it slid sown the side and landed noiselessly.

“If we be quite maybe she'll assume we died.” Sara whispered.

Catherine sat up and debated unzipping her bag. “How can you fool the devil?” Catherine asked.

Sara grinned. “I thought Ecklie was the devil?” She replied.

Catherine shrugged. “To close to call.”



Once Sara had pulled on some fresh clothes she joined the others at the picnic table in the center of their campsite. She took a seat beside Warrick and looked across the table at Grissom. He raised his eyebrows and stared at her face.

“What?” Sara asked, touching her face.

Warrick, who was listening, looked at Sara's face. “I didn't know you had acne... you cover it so well.” He said.

“I don't.” She said, rubbing her face.

She felt along her jawline and down her neck. Finally she felt them, big red welts across her cheeks and forehead. Sara gasped and grabbed Catherine's purse.

“I'm covered in mosquito bites!” She cried, looking into Catherine's mirror.

“Didn't you put on bug spray?” Warrick asked.

Sara turned to stare at him. “Of course I did... it must have been the cheap stuff.” Sara huffed, dropping Catherine's mirror back in her purse.

“Do they itch?” Warrick asked.

Sara scratched her nose. “They do now.” she replied.

Greg walked over and set an armful of small cartons on the table. He looked down at Sara and grimaced. “Didn't you put on bug spray?” He asked.

Sara groaned and looked at the assorted boxes. “What is this?” She asked, picking up a box of pop-tarts.

“Breakfast.” Greg grinned.

Sara lifted up one of the plastic packets and swallowed. To her one of the most disgusting foods in the world were pop-tarts. They were nothing but sugar and bread ... covered with more sugar. The very thought of biting into one made her sick.

“I'm not that hungry,” she whispered.

Warrick grinned and reached into the cooler to hand her the jar of pickles.


“It's important to remember that when your on a hike, it's a good idea to use the buddy system. So if the man in charge can come up here to stand beside me then we'll assign partners.” Claire said, with a smile so big sail boats could sail home by the light that reflected off her teeth.

Sara looked up at Grissom, who stood beside her. She could see him mentally grimacing, but he faked a smile and trudged up to the front.

“Okay, Sara,” he said first. “I want to put you with Jim.”

Brass stepped up beside Sara and gave her a little pat on the back. Brass seemed to be enjoying the trip a little too much.

“I also want Warrick with Greg and Nick with Catherine.” Grissom said, pointing the others to where they were to stand.

When everyone had partnered up Claire smiled. “Well, okay then. I guess I'm partners with... this good looking supervisor,” she sighed, looking Grissom up and down.

Sara mentally bashed Claire's face in.

“Well let's get moving troopers.” Claire sang.



Thirty minutes into the walk Sara began to feel at peace. She had to admit it was soothing to look at trees and different birds. She had pushed her mosquito bitten face and Claire's over flirting aside and tried to focus on nature. Brass was walking beside her, humming some song she didn't recognize.

“Okay campers,” Claire called back. “Let's hear some music to put s bounce in our step.”

Sara swallowed, there was no way she would be having a sing-a-long with her co-workers. Not that she minded singing, she just didn't think it was group activity. It was natural when a person sang in the shower or sang a sweet song to their special someone, but camp songs weren't natural... for her at least.

“This is the song that does not end.” Greg belted out from further up th trail.

“Yes it goes on and on my friend.” Nick sang.

To Sara's shock the line of CSI's started to sing Lamb Chop's never ending song. Brass walked beside her, singing along and smiling.

“Some people...started singing it not knowing what it was... and they continued singing forever just because... this is the song that does not end.” Everyone sang.

Sara felt as if she were in an endless nightmare. She craned her neck to see if Grissom was singing along, but couldn't see over everyone's heads

“Sara,” Brass said, poking her in the side. “Sing along. Don't be Sour Sally... or a Sour Sara.” He laughed.

Sara shrugged. If you can't beat them... join them.

“This is the song that does not end.” She sang.



All in all Sara had to admit that she had enjoyed the hike...minus the singing of course. They had once again roasted hot dogs and fried hamburgers. And once again Warrick handed her a jar of pickles.

“Sara, why don't you just convert to carnivorism.” Warrick asked playfully.

“Well, for starters meat clogs your arteries and second... I don't think the things we buy from the store count as meat anymore.” She answered.

Greg walked up from what appeared to be out of nowhere. “Guys, let's roast some marshmallows.” He said with more enthusiasm then necessary.

Warrick to the bag. “Nice. Have we go skewers?” He asked.

Greg held up four skewers. “Sara, I'll be a gentlemen and roast yours for you.” He offered.

Sara shook her head. “I'm not a fan of marshmallows.” She said.

Warrick raised an eyebrow. “Your not a fan of anything are you?” He said.

Sara straitened up. “I like the Beatles and Jimmy Hendrix. I like salad and unbuttered popcorn. And I happen to be addicted to strawberry shortcake.” She said.

“Well, I happen to love marshmallows.” Greg said, digging into the bag and skewering a marshmallow.

“Well, I believe Grissom and I still have dish duty.” Sara said, rising.


“Do my bites make me unattractive?” Sara asked, poking at one of the bites on her forehead.

Grissom and Sara were walking on the trail towards the lake shore to wash the dishes off. Grissom held he bucket containing the silverware and had his free arm wrapped around Sara's waist.

“Don't poke them, you may break one open and it'll get infected. They doesn't make you look any different to me, dear.” Grissom said.

Sara smile and wrapped an arm around Grissom's middle. “At least we get a few moments alone.” she said, reaching up and giving his jaw a kiss.

Grissom smiled down at her. “I love you. When we get back to Las Vegas I promise we'll do something.” He said.

“You know, if it had just been me and you, it would have been romantic.” she said, giving him her sweetest smile.



Greg watched his marshmallow catch on fire and begin to blacken. He quickly pulled it back from the flames and began to shake it.

“Dude, what are you doing?” Nick asked.

“I'm trying to put the flame out.” Greg answered, shaking his skewer.

The marshmallow then flew off the skewer and landed behind them with a 'Plop'. All three men turned to see where it had landed.

“Do you see it?” Warrick asked the other two.

Greg shook his. “Guess some animal ate.” He said, turning to skewer a new marshmallow.

Nobody saw the burning Marshmallow that had landed on top of the women's tent.



Sara handed Grissom the last of the clean silverware and stood up. Bending over and washing dishes made her back ache.

“Okay, now lets get away from this lake before will fall in again. I don't know about you but, I'm running low on clothes.” Sara said.

Grissom smiled. “If you want to run around naked I won't have a problem with that.”

Sara laughed softly and kissed him fully on the lips. “I promise as soon as we get home, I'll run around naked.” She said.



“Dude, do you smell something?” Nick asked Warrick.

Warrick sniffed the air and turned.

“The tent is on fire!” He cried, jumping to his feet.

“Get some water!” Nick yelled.



Grissom and Sara walked slowly back to camp. They figured that if they walked slow enough, they could pretend they were alone.

“All the stars are out.” Grissom observed, looking up.

“Mmm, you never get a view like this in Vegas.” Sara agreed.

Grissom stopped and stared ahead. “Do you see something glowing?” He asked.

Sara followed his stare and gasped. “Somethings on fire!” She said.



“It's not working!” Greg cried.

“Take it down!” Claire cried, grabbing a tent pole.

Together the teamed broke the tent down quickly and began to jump on it. Grissom and Sara ran up to find the smoking remains of their tent.

“Was that our tent?” Sara asked.

Catherin sadly nodded. “We're either going to have to bunk with the men or sleep under the stars.” she said.

Sara looked at Greg, Brass and Nick and shook her head. “I'm going back to the car and sleeping.”

“Not in the dark,” Claire said. “These woods are dangerous. The men's tent is big so there should be enough room.”

Sara pursed her lips and kicked at the burnt mess. “I guess my clothes are ruined.” she said.



.

“You better not drool in your sleep.” Catherine said, stretching out between Warrick and Greg.

Greg had an awed expression of a kid in a candy shop. “I don't.” he said.

Sara shook her head and stretched out between Brass and Grissom, she was counting her stars that she would at least get to sleep beside him. Sara and Grissom smiled at each other as they laid back.

“Is everyone all cozy?” Claire asked as she zipped up the tent.

To Sara's horror she walked right up to Grissom and laid down next to him. She was so close to him she looked like his conjoined twin.

“Good night troops.” Clair said, turning the lantern off.

Sara starred into the darkness and sighed.

“Are you sure you can handle this? She can be a handful.” Sara Grissom said.

Gil Grissom held up his hands. “I can handle it, we're going to be fine.” he answered, giving Sara a kiss.

Gil had bought Sara an all day trip to a spa in downtown Las Vegas for her birthday. He promised to watch their daughter, Emily, while she pampered herself and shopped around.

“Okay then, I'll head out. If you have any problems just call.” Sara said, grabbing her purse.

“We're going to be fine.” he said, opening the door for her.


Sara had been gone most of the day and so far everything had gone smoothly. He took Emily to the park and then out to eat at her favorite restaurant, Chuck-e-cheese. When they got home Emily went to her room to play and the lack of noise was bothering Gil.

“Sweetie, what are you doing?” Gil asked, opening his daughter's door.

“Setting up a tea party.” came her small reply.

Gil looked over at her small table and saw a giraffe in one chair and a cow in the other. They were wearing cowboy hats and looked ready to party.

“Oh, well have fun then.” Gil said.

“Daddy, will you be in my tea party?” Emily asked, looking up at him with big blue eyes.

When Gil looked into her daughter's eyes he would have brought back both halves of the Titanic if she asked him to. It wasn't a secret that he had a hard time denying her anything.

“Of course I will, bumble bee.” Gil said, walking over to one of the small chairs and sitting down.

“I'm not bumble bee right now, I'm Princess Amelia.” Emily said, putting a hat on.

Gil chucked at her imagination. “Okay, Princess Amelia.” he said, bowing his head like a royal subject.

“And your, Princess Daddy.” Emily said, walking over to Gil and putting a crown on his head.

Gil swiveled his eyes skyward. “Okay.” he said.

Emily went to her side of the able and cleared her throat. “Daddy, you have to get a lady's chair.” she said, with a serious tone.

“Oh,” Gil said, rising from his small chair. “I am so sorry, Princess Amelia.”

Gil pulled the little chair out and Emily took a seat and smiled. “Now you can sit down.” she said.

Gil nodded an hurried around to take his seat. Emily picked up a tea pot and began to pour water into the little tea cups. Then she took little cookies and placed them on tiny plates and set them in front of her animal friends and Gil. Emily took a tiny sip from her cup and smiled.

“Isn't it a beautiful day Princess Daddy?” she asked, putting on a classy voice.

Gil took a sip from his cup and nodded. “Yes, I think it's a very nice day.” he said. He couldn't help but think the water tasted funny, but he sipped it anyways to make his daughter happy.

Emily took a bite of her cookie and smiled. “What do you ladies think?” she asked, looking at the giraffe and cow sitting next to her.

“I agree.” she simply said, taking another sip from her tea cup.

Gil found himself wondering what they had said and then shook the thought from his mind. He took a bite from his own cookie and smiled at his little girl.

“Okay Princess Daddy, follow me.” Emily said, standing.

“Oh, are we finished?” Gil asked.

“We're going to do our hair.” Emily said, dragging a bag out from under her bed.

Gil stood and went and sat on the floor. His knees wanted to protest, but he sat anyway. His daughter was only going to be young once and he would rather her remember a father that played with her.

“So Daddy, how was work?” she asked, taking the crown off and brushing his short hair.

“It was fine.” he answered, wincing when Emily brushed too hard.

“Was Aunt Caprine and Uncle Nick there?” she asked, putting the brush down and picking a hair clip up.

Gil smile at her innocent voice. She had a hard time pronouncing 'Catherine' so she always said 'Caprine'.

“Yes, they were. So was Uncle Greg and Uncle Jim.” Gil said.

Emily pulled some of his hair back and clipped it in place. “Did Eckree give you trouble?” she asked.

“No, he hasn't been at work lately.” he answered.

Emily put the crown back on his head.

“Oh.” Emily said, yawning.

Gil looked at his watch and turn to Emily. “It's about time for Princess Amelia to go to bed.” he said.

“No, I'm having fun.” Emily whined.

Gil stood up and picked Emily up, she had always been easy to carry. “Yes, mommy's going to be home soon and she'll want to see you ready for bed.”

He went over to the dresser, with Emily in one arm, and pulled out a pair of pajamas. Emily took them and wiggled to be set down.

“I can get dressed , daddy. I'm a big girl.” she said.

“Oh,” he said, setting her down. “okay.”

While Emily was getting ready for bed Sara came home. She took on look at Gil's head and laughed.

“Tea party?” she asked.

Gil nodded. “I'm Princess Daddy and she's Princess Amelia.” he said.

“I out rank you, I'm Queen Mommy.” she said, giving him a kiss.

Emily opened her door and ran up to Sara. “Mommy, we had so much fun. We went to Chuck-e-cheese and the park. And we played tea party!”

Sara smiled as she cuddled her daughter. “So you had a good day?”

“Yes, tea party was my favorite...” she said as Sara carried her to bed.

Gil watched them until the door shut. He suddenly felt alone now that Emily was going to bed for the night. He walked over to Sara's shopping bags and peeked inside. He saw the usual things, like shoes and make-up. When he reached the bottom of the bag he stopped and pulled out a smaller Victoria's Secret bag.

“Gil, she wants to say good night,” Sara said. She looked at Gil going through her bag. “You put that down!” she said.

Gil dropped the bag and smiled. “Yes, your majesty.”

Sara laughed and took her bags to the bedroom. Gil walked down the hall towards Emily's room and eased the door open.

“Hey, you wanted to see me?” he asked.

Emily nodded and opened her arms to him. Gil walked over and hugged his little girl. “I love you, daddy.” she said.

“I love you too, Princess Amelia.” Gil said, kissing her on her cheek.

“Daddy, you can call me bumble bee now.” she said seriously.

Gil laughed and kissed her once more. “Good night, bumble bee.”

Gil walked into his bedroom and stretched out on the bed. Sara was hanging up a few of her new shirts.

“Did she wear you out?” she laughed.

“We actually had fun. I couldn't help but notice the water tasted funny.” he said.

Sara turned and smiled. “Gil, you know she gets that water from the toilet right?”

Gil chocked for a minute and looked back at Sara. “You have to be making that up.” he said.

“No,I thought the water tasted funny too. So one day I followed her and watched her dip her tea pot into the toilet.” Sara said, laughing.

“I can't believe I drank that.” Gil said, wiping his tongue off.

“Yeah, when I found out I was promoted to Queen.” Sara said with a smile.

“You'll always be my Queen.” Gil said.

Sara laughed and reached over to take his crown off. “And you'll always be my Princess Gilbertine.”

Sara rushed by the DNA lab and skidded to a stop. She turned and rushed up to Hodges.

“Hodges, tell me you got a match.” She said.

Wendy and Mandy had a radio turned up and were bobbing away in a corner. They smiled at her and gave her a wave. Sara gave a wave back and turned her attention back to Hodges.

Hodges smiled and presented her with a report. “Perfect match.” he said with a smile.

Sara took the report and smiled the biggest smile he had ever seen. “Your a case saver.” She said, giving him a kiss on the cheek and rushing back down the hall.

“Now it's time for a good one by Mariah Carey. 'Touch my body'.” The radio said.

Hodges listened to song for a moment and let himself day dream...

Hodges watched Sara as she sashayed down the hall. She had on a black leather skirt that stopped at her knees and a white sleeveless blouse. Her high heels sounded on the tiles and Hodges knew she was getting closer.

“David,” Sara purred as she walked closer.

Hodges gulped. “Sara, I have that report that..” he started.

Sara sighed softly and hoisted herself up on one of the tables and smiled. She popped open one of the top buttons of her blouse and kicked her shoes off.

Hodges gulped again. “And I pleased to announce that you have a perfect match.”

Sara took her hair out of her clip and shook her head from side to side, letting her hair cascade down her shoulders. “Oh David, you and that brilliant mind of yours.” Sara purred.

Hodges grinned and straitened up. “I do try to impress you.” He stuttered.

Sara smiled and licked her lips. “Oh, you don't have to try.” She said, dropping down from off the table.

Hodges gulped again, he found his throat unusually dry. Sara flipped her hair back just as the air clicked on. The air from the air conditioner ( which was unusually strong) blew Sara's hair back and she sighed and closed her eyes,

“Am I in heaven?” Hodges asked.

Sara smiled. “I'm awfully hungry David.” Sara said.

Hodges rooted around in his desk until he found his bag of gummy bears. He selected a red one and held it out to Sara. She smiled at him and parted her lips slowly.

“You want me to.. umm.. feed you?” Hodges said.

Sara smiled and opened her mouth wider. Hodges tried to swallow the lump that was growing in his throat and gently placed the red gummy bear on Sara's tongue.

“Mmmm.” Sara purred, chewing on the gummy bear.

Hodges unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, he had suddenly became extremely hot. Sara brought her head back and seemed to be enjoying her gummy bear.

“David, my necks a little sore. Do you mind using your big strong hands and massaging it?” She asked.

Hodges straitened up once more. “Of course not.” He said.

Hodges put a bounce in step and seemed to be dancing as he made his way around to Sara. Sara giggled at his dance and she pulled her hair back to expose her neck to him.

“Okay, I am about to massage Sara Sidle.” Hodges said aloud.

“Yes you are.” Sara purred.

“Grissom's girlfriend.” Hodges said.

Hodges stopped when he spoke those final words and recognition hit him.

“What's wrong David?”

Hodges heard a banging on the glass and he turned to see an angry Gil Grissom looking at him through the window. His face was red and he looked about ready to kill.

“Hodges, I swear! You better run!” Grissom shouted.

“Hodges... I said will you run this.” Grissom asked , holding out a swab and a vial of blood.

Hodges blinked and looked around. Sara was gone and in her place stood Grissom.

“Sure, boss.” Hodges said, taking the items.

“What were you thinking about?” Grissom asked.

Hodges gulped. “Something I'll never think about again.”


Grissom and Sara were on their way back from lake mead, they both smelled like rotten flesh and ached for a shower. Grissom had the windows rolled down and a car pulled up alongside him.

“And now it's time for Mariah Carey..” The radio in the car next to them said.

Grissom rolled his eyes at the song , but he found himself listening. He looked over at Sara and he began to imagine...

“CSI Grissom, because of the circumstances surrounding this indecent we're only going to recommend a month's suspension without pay.” Ecklie said.

I stood there, one week after Bezken had been killed, reaping the punishments of destroying evidence in a federal case. My life was slowly coming back together and we were slowly fixing our home. However, Emily still wasn't home and I still had intimacy problems. Something I was trying to desperately work through.

“The board wants you to go home and rest, put your life back together. You know that tampering with evidence is punishable by termination, but since the evidence won't be useful anymore, your off the hook.” Ecklie said, closing my file.

“Thank you.” I said.

“You can go.” he said.

000

I walked slowly to Gil's office and knocked on the door. He looked up and waved me in.

“What's the verdict?” he asked.

“A months suspension without pay.” I said, walking in and taking a seat in front of his desk.

Gil nodded. “It could have been worse.”

I raised my eyebrows. “I know, I could have been fired.” I replied.

“No, I mean you could have been killed. And I wouldn't have been able to do anything.” he explained.

I looked down at my shoes and nodded. “I was acting on adrenaline, I wanted it over.” I said.

Gil stood up and grabbed his jacket. “We'll it's over now and we have a daughter to bring home.” he said.

I smiled and stood.

000

We told Catherine we were going to meet her at the park to pick Emily up. When Gil pulled into the parking lot I searched all the children on the playground for them. Finally I spotted Emily, sitting alone with Catherine in a sand box. We got out of the car and walked over to the play area, Catherine saw us and pointed. Emily turned around and her face lit up.

“Mommy!” she cried with tears of joy.

I couldn't hold my tears back, I had been away from her for too long. I stooped down and waited for her to run into my arms. When I was finally holding her I hugged her tight.

“Mommy missed you.” I said, kissing her head.

Emily looked up and reached for her father. Gil picked her up and held her as close I did.

“We both missed you, baby bug.” Gil said.

000

Gil had taken the night off and we had taken Emily to our favorite restaurant, which was of course child friendly. Emily had most of her food in her hair and wouldn't stop laughing, I could tell she was happy to be home. On our way home she fell asleep in her seat so I carried her to bed, placing kisses on top of her head. Gil walked up to stand beside me and I sighed.

“I'm so glad she's home.” I said, watching Emily smile in her sleep.

Gil put his arm around me and I leaned into him. “Me too,” he said.

I took Gil by the hand and pulled him from the room. I pulled him to me and kissed his neck, I could feel his pulse beating. I threaded my fingers through his hair and smiled against his skin.

“I take it you're ready for bed.” Gil said, tilting my head back softly and kissing me passionately.

I took Gil's hand and walked with him to our bedroom. I knew he was letting me take the lead, and I was thankful. When we made love in the hotel, it was more out of need for comfort. Now, not only was I comfortable with him, I felt safe and wanted to feel the pure joy of having sex with my husband.

I slowly unbuttoned my shirt and let it fall to the floor. Gil put his arms around my waist and pulled me to him.

“I love you. I love you so, so much.” he said, kissing my forehead.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and laced my fingers through his hair. “I love you too.” I replied.

I unbuttoned Gil's shirt slowly, exposing more and more skin. I dipped my head down and kissed his exposed chest, soliciting a moan from him. I took hold of Gil's upper arms and backed up until my legs hit our bed. I was nervous to have him over me again, but I ached to feel his weight. I slowly laid back and Gil loomed over me. I closed my eyes for a beat, but I felt no wave of nausea. I smiled up at him and he smoothed my hair back, placing small kisses over my face. Gil pulled his shirt off the rest of the way and started pressing kisses down my neck and between my breasts.

“I've missed this,” I said.

“Me too,” Gil said, lacing our fingers together.

I smiled and kissed Gil passionately, touching our tongues together. We kicked our shoes off and scooted until we were fully on our bed. Gil undid his belt and I unclasped my bra, letting it slip down my shoulders. Gil put his hands on my arms and pulled my straps down until the I was completely divested of it. I smiled and kissed his jaw, flicking my tongue out and tracing his jawline.

“You're so beautiful.” he said, dipping his head down and taking a nipple into his mouth.

I arched my back and gasped his name, the feel of his rough beard on my skin sent tingles to my toes. I ran my fingers up the back of his head, through his hair, and he moaned. I pushed him back lightly and lowered my hands to fumble with his pants. I quickly opened his jeans and pushed them down, his erection sprang free. I took it in my hand and slowly stroked the length of him.

“Sara...oh.” Gil sighed.

I kissed Gil's forehead and felt him open the button to my jeans, pushing them down slowly, I moaned in anticipation. I felt Gil tremble in need and in pure lust. I took his hand and brought it between my legs, letting him feel my heat and wetness. He slipped a finger past the waistband of my panties and dipped a finger into me.

“Gil!” I cried, arching my back and digging my nails into his shoulders.

I kicked my jeans off the rest of the way and Gil skillfully removed my panties. I sighed and spread my thighs for him, my gaze fixed on his perfect blue eyes.

“I want to feel you in me,” I said.

Gil smiled down at me and kissed me deeply, sucking my tongue softly. I nibbled his lip and mewed softly into his mouth.

“You want it?” he teased.

I bit my lip and tried to play coy. “Do I?”

Gil smiled and he positioned himself at my entrance. I leaned my head back into the pillows and waited for him to fill me. I felt him push in and I felt the familiar sweet pain. I gripped the sheets and cried out in ecstasy .

“Oh, Gil!” I cried.

Gil pushed in the rest of the way and he wasted no time setting his pace. I spread my thighs and raised my legs up to his shoulders, drawing him deeper. Stars began to dance in front of me and we began to loose control.

“Oh... Sara! You feel so good!” Gil moaned, dipping his head down to take a nipple in his mouth.

I arched my back to give him better access and I felt my orgasm hit. He soon followed me and we fell together, satisfied. Gil rolled off of me, pulling himself out. I looked over at him and smiled, running my hand through his sweaty hair.

“That was amazing.” I said.

000

The next morning we got up early with Emily and made a big breakfast. I poured pancake batter and stuck my tongue out at Emily, who sat in her highchair clapping her hands. Gil kissed me on the cheek and walked outside to check the mail.

“How about we go to Lake Tahoe today? We can pack a lunch and let Emily play.” I called.

“Sounds good.” Gil said, walking past me, going through the mail.

000

Gil walked over to his desk and sorted through the usual bills and credit card advertisements. He stopped when he reached a letter with no return address. It was simply marked 'The Grissoms'. Gil opened it up and unfolded a letter. It read:

Dear Grissom family,

Someday I'll be free and you'll be somewhere happy. Your daughter will get older and someday you may have more children, but I'll be waiting. And one day when you you least expect it, you'll see me again I'll be waiting to take what you have taken from me.

“What did we get?” Sara asked, bringing him back to reality.

Gil looked at the letter and then back at his family. “Credit cards again.” he lied, putting the letter in his top drawer.

“Oh, just tear it up. We don't need another one.” Sara replied, giving Emily pancake.

Gil nodded and walked away from his desk drawer to join his family.

000

“Gil, with any luck we'll have this bastard off the streets by tonight.” Brass said as they drove back towards the lab.

“Nick, take everything you collected and have it analyzed and match it to the evidence in Sara's SAFE kit.” Gil said, turning to Nick.

“I'll get right on it boss. Hey,” he said craning his neck and pointing. “isn't that Sara?”

Brass and Gil followed his pointing finger and saw Sara, struggling with a duffel bag and heading towards one of the trucks.

“What is she doing here?” Brass asked, looking over at Gil.

“I'm not sure.” Gil said.

As Brass pulled into the parking lot Gil pulled out his phone and dialed Sara. He watched as Sara set down the bag and patted her pockets, looking for the phone.

“Hello?” she answered.

“Sara, where are you?” he asked.

Sara paused for a moment and looked around. “I'm at the hotel.” she answered.

“Really?” Gil said, getting out of the car.

“Yes, you sound like you don't trust me.” she said.

“Well, maybe that's because I'm looking at you.” he said.

Sara turned and saw Gil standing across the parking lot. She opened her mouth to say something, but she was speechless.

000

When I saw Gil standing in the parking lot my heart dropped. He put his phone away and began to walk towards me, I didn't weather to run or stand and wait for him. He jogged up to me and I looked at my feet.

“What are you doing here?” he asked me, glancing at the bag.

I adjusted the bag on my shoulder. “I just wanted to get something out of my locker.” I lied.

I looked behind Gil and saw Nick and Brass walk inside with a case of evidence, my time was running out. Bob was bound to ask about me and my cover would be blown.

“I'm going back now.” I said, opening the door to the truck.

“What exactly did you have to get that I couldn't bring to you.?” he asked, putting his hand on my arm.

“I didn't want to bother you.” I said.

“So you walked down here?” he asked.

“You had the car.” I said.

Gil reached into his pocket and pulled out the keys to his car. “Take it.” he said.

Gil put the keys in my hand and I felt tears start. I was so torn between telling him the truth and just getting all of this over with. I was afraid that Bezken already had Emily and was waiting on me to return, I couldn't loose my family.

“Gil, I'm fine. I'll just take the truck.” I said.

“You know you can't do that. Let me drive you back.” he said, trying to take the bag.

I tightened my grip on it and backed up. “I'm fine, I'll just take the car then.” I said.

Gil's phone sounded and he kept his eyes on me as he answered. I looked down and debated leaving, Bezken was waiting.

“Uh huh, you're sure?” Gil said.

I began to grow nervous as Gil spoke to the mystery person.

“No, I'll take care of it.” he said, hanging up.

Gil looked me in the eyes and then glanced at the bag, I knew he knew. I backed up against the truck and Gil pursed his lips.

“It's not going to make him stop.” he said.

“I have to, he'll take Emily.” I said.

“Sara, you know this isn't what he is after, he's after us and if you bring him the only evidence we have against him he'll get away. And then that still won't stop him from following us or going after Emily. I know what your feeling-”

“You know how I feel? Were you raped...have you been waking up in the hospital for the past week... was someone just murdered in front of you. No, I think it was me.” I said brazenly.

I didn't know weather the look in Gil's eyes was a product of pain or anger. “What do mean murdered?Sara I've been having to watch you go through this. Do you think it's easy? Do you think I enjoy watching you cry and seeing our life torn apart?”

I stepped back and tried to blink back the tears. “I want this to be over and I'll do whatever it takes.” I said.

“You know he won't stop. Now, give me the bag.” he said, reaching for the bag.

I pulled back. “Gil, let me do this.” I pleaded.

“Will you listen to yourself? Do you even know what your saying? Let me handle this, I'll have Emily here in five minutes.” he said.

“He's waiting now and for all I know he could already have her. He could kill her before anybody gets there!. She's our daughter and we have to do something!” I cried.

“I'll do something!” he said.

I turned towards the truck and sighed.

000

“What took you so long?” Bezken said as I climbed out of the truck.

“Nothing, I just wanted to make sure I had it all.” I said.

Bezken asked me to met him at an abandoned warehouse off of main street. It was a good distance from downtown Vegas.

“Is that all of it?” he asked, holding his hand out to take the bag.

I nodded and pulled the bag from my shoulder. “It's everything.” I said.

He took the bag and unzipped it, pulling out bags of evidence.”You're man's gonna be pretty heated, huh?” he asked.

“Yeah, he's gonna be pretty mad.” I said.

“Okay so, lets go” he said, grabbing me by the arm.

000

“Okay, he has the bag.” Brass said training his goggle on Bezken.

Brass motioned for two S.W.A.T members to silently sneak into the back of the warehouse. Brass heard a crackle of static and a voice was heard.

“Target in sight.” it said.

“Okay, keep him in your sights. Make sure Sara's clear before you move in.” Brass said into the walkie-talkie.

“Suspect has hostage.” the walkie-talkie said.

Brass looked over at Gil. “Shit!” he said.

It had been Sara's idea to use herself as bait, something that Gil was strongly against. But he saw no other way around it. He knew Sara was right, it was a possibility that Bezken did have Emily and he wasn't going to take that chance. He had Sara quickly wired for sound and they quietly followed her.

Gil chewed his lip and reached for Brass' goggles. “I'm going in, Jim.” he said.

“I wouldn't do that, he may be pissed you followed.” Brass said.

“Just give me time until she's clear and then move in.” Gil said, opening the door.

He silently shut the door and headed towards the front of the warehouse.

000

“You said if I brought you the file and the evidence you'd let me go.” I said, struggling in his grasp.

“I don't remember saying that.” Bezken said.

“You have what you want. I wont say anything.” I pleaded.

“Your evidence too, a loose end.” he said, pulling me towards a car.

“Bezken!” I heard Gil say from behind us.

Bezken looked up and then back at me. “You set me up, bitch!” he shouted.

Bezken pulled me to him and wrapped an arm around me. I smelled the liquor that haunted my dreams.

“I came alone, there's no one else here.” Gil said.

Bezken reached into his coat and pulled out an automatic, he trained it on Gil. “What do I care if you came alone? You thought you had me Gil Grissom, but when it's actually me who has everything you hold dear.”

Gil pulled out his own gun and I closed my eyes. “You can leave with it all,” Gil said. “just let Sara go and you can walk out.”

Bezken tightened his hold on me. “No, I got a better idea. You drop the gun and I'll only kill you.” he said.

I saw Gil's eyes widened and I began to struggle. I prayed to God he wasn't considering it.

“It's alright, Sara.” Gil said, trying to soothe me.

My life began to flash in front of my eyes. I saw myself as a young woman, attending the forensic academy and meeting Gil, who taught an anthropology lesson about insects. I saw myself moving to Vegas and meeting the many people in my life. I saw Warrick Brown and the others who have helped shape my life. Then I saw my daughter, Gil was holding her while she nursed from a bottle.

000

As Gil starred into the fearful brown eyes of his wife, he began to loose hope. He had his gun trained on Bezken and debated pulling the trigger.

“Hey Grissom, I got another good idea.. How about I kill you, drown your kid and then fuck your wife.” Bezken said.

Anger began to cloud Gil's vision and he cocked his gun. In Bezken's grip Sara began to sob.

“I don't think so, sound's like just a twisted dream of yours.” Gil said.

“If you fire, she'll be dead before you pull that trigger.” Bezken said, pointing his gun to Sara's temple.

000

Brass raised the walkie-talkie. “Okay, slowly move in and the moment you have a clear shot, take it.” he said to the S.W.A.T team.

“10-4.” they replied.

Brass trained his goggles back on Bezken and Sara and prayed.

000

Bezken had his gun pressed into the side of my head and Gil had his gun trained on Bezken. I couldn't control my tears, no matter how hard I tried. I wanted to show him I wasn't afraid of him, that he couldn't shake me.

“Are you ready to die, Sara?” he whispered in my ear.

I swallowed and blinked my tears away. I watched as Gil lowered his gun and dropped it to the ground.

“Okay, kill me.” Gil said.

Bezken tightened his hold on me and extended his gun towards Gil, Before I knew what I was doing I began to fight against him. Bezken grabbed me by the hair, taking his attention off of Gil. Gil dove for us, knocking me to the ground. I scrambled back and watched as Gil fought with Bezken. I looked at Gil's gun and crawled towards it, I was too shaken to walk.

“Sara... go.” Gil struggled to say.

Bezken began to over power Gil, climbing on top of him and slamming his head into the dirt. I picked up Gil's gun and trained it on Bezken, but he moved quickly and Gil was in my way. I put both hands on the gun to steady it and fired.

Both men quit moving and I was terrified I had killed Gil. Bezken rolled away from Gil and I gasped; both men had been shot, only Gil wasn't moving.

“Nice shot,” Bezken said, getting to his feet and walking towards me.

I stood on shaky legs and pointed Gil's gun at Bezken; it all seemed to be happening in slow motion. I pulled the trigger and heard... nothing.

“What, no bang?” Bezken said.

I looked down at the gun and pulled the trigger again, nothing but the annoying click of an empty gun.

000

Gil's arm was on fire and he knew he had been shot. He rolled over and struggled to focus. He saw Bezken's dark figure walking towards Sara. He slowly sat up and struggled to stand.

“We're going to have fun, Sara.” he heard Bezken say.

000

“Move in!” Brass said into the walkie-talkie.

“10-4.” S.W.A.T replied.

000

Gil saw the familiar red spots of a sniper rifle on Bezken's back and he moved with lightning speed. Rushing over and grabbing Sara. He heard S.W.A.T fire and he covered Sara with his body.

000

When I saw Gil rush over to me I thought I was dreaming. He wrapped his arms around me and we fell to the ground, I heard S.W.A.T fire. I didn't see Bezken go down, but I heard his body hit the ground. It felt like I was going to be pressed into the ground forever, but Gil slowly moved and I sat up. Bezken lay on his back nearby, his body riddled with bullet holes and covered in blood.

“Are you OK?” Gil asked, pulling me to my feet.

I nodded and starred at Bezken's body, it was over. Brass drove up and we were soon surrounded by police and paramedics. Brass checked Bezken's pulse and nodded to the coroner. I looked at Gil's shoulder and gasped.

“Gil, I shot you!” I said.

Gil looked at his shoulder. “Yeah, but I would prefer that over the alternative.” he said.

Somehow I found myself smiling at his joke.

When I woke up the sun had gone down and the room was darker. Gil was up, flipping through the channels on the television set. I sat up slowly and Gil turned his attention towards me.

“Are you feeling OK?” he asked.

I nodded. “That was the best sleep I have had all week.” I said.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

I hadn't thought about food all day and I was surprised to find my stomach growling at the mention of food.

“I take that as a yes.” Gil said smiling.

I stood up and let the sheet fall away from my body. I felt Gil's eyes on me as I padded to the bathroom; it felt good to be wanted again. I stood in front of the mirror and looked at my body. It had been over a week since I had been attacked and the bruises were still present. Gil walked up behind me and kissed my shoulder.

“You have a beautiful body.” he said.

I looked at my bruised eye, which had turned a light brown instead of the dark purple it had been before. The Bruises around my breasts had nearly faded.

“He reminded me of my father,” I said. “the way he smelled. I don't want to feel like that ever again.”

Gil traced his fingers down my arms and I sighed. “Some things never leave you, they follow you until you die.” I said.

“Only if you let them.” he replied.

“What was he looking for in our home?” I asked.

Gil traced his fingers over the swells of my breasts and kissed the nape of my neck. “I don't know, but when this is over we'll put our life back together.” he said.

“I smelled that smell when we were at home, that dirty smell.” I said.

“Like soil?” Gil asked.

“It smelled like... oil or brake fluid. It smelled like...gasoline.” I said.

“He didn't own a shop or anything and he wasn't at his his last known address. What if...” Gil said, stepping away from me and reaching for his phone.

“Jim, I think I know where he is.” Gil said.



“Stay here, I'm going to check this out with Jim.” Gil said, kissing me on the head.

Gil pulled his shoes on and checked the clip of his gun.

“Just in case.” he said, handing me his gun.

“Let me come with you.” I said, standing.

Gil shook his head. “It may not be safe. Just stay here, lock the door and don't come out for anything.” he said.

“Where do you think he is?” I asked.

“I think he's at the junk yard and that's why he smells like car fluids.” Gil said, pulling his jacket on.

“Be careful, honey.” I said.

“I will.” he said, leaning down the kiss me.

“Lock the door.” he said as he left.



Gil had been gone only a few hours, but I started to get anxious. I was hoping that they had found this man and had taken him to prison where he belongs, but in my mind other scenarios played. I imagined Gil and Brass finding the man, or Bezken as Gil called him, and being ambushed. If I lost Gil my world would never be the same. What if Bezken tied Gil up and was torturing him? What if he shot Gil and left him for dead out in some junk yard? What if Gil never made it to the junk yard and he was dead somewhere else?

Images of Gil lying dead or Gil being tortured flooded my mind and I began to panic. I shook my head to empty it and I sat on the bed. There was a knock at the door and I jumped to my feet.

“Gil?” I asked.

I didn't hear Gil reply, instead I heard the knocking again. I ran to the wall and turned the light out, darkness filled the room. The knocking turned to a pounding and I covered my ears. I hurried over to the phone that rested on the nightstand and dialed Gil.

“This is Gil Grissom, I am unavailable ...” The voice mail said.

I slammed the receiver down and the banging on the door stopped.

“Whose out there!?” I called

“This is maid service.” I heard a woman's voice say.

I was skeptical of this, I wasn't easily fooled. “Thank you, but we're fine.” I called.

“I have towels.” She said.

I stood up and padded to the door. I checked the peephole and saw a Spanish woman holding a stack of towels.

“Umm, hold on.” I said, flipping the light back on and unlocking the door.

I opened the door and smiled. “I'm sorry, my husband's gone and I'm just a little paranoid.” I explained, taking the towels.

“That's alright, I know what you mean.” The maid said.

Faster than I realized a man walked up behind her and drew a knife. Before I could do anything he had grabbed the maid and slid the knife across her throat, severing her wind pipe and vocal cords. Blood spilled from her neck and sprayed across the front of my shirt. I was rooted to the spot, shaking in fear. Finally, I quickly stepped back and tried to slam the door. The man slammed his body against the door and I flew back onto the floor. I looked up at him and gasped, it was him.

“Please leave me alone!” I cried.

I tried to crab walk backwards, but he bent down and grabbed my ankle. I screamed and grabbed the carpet. He pulled me to him and yanked me up.

“We don't want company, so shut your fucking mouth!” he said, shaking me.

He slammed the door and I struggled against him.

“I thought I heard Grissom tell you not to open the door.” he whispered in my ear.

He pinned me against a wall and I envisioned being raped again.

“Where is the file? I want it.” he said.

“What file?” I whimpered.

“My file,” he said grabbing me by the back of the neck. “I tore that place of yours apart looking for that file. Your husband has it, where is it?”

“At the lab!” I said, wincing in pain.

“Fuck!” he yelled.

I struggled to get free, but he held me fast. He smelled my skin and I inhaled the scent of gasoline.

“There's no use letting you go to waste. I saw you with him you little whore, you like it don't you?” he said.

“I can get it for you!” I cried.

Bezkin took a step back and thought for a moment. I was afraid he would just rape me anyway and then make me bring him the evidence.

“How do I know you won't run?” he asked, pulling a knife out.

“I won't, you can trust me.” I said.

“Good, because I'd hate to bring your daughter into this.” he said.


Gil and Brass looked into an old truck and nodded.

“Someone's been sleeping in here alright?” Brass said.

“Nick, go over this truck. I need it done fast, bring me everything you have as soon as possible.” Gil said.

Nick nodded and began to take pictures with his camera.


“Hey, Bob.” I said, walking up to the evidence room.

“Hey Sara, I didn't know you were back at work. How ya feeling?” Bob asked me.

“Awww, I'm feeling fine.” I said.

“What can I do for you?” he asked.

I pursed my lips. “Bob, I need to see the Bezken evidence and the evidence Catherine collected from my SAFE kit.” I said.

“Sara, you know I can't let you see that.” he said, opening his book.

“Bob, please. I just want to look at it in Layout and I'll bring it right back.” I said.

Bob looked me and nodded. “Don't you go telling Grissom now, I'll loose my job. I know you two are kinda close.”

“Yeah, we're a little tight.” I said with a smile.

Bob checked the book and walked back to scan the boxes. He pulled down two big boxes and handed them to me.

“You need help with that.” he asked.

I shook my head. “No, I'll be back.” I said.

“Sara, what's that on your shirt?” he asked.

“Umm, I'll be right back.” I said.

I stacked the boxes up and heaved them to the layout room. I opened them up and pulled a duffel bag I had stuffed under the table. I tried to dump the contents of both boxes in, but there wasn't enough room. I took a few items out and broke the evidence seal, enough to where they were not going to be permitted. I felt bad because this was evidence my friends had collected against this man, but he could hurt Emily and I would rather be reprimanded than loose her. I swung the bag over my shoulder and walked out.

000

“We'll just grab a few things and we'll find a hotel.” Gil said as we drove towards home.

“We'll if were going to be out of the house, we might as well bring Emily with us.” I said.

I saw Gil purse his lips. “Sara, I think she'll be safer with Catherine.” He said.

Gil turned onto our street and I saw all the familiar sights. You always imagine your home as a safe place to go, but in this instance my home was a place that was being watched.

“Gil, I can keep her safe. Please, I miss her so much.” I said.

Gil reached over and took my hand. “I don't think we should.” he said.

I didn't press it any further because I saw pain in his eyes as well. It was wrong of me to think that Gil didn't want Emily back as much as I did, she was his life as well as mine. When Emily was an infant and Gil came home from work, she would immediately start to cry as soon as he opened the door. Gil would always change her diaper and bring her with him to bed, laying her down between us. It was soon part of his routine, he always brought Emily to bed with him when he got off of work, and he still did.

“What about Hank?” I said, changing the subject.

Gil pulled into our driveway and put the car in park. “I called Kate, she already came to pick him up.” he said.

I nodded and we walked up the walkway towards our front door. Gil stopped and put his hand on my stomach to still me.

“What?” I whispered.

I followed Gil's line of sight and saw our front door open. Gil pushed me gently against the wall of the house and gave me the 'stay there' look. Gil eased open the front door with his shoe and glanced into the room. I heard him walk into the room and I slowly followed behind him and gasped.

“Sara, go back outside.” Gil said.

I looked down at the mess on the floor. “Our home.” I whispered.

Our home had been torn apart. The couch cushions were shredded and thrown across the living room, our T.V was busted, the blinds were off the windows and the coffee table was turned over. I looked into the kitchen and saw our refrigerator was on it's side, our groceries were spilled out onto the floor.

“Why... what... our house.” I stuttered, unable to make a full sentence.

“Sara, let's go.” Gil said.

I walked past him into our bedroom and looked at the damage. Our bed was torn apart and the mirror over the dresser was on it's side,but it was still in tact. I bent over and picked up a pile of clothes and Gil pulled me away.

“Don't touch anything!” he whispered harshly.

I opened my arms and the clothes fell back to the floor. My first instinct wasn't 'crime scene, be careful with fingerprints' it was 'home destroyed, pick up the mess'.

“Sorry.” I said defensively.

I stepped around the disaster that was once our bedroom and opened the bathroom door. The shower curtain was drawn but I inhaled the smell of blood and... something dirty.

“Gil.” I whispered.

He heard me and came to stand at my side. He glanced at the drawn shower curtain and pulled me out of the bathroom.

“Go back to the car and lock the doors.” he said, putting the keys in my hand.

I looked at the shower curtain and shook my head. Gil took a hold of my upper arm and led me back to the living room.

“I don't think anything will happen, but I want you in the car just in case.” he explained.

“Gil, I don't want to leave you.” I said.

“I said go!” Gil said, loudly.

I stopped and blinked for a moment. In all of our years together never once demanded for me to leave. We both have yelled at each other countless times, but this was a different Gil I was seeing. This Gil was scared and desperate.

“Yeah.” I said, nodding.

I turned away from Gil and walked back to the car.

000

Gil watched Sara walk out of the house and he didn't move until heard the car door open and close. He turned back to the bathroom and swallowed. He saw his Tom Gordon autographed bat and picked it up. He stepped around the mess and pushed the bathroom door open. The smell of blood was so strong he knew that somebody was dead. It hadn't been but a few hours, because the smell of decomposition was undetectable. He gripped the curtain tightly with his left hand and pulled it back slowly.

The bathtub was filled with water and blood; in the bathtub was the dead patrolman. Gil had seen death countless times, but the fact that this body was in his home disturbed him. He pulled away from the bath tub and quickly dialed Brass.

000

I sat in the drivers seat with the door locked, waiting on Gil to emerge. After about fifteen minutes of waiting Brass pulled up along side me. He and Nick Stokes climbed out of the car and headed towards the front door. I opened my door quickly so I could follow them.

“Holy Shit,” I heard Brass say when he opened the front door.

I walked up slowly behind them and took in the scene of my broken home once again. Nick turned and smiled at me, I haven't seen him since before the attack and I was glad to.

“Hey, girl. I see Grissom drove you up the wall and you tore the hose apart.” He said, trying to joke.

I smiled at him and looked over at Gil, who had emerged from our bedroom. He motioned for Nick and Brass to follow him, but I picked up a chair and sat down.

“Yep, that's Lewis.” I heard Brass say.

000

“You guys can come and stay with me.” Catherine offered.

For a moment my heart jumped; I would be with Emily and we would be a family again. But I knew that if a killer was following us, it would be best to stay away from her. Gil was right.

“I think we'll find a hotel and keep our distance from everyone.” Gil said.

I nodded along with him and bit my lip. I was tired of being on my toes and not able to find peace. I found myself wishing for the moments when rape had been my only concern. I looked over at Gil and I took note of how old he suddenly looked, like his life was draining from his body. He had dark circles under his eyes and he was constantly rubbing his temples.

“Have we located Bezkin yet?” He asked.

“Not yet,” Brass said. “we went by his address and didn't find hide nor hair. He's in the wind.”

Gil let out a breath and swallowed. I reached over, took his hand and gently squeezed it.

“Why don't we go try to rest?” I said.

“Yeah, you two go rest. I'll be in touch.” Brass said.

I walked over and put my arms around Brass. “Thank you.” I said.

000

Gil and I found a motel room that was near the station. We found our room and survey our dingy quarters. Not home, but home away from home. We had stopped by the store and had gotten essentials and clothes.

“I'm going to shower.” Gil said, picking the shampoo, soap and conditioner out of one of the bags.

I nodded to him, kicked off my shoes and stretched out onto the bed. Gil left the bathroom door open as he stripped of his clothes. I let my eyes roam his body and I smiled to myself, I had married one incredibly handsome man. I began to feel the familiar tingle of want and I debated going to him. I still didn't feel comfortable with having sex, but my body needed to be comforted by him.

I got up from off the bed and made may way to the bathroom. Gil had stepped under the spray and I could see his silhouette behind the clear shower curtain.

“It's easy, you always join Gil in the shower. Just strip off, step in with him and hold him.” I thought.

I unbuttoned my shirt and tossed it to the floor, my pants quickly joined them. I hesitated with my underwear, but I shook my head and proceeded.

“Don't be scared. You need each other right now, just take a deep breath and walk forward” I thought.

I padded slowly up to the shower and stepped in behind Gil. I slowly walked up behind him and brought my hands up to his chest.

Gil let out a breath that I could tell he had been holding. “I wanted you to join me.” he said.

I pressed kisses onto the skin of his back. “I wanted to, I'm just not sure.” I said.

I flicked my tongue and licked his back, I loved the way his skin tasted.

“We'll do what you want.” Gil said.

I laughed softly. “That could be life threatening.” I said, trying to make light of our situation.

I felt Gil chuckle. “Whatever gets you wet.” he said.

I began to ease up and I smiled. I pressed my chest fully against his back and lowered my hands.

“You do,” I said, sliding my hands lower. “you make me wet.”

I felt Gil's muscles tighten. “Oh really?” he said.

I pressed my mouth to his back and hungrily lapped and nipped at his skin. My hands reached his thighs and I grasped his erection. I heard him groan and I gently began to work my hands up and down, gently twisting as I reached the head.

“Sar...ohhh.” He sighed.

I felt a burning desire between my legs and I brought my hips up to meet Gil's thigh. It wasn't were I wanted it to be, but it was getting the job done for now. I pressed my hips into his hip and sighed. I began to stroke Gil harder.

“Sara... I've always wanted you. All my life, I love you.” he moaned.

I let go of him with my right hand and stroked him with only my left. I brought my hand to myself and tried to ease the throbbing between my thighs.

“I want to be inside of you.” Gil said.

I stopped moving and I wondered if I was ready for him to be inside of me.

“Do you trust me?” Gil asked.

I nodded. “I trust you with my life.” I said.

Gil turned of the shower and turned to me. I starred up at him and gulped, I was scared.

“I'm going to be careful, you're my everything and I would never hurt you.” He said.

I nodded and I let Gil lead me out of the shower. The air was cold on my wet skin and I don't remember walking. I just remember landing on the bed and Gil slowly crawling over me. I began to sweat and my heart beat faster, I started to hyperventilate . Gil brushed my hair back and kissed my forehead.

“I would never hurt you. You're precious to me.” he whispered in my ear.

I nodded and closed my eyes. “I want you,” I said. “I do, I want you so bad.”

Gil kissed down my neck and between my breasts. I tensed up and wrapped my arms around his neck. I had an urge to get up and run, but I calmed my self. He was my husband, the love of my life. I began to ease up and soon I found pleasure in his kisses. I closed my eyes in ecstasy and let out a mew of pleasure.

“Don't stop.” I said.

Gil moved to one of my breast and suck a nipple into his mouth. I arched my back and gasped his name. He brought his lips to mine and I began to passionately kiss him. I sucked his lip into my mouth and began to bite down on it. I took a deep breath and took the next step.

“I'm ready.” I whispered, kissing the shell of his ear.

I pushed Gil back gently and leaned back onto the pillows. I parted my thighs for him and I sighed. Gil positioned himself over me and kissed my neck. I felt him reach down and test my wetness.

“You sure?” he asked.

I nodded and wrapped my arms around his neck. When Gil filled me it was usually a stretch so I prepared myself for the pain... I just didn't know what else to prepare myself for. Gil positioned the tip at my entrance and I took a deep breath. Gil gently pushed in and I saw stars, not from the pain but from panic. I began to grasp the sheets and Gil stopped.

“Do I need to stop?” he asked.

“No, please don't. Just let me calm down.” I said, taking deep breaths.

Gil waited a moment then he pushed slowly again. I didn't see as many stars, but I began to smell liquor. Even though Gil and I both were sober. My stomach began to churn and I started feeling nauseated.

“I feel sick.” I gasped.

Gil stopped and tried pull out of me. I held him still and shook my head.

“Just wait.” I said.

Soon the nausea passed and I nodded to Gil. He pushed into me the rest of the way and I sighed. I took a moment to feel him inside of me. Gil began to move slowly and I slammed my eyes shut, trying to concentrate on the feel of Gil and not on my thoughts. He felt like hot iron moving in and out of me and I began to feel tingles of pleasure begin at the tips of my toes.

“Oh Gil!” I finally cried.

Gil took this as his green light because he picked up the pace. I hitched my legs up and brought them up to the small of his back and I threaded my fingers through his hair, scratching his scalp with my nails. Soon all negative thoughts were miles from me and I was surrounded by the smell and noises of sex. Gil sped up again and he brought his head down to bite my neck.

“Gil!” I yelled, pressing his head into my neck, urging him to bite harder. There was something about the pain that brought me pleasure in this experience, it made me feel real. Gil bit down harder and I cried out and felt my orgasm hit me. It was one of the most intense ones I had ever experience and I felt like I was flying. Gil followed me and we soon slumped together onto the bed.

“You ok?” Gil asked, gasping.

I looked over at him and took in the sweat drenched, sated sight of him and smiled. “I feel great.”

“You did so good?” He said, kissing me.

I smiled and kicked him playfully. “I know.” I said.

Gil grinned. I was beginning to feel the same.

I snapped my eyes open and tried to sit up. I felt someone place their hands on my shoulders and push me back down.

“Where am I?” I asked, trying to focus.

“Sara, it's me. Your at the hospital, try not move.” Gil said.

I tried to quite struggling by my vision was swimming and I couldn't focus on Gil. I reached out with one of my hands and I felt him take my hand.

“I'm here.” he said.

“He's dead.” I said.

“Whose dead, Sara?” Gil asked.

“Didn't you see him!?” I cried.

I felt Gil put his hand on my cheek. “Honey, I don't know what you're talking about.” he said.

I heard a door open and I heard another voice.

“When did she wake up?” The voice, that I assumed belonged to the doctor, said.

“Just a minute ago. I don't think she's focusing, she may be still dizzy from the medicine.” Gil said.

“He's dead!” I cried again.

“Whose dead, Sara?” The doctor said, shining a light into my eyes.

I slammed my eyes shut, the brightness of his light gave me a headache. The doctor peeled my right eye open and shined his light.

“I don't see any signs of trauma. She may have just seen or heard something and simply went into shock. It's not uncommon after a sexual assault.” The doctor said.

“No, you're not listening to me. I said he's dead. I let Hank out and I saw him. His throat was open and there was blood everywhere.” I said, squeezing Gil's hand.

“Whose Hank?” The doctor asked.

“He's our dog.” Gil answered.

“You had to have seen it,” I continued. “go back and look. The officer Brass had sent. He's dead.” I said.

“Do I need to call the police?” The doctor asked.

I heard the familiar sound of Gil opening his phone and dialing. “I'm calling Captain Jim Brass.” Gil said.

“Sara, I'm going to give you something to help you sleep.” The doctor said.

I shook my head from side to side. “I don't want to sleep. I want my baby...I want to go home.” I said.

Gil squeezed my hand and kissed it. “We'll go home soon.” he said.

I felt my heartbeat slow down and I knew I had been give a sleep aid. I began to slow my movements, but I still pleaded to be taken home. Soon I became still and I felt Gil run his hand through my hair. Finally my vision cleared and I focused on Gil. He was sitting on the side om my bed, a worried expression on his face.

“Where did you find me?” I said before I fell asleep once again.

“Honey, you were in bed with me.” Gil said.

000

“Nobody has seen him.” Brass said.

Gil and Brass were sitting outside Sara's room. Brass had call and asked about the officer that had been posted outside their home. The officer hadn't returned home nor had he called in.

“Tell me your side.” Brass said, taking a sip of coffee.

“There isn't much for me to tell. Sara and I came home last night and went to bed. I got up to go the kitchen once during the night and she seemed to be sleeping fine, or at least I thought she was. When I woke up again it was morning and Sara was laying on her side still asleep. I didn't think anything of it, I got up and found Hank in the front yard. I figured he had gotten out of the fence again.” Gil explained.

“You didn't find it funny that the dog was outside?” Brass said.

“I'm realizing all this now, thank you.” Gil said, giving Brass a sideways glance. “I figured Sara had let him out and had gone back to bed. Anyway, I noticed Sara had been sleeping for a while so I went to check on her. I shook her and said her name, but she didn't move. That's when I felt her pulse, it was weak and she felt cold. I called an ambulance and she woke up a few hours ago, claiming the man you posted outside our house was dead.”

“Well, if she found him dead and went into shock. How did she get back in bed?” Brass asked.

Gil shook his head. “Something obviously scared the shit out of her, I mean literally. And that happens when a person is in such a state of shock that they can't move. Someone brought her back inside and laid her down beside me.” Gil said

“Do you think it was Bezken?” Brass asked, taking another sip of his coffee.

“If it was Bezken and he killed that patrolman, why didn't he kill Sara? Why didn't he kill me?” Gil asked himself.

“Maybe he's toying with us.” Brass stated, frowning at his coffee and throwing in the trash can.

“And I don't think he intends to stop.” Gil said.

000

I woke up again and my world was still. I was able to focus on everything in the room, from the light switch to the window. I looked at the heart monitor and other machines and groaned. I was in a hospital once again, back to where I had started. My door cracked open a fraction and I saw Gil peek into the room. A smile broke out over my face when I saw him.

“Gil.” I said.

Gil slipped into the room and walked over to me.”How do you feel?” He asked me.

“I feel like I've been asleep for years.” I answered.

“It feels like it.” He said, kissing my head.

I slid my arms around his neck and pressed a kiss into his hair. “I love you.” I said.

“You scared me, I didn't know what happened.” Gil said.

“I feel like I'm in a horror movie and the bad guy is winning.” I said.

“Tell me what happened.” Gil said.

I took a deep breath and recounted what happened. I told him of the dead patrolman and the mysterious pair of feet.

“I called your name, but It only came out in whisper. And then I woke up in a hospital.” I said.

Gil pursed his lips. “I found you next to me, you were already in such a stage of shock that you had lost control of your fluids. I thought you had had a stroke or something.” Gil said.

“I didn't know where I was when I woke up. I though he had me and I thought he was going to hurt me again.” I said, wiping my eyes.

Gil lifted my chin and kissed me softly on the lips. “Not while I'm alive.” he whispered.

I nodded and felt may dam break. Gil held me as I cried.

000

“Someone's here to see you.” Gil whispered to me.

I opened my eyes and saw Catherine standing across the room holding Emily. I sat up and held out my arms to her.

“Baby, I've missed you.” I said as Catherine put Emily in my arms.

“Momma!” Emily cried, putting her little arms around my neck.

I wrapped my arms around her body and rocked her. “Don't cry, I'm not going anywhere.” I said.

“Daddy!” She cried again, reaching for Gil.

“Ladybug.” Gil said, lifting her up and kissing her on her little brown head.

“We're going to go home soon.” I promised.

“Go home?” Emily asked, turning and pointing at the door.

“Soon.” Gil said.

“No daddy,” Emily said, shaking her head. “Go home.” She said.

Emily turned and pointed back towards Catherine. “Caprine home?”

“Yeah, Aunt Cathrine is going to take you home.” Gil said, kissing her curly brown hair.

Emily reached for me and Gil handed her back to me. I kissed her head and she immediately stuck her hand down my gown. It was something she did when she was tired or wanted me to cuddle her. Emily was a very affectionate child. I pulled her closer to me and breathed in her smell, it brought tears to my eyes.

“I miss her so much.” I said, looking up at Gil.

“I know, we'll bring her home as soon as we can.” Gil said, rubbing Emily's back.

I looked at Catherine. “Has she been taking her medicine?” I asked.

“She's been taking it everyday, like a good girl.” Catherine said.

“She is a good girl.” I said, kissing her head.