Chapter 1
Catherine Willows stared blankly at yet another set of gruesome photos from yet another gruesome crime scene. She ran her fingers over the photo of the girl from before her life was taken, the one her parents had given the police when she had gone missing. She had always tried not to let the cases get to her, something Grissom had always warned her about, but after having to tell your second pair of parents in one week that they'll never see their little girl again, it became pretty hard to stay emotionally disengaged. She quickly put down the pictures, not being able to deal with the sadness that they brought upon her any more. She jumped slightly, startled by her phone vibrating on the table in front of her. She looked down at who it was that was calling, smiling as she read the name. He always called just when she needed to hear his voice the most. She reached for the phone, leaning back in her chair as she answered it.
"Hey stranger," she smiled when she heard his familiar low chuckle on the other end.
"God, it's good to hear your voice."
"Same goes," she said, looking up at the clock on the wall. "You should be resting, it's late."
"Well, that's why I called. I just wanted to let you know that the conference ended a bit early and I decided to start driving home tonight. So, if I don't run into any problems, I should be home by the time you get off shift."
"It's late, you don't have to drive all the way back tonight," she said, a strange feeling rising in her gut.
"What? Don't miss me?" his voice fained hurt and she couldn't help but smile.
"That's not what I meant; I just don't think you should be…"
"Cath, honey, I'll be fine okay. I've got to go but I'll see you soon."
"Alright, but be careful…I love you," she tried to shake the knot forming in her throat, something didn't feel right.
"I love you too, bye."
"Bye," she hung up the phone and shook her head, trying to blame her sudden feelings on a lack of sleep. She dismissed all prior thoughts and got back to work, anticipating the return of her husband.
