Greg looked up as Nick walked into the lab. He stopped typing and gave Nick a look.
"I don't have anything yet. It hasn't been long enough for me to analyze everything."
"I know." Nick responded. He slumped down in a chair next to him.
"What's wrong?" Greg rolled his chair closer to Nick. Nick looked exhausted, small bags lined his eyes and his hair was ruffled.
"The girl, in the morgue. Natalie. Her mother and I used to be an item. Must have been at least 13 years ago. we broke up because of something stupid and we went our separate ways. I haven't seen her or even heard from her in forever. Now I see her and her daughter is dead."
"Nick, it's okay. You need to go talk with DB though. He won't want you on this case."
"I know Greg, but I have to be on this case. I owe it to her." Greg put a comforting hand on Nick's shoulder.
"Talk to DB, he will know what is best." Nick nodded and got back up with a heavy sigh.
"Thanks for listening to me." He said quietly before walking to DB's office. He knocked on the door. DB sat at his desk, papers surrounded him. He waved a hand at Nick, beckoning him in.
"Hey, Nick. What can I do for you?" DB pushed his things out of the way. He had taken over for Grissom and Ray. Nick didn't mind him, he seemed to have a more personal attachment to the victims.
"I have a slight problem." Nick spoke quietly, running a hand through his hair. "I know one of the victims mothers. It seems to be impairing my judgement on the situation. I know we haven't gotten far into the case yet but… I don't know." He trailed off.
"I see." DB responded, pulling a file closer to him. "The mother, Amelie? Yes?" He looked up and caught a nod from Nick. With a heavy sigh he began to speak again.
"I think you should take awhile off and be with the Mother. I am officially removing you from this case."
"What? That isn't what I wanted. I want to keep working. Isn't there another case you can put me on?" Nick stood up quickly.
"Nick, please calm down. I want you to be with the mother and keep her calm. You have seen this before and you know how it works. The mother can get very upset and I want you to keep her calm." Nick inhaled and held his breath, thinking about what had just been said.
"Alright. Thanks DB." He turned on his heel and left.