A/N: Hello to all! This is my first fanfic. First shot at writing CSI and GSR.

This is set sometime around Season 5, before Grissom and Sara became involved. You know what that means? We have the original team here! If there are inconsistencies with the original story line from the series, it's intentional so as to fit my story. In fact, this is an AU story.

I would really appreciate it if you can leave reviews. That way, I'll know if you like the story or not. I'll gladly accept both positive and negative reviews. I'll post 2 chapters after this, wait for feedback, and decide after that if I will continue this or not.

GG

PROLOGUE

1998 – San Francisco, California

The man desperately fought back, but to no avail. He could not remember how he ended up tied to a chair and a gag on his mouth. The last vivid memory he had of the evening was proposing to his girlfriend over dinner and celebrating it with a toast of champagne. Next thing he knew, he was some sort of hostage in his own bedroom.

His girlfriend-now fiancé- stood before him, crying her heart out. He wanted to comfort her, but even words couldn't be said because of the gag. He managed to blurt out some muffled words though.

"Honey, I'm so sorry," the woman professed. "I tried to do everything to prevent this from happening."

He understood her words, but couldn't grasp the context. He wondered what the hell was happening.

Then suddenly, every piece of the puzzle was laid out before him. It didn't take him long to process everything.

Rage consumed him. He threw all possible slurs that he could, regardless of their incomprehensibleness. He felt nothing but resentment and betrayal.

He couldn't believe that his happiness was built around deceit.

The woman spoke again. "I love you! I really do!"

Lies! You selfish, manipulative bitch!

"I admit at first, I was an opportunist. But when you gave me a chance, my world was completely turned around."

I was meant to fall for you according to your sick and twisted scheme!

He kept these thoughts to himself. She was responded with silence and a deadly glare.

"I decided to walk away from that. I wanted to start a new life with you."

Yeah… start a new life with my money after you kill me.

"Honey, please tell me you believe me," she pleaded.

He only responded with the same glare he'd been wearing since he learned of the truth.

Two gunshots suddenly disturbed the atmosphere.

The man immediately died.

As his life ebbed away, his piercing eyes turned into mirrors reflecting the greatest of horrors. It was as if time stopped while his nightmares invaded his reality.

The man's gray polo shirt now sported a bright crimson color. The blood was quickly spreading from where the bullets where lodged-in his chest. Blood also trickled down the corner of his mouth.

It was a shame that somebody with a promising life ahead would only fall prey to predators that would go to the extent of killing just for their own malicious gain.

The man had the talent, the resources, even the charisma. He could've been one of the most respected figures in California if not for his decision to prioritize having a family. No one could blame him for seeking comfort and affection from a family he so wanted to have, much like any other human being. No one could also predict the miserable fate that would befall him.

He let his career stagger, opting to be a family man. The moment he fell in love, he opened his heart and gave up everything he worked for.

And that simple yet ultimately life-changing choice cost him his life.

Now he had nothing.

The woman fell to her knees. The smell of gunpowder sickened her. Seeing her fiancé drenched in his own blood intensified her despair.

She thought she could turn her life around. She never expected that she would fall deeply in love with this man who now sat dead in front of her. For a short while, she thought she finally figured out what to do with her life. She was given the second chance, a clean slate. She felt alive and more than hopeful.

But perhaps it was fate that decided it was too late already.

She continued to sob as she violently shook her head continuously. One moment, she was at the top of the world. The next, she was now rolling downhill, receiving a great deal of emotional damage. She wrapped her arms around her as if protecting herself from an invisible monster that was ready to devour her.

Another gunshot was fired, silencing the woman this time.

She lay sprawled on the floor. A small pool of blood already formed on the carpet, originating from the wound on her temple. The last of the tears she shed flowed freely from her eyes. Her eyes exhibited nothing but sadness and regret.

This is just a glimpse of the big picture. This is where the main plot will revolve on. ;)

Reviews please! *puppy dog eyes*