A/N: Hello everyone, hope you are all doing well. Decided to give another story a go and will continue if people are interested? Have had this idea for a while and finally decided to work it into an actual story. I think by now you all know my style - but this story will be lots of ups and downs, dark and light. Hope you guys will join me on another twisty, winding C/S journey.
It will be quite obvious from the beginning, but this story is a stand alone from the other stories I have written.
Disclaimer: I do not own CSI or any of the characters - I make no monetary or other gain from this story.
Take care and enjoy :)
CHAPTER 1
"Fate leads the willing, and drags along the reluctant."
Seneca
CATHERINE POV
I swore to myself long ago that I would never return to Vegas. Ever. I told myself that even if the world were ending and Vegas were the last standing city, I would jump into the blazing inferno that is the rest of the world instead of stepping a single foot back onto Vegas sand.
But then, he called.
Gilbert Grissom.
The one shining beacon in that entire sordid city. The person that reminds me that perhaps not everything, not everyone, in that city is soulless. That perhaps there is some decency holding out somewhere. Granted, you probably have to look harder for it in Vegas than you do in other cities, but he gives me hope that if you are willing to look there may be some reward for your efforts.
I used to live in Vegas. Right after high school. It was the ultimate rebellion against my family, particularly my mother. I had always had dreams of running off to Vegas and becoming a huge star, and one day I decided to stop dreaming and do something about it.
Ultimately, my dreams fell a bit short. I was a star, alright, but in a strip club as opposed to the big stage. I fell for the sleazy lines of a two bit scum bag named Eddie. Hell, we even got married. I never saw our union as true love, just another way to hurt my mother. My mother who most certainly never even got an invite to the ramshackle wedding ceremony.
When Eddie got violent, though, I was out. No rebellious phase was worth that.
Not when we had a daughter.
I took our daughter, Lindsey, hopped on a plane, and promptly moved back to Montana. Moved back in with my mother who I had spent the last four years of my life spiting.
She was the only one who would take me in.
Now, ironically, when my life is finally stable for the first time, I'm heading back to Vegas, the very pinnacle of all my past bad decisions.
But, when Gil called asking for my help, I couldn't say no.
Not to the man who in more ways than one saved my life.
Now, he needs me to help save one of his own CSIs.
Shaking my head, I run my fingers through my windblown hair as my car races through the countryside. Looking next to me, Lindsey is sound asleep, having worn herself out with excitement the day before.
Lindsey was thrilled for a vacation in the big city with glittering lights and magical hosts of characters.
Me? I'm excited to see my good friend.
But, I'm also terrified that I will fail to help him, fail to successfully return the favor of all the times he's helped me.
The gun hits the table with a hard, metallic thud.
"Badge as well."
A pause, then the badge joins the gun on the cold, metal table.
"Sara…I…"
The brunette doesn't wait for a response, pushing away and heading to the door.
"We done?"
"Yes." Another hesitant, almost apologetic pause. "But please don't leave the area."
Sidle's jaw tightens, the dark expression on her face only growing stormier.
Pulling the door open, she quickly leaves the room, the sound of her footsteps echoing down the hallway until they, and she, disappear.
"That her?" I question, though I really need no further clarification of who, and what, I just witnessed.
What I just witnessed is every CSI's worst nightmare played out in front of me.
"Yes," Gil nods quietly. "Sara Sidle."
"Your favorite CSI."
"That's why I need you handling this, Catherine," Gil doesn't miss a beat at my comment. "I can't have any claims of favoritism. Not regarding something as serious as this."
"If I find her culpable…"
I don't need to finish the statement.
"Then you do what you need to do."
I nod, eyes still on the empty hall where the brunette disappeared moments before.
I have no intentions of doing anything aside from my job. My relationship with Grissom will have no bearing here.
Yes, he asked for my help because he cares about Sidle. But, he asked most of all for my help in seeking the truth.
The truth may not be something my good friend wants to hear, but that's my job.
The job I'm able to do because of him.
"It's really good to see you, Gil," I repeat for the second time since I arrived.
Squeezing his arm, I let out a breath.
"Damn good."
AN: Short chapter to start things off and set the stage. Away we go from here :) Thanks for reading.