A/N: Yes, I am well aware of the fact that it's not technically the 3rd of March yet on FanFiction - but it is where I am, and I just couldn't wait! XD So, welcome, one and all, to the third and final installment of this criminal crossover trilogy. First, though, here are a few things you might like to know:

The timeline for this is set in CSI:NY Season 6, NCIS Season 7, and NCIS: Los Angeles early to mid Season 3. Yes, I KNOW that NCIS:LA was only in its first season during NCIS Season 7, and so this time continuity is rather impossible and thus a little AU - but this is FANFICTION. Also, this fic is longer than its other two counterparts, being twelve chapters and a prologue long instead of eight chapters and a prologue. But I needed to wrap up all the loose ends, give everyone adequate screentime, resolve issues, etc. etc. Hence the longer length.

For those who are newcomers to this trilogy, I welcome you too - but I strongly recommend you read the first two stories before this one, as they are all interconnected. You can find them on my profile.

Next thing: put your thinking caps on, people! This final story is going to take you through all sorts of twists and complications, and you'll need your head on straight to make it out with a proper understanding of the case and the trilogy as a whole. Case in point: this particular story starts with a prologue that takes you back fourteen years. Don't say I didn't warn you.

And lastly, but not least, enjoy!

Cross-Country Case: Pacific Crime

Prologue

21:39, December 20, 1997; Washington, D.C.

The preppy young bartender set several glasses of alcohol down in front of her four customers, smiling at them.

"Can I get you anything else?" she queried.

"We'll let you know, sweetheart," said one of the men, winking at her.

The bartender nodded and went off to serve someone else.

"Good evening," she greeted the man who had just come in and sat down on the stool. "What can I get you?"

"Martini, dry," he ordered.

"Coming right up," she agreed, shaking a bottle.

As she poured his drink out for him, she noticed his gaze straying to the four men she had just served. She could understand his curiosity; this bar was a fairly common joint for Marines, but anyone who was new – as her customer certainly was – would be staring at the four soldiers, with their buzz cuts and Navy uniforms.

"They're something else, aren't they?" she said lightly as she handed him his drink.

"Yes, they are," her customer replied in his smooth, urban voice.

Across from them, the group of Marines laughed and slapped each other jovially on the back, obviously responding to some joke one of them had told. One of them raised his hand, and the bartender went over to see what they wanted.

"Would you like anything else?" she inquired.

"No, we're done for the night." The Marine who had spoken to her earlier handed her several bills. "The colonel here has to get home to his daughter," he added teasingly, giving a friendly nudge to the dark-brown-haired man next to him.

"Shut up, Wilson," his friend retorted.

Wilson chuckled.

The bartender smiled as she handed them their change. "All right. Goodnight, gentlemen."

The Marines returned the sentiment politely and walked out. The bartender cleared their glasses, then turned to her other customer; she was surprised to see him leaving his half-finished drink on the counter as he followed the Marines out.

"Hey!" she called. "Aren't you gonna pay for that?"

"Just put it on my tab, will you?" the man told her over his shoulder. "I'll come back and pay later."

"What name should I put on the tab?" she inquired.

The man was already halfway out the door.

"Ernest St. James."

A/N: Yep, it's short. Don't worry - the chapters are longer. This is just a little something to get the ball rolling.

Reviews, of course, are much appreciated!