DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN CSI OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS; THEY BELONG TO CBS OR ANTHONY ZUIKER
A/N: Brass and Iris come to a crossroads with the unexpected arrival of someone from Brass's past, causing wrinkles in the fabric of more than one relationship. What choices will be made? What wishes will be granted?
RATING: K+
GENRE: Romance/Angst
TIMELINE: Takes place approximately six months after "The FULL CSI."
EPISODE INFLUENCES/SPOILERS: "Hollywood Brass"; "The Hunger Artist"
ACKNOWLEDGEDMENTS: "Safe in the Arms of Love" written/sung by Martina McBride
My onging humble thanks to lady betas Kacee and Mel for their patience and support.
"As You Wish"
CHAPTER ONE
The sun was hot this Monday morning as Nick and Iris walked into the CSI lab building at the beginning of their shift. Nick glanced over to Iris, wondering how she kept up. She seemed to have no problem matching his stride though. He was still dating her fencing partner Breanne, even going so far as to watch the women in an amateur fencing competition. Knowing if he was ever in a dark alley, he wanted those two on his side.
As if she knew his thoughts, Iris said, "You and Breanne coming along okay?"
Nick's ear-to-ear grin readily answered that question. Iris was pleased things were going so well between the two. She had not tried to play matchmaker before the all-male talent show the CSI guys had been in nearly six months ago, but seeing the fruit it bore after the fact was a good thing she thought.
"Nick, I'm stopping by Jim's office right quick and then I'll be in for the assignments," Iris said suddenly and turned to head down another hall.
Heading toward the break room, Nick was also thinking that the detective's seeing Iris was a good thing as well. Jim and Iris were now public about their dating, but the two acted so professional while at work that only those who knew them best were aware.
Knocking softly at his open office door, Iris poked her head in. Brass was sitting at his desk. Iris asked, "Hey, are we on for dinner tonight at my place?" This was a nightly routine for them, Brass fearing he was benefiting too much from her great cooking. She suddenly noticed he was not alone.
"Umm, Iris tonight's not good," Brass said slowly, almost faltering on his response. His facial expression looked pained, and his discomfort was nearly palpable.
The woman in the chair across from Brass suddenly turned toward Iris. She was a stunningly attractive woman, tall, slender, long reddish hair framing a face showing intelligence and beauty. "You must be Iris. Jim's mentioned you. I'm Annie Kramer. He and I go back a ways."
Iris did not hesitate as she walked into the office and extended her hand to Annie, her handshake firm. "It's a pleasure to meet one of Captain Brass's long-term friends. Forgive the intrusion, I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation. I'm late as it is for my assignment. Please excuse me."
Jim rose from his chair, "Iris, some other time, okay?"
Iris could only manage a forced smile saying, "As you wish…" Dismissing herself, she quickly bolted from the office.
"So that's Iris. She seems nice but not one I could see you with though, Jim. Am I staying at your place then?" Annie said as she turned back to Brass.