Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters… I'm just writing down a few ideas of mine and that's all… don't sue, I'm poor…
Summary: Human negligence can cause a lot of damages but sometimes adrenaline and emergency are the things you need to heal your wounds and come to terms with your issues. There's a point in everyone's life when they realize their own issues… but can our CSIs come over their problems to save one of their own or will it prevent them in saving the life of their colleague? Focus is the keyword…
Pairing: C/W, G/S (sorta)
Note: I had no beta-reader. Sorry for any annoying mistakes.

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FOCUS
Chapter1

Jim Brass made his way along the courthouse corridor. It was a long day and he was happy he was finally done there. The paperwork and the annoying administrations were definitely not the positive part of his job. But he didn't mind. He had his reasons for becoming a cop and if it meant unpleasant obligations too, he did his best without complaining. Nonetheless, he was happy he was already leaving.

He just caught sight of the afternoon sunlight coming through the entrance door when he heard a loud swearing. Turning around, he spotted Xander Johnson, an old friend of his, walking out of the courtroom, not looking too pleased.

„Innocence does not pay, eh?" Brass said aloud, trying to catch his attention. The man raised his troubled eyes to look at the Captain and let out a heavy sigh before a smile appeared on his face.

"For me, definitely doesn't!" He replied.

"See? That's why I became a cop instead of a prosecutor. I make sure I catch the bad ones!"

"Oh I make sure I catch them too! But if others don't do their jobs properly, I can't do wonders. I can't cross the law."

"Who screwed up this time?"

"Administration problems. The jury cannot accept the evidence and the defense attorney took advantage of it. The bastard is going to mental hospital instead of jail."

"Ouch. But he's gonna be locked up at least."

"Oh, if it was that simple!" Brass patted his old friend on the back.

"Why don't you tell me about it with a drink?" Johnson checked out his watch, sighed and turned to Brass.

"Yeah… my day's over. I think I need it."

3 hours of heavy men-talk later, throughout which Xander Johnson never even mentioned the case, Brass was happy to be called to a crime scene. When his beeper interrupted Johnson's ongoing complaint about why he and his wife should have divorced years ago yet they still needed each other, Brass felt the relief running through his veins. After he excused himself and headed out the door, he made a mental note to invite him to coffee next time. He made his way to his car and took off. He had to go, there was another murder in the town.

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Catherine took a deep breath before she got out of her car. She glanced up at the building in front of her. Rampart. She tried to think of some good speech on her way but nothing coherent popped up in her mind. She had no clue what she was going to tell him but one thing was sure… she couldn't hide from him any longer. She owed Sam Braun. She owed him big time. Hell knows she didn't want to but her own personality… and life didn't leave any other choices. So there she was, ready to face her father because he wanted to see her. After 6 unanswered messages and two cancelled meetings she couldn't delay it any longer. He had called her the night before and she couldn't escape this time.

She felt coward and pathetic for not wanting to talk to him. She felt like one of the many cheaters, trying to rob Sam's money and then disappear. She mentally kicked herself. It wasn't Sam's money that caused the problem. Well not only that at least. The main problem was Sam Braun himself. As she made her way inside the casino, she thought of the many years of friendship they had. He really was like a father to her... beside the existing one, who, as it recently turned out, wasn't even her father.

Catherine couldn't decide which event was the turning point in their relationship. The fact that he's her biological father, or the pure fact that he's a murderer. Confidently walking along the corridor, the inner struggle seemed to get more intense and unexpected thoughts started to bother her. She knew there was hardly any really innocent person on earth anymore. She may not be a murderer but she has sinned many times in her life. She couldn't deny the fact that she… loved Sam but still, her sense of justice didn't seem to let her forget about the one tiny fact that he killed someone. He has sinned like so many other people. Sinned like she has sinned herself and in that moment her biggest sin seemed to be Sam Braun.

Passing the bodyguards, she stopped in front of his door. That was the point when she realized that no matter how much she tried, she couldn't entirely hate him. She couldn't despise him enough to push him away and leave him out of her life. It may be because of the money, because of Lindsey or because of that flaw in her personality which couldn't cut the ties with her father, she didn't know. Suddenly Grissom's, at times obvious, but mostly unspoken objection of her relationship with Sam seemed to annoy her. She may never forgive him for the fact that he lied to her or the horrible fact that she killed a woman, but she cannot help but love him. Maybe if she hadn't discovered that they were biologically related, she would have an easier case but that wasn't possible. She knew it, Sam was aware of it and he didn't want to let go of her. Maybe Sam was right… he indeed did get his money's worth. And even if it seemed that he bought her love, she finally managed to have a truce with herself. She finally accepted that Sam Braun was her father.

But she wasn't quite prepared, when the door opened and she found herself face to face with Sam. For a moment she just stared at him without a word. A warm smile appeared on Sam's face, reaching out a hand to her. She was nervous again but not for the same reasons. They had some serious issues to talk about and in spite of the latest developments regarding her feelings for him, she wasn't sure she was prepared for that talk yet. That was when her beeper interrupted them. She just lifted an apologetic eye to him and he knew. He seemed annoyed but knew she would go anyway.

"6 pm, tomorrow?" He asked. Catherine nodded and without another word she was gone.

By the time Catherine reached her car, huge relief washed over her. There wasn't too much of a point of her visit except for that fact that she at least figured and realized a few things. She was sure she was not going to be unprepared for their next time. She stopped to open her car door when she had the urge to turn around. The parking lot was full of cars and people, everyone minding their own business but still something didn't feel right. She shrugged it off and got into her car.

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Sitting next to Grissom, Sara remained silent. She didn't want to interrupt him in driving and didn't know what to tell him either. It was one of those moments when she couldn't come up with any casual subjects to talk about… with him. Unconsciously she let out a sigh, which didn't remain unnoticed by Grissom, and turned her attention to the road. She wondered when was their turning point going to occur because in the last couple of weeks, she felt that they were close to put an end to their not existing relationship. Whether it was a good turn or an end for good, she had no idea but she knew that it was close. At least she hoped because their whole situation was taking a toll on her.

She hated seeing Grissom not noticing her, or at least pretending not to notice her, she hated to see him getting along with Sofia so well and so often she was jealous of his friendship with Catherine. Still, deep down she knew, it wasn't about the other women in his life but about Gil Grissom himself. What annoyed her the most was the fact that her cards have been open for way too long now… but Grissom… he never told her if he wanted her or not. Not clearly anyway. She would have been satisfied with an "I need time" too. But nothing. She knew the reason of it, though. They never sat down to talk about it and as much as the situation frustrated her, she was too coward to bring it up.

Sara was interrupted in her thoughts when Grissom stopped the car. He gave her a glance before he got out. Sara couldn't help but observe him. He was so different. Ever since Nick was rescued, he seemed to be friendlier to people. She knew it changed him because he saw him every day. He did things he never did before. She never missed the smile on his face whenever he greeted one of his "guys." It wasn't the kind of change that everyone would notice... but she did. Grissom probably realized, they might be CSIs investigating death every day, but they aren't immortal either. That was the main reason why she felt that their moment, one way or another, was going to come.

Closing the car door, Grissom spotted Brass crossing the tape, making his way to them. He heard another car stop and turned around. It was Catherine. Grissom took a deep breath, this meeting was either going to be memorable or miserable. Ecklie, for once, did try to help him and his team. But it wouldn't be Conrad Ecklie if he wouldn't leave at least one person bitter. Grissom didn't know how exactly he imagined getting his guys back himself either, but definitely not this fast and this drastically. He demoted Catherine. Grissom only heard about her fury but haven't met her… yet.

Sara, upon noticing Catherine, turned away, concentrating on Brass' figure which got closer every second. She didn't want to get involved in this one. Catherine shut the car door and walked up to them just when Brass stopped in front of Grissom. Grissom concentrated on Catherine's face, curious how she was going to handle the situation. But she was cool. She just stood there without a word, waiting for any of them to speak before she turned a questioning look at Brass.

"Sorry for the emergency call, I know your duty starts only in half an hour but we need to be faster than the media. I hope I didn't interrupt anything." Brass told her.

"Actually, you did. Had a meeting with Sam." She said, intentionally casting a quick glance at Grissom. He raised his eyebrow but he refused to say anything. "But hey, that's the job!" She continued.

"And a quite ugly one this time." Jim informed her. "Four bodies. One outside, three inside. Looks like a home invasion gone bad. No identities, just two seemingly underage boys and an adult."

"And the fourth one?" Sara asked, turning her attention towards the house.

"No idea. The guy has no face left." Brass informed her, getting surprised looks from both ladies. Grissom took a deep breath.

"Alright, Sara, check out the victims with Catherine inside. I'll check the one outside. The others will be here soon to help."

Sara was already on her way when she realized Catherine wasn't following her. She turned back, only to find Catherine, with her head turned, staring to the opposite direction.

"Catherine?" Grissom, hearing Sara's voice, turned to Catherine too. "Are you coming?"

"Yeah." She replied as she slowly turned around. Grissom, with his brows furrowed, stepped closer.

"Catherine, I know it's-"

"I'm coming." She said and without any other words, followed Sara. Confused, Grissom turned to the direction where Catherine was staring just moments before but apart from the empty corner at the end of the street, he couldn't see anything.

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Walking inside the house, Sara took in the appearance. The furniture was trashed and the whole house looked like a mess and the living-room window was wide open. Going in further, she followed the blood trail and found the one "without a face", as Brass has put it.

"This one was just a kid." She turned to the direction of Catherine's voice and found her kneeling at the other victim. She was right, he hardly seemed 17.

"They just seem to get younger each time." They both turned to the male voice coming from the door. Detective Vartann walked inside and stopped right next to Catherine.

"Signs of struggle." Sara spoke, taking a closer look at her victim. "He wasn't just shot. He sure as hell put up a fight. His clothing is badly torn."

"What's upstairs?" Vartann asked the officer, standing next to the staircase.

"I don't know, sir."

"Who was the first officer at the scene?" He asked, while Catherine and Sara both began trying to find fingerprints or anything that could be used to find those that left the building alive.

"Me, sir."

"And you haven't checked the stairs?"

"Seemed unnecessary, sir." Catherine cast a stunned look at the officer before she looked at Sara. Just a look in her eyes indicated that they were thinking the same.

"What's your name?" Vartann asked.

"Connell, sir."

"Captain Brass will be pleased with you, Officer Connel." Vartann replied, taking out his gun.

"Were any of these victims alive when you arrived?" Sara asked the officer as Detective Vartann disappeared on top of the stairs.

"No, ma'am."

"Are you sure?" She asked, catching Catherine's attention too.

"Absolutely, ma'am."

"Did you move them?"

"No, ma'am." Sara frowned.

"What's up?" Catherine asked but before Sara could have replied, with a loud bang Detective Vartann stumbled down the stairs.

"Dammit." Was all he could mutter. Catherine and Sara both jumped to help him.

"Call a medic!" Catherine ordered the officer but Vartann interrupted.

"No! They are upstairs." He groaned but it was too late. By the time the officer took out his gun, two men were already at the foot of the stairs, pointing their guns into his face.

"Drop it!" One of them shouted but the officer didn't move. He kept his aim steady on the man in front of him. The black masks covered both of their faces and the other man cocked his rifle before he aimed it at Catherine.

"Two against one. Even if you kill me, she'll die." The man said. Vartann, not giving a damn about the pain, slowly pulled himself closer to Catherine to cover her if it's needed. The officer, knowing the other man was right, slowly lowered his own gun.

"Good. Now, put it on the floor.. SLOWLY… and kick it over to me." He instructed and the officer did so. The man smiled, that was damn obvious from his eyes. "All of you… walk up to the window and kneel down.

Catherine cast a nervous glance at Sara, the situation wasn't too promising. She bent down to help Detective Vartann when the man grabbed her.

"He'll manage." He hissed and pushed her forward. Sara, knowing she would have the same chances of helping him, slowly knelt down next to Catherine. She turned her head to look at her but the other woman was staring at the floor. Finally Detective Vartann knelt to the other side of Catherine, while the Officer Connell was roughly pushed next to Sara.

"There are a lot of cops outside. You'll never make it." Vartann said.

"If you shut up, they won't notice… and you'll live. If you utter a single word, you'll all die. Simple."

Catherine concentrated on her own breathing. All she could think of was Lindsey. And her gun.

"I've got my gun in its holster on my lower back." She whispered to Vartann. He quickly glanced at Sara and she nodded to indicate she heard it.

"Alright. We're getting out.. if you move, you die. If you shout, you die. If you try to call for help in any ways, you die." They heard their footsteps slowly departing. Sara felt relieved, it could have turned out a lot worse.

"Miss Sidle, Mr. Gris- what the h…" but the officer, just entering the house, didn't have time to pull out his gun.

Catherine felt as if everything was happening in slow motion. Just when the first shot rang out and the cop fell to the floor, she felt Detective Vartann pulling her upwards. All she could see was Officer Connell, previously kneeling next to Sara, jumping in front of her colleague to serve as a shield for the brunette. Vartann immediately took aim and fired. The next thing she felt was Vartann pushing her towards the window and she got the hint. She didn't expect it to be so high and when Catherine hit the ground outside, she knew her ankle was going to be swollen pretty soon.

Looking up, she saw from afar as Brass was pushing Grissom and Nick towards the vans before he pulled out his own gun. Suddenly all the cops were running towards the house and as much as she wanted to run for cover, her ankle gave away and she crouched back down. Suddenly she felt someone covering her with their own body, pushing her down to the ground.

"Don't move." She heard the man saying and she recognized the voice immediately. It was Warrick.

Sara watched as Catherine disappeared and felt Vartann grabbing her arm to make her follow her. But she was distracted when another shot rang out and officer Connell's body jerked in front of her before he crashed into her. She tried to catch him but he fell against her hard, making her lose balance before she hit the floor. Looking up, she realized Vartann has hit one of them and now only one robber was against them. He was faster than Vartann, who barely had time to raise his hand again before the mask-covered man fired. Detective Vartann fell backwards and Sara heard the shouting coming from outside.

She threw a quick glance at the detective before she turned a terrified stare back at the robber. The man jumped forward with his head down, bullets barely missing him. Sara, still under the dead officer, couldn't help but watch as the man stopped in front of her, put the rifle up to her forehead and looked into her eyes. One beat. Two beats. Three beats… and he pulled the trigger.

To Be Continued….