Disclaimer: I do not own CSI, it's characters or anything related to the show. (forgot to do that before lol...oops :S)


Desert Palm Hospital

Catherine sped through the front doors of Desert Palm Hospital emergency room stopping only when she reached the front desk.

The young nurse on the other side was chattering away on the phone.

Catherine tapped her fingernails on the wooden desk loudly, grabbing the young girls attention.

The girl looked up at her briefly, held up one finger then redirected her attention back to her phone call.

Catherine raised a perfectly arched incredulous eyebrow. She glared fiercely at the young girl who stumbled over her words from the look but continued to talk incessantly over the line. Catherine gritted her teeth together listening carefully to the conversation. Her temper rising further upon realising that it was a personal call.

"Excuse me?" she called loudly leaning closer to the young girl, who proceeded to hold up that same finger.

Catherine laughed, shaking her head before reaching over the desk and ending the call herself.

The young girl balked, jaw hitting the floor as she stared at Catherine with wide eyes.

Catherine smiled at her sweetly, "Hi!" she greeted with false cheer, "My name is Catherine Willows and I received a call from a Dr. Crenshaw regarding a friend of mine." She informed her smiling, her tone remaining sickly sweet, "Now, I can see that you're extremely busy..." the sarcasm in Catherine's voice brought an insulted smirk to the girl's lips, "...but I would really appreciate it, if you could tell me where I can find him." she concluded her tone sharp, demanding and full of authority.

The girl brought the phone back to her ear, punching the dial pad obediently.

"He's up on the surgical ward." The girl informed her after a brief phone call, "That's on the fifth floor. He's expecting you." She forced a tight smile.

Catherine smiled back, hers appearing to be nothing but genuine, "Thank you very much...Abbey." she read the girls name from her uniform, the sarcasm returning, "You've been ever so helpful."

Catherine shot the girl one last crippling glare before she stalked off towards the patient/visitor elevator, punched the button violently and waited impatiently for it to arrive and take her to someone that could explain to her what the hell was going on.

~CSI~

Catherine stepped off the elevator silently, her eyes scanning the floor and catching the eye of a tall bulky man with light brown hair. She narrowed her eyes as he approached her with a searching look.

"Catherine Willows?" He question politely and she nodded.

"Dr. Crenshaw?" Catherine returned and he offered her a kind smile. Taking that as confirmation she asked, "What happened?"

The doctor's smile disappeared, "I'm afraid Miss Garrett was involved in a drunken vehicular collision tonight."

Catherine's eyes widened at her perceived insinuation and her jaw dropped.

Dr. Crenshaw shook his head at her reaction, "No, Miss Garrett was not the drunk driver. He was in the van that hit her. Collided with the driver's side of the vehicle, lucky for her the car did not flip on impact."

Catherine shook her head still in shock, hands on her hips, "Is uh...is Tina okay?"

"She's in surgery with a colleague of mine as we speak." He answered slowly, "She suffered quite severe crush injuries from the force of impact. Unfortunately there was no way to decipher the severity or extent of all her injuries until she was open on the table." He explained apologetically, "We will inform you of her condition as soon as we know something concrete."

Catherine nodded her head slowly as she absorbed the information being presented to her.

A sudden thought crossed her mind and Catherine's heart stopped cold, her blood turning to ice in her veins.

She looked up into the doctors kind eyes, "Was her...was her son in the car with her?" she asked in an almost whisper, terrified of the answer she would receive, "Eli Brown."

Dr. Crenshaw smiled reassuringly at her, "He was but he's fine." He promised placing a comforting hand on her arm.

Catherine's head fell back as she breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank god." She whispered quietly, her eyes on the ceiling as she attempted to quiet her pounding heart.

"I can take you too him now." Dr. Crenshaw offered gently, "Let you see for yourself?"

Catherine smiled gratefully at him, "That would be wonderful. Thank you."

Dr. Crenshaw smiled kindly taking her by the arm and leading her back towards the elevator, "Right this way."

"Wait." Catherine stalled him with a hand on his arm, "Why did you call me?"

Dr. Crenshaw nodded, as if deciding that the question was valid, "The good Samaritan who called the EMT's told us she was muttering something, telling him to call Catherine Willows. One of the EMT's who arrived on the scene recognised your name and when they found your numbers in her purse..." he explained clearly.

Catherine nodded once, gazing into space as they stepped into the elevator thinking to herself how perfectly timed her run in with Tina had really been...in more ways than one.

~CSI~

Dr. Crenshaw stopped outside of room 223 of the second floor children's ward and looked in the window.

Catherine followed his gaze until her eyes came upon the hysterical infant on the other side, his cries muffled by the wall and the heavy door.

Catherine's heart lurched at the sight and she took an instinctual step forwards, "What's wrong with him?" she asked fearfully, anger bubbling to the surface again.

"Nothing of major concern." Dr. Crenshaw answered his eyes also on the baby boy, "He has a few cuts from the broken glass and some bruising from his car seat straps. Eli's also got a nasty bump to the head but there's no lasting damage." Dr. Crenshaw placed his hand on Catherine's arm as she opened her mouth to question him, "I assure you the boy's health is perfect. He's just frightened, needs a familiar face and some comforting." He smiled understandingly.

Catherine exhaled sharply, nodding her head, "Okay, if you're sure?"

Dr. Crenshaw laughed lightly, "100% positive. It's lucky his car seat was located on the passenger side of the vehicle or...well, this would have had a much more tragic ending." He concluded solemnly.

Catherine smiled widely at the first assurance but her eyes held a familiar sadness at the prospect of the most unwanted outcome. She thanked the doctor, who again promised to find her as soon as he heard word about Tina's condition, and then she turned to the door pausing when her hand met the handle.

Catherine took a deep breath mentally preparing herself for the boy's uncanny resemblance before she entered briskly, clicking the door closed behind her as quietly as possible so as not to startle the already terrified baby boy in the crib.

The nurses greeted Catherine with a haste nod before they turned their attentions back to the screaming infant.

Catherine approached the crib slowly, tears forming as soon as she laid eyes on the baby.

His face was red and blotchy, eyes puffy and red-rimmed with tear tracks streaking his cheeks both dried and fresh.

Catherine bit down on her bottom lip as his small frame shook with the force of his sobbing. Eli looked up at her as she leaned over the crib, peering down at him.

He met her clouded tear filled eyes with his frightened emerald orbs and her heart melted.

Catherine stretched down and carefully lifted the little boy into her arms, holding him close to her chest.

Eli strained to be nearer to her, one small yet chubby fist latching onto the collar of her leather jacket and gripping tightly as he rested his head over her heart.

Catherine held him tightly but with the gentleness of a mother as she slowly rocked them from side to side, whispering soothing words of comfort and occasionally planting a soft kiss to his forehead.

Catherine slowed her motions to a soft swaying as the baby's sobs turned to painful whimpers. She looked down at the small baby in her arms to find him gazing back up at her with his eyes and it took every ounce of strength she had not to burst into tears, her breath catching in her throat.

Catherine smiled at him lovingly, amazed by how much she cared for this life already, trailing her finger lightly down one side of his face. She reached the chubby folds of his neck and he squirmed inciting a chuckle from the back of her throat, clearly that was a sensitive spot.

Eli's eyelids began to flutter, fighting to stay open and awake.

Catherine shifted him in her arms so he was in a more horizontal position then proceeded to lull the child into a peaceful sleep.

She smiled sadly as she gazed at him, examining his war wounds: the light pink cuts and scrapes that peppered his innocently angelic face, his arms and hands too along with the nasty angry lump on the right side of his forehead.

Catherine could only imagine the deep bruising to his skin hidden by the vest he was clad in. The sight of these injuries on such a young child, her precious reminder caused an unfathomable level of anger to fill her entire being, coiling in her stomach.

Catherine shook her head ridding her mind of the numerous ways in which she could torture and torment the person responsible in order to focus all of herself onto Eli. That's when it hit her: she was holding Eli Brown for the first time, Warrick's son... 'Son' that word in relation to Warrick brought a beautiful smile to her lips.

Warrick deserved this, he would have made an incredible father to the baby in her arms of that she was certain.

One of the nurses chuckled, "Well...I guess the boy just missed his Mama."

Catherine's head shot up, her eyes flicking to the nurse who spoke: wide in surprise. She opened her mouth to correct the mistake but before she had the chance both nurses excused themselves.

Catherine looked back down at the sleeping baby she cradled and sighed heavily before sinking into the cushioned rocking chair by the crib.

"Guess it's just you and me bub." She addressed the slumbering child softly, a sad smile once again twisting her lips as that retched aching returned.

~CSI~

Las Vegas Crime Lab

Nick Stokes and Sara Sidle-Grissom came striding through the front doors of the Las Vegas Crime Lab, satisfied smiles painted on both of their faces.

After a mere 2 hours on their case they were able to close it and their shift had barely even started.

"Hey Judy." Nick smiled charmingly as they passed the receptionist at her desk.

"Nick." She smiled back blushing ever-so-slightly causing Sara to bite back amused laughter.

Nick rolled his eyes and nudged her, "Catherine in her office?" he asked Judy already anticipating her answer.

Judy shook her head, "Nope." She replied with a confused frown.

Sara's laughter ceased and she and Nick turned to Judy expectantly, their expressions puzzled.

Judy nodded, "Yeah she uh...she ran right on outta here a few hours ago." She informed them.

Nick and Sara exchanged curious frowns, "When exactly?" Nick asked turning back to Judy.

"Right after you all left." Judy answered swiftly with a nod, "She looked pretty concerned too." She added as an after-thought.

Sara glanced at Nick briefly, "Did she happen to say where she was goin'?"

Judy shook her head 'no' and Sara sighed.

"Uh...thanks Judy." She smiled warmly then turned to Nick, "Should we be worried?" she asked biting her lip while looking worried.

Nick shook his head uncertainly, "No?" he suggested also looking worried.

The pair began walking towards the break room, thoughts racing.

Sara's hand shot out and gripped Nick's forearm.

"What?" he questioned sharply.

Sara looked at him with wide panicked eyes, "What if it's Lindsey?" fear emanating from her and Nick cringed.

"Hey guys!" Greg greeted enthusiastically as they entered the break room slowly.

Ray looked up from his manila folder and his brow creased at their expressions, "What's wrong?"

Sara shook her head and Nick cleared his throat, "Uh...either of you spoken to Catherine since we left?" he asked sounding hopeful.

They both shook their heads.

"Why?" Greg asked dropping his half eaten sandwich. His eyes widened as he jumped to the first conclusion his mind formed, "Something happen to her?" his voice was hesitant, fear evident in his tone.

Nick shook his head looking confused, "Not sure. Judy said she ran outta here pretty quick right after she handed out assignments, hasn't been back since—"

"Didn't say where she was going." Sara added from his side.

Nick nodded, "And she looked..."

Greg and Ray exchanged glances, "It is Lindsey?" Greg questioned dejectedly, "Or Lily?" and again they both shrugged.

"Have you tried calling her?" Ray added walking over to them and they both shook their heads. Ray smiled, "Then maybe you should do that." He suggested indicating Nick's phone, ever the voice of reason amongst his younger co-workers.

Nick immediately pulled out his cell phone and hit speed dial 1, "Catherine?" he asked seconds later and there was silence as he listened, the others recognising the pitch of her voice down the line although unable to make out what she was saying.

"Where are you?" Nick asked and his eyes bulged at her reply, "You're at Desert Palm!" he cried in surprise panicking the other three in the room.

Sara placed her hand on his arm and he held up his hand.

"But—Catherine are you okay?" he asked clearly interrupting her.

The other three watched with bated breath for his reaction, Sara and Greg fearing anything happening to another friend: family.

Nick sighed in relief and smiled, "Couldn't have told me that first Cath?" he asked laughing lightly, "So why are you there the—" he frowned as she cut him off, "No—No, Cath—Catherine wait. What do ya mean you'll—No, Catherine? Catherine!" he called down the phone then glared at it as he heard the dial tone ringing in his ear. "She hung up on me!" he exclaimed staring at the phone in shock.

"But she's okay?" Sara stressed and he nodded, "Good." She smiled in relief, "That's all that matters...we're all paranoid." Sara pointed out with an amused lop-sided grin.

"Why is she there?" Greg asked curiously and Nick shrugged.

"She didn't say. Was about to but someone distracted her and I..." he trailed off looking bewildered, "...I think I heard a baby cryin'?"

"A baby?" Ray questioned sounding as bewildered as Nick looked.

"What?" Greg and Sara questioned together.

Nick merely shrugged, just as clueless as they were.

~CSI~

Desert Palm Hospital

A half hour later Catherine remained seated, rocking back and forth in the chair, a still slumbering Eli in her arms when the hospital room door creaked open.

"Miss Willows?" Dr. Crenshaw greeted quietly slipping inside quickly.

Catherine looked up from the baby and smiled at him, "Catherine, please." She corrected him with a kind smile which he instantly returned.

"Catherine." He amended himself, "How's the baby?" he asked gazing down at the sleeping child.

Catherine's smile grew, "Content." She answered with a small chuckle, "Can't you tell?" she added sarcastically.

Dr. Crenshaw chuckled and nodded, "I can." His expression then changed from one of amusement to sombre.

Catherine's heart leaped to her throat, "Oh god. Is Tina dead?" she asked bluntly and the doctor blinked in surprise.

"No." He shook his head and Catherine sighed in relief, casting a sneaking glance down at Eli, "But she's still critical." He continued and Catherine's eyes fell closed. "She suffered some serious trauma from the accident. Several of her ribs were bruised, cracked or broken from the impact. One of those punctured her left lung: collapsing it." He paused in order for her to digest that information before throwing any more at her.

Catherine bit her lip in thought, rubbing a soothing hand up and down Eli's back, "Her surgeon fixed that though right?" she asked hesitantly.

Dr. Crenshaw nodded, "Dr. Avery managed to repair the lung but she is ventilated to allow the lung time to heal efficiently." He explained slowly and Catherine nodded her understanding. "She also suffered an open fracture to the left leg meaning—"

"The bone was protruding through the skin." Catherine finished nodding once.

Dr. Crenshaw smiled slightly, "Yes." He confirmed, "That was repaired but will need physical therapy in order to heal, the same goes for her dislocated right shoulder and her fractured left wrist."

Catherine shook her head, taking a deep breath as she absorbed all that information, "Okay so...how long will that all take?"

Dr. Crenshaw looked upwards, "That depends on Miss Garrett. There is only so much medicine can do: the rest is up to the patient. Dr. Avery estimated around six to eight weeks, maybe more."

Catherine's lips formed a thin line, "Anything else?"

Dr. Crenshaw glanced at Eli causing Catherine to do the same, fearing something was wrong, "Miss Garrett also suffered serious head trauma." He informed her gravely, "There is some swelling to her brain which we are keeping an eye on. If...it doesn't go down on its own...then we'll have to intervene with surgery, try to reduce the swelling."

Catherine's eyes widened at that statement, "Brain surgery!" she questioned aghast, her hold tightening on Eli.

Dr. Crenshaw nodded sympathetically, "Yes, but..." he trailed off and his eyes landed on Eli once again.

Catherine glanced down briefly before focusing her gaze on the doctor seated across from her, "But what?" she snapped, her patience wearing thin, already on edge.

Dr. Crenshaw sighed, "It appears that Miss Garrett has slipped into a mild coma." He revealed and Catherine tried and failed to stifle the stunned gasp that passed her lips. "Most likely caused by the swelling in the brain, if that goes down then the coma should end with it."

Catherine's eyes narrowed, "If?" she echoed, eyebrows rising, "Didn't you just say that you could reduce the swelling yourself if it doesn't happen of its own accord?" she questioned harshly.

Dr. Crenshaw shook his head, ringing his hands in front of him, "I said we would try." He corrected her gently.

Catherine slumped back in the rocking chair staring blankly at him, unable to believe that this was happening.

Dr. Crenshaw scooted closer to her, "I assure you Catherine, we are doing all that we can, which is as of right now, monitoring her condition closely and waiting for something to change."

Forcing herself to react, Catherine dragged her eyes to meet his and nodded minutely.

She glanced down at the baby boy in her arms and sighed, "What's gonna happen to you little one?" she whispered.

Dr. Crenshaw frowned, "Can't the father take him?" he asked looking at Eli.

Catherine inhaled sharply and her eyes slipped closed, "He's dead." She whispered barely audible.

Dr. Crenshaw sighed sadly, "Well then...aren't there grandparents? Aunts? Uncles?" he listed off the obvious choices.

Catherine shook her head, "Tina and her parents are estranged. She would not want them called never mind given custody of her child and she's an only child so..." she trailed off shrugging her shoulders, "As for friends...as a single, working mother you don't really have time for friends...trust me." She added wryly.

Dr. Crenshaw looked at her pointedly, "She's got you, doesn't she?"

Catherine looked at him in surprise, but also realisation, "Yes." She stated firmly, "Can-could I take him?" she asked deadpanned, "If there's no-one else? I mean it's, it's better than the system right? Especially after such a traumatic experience." She pointed out and he nodded.

"I'll make some calls." He assured her and went to leave.

"Wait." Catherine called out suddenly, halting his movement, "How is Eli?" she asked now that she knew everything there was to know about Tina.

Dr. Crenshaw returned to her side, "That's what I came here for. That and the update, Dr. Avery would have come himself but he was called to an emergency surgery." He explained motioning for the sleeping baby.

Catherine frowned looking wary. Her eyes darted between him and Eli before she slowly and reluctantly passed Eli off to the doctor.

The boy squirmed as his eyes fluttered open just as Dr. Crenshaw placed him on the cushioned examination table.

Eli blinked rapidly and Catherine watched as the emerald orbs filled with fresh, salty tears at the strange face.

Eli squirmed again to get away but the doctor held him firm and the baby began to whimper.

Catherine was at his side in an instant: smoothing his hair, tracing his cheek, bopping his nose and whispering to him.

Eli kept his bright emerald eyes on her electric blues the whole time, giggling whenever she bopped his nose, smiling whenever she smiled, grabbing her finger playfully and releasing a single sob whenever she disappeared from his line of sight.

When he was done, Dr. Crenshaw handed Eli back to the waiting and anxious Catherine who took him eagerly.

Eli happily snuggled into her, burying his head in her chest, hiding from the doctor.

Dr. Crenshaw laughed, "I think he likes you." He stated the obvious with a smirk, gently tapping Eli on the head.

The baby squirmed and huffed loudly, gripping Catherine tighter.

Catherine rubbed his back and kissed his head, "Well? He okay?"

Dr. Crenshaw nodded, "Perfect. In fact he can be discharged since he never lost consciousness."

Catherine smiled widely, "Fantastic." And kissed Eli again, on the cheek this time and he giggled.

Dr. Crenshaw smiled, "I'll check with legal and Social Services then bring you the discharge papers to sign."

Catherine smiled gratefully, "Thank you so much." She said sincerely holding Eli close.

The doctor left and Catherine attempted to place the baby back in his crib but Eli was determined to stay in her arms.

Catherine sighed dramatically mock glaring at the baby, "You're being difficult." She informed him with a pointed jab, "Stubborn; just like your father." She added and he giggled.

Catherine laughed at his cheeky face, "You..." she bopped him on the nose again and he squealed, "...are trouble. I feel it." She leaned in close till their noses were touching. "I hope you can come home with me." She said softly, quietly and Eli wrapped his chubby little arms around her neck as far as they would go.

Catherine grinned rubbing his back. "Thanks bub. I need a hug right now." She whispered into his hair, rocking them from side to side.

~CSI~

Las Vegas Crime Lab

"Hi Judy." Catherine greeted the receptionist with a smile, leaning against the reception desk.

Judy looked up from her computer screen and smiled, "Catherine!" She greeted brightly, "You're back! Is everything alright?" she asked leaning in close, eyes darting about.

Catherine bit back amused laughter at the woman's behaviour, "Uh...it will be Judy." She assured her, "I hope." Catherine added quietly just as a small giggle was heard from below.

Judy frowned in confusion, rising up out of her seat and leaning all the way over the desk to peer down at Catherine's feet.

Judy's eyes widened in surprise and Catherine smiled tightly.

"Could, could you page my team for me please?" Catherine asked politely, attempting to draw Judy's attention away from the giggling baby nestled securely in his detachable car seat at her feet, playing with his own.

Judy continued to stare at the baby until Catherine cleared her throat loudly and Judy jumped, "Oh uh...sorry Catherine." She apologized in a rush, Catherine shrugging, "I'll uh...I'll send them to your office." She nodded.

Catherine smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Judy." Before she reached down grasping the handle of the car seat, "Come on, bub." She directed at Eli, "Let's go." She hauled the car seat up, resting the handle over her forearm and heading straight towards her office.

Catherine had barely gotten herself settled behind her desk, Eli at her feet, before there was a knock on her office door, "Come in!" she called loudly and Nick entered first followed by Sara, Greg and Ray.

Nick and Sara took up residence in the two chairs across from her desk while Greg and Ray sat on the couch.

Nick raised his shoulders and tilted his head to the side slightly, "Well? What's going on?" he asked his voice portraying anger while his eyes only showed concern.

Catherine smiled apologetically, "Sorry if I worried you Nicky." She said sincerely, "Tina's in a coma." She blurted out blatantly.

Nick and Sara's eyes both snapped to hers sharply and Greg rose up in his seat, leaning forwards, eyes alert.

"What?" Sara asked, eyes wide in surprise, voice an octave higher than normal.

"How do you know?" Nick questioned elbows resting on his knees, eyes glued to hers.

Catherine bit her lip, "She asked for me." She told them honestly, "I uh...I ran into her before my shift and—"

"Tonight?" Nick intercepted, "Before your shift tonight?"

Catherine nodded slowly, opening her mouth to continued but was once again interrupted, by Sara this time.

"That's why you asked us if we had seen or spoken to her since the funeral?" she asked knowingly.

Again Catherine nodded holding up her hand as Nick prepared to ask another question, "No. Let me finish and then you can ask your questions okay?" she asked looking from Nick, to Sara and then Greg who all nodded.

"Okay." Catherine took a deep breath, "I ran into her at the grocery store, we needed milk and Lindsey wanted cookies so I popped in before shift." She explained quickly, "I literally walked into her and we got to talking. I found out that her boyfriend left after, after they found out that Eli was, was Warrick's son." She paused briefly, picking at her cuticles, "Um...she and her parents are estranged and she's an only child so...she's on her own, I offered to help." Catherine shrugged her shoulder clasping her hands together, "I know what it's like to be a single mother."

"That's why she had the hospital call you." Ray added from behind Sara and Nick.

Catherine looked over at him and nodded, "Yeah."

"What is her condition?" Ray asked scooting forwards in his seat.

Catherine exhaled sharply, looking upwards, "Um...her ribs are either; broken, cracked or bruised, one of them punctured her lung. She had an open fracture to her left leg, dislocated her right shoulder and fractured her left wrist." She sighed heavily, "She...also suffered a lot of head trauma, causing swelling in the brain, resulting in the uh...the coma." She concluded quietly.

Ray nodded slowly.

"The doctor said she's got a good chance but..." she shrugged again, rubbing her forehead in frustration, "I don't know."

"She does have a good chance, Catherine." Ray agreed, eyes gentle, "But there's also the chance that..." he trailed off slowly as Catherine held up one hand to stop him.

"Yeah, yeah. I, I know Ray." Catherine shifted in her seat, uncomfortable with the possibility.

"What about..." Greg spoke up for the first time, "...what about the baby?" he asked looking concerned.

Catherine chuckled nervously, "Uh...yeah, about him." she laughed lightly before leaning down, unbuckling the drowsy baby boy and lifting him up, waking him, "Sorry bub." She apologised kissing his head.

She settled him in her lap swivelling her seat to face her friends, "Say hi." She told the baby who merely jutted out his bottom lip, clearly unhappy about being woken up.

Sara's eyes widened and she gasped quietly, "Oh my god."

Greg rose from his place, coming closer to the desk, "Whoa." his eyes on the baby in Catherine's arms.

Nick ran his hands over his face, "Is, is that..."

Catherine nodded, "Eli Brown." She smiled sadly, gazing down at the baby, "Warrick's son."


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Rachel xo