Don't own CSI or anyone on the show.
Rated M - No sex but violence and profanity.
Jules awakened to the sound of a dryer buzzer. She looked up confused at first about where she was. She rubbed her eyes and focused and could hear someone rustling around in the next room. Nick. She was at Nick's. Wow, she wondered if she had ever slept that soundly in her life. Jules laid back and stared up at the ceiling fan spinning. She just stared trying to figure out which was more on her mind…the fact that the mother who abandoned her had suddenly returned or Nick Stokes. One thought was unbearable but the other was unstoppable. She thought about how Warrick would react if he knew she was lying in his best friend's bed wishing he would slip in under the covers and consume her, or how she couldn't help her heart from pounding when she remembers how tight he held her last night. She closed her eyes for a minute flashing back to Nick stroking her hair and wiping her tears. Oh God, she knew she was in deep trouble. She had it bad for CSI Stokes. She just couldn't help it. Warrick was so not gonna like this.
Warrick wasn't one to ever tell her who she could and couldn't date but they always had a deal, a pact from way back in high school, that they wouldn't date each others friends. They both agreed it caused far too many problems for the other and when something went wrong or a break up happened, the shit always hit the fan for them both.
She rolled her eyes thinking about her senior year of high school when Warrick dated her best friend Tamara. They thought it was great at first how they all could go out and how cool it was to have her best friend at her house constantly. Until the fights. Until Jules and Tamara caught Kendall Morrison and Warrick getting it on in the storage unit behind their building. Jules shook that image out of her head. Boy, that was a mess. Because, no matter how wrong Warrick was, and God knew he was dead wrong, he was her hero. And God help anyone, even her dearest friend, if they spoke bad of him…even if it were true. So, that wasn't just the end of Warrick's girlfriend, it was the end of Jules' friendship with her BFF. It was ugly and sad.
Nick cocked his head in order to see into his bedroom. He wondered if Sleeping Beauty had awakened; he wasn't sure. She wasn't in the same position as she was, but he wasn't sure her eyes were open either. He didn't want to bother her. He was genuinely happy that she slept all night without getting up. He hoped it was because he protected her from her demons. He knew she needed him to tell her it was going to be all right even if he wasn't sure it would. He knew his holding her all night made it feel like she wasn't alone. He knew that for sure…because it made him feel that way, too.
Nick hadn't even realized he felt alone or in need of anything until last night. Holding her in his arms was apparently something he not only missed but needed. She filled a hole in him he didn't even realize he had, just by being there, letting him hold her, letting him feel wanted, needed, and appreciated. He shrugged to himself. He never realized she was missing until he found her….
Jules was still watching the blades of the fan go around as her thoughts went around in her head the same way. She bounced back and forth from how she would like to be with Nick on a whole other level to how she was abandoned as a child by a mother who now wanted to see her. Such opposite thoughts it was almost funny. But it wasn't funny. She couldn't figure out why this woman would even want to see her; she never tried before. Jules was actually surprised that the woman even remembered her let alone wanted to see her.
And why would Warrick be adamant that she should see her? He knows only too well what she did to her. Jules frowned, then squinted her eyes in confusion. She knew she would never go against her brother but at the same time she wasn't actually sure she could go ahead with it. She didn't owe this woman anything…but Warrick, now Warrick she did. Did Warrick have a reason for this? Does Warrick know something she doesn't? What the hell is he thinking? And…Dear God that Stokes was hot. How was it he was still single? She furrowed her brow again; deep down she knew why. She knew he was just like Warrick - married to his job. And like Warrick, Nick had a heart of gold. Nick was the polar opposite of Cole.
Jimmy Cole was a black cloud. She thanks God she got the hell away from him. And this time she believed he would stay away from her for good since it has been several months and he still hasn't come to find her. It wasn't easy to keep him away from her. Last time she had to pack up and move to New Jersey to get away; taking a job in Princeton without any questions or assurances. She knew Cole was bad news. He hadn't always been but somewhere, somehow he became a devil wearing Jimmy's clothes. It began with the drugs. And then when he saw how much money could be made dealing he succumbed to the enticement. But of course it was never enough, so when he saw an opportunity to pimp out his "girls" he took it.
Jules was amazed that a street smart girl like herself couldn't see it happening right under her nose. That will never make sense to her. Did she not want to see it, she questioned herself for the billionth time. Regardless, when she figured it out she was horrified. And before she could even get her thoughts wrapped around this new Cole, and what she would do about it, he started slapping her around. She knew exactly what was necessary. She got the hell out of Vegas.
Leaning over his washing machine pouring detergent in for his newest load, Nick wondered if he should wake her but decided against it since they hadn't gone to bed until 6:30 in the morning. But, it was 3:00 in the afternoon and he hadn't heard a peep. Not that he minded; she could sleep the day away if it helped her. He would've liked to sleep late himself since he didn't have to go to work that night, but his internal clock made him wake up as he always did, at exactly noon. He was happy now that he was off for the next few days. That was a very rare thing, and he was believing that it was just meant to be. He hoped that she would stay longer. Maybe she would stay again tonight.
Nick suddenly thought he should call Warrick. He realized at that moment that Jules' cell phone was still in his truck. Poor Warrick, Nick thought, he drops this bombshell on his sister, has to leave suddenly, and then doesn't know where the hell she is. He hoped Warrick crashed as soon as he got home from his crime scene, then he wouldn't be worried that his sister hadn't even come home. Nick raised his eyebrows, squinted his eyes and figured he better call his buddy. He paused for a minute, and thought, "Damn, that will definitely kill the idea of her staying another night if he tells Warrick where to find her". Nick sighed loudly as he took out pancake mix and his cell phone.
Jules could feel a little anger creeping in when she thought about Cole following her to Jersey. He didn't at first and Jules thought she made a clean break. But, sure enough, just a few weeks after Jules got settled, Cole made his grand appearance. She was horrified to find him sitting on her couch in the dark when she entered her apartment. It scared her but she wouldn't let it show to Cole. She had to put on the tough exterior so he wouldn't think he had the upper hand. She sternly told him to leave just before he announced that he had just rented the apartment downstairs.
"Howdy, neighbor," he gloated.
Jules remembered how she felt her blood actually drain from her face. But then Cole laid on the charm. Explaining that he was done with the shady dealings. He was back - the old Jimmy was back and he wasn't complete without her.
He promised her the stars, the moon and the sun. He told her he would prove it. And as the weeks went on, Jimmy Cole did seem to be back. He wasn't that scumbag he was in Vegas. He put his best foot forward, and the girl from the hood got scammed into believing in him. Again she questioned her actions, but deep down she knew the why; she had abandonment issues. She hated the feeling of being rejected, and he promised he would never hurt her again. She believed him. She should have known better.
Nick stirred with one hand and held his cell phone to his ear with the other. After several rings Warrick finally picked up.
"Brown," he grumbled.
"Rick, it's me. Where you at?" Nick asked.
"Home and asleep, Nick." Warrick replied flatly and continued. "Would you believe Catherine and I didn't leave 187 over on Richmar Avenue until 8:30!" Warrick complained, "and it took me over an hour just to log in all of the evidence! Catherine and I grabbed breakfast and by the time I got home I didn't crash until 10:30 - 11. I am fuckin' shot, man."
"No way, you were there all night?" Nick shook his head with sympathy.
"Yea, we spent hours getting trace off the walls and windows. Nick, you wouldn't believe the mess there," Warrick said. "An absolute MESS."
Nick knew he would normally be bummed that he missed such a challenging case but, for the first time, he was actually glad he didn't work it. He felt truly happy to not be working for the next few days. He really, really would rather spend the time with Jules.
Nick focused back on Warrick and caught the tale end of his description of how far the spatter went and Nick gave him an "Uh Huh" just to act as if he heard it.
"What do you need anyway, Nick? Tell me you ain't checking in on a case when you're on a seriously hard-to-come-by break"
Nick put the spoon down against the bowl and grimaced as he watched it fall into the batter and out of sight. He turned away from the bowl and leaned against the counter.
"Oh, oh, no, no I'm actually not calling you about the case. I wanted you to know that your sister is here with me and I didn't want you to worry about her. She was really upset last night and…"
Warrick interrupted him.
"Why? Did something happen?"
"No, no, not at all. I just knew you might worry if you saw her car in the parking lot, and that she didn't come home last night. I didn't want you to panic. I just…"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Nick, what do you mean?" Warrick interrupted again. "Shit, I didn't even know she wasn't home! How did you happen to take her home and why is her car in the lot?"
Nick interrupted before Warrick could say another word.
"She lost her keys and… and Warrick she was crying when I ran into her in the lot."
Warrick let out a very loud sigh as Nick continued "So, I told her to come home with me, so she slept here last…"
Warrick stopped him again mid-sentence.
"Nick, let me tell ya, I am so happy you looked after my kid sister, I really, really am, BUT DO NOT, I repeat do NOT think you are gonna make a move on her. I'm not tryin' to be a dick, but I don't need that in my life! You are my best friend, my colleague, my top guy on and off the job, but the thought of you on top of my sister is enough to make me vomit, never mind the complications it would cause." Warrick ran his palm over his face remembering. "Trust me brother, I know all about that. Jules and I have an agreement to never date each others friends and I expect her to keep it. We learned the hard way. So do me, and yourself, a favor and don't even think about it!".
Nick quickly responded, "Calm down, would ya! God, Warrick!" lowering his voice he pushed the phone closer to his mouth.
"I'd would never come on to her last night! What is the matter with you? Your sister was devastated." Nick was silently screaming how he couldn't promise Warrick he wouldn't come on to her.
He wasn't sure he even could stay away from her, though he really would try. But, he wasn't lying either. He didn't come on to her…last night anyway.
Nick's thoughts were broken again by Warrick's voice.
"Yeah, ok man. I'm sorry. I'm just tired and being stupid. Listen, thanks so much for looking out for her. She has a lot on her plate. She has a lot of things going on in her head that she and I need to talk about." Warrick said.
" I know... I know," Nick muttered softly.
"She told you?" Warrick replied surprised.
"A little. Enough." Nick answered.
"Oh. Okay. Huh. Well, then you…you already know." was all Warrick could manage to say.
Nick could hear in his tone he was taken aback. Nick took that to mean he and his sister didn't share their family secrets with too many people.
"All right, Nicky, thanks again. I gotta get some sleep. I really am shot and unlike YOU I'm not off for the next few days!" he teased. "Just let her know I am home but sleeping."
"Yeah, okay, Rick. Sure thing, I'll talk to you later on, man," Nick replied.
As Nick closed his cell phone, he turned to face the counter and he looked down at the now way too thick batter that hid his spoon. He suddenly had a glimmer of hope that Warrick would not be able to whisk Jules away so soon. After all, he knew Rick would have to sleep or he'd collapse.
Nick had hope he was going to have Jules all to himself for the rest of the day at least. Maybe they could go see a movie or do something together - just the two of them for a change. And he really would try to keep his mind off of his impure thoughts. He agreed with his best friend. They did not need the drama of Nick dating his sister. They spent far too much time together for his sister to fall into the mix too. No way, it just ain't gonna happen.
Jules thought she could hear Nick talking but she wasn't sure. Her thoughts quickly went back to Cole and what an asshole he is. She really should have known. But ultimately it came out anyway. It was just a shame Jimmy couldn't remain the respectable, good man he once was. It was a shame she wasn't able to give notice of her departure to her landlord or her boss. She would have to tell Warrick about that; maybe he could put the word out to the Princeton Lab that she had to leave immediately. But then…. Then that would mean she would have to tell Warrick what did happen. If he found out Cole followed her and she let him back into her life he would be livid. And if he found out what Cole was doing, and what he did to her, she wasn't sure Warrick would be able to hold back this time. She really wondered if he would be able to refrain from killing him. Not that she had any concern for Jimmy. She just didn't want her brother to lose everything and she knew he would if he got his hands on him. Jules turned over on her side and had a flash of what went down that last day. She closed her eyes but the scene was still there. If Warrick learned what Jimmy did to her… If he actually knew, she had no doubt, her brother would kill him.
Jules kept her eyes closed as she re-visited the scene in her mind. She could still see the way the sun shone into her sliding glass doors. She remembered how she walked over to them to pull the curtain to keep it from being so bright. Had she not walked over to the sliders she would never had known Cole was out on the balcony and on the phone. She heard everything. She heard him talking to his "girl" and giving her a name and address of who her next client would be. She heard him tell this girl to make a drop at the deli on Grandview before she met with her client. Jules knew right then that he was not only still dealing, but he was still mixed up with renting out these girls. Jimmy Cole didn't change. He was the same dirt bag she left in Las Vegas.
When Cole looked up he literally jumped when he saw her standing there with her mouth open. He snapped his cell phone shut mid sentence and walked toward her. Jules could feel the anger of his betrayal boiling over. She seethed and gritted her teeth as she told him to get the fuck out. He told her she was mistaken, that she misunderstood. She called him a liar. She called him every name in the book. And when she was finished lacing into him, and telling him what a low life she thought he was, she again told him to get his shit and leave.
It was when she grabbed his arm to move him towards the door that he gave her the hardest slap he could right across her face.
She grimaced just from the recollection. She mumbled aloud a barely audible "mother fucker". She also grimaced because she knew that Cole didn't stop with just that slap.
He grabbed her by her hair and told her what he thought of her opinion of him. He grabbed her face and squeezed it hard. He spit and yelled in her face that she should be thankful that he loved her. He reminded her how he followed her to Jersey because they belong together. He reminded her that she is a piece of garbage, and that she was left in the ghetto by her own mother. He banged her head against the wall so hard it cracked the drywall.
Again Jules winced at the memory.
Cole continued to slap her, grab at her, beat her. He threw her down to the ground and kicked her in the shoulder. She heard it pop but Jules was never one to cower to anyone so she still tried to get up. But, before she could even move he grabbed her by the shirt to yank her up but instead the force ripped her shirt wide open. Jules could still see Jimmy leer at her in her bra. His evil smiled brought a chill down her spine. Cole unbuckled his belt all the while staring into her.
Jules could feel the panic rising even now, although she was aware she was lying safely in Nick's bed.
Once Cole got his belt off he folded it in half and whipped it at her several times. She could feel the sting though her jeans. And when it whipped the bare skin on her side it felt like it was on fire. He laughed when he saw her try to hide her pain. Suddenly he put his mouth on her neck. She could smell his cologne that mixed with his sweat.
With one hand on her neck, Jimmy used the other hand to unbuttoned her jeans, pulling them apart with such force that her zipper broke and the little metal pull flew across the room.
"Jimmy, please. Jimmy don't. Why do you want to hurt me? Why?" she pleaded.
"Hurt you? Why would I want to hurt you?" he repeated her question. "I never wanted to hurt you, Love! YOU made me do this. I want to forgive you, Love, and make you feel better. I'll make you feel better now," he whispered.
"Cole, I…I'm sorry. I won't fight you. I, I just don't want you to do this right now. We can have sex later in the bed. I…I love you, Jimmy…Just, please, not here, not now, okay?"
She wanted to vomit telling him she loved him and talking to him so intimately.
He made her skin crawl when he called her by his pet name "Love".
He looked at her and tilted his head. "You know I love you, right? You're my shinning jewel, my perfect Love. I don't want to fight with you. I just…I can't lose you…," he said suddenly changing his demeanor as he stared back at her with beads of sweat on his forehead.
"You won't, you won't! Trust me, Cole. You and me - forever. We can get through anything."
Jimmy knelt above her and started crying; telling her how much she means to him and how it hurts him when she makes him do these things. He stood up and held out his hand to her in an effort to help her up. She stood up bracing herself on the end table. She was beat up pretty good this time. Her shoulder throbbed, her hip still stung and she felt the welt the belt had left on her skin. What the hell did she get herself into this time, she wondered but she would never show defeat.
"I'm gonna go shower, okay, Jimmy?" she asked, wanting desperately to wash him off her. It took everything she had in her but she leaned over and kissed him on the lips gently. He smiled back at her.
"We're ok, right? You and me?" he whispered.
Jules nodded and looked back at him using the one eye that wasn't swollen shut.
Nick looked up at the clock and wondered if he should wake her now that it was half past three. He decided to at least check on her; she had to be hungry. He crept slowly into his room. He looked through the door and watched her as she lay snuggled under his covers. He could tell by the shape that she was lying with her legs curled up and on their side while the rest of her turned onto her back. Her blond hair spilled over his white pillow and one arm draped over her head. He noticed then that she wasn't sleeping at all. Her eyes were open and staring at his ceiling fan. He wondered how long she had been doing that.
As the sunlight tried to break in through his drawn shades, it couldn't and the room remained dark. But even in the dark he could see her just fine, and he continued to watch her watching the fan. God, she looked so pretty and enticing, he thought. He saw her white socked foot wiggle and escape through the bottom of the comforter. He smiled at the socked foot thinking it was cute that she wore his socks to bed. He wondered if she always wore socks to bed.
He closed his eyes as a quick distraction as he silently reprimanded himself… "Stokes, why are you so enamored with this girl! Who cares if she wears her socks to bed? Damn it." He opened his eyes again, leaned against the door frame and continued to watch her. He wondered if what she was thinking about had to do with going to see her mother. He figured it did. Little did he know that worrying about whether she should go see her mother was not the demon that was haunting her right now.
Jules let out a sigh of happiness to know she was free of Cole. She left him that night. She crept away in the night leaving her job and friends behind. She left everything behind: her deposit and security, her furniture, and a note telling Cole to stay the fuck away from her. She would have to explain to her landlord, boss, and friends another time. She knew that she would be ok; she just needed to go and go fast.
She called her best friend Trista from the airport and told her she was coming home for good. Jules smiled when she heard her scream with delight. Trista was so happy and she would pick her up within twenty minutes.
Trista cried when she saw Jules, but not because she was so happy to see her. She cried when she saw what Cole had done to her. As soon as she looked at Jules she knew it was Jimmy Cole who made those marks. Jules lowered her eyes and shamefully put her head down but Trista reached out, took Jules' face in her hands, and brought her face back up to meet hers.
"Don't you look away," she demanded, "You hold your head up. You did nothing wrong."
Jules nodded. Trista knew Jules was usually tough and able to handle a lot from growing up in her neighborhood, but Jimmy had broken her down.
"Jimmy followed you to Jersey, didn't he!" she said angrily.
They both knew she already knew the answer to that question. So Trista went on to tell her she could stay with her for as long as she needed to. Jules let her know that she would actually take her up on that, at least until her face healed. They both knew she could never, ever, ever show up looking like this to Warrick. Jules loved her brother and she didn't want him to go to jail for murder.
It was exactly three weeks and two days before the last of the purple crept off her face. There was no more evidence to show what Cole had done to her. No more purple bruises, nothing swollen or scraped. She knew she was able to go see her brother and leave Trista's house. Jules felt free and looked better than she had in months. She had a weight lifted off of her. She was finally where she should have been all along. She belonged in Vegas with her brother and friends. She spent too many years in New Jersey and with Cole.
