Chapter 3

Chapter 3

"Gilbert Grissom, don't you dare try to get out of the LVPD's protective coverage." Sara's voice roared through his cel phone as he was picking up a few groceries on the way home after shift.

"Yes dear." Her concern made him smile to himself. "I'm getting Officer Sims to hold onto my rutabaga as we speak."

"Okay…that sounds interesting…"Sara giggled slightly.

"Ha, right, funny." He blushed knowing why Sara found humor in his comment. "I miss you too."

"I need you to be safe Gil." Her voice was soft now. "I want to be with you. Just tell me what you want me to do…I'll do it."

"I want to get Alverado's gang off the streets and I need you to stay put. I'll come get you as soon as I can." His voice matched hers in volume. "I love you Sara."

"Oh Gil, I love you too." Her voice was on the verge of tears. "I will kick your ass if you don't listen to Jim. Then I'll kick his too!"

"I know." Grissom chuckled softly. "Get some sleep. I'll talk to you tonight."

He ended the call and tucked the cel phone back inside his new body armor. He hooked a finger inside the collar of the vest and tugged at it to loosen it slightly. Worse than a damn tie.

Officer Sims pulled up outside Grissom's townhouse and did a perimeter search before he allowed Gil to step out of his Yukon.

"All clear sir." Sims tipped his cap. "Do you want me to check out the inside as well?"

"No, that'll be fine Sims. Thanks." Gil grabbed the other armful of groceries and made his way up the walk. He turned and nodded good night to the officer then entered the alcove leading to his back entrance. Having forgotten to dig out his keys prior to latching onto both bags of groceries, Grissom huffed and set one down at his feet. He placed the key in the lock and heard the mechanism give way seconds before a shadow engulfed him.

His head slammed into the door and a white hot pain burned in his right side. A hand roughly grabbed his face and threw him to the ground, both men spilling into his doorway. The blade glinted in the dim light and drops of blood, Grissom's blood, were shed as it plunged towards his chest. The vest deflected the blow and it landed in his shoulder. As Grissom howled in pain he was sure he heard a growl from within the apartment.

A large mass flew by and Grissom felt a weight lifted off his chest. He was struggling to stay conscious as he watched his "pet" wrestle with the assailant. He grabbed his glock and took aim.

"Leave my dog alone…" he gasped and leveled the gun at the attacker. The bullet struck the man in the leg, momentarily diverting his attention. He slashed out at Hank then stumbled to his feet. The heroic dog lay motionless on the cold concrete.

"Grissom… vemos en el infierno." His grin made Gil's blood run cold and he leapt towards the injured man brandishing the bloodied weapon.

"Not today…" Grissom grunted and squeezed the trigger until the madman collapsed beside him.