CHAPTER FOUR
Jim closely followed by Grissom and Sara arrived to the glade to find Iris sitting with the dogs. He came over to Iris as she tried to stand, her footing on the moist ground precarious. Grunting, he leaned down to help her up as he looked into her face. "I told you to stay near me," he said in a harsh low whisper. "I have my reasons when I say that, so listen to me once in a while." She nodded silently, Jim noting her grief-stricken expression. He gave her a bear hug in reply and then was on his walkie-talkie to request more lighting and manpower.
Grissom slowly walked down into the glade with Sara as they began to work the crime scene, gingerly stepping about as they swept the area with their flashlights.
Officer Morales also arrived to relieve Iris of Cyrano and Durante, looking sheepish as she did so. "Investigator King, my apologies for my comments earlier. Your dogs have still got it." Iris inclined her head but said nothing further to the officer, as she turned to join Grissom and Sara.
Within thirty minutes David from the ME's office had arrived to officially pronounce what they already knew. The top of the clear plastic-type box had been removed to allow access to Heidi's body. David was very gentle and especially so when it was a child. He obtained the liver temperature and gave Grissom a thumbnail description of the body. There were no immediate signs of trauma. The child was holding blue-colored bird feathers in her hands. There was faint bluish discoloration to the lips. Iris stayed by Grissom and Sara and took in every detail provided to commit to memory.
They could now begin to process the scene.
Taking a breath, Iris approached Gil. "Grissom, I want to be the lead investigator on this case. I know I'm close to the victim and family. I won't allow that to influence me or affect my performance in following the evidence to the conclusion of the case. If for any reason you're justified in determining that my ability to complete this case or that it is jeopardized in any way by my methods of investigation, I won't challenge your decision to replace me."
Grissom considered that. It was generally his practice to not allow any of his CSIs who might be personally involved with the elements of a case to actively investigate it. It gave rise to speculation in the-powers-that-be level of CSI lab authority of favoritism or potential mishandling secondary to emotional factors that could impact the outcome of a successful investigation. They had had scares like that before, even with his best people in the past. On the other hand, he was privately considering promoting Iris from a level one to a level two CSI. This was going to be an especially challenging case because it involved a child and generally caused more emotional stress than usual. If Iris believed herself up to it and was capable, could Grissom commit his trust and confidence in her abilities to a new level?
"All right, Iris, you will be the lead investigator. This is going to be a rollercoaster for you so be prepared. Sara will help you as your teammate. Ladies, this is a sensitive case and already a media event. Iris, as painful as this will be, do you want to inform the parents or Jim?" Grissom asked as tactfully as possible.
"We both will," Iris said with sadness in her voice.