Chapter 9
14 years ago
For eight months Jim had been visiting Sara a few times a week. She had yet to speak but he could feel her become more comfortable with him. She turned to him now, openly listening when he talked. At times she would nod her agreement, other times he could tell that she didn't. For the last three months he had been looking into the process of adoption and becoming a foster parent and just this morning he had received the acceptance letter he had been waiting for. He could take Sara home with him today if she wanted too. That decision he had left up too her.
Normally he would bring a book when he visited; today he just had the letter. Having found Sara in their usual spot he could tell instantly that she was disappointed to not see him carrying a book.
"Sara," Brass paused as he sat across from the young girl he had come to care for as a daughter. Holding the letter tightly in his hand he studied her, over the last eight months she had given him something to look forward to each day. His life was no longer just work and soon, hopefully, someone to come home to.
"Sara, I have news, good news I think. I want you to know how much I have been enjoying spending time with you. These last few months…"Jim was shocked as Sara jumped from her seat knocking it backwards. Reaching out his hand he grabbed hold of hers, angrily she tried to pull away. "Sara? Sara what's the matter?" she continued to struggle against him, "Sara, I think you misunderstood. There is something I want you to see. Sit down please," he begged.
He felt the fight leave her as the tension left her body, guiding her back to an empty seat he sat her back down. Passing her the envelope he had been holding he took several steps back. Looking at the envelope now in her hands she brought her sad confused eyes up to meet his.
"Read it. Take your time. This will a big decision and I need you to think carefully about what you want to do. I'll just wait here… until you're ready… just read," he told her.
Slowly she removed the letter, unfolded it and began to read. After a minute she looked up at him a moment before returning to the letter. She took her time. He started to get nervous as the minutes ticked by. 'how long did it take to read one page'. Sara just continued reading. After what felt like an age she looked up again this time he saw tears running down her face.
"Sara…" Brass heart broke as he watched her. She didn't want to be with him. His shoulders dropped and he looked to the floor only to be taken by surprise as a body crushed against his, arms wrapped tightly around him and his circled the crying girl.
"Thank you," a soft whisper of a voice said.
Leaning back he looked down at the tear stained face that smiled up at him now. Pulling her back in his arms, lifting her from the floor, he swung her in his arms. The laughter he heard was the most wonderful thing he ever heard.
Present
Work continued, but something had changed. the easy going banter Sara had shared with Nick when she first arrived had all but disappeared. They were still working cases together but had lost all playfulness.
Walking into the locker room one morning, tired at the end of one shift but having just found out it had become a double Sara stopped as she drank in the sight in front of her. Warrick and Nick were both just getting ready to start a new day. Warrick was dressed in a suit ready to head over to the court house. Nick was in the process of changing shirt and showing off his broad chest and strong arms. Neither had noticed her enter as they continued talking…
"Fine suit," Sara told Warrick before taking a moment to let her eye run over Nick one more time, "and well, just fine." moving over to her locker she opened it as Nick scrambled to pull a shirt on.
"That's harassment," Nick told her as he buttoned his shirt.
"God, what is your problem the last few days? Who put the stick up your butt. I was just having some fun. If we have one locker room, you shouldn't take your clothes off if you don't want to be seen, and anyway it's my job to be observant and that's all I was doing observing," Sara huffed frustrated.
"I should hope so," Nick muttered softly to himself.
Warrick excused himself and headed out as Sara and Nick remained in the now uncomfortably quiet locker room.
"So, you and me, 419 Western LVU," Sara informed Nick as she pulled on her jacket.
"I know, a dead body at a fraternity. Looks like we're pulling another double,"
"So let's get this done. I'll meet to at the car," Sara told him and turns to leave. She stops and looks back at him once again looking him up and down, "... are, are you going to wear ... that? It's that hideous…" turning back around she walks off smirking slightly as she heard him mutter to himself behind her.
By the time he gets to the car Sara is already behind the wheel. She notes the change of shirt and can't help smile. Without a word he climbs into the passenger seat and turns away to stare out the window. Halfway into the journey Sara has had enough of the silent treatment.
"What is the matter with you?" she asked taking her eyes off the road for a moment to look at him.
"I don't know what you mean," he answered still staring off into the distance.
"Don't give me that crap. Have I done something to offend you?" She demanded. "the locker room, did that really upset you, I was just having some fun…"
"I respect Brass," Nick cut her off, "…he may not be my supervisor any more but I still respect him.
"Oookay…good for you. I have a lot of respect for Jim as well, but what the hell does that have to do with the bug that is up your butt." Sara asked confused.
"I don't want to see him hurt," Nick turns to look at her, "he's a good man. He has helped me get to where I am."
"And I am sure he would like to hear you say that. He has helped a lot of people, me especially, but why would he be hurt? You're not making any sense," Sara asked.
"You shouldn't flirt so much!" Nick blurted out.
"Excuse me," Sara heard her voice rise as her hands tightened on the steering wheel. "I don't recall flirting with anyone, not that it is any of your business. What the hell is your problem?"
"I don't want to see you hurt Brass," Nick snapped.
A second later Nick found himself thrown across the car and then forward, hitting his head on the dash board, as Sara shot the car to the side of the road and slammed on the brakes. Rubbing his head he turned to her,
"Are you crazy?" Nick shot at her.
"Who do you think you are? You know nothing about me, or about my relationship with Jim. It is not yours or anyone else's business. He is the most important person in my life and I would never hurt him or let anyone else hurt him," Sara voice continued to rise with each word she spoke. Turning back to the road she checked the mirrors, "now, we have a job to do, so let's get it over with."
Pulling back onto the highway they continue the rest of the trip in silence.
