FF_12/31/2008

Disclaimer: I don't own CSI.

A/N: The rating will increase to M in a few chapters because of discussions of rape.

Remember My Name

Brass examined Casey's face one more time, then he began. "When they were cleaning Nick up for surgery, Dr. Jenkins found ligature marks on Nicks' wrists and ankles."

The smirk dropped off Lt. Casey's face. "That's why you asked about the timeline earlier. And why you asked if anyone heard from Mr. Stokes or Officer Tucker between 1:00 and 6:30." Casey's eyes were intense. "What else did the doctor find?"

"Some of Nick's injuries are…" Brass stopped for a moment, closed his eyes and clenched his fists. He fought the rage back again. His voice was husky with emotion when he resumed. "Some of Nick's injuries are… inconsistent with injuries suffered in a building collapse."

"What do you mean?" Catherine whispered.

"Some of the cuts on Nick's torso and arms are too smooth to come from being hit by debris. Dr. Jenkins believes they were inflicted with a knife." Brass opened his eyes and looked at the horror on all the faces. Tears filled most eyes.

"There's more, isn't there?" Sara asked.

"Yeah," Brass rubbed his face with his right hand. "Some of his bruises are fist and shoe-shaped."

All eyes went to Greg when he cursed viciously. He got up and faced the wall, hands clenched at his sides. Sara came up behind him and put a hand on his shoulder.

Casey searched Brass's face. "That's not the worst," he stated.

Brass's eyes met Casey's. "No," his voice was rougher than before. "But first let me tell you about Nick's other injuries. Besides the depressed skull fracture, he has two other small skull fractures. One was caused apparently by falling debris. But the other… Dr. Jenkins believes it was caused by repeated blows, probably of a gun barrel."

Silence filled the room again. Silent tears fell down faces. Greg sank into a chair, Sara still beside him. Calleigh was holding Ashley in her arms. Chris sat next to them, one hand on each shoulder.

Brass took a deep breath and continued. "His left leg is broken in six places. Nick's left foot has several fractures as well. His right leg is broken in four places. He has three broken ribs on his left side. The doc says we're lucky they didn't tear up his lung." He stopped again. He didn't know if he could continue. How could he tell them the worst that Nick suffered.

Brass put his head in his hands. He felt a hand on his shoulder. When he looked up, he met Catherine's tear-filled eyes. "Just tell us, Jim. You'll feel better."

"The only thing that'll make me feel better is catching the bastards who did this to Nick." Brass fell silent again for a moment. "They found evidence of multiple detonators in the debris. It appears the building was rigged to collapse. And the doctors found… they found evidence of a drug in Nick's system. He couldn't move. He was awake, lying there, just waiting for the ceiling to fall on him. They tied Nick up, tortured and drugged him. Then they released him and left him unable to move, knowing the building was going to collapse on him." Brass's voice failed him.

No one moved. No one spoke. It was the IAB lieutenant who broke the tense silence. "I give you my word I won't rest until the bastards who did this are punished." He met Brass's eyes. "Can you get me copies of the doctors' reports and photos? I'll need them to officially exonerate Mr. Stokes."

"Doesn't that usually end IAB's involvement?" Ashley asked.

"There's no way I'm walking away from this case after hearing what they did to your brother. I'll work under whoever is placed in charge of the case."

"That would be Captain Brass. As long as you give me your word nothing unethical will happen with any suspects." The Sheriff met Brass's gaze as he came into the room. Brass had sent him a text message describing the situation on his way from surgery to the waiting room.

"You have my word," Brass said quietly. He continued to meet the Sheriff's gaze until he nodded and murmured, "Keep me apprised." Brass nodded in return.

"Will you let me help?" Lt. Casey asked. He didn't flinch from Brass's hard gaze.

"It's not my investigation until you file your report," Brass said.

"If you give me what I need, the report will be filed by noon tomorrow. In the mean time, any actions you take can be slipped under my umbrella if you want. Or we can meet with my boss and explain the situation. Exceptions are made in cases involving the death of an officer." Casey was sincere. Brass saw that. Nick's situation had hit him hard.

"I don't have time to meet with your boss, but when you do, you can contact me on my cell." Brass didn't let up on his stare. Casey didn't flinch. He just nodded and agreed.

A/N: I know most of this chapter is a review of what Brass already found out. But I wanted to show the others' reactions to the news.