Chapter Eleven

Disclaimer: I do not own CSI

Catherine entered Grissom's office and sat in the chair across from him.

"What the hell do you think you are doing Grissom?"

"Excuse me?" he asked as he took off his glasses and stared at her.

"You take a six week vacation only to return here with Sara in tow and announce you are quitting? What has gotten into you, oh besides Sara!"

"Are you finished Catherine?"

Catherine stared at him in silence.

"Alrighty then! After your little tirade you don't deserve what I have to say, but here goes. Catherine you've been my right hand for the past nine years, since I took over as supervisor. You've been there for me – when I went to the hospital for the ear surgery and other such times as well. I think of you as a good friend and colleague. Remember that I recommended you to Ecklie and Cavallo for Day shift supervisor when Ecklie was promoted … you got Swing supervisor but you were promoted all the same. " he took a breath.

Catherine sat staring at him.

"Cath, it was not an easy decision to make. Over the last year or so I was feeling tired and warn out and when the mini-killer kidnapped Sara and she almost died.. I felt like a piece of me almost died with her. "

"But she didn't die. She broke your heart and left you Gil, doesn't that count for anything. How could you go back to her after she did that?"

Gil stared at her incredulously. "Catherine I never stopped loving Sara. She needed time away to gather her thoughts. That Marlon/Hannah West thing really got to her - she lost her edge during that case and she needed to go. "

"But she came back for Warrick's funeral then left again"

"Yes… but she needed …" he stopped. "Why are you so against Sara and my happiness Catherine?"

"I'm not… but I always hoped that " she began then turned away.

Gil realized what she was about to say. "Cath, with all due respect. I love you like a friend. I could never get involved with you, not in that kinda way"

Catherine did not reply. "Are we done here? I got stuff to do"

"Don't you want to hear what I have to say"

"I've heard quite enough" she said and got up and headed to the door.

"Guess you don't want my job then. I mean I was gonna offer you the role of supervisor-interim of course until Ecklie and Cavallo finds a replacement"

Catherine looked at him and turned on her heel and left the room.