Chapter Twelve

It had been a very light night at the lab, allowing for Grissom and Sara to only put in half a shift with Catherine and the guys having things more than covered.

Grissom had finally fallen asleep, but Sara was still restless. She eased his arm off of her chest and poked him gently, causing him to turn onto his stomach with a pause in his snoring. Their boxer, Bruno, nosed at her, begging for a treat with a soft whine. Fine, she thought, as she noiselessly slipped out of the bed and headed to the kitchen. After giving him a treat, Sara walked over to the wall where she saw the pictures that always made her laugh. Iris had taken the first picture of Sara hitting Grissom with a snowball when the team had gone to Lee Canyon to snowboard, ski or snowmobile months ago. Grissom's look of unguarded surprise had been classic just before he had caught Sara in a flying tackle in a quick reprisal in the second picture. Another picture showed Iris getting ready to race Nick on snowmobiles. Sara was not a person who prayed but found herself asking any powers that be to grant her gentle friend a full recovery. It's going to be a long night she sighed to herself as she went back to lie down beside Grissom.

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It was also a restless night for Brass as he woke up before the alarm had even gone off. He rubbed at his eyes and turned back on his side, willing himself to go back to sleep but couldn't. More than anything he wanted Iris there with him, feeling a sense of emptiness as he reached across the vacant side of the bed. Let her wake up okay, let me be the first face she sees, let her come home quickly, Brass thought as he got up to go take a shower and get ready.

Dr. Jolissaint was in Iris' room when Jim got there and gave him a nod of acknowledgement. The doctor's expression was one of intense concentration as he administered a special cocktail of medications intravenously. Brass took a seat and waited. After Dr. Jolissaint finished, he turned to take a seat by Jim.

"We're going to wake her up slowly, Jim, so we can keep her quiet. It's not like on TV where an instant after the medication's given, boom, they're awake and talking and all is well," Dr. Jolissaint cautioned.

"Right, more waiting but just as long as she wakes up okay," Brass agreed.

"Good morning," Father Powell greeted them as he entered the room.

"Hey, Steve, what happened yesterday? You kind of went poof and disappeared," Brass questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"You know the parishoner in the emergency room I came to see before I came to visit Iris?"

Brass nodded.

"There were complications…," the priest replied sadly.

"Cripes, I'm sorry!" Jim said.

"I had to avail myself to cover the funeral as the other priest couldn't and I had to be spot on with short notice," Father Powell added.

"Oh, Lou, this is Father Steven Powell, a friend of ours and, Steve, this is Iris' doctor, Lou Jolissaint," Brass introduced the physician and priest who quickly shook hands.

"If you'll permit me, Jim," the priest said as he stepped over to Iris' bedside and made a sign of the cross and spoke a prayer in Latin. Brass lowered his head respectfully, as did Dr. Jolissaint.

The men all took a seat to maintain a vigil of waiting.

Nearly thirty minutes later, Grissom and Sara walked hand-in-hand toward the hospital room. The power nap had done Grissom wonders while Sara stifled an occasional yawn. The rest of the CSI team would be updated by Grissom as to Iris' condition and come to visit thereafter. Brass had promised to call if Iris had started to wake up but Grissom's cell phone stayed mute.

Brass stood up when he saw Grissom and Sara come in. Sara immediately hugged him in greeting and saw he hadn't slept well either. She patted his arm as he pointed for her take his chair. Grissom stepped over to see Iris for a moment before accepting a chair a nurse brought him.

"Lou, how long before Iris shows signs of waking up?" asked Sara.

"It varies patient to patient but given Iris' age and general state of health I'd venture to say not too much longer," Dr. Jolissaint replied with confidence.

"Gil, did you catch the news report of that piece of work Suarez and his little protest march?" questioned Jim.

"Sara and I caught a little of it on the evening news, but we knew he was going to pull out all the stops in trying to make his nephews look as pure as the driven snow," Grissom answered.

They fell silent suddenly as a little moan was heard from Iris' bed. Dr. Jolissaint was on his feet in an instant to go assess Iris. He motioned to Brass to join him. Jim did so and gently put Iris' glasses on her as Dr. Jolissaint gave him a questioning look.

"She might be scared if she wakes up and sees everything blurry. She's blind as a bat without 'em!" Jim exclaimed.

Dr. Jolissaint spoke to Iris in a calm, soothing voice. "Iris, I'm Dr. Lou Jolissaint. You're in Desert Palm Hospital. You have a breathing tube in place for a ventilator we used as a precaution so you're unable to speak right now. Nod your head to show you understand as I want you to slowly open your eyes now."

Iris' head slowly nodded as her eyes squinted a few times before they slowly opened as Dr. Jolissaint instructed. Brass, Grissom and Sara could barely contain their excitement as they watched Iris revive before them. She blinked a few times as her eyes roamed from Dr. Jolissaint to Grissom to Sara before focusing intently on Jim.

"Iris, do you recognize everyone here besides me?" asked Dr. Jolissaint.

Iris nodded yes.

"You're doing great, Iris. I'm going to remove the breathing tube now and you should be able to breathe on your own. Just take slow deep breaths and again no attempt to speak. Your throat will feel pretty sore for about 24 hours but then you should be able to speak normally," Dr. Jolissaint instructed further.

A nurse approached the bedside to assist Dr. Jolissaint as he gently removed the endotracheal tube from Iris' mouth. She made a gagging noise involuntarily upon the exit of the tubing. However, within moments she was taking deep even breaths as the physician had requested as he made her sit up in order to listen to her chest and back with his stethoscope. The head of the bed was raised further by the assisting nurse as Dr. Jolissaint stepped back with a satisfied look. He offered her a cup of water that she gratefully sipped at through a straw.

"Iris, you probably have questions to ask and the nurse here will be you a pad of paper and pen to write with," Dr. Jolissaint said as he motioned to the nurse who nodded and left the room.

Iris saw Grissom and shook her head, causing Dr. Jolissaint to look at her curiously. She gave Brass a tender smile that reminded him of the "Mona Lisa" but was "his" smile as he'd come to call it for him alone before glancing at Grissom who saw her intent and nodded. Grissom watched as Iris started to sign and he would interpret for her.

"What happened?" (Italics used for Iris' signing to Grissom.)

Grissom nodded as he said, "I'll also tell everyone what you've signed as I reply. There was a shootout in the courtroom. You and Brass returned fire at Armando Suarez. Guillermo and Armando were both killed. Brass came with you to Desert Palm and has hardly left your side since you've been here."

Iris gave Brass a look of astonishment before giving him another gentle smile with Brass getting the distinct impression from her that she would have done the same for him without hesitation.

"How long have I been here?"

"Three days counting today."

"What are my injuries?"

Dr. Jolissaint took the initiative to answer this question, Brass now sitting down to take Iris' hand in his own as she glanced quizzically his way. "Iris, you fell and sustained a concussion with development of a brain hematoma that has dramatically reduced in size. You were also hit by a bullet that fragmented into pieces that lodged very close to the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae. This resulted in significant bleeding with another large blood clot on your spinal cord as well as secondary swelling and inflammation. You're currently paralyzed from the waist down and we have no way to gauge how long you may be this way…temporary or permanent. We did surgery to remove the bullet fragments and got them all."

Brass felt the grip on his hand tighten to the point of pain as Iris took in Dr. Jolissaint's summary. She closed her eyes for several moments as her face reflected her struggle to contain the spectrum of emotions churning within. Grissom, Sara and Father Powell watched, ready to give Iris what support they could collectively.

"Honey?" asked Jim in a concerned voice.

Iris swallowed hard before resuming her signing.

"What's the treatment plan?"

"You'll begin aggressive physical therapy and utilize either a standard wheelchair or motorized or both depending on your preference. You'll have to relearn how do to certain activities of daily living but your ability to lead a productive life while impacted I have no doubt you can resume," Dr. Jolissaint said encouragingly as he squeezed her shoulder.

"Well, I have my health! Grissom, what's going to happen to Jim and me now that the Suarez brothers are gone? Did Father Powell's witness ever come forward again? Is Jim's career safe?"

Brass looked at Iris incredulous that in the midst of this her sense of humor peeked through just as her nature for putting others ahead of herself. He raised her hand to his lips as she gave him a soft velvet-eyed glance.

"There are rumblings for grand jury and internal affairs investigations to begin immediately. You and Jim are on paid administrative leave for two weeks as is routine for this situation. Roberto Suarez is attempting to rally the Hispanic community by protesting the shootings, claiming his nephews were goaded into their actions by maltreatment at the hands of the LVPD and crime lab. Father Powell has made another appeal to his church's congregation for the person who confessed to him to contact him. Caden is preparing to represent us for the grand jury. Internal Affairs told Ecklie and Sheriff Atwater to be ready for their investigation as soon as you can be seen," Grissom concluded with a sigh.

"That's getting a vacation the hard way!"

A ripple of amusement went through those present in the room as Iris' dry wit manifested itself again.

"Don't worry, babe, we'll get through all of this. The I.A. deal is just a formality," Brass assured her. Iris gave him a wan smile at that as Jim wondered how she would respond to the rest of what he had to say to her later in private.

"Dr. Jolissaint, how long before I'll be discharged home?"

Grissom asked her question then to the physician who nodded. "Aside from the paralysis, Iris, you're doing remarkably well. You can probably go home this weekend," answered Dr. Jolissaint.

Iris then slowly leaned back on the pillows and shut her eyes as a fatigued look shadowed her face.

"Iris, we'll let you rest and the physical therapy supervisor will be by later today to talk to you at length. I've a few other patients to see if you'll excuse me." Dr. Jolissaint then strode from the room.

Sara now took the opportunity to give Iris a tentative hug that her friend returned eagerly as they exchanged a fond look that spoke of the strength and depth of their friendship. Iris then grasped Sara's left hand looked at it and then at Grissom with a quick raise of her eyebrows before giving it a gentle squeeze as she let go. Sara, puzzled, gave Iris a quick kiss on the cheek in farewell.

Grissom stepped over to give Iris a quick hug as well before he and Sara left.

Father Powell also took it as the time to depart. "Iris, I'll be popping in for Pastor Mel here and there if you don't mind. She's been called out of town and Kacee is busy holding the reins until she returns."

Iris took a pen to write on the pad of paper the nurse had brought her. She handed a page to the priest. "Thank you. We appreciate you coming to visit anytime."

The priest smiled and patted her hand, signing the cross in blessing over her, before he also left.

Iris wrote again and handed the page to Brass. "I want to brush my teeth in the worst way!"

"I can handle that request, milady," Brass said as he went to the bedside table to get what she needed. He handed her a toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste and a small basin. "I'll be just outside the door."

He heard a soft metallic bang and poked his head in to see her signal she was done.

Brass moved to sit in the chair by Iris. "Babe?"

Iris' chin moved sideways twice in her trademark expression of deep thought while she pondered how to express what she wanted to now to Jim. She had taught Brass a few signs and took a deep breath before making two successive signs. Her "B" hand went over her heart as it had done before only this time changing to the thumb, index finger and pinky finger up to sign "ILY".

Brass' eyes went wide before he chuckled at her. "I beat you to the punch."

Iris looked up at him with a doe-eyed expression of confusion with raised eyebrows.

"I told you that the first day you were here," Brass told her softly and became alarmed to see Iris bury her face in the pillow and hear muffled sobs. He quickly wet a washcloth as he carefully took her chin to turn her face to him as he gently sponged her face.

"Did I upset you?" Jim asked worriedly.

Iris shook her head "no" as she hiccupped, causing Brass to smile and then cover her lips hungrily with his own as he smothered her "mmmph". She gave in to him as their kiss deepened and he pinned her gently. Jim was glad they had a little time to themselves now and he was going to make the most of it.

"You don't have your tonsils!" Jim wisecracked down at her as her eyes danced impishly back at him as she pulled him down for round two.

After several moments of lip-locking, Brass slowly eased away from her as she let go reluctantly. She then swallowed with difficulty and he saw the pained look in her eyes. He reached over to hand her a cup of water that she sipped and then mouthed "thank you."

"Sore throat, hon?" asked Brass to which Iris nodded "yes."

"Sit tight, I'll be back in a jiffy!" Jim said as he got up to leave. Iris gave him a puzzled look but just waved goodbye. His timing was perfect as two nurses came in and told him it was time for Iris' bath.

Several minutes later, he returned carrying a small brown bag as he looked warily at nurses' station as he went into Iris' room. She looked more comfortable after being bathed and repositioned. Her eyes reflected her delight upon seeing him but her brow furrowed as she saw the bag and pointed at it curiously. Jim plopped down in the chair beside her and removed two containers from Charlotte's Ice Cream Shop. The local eatery was well-known for its home-made ice cream. Iris ran her tongue over her lips in anticipation and made a smacking sound.

"Oh, I like your response and hope it's for me more than the butter pecan which I know is your favorite but rum raisin rules," Brass grinned before handing her the container.

Iris ate a little and an expression bordering on rapture rewarded Brass as he delved into his own ice cream.

"You know this is contraband! Hospital ice cream tastes like sh….uh, crap, and my gal deserves only the very best," Brass said in a conspiring tone as Iris literally beamed at hearing him calling her his gal.

After finishing the scrumptious butter pecan, Iris felt fatigued and started to yawn. She wrote on her notepad and handed it to Jim to read. "You ought to go home and get some real rest and I'll try to do the same."

"I'm fine, really! I'll be right here while you nap," Jim protested.

Iris shook her head in disapproval as she wrote again and handed the notepad to Brass. "You're not fooling me, Jim Brass! I can be just as stubborn as you!"

"You're still cute when you're broody!' Brass chuckled at her. Iris' reply was to merely stick out her tongue at him as he gave her a sly wink in return.

Iris then grabbed her notepad and wrote out another question, feeling a bit guilty that it wasn't one of the first things she'd asked about. "Jim, have you talked to my family?"

Jim took the note and scanned it. "Yeah, Iris, I talked to your brothers and sisters in a conference call your sister Chimene set up this morning before I left the house. Everyone's up to date and of course your sisters want to charge in here right now and take care of you."

Iris nodded, knowing that's how she would be if one of her family members were in need, but she wondered how things were going to be between her and Brass given the sudden change in her physical situation be it temporary or permanent. Her expression became pensive as a result.

As if he'd read her mind, Brass sat on the edge of her bed as she moved to raise herself up. He embraced her carefully as she snuggled her face against his neck and renewed her memory of how he smelled and felt skin on skin. His slightly musky natural scent was enhanced by his cologne that never failed to arouse her on many levels including now but she despaired at the thought of future intimacy between them. He felt a little tremor go through her and watched her carefully. She'd had two seizures on the way to the hospital but thankfully none since her admission.

"Okay, sweetie, I'm gonna head home for a while and try to sleep as you've requested, but it's gonna be doggone hard without you by me," Brass gave her a series of little smothery kisses about her face and neck.

Iris settled back into the bed as he walked out after giving her a little wave. She wearily closed her eyes as sleep took her quickly and dreamlessly. Jim waited outside the room until he was sure that she had fallen asleep and knew so by her deep regular breathing and an occasional little snore. Only then did he feel he could relieve his post and go home to try sleep and he'd been truthful when he'd told her it'd be hard to do without her there. He felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness for her that was part of a larger array of emotions they now admitted to between them.

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Iris had slept a couple of hours when the nurses came in to reposition her and then have her meet with the physical therapy supervisor. She was going to begin therapy the next day with upper body strength exercises, passive range of motion exercises for her legs, how to safely transfer herself to a wheelchair from a bed or car, etc. When the supervisor had left, Iris had turned her head into pillow. No one was there to see the tears silently track down her cheeks.

The next morning Iris awoke to an unexpected sight and smell. The hospital room had several vases throughout the room of sterling roses. Brass had known the movie "Bed of Roses" was one Iris liked and that her favorite flower was the sterling rose. His friend who ran a chain of flower ships had been more than happy to have six dozen bouquets delivered first thing. The nurses in the room when Brass arrived gave him appraising looks; he had scored high with them as well when he'd seen to them receiving the same roses at the nurses' station.

"Good morning and how's my girl?" Brass greeted Iris with a kiss on the cheek as he sat down beside her.

"Splendiferous," Iris replied in a slightly raspy voice. "The flowers are gorgeous and the nurses want to know if you're single and available."

Brass rejoiced inside at hearing her speak and gave her a little smirk as he replied, "Yes to the single and no to the available. I'm spoken for…I think."

Iris frowned and punched him in the arm as Brass winced in mock pain. One of the nurses came in with a wheelchair. "Iris, time to take you to physical therapy but we'll have her back in a few hours, Detective Brass." Iris waved the nurse as she eased her legs over the edge of the bed where they dangled limply, causing Brass to bite his lip, as Iris took hold of the wheelchair arms and moved herself to sit in it. Her face reflected her concentration as she insisted on doing this alone.

Sofia surprised them both as she walked in. "Hey, Iris, how are you?"

"Hanging in there, Sofia, hope to see when I get back from therapy!" Iris said as she grasped Sofia's hand for a moment before the nurse whisked her away in the wheelchair.

"Is she still….?" Sofia couldn't finish the question as she saw Brass' troubled face.

"Yeah, her legs still don't work and just flopped when she put herself in the wheelchair. I had a hard time seeing her that way, Sofia. Iris is trying real hard to keep a game face on. I know she's scared but won't admit it." Brass sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"I know she faces a lot of changes if this is permanent. We'll all help and support her. Listen, I'm here not only to visit but to let you know that Internal Affairs wants to come here tomorrow to interview you and Iris. They're aware that she's not up to going there but they don't want to hold their investigation up any longer. They're going to call Iris' doctor today to get his okay for this," Sofia finished sadly.

Brass swore under his breath. "I wondered how long I.A. was going to be but we might as well get it out of the way. Does Gil know?"

Sofia nodded.

"When Iris gets back I'll tell her and what to expect," Brass said. Sofia recalled the proceedings involving Jim and her from when Officer Bell had shot by so-called friendly fire.

"They'll call it self-defense, Jim, no doubt in my mind," Sofia insisted.

"Let's hope because Roberto Suarez will do his best to see us both lose our jobs and has been very vocal about it," Jim said doing his best to not let his anger show.

"I gotta get back but if I hear anything further, I'll let you know right away," Sofia promised as she gave him an encouraging squeeze on the arm then she departed.

When Iris returned from physical therapy, Brass was shooed out by her nurses so she could get bathed and her bed changed. He saw her brooding look and wondered what was wrong. Heading to the vending machines, he was stopped by another nurse at the nurses' station who asked, "Coffee?"

Brass nodded and she returned several moments later with a steaming cup of coffee with sugar packets and creamer. "This is from our private stock so to speak so enjoy."

Jim thanked her and slowly sipped the coffee as he took the time to take a stroll around the hospital floor since Iris was going to be indisposed for a while. He went back by the nurse's station and asked where the physical therapy department was and headed there. Brass then requested to see the supervisor and showed his badge. An attractive dark-haired younger woman came to see him and a conversation between them ensued about Iris.

When he returned later to her room, he found her propped on her side and upon seeing him her lips curved into a gentle loving smile. She reached out her hand to twine fingers with his own as he took the chair by her bed.

"I wish Sofia could've stayed," Iris said quietly.

"She had to get back but she had some news," Jim mentioned casually.

"Oh? Spill the beans then," Iris urged.

"Internal Affairs wants to come and interview us both here tomorrow provided Dr. Jolissaint agrees you're up to it," Brass reported with a slight grimace.

Iris let go a slow exhale. "I've never had to do an I.A. interview before but we're not supposed to discuss what happened in advance, right?"

"We can but just not right before the interviews take place. They'll ask a series of pointed questions but don't let them rattle you," Brass advised her.

"I know, been there done that for you, hon," Iris said sadly feeling empathy and sympathy for what happened to Jim in the past with regard to the fallout from Officer Bell's death.

"I can take the heat and I know you can too. The evidence will support all we have to say," Brass said with confidence before adding, "You looked out of sorts when you got back from therapy, so how'd it go?"

Iris' eyes dropped for a moment as she swallowed hard, but she could only be transparent with Jim. "I already know the basics of how to transfer to and from a wheelchair. Marge, the P.T. supervisor, said I could eventually be fitted with braces if I regained some mobility in my legs. Jim, I'm trying so hard to see the big picture instead of just a corner of it. I'm struggling big time with the thoughts of not being able to do field work as a CSI, riding Kyrie, fencing, and, most of all, dancing with you or being with you…intimately." Iris' voice broke just then as she choked, trying to hold back fresh tears that escaped from beneath her closed eyelids.

"Hey, hey, hey, this doesn't change what's between us. I don't turn and run at the first sign of trouble. I'm signed on for the long term here. We'll adjust to this however we have to. I'm here no matter what!" Brass said soothingly as he cradled her.

"You're too good to me, Jim Brass! I don't deserve you!" Iris cried into his shoulder.

"Naw, sweetie, it's the other way around," Brass whispered into her ear.

"How are the lovebirds?" Dr. Jolissaint joked at them as he walked in with a nurse to check Iris over.

Brass stepped back so Doc Lou as Jim had nicknamed him could examine Iris as the nurse pulled the screen curtain around the bed for several moments. Dr. Jolissaint proceeded to view the excision site on her lower back as well as her vital signs and perform a neurological check. He reapplied the dressing over the wound site and stepped back. The nurse then pulled the curtain back and left the room as Dr. Jolissaint took a seat by Brass. Iris looked at the doctor expectantly.

"Iris, your operative wound looks great and is healing quickly. Your latest head x-ray shows the intracranial hematoma to be nearly resolved. Your vital signs are strong and stable. Your neurological exam is showing some progress as you reacted to the stimulation tests, but the overall paralysis remains so I don't want you trying to do cartwheels just yet. All in all, I would say you're doing remarkably well at this point. Hence, I am going to approve the internal affairs detectives to come tomorrow morning to interview you and Jim. I think you're up to it. The detectives coming tomorrow are Chris Cavaliere and Nestor Ortega," Dr. Jolissaint concluded.

Brass said nothing but Iris saw his eyes narrow fractionally as his jaw jutted slightly as he gritted his teeth.

"That's all for now, Iris, but I'll see you later today," Dr. Jolissaint stood and shook hands with Brass, gave Iris' hand a squeeze and left the room.

"What do those names mean to you, Jim? I saw your face and thought you were going to spit nails!" Iris exclaimed.

"They were the two who interviewed me after Officer Bell was killed," Brass replied softly as painful memories returned unbidden.

Iris' eyes widened in surprise at the news. Jim had told her the full story of what had happened with the accidental shooting of the young officer in the firefight between the LVPD and a Vegas gang that had eventually been proved to be from his own weapon. He'd been brutally candid with Iris about trying to counsel Sofia who had been the one initially felt to be the accidental shooter and the scrutiny she was feeling from fellow officers only to have that turned on himself after the investigation proved him to be cause of Officer Bell's death even though accidentally. She'd grieved with him as he'd described the experience of meeting Officer Bell's widow at the funeral and her young children. Though his widow had forgiven him, Jim had been devastated by the ordeal and even going so far as to set up a scholarship fund for the Bell children that he and other officers contributed to.

Wanting to change the subject then, he said, "At least Lou gave us good news where you're concerned and, by the way, we need to talk about what's happening when you're ready to go home."

"Fine, Jim, what gives?"

"First, I want you to move in with me and put your town home up for sale!"

"That's out of the question, Jim!"

"Hear me out, Iris! That's a two-story house and who knows if and when you can do stairs. Don't give me that look! I'm being totally practical here. I want to take care of you for the long term!"

"That sounds like a proposal," Iris said guardedly.

"Take it as one! Iris, I love you and want to marry you. I haven't had time to get a ring so this will have to do," Jim said as he removed something he never had off his person and placed it around Iris' neck.

"Saint Michael, the patron saint of policemen…Jim, I can't accept this or your proposal. The timing is all wrong. There's too much going on right now. We don't know how long I'll be this way!" Iris protested, gazing at the pendant in her hand.

"Bull! I'm not taking no for an answer. Just think about it. Regardless of what happens I'm here and like I said not going anywhere," Brass declared as he thumped on his chest for emphasis.

"For better or worse, in sickness and in health?" Iris asked softly with raised eyebrows.

"You betcha, honey, because for you I'd cross over to snatch you back if you went before me because we're a package deal," Brass suddenly grinned at her in a disarming fashion. "Keep that on so St. Mike can keep an eye on you when I can't!"

Further discussion was interrupted by Catherine, Warrick, Nick and Greg all entering the room. Iris was glad for the distraction of the unannounced visit as it would put their discussion on the backburner at least for a little while. She greeted each of her visitors with a strong hug and peck on the cheek for each of them as she voiced her delight at seeing them.

"You know it sucks about the internal affairs and grand jury investigations both being set to start at the same time!" Greg said flatly.

"Do you know who I.A. is sending and when?" Catherine asked Brass.

"Yeah, Ortega and Cavaliere," Brass answered testily.

"Hey, aren't those the two who interviewed you when…?" Nick began to ask and then left the rest unsaid with a worried expression.

"Yes to that, too," Jim replied with a heavy sigh.

"They're coming tomorrow morning to interview us," Iris added glumly as she saw Jim's tired posture.

"The grand jury is simply going over all the witness interviews at this point, so you may not have to appear for that and who knows they might simply add you I.A. interviews to supplement testimony," Warrick interjected, wanting to say something that would encourage Brass and Iris.

"If they can keep Roberto Suarez from doing any more muckraking then this will hopefully be concluded swiftly," Catherine observed.

"I find myself wishing that whoever the unknown person was that went originally to Father Powell had stepped forward," Iris said absently as she looked out the window. It was yet another beautiful day outside; perhaps Brass would wheel her outside for a little fresh air later on.

"He stopped by the lab this afternoon to talk to Grissom for a while but I didn't hear anything new about the witness," Warrick told Brass.

"I've been out to see Kyrie every day to take care of him and he's doing fine," Nick told Iris as he gave her a squeeze on the shoulder.

"Thanks, Nick, I hope to…I mean I meant to tell Sara to ride him to her heart's content. He could do with more frequent riding," Iris said trying to hard to stay positive as she smiled tremulously at Nick.

Nick knew what she left unsaid and gently tousled her hair as Brass swallowed hard, feeling Iris' distress that her future could include her not riding again.

"Father Powell asked his church congregation for their help and I just can't help feeling that somehow this person will have the courage to do the right thing and come out of the shadows," Greg remarked.

"The Hispanic community is so tight-knit that this individual has to have heard of Father Powell's appeal," Nick agreed.

Iris suddenly felt a wave of fatigue wash over her as she stifled a yawn. Jim knew she needed to rest but would conceal it to be able to visit longer with her CSI teammates who she viewed just as much as family. Knowing he'd be viewed as a mother hen, Jim announced, "Iris won't ever say because she's the picture of civility but she needs to take a little siesta."

"Oh, right! Iris, we'll be back to visit tomorrow, okay?" Greg said in parting as he leaned down to hug her in farewell.

"Iris, girl, you'll be back to work before you know it. The place ain't the same without you, you fly little thing you," Warrick asserted as he also embraced her quickly.

"Same thing goes for not having our Brass man there!" Nick insisted as he followed suit in giving a hug to Iris while Jim smiled.

"Iris, what say we go on a major shopping binge when you get out which is when?" asked Catherine as she gave Iris a quick kiss on the cheek in parting.

"The doctor said by this weekend and it looks like I'll be staying at Jim's place for a little while," Iris said as Brass gave her a drop-jawed look of surprise while she flashed a wink at him.

"The Brass man will take good care of you, Iris, no doubt!" Catherine declared as she stood to fondly hug Brass too. "Come on, boys, let's head out 'cause we all have shift tonight."

After they'd left, Brass sat down by Iris still thunderstruck. "You changed your mind?"

Iris simply pulled him down for a long, very involved wet kiss that included a tonsil check for Brass who found himself laughing against her lips finally as the intensity of the kiss lessened. "You can answer me like that anytime, honey!"

Iris smiled lazily at him before yawning sleepily and closing her eyes. Brass maintained his post until late evening when the nurse caring for Iris told him she'd been given something to help her sleep all night on Dr. Jolissaint's order. The good doctor wanted to make sure Iris had a restful night before the internal affairs interviews for them both in the morning. He kissed her lips and forehead as he slipped out, reluctantly, but he needed to sleep and be ready as well for the next day. He was asleep in moments after getting to bed.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx?

When Brass got to the hospital the next morning, he found Iris already up and in her wheelchair. He snuck her in bacon, hash browns, hot cakes and orange juice from McDonald's as he had the same while they shared time to have breakfast. Iris then wheeled herself to the sink to brush her teeth quickly, rinsed her toothbrush and motioned to Brass to use it. He grimaced slightly but accepted it. "I draw the line at sharing floss!"

"How do I look? I dressed myself today and the nurse said I did okay," Iris wondered.

"You look great but you got yourself up alone?" questioned Brass.

"Yes, pet, I have to be able to do this. I know you'll be there for me but on those rare instances where I'm alone I have to know I can do this," Iris fussed at him good-naturedly.

"See, all the more good reason to stay with me and permanently," Brass rumbled in reply as he rinsed his mouth out once more at the sink.

"Detective Brass? Investigator King?"

Brass turned to see two men in suits bearing a gold shield detective badge on each breast pocket. Iris gave each one an appraising look as well.

"Iris, allow me to introduce Detectives Chris Cavaliere and Nestor Ortega from the LVPD internal affairs division," Brass said as he was slow to shake each man's hand. Iris merely inclined her head toward each detective in acknowledgement.

"Jim, you know the reason for our being here so the sooner we start the sooner we can let Miss King get her rest," said Chris.

"Detective Cavaliere, I appreciate your concern but let me assure you I'm quite able to participate in the interview for as long as necessary and please call me Iris if you feel it's appropriate," Iris interjected firmly.

"Thanks, Iris, but for the interview itself we have to keep it formal and proper but aside from that Iris it is," Chris responded.

"Can we just cut to the chase, Chris?" Brass asked with an arched eyebrow.

"Sure, Jim, you know what to expect. Nestor, you interview Iris and I'll go with Jim. The charge nurse has provided us two separate rooms to use for the interview. Your responses to questions will be recorded and also submitted to the grand jury for use in their inquiry," Chris replied stiffly.

"Iris, I'll wheel you if you like," Nestor said personably. Iris allowed it as she gave Brass a ghost of a smile as they left the room.

"This is all political bull….," Brass started to say angrily when Chris put up a warning hand.

"And we both know that, Jim, but you knew this was going to happen and it's routine. Look, I'm sorry for your lady friend there especially and, off the record, I believe you're both clean but its policy. Let's get this over with, okay?" Chris finished tersely as they both headed to the room reserved for their interview.

Nearly three hours later, Detective Ortega returned Iris to her room as Brass and Detective Cavaliere followed behind. Each internal affairs detective had alternated between Brass and Iris during the interview process which had bordered on interrogational to Brass but he had kept his peace and answered all questions forthrightly. Iris had come through her part of the interview well and the efforts of the detectives to sway her or Brass to find potential holes in each of their accounts had come to naught.

A nurse entered the room and asked the men to remain in the hall so she could check Iris over after being up for as long as she had. As they waited, Brass turned to address Chris, "So, what's your gut say?"

"You know I can't be specific about that, Jim! I will say you both stuck to your guns, so to speak, about each of your accounts. We'll be in touch. That Iris is one tough cookie," Chris replied with a hint of admiration.

"Yeah, that part you got right, Chris, but if there's anyway this can get pushed through ASAP, I'd appreciate it," Brass said.

"We'll do what we can. C'mon, Nes, here's where we head off into the sunset," Chris said to his partner as they headed on down the hallway.

The nurse came out of the room and let Jim know he could go on into the room. Brass hurried in and found Iris to look a little pale as she held out her hand to him. He took it as he sat down and pressed it to his lips as he heard a sigh escape from her.

"How long will it take for all this to be water under the bridge for us?"

"Hard to tell right this minute, sweetie, but it sounds like we both gave good interviews to the I.A. suits."

"I was asked if I had any remorse when I had to shoot….I've never….I've never had to shoot to kill before." Iris' eyes filled with pain at the memory of having to raise her gun and fire but only two tears tracked down her cheeks. "My answer was yes that two lives were lost but that so many more were saved because we fired to protect those around us. Detective Ortega seemed surprised that I was so firm about that, I mean that I was adamant about our nearly firing in unison that it was to defend and to protect."

"We both used good judgment and they'll realize it. Let's say for a minute that it went against us and we lost our jobs. I'd take early retirement, we'd get hitched and have 10 kids."

"Go to one of the Vegas wedding chapels in the middle of the night and get married by a preacher who looks like Elvis?"

"Sure or better yet take advantage of Father Powell when he visits next. I'm sure he'd oblige us and Gil and Sara can stand up with us!"

"One problem, Jim…."

"What?"

"Uh, I can't stand."

Jim's face took on a stricken look as he realized what he'd said, only to find Iris smiling gently at him as her arms opened. "No worries, Jim." He relaxed into her embrace, feeling sanctuary there as her arms wrapped around him as her soft smothery kisses peppered his neck and cheek.

"What if I want more than 10 kids?" Iris giggled as she saw Brass' startled look before she turned serious. "If I were pregnant right now…"

Brass put a hand to her abdomen as he mulled over that thought and how to reply. "Father Powell would've done the deed by now and while the thought of a baby scares the crap out of me with me thinking of retirement not diapers I also know our kid would be loved as no other," Jim declared as her head rested against his chest.

"I know you proposed and I said no and it's still no, honey, because we have to know how this is going to turn out," Iris said sadly as she slapped at her legs and couldn't feel the blow.

"So you won't be ticked when I say I have selective hearing and that a yes is coming but just delayed," Jim responded with an arched brow and cocked head.

"Not ticked just very grateful you're persistent and not giving up on me," Iris smiled wanly up at him. "I feel a little tired, so let me take a cat nap."

"Dream of me, okay?" Brass whispered against her hair, holding her as he waited until her breathing was deep and regular. His cell phone began to vibrate then and when he checked it he saw Gil's number flashing and then a text message. "Can you meet me at the lab ASAP. URGENT! Gil." He folded her arms on the blanket and smoothed her bangs away from her forehead as he silently left the room. On his way out, he asked Iris' nurse to check on her frequently and if she woke up to tell him he had been called away but would be back as soon as he could.

Grissom was at his desk when he took Brass' call that he was on his way.

When Jim got to the crime lab, his pace quickened as he rounded the corner and entered Grissom's office as Grissom walked out to meet him.

"How'd the interviews go? Did Iris hold up okay?"

"Yeah, she did and the I.A. guys got all they needed from us or so I hope. She was pretty pooped when it was over with and was asleep when you texted me. What's this all about, Gil?"

"We're headed to holding room three for a meeting."

"Okay, Gil, you're sounding pretty vague for someone I'm accustomed to being nothing but clear with!"

"Bear with me, Jim, this is significant I promise!"

As they entered the holding room where suspects were questioned, Jim was surprised to see Father Powell and Sara and an attractive young Hispanic woman he didn't recall seeing before who met his gaze for a moment before looking away as Sara clasped her hand encouragingly. Grissom took a seat beside Sara as Jim took one opposite the young Hispanic woman.

"Jim, this is Victoria San Mateo," Father Powell introduced the young woman.

"Pleased to meet you, ma'am. Steve, what's this got to do…" Brass started to ask the priest who suddenly interrupted him.

"Jim, this is the young woman who confessed to me!"

Brass thought his jaw was going to hit the floor at that moment. He sat back in his chair at the import of what the priest had just revealed and let out a slow exhale.

"Jim, we're going to have Victoria tell us her story but wanted you to be present as well. Any questions you may have I'll ask as part of our investigation as you're still on administrative leave," Grissom informed Brass who nodded in agreement.

Still holding Sara's hand to encourage her, Victoria took a deep breath as she met Brass' gaze. Jim noted fading bruises on the young woman's forearms and left cheek, causing him to bite his lip. He knew the signs of physical abuse first-hand too many times over his years in law enforcement. How many times it had taken all of his self-control to not knock some jerk into next week who had pounded the crap out of his girlfriend or wife or worse when kids were involved.

Victoria began her story. "Detective Brass, first, please forgive me for not coming forward sooner. I've been in hiding since the Suarez brothers were taken into custody. I 'm not in this country legally and I'm ashamed to say that. It's been my dream since the death of my parents to come to the United States but I couldn't afford the money needed to come the right way as I wanted to. My family is part of the San Mateo drug cartel but my father would have nothing to do with them. He was poor but proud to not dirty his hands in profiting from drug trafficking. There's been an ongoing rivalry between the San Mateo and Suarez cartels, many murders or disappearances of people over the years."

"Go on," Grissom encouraged.

"I found work as a maid in the home of Senor Roberto Suarez, the uncle of Armando and Guillermo. He was aware that my father wasn't involved with the family cartel and hired me. I hadn't worked there very long before I caught the eye of Armando who was well-known as a womanizer. Guillermo intervened which was unusual because he never interfered with his brother and always followed his instructions to the letter. I know this after being in service to the Suarez family for a long time and being the maid of the brothers in particular. I have firsthand experience at the day-to-day business dealings of Armando. He was trying to gain favor with the head of the Suarez cartel and when a San Mateo cartel leader made an attempt on Roberto's life due to his political connections, Armando shot the leader and his wife and two sons in cold blood to send a message back to the San Mateo cartel. Roberto feared for the safety of Armando and Guillermo because reprisals are quick amongst the cartels. He made arrangements for the brothers to be sent to the United States and Armando requested Las Vegas due to the cartel's connections here," Victoria said.

"How does this involve you, Victoria?" Brass asked gently.

The young woman's eyes took on a haunted look before she went on as tears brimmed and slowly spilled over. Sara handed Victoria a Kleenex. "When I heard the brothers were being sent to the United States, I begged Guillermo to let me come too. I said I would continue to work as their maid and Guillermo implored his uncle to accept. Roberto agreed and had the necessary documents for me forged but the ones for his nephews were legal. Roberto told me I would have to make my own way in the U.S. and he would not be responsible for me. Just before we left, Armando cornered me and said he would have me but I believed Guillermo would protect me."

"What happened the night of Taryn McGregor's and Jeremy Towers' disappearance?" Grissom now asked.

"After we moved into the house, it did not take long for Armando to make a name for himself in the local drug culture as a distributor and enforcer for the Suarez cartel. Guillermo always looked up to his brother but found the drug activities distasteful yet followed Armando's directives without fail. Armando began to use cocaine and ecstasy and other drugs. He was a cruel person but when he was high he became even more vicious and abusive. One night he returned from a party after using methamphetamine and cocaine. I was carrying laundry in a basket by him when he suddenly grabbed me and forced me downstairs into the basement. I knew he took women there but I never wanted to know what happened. I would have to go down there later and clean. He…he…raped me that night which was the first of many attacks. Sometimes he forced me to do…things…and he recorded it on a DVD camera so he could watch later," Victoria's head dropped as she quietly sobbed in humiliation. Sara placed a comforting arm around her shoulders.

"Victoria, if you can't continue, we understand and you can finish your story later," Grissom said quietly but the young woman furiously shook her head no as she struggled to composed herself.

"No, I want to tell it all. Guillermo saw the bruises on my arms and legs and bite marks on my upper chest. He became angry and confronted his brother. Armando laughed at him and said if he wanted the puta he could have her. The attacks continued whenever Armando wanted. I didn't know anyone I could try to escape to. I begged Guillermo to help me but he was afraid of Armando. Armando was having difficulty with his own dealers or prostitutes being busted by the police and then the new district attorney making charges which impacted Armando's business deals and money flow. Armando often talked to his uncle Roberto about the problems and sought his advice. Roberto came by the house and had a long talk with Armando. They came up with a plan to blackmail the district attorney. I then overheard Armando telling Guillermo he would be in touch with one of his main dealers. Three nights later, I heard a knock at the door late at night and was going to answer it when Armando shoved me to the floor and told me to go to one of the bedrooms and stay there. I went to the window and saw a Mercedes with a young woman in it with blonde hair. I heard a young man at the door say his name was Jeremy and he was told he could get "powder" from Armando as he came inside," Victoria then stopped to take a drink of water.

"You're doing great, Victoria," Sara encouraged as Victoria smiled tremulously.

"I cracked open the bedroom door which was by the living room to watch. Jeremy soon discovered there was no "powder" and when Armando demanded he tell his girl friend to come into the house, Jeremy refused and then Armando pulled out his pistol. He waved it at Jeremy and told him if he cooperated that no one would be hurt. Jeremy went out to the car with them and they returned with the young woman. I heard her called Taryn by Jeremy. Armando then took Jeremy's wallet out and went through Taryn's purse to look af their identification I believe. He laughed as he told Guillermo that they had the daughter of the district attorney and her fiancé from what he'd seen on the local television news. When Armando tried to separate them, Jeremy tried to run with Taryn out the front door but Armando shot him in the left arm. Guillermo was made to bring Jeremy back in the house. Taryn was hysterical and screaming. Armando hit her in the face and she was knocked out I think. Guillermo was told by Armando to gag and tie up Jeremy. Armando took Taryn down into the basement and came back up and locked the door. Only he carried a key to the lock. I saw Armando coming back to my room and I shut the door and sat on the bed. He opened the door and said I was going with them. I was made to drive their Chevy Suburban out to a desert ravine Armando had used before for his disposal he said. When we got there, Guillermo and Armando took Jeremy with them. I heard a gunshot and later only Armando and Guillermo returned. I started to ask what had happened when Armando slapped me over and over. He said I would be next if I asked again." Victoria became tremulous again and covered her face with her hands as she forced herself to recall the event.

"Everything you're telling us, my child, will help the cause of Detective Brass and Investigator King as well as to quell the trouble Roberto Suarez is hoping to do by dividing the community," Father Powell said gently.

Victoria sniffled several times and wiped her eyes with her sodden Kleenex before she continued. "When we returned to the house, Armando told Guillermo to take the Mercedes and abandon it. Guillermo took me along to drive the Mercedes while he followed in the Suburban. Armando went downstairs into the basement. I begged Guillermo to call the police and to help Taryn. He said there was nothing he could do and he wouldn't go against his brother. I was told to leave the Mercedes in the Kroger parking lot and I was hurrying to get out of the car and broke a fingernail in the steering wheel but not before I had left a scribbled note for the police." Victoria held up her hand to show the broken off nail which Sara took a picture of.

Clearing her throat, Teresa resumed her story. "When we returned to the house, Armando was sitting on the couch with Taryn. He had beaten her and she was bruised and bleeding. She looked at me and I knew she was pleading with me silently to help her somehow. I could tell she had tried to fight Armando off but he was too strong. Over the next three days he abused her over and over in the basement. I could hear her screaming and crying for help. Guillermo would just go to his room and shut the door. Guillermo never attacked Taryn and abhorred what his brother did but fear and love of his brother kept him in his control just the same. I found a way to pick the lock the basement and snuck in to see Taryn. She was curled up like a baby on one of the beds. I held her and did my best to comfort her. Taryn asked what had happened to Jeremy and I was afraid to tell her the truth and said he was being held elsewhere with by cartel gang members. I told her what had happened to me and that I was never allowed out of the house alone. Armando also forced Taryn to take drugs with him that he photographed in order to blackmail Taryn's father."

Victoria had to stop again as Sara saw the young woman was near the breaking point.

"Victoria, you can tell us later if you need to," Sara said gently.

The young woman shook her head "no" several times before taking a deep breath and refocusing her memory. Her voice was initially tremulous but reflected her resolve to tell the rest of her story. "Guillermo took me to a pay phone near where we'd left the Mercedes to call the district attorney's office to claim that Jeremy and Taryn were being held hostage. That night, Armando was going to hurt Taryn again and tried to drag her to the basement. He was on cocaine again and in a very savage mood. Taryn tried to fight him off, screaming and crying, before he threw her down the basement stairs as if she were a rag doll. I heard the thud of her body as it hit the floor and then Armando laughing. Guillermo was horrified and rushed down to check on Taryn. He came back up the stairs to say Taryn had died from a broken neck. I was forced to help wrap Taryn's body in a canvas sheet before they put her into that cement slab and then put the doghouse over it. The next day I begged and pleaded with Guillermo to take me to a priest to confess my sins or he would be responsible for my soul. Guillermo took me to the nearest church where I saw Father Powell. Sara told me that Taryn had bite marks. I was bitten by Armando too. I will gladly permit myself to be examined and photographed. I also brought some underwear that I saved in a plastic bag from the last time Armando attacked me. I want to help in any way I can to make sure Roberto Suarez is arrested for the part he played in this and that you, Detective Brass, and Investigator Iris King are vindicated,"

Victoria now slumped at the conclusion and sobbed as Sara cradled her gently.

"A harrowing tale to be sure and your bravery to come forward is to be commended," Grissom told the young woman compassionately.

"If I were truly brave Mr. Grissom I would have found a way to help Taryn and I escape and she would be alive today. I will carry that burden for the rest of my life," Victoria said simply but with deep sadness reflected in her voice and eyes.

"Victoria, you were being kept prisoner night and day against your will and you did your best to comfort another woman in the same dire straits as yourself. Armando probably would've killed you too at some point as you had now witnessed two murders at his hands. You were a loose end he could ill afford to have. It's providence that we got them when we did," Brass declared.

"That's why I will testify or be your witness in any way I can help," Victoria insisted.

"Your testimony will be helpful, Victoria, count on it!" Sara agreed.

"Wait a minute! Victoria's not here legally so doesn't that mean she'll be deported?" Father Powell protested.

"I'm sure her willingness to cooperate in this case and serve as a material witness in the investigation will be more than enough to help begin the process of her gaining legal immigrant status," Grissom remarked as Victoria gave him a hopeful look.

"And it's gonna be priceless to see the face of Roberto Suarez when he gets read his rights!" Brass gloated, wishing fervently he could get the pleasure of being the arresting detective.

"I'll make sure Sofia is brought up to speed so she can work toward that end," Sara asserted as she moved to get her cell phone.

"Victoria, you have my gratitude for coming here today. I know it was tough for you to divulge what you did but believe me you're doing the right thing. Iris would thank you too if she could be here," Brass told the young woman as he patted her shoulder as a gesture of encouragement.

"Thank you, Captain Brass. She is in my prayers that she will be able to walk again!" Victoria affirmed in a heartfelt manner.

"Appreciate the good thoughts, Iris can use them all," Brass said. "I just wish there had been a way for you to have a recording of that meeting with Roberto and his nephews planning to blackmail D.A. McGregor."

"But I did, Detective Brass," Victoria replied as she reached into her purse and retrieved what looked like a CD that she handed to Jim. He gave her a surprised look as she went on. "Armando never knew I could use the DVD camcorder he had because he believed I wasn't smart enough. The night they met I put the camcorder in a hidden place and it recorded them as they planned."

Jim shook his head with a look of pure astonishment on his face as he gave the DVD with its incriminating content to Grissom for safekeeping. "Lord, I wish I was not on this blasted administrative leave! I want to lead the charge to arrest that waste of skin!"

"Roberto Suarez is going to be surprised as to just how quickly the pendulum can swing when true justice is being meted out," Grissom assured Victoria, viewing her with admiration at her inventive approach of securing hard evidence.

"I have seen enough criminal investigation shows of American television while in Colombia to help me know what I needed to do," Victoria said as she felt a bit embarrassed at their compliments.

Sofia walked in after having talked to Sara on her cell phone as Brass quickly updated her further over what Victoria had just provided them. Sofia shook her head in approval at Victoria as well. "Listen, Jim, I gotta get an arrest warrant for Roberto Suarez with him being a diplomatic attaché for which I am going to take a great deal of pleasure." Sofia flashed a grin of confidence at Brass as she headed to another part of the police department.

"Jim, how is Iris today since you both had those interviews earlier today?" Father Powell inquired.

"She's all that and a bag of chips as they say, Steve, answered all the questions put to her without skipping a beat. Yet she was pretty worn out by the end of it and when Gil contacted me she'd fallen asleep. No change in her paralysis though," Brass responded with a hint of sadness at the end.

Father Powell nodded slowly as he gave Jim a pat on the shoulder in empathy. "I'm glad she has you to stand by her during this difficult time, Jim, as she needs your support and that of the CSI team. You're all more than family to her you know."

Brass' cell phone rang as he excused himself from the interview room to take the call. "This is Brass."

"What are you wearing?" asked a woman's voice provocatively.

"A leopard thong speedo," Brass wisecracked as he heard Iris break out in giggles in his ear.

"Where are you? I woke up a little while ago and my nurse said you had to leave suddenly," Iris questioned.

Brass quickly gave her an overview of what had happened with the appearance of Victoria as the mystery person who had confessed to Father Powell. Iris promptly voiced her relief as well as her respect toward Victoria to bravely step out of the shadows and want to see justice for Taryn and Jeremy.

"Hon, I'll be back to the hospital to see you a little later this evening and this is for you," Brass said as he made a sloppy kissing sound into the phone. He suddenly heard clapping and whistling behind him. He spun around to face Sara and Grissom who were enjoying his spontaneous gesture of affection toward Iris via his cell phone. He grimaced at them as Sara wrote something and held up a "10". Grumbling, he waved them on before getting back to Iris.

"Busted?" asked Iris, snickering.

"Oh, yeah, I won't live this down anytime soon but hey I don't care who knows now," Brass said trying to sound reckless.

"Ah, my knight in shining armor who knows how to impress this damsel in distress anew each day anon," Iris intoned in a Shakespearean manner.

"Cut that out! I struggled just to get through "Romeo and Juliet" in school," Brass rumbled.

"Very well, dear heart, see you when you get here," Iris said as he hung up with her.

He found himself having a silly grin on his face thereafter as he'd never been called a knight in shining armor before not even by Catherine or Sara.

After Brass had spoken further to Grissom and Sofia, he arrived at the hospital that evening and found Iris up in her wheelchair looking rested. She asked him in a pleasant fashion, "Let's go on a date,"

"Sure, where do we go?" Brass asked curiously.

"The nurse told me that there's a little garden courtyard outside that has a fountain and walking paths. It'd be a change of scenery for me from the last few days," Iris requested hopefully.

"Your wish is my command, milady," Brass responded as he pushed her out of the room. As they passed, the nurses station Jim joked at Iris' nurse that he was kidnapping her. The nurse gave him an amused look and waved them on.

When they reached the main floor, Brass noticed the snack shop was still open and took Iris inside where they each got a chocolate shake. While Iris held their shakes, Jim wheeled her on to the garden courtyard as the sun was just starting to set and the heat of the day had broken somewhat. They found a bench by the fountain where Jim sat by Iris as they enjoyed the first truly private time they'd had together since the courtroom incident.

"Dr. Jolissaint dropped by while you at the crime lab," Iris mentioned casually.

"Oh, anything new?" Jim queried.

"He wants to keep me until Saturday now just to be sure everything is progressing to his satisfaction. I told him I would be staying with you temporarily and he thought that was a great idea since we're both still on leave through next week," Iris said a bit glumly.

"You sound a little down, babe, and you shouldn't because things on the Suarez case are coming together and you don't know how badly I want to be the arresting detective of Mr. Smooth Talking Roberto. Victoria's testimony will be critical to snagging that overconfident piece of crap," Brass said with a slight grin at the thought of Roberto wearing jail orange instead of his expensive suits.

"I'm sure you'll be key to his comeuppance," Iris agreed before continuing softly,

"It's only Thursday and it feels like a lifetime ago the weekend at the cabin."

"Hon, I'll have everything ready from a ramp to the front door to your own bed which I've made arrangements to have moved from your place to mine. You'll have your own room until you agree to say yes to marry me which I know you will!" Brass exclaimed with a confident tone.

"I'm a bird with clipped wings right now and seeing further than tomorrow is hard right now, but I know you're there for me and it helps more than you know," Iris replied as she ran her fingers lightly over Jim's face.

"I'm probably not going to be able to come by and see you until tomorrow night because Gil asked me to help with some off-the-record reconnaissance to insure that Victoria's testimony will be as damning as we hope it will to the case to snare Roberto Suarez before he could try to fly the coop back to Colombia," Brass said as he caught her fingers to bring to his lips, a faint smile from Iris rewarding him.

"I feel pretty useless through all of this…I find myself wanting to be part of the hunt. Not stuck in a bed or a wheelchair," Iris bit off each word in exasperation and hit the arm of her wheelchair in a gesture of frustration.

"Iris, you're not a quitter and Lord knows you're always there for everyone. Whatever adjustments you have to make you're not going to be alone! I'm here and the rest of the CSI team and your family let alone your church!" Brass admonished her lightly but seriously.

"I know Jim and I love you all the more for that as well as the team. Who could have a better family aside from my blood kin? This all just overwhelms me at times and I try to stay upbeat but it's still a struggle," Iris finished slowly as her shoulders slumped.

"Babe, just remember you're not alone! Let's get you back up to your room since it's getting toward dusk. Hey, there's the first star out! Make a wish!" Brass cajoled her as they looked up at the darkening sky.

"Jim, I don't put any stock in that and haven't said it since I was a kid. Okay, what the heck, here goes. Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight…" Iris went on to say the childhood wishing rhyme as Brass stood behind and massaged her shoulders, feeling how tense she truly was.

"Am I hired?" he asked with a sly grin as he bent over to steal a quick kiss.

"Silly! I thought I had the corner market on doing that for you," Iris replied against his lips.

"You do but you do other things for me or to me too," Brass whispered to her suggestively.

"I miss being close to you more than you know," Iris whispered back as they rubbed noses playfully before Brass wheeled her back to her room.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Friday morning Brass met Grissom early at the crime lab. He sank into a chair across from Grissom in his office. Jim had avoided going by his own office, finding it painful to know he was still on administrative leave. He and Iris were both chafing at being on forced off-duty. He felt a bit guilty he could still go in albeit in this capacity. "Gil, I'm glad to have something to do! Don't get me wrong as I've wanted to be with Iris as much as possible too."

"Sofia will go for an arrest warrant after the DVD Victoria gave us is fully checked over by Archie and that's where you come in to help corroborate its content as Iris can't. By the way, she sounded out of sorts when I called her this morning and that's not usual for her," Grissom said to Brass.

"Gil, she's worried about her future here as a CSI and the thought of not being able to do field work is daunting to her. She knows she's facing making major changes in her lifestyle from work to just going to the grocery. It's got her scared more than she'll admit to. I've tried reassuring her and reminding her that we all support her but how does it help her when she's alone and this closes in on her?" Brass wondered sadly.

"I think she'll surprise herself with how adaptive she can be. I'm afraid CSI field work would be impossible for her to do but Ecklie's assured me that her job is secure to work in the lab in other capacities," Grissom assured Jim.

"I'm glad to hear that and I'm sure she will be too," Brass agreed.

Xxxxxxxxxxx?

Later that night, Jim had to admit he was beat as he headed toward Desert Palm to check on Iris. He'd only had time to call her once and he could tell she was having a tough day. Brass had then called Iris' nurse and she'd told him that while Iris had gone willingly to physical therapy that the therapist's report was Iris' heart wasn't in it and she'd simply gone through the motions of the therapy routine. Before that, she had aggressively applied herself to the exercises and worked hard and her therapist was encouraged at Iris' positive attitude and effort.

Jim feared Iris was going to suffer a setback if they couldn't find a way to jumpstart her positive outlook again. Brass glumly looked at the night sky as it began to rain harder with lightning flashing and thunder booming behind it. He was glad once again for covered parking at the hospital and after parking his car hurried inside to the elevators.

Brass stopped for a moment at the nurse's station to speak to Iris' nurse. She had been asleep at last bed check and physically she continued to do okay. Jim then asked how Iris' mood had been that evening and the nurse indicated that Iris had seemed distant almost distracted. Iris had been reading and fallen asleep with her Bible on her chest. The nurse had left her undisturbed. Concerned, Brass thanked the nurse and hurried into Iris room.

As he entered the room it was dark except for dim lighting by the bed as a sudden flash of lightning revealed Iris' bed to be empty with the Bible lying open. He saw the passage circled boldly in red and then the vacant wheelchair beside the bed. In a panic, Jim happened to glance toward the window as another flash of lightning illuminated the room. Iris stood with eyes shut, her hand on the pane listening to the storm outside. Brass rushed to her side to crush her in a tight embrace as he brokenly said, "Iris…Iris…you walked!"

He heard a muffled reply against his chest as he took her face in his hands to turn it up to him. Brass felt her trembling as he supported her. She cocked her head slightly as she replied softly. "I woke up when it started storming and heard you call out to me to get up and found myself by the window watching the rain and put my hand to the pane to feel the thunder. I knew you were coming, I could feel it." Her balance suddenly began to wobble as she sagged against Jim as her strength failed. Brass caught her in his arms and swiftly carried her back to the hospital bed.

"Nurse, call Dr. Jolissaint!" Jim bellowed as he laid Iris gently down.

Grissom's cell phone rang on his nightstand as he and Sara were getting ready to go in to work. Spitting out toothpaste, Grissom scooped up his phone hearing the ring tone set for Brass' and Jim's number displayed. Sara came out drying her hair after showering with a questioning look.

"Jim?"