Author's Note: Important announcement at the end of this chapter, please read!
Masquerade Love
Chapter 12:
The next few days breezed by quickly as the team worked hard on the Seth Lionel case. Greg managed to successfully identify the man on the security footage through running the license plate number of his car. When brought in for questioning, the man admitted he was following the victim, but had a tight alibi for the time of death.
Sara's work on the blood spatter had also produced some good results. They had managed to determine the angle of which the knife had been plunged through the victim's body, and from there, deduce a rough height of the attacker.
Two days after the brutal killing, the team had a break through while sieving through Seth Lionel's (deleted) emails. Apparently, Seth Lionel had just pulled out of a seedy business venture, leaving his partner in a pool of debt. After intense question, an arrest was made not long after. Seth Lionel's business partner knew his friend's routines, and had approached him in the bar. Seth Lionel had pulled them to the backroom for a more private chat, but things turned ugly.
Grateful to have solved yet another case, the group of CSIs convened in the break room. Everyone spotted dark eye circles and tired faces. Greg had to stifle his yawn as fatigue kicked in. D.B had requested to meet them there for a quick debrief of the case. All of them were really knackered for they had worked tirelessly.
"A job well done, all of you." D.B said, walking into the room. The night shift supervisor was proud of all the efforts that his CSIs had put in to help apprehend the murderer in a short amount of time.
"Thanks D.B. We had loads of help. Not just from those around the lab but also the cooperation from those external organisations as well." Nick replied, flashing a tired grin at his companions. There was a chorused of agreement at his statement.
"Well…That's another case down. Jacob (the business partner) has made a full confession. And Greg has successfully matched his fingerprints to those found on the knife. So case closed." D.B smiled. It was already late morning, and the team was dangerously close to starting the second shift.
"Go home and have a well-deserved break team. I'll see you all tonight for shift."
"Thanks D.B." Nick said gratefully, standing up and taking a much needed stretch.
"Thanks D.B! You too, have some rest!" Morgan followed suit, standing up. Right now, a hot shower and a good few hours sleep sounded good.
"Thanks D.B. Lunch anyone?" Greg asked. His stomach had been rumbling for quite a while now, demanding to be fed.
"Count me out thanks. I'm so tired I think I might just fall asleep any minute." Sara mumbled.
"I don't mind." Nick never passed an offer for food.
D.B Russel declined the offer too, for he was planning on heading home and spending some much needed time with his family for a bit.
Morgan shrugged, indicating that she was okay with the idea, she was quite hungry too.
The team went their separate ways to pack up; the trio heading for lunch had arranged to meet at the lift lobby.
Sara managed to catch Morgan at the break room before the latter left. "Hey." She gave Morgan a meaningful look.
"Hey Sara…You sure you don't want to join us for lunch?" Morgan knew the silent message her friend was trying to convey to her.
"Nah. I'm knackered. Remember what I told you." She said lightly. The blonde CSI nodded. However, she also knew that it was unlikely she'll be able to get him alone during lunch to even talk about this. Besides, it wasn't fair to spring such an announcement on him after a difficult case.
Lunch was a simple affair, for all three of them were exhausted beyond comprehension. They talked a little, and then split up soon after to head for home. All of them were glad for the breather.
All too soon, Christmas arrived. Armed with a bag of gifts for distribution, Morgan arrived at the Crime Lab half an hour before the celebration started. She was decked in a sleeveless dress that had a black bodice, and a red flare skirt, a tribute to the spirit of Christmas. (Of course, she also had shift later so she brought along an extra set of clothes for changing).
Morgan used the extra time to make a few little deliveries of gifts to certain members of the Crime Lab who weren't attending the celebration. Then, she went to the breakroom to lend a hand in the setting up of the place.
The long table had been pushed towards the side, and the hot buffet catered had been placed on top. The chairs had been moved to the other side of the room, leaving ample space in the middle for mingling. Someone had put effort to hang string lights on the walls, giving the room a very homey feeling. A Christmas wreath was situated near the door as well.
David and Sara were already there doing some last minute touch-ups to the room.
"Hey guys. Need some help?" Morgan stepped in, placing her gifts in one corner of the room under the Christmas Tree. Both David and Sara were in their usual work attire, but accessorised with Santa hats to bring out a more Christmas mood.
"Looking good Morgan." Sara greeted her with a smile. "Do you think you just help us arrange the disposable cutlery on the table? I'm going to help David with the music."
"Sure." The blonde CSI grinned at her friend, and got to work.
In no time at all, members of the crime lab started to stream in. Doc was in a checked shirt with suspender pants (the straps were patterned red with little reindeers on it. D.B came in his trademark jacket, but wore a Santa hat too. Nick did the same. David had already gotten some Christmas Carols going, and the atmosphere was a very relaxed one.
Greg was one of the last few members to stream in. Morgan had kept an eye out for him, and her heart practically skipped a beat when she saw him. He was in a pink shirt and dark pants, and he had even wore a pair of reindeer ears on his head. She couldn't help but smile when she saw him. His outfit was just too cute.
"Hello Mr Reindeer. Are you lost?" The teasing tone was apparent in her voice as she approached.
Greg grinned at her, as his eyes took in her attire for the day. Morgan looked classy and Christmassy at the same time. "I think so…Can you direct me to the North Pole?"
Morgan shrugged. "You're pretty far away from the North Pole I'm afraid…Can I interest you in some food first before your journey?" She gestured to the buffet table, where a line was already forming.
"Sure." Greg replied easily. "This reindeer never misses out an opportunity for food. I'll catch you later." He winked, and went towards the buffet line, where Nick immediately accosted him. The ex-quarterback flicked Greg's headgear playfully, causing the latter to let out a yelp.
Morgan giggled under her breath, and sipped on her punch.
The celebration was really free and easy. The members of the Crime Lab had about an hour to eat and mingle, as well as to seek out their secret Santa gift recipient. Morgan had already given her gift to one of the swing shift technicians named Lisa. (She had gotten the other women some lip-gloss that the technician used).
D.B Russell joined her, apparently having taken some food. "Hi D.B" She greeted.
"Hi Morgan. Mind if I join you for a bit?"
"Not at all." Morgan smiled, and her supervisor sat down next to her.
The two lapsed into a comfortable silence as D.B ate. "How's the catering?"
"Not too bad." Her supervisor replied, taking a drink of the fruit punch, before turning his attention to her.
"Listen Morgan. I just wanted to tell you that I'm proud of you. Conrad shared with me what has been going on. I'm glad that you two are making up." D.B sent her a fatherly-like smile. The night shift supervisor WAS happy that the father-daughter duo were getting along better now. As a dad himself, he knew how tough it was for Conrad to be working in the same building as his estranged daughter.
Morgan allowed a small smile to grace her features. Her relationship with her father was certainly improving. Although still a little strained at times, they were now on regular speaking terms, which was a vast improvement. "Thanks D.B. I'm grateful too. I guess sometimes it takes a little scare to realise what is important."
"What is important." D.B echoed, cocking his head in the direction of the party-goers. Morgan followed his gaze and her eyes landed on Greg. He was engrossed in conversation with Nick and a swing shift CSI named Marcus, the reindeer ears still on his head. Morgan's eyes flew back towards D.B, who had a twinkle in his eye.
Is D.B implying what I think he's implying? I thought as our supervisor he shouldn't be encouraging workplace romances? Her eyes widened, and she felt her face heat up. D.B's subsequent grin only made her even more embarrassed.
Her next thought was: Am I really that transparent?
Noting her embarrassment, D.B changed the subject.
After exchanging a few more words, he excused himself to talk to Doc, and Morgan found herself alone again. She scanned the room. Hodges and David were in deep conversation while maintaining the DJ station. Nick and Sara had taken to the dance floor, swaying in time with the music. In the back of her mind, she thought about how cute a couple those two would be.
However, what she was really doing was trying to spot that pair of cute reindeer ears. Where had Greg gone? She craned her neck slightly, but there didn't seem to be any sign of her colleague.
"Looking for me?" Suddenly, a familiar voice spoke from behind her. The baritone voice made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Morgan spun around.
Greg stood there, grinning down at her. She couldn't help but beam back.
"Yeah. I was wondering what happened to our resident reindeer." She replied, furrowing her brows when she noticed that Greg wasn't wearing it anymore. In its place, was a Santa hat.
"Our reindeer had to find its way back to the North Pole." Greg said mysteriously. "Now it's Santa time." He pulled out a red paper bag from behind his back.
Morgan's eyes sparkled with delight, and she quickly headed over to the Christmas Tree where she had left her presents. Greg followed her. She took out Greg's gift, carefully wrapped in green paper.
"Merry Christmas." Greg smiled sincerely at her, offering the bag to her.
"Merry Christmas." She echoed, handing him his gift.
Morgan opened her gift first, gasping when she took out two items. The first was the latest instalment of the cosy mystery series she had been reading. The second item was nail-polish, of the shade that she liked. Her eyes lit up, and she hugged the novel close to her chest while holding the nail polish tightly in her hand.
"This is amazing. Thanks Greg." She breathed. "But you didn't have to give me two things." She added on. At first, she had confused to find two items inside the bag, but that gave way to excitement and happiness on noticing the gifts.
In response, Greg only gestured to the little note that was attached to the bottle with a ribbon. Glancing at him curiously, Morgan read the card.
Merry Christmas Morgan!
It has been a wonderful four months working with you. I hope that this gift reminds you of the simple things in life that we need to enjoy. Have a good day!
Your Secret Santa,
Greg.
It's him! Morgan's heart soared as she glanced down at the nail-polish once more. "How did you know…About the nail polish?" She was pretty sure she hadn't told him anything about what colour or brand she used.
At her words, Greg looked slightly sheepish. "I might have had a little bit of help from Sara…"
Morgan beamed kindly at him. "Regardless…Thanks Greg. For both of these gifts." She reached over and gave him a hug, savouring the smell of his familiar cologne, and strong, warm arms.
Greg hugged her back, grateful that she liked her presents. He had quite a hard time deciding what to get her for the Secret Santa project (he had already planned on the book for her main gift). Sara had been nothing else but helpful, although she did drop a couple of questions of his relationship with Morgan…
It felt so right, feeling the warmth of her body so close to him. As time went by, Greg found that it was harder and harder to conceal his growing feelings for his colleague. She was a wonderful person, beautiful inside and out.
And I think she feels the same… He had been observing her interactions and body language when she was with him, and he was 99% sure she had feelings for him too. Plus, weren't they blatantly flirting earlier regarding the reindeer ears?
Should I tell her how I feel? Take the next step?
Morgan broke the hug, aware that they had hugged longer then the duration of what 'friends' should be hugging for.
"Open your gift." Greg had almost forgotten about the green, cuboid shaped gift that Morgan had bestowed on him. The blonde before him was looking expectantly at the gift in his hands.
Greg tore the paper away carefully, not sure if the item inside was fragile. As he pulled the paper completely away, he came face to face with several DVDs. Christmas DVDs to be precise.
All the classics were there: A Christmas Carol, It's a Wonderful Life, even Frozen.
"You mentioned that you hadn't watch some of the Christmas Classics…Well, you don't have any excuse any longer." Morgan grinned. It was a conversation they had several weeks back, when the Secret Santa project had just been announced. Greg mentioned casually that he had never watched certain Christmas Classics before, and Morgan wanted to change that.
"Wow…I know how I'm going to spend my Christmas evening now." He held out the DVDs, a smile planted on his face. It was a very thoughtful gift. "Thanks Morgan."
"You're welcome." She beamed.
The rest of the party went by. The members of the Crime Lab had a Carolling session where they had sung along to many classic songs. Conrad Ecklie had dropped by, and delivered a short speech thanking everyone at the lab for their contributions. D.B spoke a few words too. The dance floor was opened for a while too, and everyone enjoyed themselves. It was a good breather from working hard each night.
Hi guys, thank you all for your consistent support for this story, you have no idea how much it means to me.
However, I would like to say that this story will go on TEMPORARY HIATUS until DECEMBER 2017. My college term has started, and I really don't have time to juggle both writing, school work and other commitments too.
I promise that I'll continue writing once Winter Break hits; don't worry, I won't abandon this story. I'll try to finish it by January 2018!
Thank you all for supporting, and I'll let you know when the next chapter is posted!
Review Replies:
Lynn080: Hey thank you for your review! I'm sorry that it's going on hiatus so soon after you discovered it though. Thanks for the support!
Kristen: Thank you so much! I really appreciate your descriptive reviews! Take care alright? I'll post again in December, so until then!
Flipchick23: Thanks for the review! Take care until December! ^^
This hiatus is temporary! I'll be back! Until then!
-TrixieNancy124.