Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to CSI.
Chapter 13
True to her word, Catherine shot into Archie's lab in no time. Grissom showed Catherine an image of one of Thompson's four prison mates, who sported a tattoo of a cross on fire on his upper left arm.
"According to the news crew who filmed the Garrison Thompson piece, Thompson had four guys who followed him around the prison. Archie was able to get visual IDs of the four guys from the raw news footage," Grissom explained.
"How long has this guy been in prison?" Catherine asked, pointing to the prisoner with the similar tattoo.
"We just got a visual ID on him, but not a name," Grissom said. "But I'm going to Corlin this morning to interview Thompson. I wanted to check these four while I was there."
"I'm coming, too," Catherine said, not at all as a question.
--
Before their shift ended, both Grissom and Catherine left for their homes. Catherine hoped to spend a little time with Lindsey and take her to school. Grissom wanted to take a shower and, thinking he might not be able to spend time with Hank, drop the boxer with the sitter. Catherine invited Grissom to her house for breakfast and afterwards they would leave for Corlin Correctional.
When he gathered his briefcase to leave, Grissom saw a note on his desk from Warrick.
"Griss, I'm still working on information on the iPod and I need to get a translator for a piece of audio. But I copied this one audio file on CD. I think you should listen to it — Warrick."
Grissom took the CD and exited his office for home.
--
As Grissom stood under the shower spray, his mind tried to fight the fatigue plaguing his body. Before he knew it, he was leaning against the tiled wall. His eyelids were heavy and his only conscious movement was his right hand massaging the back of his neck.
He wished someone else were there to do that for him.
Perhaps it was that thought that brought him out of his daze. Perhaps it was the gradually cooling water spraying from the showerhead.
It didn't matter because Grissom felt the need to straighten up. His body ached and while one arm went to support his lower back, the other hand cradled his face as he tightly closed his eyes to avoid tears from spilling out.
Perhaps it was the pain in his back that brought on the tears. Perhaps it was the thoughts of longing in his heart.
It doesn't matter, Grissom thought. All that mattered was focus. Shower. Sleep. Eat. Work. Repeat. Of course, that mantra might not be doable this morning.
Maybe I can sleep in the car, Grissom thought.
--
"You still eat meat, right?" Catherine asked her friend as she opened her front door for Grissom.
"Not all the time, but yes," Grissom said, as an aroma filled his nostrils. "Burgers for breakfast?"
"I haven't eaten anything in 15 hours. I'm starved," Catherine said. "But, on Lindsey's advice, I cooked one of her turkey burgers for you. She said the beef might wreak havoc on your system if you haven't had it for while. But if you prefer beef…"
"No, the turkey burger is fine. Thank you," Grissom said, grateful for Lindsey's foresight. He wasn't sure how his stomach would take one of Catherine's monster burgers either.
Catherine spread out cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and condiments on the counter. She also put a plate with a few strips of bacon, which she immediately put on her burger. It didn't totally shock her that Grissom passed up the bacon and went straight for the lettuce and tomato.
"You've really got it bad, don't you?" Catherine said, snickering. "I remember when you would put bacon, cheese and chili on a burger, and never question whether to have it for breakfast or not."
"Catherine, it's not like I can afford to eat like that anymore. I probably couldn't afford to eat like that 10 or 15 years ago," Grissom countered.
"You've changed."
The comment caught Grissom off guard. The pit of his stomach lurched a bit. "I … Catherine … I don't know what to say to that."
Catherine looked at Grissom. The bags under his eyes were noticeable when he walked into the house. Her comment made him look more forlorn and fatigued. "Gil, don't get defensive. I'm not saying it's a horrible thing. I'm just saying, you've changed."
"You're making it sound like it's a bad thing," Grissom said.
"Now, wait a minute, that's not what I meant …"
"You've changed a lot too, you know," Grissom interrupted.
Catherine's look said as much as her words. "Excuse me?"
"You changed after Lindsey was born. You changed when Eddie left you. You changed when he died. You changed a bit every time you discovered more and more about Sam. You changed when he died. There had been plenty of times you've changed."
"Yeah, OK," Catherine countered. "But not in one fell swoop."
"Catherine, Sara and I have been together as a couple for more than two years. When exactly did the swoop fall?"
"Now, that's not fair," Catherine retorted. "You never let us know about your relationship."
"How long have we known each other?"
"I don't know. What 16, 17 years?"
"So, Catherine," Grissom said, with logic and resolve, not malice or anger. "Are you more surprised on how I changed or the fact I changed at all?"
She was stuck. She hated when he did this to her. Usually she could keep her upper hand, but there were times when mental chess was not the game to play when Grissom was the opponent.
She chuckled and pressed her clothes. "It's not that … You know what? It's OK. Finish your breakfast. We have to get going."
The two ate their burgers, cleaned up the condiments and plates and got ready to go. There was still a strip of bacon left on a plate. Catching up to Catherine, who was at the front door reaching for coat out of a closet, Grissom broke the bacon in half and popped a piece in his mouth.
"For old times," he said. He gave the last portion of bacon to Catherine, who ate it, and then he helped her put on her coat.
Catherine gave a warm smile. "Get in my SUV. I'm driving."
"Some things never change," Grissom said as he closed Catherine's front door.
TBC
A/N: The reviews have been very kind. Thank your for them. I hope you enjoyed this and will continue reading.