A.N: Well guys, I hope you don't mind the family vignettes I've added to this chapter... I felt the need to relax the pace for a minute here, but I'll get back on track near the end. I can't help myself; I'm in no hurry to finish this story. I'm enjoying myself far too much! And this is another long one, thanks to my ramblings. Thanks for your anticpated patience with me... ;)
Alex watched as her mother fussed with everything.
Her pillows needed careful fluffing; her water glass needed to be cleaned; her Kleenex box was almost empty and should be replaced...
Alex was about to tell her to sit down and relax when she saw the look of amusement on her father's face. She couldn't help but grin back, and she laughed under her breath.
Poor mom. She's totally out of her element.
Abby Winters ran a pretty tight ship at home, and Alan Winters pretty much did what he was told. He never seemed to mind though; he adored his wife completely. Alex hadn't been surprised when Maddie had turned around and married a gorgeous man who had the same temperament as their father. It was a good thing too since Maddie was just like her mother, although she'd never admit it.
She watched her sister, reading over her chart for about the 10th time that morning. Thorough and in-control didn't begin to describe her sister's fastidious nature.
Alex and Maddie had clashed incessantly as children. Alex's laid-back attitudes and 'things will work out' attitude had been an affront to all that Maddie knew to be true. Maddie's uptight nature and attention to detail had almost driven Alex around the bend more than a few times. Only their brother Sam seemed to be the happy medium, always trying to keep his two sisters from killing each other. He took after their father, and just wanted everyone to be happy.
Still, Alex thought, I love Maddie more than anything. She's always there when I need her. Like now.
She smiled at her fondly. Maddie looked up and saw her smiling.
"What?"
Alex shook her head slightly. "Nothing." She kept smiling.
"Do I have something on my face?" She raised her hand to wipe at her mouth.
Alex laughed. "No... Maddie, I'm just happy you're here."
Maddie looked surprised for a moment, and then smiled back.
"That's what older sisters are for. Sam was ready to jump on a plane too, you know. But I told him to wait and let me see how serious it was."
"Yeah, that was a good call. It would have been such a waste; flights from Tokyo are expensive..."
Maddie frowned. "It wouldn't have been a waste Alex. You're our little sister..."
"I know... I mean... I'm OK, and it would have been a long trip for him."
Alan watched his daughters affectionately. He couldn't be prouder of his children. He would have liked to see Sam, but under different circumstances. It was just as well he hadn't come back to North America.
Maddie looked at her mother, still picking at everything she could get her hands on.
"Mom, will you stop? You're driving us all crazy with your fidgeting!"
Alex giggled and her father started to chuckle. Both Maddie and Abby Winters looked at them bemusedly, and Maddie asked, "What's so funny?"
Nick approached the reception desk, a tray of coffees in one hand, a bag of breakfast goodies in the other. The morning nurse went to fetch one of the Winters.
As the big doors opened, Nick looked up.
"Nick... ah, you brought me my coffee. You're a scholar and a gentleman." Alan Winters eyed the bag in his other hand. "What else did you bring me?"
Nick had barely opened his mouth when Mrs. Winters appeared.
"Mmmmm. That smells good. Can I?" She looked at the coffees hopefully and Nick nodded.
"Take your pick. I've already had mine."
She took one off the tray and grabbed for the creamers. Mr. Winters started to peek into the paper bag and Abby tapped his hand lightly.
"Ahem. Let me see what's in there first."
She pulled out buttery croissants and a donut, then found what she was looking for.
"Ah, here you go, dear. A nice bran muffin."
Mr. Winters sighed and took the muffin, mumbling to himself.
"You think I could at least eat a croissant... I mean, I'm in Vegas for chrissakes..."
Maddie appeared last and caught her father's mumbling.
"Mom, dad is healthy as a horse. He can eat the occasional croissant."
Abby looked sternly at her daughter. "The reason he's so healthy is because I keep him that way."
Maddie looked annoyed and rolled her eyes. Nick glanced at Alan, who gave him a quick grin, and then looked more serious as his wife looked over at him.
Nick smiled to himself. Alex's family was... entertaining. And very nice. He imagined many an interesting evening in the Winters household...
Maddie crossed over to him and grabbed a coffee.
"Thanks Nick. Perfect timing. If I didn't get caffeine soon, I may have had to kill somebody." She glanced casually at her mother and Nick laughed.
"No problem. How's Alex doing this morning?"
She smiled. "Excellent. She's in full smart-ass mode which to me indicates she's felling better."
Nick laughed and was secretly overwhelmed with feelings of happiness.
"Can I see her?"
"Well, if you can wait, Dr. Martinez is going to check her out in about half an hour I think, and then we may be moving her to a regular room. Thank God she's got medical coverage for the States or this could have gotten costly."
Nick nodded, but was more interested in the room move.
"So, when will they move her, if they go ahead with it?"
"Probably this morning sometime. And then you know what that means..."
He looked at her curiously, and she went on.
"Full access. You can see her as much as you want." She looked at him knowingly, a sparkle in her eyes.
He smiled back and felt a little colour rising in his face.
"Yeah, that'll be good. I know other people will want to see her."
"Mmm hmmm." Maddie continued to watch him and he shifted uncomfortably. He looked at the food and asked her if she was hungry.
She got the hint and smirked at him as she picked up a croissant.
"Wow, a window and sunlight. Much better. Now if I could just get a shower..."
She looked wistfully at the bathroom door to her left.
"I'm afraid that until that head wound has healed a little more, you'll be looking forward to your share of sponge baths." Maddie laughed.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you." Alex grimaced.
"Well, maybe a little."
Alex tried to sit up a little straighter and her mother moved to her side.
"Oh, dear, do you think that's a good idea?"
Alex frowned. She loved her family, but hanging out with them non-stop was starting to wear thin already.
"Hey, you know what guys? I'm feeling better, and I was thinking I'd just watch some TV or something... why don't you take some time and check out Las Vegas? The casinos are fantastic... they're massive and..."
"Honey, we're here for you, not a vacation."
Her mother frowned at her. Alex looked at her father, pleadingly.
"Dad, I know you'd love it... I mean, I interrupted your vacation and everything. Please. I feel bad."
"Honey, that's silly we..."
"Abby." Her father spoke up, and Mrs. Winters looked up.
"Let the girl have some space. She's just been through a horrible event and I'm sure she just wants to sit still and breathe for a while. Let's go get some fresh air."
"But..."
"Let's go."
Alex and Maddie smiled at each other conspiratorially. Their father didn't use 'the voice' that often, but when he did, people knew he meant business. And that included their mother.
As her father ushered her mother out, Alex smiled gratefully at him and mouthed the words I love you. He smiled and mouthed them back. Maddie followed them out.
Alex sighed and stretched her free arm over her head.
Ah, peace at last...
She'd just begun watching the noon news when there was a tap at the door. Her heart started to speed up...
Nick?
Catherine poked her head through the door. "Hey there, Alex. Can I come in?"
Alex smiled. "Of course."
Catherine came in and put a vase of flowers beside her bed. "You look pretty good... I have to admit I was expecting much worse."
Alex thanked her for the flowers and then smirked in chagrin.
"Yeah, except for the greasy hair in the weird head-band thingy. Please tell me I don't look like Keith Richards."
Catherine laughed. "No. I think it's safe to say you look much better than Keith Richards, even on his good days." She smiled, concern behind her eyes. "You had us worried there for a bit, Alex. That was pretty close."
Alex regarded her seriously. "I know. I feel so bad for what I've put everyone through... I never should have gone back to the apartment. That was a stupid move. And a stupid risk. If anything had happened to Nick..."
She shivered a bit at the thought and Catherine smiled at her gently.
"Alex, I don't think the location would have made any difference. I think he was watching us; especially after what happened to Sara..."
Alex looked alarmed. "Sara? What happened to Sara? Is she OK?"
"She's fine. Don't worry; it's nothing like that."
Catherine explained all of the story to her, filling in the details of what had gone on after she'd been shot as well. Alex listened to her, amazed.
"My God... When I met him in the cafe, it never would have ocurred to me that he was so... so..."
"Disturbed? Yeah, we all found out the hard way." Catherine frowned. Then she patted Alex's hand. "Well, I have to get going. I just wanted to see for myself that you're OK."
"Thanks for coming by, Catherine. You guys are all so... thoughful."
Catherine looked back at the door.
"Actually, I'm surprised Nick's not here. I didn't see him in the waiting room, and he's not answering his phone..."
"Well, he's been here a lot already... I'm sure he must have stuff he needs to catch up on..."
"Or he went out to get you a 'get well' present." Nick's voice came from where he'd suddenly appeared near the door. He smiled at the two women.
Alex felt a big smile forming uncontrollably on her lips. Catherine decided she should make her exit.
"Thanks again, Catherine. And thanks for the flowers."
"Don't mention it. I'll see you both later." She slipped through the door.
Nick smiled down at Alex and pulled a chair closer to the bed. She felt a flutter in her chest as she looked back, momentarily speechless.
"So, I don't know if this is a corny present, but I thought of you when I saw it."
He pulled a small stuffed animal out of a bag and she laughed happily.
"You got me a puppy! Oh, he's so sweet... and so soft." She snuggled him to the side of her chest.
"He's so cute! I think I'll call him Steve..."
Nick snorted and smiled at her in amazement. "Steve?"
"Yeah. Don't you think he looks like a Steve?"
He continued laughing.
"Sure... I guess from certain angles he looks like a Steve."
Alex looked down at the stuffed animal and then back at Nick shyly. "Thanks Nick. I love it."
He grinned playfully at her, and pretended to duck his head modestly.
"Aw shucks ma'am. Twern't nuthin."
She laughed and looked back at him.
Damn, he's so amazing... and handsome... and...
She had a momentary flashback to their heated moment on her living room sofa, and she felt her face heat up. He looked at her with concern.
"Alex, you OK?"
"Oh... yeah... I'm just a little too warm I guess."
He got up and pulled the top blanket down so that it only covered her feet. "Better?"
"Yeah, thanks."
"So... where is everybody?"
"I managed to convince them to go and see some sights." She rolled her eyes a bit. "I love my family Nick, but they were driving me mental!"
He laughed. "I like your family. They're interesting... In a good way."
"Hah! That's because you've never had to live with them. I was seriously about to sneak out of here when they weren't looking... Thank God dad made mom go out for some fresh air. I needed a moment to myself."
He frowned slightly. "Oh, I'm sorry... I can go if you want to ..."
"No!..."
She paused, realizing she'd blurted the word out a little too quickly and a little too forcefully. Again, she felt embarrassment creep back up on her.
"I mean, I don't mind if you stay. It's... it's um, different with you."
She smiled slightly and he felt a little bit of excitement rush over him.
"OK then. I'll stay." He looked up at the TV.
"What's on?"
He sat beside her watching TV, and they chatted intermittently about everything and anything. He was again amazed at how comfortable he felt with her... even in a hospital room.
Alex had gently eased herself over closer in her bed to the side he was sitting on, trying to be nonchalant. She desperately wanted to be back in his arms, but knew this was as good as it was going to get for now.
He looked over at her suddenly, a frown knitting his brows.
"Alex, maybe this isn't the best time but... did they tell you that James Meadfield's still alive?"
She nodded. "Yeah, Maddie told me. He's in a coma."
She felt a moment of anger, and Nick frowned.
"I just didn't want you to be surprised later... sorry, I didn't want to spoil your mood."
"It's OK. I'm just angry at what he's done. He deserves the worst..." She looked over at his black eye and the bandage on his cheek and sighed. "I'm just sorry you got caught in the middle."
He smiled and took her hand. "Don't worry about me. They make 'em tougher in Texas."
She smiled back and squeezed his hand a little tighter.
"Lucky for me... I don't think I'd be here right now if it wasn't for you, Nick. Catherine filled me in on what happened..."
"Alex, I didn't..."
"Yes you did, Nick. That's twice you've saved my life. I'm never going to be able to thank you enough. I wouldn't even know where to begin."
He looked uncomfortable and shrugged as he spoke.
"Alex, I didn't do anything that anybody else wouldn't have done..."
"But it wasn't anybody else, Nick. It was you." She looked at him seriously. "And you'll always be special to me, no matter what."
He tried to deflect the conversation, beginning to feel awkward at all the praise. "Well, technically, we're half-even."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you saved my life back there too... when Meadfield aimed the gun at me and you knocked him off balance. He would have shot me, you know..." He looked at her seriously.
She smiled. "Anyone would have done the same thing in my position."
He smiled back. "Yeah, but it wasn't just anyone... it was you."
She grinned and laughed, and he gave her an amused look. "OK, Nick. OK."
He didn't let go of her hand as they turned back to the TV.
There was a knock at the door and Marcie poked her head inside. She smiled when she saw Nick, then turned to Alex.
"Alex, there's another policeman here to see you."
Lieutenant Foreman moved inside and approached her bed. Nick nodded at him.
"Lieutenant."
"Stokes."
He nodded, then frowned slightly when he noticed Nick holding her hand. Nick felt suddenly uncomfortable and gently extricated his fingers from Alex's. He stood up and moved towards the window, listening in unobtrusively.
"Miss Winters, I'm Lieutenant Foreman. I was hoping I could ask you some questions about what ocurred the other day."
"Sure. What do you need to know?"
He asked her to recount what she remembered and she carefully replayed the events of the fateful day as best she could.
"So, you saw Shelley enter and raise his gun at James Meadfield?"
"Yes, that's right. I saw him raise his gun, and when I turned back towards Meadfield, I felt a sting in my temple and then it all went dark."
Nick frowned and looked at the ground. The scene had run through his mind a thousand times since that afternoon...
"So you never saw a shot fired?"
"By Officer Shelley? No."
""But you saw James Meadfield fire his gun?"
"Yes- he was going to shoot Nick..."
She swallowed, uncomfortable with the memory. She briefly remembered how scared she'd been.
"But you knocked him off balance and the shot went astray?"
"Yes, that's right."
"OK. That's good. Now, do you recall anything unusual... maybe actions that you might have considered excessive force?"
She frowned. She couldn't imagine Jim Shelley doing anything excessive. She thought he seemed like a pretty even-keeled guy.
"Well, like I said, I didn't see what happened after Officer Shelley got there."
"What about before Shelley arrived?"
Nick perked up at the question, a frown on his face.
"What? What do you mean?" She looked confused now too.
"There was some bruising on James Meadfield's face, and we're just trying to make sure we've covered everything that happened thoroughly."
Nick felt a moment of concern.
What's this all about?
"Well, I guess he got them when he struggled with Nick... I mean, Nick knocked him off me when he was... when he was trying to..."
Alex couldn't bring herself to say the word: rape.
He was going to rape me and then God knows what else.
Nick watched as a shadow crossed Alex's features and he moved back towards her. Foreman caught sight of him out of the corner of his eye.
"That's OK, Miss Winters. I understand. I think I have everything I need for now. Thank you for your time, and I wish you a speedy recovery."
He smiled at her slightly and made his way out the door. He nodded to Nick again as he disappeared.
Alex looked at Nick, concerned. "Nick, what was that all about?"
He tried to cover his own unease with a big smile. "Oh, just the regular procedures and stuff. They have to make sure they have everything, down to the smallest details. They just don't want Meadfield to get off again..."
He wasn't totally confident about that response, but he hoped she was buying it. The last thing she needed right now was more stress.
She looked at him skeptically. "It almost seemed like they were implying... like you're going to be in trouble for fighting him off me... I don't want you to get into trouble..." She continued to look concerned.
"Alex, don't worry about me. I'm not going to be in trouble. I told you; it's just regular procedure. Everything will be fine."
He moved closer and grabbed her hand again, squeezing it gently.
She finally seemed to believe him and smiled up at him slightly.
"Well, if it was up to me, I'd make sure you got a commendation or something..."
He pulled his hand back and held both arms in front of him in a warding-off gesture.
"Oh, no... don't even think about it! I got a favourable write-up in the office newsletter once because somebody I'd helped wrote a letter of thanks... Let's just say I heard about it for days..." He shook his head negatively to reinforce his point.
She laughed.
I could make him a cute little gold star on paper and write 'Hero' on it or something... that'd be funny...
"Well then, I guess I'll just have to give you the 'Super Special Alex Winters Personal Commendation'".
He raised his eyebrows at her in surprise and smiled in a half-stunned manner. She suddenly realized the innuendo behind what she'd just said, and felt herself turn crimson from head to toes.
"Oh, Nick, I... I didn't mean..."
He started to laugh at her embarrassment.
"It's OK, Alex, I know what you meant... it just sounded pretty funny."
He grinned at her mischievously and she couldn't help but laugh self-consciously.
Just then, the rest of the Winters clan returned and her father smiled as he saw his daughter laughing.
"Hey, what's the joke? Let me in on it."
Nick laughed a little harder, and Alex stumbled on her words.
"Oh dad, it's... there's... it's nothing. Really."
She noticed Maddie standing behind her parents, a perceptive look on her face as she grinned widely. Alex grimaced and looked at Nick helplessly, but he only shrugged at her and smiled some more.
"Alex, Dr. Martinez will be checking up on you shortly."
Maddie continued to smile knowingly but Alex ignored her.
"Well, actually I have some errands to run, so I guess now's as good a time as any..."
He smiled once more at Alex and made his way towards the Winters, who stood in front of the door. "Do you folks need anything?"
Mrs. Winters looked up at her husband in half-disgust.
"I think we'll be OK, especially since Alan decided to finish off half a buffet table on his own." She shook her head at her husband.
He smiled and rubbed his stomach happily. "What can I say? I like to get my money's worth."
Nick laughed and nodded appreciatively. "I know what you mean; I'm the same."
"Now Mr. Stokes, please don't encourage him. You're not helping."
Both Maddie and Alex spoke up at once.
"Uh Ohhhhhh...."
He looked at them in confusion and Alex elaborated.
"Oh Nick, now you've done it... you know you're in the bad books with mom when she pulls out the 'Mr.'"
Maddie nodded, laughing. "Yep, you're in trouble now."
Abby looked at her daughters and shook her head. She put a comforting arm around Nick.
"Now, Nick. Don't you worry. I don't think you could ever be in my bad book. I can tell you're a good boy."
He laughed, but Alex could see a bit of relief in his expression, and she smiled.
He looked back at them all. "I think I better get out of here before I really do get into trouble..."
Mrs. Winters patted him on the back affectionately as he turned to go.
"We'll see you soon, dear. Don't worry; I like you just fine."
He smiled at her, and as she turned away he stuck his tongue out at Alex and Maddie as he disappeared out the door, and they both giggled.
Maddie turned to Alex. "Oh I like him, Alex. He's a keeper."
Alex looked back at her sister, surprised. "Maddie, I..."
Her mother interrupted her. "She's right dear. He's miles above that Darren character..."
"Daniel." Maddie corrected.
"Actually, it was Darrell, and I don't know what you people are on about..." She sat there in shock. She'd never, ever discussed her realtionships with her parents, and she'd assumed they'd been blissfully unaware of her dating life. She realized how wrong she'd been as her father joined in.
"Darrell was a moron. I like Nick- he's a good lad. And more importantly, he brings me food..."
Nick walked into the LVPD offices and began his search for Lieutenant Foreman. As he rounded a corner, he came face to face with Jim Shelley.
"Hey Nick. Whatcha doing here? I thought you were off for a few days on injury leave?"
"Yeah I am, actually. I'm just looking for Lieutenant Foreman."
Shelley thought he sensed some concern behind Nick's expression.
"I just saw him down the back... what's up? Everything OK? How's Alex?"
Nick smiled at her name. "She's doing great. You should swing by and see her; I know she'd be happy to see you, man."
Shelley smiled back. "That's good. I'd like to go by, but... I don't know, what with the way the Sheriff's been acting about this whole thing..."
"What do you mean?" Nick looked at him, confused.
"Well, the Meadfields have a team of very expensive lawyers picking at every piece of evidence we submit... I've been grilled about 5 different times on the shooting..."
Then he looked at Nick with concern. "I'm just worried they're trying to make it look like shooting him twice was excessive force or something..." He looked at Nick unhappily.
So that's what's going on...
It finally made sense to Nick.
"I just heard Foreman grilling Alex on why Meadfield had a bruised face, and he specifically asked her about 'excessive force'. This is crazy. The guy tried to kill her..." He could feel his temperature rising and he tried to get a grip on it.
Shelley shook his head. "It was a solid, straight-forward response as far as I'm concerned. But the Sheriff's worried they're going to drag the department through the mud during the court case. He's all over Foreman like white on rice. It's all about saving face, man and it sucks." He shook his head in annoyance. "I'm just trying to do my job here. I have no interest in politics."
Nick put his hand on Shelley's shoulder. "Don't worry about yourself, man. You did what had to be done. He was going to try and shoot again. You did the right thing."
Shelley nodded. "Let's hope the courts agree."
Nick decided not to pursue Foreman, having learned all he needed to know. He shook his head.
Typical. When are the laws going to stop over-protecting the criminals?
He headed out the front doors, checking his watch. Catherine should be on days off, so hopefully she hadn't gone home to sleep... He decided to give her a call and see what she'd heard about the whole situation.
He drove home and then dialed her number.
"Hello?"
"Hey Catherine, it's Nick."
"Hey Nick, what a coincidence. I was actually going to call you... there's something I think you need to know."
He frowned. "Funny, that's why I called. I've been hearing some strange things about the case and I was wondering if you've heard anything strange at work."
"Hmmm. What have you heard?"
He told her about Alex's interview with Foreman and then his chat with Shelley.
Catheine blew out a breath. "Man, I told Grissom..."
"Catherine?"
"Well, I was with Grissom last night when the Sherrif made a rare late-night appearance... which in itself had me nervous... It seems he's worried about how the department will look if the Meadfield lawyers start putting everything under the microscope."
Nick sat back in his chair, dismayed. "And?"
"And he basically told Grissom that he was uncomfortable with the idea that one of his CSI's was getting a little too personally involved with the victim." She sighed and went on. "I tried to call you today, and then when I saw you I didn't want to bring it up in front of Alex..."
Nick stared at a wall, uncomprehending. "So, what's he saying exactly?"
"He told Gris that it might be wise if you stepped back from the whole situation until things cleared a bit."
Nick felt his temperature rising again, but held it in check. He spoke calmly.
"And what did Grissom say."
"To be honest Nicky, I was sort of proud of the guy... He told him that you'd been there on your own time, and were currently still on leave, so he had no control over your actions. Then he added that even if you'd been working at the time, he still wouldn't have stopped you from helping a person in need." She laughed. "I'm pretty sure what he'd really wanted to say was 'Go fuck yourself,' but he managed to restrain himself."
Nick sighed. This is what Catherine had been worried about all along, and he'd somehow managed to end up exactly where he'd promised her he wouldn't go.
Shit.
"What do you think Catherine?"
"Well, Nicky, I think you didn't do anything I wouldn't have done..." She sighed heavily. "But maybe you should... I don't know..."
"You think I should stay away from Alex?" He felt a sinking feeling in his stomach.
"Well, maybe just for a little while, Nick... I mean, just until they sort this out better."
Nick put his head in his free hand. He could feel a headache coming on and wondered where he'd left those painkillers...
"Catherine... I don't know if I can do that..."
"Listen Nick, I'm not telling you to abandon her... just, well... just pull back a little. I'm not saying I like the idea either, but..."
"It might protect the department from scandal?"
His voice had taken on an undercurrent of anger, and Catherine flinched at the other end of the line.
"Well, yeah, but I'm more worried about your job to be honest. I'm in full agreement with Gris, but you have to know that your actions put him in an awkward situation... and we all know how he handles awkward situations."
Nick sighed.
Yeah, not very well actually.
He blew out a painful breath.
"OK Catherine."
"Nick?"
"It'll be OK. I gotta go." He hung up, and she stared at her phone unhappily.
Nick leaned back against the wall behind his chair and stared at the ceiling.
Fuck.