LAS VEGAS CRIME LAB

NOON

They aired the report of Catherine's death just a couple minutes ago. Discovered Catherine's alive and pregnant an hour ago. They now were waiting. Evidence was running cold and they knew that two people would be storming in here claiming they had given up. All they could do was watch the news report on her death. It was almost as if Anna Grindell happened last year.

"She never could stay out of the spot light." Sam Braun spoke as a younger Catherine was shown dancing at one of his casino events. "Always had the habit of taking charge and stealing the show. Even her, Miss. Sidle?"

"I don't …" She trailed off at his look and Silvia coming in. Never did she think her hate towards Catherine was that obvious. "I'm not happy she's gone."

"But you aren't upset either." Greg whispered. "I don't blame you."

"Greg." Nick glared. "Sara is just as upset as all of us."

"No talking to Eddie or Richard for a good hour. And Mary needs some rest before talking to us. She had triplets. I've got APBs out on Maria's vehicles and on the twins. We will get her back. Then you can argue over who felt how during all this."

"You have no right." Warrick snapped. "You believed she killed her own daughter. You don't care about her. You don't know how we feel."

"I know she's still out there." She snapped as Sam Braun grabbed her arm. Brass was keeping back the "kids". Ever since they were born, on the same day, the two had a deep connection. They had been born at the exact same time in rooms right next to each other. They just knew things about each other. Just like she knew that Catherine never really loved Eddie they way two in love should. Knew she was pregnant with Julie and Lindsey. Had even known when she came here of the new one. Just as Catherine knew all her things. "That's Lindsey is gone. That she's scared and doesn't know she's pregnant." Sam's grip tightened and she looked at him.

"Ms. Barns may I have a word with you," He spoke releasing her and leaving. Silvia had tears in her eyes knowing the man hated her and she kept failing. Brass moved forward to her and she smiled as best as she could. Looking at the people in the room she sighed. Turning she left, Brass right behind her.

Gil Grissom sat in his car listening to the radio and CV radio. Silvia had pulled up as Sam was going inside. Deep down he knew he was over looking something. Something really important. He listened as the radio dedicated music to Catherine. As strangers did the same. Listened as officers reminiscence about times with her over the CV. Watched Sam come back out shortly followed by Brass and Silvia. The only thing he could think about was how his world was falling apart.

Once she was outside Sam smacked her. It was a nice little reminder as to why she had refused the job offered to her by the sheriff here years ago. That and solving this case. Unlike when he smacked her around last time she only stumbled back a little. Her cheek stung as she adjusted her jaw. Brass stood shocked his eyes meeting with Grissom's who was still in the Denali. He was even more shocked, as was Sam, when she struck back.

"I'm not some 18 year old girl afraid of you anymore." She snapped. "I took your shit years ago. I won't take it now. A lot of things have changed since you stopped coming home. A lot of things, Mr. Braun. You don't own that town now … I do."

"I promised Muggs I wouldn't kill you for what you did." He stepped closer. "But many accidents happen around here, kid. This isn't some small town you think you run. Your in my world. You ever talk like you know my Muggs again and you'll pay for what you did."

"She is the one who ran. Not me." She stepped closer angry now. "She incriminated herself."

"You pushed her away." Another smack and this time she fell. Brass had his cuffs out as she pushed herself off the ground slightly. "You might as well stay down, Ms. Barns, and learn to control that mouth. Leave this town before you get more people killed." He turned and left meeting Grissom at the limo. "Dr. Grissom … what can I do for you?"

"Maria Grange." he spoke seeing the look soften on Sam's face. "Tell me about her."

"Always followed Muggs around. Was a year younger then Silvs and Muggs. Wanted to be just like them. Poor kid got left out a lot. Smart kid to. Always knew Muggs should have been better friends with her. She'll hear the news and will come running in to help."

"Mama Anna?"

"Sheriff Grange." Sam looked confused. "Catherine's mom's best friend. She never liked me much. Didn't really trust me, in any department of my life. Strong, independent. First child at 17. Lost the boy when he was two. Brain tumor. Became sheriff in 1971, was the first woman to do so. Maria was maybe six, seven years old. Annabelle was four."

"Annabelle?" Grissom asked but Sam left leaving him nothing. Walking over to Silvia he smiled slightly. Brass and her were standing so close that it looked like they were touching. He was looking at her face to see how bad it was. It was nice to have something good come from this. "You okay?"

"I'm a sheriff of a small town. I've had worse." Seeing their eyes roll she laughed. "A town that man owns pretty much. Still have people thinking he's in charge. Wait … Catherine said Annabelle … said that Mama Sheriff told …" She had suddenly remembered Catherine's interview.

"Maria's sister. Sam mentioned her."

"She was … was wrong." She looked shocked. "I … she's never wrong." They all went back inside to investigate and wait on a call from the hospital.