A/N: Finally I manage to get another chapter done. Sorry for the delay. Apart from melting in the heat wave I'm trying to get organized for my trip to Chicago next week. Sqweeee :) I hope the chapter was worth the wait. Sara's about to show that no one tells her what to do, lol.

Thanks for all the great reviews and feedback. More please? :) They make me happy.

No beta, any mistakes are the hats fault. He's been really plotting lately. Ha! Enjoy!

Chapter 24

Greg placed his cell on the computer desk and flicked the speaker on. Sara's brow pinched as she shot him a glance of confusion and he just shrugged his shoulders. He was as wise to the reason as she was.

"Can you hear me?" Russell asked.

"Yeah," Greg answered.

"How are you feeling, Sara?" the supervisor asked. "Did you get some sleep?"

Sara's eyes narrowed and she glared down at the cell. "Are my nocturnal activities really that important to you right now?" Her response was tense and bitter.

They heard Russell sigh. "I'm thinking of your wellbeing, Sara, nothing less."

"No…" Sara argued. "If you cared about how I felt, you wouldn't have taken me off the damn case!"

"Look…I don't have time to argue with you. I have some news I thought you needed to hear."

Now Sara's entire posture tensed and Greg moved just a little closer towards her when she looked at him, fear in her eyes.

"What's going on?" she demanded, taking a step closer to the phone.

"We talked to Joan Collier, she admitted she took out the rental and she told us who it was for. We're on the way to his place now."

Sara's lips parted as she sought some form of reply. Her eyes blinking over and over, her brain refusing to think. "Um…" She shook her head. They finally had a breakthrough? A real breakthrough? "She fingered Basderic?"

Both CSI's heard the supervisor clear his throat. "No," he said flatly. "She said she did it for Tom Draper. He was the one who got her to use your false papers in order to get the car."

Sara laughed. "You're kidding right?"

"I wouldn't joke at a time like this, Sara, and I know this probably isn't what you wanted to hear but…"

Her nose curled. "She's lying," she spat, thrusting a finger through the air. "Basderic is the one behind this. He has my husband…he's hurting my husband. I know it and you know it."

"I'm following the evidence right now. It's what I have to do…"

She ran both her hands through her hair, keeping them poised on the top of her head. She couldn't quite believe what she was hearing. "It can't be him…"

"Sara, listen…I'm not pushing Basderic aside and this lead may well verify his involvement," Russell continued.

"Tom could have been doing what Basderic told him too," Greg gave his thoughts. "Friends do things for each other…" He attempted to give Sara a smile but she didn't bite.

"Already considered that and were on our way right now to pick Draper up, search his place and find out exactly what contact he's had with Basderic since he was released. We already know he's lied to us. I'm not prepared to let that happen again."

Lowering her hands, Sara slowly slid into a chair by the desk and began rocking back and forth while she thought. She had no doubt that Basderic was the mastermind behind this. After all, he'd pretty much admitted that to her…taunted her and she could see it in his eyes. Those sinister, hateful eyes.

Just how much could Tom Draper actually give them or were they just wasting more precious time? The quicker they found out, the better. "How long till you get there?" she asked. "Where does he live?"

"Seven Hills," the supervisor informed her.

Sara's eyes widened. "That's not far from here. We're closer than you are so we could get there faster than…"

"Not a chance," Russell cut her short. "You're not going anywhere near this." His tone grew serious.

Shaking her head, Sara slowly pushed herself back to her feet. "Are you going to stop me?" she growled and Greg instantly swallowed. Sara could probably knock him on his ass if she wanted to.

"Don't be stupid, Sara," Russell recommended. "Right now, you need to get your head sorted before I'm going to consider trusting you again. Do you understand?"

She snorted. "You can't tell me what to do anymore right? I'm going…"

Greg shook his head now but just as Sara was about to move, the supervisor continued with his advice.

"There is a squad car outside," he told her. "They are watching the house and they are watching you. I will have them bring you in if you try and leave the house before I say so."

Now her mouth fell open and she deeply frowned. Stomping to the window she pulled back the drapes and squinted through the darkness. Low and behold, out on the street, was a squad car. She did not look amused and her nostrils flared with anger. "You can't do that!" she shouted, spinning back around to glare at the phone and then her friend who took a fearful step back.

"Yes I can," Russell replied. "Now, do you understand?"

Oh, Sara was listening alright but she totally ignored what he was saying. She didn't want to hear another word, instead she hot footed it towards the door and vanished through it.

"Sara…" Greg mumbled.

"What's happening?" Russell asked.

"Shit!" Greg groaned and ran after his friend unable to stay and answer Russell's question for fear of Sara breaking away.

Sara grabbed her spare gun from her locked box and ran for the front door.

"Wait!" Greg hollered catching up to her just as she got the door open.

She ignored him and was out the door in a flash. "He'll have to be quick if he's going to tell them to get me in time," Sara called back to Greg as she ran to her car on the driveway. "I'm not sitting here doing nothing…"

Greg dashed after her, grabbing her arm just as she disabled the alarm. He looked over to the squad car as one of the doors opened. "They know, Sara…" he warned.

She gave him a dry smirk, opened the door and leapt into the driver's seat. "They're still not going to stop me. Now you either stand there and gawk or you get in. But if you're coming, you have five seconds…" She leaned out of the door, noticing the two male officers coming their way.

Rolling his eyes Greg couldn't believe he was about to do this but he wasn't about to let her go alone. He ran around the car and jumped into the passenger side.

"Sidle!" one of the officers shouted but he was too late. Sara slammed her door closed, started the engine, pumped it into reverse and hit the gas before they could get close enough to try and stop her.

As Sara's car screeched into the road, both cops ran back to their vehicle and leapt inside. One grabbed the radio, calling through to Brass to inform him what was happening, watching as her car vanished into the next street…

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Russell almost chewed his tongue off as he listened to the radio call. "She's going to get herself into a hell of a lot of trouble," he griped.

"She's hurting, Russell," Brass mumbled, giving the supervisor a quick flash of his eyes before concentrating back on the road. "And Sara isn't one for being forced into anything, especially trying to keep her a prisoner in her own house when her husband is missing."

"I thought she might have cooled down given a little time."

Brass puckered his lips. "But she knows how precious little time there is left. So, maybe not the best plan."

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Russell attempted to battle the stinging in his head. Not only caused by stress, but the tiredness was now creeping up on him. "I just hope if she does manage to get to Drapers…she doesn't try and shoot him like she did Basderic. That's not really going to help us, is it?"

"Sara isn't a killer," Brass said, looking to his colleague. "She's a fighter, but she's not a killer."

Russell blew out a needy breath of frustration. He nodded, and chewed down on his lip. Desperate people do desperate things, he just hoped Brass was right.

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Sara's eyes were fixed to the white lines zooming by them. Her foot was flat to the gas and she broke every speed limit known in Nevada. "Call Morgan, Greg. Get me Draper's address."

Shaking his head, Greg ensured his safety belt was on tight, tugging on it. "No way. Do you have any idea how much trouble you're going to be in? How much trouble you could get me in? And you need to slow down…I'm flying by the set of my pants here."

She took her eyes from the road to look at him, her eyes now battling the threat of tears. "Please…"

A lump formed in the male CSI's throat. Her eyes held so much pain, so much fear.

"If Tom Draper is involved and he gets away because we don't get there in time, Gil could die. Every second counts, Greg. Why do you think I'm doing this?"

His mouth opened but he failed to find an answer.

She looked back to the road, knowing they weren't far from the area. "It's not because I'm stubborn, or I like defying orders. It's because my husband is in the hands of a psychopath, bleeding…" She tried to catch her breath as a sob caught in her throat. "Dying, Greg… and I can't just sit there and let…." She sniffed hard. "Help me…" she begged.

Greg puffed out his cheeks, yanking his cell from his pocket. He really hoped he wasn't going to regret this. He pulled up Morgan's number and hit call…

Sara clenched the wheel tighter as she listened to Greg chat with Morgan. It wasn't a long call and he was speedy in getting the information they needed. He placed his cell back in his pocket after ending the call and glanced at his friend. She looked back at him.

"Did you get it?" Sara asked.

"If I get fired for this…" he began, "…I'm taking your spare room."

She tried to smile but it didn't quite happen. "So?" she pushed.

"116 Lakeside view," he told her.

Sara gave him a swift nod and turned right at the next intersection, checking the mirror to see if the squad car had caught up to her. It had not. "Only a few minutes away," she mumbled, feeling her heart suddenly strumming a little faster than it had been…"

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Basderic strolled into PD with an air of cockiness surrounding him. Another issue had been sorted and he'd left an interesting scene for his hunters to find. And he knew it wouldn't be long before they would be knocking on Tom Drapers door again especially if Joan had decided to spill.

He'd not so long ago received a call from his attorney informing him his sister was being released.

So he'd gone to collect her keen to get her back into a comforting environment.

Ideally, he wanted to get back to Grissom. He still had so much he wanted to explain to his captive. He liked to explain his motives if there were unthreatening ears to listen. A man proud of planning and achieving, that's what he was. And, most of the time, he got what he wanted being a very determined person and all. But the investigators could be anywhere on the estate now and the risk was too high for him to sneak back in. He needed them gone. His plan could not be completed if he couldn't get access to his little hideaway. Unseen…uninterrupted…

It was time to make a few things very clear.

He met Marshall in the waiting area, keen to have a chat and catch up on any developments.

The attorney, who was sat drinking a coffee from a paper cup, watched his client through the glass and stood upon his entry to the room.

"Where is she?" Basderic asked immediately.

"She'll be here shortly," Marshall informed him. "She's just using the bathroom."

Basderic looked around, spying at the workers through the glass. "Is she alright?"

Marshall placed his cup on his seat and offered a confident nod. "She's fine. Supervisor Russell decided he'd make a game out of placing her in a cell. I think she is still waiting for her Prince to arrive."

Basderic didn't look all that impressed his sister had been put into a cell. "What's happening with Joan?" he asked, knowing he still had important things to find out. Things that may well affect him.

"She's been arrested," the attorney, replied, reaching for his briefcase to slip some papers back inside.

Working his jaw, Basderic narrowed his eyes. "Why? What has she said?"

Marshall gave his client an all too knowing glance. "I don't think our current location is the best place to be discussing this, given the ears and eyes around us. I'd suggest we have a conversation after we have left, in a more private location."

"Okay," Basderic agreed, giving a nod. He was keen for information but if he had been put in the immediate firing line, he would have already known about it. So he could wait, just a little while longer. And the fact that they still had nothing on him, was just what he needed to get them off Emily's property.

Ecklie entered, along with Morgan who was escorting Emily.

The young woman smiled the second she saw her brother but the Sheriff and CSI didn't smile upon seeing Basderic. Father and daughter exchanged a disgruntled glance as Emily approached her brother and yawned. "Can we go home now, Ronald? It's been fun but I'm really tired and I don't want to play anymore…"

Basderic held a gentle hand to his sister's cheek. A show of affection which surprised the law enforcement in the room. He just didn't come across as a loving kinda guy. "Sure we can," he replied. "But first, I just need a quick chat with Mr. Ecklie."

Ecklie's right brow hitched as Basderic sidestepped his sibling and approached him. "Could you take Emily to my car and wait for me there?" Basderic asked Morgan. "I think it the least you can do considering what you have put us both through in the last day."

Morgan's brow pinched and she looked to her father. He looked frustrated but he simply nodded. "Just do it," he mumbled.

Shrugging her shoulder's Morgan asked Emily to follow her and the younger woman did so. "Please don't be long, Ronald…" Emily asked of her brother.

"I won't," he said back.

Once Emily was out of sight, Basderic gave Ecklie his full and undivided attention. "I want your people off Emily's land," he demanded.

Ecklie smirked. "They haven't finished yet, Mr. Basderic. We need daylight in order to finish our search properly and thoroughly."

"Tell me…" Basderic folded his arms, "…exactly what evidence do you have proving my involvement in this, or my sisters? Or do you have anything to prove that your missing man is on my sister's property?"

"I'm not about to discuss that with you," the sheriff replied.

"Well you had better get ready to," Basderic argued. "Because here's the deal." He leaned towards the lawman. "I now have to take my sister to my home. A place she isn't too familiar with, a place which she won't feel safe in. An environment that could very well induce a seizure. She needs her security and she needs her own home. Whatever evidence you have proving that Gil Grissom is on her property better damn well stick and you better make it happen soon. You've got till 10am until I start legal action. That will give you a good 4 hours of daylight. And I will take this damn department for every penny it has if you are not off the land by then. Unless…you have some evidence, of course."

Ecklie took a step back, not looking impressed at the threat.

"You're lucky I haven't already pressed charges against your so called CSI for attempted murder. So I am just about reaching the end of my patience."

"What?" Ecklie questioned.

Basderic smiled. "Oh, yeah. I'm sure you haven't been informed about Sara's little shoot out at my home. Not surprising considering your own guys covered it up."

Now the sheriff looked baffled.

Basderic kinked his head to his attorney. "Let's get out of here."

Marshall nodded, grabbed his briefcase and headed for the door.

"I would suggest you ask your supervisor about how he handles his staff when they assault members of the public," Basderic finished on, before following his attorney through the door.

CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI

Sara hit the break, pulling her car to a rough stop on the road outside of Tom Drapers house. She was quick to exit the vehicle, Greg struggling to keep up with her and she drew her gun as she rushed up Drapers driveway.

Greg caught up and stopped her with a tug on her jacket. "Hold on, Sara," he requested.

She turned to face him.

"You know maybe we should just wait for Russell." He pointed to the house. "I can see lights on, so I'd guess he's home. I don't think it's such a good idea for you to…"

Working her jaw, Sara pulled herself free. "You can stand here and wait for Russell if you want, but I'm going in there. I don't want to get you in trouble, Greg. So do what you want. I won't hold it against you."

He sighed, looking behind him, his glance shifting up and down the quiet street. "Fine," he grumbled, pulling out his own weapon. He really wasn't a gun fan. "Promise me you won't…"

"Whatever it takes to find Gil, Greg. So I don't think killing a key witness is really on the agenda, is it?"

He nodded towards the house. "Okay…let's go."

She gave him a nod, turning on her heels to approach the door. They both eyed the entrance once they reached it and Sara tried the handle. The door was locked.

Huffing under her breath Sara sidestepped to the large front window, attempting to peek through a tiny gap in the drapes but she couldn't really see anything.

"Maybe we should just knock," Greg suggested, watching her as she looked around.

She frowned at him. "He knows his girlfriend is being held and questioned in regards to the kidnapping and torture of a former law enforcement officer, Greg. And I'm sure he's worked out he's probably in deep shit if she runs her mouth. If he is the one behind all this, which I doubt…but, he's not about to just let us in, is he?"

The young CSI shrugged. "He might and…like you said, we don't think he's the mastermind behind this. Plus, we don't have the authorization to go in there without trying to ask first. We don't have the warrant. If he doesn't answer, then, we'll do it your way."

A throaty growl slipped from her lips and Sara moved back to the door. "Fine!" She raised her hand and banged hard on the door. Harder than Greg expected and he looked around, remembering what time it was. At this rate they would end up causing one hell of a scene and probably waking a lot of angry neighbors.

They waited but no response came so Sara banged again. Still nothing.

She turned back to her co-worker. "Well, he's either deaf or a very heavy sleeper," Sara said sarcastically.

"For all we know, he's not even here…" he replied.

Rolling her eyes, Sara rounded him. "Let's try the back," she suggested, sticking close to the building and moving off to the left. They found the garage and it was open. Sara's eyes narrowed as she looked inside. The garage was dark but she could see light towards the back.

Gesturing into the outbuilding with a flick of her head, she stepped forwards and her colleague followed, ensuring he kept checking behind them as they moved. He really didn't like surprise entrances.

"I wonder why the garage is open," he whispered.

Sara just shook her head. "I don't know," she said back, her fingers tightening on her weapon as they reached the back of the garage and the door leading into the house. No, she didn't know but something didn't feel right.

She placed her finger to her lips then coiled her hand around the handle, pushing down.

Her heart skipped a beat when there was a click and the door creaked. She swallowed, giving her coworker a quick look before slowly pushing the door open.

They slowly entered the kitchen, Greg sticking to Sara as closely as he could. Sara had her weapon raised, ready, just in case. But the room was empty. She looked around, noting her surroundings were pretty clean and tidy. No used dishes, no mess on the sideboard. She spotted a single glass by the sink, upside down on the draining board. Obviously it had been used and cleaned. "Well, Mr. Draper is either very clean, or he hasn't done much since he got home," she said quietly.

Greg spotted a trash can by the sink area and he stepped away to have a quick look. "Garbage is empty too," he said, looking back to his co-worker. "Bit of an odd time to have taken out the trash. Unless he's a clean freak."

Sara felt her right eye twitch. "Something feels off here," she informed him.

"What like the entire day you mean?" he asked, returning to her side.

She gave him a dry stare and pointed towards an open door at the other side of the room. He nodded and followed her towards it and they cautiously moved from the kitchen and into what they deduced was the living room. Stepping into the reasonably large space they assessed the area.

The front door was across the room, dead ahead of them. Off to their left was a corridor, probably leading to other rooms of some description. A three piece suite, coffee table and TV off to their right. The coffee table immediately caught Sara's eye.

But, she waited to advance and decided to give their suspect the chance to show himself. "Tom Draper?" she called. "This is the LVPD Crime Lab, can you come out please…" She held her weapon aloft, looking in every direction, unaware of which way he could appear from.

There was no response and the two CSI's exchanged an uncertain look.

"Maybe he isn't here," Greg suggested.

"Mr. Draper?" Sara tried again, stepping further into the room now.

Still nothing.

She sighed, lowering her weapon as she approached the coffee table and glanced at the items which lay upon it. A glass, containing the tiny remains of what she presumed was alcohol and a small clear packet with a few small white capsules inside.

"Think we may have some heavy duty drugs here," she muttered.

"We need to clear the house," Greg informed her, still looking around. "He might be hiding."

"In a second," she replied. "I certainly don't think these are aspirin," she continued, taking a handkerchief from her pocket and picking up the bag to get a better look.

"Oh boy," Greg mumbled, looking over his shoulder after sensing a presence.

"Hold it, right there, you two!" an empowering voice shouted from behind.

A/N: O ooo, you're in trouble…. Hehehehehe. Now what?