Just to clear somethings up, I got the idea for the dog while at work. At night I have to bring the sheep in and put the mules out. And sometimes the sheep aren't cooperating, I use a dog. My boss raises and trains border collies. They are wonderful dogs. His are for working or dog trials. They always stay to my right, and no matter who you are they listen. It's just way too cool at how smart they are. I just figued smart dog for a scientist.

Grissom arrived at the lab early the next evening, with Zeke in tow. He figured the dog had proven himself useful and decided to keep him around for Sara. He settled into the seclusion of his office when the Sheriff walked in.

"Hey, Ben."

"Gil." Grissom didn't like his facial expression. "I need more on Conrad. The judge is on the fence about issuing an arrest warrant. I want his ass behind bars. And I'll let him know tomorrow morning that he no longer had a job here. So any thing he says to you or your team just ignore."

Grissom sighed and removed his glasses.

"I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks."

He was missing something and he knew it. What he had already uncovered, had to be just scratching the surface. As he began more research, Grissom looked up to see Ecklie watching him from the end of the hall. They made eye contact. It was like some weird staring contest as neither wanted to be the first to look away. As the hall filled with people only did they break contact and Ecklie continued on.

Grissom checked his watch and decided to head off to hand out tonight assignment. He took about 10 steps out of his door when he stopped dead in his tracks. Pursing his lips he turned and locked the door behind him. His new companion followed him down the hall.

"Alright. Not much going on tonight, who wants a new case?"

He waived the single sheet in the air.

"What is it?" Catherine asked.

"Ah, I'm not telling, it's a suprise."

"I'll take it." Greg perked up. "I want something new to do."

"Here you go, smash and grab near the strip. Have fun."

Greg took the slip from Grissom and headed out the door nearly colliding with Brass.

"So it's true. I just had to see it with my own eyes."

"See what?" Grissom said with a raised eyebrow.

"Gil Grissom and a dog." he laughed as he left. Then suddenly poked back in. "Hey Gil. What's Ecklie doing trying to get in your office?"

"That son of a bitch." Grissom stormed out followed by Catherine and Brass.

His pace was fast as he approached the unsuspecting Ecklie.

"Can I help you Conrad?"

He jumped dropping the several keys that were in his hand.

"Sorry. I just needed to double check some of these keys."

He turned and walked away as fast as his legs could carry him. Grissom turned when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Gil, what's going on?"

Brass nodded silently asking the same question that Catherine just had. Grissom pursed his lips and motioned for them to follow him. After seating himself behind his desk, Grissom took in a deep breath and slowly let it out.

"What I'm about to say doesn't leave this office. Understood?"

After looking at each other they both answered, "Yes."

"Last week the Sheriff came to me for help. He had circumstantial evidence that Conrad was skimming off the labs funding. I poked around and found some proof. But I need more before a judge will issue an arrest warrant, Ben wants him behind bars. And I think Ecklie has caught on. He can easily access information about what a warrant has been issued for and, I think he knows that I'm on to him. So he's snooping around to see what I know."

"How much money are we talking about here?"

"My estimates are around $14,500. Money that's supposed to go into the lab for new equipment. I'm still digging for more information. Sara has been pestering me to help but, I can't let her. Catherine will you help me?"

"Yeah. What's going to happen if we nail his ass?"

"The sheriff is going to make it worth my while. And I'll make it worth yours."

"Well good luck you two. And if you need me, just let me know." Brass stood and left leaving the two CSI's to their investigating.

After several hours of going through stacks of files about Ecklie's financial history, Catherine stood and stretched, raising her hands high over her head. Grissom looked up and watched her.

"Gil, stop looking."

He shook his head. "I wasn't."

"Spoken like a true man."

"What?"

"Face it. Men can't help but look at a woman's chest when the opportunity arises."

"Maybe most men. But not me."

"Yeah, whatever. So how are you and Sara?"

He glanced up over his glasses and glared at her.

"What? I'm just asking how you two are."

"We're fine."

"Well, then when you two getting hitched?"

He didn't answer, but gave her a warning look, and wisely she headed his warning. Just then Brass barged in.

"Gil, I just overheard on the scanner. P.D. was sent to your place from your alarm company. Possible B&E."

"Conrad."

Grissom sat with Catherine outside his house. Both were itching to get in. The house had already been cleared and Grissom had Nick and Warrick processing inside. Catherine was trying to make small talk.

"Is there anything in there that you or Sara wouldn't want anyone to know about?"

Grissom glared at her, then the hidden message in her statement hit him. He hoped that they wouldn't go through his dresser drawers, as he thought of some of Sara's lingerie and the bottle of personal massaging oil.

With his lack of an answer Catherine spoke.

"I'll take that as a yes. I never figured you for anything kinky."

"There's nothing kinky Catherine. Just some... personal items."

Nick motioned to them.

"Ok, come in and tell me what's out of place."

They each slipped on a pair of latex gloves and entered. Grissom immediately went to his study. The computer was on and Warrick was dusting it for prints. He watched as several appeared.

"Those are probably mine and Sara's. Conrad's not that stupid."

He continued to scan the small room and noticed a picture out of place. What concerned him more was the small page that was ripped off the notepad that sat next to the picture. Grissom lifted the pad remembering what was last written on it. As he remembered, panic overwhelmed him.

"Catherine, call this number. 650-451-5630."

"Why?"

"Just please do it."

She dialed the number and while waiting for an answer she turned on the speaker.

"Hey, Sara." she said.

"Catherine? How did you get this number?"

Grissom spoke up. "Sara, listen to me. I want you on the first plane back to Vegas."

"Grissom I'll be home in a few days."

Catherine translated by just mouthing the words.

"Sara please, please. You need to come home. I don't want to get into the details now, just trust me."

"Give me a good reason to leave my brother so suddenly."

"Damn your pride Sara. I need to know you are safe. Please get on the first flight back as soon as you can."

When he used the word safe, he had her complete attention. But she never responded to it.

"Sara? Are you still there?" Asked Catherine.

"Yeah. I'll let you know when I'll be in."

She tried to hide the slight fear from her voice. But was unsuccessful.

"Thank you. I'll see you soon."

Catherine hung up the phone.

"Way to go Gil."

"What?"

"You scared her. I could hear the fear in her voice. And why is she not safe with her brother."

"The piece of paper that's missing off of this note pad is her brother's address in Tamales Bay."

TBC

Thanks for the many reviews I enjoy reading them all.