Chapter 28:

A few days later, Sara picked up her mail. Along with the usual bills and junk, there was a package from Las Vegas and a letter from the San Francisco Police Department. Returning to her apartment, she fixed a salad and poured the last of the wine that Gil had brought. While she ate she stared at the SFPD letter.

"Oh come on Sidle," she said to herself, "What's the worst that could happen? You stay working with Dr. Collins?" She tore the envelope and rapidly opened the letter and read out loud, "We are pleased to offer you a position in the Crime Scene Investigation Division. Your transfer from the Coroner's Office will be effective Monday of next week. Please visit the Human Resources Department before Friday to complete the necessary paperwork." She smiled. She had been accepted! She couldn't wait to tell Grissom.

Sara had saved Gil's package until last, even though she knew what it was, she wanted to enjoy the process of receiving his gift. She noticed the handwritten address and ran her fingers across the text. He had written that. "Okay Sara, now you're becoming obsessed!" she thought to herself. She opened the padded envelope and removed the forensics book. It was well worn. As she looked through it, she noticed that there were notes and diagrams written in the margins. Flipping back to the beginning, she saw handwriting inside the front cover.

Sara,

I hope this book will help you become

the best CSI in San Francisco.

I have found it invaluable over the years.

I miss you deeply!

Love,

Gil

She looked at her watch. He should be waking up about now, she calculated. She had to thank him for the book and tell him her good news. She found her phone and dialed from memory.

"Grissom."

"Hi Gil, it's me," she began. He sounded tired; she hoped she hadn't woken him.

He turned his back to the scene, his voice was barely audible, "Hi Sara, it's good to hear your voice. Um, I'm at work. The mayor's niece is missing, and we're all working around the clock." His words were rushed.

"I'm sorry Gil, you sound exhausted! Do you want to call me when you are finished?"

"It might be days."

"Then I'll be quick. I received your book – thank you so much! Also, I was accepted by CSI – I start on Monday."

"Congratulations! I'll call as soon as I can so we can talk. I miss you."

"I miss you too! Good luck with the case. I love you!"

"Same here, um," he responded awkwardly, "I mean, I love you too." He closed his phone. He turned around to return to the scene and saw Catherine staring at him from across the room.

"I take it that wasn't Jim?" she asked. He looked back at her blankly.

"I'll find out who she is eventually, Gil. I know I'm not imagining the change in you," Catherine commented, then went back to work.

A month had passed since they said goodbye at the airport. Sara and Gil fell into a rhythm of work, sleep, and phone calls when possible. Detective Simons had never resolved the Webster homicide, so Grissom's testimony wasn't needed. Sara knew there were clues that weren't being followed, but it was assigned to Simons, so she had to leave it alone. Dr. Collins' letter sealed Sara's rapid acceptance into CSI, and she had started training a week after the seminar. She had been assigned to swing shift, which made communication between the two of them even more difficult, but they managed to chat once or twice a week.