Hey everyone, another chapter for you! Hope you'll enjoy. While exiting, leave a review?
CHAPTER 36: LIFE
-Did you know that Vera applied to become one of us?-, Ryan asked Jesse, figuring the dark haired man would know something more. After all, he was closer to the girl, he laughed inwardly. To his surprise, his colleague muttered something barely intelligible, which vaguely resembled a grunted –Oh?-
-Yeah, didn't she tell you? That crazy girl went to Frank, of all people!, for the forms. She could have asked Horatio…-, the younger man informed his friend, delighted to be spreading news gossips. After a few moments of silence, though, he convinced himself that something was wrong with Jesse.
-Are you alright, man?-, he wondered.
-Yeah, fine. -, Jesse replied curtly, shrugging his lab coat on. Fucking fine I am…
When she'd entered her beloved lab that morning, Calleigh had been the happiest woman alive. By mid day, though, she was not as happy. Her period had started almost a week in advance, catching her off guard. Thank God she was wearing black pants that day.
Stepping into Ballistics after having delivered a report to the new Detective who was replacing Yelina, she sank to her chair with a grateful sigh. Her stomach was starting to ache a little, and she felt as if her tummy was swollen. Definitely not a great day to jog around the Lab.
A white sheet of paper caught her attention; it was the only bright item on her otherwise spotless desk. Your drawer, Horatio's familiar handwriting stared back at her. Intrigued, Calleigh retrieved the key with which she always locked her personal drawer, proceeding then to open it.
Another sheet of paper. I know it's painful, my love. I hope these little tokens of affection will help you through the day. Until this evening, my darling. Yours, H.
The blonde smiled. It was as if her lover was always with her, even when he was distant. Ah, the wonders of thought reading! Now, did he mention gifts? She started rummaging through the drawer. A single painkiller pill and a fat chocolate. That brought another smile, wider this time, to Calleigh's face.
You're a darling, love…, she thought to herself.
You're welcome…, Horatio's words echoed from somewhere inside the Lab.
-Hello, Alexx. -, Vera greeted the ME, stepping into the dark haired woman's domain. She raised her head from her latest patient, smiling kindly at the girl upon having recognized her.
-Hey, sweetie. What can I do for you?-, she wondered kindly. Vera shrugged and smiled sheepishly.
-Actually, I was wondering if you needed help with something. I don't have much to do right now, I'm waiting for the Chief to accept my application to become a CSI here. -, she explained. Alexx looked pleased at that.
-So you're gonna stay. -, it wasn't a question, more like an affirmation.
-Yeah. At least enough time to require a job. -, Vera replied with a small smile. She didn't seem convinced, though, and Alexx immediately picked up on her distress.
-Somethin' gnawing at your mind, honey?-, she inquired softly. Vera sighed, defeated. No point in trying to hide something from the good doctor; besides, she seemed helpful enough, or, at the very least, willing to hear her out.
-Men. -, she replied curtly, shrugging as if that explained it all. Apparently, it did, for the ME nodded gravelly in understanding. She motioned for Vera to come closer.
-Help me turn our friend here. -, she asked. Together, the two women flipped the dead man over, rolling him on his stomach. A single entry bullet hole stared back at them. Vera snorted.
-Coward…-, she muttered. Something caught her attention, then; she sniffed the air around the tiny hole. –Mmm… potassium chlorate. That's unusual…-, she whispered; puzzled, she turned to Alexx.
-I think it'd be better if I talk to Mistress Calleigh. -, she informed her. The ME nodded, motioning for her to go.
-Oh, before you go... just tell me who's messing around with you?-, Alexx begged the girl.
-Cardoza. -, she called over her shoulders.
A couple of days later…
-Hey, I heard you're gonna be the team's police dog. -, Ryan addressed Vera upon entering Ballistics. The girl was dismembering a gun while Calleigh was cleaning each component, the two women working silently with their shoulders pressed together. Vera ignored the remark.
-I think it's funny, considering you're a feline…-, Ryan kept picking on her. The auburn haired girl placed the last metal pieces of the gun on the desk near Calleigh, still keeping silent.
-Come on, Rex, show me some of your tricks. -, the young man begged, sniggering. That did the trick. In less than two seconds Vera had reassembled the gun, and had it aimed at Ryan's chest.
-You were saying, cub?-, she deadpanned.
-I, uh… would you like to go out for drinks tonight?-, the CSI stammered, eyes firmly glued to the weapon. Vera smirked.
-You buyin'? Sure. -, she replied, once again disassembling the gun so that Calleigh could keep processing it. She turned her shoulders to Ryan, busying herself with another weapon. Taken aback, the dark haired man address Calleigh.
-The usual spot, Cal. See you later. -, he said before leaving the two women alone. Calleigh chuckled.
-Think he's gone to change his underpants?-, Vera inquired with a smirk, causing the blonde to burst out laughing.
-Maybe. You gave him quite a scare. -, she conceded. Then, lowering her head conspiratorially: -Don't do that again, though. I'd like to keep my nickname. -, she advised the girl with a smile.
-Sure, Mistress Bullet Girl. -, the younger woman replied with a smile of her own.