Laws of Motion – Book 2
Written by: Ms. Maggs/Edited by: KJT

Chapter 45

Thursday – September 22, 2005
The Grissoms
6:05 a.m.

Pacing the living room in his navy blue bathrobe, Gil anxiously awaited Officer Hadley's update.

"Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Grissom," Hadley reported, "There's been no sign of your car and I have a hunch we won't find it. Seven Mercedes were reported stolen last night from various parts of the city. I'm sure they were on their way out of state before you even noticed yours missing. You should have gone out last week…it was Vettes."

"Dammit."

"We're working with the description of the valet you gave us, and we'll let you know if we get any leads."

Dropping his head into his palm Gil huffed, "Thanks for the update, Hadley."

"Bad news?" Sara groggily asked upon entering the room.

Closing his cell, he replied, "Let's just say I'll most likely need to go new car shopping at some point."

"Sorry, Honey, but at least you have insurance, right?"

"It was my dream car."

Sara walked over and embraced her pissed off husband who was mourning the loss of his sporty Mercedes. "Think of it this way…you would have needed a different car once the baby is born anyway." She kissed his cheek before strolling into the kitchen. "A little convertible isn't good for a family of three…four, if you count Flash."

Gil plopped into his favorite arm chair. "So, you're saying my mid-life sports car craze is over."

"Yep….but at least you've still got the hot young wife."

"And I'm very thankful for that." His spirits lifting momentarily, he got up and stole a good morning kiss. "Want me to make you breakfast?"

"Why do you think I was buttering you up?" With that, Sara left her husband's side to grab a juice smoothie from the fridge to hold her over. "Hey, you can commiserate with Greg since he had to trade in his brand new Z for an SUV."

"I would…" Gil grumbled as he removed his favorite egg skillet from the pot rack. "…if I were speaking to him."

After four games of pool, the lead detective reported to Gil that fourteen Club Cue patrons had been spotted snapping at least one photo. After questioning, none appeared to be crazed stalkers or pissed off psychos and they were all deemed 'curious patrons' taking pictures with their cell phones to keep for themselves, or show their friends and family.

"Well, that was a waste of time," Grissom grumbled as he left the bar with Greg on his heels.

"You didn't have any fun? I had fun," Greg said with a notable degree of disappointment in his voice. "I like playing pool. If there was enough room in the townhouse…and if I had money, I'd get a pool table. You have plenty of room for a pool table, Gris…you should get one. Nick's getting one, so at least I know I'll be able to play there because Tawny and Carrie are tight and they'll want to talk baby stuff and while they do that, Nick and I can shoot pool. Playing eight ball relaxes me, and... "

"You know what relaxes me?" Grissom groaned as he waited for a valet. "You not talking. If I really was looking for man-love tonight, I would be dropping you for any one of the very low-key, intellectual men at Club Cue…someone who values the beauty of occasional silence."

"Unbelievable," Greg huffed while waiting in line, "I'm getting pseudo-dumped! I don't get it. You know that I'm going through some pretty heavy stuff right now, Gris. My fragile ego really didn't need that blow. You could have let me down gently. Nick would have been nice about it…he would have made it seem like there was something wrong with him that didn't make us compatible, but you..."

"Nick, Nick, Nick…" Rolling his eyes, Grissom said, "I'm so tired of being compared to Nick. Nick's better at the supervisor job," he whined. "Well of course he is, because he doesn't get lost in thought, he gets caught up in procedure. Nick's a better husband than me…that's only because he's trying to get laid twenty-four seven, so he's kissing Carrie's ass ad nauseum. Nick's going to be a better father than me… "

"Someone's projecting," Greg muttered under his breath.

"What?"

"It's obvious that you're pissed at your wife and you're taking it out on me…your faux lover for the evening." Taking offense, Greg said, "Just because I signed up to be your Boy Toy tonight doesn't give you the right to make me your mental punching bag."

Stuffing his hands in his pockets Grissom calmly asked, "Isn't this when you usually remind me that you almost died thanks to me?"

"Baggage!" Greg coughed into his hand.

"Valet!" Grissom yelled, when he saw a young man jogging up.

"When's your next appointment with Dr. Myers?"

"None of your business," Grissom snapped before handing over his ticket to the valet. "I need my car and this man needs a taxi."

In the crowd behind them, a gray-haired man snickered, "Looks like someone is sending their plaything home early. I can give you a lift, Son!"

Greg waved to the salivating gentleman, "Uh, no thanks."

"Sir…" After looking at the ticket, the valet returned it shaking his head. "That's not from tonight."

"What?" Gil glared at the man wearing a black zippered jacket. "I gave my keys to a young man wearing a Valiant Valet jacket just like yours and he gave me this ticket."

The patient eighteen year-old valet suggested, "Maybe you had an old one in your jacket and you have another in there. Sometimes people your age forget things, you know?"

Through gritted teeth, Gil replied, "I'm not senile, it's a brand new jacket and that's the only ticket I have." Scowling at Greg he blasted, "I told you I thought something was wrong with that guy! I didn't have my glasses on and you said…"

"I swear he had the right badge!" Greg exclaimed while gripping his wild hair with his hands. "I swear!"

"Officer!" Grissom waved to the uniform cop. "I have reason to believe something has happened to my car."

Blowing out a heavy sigh, Greg informed his partner for the night, "Gris, considering what's been happening to you lately, I seriously think you've built up some negative karma. Maybe try being a little nicer and see what happens. You might be pleasantly surprised by the results."

The Vartanns
6:17 a.m.

When her hand landed on what felt like a branch, Becca's eyes fluttered open. "Tony?" The room was still dark and she wasn't sure if it was the middle of the night or just the thick shades blocking the morning light. "Mmm." She flicked on the bedside lamp. "Six-eighteen."

With one mystery solved, she checked to see what had stirred her from slumber. "Flowers," she dreamily whispered upon seeing the bouquet of one dozen red-tipped yellow roses. "Hmm…friendship with a hint of falling in love, or did he just pick them because they were fresh and pretty?" Snatching the note attached to plastic at the bottom of the bouquet, she anticipated a definite answer.

Becca -

I had a great time last night as soon as we left Club O!
(As in - Oh! I hope we never have to go back there again.)
I had a lot of fun getting to know my wife.

In other news, I remembered to put the toilet seat down
before heading to the gym and work. I know – flowers and
the toilet thing all in the same day - I really should pace myself.

Call me when you wake up. If I don't answer, leave a voicemail
and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. If I can't call you back
right away, at least I'll still get to hear your sexy morning voice.

- Tony

Yeah, I know roses have different meanings based on color.

"Ha!" Becca kicked her feet and shrieked like a giddy teen, "I knew it! He so totally is falling in love with me! Last night changed everything!"

Pulling into the lot of The Indigo Club, Tony teased, "Watch this, Sweetheart…it's called 'parking your own car'."

"Shut up," she laughed. "I park my car every time I have to rough it and go to Starbucks."

"What! Excuse me! I can't hear you!" he feigned deafness. "My ears are still ringing from sitting in Club O! As in 'Oh! I can't wait to get the hell out of here so I can actually have a meaningful conversation with my wife!'"

Sitting on the passenger side laughing, Becca waited for her car door to open. "Thank you," she greeted her husband when he extended his hand. "So what is this place?"

"A local secret," he replied, while alarming the Ferrari. "I found it when a guy died in the bathroom…heart attack, not murder. You'll be the youngest one in here by decades." Swinging his wife's hand, Tony joked, "One look at you tonight and the old timers won't need to pop their Viagra…one or two may actually croak."

"You're such a romantic when it comes to complimenting a lady on her looks."

"It's a gift." After holding open the door for his wife, Tony strolled into the club he had frequented in the past when in need of a quiet escape.

"Tony!" the gregarious club owner, Frankie Vitelli, called out. "Good to see you! And even better to see this gorgeous woman on your arm!"

"Frankie…" Tony placed his hand on Becca's back. "Believe it or not, this is my wife…Rebecca Turnbull. Rebecca is a corporate lawyer and just relocated here from San Marino, California. Becca…this is Frankie Vitelli…one of the original good guys back when wise guys ruled Vegas. He owns this joint."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Becca extended her hand and when the seventy year old gently kissed the back of it she giggled.

"No…the pleasure is all mine," Frankie assured her. "Tony, I assume you don't want to sit at the bar with me and a bottle of Scotch to talk sports tonight."

"Another time, Pops." Holding Becca's hand, Tony headed for the lounge. "Tonight, I'm lookin' for a little intimacy with the missus."

"Oh my god," Becca's palm covered her mouth as her husband guided her to the back of the establishment. "This place…it's like being an old movie and it's like all the actors got stuck here and aged badly. Look at the woman's hair. Is that a Members Only jacket!"

"Unlike when we were at Club O…I can actually hear you being bitchy and slamming people."

"Sorry." Sliding into the booth, she tried to ignore the rip in the blue vinyl. "I promise…no more digs."

"Here's the thing, Becks..." Placing his arm on the back of the circular booth Tony explained, "At Club O they blast the music because no one cares what anyone has to say. It's all about who spent the most on their outfit and who has the best plastic surgeon."

"I don't know why I like those places," she whined while playing with a tacky cocktail coaster. "I can't explain it."

"I can, Sweetheart. You like going to places like Club O for the same reason you like driving a Ferrari and wearing crazy dresses that people talk about…you're desperate for attention." Taking her hand he softly said, "Tonight I'm offering you a different kind of attention …I brought you here to be heard, not seen. Looking around, it may feel like punishment, but if you really think about it…me bringing you here should make you feel a hell of a lot more special than having me parade you into Club O on my arm like my trophy wife." He paused for a tender kiss. "You have my undivided attention, Honey." Caressing her cheek with his thumb he whispered, "So, tell me what's on your mind."

Nick and Carrie's
6:23 a.m.

"Penny for your thoughts," Carrie said while joining her pensive fiancé at the kitchen window.

"I'm watchin' my sister and Jean play with Binda in the yard."

"What's with the weird look on your face?"

Feeling ridiculous for the hundredth time since they arrived he admitted, "I'm still really conflicted, Carr."

Slipping her arms around his waist from behind she said, "I'm all ears."

"Last night at the airport I saw Katie watchin' us hold hands. I thought to myself 'I can't imagine not bein' able to just reach out and take Carrie's hand whenever the urge strikes'. I do it all the time in public…sittin' in a movie…walkin' down the street…whenever I need a little reassurance. It feels great. So, I'm standin' in the airport thinkin' it's totally unfair that society is so ridiculous, and I want my sister to be able to walk down the street holding her partner's hand whenever she feels like it." After a conflicted laugh he explained, "But as I was standin' here watchin' them play with Binda, they kissed…not some lusty tongue war, just a simple 'I love you' morning kiss and I get all squeamish thinkin' 'That's so not right', which of course immediately makes me feel like a hypocrite." Turning around, he said, "It's clear that Katie loves Jean the same way I love you, don't you think?"

"Even more, because they have ten years of history together and we've only known each other for seven months."

"Right, and when we were all talkin' last night, it's obvious lookin' back that she was like this her whole life. So what the hell is my problem? Why can't I watch the two of them be affectionate without gettin' queasy?"

"Because of decades of anti-homosexual mental programming." Grabbing a banana from the fruit basket, Carrie said, "Think of it this way. Imagine if you had grown up constantly being told that bananas were bad for you…that anyone who ate a banana was wrong and therefore you shouldn't like banana eaters. What if your brother pounded it into your brain that if you ever thought positively of banana eaters there was something seriously wrong with you? That maybe…it meant you secretly wanted to eat bananas too." Peeling the fruit she continued, "Even though you love me, if all of a sudden one day you saw me eating a banana, I guarantee it would trigger your mental programming and like it or not, you would get agitated with me and think I was wrong." When she saw her man crack a huge grin she swallowed her banana bite and asked, "Do you get it now? Is that why you're smiling?"

"I totally agree, that was an excellent analogy." Taking her hand he whispered, "But I'm smiling because watchin' you eat a banana doesn't make me hate you. It makes me want you to…" With the remainder of Carrie's banana shoved in his mouth, peel and all, he couldn't finish his thought.

"I should have seen that coming." When Nick laughed at her verb selection Carrie stuffed her hands on her hips. "Boys are gross. Maybe I should join the Lesbian Army."

With the banana removed, Nick quipped, "As long as I can watch."

"That's it!" Carrie lurched forward. "Your spleen has healed enough to withstand tickle torture."

"Oh!" He doubled over laughing. "I never should have told you my superhero weakness."

"Say the magic word!"

Cracking up, Nick fell to his knees gasping for air. "Uncle! Mercy! I submit to you, Lady Carrie!"

Rolling on the floor with her man, Carrie yelled, "It's 'stop', you big idiot!"

"Stop, you big idiot!" Nick parroted before taking his woman in his arms and stealing a lusty smooch. "Mmm…you taste like banana. That makes me all kinds of crazy." The next thing he knew, Binda was trying to get in on the action. "Oh …I didn't hear you come in, Sis."

"Hey, do you have any Sprite?" Katie placed a hand over her stomach. "Watching hetero action always makes me a little queasy."

Seeing Nick's puzzled expression, Carrie burst out laughing. "You definitely have your mother's sense of humor, Katie." Jumping to her feet she said, "This is horrible to say, but…I like you so much more than Andy."

The Mirage
6:55 a.m.

"Rise and Shine, Lissa!" Drew yanked open the curtains. "It's moving day…two days early! I just got the call. United Van Lines is an hour away from the house and you need to tell them where everything goes, so I don't have to move everything later."

"Thank the Lord," Lissa praised as she rolled onto her back. "I'm so tired of this hotel. I want the kids to have a yard again. I want poor Marta to have her own quarters again. The woman has been a saint, Drew. What do you say to the idea of replacing her personal car with somethin' nicer? That Geo Prism is a beater."

"Hell, after hearin' about what happened to Nicky at the hands of an evil babysitter, I'll do whatever it takes to keep Marta happy." Stepping into his shoes Drew said, "I'll meet you there." Hurriedly, he kissed her cheek. "I'm gonna stop at Nicky's since it's only two blocks away from the house. It's his day off and I'm thinkin' if I look him in the eye and ask him to help me, he won't be able to say no. Maybe Carrie will want to come too and it will give the two of you a chance to bond."

The Townhouse
7:04 a.m.

Sitting at the kitchen counter eating the muffins his father had left for them, Greg asked his wife, "So, did you and my dad have a nice time bonding last night?"

"Yep," Tawny replied after swallowing her orange juice. "I lounged on the couch while he built IKEA furniture, and he was totally right…I loved that movie. It was so good that I could almost forget Tom Cruise is an annoying wackjob. He and Nicole Kidman had the best chemistry in that movie. You could totally see the love." Lifting her glass she sighed, "They adopted kids. You think that would keep people together. How does it all go wrong in a marriage?"

"We'll never find out," Greg affirmed before kissing Tawny's cheek. "Anything special you need me to do on my day off after my visit with Daniel and appointment with Dr. M?"

"Did Jim say it's okay to keep visiting Daniel even with the lawsuit pending?"

"Yep." Greg jumped off the bar stool. "Remember…Carrie is coming with me to see Daniel today. She's his free legal counsel."

"Ooh, that's right." Tawny wiped her mouth and followed Greg to the sink with her plate. "I'll be at the B-PAC office interviewing three candidates for Drew's Administrative Assistant position."

"Have you ever conducted a job interview before, Princess?"

"I sat in on the panel when we were hiring new dancers." Tawny giggled, "I don't think I can use the same questions though. Ours went something like…do you have any experience pole dancing? While working, would you let a guy lick your boobs for a hundred bucks? Would you ever take money for sex?"

Walking into the bedroom with Tawny, Greg joked, "My answers would have been…none…only if I was tired of eating Ramen noodles…exactly how much cash are we talking about?"

"After the Q and A session, candidates are asked to complete the T and A portion of the interview." Lounging on the bed Tawny laughingly prodded, "Show me what you've got, Chuckles."

"Check it out." Greg tossed his shirt and then cupped his non-existent chest. "Flat's the new Double D."

The Willows/Brown Household
7:15 a.m.

Staring at her burgeoning figure in the mirror, Lindsay swore that her chest had grown again. "I'm popping out of this bra too."

"Honey…" Catherine walked through the half-open door. "We're…" When she saw her daughter's hand arms fly over to cover her shirtless chest, she smiled, "I was going to mention that maybe it was time to go bra shopping again."

"Mom!" Mortified, the teen rushed to the closet for a shirt. "What happened to knocking!"

"Sorry, Honey, I'm preoccupied. As soon as Warrick gets here, we're going to leave for my doctor's appointment." The Fine Needle Biopsy was scheduled for eight and supposed to take less than an hour. Pete was covering her shift and she was looking forward to heading to work and keeping her mind off waiting forty-eight hours for the results. "I told Wendy that you'd walk over for a ride to school."

In silence, Lindsay walked over and gave her mother a hug.

"The doctor said she'd call with the results Friday evening or thankfully, because they have weekend hours, Saturday morning at the latest."

"If the results are negative…"

"When the results are negative," Catherine quickly rephrased.

"Will you call off the wedding?"

Taking a seat on the bed with her daughter, the surprised mother shook her head. "No, what made you ask that?"

After a gulp Lindsay answered, "Because I think you're only getting married in case you die. If you die and you're not married, then it will be a lot harder for Warrick to get custody."

"That's not true," Catherine replied with conviction. "I mean…there's some truth to your reasoning, and it crossed my mind that it would be easier, but not just because of this lump…which will be benign. It made me think about work, or just even a car accident. Warrick and I love each other, but neither of us needed the piece of paper, but you need the piece of paper because it's your life that could be messed up if something should happen to me and things weren't legal. I was being selfish." She rolled her eyes. "No shock there, I'm sure. Now I'm putting your needs first. That's the way it should be. So, to answer your question, no…I won't change my mind when the biopsy proves the lump is benign, because I could get nailed working a scene on Monday and die." Hugging her daughter she asked, "Feel better?"

"Uh…not really." Lindsay sighed, "But, thanks for trying."

Nick and Carrie's
7:24 a.m.

"I'll get the door," Nick announced when he rose from the breakfast table. "Don't tell the general public, but I've missed Chuckles."

Setting down her coffee mug, Katie said, "I can't wait to converse with the man who married my older brother's ex-mistress and then had an affair with my little brother. I only saw him from afar in the hospital and on TV he looked very interestin'…especially the hair."

"C'mon…" Nick took her hand. "I'll introduce you. We can be honest with Greg if you're up for it. He's very open-minded and knows how to keep a secret."

"Uh…" Katie flashed an excited glance in Jean's direction. "How about I meet him and then you walk out a few minutes later? If I go for it, you'll know it's okay and if not…" A quick nod from her partner and she was on her way to the front door with Nick.

Trying to reassure his sister, Nick sweetly said, "I don't think there's a straight guy on the planet as gay-friendly as Greg." Reaching for the knob, he said, "What he'll be shocked about is me bein'…"

"Katie-girl!" Drew boomed when he saw his sister standing next to his little brother. "Why didn't anyone tell me you were comin' to town?"

"Surprise!" Katie jittered as her burly brother gave her a bear hug. "Somethin' came up and…"

"When did you get here?" Grinning, Drew released her from his arms.

"Late…very late last night," she anxiously replied. "I planned on callin' you today and makin' plans to visit with my nieces and nephew."

Throwing his arms arm Nick's shoulders, Drew pulled him close. "Admit it…you came out here to see if our baby brother was really havin' an identity crisis. Or did Daddy send you as spy? That wouldn't surprise me. Personally, I still don't believe Nicky's one-hundred percent straight, but I'm fakin' it for the sake of the family." Continuing to joke he added, "I always said with seven of us kids, one of us had to be gay…and Nicky always enjoyed wearin' Mama's shoes a little too much."

Smiling at her little brother who was in a vice grip, Katie said, "I do remember you sayin' that all the time, and I suppose you could be right."

"So you think Nicky's a queer too," Drew laughed until he got an elbow in the gut from his brother.

"Would shut the hell up already!" Nick snarled, feeling bad for his sister. "Enough with the gay jokes!"

"Ooh." Drew patted his stomach. "Looks like we hit a nerve, Katie. Or maybe his elbow is sore from crashin' into my abs and it's making him moody." When he saw his brother getting riled, he said, "I'm just teasin' you, Squirt. I wanted Sis to feel like she's back at the ranch and we're all kids again."

"Nicky, what's taking so…Oh!" Carrie froze as if she saw a ghost in the living room. "Uh…"

Sensing his future sister-in-law still felt awkward about the accidental peep over the weekend, Drew dropped the tough guy act. "I really thought we were okay about what happened, but I can tell you're freaked, so..."

"Yes!" With that, Carrie turned to race back to the kitchen and whisk Jean out the back door, but instead she crashed right into her. "Sorry! Are you okay?"

Drew couldn't believe how uptight the woman was just because he saw a little boob. "Holy hell…we really need to get over this, Honey." Then he smiled at the stranger. "Who is this gorgeous woman?" He laughed, "You look like one of Nicky's Ex's. Are you? Because you look very familiar…"

"She's my partner!" Katie boldly announced as she crossed the room.

"In law!" Nick added, not ready for a confrontation. "They're out here on business from their law firm, and since we have so many rooms in the new house, I said Jean could stay here too."

Drew mischievously glanced at his little brother, "Before or after you saw her?" he cackled. "I know it was before your fiancée did."

Not in the mood for her future brother-in-law's crass sense of humor that morning Carrie blasted, "I could have six sexy female strippers spend the night and not have to worry about them sleeping with Nicky!"

"Yeah," Drew chortled, "Because those girls like to Les it up and Nicky would be content watching. Damn, that coffee smells good. Mind if I have some?" he asked while heading into the kitchen.

Once the foursome was alone in the living room, Carrie snipped at Katie, "We have a 'Coming Out Plan'! How could you just go off plan like that! You're a lawyer, you know the importance of setting the stage!"

"Sorry…sorry." Katie nodded, "I don't know what came over me…I suddenly just wanted it to be over with."

Looking at her partner, Jean huffed, "Honey, I think we should mention the little issue we've neglected to mention."

Carrie suddenly had that nightmare courtroom feeling that happened whenever a client mentioned 'a minor detail' that ended up rocking her case. "What issue!"

Turning back to her hosts Jean explained, "We didn't mention it because it will sound odd. For us it's been a running joke…it's really kind of funny actually…it was the reason I struck up a conversation with Katie when I first met her…when I recognized her last name. We didn't think he'd remember because it was so long ago...but now it seems that he might, so…" Jean said in between biting her nails. "I know Andy…in the um…carnal sense."

"What?" Nick gasped.

"But you're a lesbian!" Carrie yelled just as Drew emerged from the kitchen holding a steaming mug of coffee.

"Jesus, it was a joke, so just chill out," Drew droned when he heard his future sister-in-law going ape over the lesbian joke he had made. "I know Nicky really wouldn't watch the strippers get it on…if you were home!" Drew cracked up. "Sorry, I'm so over-the-top with the jokes this morning, I'm just psyched is all. The moving van called…they'll be at the new house in about a half hour. I came here to enlist some company. Nicky, believe it or not, I wanted your opinion on some stuff." Then he realized everyone was staring at him. "What? You know…you really do look familiar, Jean. Were you my sister's partner when I lived in Dallas a couple years back? Maybe I saw you at her office."

"Yes." Jean gulped, trying to clue in the others while answering Drew. "I have been her partner for a while…but prior to that position, I held some different ones…particularly in college and when I was working summer jobs to defray costs not covered by my scholarship."

"Where'd you go to school?" Drew dropped his napkin and bent down to fetch it immediately.

"Princeton."

"Hmm…impressive." Drew stood and sipped his coffee once more. "Okay, so are you gonna help me, Nicky? 'Cause I've got to go meet the movers."

"Yep!" Dying to get out of the hot zone, Nick grabbed his brother's arm. "Let's go, Bro!"

"Goodbye, ladies!" Once outside, Drew grabbed his brother and laughed, "Holy shit, Nicky…I remembered where I know Katie's law partner from…remember that summer I spent up north doin' that internship in New York City? That chick worked at a strip club I hung out in near the Jersey Shore. Remember…I was sharin' a beach house with my buddies…hot damn…I screwed her senseless on multiple occasions…she was an animal. I remembered as soon as Carrie made that comment about the six strippers. She had a tattoo of a dolphin on her ankle and if you look close you'll see she's had it removed. I checked when I came out of the kitchen…that's why I dropped the napkin. I'd make a pretty good detective, wouldn't I? Yeah….nothin' was gettin' past me in there."

"You're a regular Sherlock Holmes, Bro." Trying to remove suspicion, Nick huffed, "Yeah, right, you slept with Jean. You think you've slept with every attractive woman, Andy. Let me guess…she thought you were a sexual god." Then he saw the truck parked in the driveway. "What! Ugh…are you kidding me? You bought a Hummer H3."

"Yeah, isn't it cool? Matt is thrilled that his daddy has an Army car. I opted for the smokey green metallic just so it would look more military-like." Drew tossed his little brother the keys. "Take it for a spin."

Laughing at him Nick said, "When guys want to advertise their penis, they either buy one of these or a flashy sports car." Just then Greg pulled up in a red Ferrari Spider. "What the…"

"What do you think of my loaner wheels!" Greg excitedly asked when he hopped out of the car and onto Cloud 9. "Becca called and said we could trade rides on my day off! She said it was some kind of peace offering…or karmic good deed…I don't know, I stopped listening once the keys were in my hand. I'm driving my dream car, Bro!" Then he saw Drew. "I'm in such a great mood that even you can't rain on my parade…Andy. Ha! Nick told me you hate being called that, that's why your whole family uses it. I think I will too."

"You really want to get into it today, Greggy? Okay." Drew postured, "I'm in a great mood too…because I'm about to move into my six-thousand square foot home on two acres of prime real estate. Did I mention it also has a guest casita for our live-in nanny? In case you were wonderin'…I own it outright from workin' hard, investin' smart, and savin' up to support my family. How's your borrowed townhome and sportscar workin' for you now? When are your twins due? Gosh, that's gonna be real expensive takin' care of two babies. Don't hesitate to ask me for help if you can't afford Pampers."

Greg rolled his eyes. "Like your supermodel wife didn't come with a huge bank account and help fund your..."

"Trust me, Greggo." Nick shook his head. "You really don't want to…"

"Lissa was in debt when I met her." Drew quickly explained, "Yeah, between the designer clothes, a fancy penthouse in Miami, and a nasty coke habit…she was in deep. I bailed her out, paid for rehab and took care of her when she got out." When he saw Greg's puzzled expression Drew laughed, What…did you think Nicky was the only Stokes boy who knew how to rescue a damsel in distress?"

"See…here's the thing, Bro." Nick placed his hand on Greg's shoulder. "As annoying as it is, my wealthy and successful brother didn't cheat to get rich. He really started with a buck in the bank and earned it all. It sucks, and you know what sucks more? He'll shove it in your face whenever you set him up with the opportunity."

Greg nodded at his buddy. "Gee, with all that cash, you would think Andy would have bought a better personality by now." Removing his sunglasses Greg laughed, "I'm here for the lovely Ms. Carrie Blake. She will be my first Spider passenger while we drive out to the Mental Hospital to counsel Daniel."

"She's in the house." Nick patted Greg's shoulder. "Hey, when you're visiting the mental ward today…see if they have room for me. I have a feeling things are gonna get a little more stressful around here."

Ely State Prison – Visitor's Area
8:32 a.m.

Taking a seat across from the buxom forty-two year old trying to be twenty-two, Mike sweetly said, "I'm so grateful you came to visit me today, Mrs. Cooper."

"Marlene." Upon seeing the prisoner's handsome face and muscular build, she instantly felt a rapport. "And it's not missus…I'm a widow…and very single."

"I'm a widower myself, Marlene. I can empathize. It can get very lonely." Mike flashed his most flirtatious smile. "I know it had to be startling when my attorney contacted you to say I'd like to chat with you about Greg Sanders, Nick Stokes and Gil Grissom."

The mention of her enemies names riled her, "That trio of arrogant jerks have each taken their turn making me look like a dumb blonde…which I'm not…so I'm more than happy to commiserate with you about them. Your attorney told me everything they did to railroad you into prison. I feel for you…I really do."

"Thank you." Turning on the smarm, Mike soulfully said, "I think Gil, Nick and Greg were so unnerved by your beauty and intelligence that they lashed out at you. They can't handle the dominance of a powerful woman, because they all had over bearing mothers that psychologically abused them as boys, and Stokes…he was submissive, he allowed himself to be raped by a female babysitter when he was nine. They're all messed up when it comes to women and authority….I'm sure a woman of your caliber was way too much for any one of them to handle."

"Really? You think I'm beautiful?" Marlene swooned and fluffed her blonde mane. "You're quite a looker yourself, Mr. Rodgers. I dated an ex-con once and he wasn't half as handsome as you…but then again, he was really guilty of robbin' a Sip 'N Gulp, but after talkin' to your attorney I do believe you're an innocent man, so maybe that makes the difference."

"Mike." His smile expanded. "I feel such a rapport with you, it seems silly to be so formal.

"It really does, Mike," she giggled like a flirty teen. "So…your attorney said you hope to get out of here soon."

"That's right." Mike warmed his eyes and honed in on his prey. "Do you believe in love at first sight, Marlene?"

"Oh, yes," she blissfully sighed as she melted from the sexy man's gaze. "I'm a big time romantic."

"Me too," he blushed like an innocent school boy and then chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

"I…" He shook his head. "No…it's too ridiculous."

"Aww…c'mon," Marlene encouraged the man by batting her heavily made-up eyes. "You can tell me. We're good friends now…bound by a common hatred of arrogant jerks, remember?"

"Well…okay." Mike lowered his voice to a whisper. "I had this crazy idea. What if…remember now, I said it was crazy...really crazy."

"I love crazy!" If it were allowed, she would have jumped the gorgeous man's bones right there in the visitor's lounge. "Tell me!"

"What if you and I got married just to throw our enemies for a loop…and because we're both widowed lonely people who have been wronged by others and need a little companionship?" When he saw her balk, Mike added, "Did my attorney mention I'm a wealthy man? You see…I could also use a good woman to help set up a house for me, so I have someplace waiting for me when I get out of here. Someone I could trust."

Leaning as close as she was allowed, Marlene whispered, "Uh…you really didn't kill anyone, right? I mean your attorney said you didn't, but…"

"Marlene…" Looking the worried woman in the eyes Mike and asked, "Did you kill your husband?"

"Hell, no!"

"Imagine how it would feel if everyone thought you did when you knew you were innocent. I assure you it hurts. Accidents happen all the time, Marlene, and…you know…I…" Tears forming in his eyes, Mike said, "I'm sorry, forget that I asked you to marry me. How could I think a woman as wonderful as you would be interested in a guy like me? I blame the loneliness…I haven't tasted a woman's kiss in so long, and you're so beautiful…I thought we could bond over our common enemies and fall in love like a couple in a silly romance movie. I guess I've been watching too many soap operas in here. I really started to believe outrageous things can happen to ordinary people. I'll also confess that my attorney told me you were living in squalor and I wanted to rescue you from that, because I know how you've suffered. Again, I blame cheesy TV…rich guy, beautiful woman from the wrong side of the tracks…together they show the supposed good guys that they won't succeed in ruining their lives, but..."

"Yes!" Marlene nodded like a mad woman. "I'd love to marry you!"

"What?" he feigned surprise. "You…really?"

"Hell, yes!" Marlene's spirits soared, "How much you got to spend on a house?"

"Actually…" Sniffling for effect Mike said, "I put an offer on a place just this week in a very nice neighborhood."

The Grissoms
9:04 a.m.

Pulling out of the driveway, Sara nudged her husband who was driving her Honda Pilot, "They're putting up a sold sign across the street."

"They just put it up on the market," he commented while driving by the property. "I thought it was priced way too high. Whoever bought it, must have wanted it for the location."

"Maybe they'll have little kids," Sara commented. In a maternal frame of mind since they were heading to the OB, she said, "We loved this neighborhood because it was quiet, but now that we're having a baby, I think it would be nice if there were other kids around for our kid to play with; if not, it will be kind of lonely."

"I'm not moving, Sara. If our child needs a fix, she can visit with Nick and Carrie's child."

"Not Greg's daughters?" she laughed. "Oh, right…because you're ticked at him over what happened to your car. Don't worry, I don't want to move. I love our house and I've packed my things too many times in this lifetime already."

Abruptly changing the subject Gil asked, "Are you nervous about this doctor's appointment?"

"You mean because Dr. Simon will be checking for a sac and a heartbeat?" Sara placed her palm over her womb. "Everything feels good to me and I read that morning sickness is a sign of a healthy pregnancy. I'm not worried. Are you?"

"No," he lied. During the night he had a terrible nightmare that they found out the sac was empty. "Is moodiness an indicator of a healthy pregnancy? Because if it is, we're having one hell of a healthy kid."

Rolling her eyes, Sara reached for the radio, "I'm playing some music to drown out the whining."

Becca's Ferrari Spider that Greg Was Driving at Exactly the Speed Limit because Nick Threatened to Castrate And Then Kill Him If He Did Anything to Jeopardize Carrie's Safety or The Safety of His Unborn Child While his Fiancée Was in His Care
9:11 a.m.

After turning down the radio, Greg said, "Thanks so much for your help today. Daniel was so relaxed by the time you got done explaining everything."

"He's such a sweet guy." Carrie placed her briefcase at her feet as Greg turned the corner. "I really hope he'll be able to make it once he's out of the hospital. He's really lucky to have you in his corner." Smiling she said, "Watching you helping Daniel made it really hard for me to remember the Greg I first met who was scared to death that he was the guy who got Tawny pregnant. You're all grown up."

"I appreciate the compliment," Greg chuckled. "And now in a show of great immaturity, I'm going to ask you…wanna be my babe and go places with me to be seen in my borrowed super-cool sports car? 'Cause my wife is working and you have the right shoes."

"Me? A babe? Right." Glancing down at her black Manolo Blahnik high-heel halter pumps that she always wore with her stylish grey Tahari bow-tie belt suit, Carrie giggled, "Could one of our stops be for shoes?"

"I'll drive wherever you want to go, as long as it's safe, because I want to keep my balls and my life."

"The Forum Shops!" Carrie rubbed her hands together. "I just saw the cutest pair of strappy fuchsia and orange slides with intricate green, brown and gold embroidery. I think they'll look so cute with…"

"Carrie…I'm not really gay, remember?"

"Right, and unlike Nicky, you don't have to pretend you're interested to up your chances of gettin' lucky."

"They say driving this car is better than sex."

"Then, they have obviously not had really good sex in a while." When Greg pulled off the road, Carrie stopped laughing. "What are you doing?"

"Giving you a turn behind the wheel." Winking he said, "Driving it is a whole lot different than being a passenger. After you take a turn behind the wheel, you'll be in need of a cold shower."

The Vartanns
9:28 a.m.

When she emerged from the shower cinching her bathrobe, Becca shrieked at the sight of her husband walking into the room. "You scared the hell out of me."

"Sorry, Honey…I called your name, but you didn't answer."

After catching her breath she said, "What are you doing home?" Sauntering over she grabbed her husband's tie. "I thought you had to work until seven? Is this a booty call, Detective? I really thought last night's romance would have held you for twenty-four hours, but I can't blame you for missing me."

"Actually…" Taking her hand, Tony led his wife to the bed, and then took a seat. "I came home on my break to tell you…"

"Something's wrong." Her smiled faded. "What's wrong? Are you having second thoughts? But last night…the note this morning… "

"No." Squeezing her hand tighter he assured, "I meant what I said last night and in the note this morning. I just wasn't sure how you'd take this, so I stopped home to tell you in person. I did the checking you asked me do…on Blossom. I'm sorry, Honey, I know you had your heart set on making things right, but she's dead."

Summerlin Medical Plaza
9:36 a.m.

"I can't wait to hear the heartbeat," Sara anxiously said as she walked down the corridor with her husband. "I think it's going to make it seem much more real."

With a sweaty palm, Gil took his wife's hand. "I think so too and..." His thought was interrupted when he saw his co-workers walking out of Dr. Simon's office hand in hand while Catherine dabbed her eyes with a tissue. "Um…"

"Gil." Catherine stopped in her tracks. "Uh…"


Author's Notes:

Gil's unlucky streak continues and he doesn't even know who's moving in across the street. Mike Rodgers as Grissom's neighbor and Greg's father-in-law? LOL and you thought you had neighbor and/or in-law problems!

Tony Vartann is a closet romantic, though he'd never let the guys know. Becca's new karmic attitude seems to be paying off, but it won't all result in happiness. Mike has nothing to do with Blossom's death, it just seems like he's responsible for everything sometimes.

So, because Jean slept with Drew, she struck up a conversation with Katie Stokes and the rest was history. LOL I'm sure Drew will be thrilled by all of that when he finds out.

PHOTO PAGE UPDATES on my website (via the author link): I went shopping…house shopping for all the couples (except G&T) Lots of new pics.

Thanks to KJT for editing!

Next Chapter: A few more surprises. Posting: Saturday

Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!
Maggs