Jim perched on the edge of Sara's bed as she tried to get comfortable, her hand running absentmindley over her small bump. 'How are you feeling now Sweetie?' he asked, placing his hand on her shoulder.

'Better… thanks' tilting her head, Sara looked a little embarrassed 'I'm sorry for being sick…'

'Don't worry about it Sara, I've dealt with worse' Brass chuckled, a strange look coming over his face

'Yeah?' Sara questioned, smirking a little 'Like what?'

'Oh, I don't know, splattered brain matter on one of my first cases as a cop…oh, and Ellie's first few diapers were something! They don't tell you that when you're expecting… be prepared'

Sara's face fall a little, her hand stilling it's motion on her stomach 'Yeah… I know… I remember'

Brass kicked himself, of course Sara already knew what a new born was like 'Sara…' he sighed

'It's fine, don't worry about it, it was a long time ago' Sara tried to smile, but she did a poor job. 'Dad?' she asked at last, her head sinking further into the pillows

'Yeah love?' he asked, tucking some stray hair behind her ear.

'Do I really have all that money?' she blinked a few times, trying to stay awake for a while longer

'Yeah sweetheart, you do, there's a little bit of paperwork to sort out, but it shouldn't take too long… with the trust fund and compensation, you could buy this whole apartment complex, and then some' he smiled, his hand still running through her hair.

Blinking a few more times, Sara yawned 'I'm gonna start that foundation I mentioned… I don't need all of that money to myself… ' yawning again she paused 'That's what some of the compensation money was going to go on anyways… now I can do something better… help more people…' Sara trailed of, blinking a few more times before she succumbed to sleep.

'You're a good person Sara… I'm proud to have you as a daughter' Brass whispered, so as not to disturb her, placing a kiss on her forehead, he stood and quietly left the room.

Xxx

Jim was to wound up too think about sleeping, he had never really liked Judge Davies, he didn't generally like Judges as a whole, but he had never known the Judge to be questionable in the past. He was finding it very hard not to rush down there right now and punch the guy, to hurt him, for helping to cover up something so terrible that had happened to Sara, his Sara. A little guiltily, he poured himself a large scotch. It was the first time he had allowed himself to drink in Sara's apartment, even if he had had the bottle in the bottom of his suitcase the whole time. As much as he wanted to go after the Judge though, he knew that it would be Sara's choice to pursue the matter, or not. He feared that she would still do nothing about it, after all, it had been a few years since Cohen had attacked her, and almost 3, no 4 weeks, since the incidence in the hotel where Sara's darkest secrets had begun to be exposed. Swallowing a large gulp of scotch, he realised all he could do was stand behind any decision that Sara made, whether he thought they were the right one's or not. Stashing the bottle back in his suitcase, he set about getting ready for bed himself, thinking over everything that he had come to know about the brunette in the past few weeks.

Xxx

Startled awake by the phone ringing, Sara tried to even out her breathing, rubbing at her eyes a little, stretching to grab the phone 'Hello' she mumbled sleepily, not looking at the caller ID.

'Hey… did I wake you?' a tentative voice asked

Sara glanced at the clock, sitting up in bed a little 'Yeah… but don't worry, about time I got up anyways'

'Want me to call you back?'

'No, it's fine, I'm awake now Greggo' she rolled her eyes a little, knowing she wouldn't get back to sleep now even if she tried. She could sense that Greg was smirking at her from the other end of the line 'What's up?' she asked, wondering why he was calling her

'Oh, nothing too much, just wondered if you wanted to meet for lunch or to go to the park or something, hang out for a bit, you know' he questioned, his voice almost begging.

Stretching a little more, Sara pretended to think it over for a bit 'Lunch would be good… but there's something else…' her voice sounded a little unsure, fearing that Greg wouldn't approve, let alone Brass, Catherine or anyone else for that matter.

'Yeah?' Greg questioned cautiously

'I want to go to the shooting range…'

Greg sighed, unsure how to even respond to that 'Sara….'

'Forget it…' Sara cut him off, she should have known he wouldn't understand, not that he'd even given her a chance to explain

'Sara, it's not that… well, it is a little bit, It's just I know, until things settle down Ecklie has banned you from carrying…'

Sara interrupted him again 'Yeah, from carrying, he didn't say anything about practice, and besides, my competency test is due in the next few weeks, and I want to be prepared for when I'm back in the field…'

'And?' Greg cut in, sensing there was more to it than that

'And,' Sara conceded 'It's been a hell of a few weeks, and it's one of the few outlets I hope I have left, I'm not drinking or cutting, or sleeping around, I can't get to the gym so much, or have the energy to run or walk… the range was, is, something that helps me to focus, to channel my anger into… it may not seem like it helped Greg, but it did… everything would have been a lot worse without it…'

Hearing the desperation in her voice, Greg found himself relenting 'You have to clear it with at least Ecklie first… Probably Sylvia or Eloise… ideally Catherine, and Brass… and you know, being a lowly lab tech, I've never even fired a gun before… but… if it's what you want, if you really think it will help, I'll come with you, but I get to choose where we go for food, and I say we go to pizza planet' Greg smirked, just imaging the eye roll that Sara would be directing his way

'You're such a big kid, you know that, right?' she giggled a little 'But, seriously, thanks… I'm glad you rang Greggo…'

'Me too, now then, are you going to ring Ecklie?'

'Do you really think I have too?' Sara questioned

'Yes Sara, and you know it… now, I'm gonna hang up so you can ring who you need to, and I'll come pick you up…' he glanced at his watch 'In about an hour, ok?'

'Ok… Greg…Thanks'

'Anytime' he said softly before hanging up.

Getting out of bed, Sara pulled some clean clothes on, and then padded out the room quietly, unsure if Brass would be awake or not. Perching on the edge of the coffee table, she watched him for a minute or two, before stretching her hand out and shaking his shoulder slightly 'Dad… Dad, wake up….' Brass stirred, and blinking, he smiled up at her 'Hey kiddo, everything alright?' rubbing his eyes, he sat up a little

'Yeah…' Sara looked down nervously 'I… I need to ask you something…'

Brass pulled her over so she was sat next to him 'You can talk to me about anything Sara'

'I know…' she smiled weakly 'I… I want to go to the shooting range this afternoon…' resting her head against his shoulder, she waited, expecting him to object.

Brass was silent for a short while, his hand rubbing against Sara's shoulder 'I don't see why not' he said at last 'I could use a little practice myself, but your guns still confiscated, so you'll have to use whatever's there… that's assuming, you want an old man like me tagging along?'

Sara couldn't help but smile, moving she placed a kiss on Brass' cheek 'Greg's agreed to come with me, but I'd be happy if you were there too'

'Greg? Sanders? He doesn't even own a gun, I'm definitely not missing out on this then, I love seeing people use a gun for the first time'

'Hey, don't be mean, he might be good, you don't know… were going to Pizza planet too, if you want?'

'Sounds good to me, save us having to cook… ' Brass fall silent 'Ecklie…'

'Yeah… I know, Greg says I have to run it past him, and at least one of my Drs… '

'And Catherine, are you planning on telling her?'

Sara shrugged, a little unsure 'I don't know…'

'If I learnt anything from my failed marriage, it's that secrets are never good. You should tell her, before someone else does, imagine how she'd feel if she heard from Conrad bloody Ecklie of all people… you never know, she might even want to come along'

'You're right… I guess I should make a few phone calls, Greg's gonna be here at about 2'

'Ok, I'll grab a quick shower then'

Picking up the phone Sara dialled the Lab before her nerves could get the better of her

'Good afternoon, Las Vegas Crime Lab, Judy speaking, how may I help?' came the receptionist's sweet voice

'Hey Judy, it's Sara'

'Hi Miss Sidle, how can I help?' Judy's voice changed a little, as she relaxed knowing she was speaking to someone she knew

'Sara, please, you've known me long enough'

'Of course… how can I help, Sara?' Judy asked again

'Is Ecklie in the lab or his office today?'

'Yeah, I believe so, let me just check…' Sara could hear Judy typing something on the computer 'Yes, let me put you through Sara'

'Thanks Judy' Sara heard the phone click and start ringing again, and she waited for the line to be picked up

'Hi Sara, everything ok?' Ecklie asked, sounding a little tired

'Hi Conrad…I need to ask you something, actually, I need your approval on something…' Sara confessed

'Go on'

'My gun proficiency test is due in a few weeks, and I know I'm not allowed to carry for now, but I was hoping you'd let me at least practice at the range? I won't go alone, Captain Brass and Greg Sanders have offered to come with me' Sara sounded hopeful, but knew it was likely that he would deny her request.

Ecklie thought about it for a moment, running through the benefits of allowing her, and ultimately, the cost, if later she failed the test and had to be retrained from scratch 'Ok. But, there are a few conditions'

'Anything' Sara eagerly agreed, before he could change his mind

'I want to know your result when you come into work later, you get no more than 30 shots, and you have to hire out a gun, at your own expense, I can't let you have your service weapon back just yet. You also have the responsibility of making sure Sanders doesn't blow his own foot off'

Sara nodded in understanding, forgetting for a moment that he couldn't see her

'Thank you, I appreciate you saying yes'

'Sure… and Sara?' he said just before hanging up 'Thanks for running this by me first, I can imagine it wasn't easy'

Sara couldn't help but scoff a little 'No, it wasn't' she agreed, before hanging up herself.

Sitting back into her seat, she smiled, her hand once again resting on her stomach.

Now she just had to ring Catherine, and hope that she would understand.

Dialling the familiar number she waited for Catherine to answer, hoping she wasn't disturbing her from anything

'Hey sweetheart' the cheery voice answered, causing Sara to jump a little, she'd been so lost in thought, she hadn't heard the click of the phone being answered

'Hi… am I interrupting anything?' she asked quietly

'No love, you're not, how did you sleep?' she could hear Catherine moving about.

'Ah… Yeah, I slept'

'But?' Catherine questioned picking up on the words that Sara wasn't saying.

'I had an interesting talk with Jim about a few things before sleeping, then exhausted myself… but, everything's ok, it will be ok' Sara smiled weakly. 'How about yourself?' she asked before Catherine could question her any further

'Oh, ok thanks, got about 5 hours, but that's about normal, I'll get another hour or two later maybe, just trying to do a bit of housework at the moment, whilst Lindsey is at school. Am I seeing you before work?' Catherine asked, grabbing the laundry from the dryer, phone propped against her shoulder

'I said I'd hang out with Greg and Jim for a bit… would you like to come?' she asked, sounding hopeful, wondering if Catherine would agree without asking where they were going. She had no such luck

'That depends Sara, where are you going?'

'Pizza planet… and the shooting range…' Sara added the last bit barely over a whisper, feeling nervous to how Catherine would react.

'Really?' Catherine questioned 'Of all the nice places to go to eat in Vegas, you pick pizza planet?'

'Cat, did you even hear me?' Sara asked, and edge to her voice

'Yes, I heard you, and it doesn't matter if I approve or not Sara, if you want to go I don't see how any of us can stop you…' Catherine snapped a little. The truth was she was very anxious about Sara going, she knew she wouldn't do anything stupid whilst there, but she still worried it was too soon after everything that had happened.

'Cat…' Sara cut her off 'I care about what you think, I'll understand if you want to say no…'

A silence fall between them, which at last Catherine broke

'Why do you want to go Sara, honestly?'

Catherine could hear Sara sigh through the line 'Cat… I…'

'If you can't even tell me Sara, to honestly tell me, I think you know it's not the right thing to do' Catherine said, her voice soft but stern.

'It's a vice that helps, and it's also the safest, least destructive vice I have left… it's almost like therapy for me…I'm not drinking, cutting, sleeping around, I'm not smoking or taking drugs save these damn prescriptions… I'm too tired to run, exercise… the therapy sessions only get me so far… I need this Catherine…' Sara paused, taking a deep breath 'I…I told Brass something earlier, and to be honest, I'm still a little shook up by it, and then I found out that there's been a trust fund in my name since just after my Father died and it's worth just over a million dollars… '

Catherine cut her off 'Sara… Sara, stop' once Sara had stopped rambling, Catherine spoke up again 'What did you tell Brass?' her voice was soft

'I'd rather wait to tell you in person Catherine, it's not exactly something you tell someone over the phone… look, I want, no need, to go to the range, I need this, and I'd like your approval' Sara said, trying to keep the emotions out of her voice

'When are you going?' Catherine asked, realising she was fighting a losing battle

'Greg's picking us up just after 2'

'If you go to the range first, Lindsey and I could meet you at pizza planet after she finishes school?'

Sara couldn't help but smile, it wasn't exactly approval, but it wasn't a no either

'What time does she finish?'

'3.45… meet you at the pizza planet on Henwick Avenue at 4?'

'Sure… Thank you'

'You're buying…' Sara rolled her eyes at this 'Be careful'

'I will be… Cat?' Sara called out just before the blonde could hang up

'Yeah?'

'I love you'

'I love you too sweetheart, I'll see you later'

Both women hung up the phone sighing, it hadn't been the phone call that either of them had expected.

Catching sight of the clock Sara realised Greg would be there in 20 minutes, grabbing an apple to go on with, she finished getting ready.

Xxx

'Welcome to the gun emporium and shooting range, how may I help today?' A man in his late 40's asked, he was wearing a checked shirt and had short dark hair.

'3 for the target range please' Sara said '2 gun hires, 30 rounds each' Sara flashed her CSI ID and watched as Greg and Brass did the same

'I have my own gun' Brass added, pointing to his weapon

'Have you all shot before?' the man asked, casting a glance over at Greg

'No…' he admitted

'You'll need to go through some basic training, it'll cost extra' the man, name Paul stated, pulling out some paperwork 'Fill this in'

Greg took the papers, filling in the details required

'We'll train him, don't worry about that' Brass stated, his voice firm, leaving no room for argument.

'Sure, whatever…' the man shrugged, he was too tired to argue, and he hated training new people anyway. 'What do you want to use today?'

'Standard LVPD issue is fine for us both' Sara cut in, grabbing her credit card out of her wallet 'Here, charge it all to this…'

'Sure…' Paul processed the card, issuing the guns, bullets, and safety equipment that they would need 'Enjoy'

Mumbling a thanks, Greg handed him the papers, and followed Sara and Brass into the room that held the targets.

Just as they entered the room, someone walked out, bumping into them, 'Sorry…' Brass muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes at the man.

'Sorry…' came the genuine reply, the Texan accent causing Brass to raise his head 'Nick…' he broke out into a grin, Greg cast a nervous glance to Sara before averting his eyes.

Nick looked at the people stood before him 'Hey… what are you doing here?' he directed his question at Sara, who couldn't help but roll her own eyes at the question

'Getting in a little target practice Nicky, same as everyone else here' she smirked

Nick looked a little sheepish, it wasn't what he had meant, but he thought better of saying anything else

'Were going to Pizza planet with Catherine and Lindzz after' Brass said, making his way further into the room 'Why don't you hang around and join us, besides, Greggo over here has never shot a gun before, so this is something you're going to want to see'

Nick looked over at Greg, who was avoiding looking anywhere but at Nick right now.

'Sure…' he agreed, glancing over at Sara 'So who's teaching the resident lab rat then?'

'Well, I was going too, but seeming as you've just finished your own practice, I'll leave it up too you.'

Greg shot a begging stare over at Sara, hoping she would change her mind, this was the last thing that he needed right now.

'Yeah yeah' Nick agreed 'Come on… please tell me you at least know which end to hold?' he teased Greg

'I'm not an idiot Nick' Greg scowled, following after him to the station.

Soon the sounds of Sara's and Brass's guns could be heard, even with all four of them wearing protective ear defenders.

'So…' Nick took hold of Greg's gun, and took his stance, demonstrating to the younger man how to stand, preparing himself, he eyed the target, and let of one shot, before placing the gun down, and calling for the paper target to come forward, grinning when he saw that he had hit the target in the right shoulder. Taking out a pen, he marked the shot so they would know which of the remaining rounds came from Greg himself.

'Did you catch what I did?'

'Yeah…' Greg said, trying to sound confident, trying to mimic the stance that Nick had used

'Ok, ok good…' Nick said observing his friend, he took a step back and gestured for Greg to take his first shot, and then waited for him to put the gun down, calling the target forward again, they saw that the bullet had missed the outline of the human target by about 5 inches to the right, about level with the hips.

'Ok, not bad, aim higher and more centrally… here, let me show you…' Nick handed Greg the gun, stepping behind him, he placed his arm along Greg's guiding it a little higher than it had been, his other hand touching his waist 'square your legs, it will help with the recoil…' Greg's breath hitched a little at the close contact, closing his eyes for a brief second, he took a moment, and then aimed again, Nick's hands still in place, he pulled the trigger for the second time. This time they could see that Greg had successfully hit the target, it was only a little higher, but it was more central, hitting the target in what would be the stomach area 'Ouch….' Nick said into Greg's ear, raising his voice a little so he could be heard through the ear defenders 'That would be a painful shot and one hell of a mess for the surgeons… dare I think who you imagined the target to be?' Greg turned his head a little, but didn't say anything, then he turned back to the target, and shot out 3 more times in close succession, feeling the need to try and prove himself to the Texan man, and to also get the experience over and done with as quickly as possible.

Dropping his arms, but staying close, Nick watched the bullets tear into the target sporadically, but each at least hitting the outline of the figure before them. He winced slightly when the last one hit the man between the legs. Before Greg could fire again, Nick placed his hand back on Greg's shoulder, and pulled him away slightly 'Take 5…'

Greg put the gun down in response, but didn't say anything.

'How'd you find it?' he asked, taking in Greg's slightly flushed appearance

'Alright' Greg mumbled, glancing around the room. Nick knew something else was going on, but chose not to question him further at this time.

'Ok, go again when you're ready, I'll watch your next 5 shots, then give you more guidance if you need, just remember to take a breath between each one, no one expects you to be perfect on day one'

Stepping back up to the barrier, Greg picked the gun up again, perfecting his stance a little, he pulled the trigger, waiting for each bullet to land before shooting again. He was aware that behind him Brass had joined Nick in watching him, although he wasn't sure if Brass was just taking a break, or if he had already finished. Once he was done, he called the target forward once more, grinning with pride as he saw that he had gotten two shoulder hits, two more to the upper stomach, and one straight through the chest.

'Not bad Sanders' Brass conceded 'Just another 20 to go, keep going' he encouraged

'Thanks…' Greg smiled, turning around, forgetting he still had the gun in his hands. Nick and Jim ducked quickly, and Greg realised what he had done, turning quickly he placed the gun back down, his face red with embarrassment, he stepped back from the barrier once more.

'Maybe I shouldn't do this…' he made to walk away.

Although Sara hadn't seen what Greg had done directly, she had seen Nick and Jim throw themselves down on the floor 'Don't you dare quit' Sara shouted to him, as Nick grabbed his arm, stopping him 'Do you know how many times I did that when I was younger, I bet even Dad did Greggo' Sara emptied her clip, another 3 bullets flying towards the target 'Besides, I know your guns empty right now, if I know Nick, I know he only loads 10 bullets at a time, unlike me who loads a gun correctly' placing the gun down, she stepped back so she could actually see them.

'Hey' Nick began to protest

'Am I wrong?' she questioned, one eyebrow raised

'No…'

'Good, now get shooting Greggo, you've another 20 to go, make the most of it'

'Ok' Greg smiled weakly, moving back into place, as Brass moved back to his own target area. Nick began reloading the gun carefully and slowly, so Greg could see once more what to do, and then handed him the piece with the safety on.

Nick stood close again, moving his hand on to Greg's shoulder, he felt the younger man's breath hitch slightly, he tightened his grip, stepping even closer, a thought running through his head. He felt the younger man tense at his closeness, and then took a small step back, noticing him relax again. A grin crept over his face, he placed his hand on Greg's hip once more 'Square your body' he reminded him, his fingers twitching slightly against the fabric of Greg's top. Bracing himself, Greg fired the rest of the gun, remembering to breathe and re-aim between each one.

About another 20 minutes later Greg and Sara had used up all of their bullets, Brass having finished so about 5 minutes before them. Carefully they removed the targets from the frames holding them up, as Greg wanted a souvenir from the afternoon.

'Not bad' Sara smiled at him '18 out of 29 shots hit the target, 3 of which would have been fatal, one of which was just cruel' she smirked, gesturing to the shot between the targets legs

'Says you!' all three men said at once, crossing their legs a little, Sara had hit her target successfully all 30 times, 5 times to the stomach, 3 times to the shoulder, 2 in the arm, 3 in the leg, 6 in the chest, 3 in the head and the remaining 8 in the groin.

'Yeah well, I've got anger issues clearly'

Wisely, they chose not to say anything to that. Gathering their things, they made to leave

'So Nicky' Sara called over her shoulder 'Are you coming for pizza?'

'That depends' he answered

'Yeah?'

'Depends on who you and Greg were thinking about when you shot the poor target' he joked, hoping Sara, and Greg, would understand his joking tone

'Oh, wouldn't you like to know' they said at practically the same time, both bursting into a fit of laughter.

Xxxx

'Hey Lindsey, how was school?' Catherine asked wrapping her arms around her daughter

'Ok, I shared my lunch with Jimmy, some bully knocked juice all over his'

Catherine frowned, she hated bullying of any kind, especially when children of Lindsey's age were partaking in it

'What did the teachers do?'

'Nothing, Jimmy didn't want to tell them, it would only make things worse Mummy'

Catherine sighed, annoyingly Lindsey had a point 'Well I'm glad he has a friend in you and that you know better, if ever you want him to come over, you just need to ask Lindsey'

'Thanks Mum…' Lindsey's stomach growled a little

'Hungry?' Catherine giggled

'Yeah, Jimmy has a good appetite'

'It's even kinder that you shared then, listen, how do you fancy going to pizza planet?'

Lindsey turned in her car seat 'I thought you said we couldn't go out to eat on a school night'

'I did, but Uncle Greg, Uncle Brass and Sara have invited you, would you like to come?'

Lindsey slumped in her seat 'You mean, they invited you, and I just have to come along because I'm too young to be left alone'

'No Lindsey, that's not what I meant at all, if I didn't want you there, we would have gone before you finished school, and I wouldn't have told you. I want you there, they all want you there. What do you say?'

With this, Lindsey brightened up a little 'Can I get ice cream afterwards?' she said hopefully

Xxx

By the time Catherine and Lindsey walked into the resturant, Sara and the boys were already there, with Nick in tow. She couldn't help but smile at the sight. It was nice to meet her colleagues outside of work, and it was even nicer having Lindsey alongside her. 'Hey guys' she called out, a hand on Lindsey's shoulder, as she walked over to the table. All four sets of eyes looked over to her and Lindsey 'Hey' everyone called out

'Uncle Nick!' Lindsey screeched when she noticed the Texan, she hadn't been expecting to see him, and practically threw herself into his arms

'Hey Lindzz' he chuckled, wrapping his arms around her 'You're getting pretty big, huh, must be all those vegetables you're eating' he joked

'Yuck!' she shivered at the thought

'Hey, nothing wrong with Veggies Lindsey!' Sara snapped, pretending to be more hurt than she was.

'But Broccoli is so disgusting' Lindsey mumbled, moving out of Nicks arms

'That's one vegetable out of 100's… what about carrots?' Sara questioned

'Meh…' Lindsey shrugged 'Who wants to talk about vegetables when we're here to eat pizza anyway… ' Lindsey sat down on the edge of the booth seat, forcing Nick to shuffle closer to Greg who was sat in the corner. Turning her attention back to Nick, she questioned him 'Mum didn't tell me you would be here'

'That's because Mummy didn't know' Catherine cut in, taking a seat next to Sara, placing a kiss on her lips as she did so.

'Anyway' Brass spoke up 'I'm famished, lets order, Sara's paying' he winked 'So order whatever you want'

'Really?' Lindsey questioned eagerly

'No Lindsey' Catherine cut in once more, sending a look in Brass' direction 'Only order what you'll actually eat, I don't want you wasting any of it or picking something you won't like just because someone else is paying, it isn't fair or nice, or right.'

'Yes Mum…' Lindsey sighed, looking at the menu trying to decide, even though Catherine knew she would most like order ham and pineapple or margarita.

Knowing that Lindsey was distracted, Catherine asked how the afternoon had gone

'Yeah… it went well' Greg smiled, casting a glance over to Lindsey, unsure of how much she knew about, and understood about, firearms.

'Yeah, it did, didn't it' Nick smiled, slipping his hand under the table, and resting it high up on Greg's leg.

Xxx

a/n hope you enjoyed the chapter : ) couldn't resist putting in a little greg-nick in here.