My second attempt, the computer ate the other story. This is based on actual events, the names have been changed and other slight modifications. I don't own CSI, I just watch it.

Rated PG-13


Where there's smoke....

The Tahoe rounded the corner and drove down the normally quiet street. The smell of smoke was still heavy in the air. Several emergency vehicles surrounded the small frame house, their flashing lights adding a strobe effect to the night.

"Hi Gil, Sara," Brass said as he approached the two as they emerged from the Tahoe. "One victim inside, name's Debra Farmer, age 25, single, lived alone, worked as a bailiff with the county court. Fire started in her bedroom, she was found on the bed by Deputy Brad Henderson. He called it in."

"Where's he at now," asked Sara as she gathered some equipment.

"That's him, over by the tree," responded Brass.

"Sara, why don't you start with him and I'll start on the house," said Grissom as he and Brass headed for the door.

Sara approached the young deputy, "Sara Sidle, CSI, I need to ask you a few questions?"

"I tried," he sobbed. "I tried so hard, but I couldn't get to her. The fire was so big. I called to her, but she didn't move. I couldn't get to her, I just couldn't get to her."

Sara put her hand on the young man's arm, "That's okay, I'm sure you did your best, but I need you to tell me everything that happened."

"I....I," he stuttered, "I got off duty at 3 AM, I was coming by Debra's house to check on her, she'd been having some trouble with an ex-boy friend. As I got close I thought I smelled smoke and when I turned down the street I saw flames coming from one of the windows. I called it in and ran to the house and kicked in the door. The smoke was so thick I crawled towards her bedroom. I kept calling her name but she wasn't answering, then I saw her, on the bed, she wasn't moving. The fire was all around her, I think she was already dead." He put his face in his hands and began to cry.

"Thank you Deputy. If you think of anything, just call me," Sara handed him one of her cards.

"I will," he sniffed. "I hope you find the bastard who did this to her."

Sara noted his remarks and headed for the house.

~*~

The smell of burnt flesh hit Grissom and Brass as they entered the house. Grissom noticed that except for the smell, the kitchen in which they stood appeared untouched by the fire.

"Body is this way," Brass turned to his left and headed for the bedroom as Grissom took a photo of the window over the sink.

As he entered the bedroom, Grissom took in the scene that lay before him. Debra Farmer lay across what was left of the bed on her back. The fire had been intense and she was burned beyond recognition. The burn pattern of the room showed the fire had begun in the corner behind the bed. A gas can to his right caught his attention.

"Any guesses as to what accelerant was used?" Grissom knelt down by the can.

"Gasoline?" Sara guessed as she entered the room.

"Give the lady a gold star," replied Brass. "I'll leave you two to finish up here," he turned and left the room.

"Anything useful from the deputy?" questioned Grissom as he took a sample of burnt material on the floor.

"Apparently there's an ex-boy friend that's been causing some problems." Sara walked over to the bed to gather additional samples. "Such a horrible way to die."

"I think she may have already been dead before the fire started. The fire was just a cover up. Somebody just wanted us to think this was a break in and arson case."

"Why do you think that?"

"The kitchen window," explained Grissom. They gathered their equipment and samples and headed back to the kitchen.

"The screen has been cut, but you don't think this was the method of entry?" Sara questioned Grissom as she examined the window.

"No, I don't. The screen was cut from the inside."

"How can you tell?"

"Notice how the window is not completely open and the screen is cut just below the opening. If it was cut from outside, the whole screen would've been cut, not below the open edge. I think whoever did it, came in the front door."

"She let him in. Somebody she knew, like an ex-boy friend possibly," Sara said.

"Possibly," responded Grissom.