XXIII - SEEING STARS
"We're not going to be able to hold Enoch." Brass' voice was grim.
Grissom, sitting in the lounge room with Sara and Catherine going over several reports, looked up and frowned. "Why not?"
"No direct evidence linking him to any of the crimes, and no one will implicate him. He denies ever inciting his people to commit violent acts, and unless we can prove he was the ringleader, he walks. We have to let him go."
Grissom frowned. "Don't the pamphlets count? The information that Katie gave us? The fact that he is the head of the commune and the leader of this 'Hands of Righteousness' group?"
Brass shook his head. "DA's not willing to risk an indictment against him at this time. We can arrest everyone we have direct evidence against. He's willing to indict Rebekah. What do you want me to do?"
"We have to get someone to roll on him," Grissom looked at Sara and Catherine. "Thinking caps, ladies. What are we missing?"
* * * * *
"So, this is the printer?" Nick looked at Greg for confirmation, grinning when the younger man nodded.
"And all the files are on the CPU. So, we got linkage." Greg smiled as he copied the offending files to diskette. "And I was thinking, now that we got some of the women here we should be testing DNA against the epithelials found on the letter at Lifestyles. Think we can get these women to voluntarily give us a DNA sample?"
"Maybe if we tell them we need to rule them out of involvement in the murders," Nick replied thoughtfully. "I'll go talk to Grissom and Brass - see what we can do." He looked at his watch and sighed. "Only a couple more hours before shift ends. I hope you didn't mind my telling Alli about your empty apartment."
"Nice way to change the convo, Nick," Greg shrugged as he said this, smiling when Nick looked a little flustered. "I always imagined that the first time a girl moved into my apartment, she'd be living with me, but -"
Nick smiled. "Could still happen. I think she likes you."
"Nah - not like you're implying. She told me earlier today I was basically in the throes of a pity-party, and to snap out of it. She's pretty abrupt - I get the impression she's not the type of person who suffers fools gladly."
"You're not a fool," Nick's immediate defense made Greg feel good.
"You know what I meant. Besides which, I have too many other issues to address right now without thinking about a relationship with anybody. I don't know if it's even possible." Greg tried to keep his voice upbeat, but Nick saw the sudden flash of bitterness rush across his face.
"Hey, hey. Don't talk like that, Greggo. You're doing too well to let thoughts like that creep in. Did you read any of the pamphlets Dr. Jansen and Dr. Mellows gave you?"
Greg shrugged. "Not really. I'm not ready to."
"I read them." Nick's tone was serious, and he smiled fondly when Greg looked at him in surprise. "What? You don't think it affects me too? You're like a brother to me, Greg. I want to know what's going on so that I can help you."
"Why does everyone around here keep doing that to me? Treating me like I'm part of their family?" Greg's voice was soft, but not sad. Nick watched him intently, looking for signs of the pain Greg had tried to hide, and for once didn't see it. He smiled again at the young man.
"Because we are a family. What else would you call it? We care about each other, we respect each other, we love each other. It's actually even better than a family, because you can't chose your family members - but look at us. We chose each other. Capiche?"
Greg was silent, mulling over Nick's words, before turning to face him again. "So, what did you learn from the pamphlets?"
Nick grinned. "You mean, did I read the parts about what you can expect from your sex life in the future?" He laughed when Greg blushed and looked embarrassed, reaching out a hand and squeezing his young friends' knee. "I read it all, Greggo. When you see Jansen today, talk to him about it, but I don't think you have anything to be worried about. Sex won't kill you."
"And even if it does, what a way to go!" Greg joked, even though he was still flustered. He never imagined he'd be talking sex with Nick of all people. And he never thought Nick would ever be comfortable discussing it with him, except in a joking way. He stopped laughing and smiled fully at Nick. "Thanks Nick."
"No problemo, bro."
* * * * *
"I think she's finally calmed down," Warrick smiled tiredly at Katie as he walked into his living room. They had arrived back at his apartment just less than an hour ago, and Nancy had refused to let him go. Katie, feeling like an unwanted third wheel, had gone into the kitchen to make some coffee, before moving into the living room and sitting silently on the sofa Warrick had slept on just last night. Nancy had been devastated by their run in with Rebekah, and had tearfully pleaded with Warrick to stay with her.
He had obliged the young girl, stretching out beside her as he tried to get her to fall asleep, his gentle voice painting stories in her imagination. Just before she had drifted off, she had smiled at him sleepily, "I think Scotty sent you to us."
Warrick had been surprised by this statement. "Why do you say that?"
"Because he knew we needed someone to look after us," her little girl logic was indisputable. "Will you look after us forever?" she yawned again, her voice drifting as her eyes fluttered shut, "you could marry Katie and we could be a family." Thankfully, she fell asleep before Warrick had to think of a response.
Now, sitting in the living room beside Katie, sipping a lukewarm coffee, he tried not to dwell on what the little girl had said. Instead, he let his gaze slip to Katie. She had her thin hands wrapped defensively around the thick stoneware coffee mug, her face terribly sad, her eyes haunted.
Warrick sighed as he acknowledged to himself how deeply she and her sister affected him. He had never gotten emotionally involved with any witnesses to any of his cases before, and the feeling was uncomfortable. He did not normally display what he called 'White Knight Syndrome', unlike Nick who wanted to save the world, but this case - this woman and her small sister were different. Sighing, he set his coffee down on the table.
"It's not your fault, you know." His gentle statement made Katie jump, and she flashed a guilty look at him.
"What isn't?"
"None of this. I've already told you that. No one holds you responsible. You were just a victim of circumstances."
"I knew better. I knew better than to stay there. When they first started spewing their - hate - I should have packed up Nancy, and Scotty and I should have left that same day. But I didn't. I fooled myself into believing they didn't mean it." The look she shot Warrick was so tormented, he automatically wrapped an arm around her shoulder, drawing her closer to his side. "My parents didn't raise me to be that way. But I was weak - Scotty's dead because I was weak. And you had to put up with Rebekah."
"I would have heard it from Rebekah whether you were there or not. That's the way she thinks, and there's nothing I can do about it. So you can't blame yourself for that, Katie. As for the other, well - you were going through a lot. Your parents had just died, you were responsible for a younger sister. You just drifted, and you let yourself think you drifted into a safe harbor. You were strong enough to leave. That's what's important."
Katie nestled her head unto Warrick's shoulder, seeking comfort where she could find it. The soft smell of her hair invaded Warrick's nostrils, and he closed his eyes against the sweet assault. His hand continued stroking her shoulder soothingly, and he felt her contented sigh all the way down to his toes.
"I liked your Grams."
"She liked you."
"Why don't you have any pictures of your sister up in your apartment?"
"It hurt too much," Warrick admitted softly. "But I think I'm ready now."
Silence for a few moments. Warrick shifted sideways slightly, presenting more of his chest for Katie to lean against. She did so willingly, her back pressed against him, and he lifted his other hand to tangle loosely with hers on his knee.
"Mr. Grissom says he'll have a safe house for us soon."
"Really? First I've heard about it," Warrick responded softly, his fingers squeezing hers as the sudden lonely image of his apartment - sans the girls - hit him.
"He says our staying with you is going to cause problems down the road. He says people will question our friendship; that you're in a conflict of interest having us here with you." Her voice was shaky as she said this. Warrick could feel the slight vibrations of it through his chest, and he frowned, but he didn't respond. "Is he right?"
Warrick shrugged. "He should have talked to me if he felt that way, and left you out of it."
"It's true, then. We're a liability. We have to leave. I don't want anyone saying hurtful things about you again, not if I can prevent it." She twisted suddenly, her thin shoulder blade stabbing him just beneath his clavicle as she tried to look at him. "I don't ever want to be responsible for causing you more pain."
Warrick studied her serious face intently, the hand on her shoulder running to the side of her face and pushing the heavy curtain of hair hanging there behind her ear. Her eyes glowed like stars against her pale skin. "I've grown accustomed to your face," he whispered. "I'll miss you and Nancy both if you leave." He could see his eyes reflected back in Katie's own, and wondered if the longing he saw there was hers, or his. His eyes drifted down to her lips as she sighed, closing against the warm breath bathing his face.
"What's going on?" she whispered softly, just before she kissed him. Her lips were smooth and soft against his own, and he swallowed the sigh that almost escaped him at their gentle touch.
"I don't know," he whispered back. His other hand had threaded up through her hair, guiding Katie's face back to his as he shifted her into his lap, fully facing him, before capturing her lips for a second gentle kiss. Katie sighed into his mouth as she wrapped her arms around his neck, her soft breasts branding him through his shirt. "I've wanted to do that since we went to Dr. Robbins today."
Warrick smiled against her mouth, trailing drugging lips up her cheek bone and around the firm bone of her jaw, teasing and tasting her skin as he did so. "I've wanted to do that all day too." He kissed her again, firmly this time, fully accessing her mouth before pulling away with a regretful sigh. "But this is too soon, too fast. I don't want you to regret anything, so."
"So," Katie whispered in agreement. She turned slightly and rested her back against his chest again, pulling his arms around her waist and twining her fingers with his. She closed her eyes as she rested her head back against him, licking her lips subconsciously as she savored the taste of him. "I can never regret something that feels so right. But I see your point - I don't want you to regret anything. And Nancy's in your room." She could feel Warrick smile against the top of her head, and she sighed happily. "You're a good man, Warrick Brown."
* * * * *
Greg was surprised when Grissom showed up later that afternoon to take him to Dr. Jansen's office. In spite of having only five hours of sleep, Greg felt strangely energized, and seeing Grissom at the doorway just reinforced the odd happiness he was feeling. For once, he really felt as if he belonged somewhere. Despite his concerns over his health, the feeling was nice.
Driving to Jansen's office, Grissom had discussed the case with Greg, bouncing ideas off him, listening thoughtfully to Greg's opinions, nodding in agreement to some of them. The release of Enoch earlier that morning had bothered everyone, and Grissom had vowed to himself they would find something that would bring him back to the holding cell - before sending him permanently to jail.
When they arrived at Dr. Jansen's office, Grissom had followed Greg inside, grabbing a magazine as he made himself comfortable in the waiting room. When Greg had indicated he could take a bus to his apartment to meet with Alli, Grissom had smiled. "I don't mind waiting. Besides, I'm here for moral support."
Greg had entered Dr. Jansen's office smiling. After the standard tests were run - blood pressure, pulse - and his defibrillator had been scanned for information; Greg had sat comfortably, answering Dr. Jansen's questions. Finally, the check-up was almost completed.
"I saw Mr. Grissom waiting for you out front. How are things going at work?"
"Fine. No one let's me push myself, and Griss is insisting on lots of naps, so I'm not getting over tired."
Jansen nodded and jotted something in Greg's file. "Your stitches are looking pretty good - no infection, healing nicely. Your defibrillator indicates a couple of applied shocks, but nothing too major. How's your appetite? Strength?"
Greg answered, smiling as Jansen again made notes in his file. "So, doc, what's the verdict?"
"You're doing remarkably well, considering all that you've been through in the past couple of weeks. That's a testament to your general overall health before this happened, but I think your friends are playing a large role in your rehabilitation."
Greg nodded, "I never knew how important I was to them until this happened. Shitty way to find out who your friends are, but still -"
"Nice to know you have people you can count on, no matter what." Dr. Jansen nodded in understanding. "Have you suffered from depression at all?"
"A little bit. It's hard to get used to - you know, come to grips with everything, but I think I'm doing okay. My friends don't let me stay depressed for long."
"Good. So, Greg. I'll need to see you in another two weeks, and from there we can probably go monthly. You need to make physio appointments to work the muscles in your chest and help speed the healing process. I'll have my secretary set up an appointment for you. Any questions?"
"Yeah. When can I go out and do field work again?" Greg tried not to sound too hopeful, but his eyes gave him away.
"Maybe in another two weeks. I would want to discuss with you and Mr. Grissom what limitations you would have to be under for a little while, but I don't see why you can't go back soon."
Greg nodded. "Nick read all the pamphlets you gave him for me. He told me to talk to you about - ah - physical activities. Can I - are they safe?"
Dr. Jansen smiled. "When a young man of 28 asks me about physical activities in that tone of voice, I know he's not talking about jogging." Greg grinned sheepishly, but didn't argue.
"Listen, Greg. There's nothing to prevent you from resuming normal activities in the near future. There's some limitations to certain sports - football is a definite no-no - but sex is fine. Just nothing too strenuous for the first little while - no gymnastics. Got that?"
"Yes sir. Thank you, sir!"
Jansen grinned. "If I had any worries about your recovery, you've just allayed them with that question, Greg. See you in a couple of weeks."
* * * * *
"Want to come up and see my apartment, Grissom?" Greg was practically bouncing in his seat in excitement, and he realized how much he had missed his place. He hadn't been in it since the night Oscar Fennil had hurt him, and he hoped it wasn't a disaster.
Grissom smiled in agreement. "Sure, I'll come up."
Greg's apartment was on the top floor of a retro-fitted warehouse that had been converted into apartments in the early '80s. Grissom admired the hardwood floors as they entered the apartment, oddly surprised that Greg would live in such a nice place. He said as much to Greg, causing the young man to laugh.
"I'm not a total eccentric, Grissom. I appreciate nice things." Greg just finished with the quick tour, putting on a pot of coffee when he heard a knock on the door.
"That will be Alli," he said, as he looked at his watch. "Should have known she'd be late. Artist types always are." He grinned at her as he opened the door. "Hi - you're late."
Alli sighed in frustration as she stepped into the apartment. "I got screwed up on the one way street out front, and had to circle around again. Hi, Mr. Grissom."
"Alli." Grissom looked at his watch, turning to Greg. "I'll leave you to show Alli around. When do you want me to swing by to pick you up for work?"
Before Greg could respond, Alli stepped in. "I can drive him in, Mr. Grissom. If that's all right with you, Greg. Maybe after you show me your apartment, we can talk about a rental contract over dinner?"
Grissom tried, unsuccessfully, to hide his quick smile from Greg. Both he and Alli looked at the young man expectantly, the latter slightly concerned at his prolonged silence, Grissom amused by the sudden appearance of 'cat got my tongue' syndrome.
Finally, Greg managed to choke out a fairly nonchalant, "Cool," and excused himself to walk Grissom to the elevator.
"Have a nice dinner, Greg," Grissom teased, as the doors slid open and he stepped inside. "If you're a little late getting to the office, I'll understand."
* * * * *
"This is great coffee, Greg!" Alli smiled in appreciation as she took another long sip, her smile widening as she saw the covetous look Greg shot her mug. "It's too bad you're not allowed to drink caffeine yet."
"Sure, rub it in," Greg groused good-naturedly. "Keep it up, and I might have to raise the rent on you."
"Who says I'm taking the apartment?" Alli teased back. "I haven't even seen it yet."
"Well, then. Let me give you the grand tour. This is the kitchen. You cook here," he smiled when Alli snorted, leading his way through the kitchen door and back into the living room. "Living room - you saw this already. The bedrooms are this way."
Alli followed Greg down the hallway, trying not to look at his butt as he continued talking. She found him very attractive, which was odd - normally, she liked compact blondes not much taller than 5'6" - she hated being dwarfed. Greg, however, was a whole different kettle of fish entirely. Taller than the men she usually went for, she had noticed his charming good looks right away. What had clinched the deal for her, however, was the charming humor he had managed to flash at her, despite his personal pain. The easy intelligence in his brown eyes, the teasing grin, the boyish face - she found everything about him appealing.
The conversation they had shared the day prior, at her Uncle Al's house, had been a bit of a revelation for her. She had felt an immediate concern for him when he had stalked into the house, and she had felt like crying when he showed her the scar marking his chest. She still couldn't believed she had challenged him about feeling sorry for himself, but she had been so angry seeing him defeated she had raised her voice at him. To be quite honest, she was amazed he was still talking to her after what she had said. Normally, Alli thought things through before she said them, but around Greg she found herself wanting to blurt out every thought as it came to her. It was disconcerting.
"This is the bathroom, here," Greg had stopped walking and Alli plowed right into him, not paying attention. Her arms quickly reached out and snaked around him to keep from falling over, and she smiled into his back as she took an appreciative sniff of his shirt.
"Ooof. Sorry. Wasn't paying attention." She enjoyed the feel of her arms around Greg's waist, and was briefly tempted to dip her fingers into the waistband of his jeans. Before she could act on that impulse, Greg's hands drifted down her arms, rubbing gently from elbow to wrist, before lightly grasping her fingers and extricating himself from her grip. When he turned to glance at her sideways, she noticed that his face was bright red, and she tried not to giggle.
"Uh. Yeah. That's alright - accidents happen. Anyway, this is the bathroom. The tub is really nice - big enough to stretch out in -"
"Or for two -" she inserted teasingly, laughing when he flushed even darker. "C'mon Greg! Don't tell me you've never thought that bath was big enough for two people!"
Alli could tell by Greg's little smirk that he was enjoying her teasing. "I refuse to answer that question on the grounds it may incriminate me," he responded. "This doorway here leads to the main bedroom."
As she stepped into Greg's bedroom, she blinked in surprise. The bed, a large black wrought-iron antiquity, was standing almost dead center in the middle of the room. A large black armoire stood in the corner. There was no other furniture in the room, and the walls and ceiling were painted black. Stupidly, she stated, "It's black."
Greg grinned. "I know it's black. Here. Watch." He smiled as he pulled her into the middle of the room until she was standing at the foot of the bed, before flicking off the lights. Overhead and covering the walls, small fluorescent stars glowed. It was like standing in the middle of the universe. Above her head, Greg had hung the little stars on clear fishing line at levels varying from 3 - 5 inches, as well as placing several flat against the ceiling. She could feel him beside her in the dark raise an arm and make a sweeping motion with it, causing the stars on the sting to sway in the gentle breeze.
"This is beautiful! You must have over 1000 stars in here."
Greg smiled at the astonishment in her voice. "Actually, there's over 5000 - took me about 2 weeks to apply them all. Here, lie down on the bed and look at the ceiling." He smiled when she plopped down and he slid in beside her, his hands rested casually under his head.
"Oh wow! I see Orion, and the Big Dipper - you've made the ceiling into the night sky! This is really amazing, Greg." The two lay there in companionable silence, admiring the universe in his room, until the stars began to fade. Sighing, Greg sat up and made his way unerringly to the light switch, flicking it on and blinking against the sudden harsh light. "I really miss my room," he sighed.
Alli sat up and smiled at him gently. "I would miss this too! It's awesome. I could just lay here for hours and watch the stars on your ceiling. When do you get to move back?"
Greg shrugged. "Not sure. Dr. Jansen doesn't want me on my own for a while yet."
Alli grinned. "Well, your loss is my gain. I'd take this apartment on the basis of this room alone. The pick-up lines with a room like this are endless!"
"Pick-up lines?"
"Yeah," her gaze was teasing, and she slid to her feet, approaching him seductively. "Hey, sexy. Come back to my room with me - I'll make you see stars!"
Greg stared at her in shock, before bursting into laughter. "Oh my God! My rooms been like this for almost a year now, and I never thought of using that!"
* * * * *
"Okay - I officially want to rent your apartment." Alli stated with a sigh as she sank into the overstuffed sofa in the living room. "This place is perfect! How did you manage to rent it?"
"Actually, I own it. Estate sale. I bought it about three years ago. Totally lucked out. I was a courier for a lawyer while working my way through university, and he helped me out when it came on the market - gave me a heads up and a loan so I could finance it. Paid him back last year, and now I only owe the bank." Greg sat down beside Alli, stretching his arms across the top of the sofa.
"So - I'll make your mortgage payments for you then. Is that fair? How much?"
"$1100 a month." Greg smiled when Alli looked crestfallen. "Don't worry. I won't ask you for the mortgage in full. How about you pay $600 and we'll call it even? Right now, I'm not getting anything at all, so I'd be perfectly happy with that."
Alli looked at him dubiously. "I'd feel like I'm taking advantage."
"Why? You'd be doing me a favor - I'm uncomfortable leaving it empty for so long. I'd feel better if someone was here. I'll tell you what - give me one of your paintings, and in 40 years when it's worth millions, I'll consider us even."
Greg turned to look at Alli, who was gazing at him pensively. "You have that much faith in my work?"
"Why wouldn't I? It's beautiful. I told you that already. So, do we have a deal?"
Alli smiled. "Deal," she whispered, just before she leaned forward and kissed him.
__________
Author's notes: Okay - next chapter - more angst coming up. Hope you all enjoyed this one.
"We're not going to be able to hold Enoch." Brass' voice was grim.
Grissom, sitting in the lounge room with Sara and Catherine going over several reports, looked up and frowned. "Why not?"
"No direct evidence linking him to any of the crimes, and no one will implicate him. He denies ever inciting his people to commit violent acts, and unless we can prove he was the ringleader, he walks. We have to let him go."
Grissom frowned. "Don't the pamphlets count? The information that Katie gave us? The fact that he is the head of the commune and the leader of this 'Hands of Righteousness' group?"
Brass shook his head. "DA's not willing to risk an indictment against him at this time. We can arrest everyone we have direct evidence against. He's willing to indict Rebekah. What do you want me to do?"
"We have to get someone to roll on him," Grissom looked at Sara and Catherine. "Thinking caps, ladies. What are we missing?"
* * * * *
"So, this is the printer?" Nick looked at Greg for confirmation, grinning when the younger man nodded.
"And all the files are on the CPU. So, we got linkage." Greg smiled as he copied the offending files to diskette. "And I was thinking, now that we got some of the women here we should be testing DNA against the epithelials found on the letter at Lifestyles. Think we can get these women to voluntarily give us a DNA sample?"
"Maybe if we tell them we need to rule them out of involvement in the murders," Nick replied thoughtfully. "I'll go talk to Grissom and Brass - see what we can do." He looked at his watch and sighed. "Only a couple more hours before shift ends. I hope you didn't mind my telling Alli about your empty apartment."
"Nice way to change the convo, Nick," Greg shrugged as he said this, smiling when Nick looked a little flustered. "I always imagined that the first time a girl moved into my apartment, she'd be living with me, but -"
Nick smiled. "Could still happen. I think she likes you."
"Nah - not like you're implying. She told me earlier today I was basically in the throes of a pity-party, and to snap out of it. She's pretty abrupt - I get the impression she's not the type of person who suffers fools gladly."
"You're not a fool," Nick's immediate defense made Greg feel good.
"You know what I meant. Besides which, I have too many other issues to address right now without thinking about a relationship with anybody. I don't know if it's even possible." Greg tried to keep his voice upbeat, but Nick saw the sudden flash of bitterness rush across his face.
"Hey, hey. Don't talk like that, Greggo. You're doing too well to let thoughts like that creep in. Did you read any of the pamphlets Dr. Jansen and Dr. Mellows gave you?"
Greg shrugged. "Not really. I'm not ready to."
"I read them." Nick's tone was serious, and he smiled fondly when Greg looked at him in surprise. "What? You don't think it affects me too? You're like a brother to me, Greg. I want to know what's going on so that I can help you."
"Why does everyone around here keep doing that to me? Treating me like I'm part of their family?" Greg's voice was soft, but not sad. Nick watched him intently, looking for signs of the pain Greg had tried to hide, and for once didn't see it. He smiled again at the young man.
"Because we are a family. What else would you call it? We care about each other, we respect each other, we love each other. It's actually even better than a family, because you can't chose your family members - but look at us. We chose each other. Capiche?"
Greg was silent, mulling over Nick's words, before turning to face him again. "So, what did you learn from the pamphlets?"
Nick grinned. "You mean, did I read the parts about what you can expect from your sex life in the future?" He laughed when Greg blushed and looked embarrassed, reaching out a hand and squeezing his young friends' knee. "I read it all, Greggo. When you see Jansen today, talk to him about it, but I don't think you have anything to be worried about. Sex won't kill you."
"And even if it does, what a way to go!" Greg joked, even though he was still flustered. He never imagined he'd be talking sex with Nick of all people. And he never thought Nick would ever be comfortable discussing it with him, except in a joking way. He stopped laughing and smiled fully at Nick. "Thanks Nick."
"No problemo, bro."
* * * * *
"I think she's finally calmed down," Warrick smiled tiredly at Katie as he walked into his living room. They had arrived back at his apartment just less than an hour ago, and Nancy had refused to let him go. Katie, feeling like an unwanted third wheel, had gone into the kitchen to make some coffee, before moving into the living room and sitting silently on the sofa Warrick had slept on just last night. Nancy had been devastated by their run in with Rebekah, and had tearfully pleaded with Warrick to stay with her.
He had obliged the young girl, stretching out beside her as he tried to get her to fall asleep, his gentle voice painting stories in her imagination. Just before she had drifted off, she had smiled at him sleepily, "I think Scotty sent you to us."
Warrick had been surprised by this statement. "Why do you say that?"
"Because he knew we needed someone to look after us," her little girl logic was indisputable. "Will you look after us forever?" she yawned again, her voice drifting as her eyes fluttered shut, "you could marry Katie and we could be a family." Thankfully, she fell asleep before Warrick had to think of a response.
Now, sitting in the living room beside Katie, sipping a lukewarm coffee, he tried not to dwell on what the little girl had said. Instead, he let his gaze slip to Katie. She had her thin hands wrapped defensively around the thick stoneware coffee mug, her face terribly sad, her eyes haunted.
Warrick sighed as he acknowledged to himself how deeply she and her sister affected him. He had never gotten emotionally involved with any witnesses to any of his cases before, and the feeling was uncomfortable. He did not normally display what he called 'White Knight Syndrome', unlike Nick who wanted to save the world, but this case - this woman and her small sister were different. Sighing, he set his coffee down on the table.
"It's not your fault, you know." His gentle statement made Katie jump, and she flashed a guilty look at him.
"What isn't?"
"None of this. I've already told you that. No one holds you responsible. You were just a victim of circumstances."
"I knew better. I knew better than to stay there. When they first started spewing their - hate - I should have packed up Nancy, and Scotty and I should have left that same day. But I didn't. I fooled myself into believing they didn't mean it." The look she shot Warrick was so tormented, he automatically wrapped an arm around her shoulder, drawing her closer to his side. "My parents didn't raise me to be that way. But I was weak - Scotty's dead because I was weak. And you had to put up with Rebekah."
"I would have heard it from Rebekah whether you were there or not. That's the way she thinks, and there's nothing I can do about it. So you can't blame yourself for that, Katie. As for the other, well - you were going through a lot. Your parents had just died, you were responsible for a younger sister. You just drifted, and you let yourself think you drifted into a safe harbor. You were strong enough to leave. That's what's important."
Katie nestled her head unto Warrick's shoulder, seeking comfort where she could find it. The soft smell of her hair invaded Warrick's nostrils, and he closed his eyes against the sweet assault. His hand continued stroking her shoulder soothingly, and he felt her contented sigh all the way down to his toes.
"I liked your Grams."
"She liked you."
"Why don't you have any pictures of your sister up in your apartment?"
"It hurt too much," Warrick admitted softly. "But I think I'm ready now."
Silence for a few moments. Warrick shifted sideways slightly, presenting more of his chest for Katie to lean against. She did so willingly, her back pressed against him, and he lifted his other hand to tangle loosely with hers on his knee.
"Mr. Grissom says he'll have a safe house for us soon."
"Really? First I've heard about it," Warrick responded softly, his fingers squeezing hers as the sudden lonely image of his apartment - sans the girls - hit him.
"He says our staying with you is going to cause problems down the road. He says people will question our friendship; that you're in a conflict of interest having us here with you." Her voice was shaky as she said this. Warrick could feel the slight vibrations of it through his chest, and he frowned, but he didn't respond. "Is he right?"
Warrick shrugged. "He should have talked to me if he felt that way, and left you out of it."
"It's true, then. We're a liability. We have to leave. I don't want anyone saying hurtful things about you again, not if I can prevent it." She twisted suddenly, her thin shoulder blade stabbing him just beneath his clavicle as she tried to look at him. "I don't ever want to be responsible for causing you more pain."
Warrick studied her serious face intently, the hand on her shoulder running to the side of her face and pushing the heavy curtain of hair hanging there behind her ear. Her eyes glowed like stars against her pale skin. "I've grown accustomed to your face," he whispered. "I'll miss you and Nancy both if you leave." He could see his eyes reflected back in Katie's own, and wondered if the longing he saw there was hers, or his. His eyes drifted down to her lips as she sighed, closing against the warm breath bathing his face.
"What's going on?" she whispered softly, just before she kissed him. Her lips were smooth and soft against his own, and he swallowed the sigh that almost escaped him at their gentle touch.
"I don't know," he whispered back. His other hand had threaded up through her hair, guiding Katie's face back to his as he shifted her into his lap, fully facing him, before capturing her lips for a second gentle kiss. Katie sighed into his mouth as she wrapped her arms around his neck, her soft breasts branding him through his shirt. "I've wanted to do that since we went to Dr. Robbins today."
Warrick smiled against her mouth, trailing drugging lips up her cheek bone and around the firm bone of her jaw, teasing and tasting her skin as he did so. "I've wanted to do that all day too." He kissed her again, firmly this time, fully accessing her mouth before pulling away with a regretful sigh. "But this is too soon, too fast. I don't want you to regret anything, so."
"So," Katie whispered in agreement. She turned slightly and rested her back against his chest again, pulling his arms around her waist and twining her fingers with his. She closed her eyes as she rested her head back against him, licking her lips subconsciously as she savored the taste of him. "I can never regret something that feels so right. But I see your point - I don't want you to regret anything. And Nancy's in your room." She could feel Warrick smile against the top of her head, and she sighed happily. "You're a good man, Warrick Brown."
* * * * *
Greg was surprised when Grissom showed up later that afternoon to take him to Dr. Jansen's office. In spite of having only five hours of sleep, Greg felt strangely energized, and seeing Grissom at the doorway just reinforced the odd happiness he was feeling. For once, he really felt as if he belonged somewhere. Despite his concerns over his health, the feeling was nice.
Driving to Jansen's office, Grissom had discussed the case with Greg, bouncing ideas off him, listening thoughtfully to Greg's opinions, nodding in agreement to some of them. The release of Enoch earlier that morning had bothered everyone, and Grissom had vowed to himself they would find something that would bring him back to the holding cell - before sending him permanently to jail.
When they arrived at Dr. Jansen's office, Grissom had followed Greg inside, grabbing a magazine as he made himself comfortable in the waiting room. When Greg had indicated he could take a bus to his apartment to meet with Alli, Grissom had smiled. "I don't mind waiting. Besides, I'm here for moral support."
Greg had entered Dr. Jansen's office smiling. After the standard tests were run - blood pressure, pulse - and his defibrillator had been scanned for information; Greg had sat comfortably, answering Dr. Jansen's questions. Finally, the check-up was almost completed.
"I saw Mr. Grissom waiting for you out front. How are things going at work?"
"Fine. No one let's me push myself, and Griss is insisting on lots of naps, so I'm not getting over tired."
Jansen nodded and jotted something in Greg's file. "Your stitches are looking pretty good - no infection, healing nicely. Your defibrillator indicates a couple of applied shocks, but nothing too major. How's your appetite? Strength?"
Greg answered, smiling as Jansen again made notes in his file. "So, doc, what's the verdict?"
"You're doing remarkably well, considering all that you've been through in the past couple of weeks. That's a testament to your general overall health before this happened, but I think your friends are playing a large role in your rehabilitation."
Greg nodded, "I never knew how important I was to them until this happened. Shitty way to find out who your friends are, but still -"
"Nice to know you have people you can count on, no matter what." Dr. Jansen nodded in understanding. "Have you suffered from depression at all?"
"A little bit. It's hard to get used to - you know, come to grips with everything, but I think I'm doing okay. My friends don't let me stay depressed for long."
"Good. So, Greg. I'll need to see you in another two weeks, and from there we can probably go monthly. You need to make physio appointments to work the muscles in your chest and help speed the healing process. I'll have my secretary set up an appointment for you. Any questions?"
"Yeah. When can I go out and do field work again?" Greg tried not to sound too hopeful, but his eyes gave him away.
"Maybe in another two weeks. I would want to discuss with you and Mr. Grissom what limitations you would have to be under for a little while, but I don't see why you can't go back soon."
Greg nodded. "Nick read all the pamphlets you gave him for me. He told me to talk to you about - ah - physical activities. Can I - are they safe?"
Dr. Jansen smiled. "When a young man of 28 asks me about physical activities in that tone of voice, I know he's not talking about jogging." Greg grinned sheepishly, but didn't argue.
"Listen, Greg. There's nothing to prevent you from resuming normal activities in the near future. There's some limitations to certain sports - football is a definite no-no - but sex is fine. Just nothing too strenuous for the first little while - no gymnastics. Got that?"
"Yes sir. Thank you, sir!"
Jansen grinned. "If I had any worries about your recovery, you've just allayed them with that question, Greg. See you in a couple of weeks."
* * * * *
"Want to come up and see my apartment, Grissom?" Greg was practically bouncing in his seat in excitement, and he realized how much he had missed his place. He hadn't been in it since the night Oscar Fennil had hurt him, and he hoped it wasn't a disaster.
Grissom smiled in agreement. "Sure, I'll come up."
Greg's apartment was on the top floor of a retro-fitted warehouse that had been converted into apartments in the early '80s. Grissom admired the hardwood floors as they entered the apartment, oddly surprised that Greg would live in such a nice place. He said as much to Greg, causing the young man to laugh.
"I'm not a total eccentric, Grissom. I appreciate nice things." Greg just finished with the quick tour, putting on a pot of coffee when he heard a knock on the door.
"That will be Alli," he said, as he looked at his watch. "Should have known she'd be late. Artist types always are." He grinned at her as he opened the door. "Hi - you're late."
Alli sighed in frustration as she stepped into the apartment. "I got screwed up on the one way street out front, and had to circle around again. Hi, Mr. Grissom."
"Alli." Grissom looked at his watch, turning to Greg. "I'll leave you to show Alli around. When do you want me to swing by to pick you up for work?"
Before Greg could respond, Alli stepped in. "I can drive him in, Mr. Grissom. If that's all right with you, Greg. Maybe after you show me your apartment, we can talk about a rental contract over dinner?"
Grissom tried, unsuccessfully, to hide his quick smile from Greg. Both he and Alli looked at the young man expectantly, the latter slightly concerned at his prolonged silence, Grissom amused by the sudden appearance of 'cat got my tongue' syndrome.
Finally, Greg managed to choke out a fairly nonchalant, "Cool," and excused himself to walk Grissom to the elevator.
"Have a nice dinner, Greg," Grissom teased, as the doors slid open and he stepped inside. "If you're a little late getting to the office, I'll understand."
* * * * *
"This is great coffee, Greg!" Alli smiled in appreciation as she took another long sip, her smile widening as she saw the covetous look Greg shot her mug. "It's too bad you're not allowed to drink caffeine yet."
"Sure, rub it in," Greg groused good-naturedly. "Keep it up, and I might have to raise the rent on you."
"Who says I'm taking the apartment?" Alli teased back. "I haven't even seen it yet."
"Well, then. Let me give you the grand tour. This is the kitchen. You cook here," he smiled when Alli snorted, leading his way through the kitchen door and back into the living room. "Living room - you saw this already. The bedrooms are this way."
Alli followed Greg down the hallway, trying not to look at his butt as he continued talking. She found him very attractive, which was odd - normally, she liked compact blondes not much taller than 5'6" - she hated being dwarfed. Greg, however, was a whole different kettle of fish entirely. Taller than the men she usually went for, she had noticed his charming good looks right away. What had clinched the deal for her, however, was the charming humor he had managed to flash at her, despite his personal pain. The easy intelligence in his brown eyes, the teasing grin, the boyish face - she found everything about him appealing.
The conversation they had shared the day prior, at her Uncle Al's house, had been a bit of a revelation for her. She had felt an immediate concern for him when he had stalked into the house, and she had felt like crying when he showed her the scar marking his chest. She still couldn't believed she had challenged him about feeling sorry for himself, but she had been so angry seeing him defeated she had raised her voice at him. To be quite honest, she was amazed he was still talking to her after what she had said. Normally, Alli thought things through before she said them, but around Greg she found herself wanting to blurt out every thought as it came to her. It was disconcerting.
"This is the bathroom, here," Greg had stopped walking and Alli plowed right into him, not paying attention. Her arms quickly reached out and snaked around him to keep from falling over, and she smiled into his back as she took an appreciative sniff of his shirt.
"Ooof. Sorry. Wasn't paying attention." She enjoyed the feel of her arms around Greg's waist, and was briefly tempted to dip her fingers into the waistband of his jeans. Before she could act on that impulse, Greg's hands drifted down her arms, rubbing gently from elbow to wrist, before lightly grasping her fingers and extricating himself from her grip. When he turned to glance at her sideways, she noticed that his face was bright red, and she tried not to giggle.
"Uh. Yeah. That's alright - accidents happen. Anyway, this is the bathroom. The tub is really nice - big enough to stretch out in -"
"Or for two -" she inserted teasingly, laughing when he flushed even darker. "C'mon Greg! Don't tell me you've never thought that bath was big enough for two people!"
Alli could tell by Greg's little smirk that he was enjoying her teasing. "I refuse to answer that question on the grounds it may incriminate me," he responded. "This doorway here leads to the main bedroom."
As she stepped into Greg's bedroom, she blinked in surprise. The bed, a large black wrought-iron antiquity, was standing almost dead center in the middle of the room. A large black armoire stood in the corner. There was no other furniture in the room, and the walls and ceiling were painted black. Stupidly, she stated, "It's black."
Greg grinned. "I know it's black. Here. Watch." He smiled as he pulled her into the middle of the room until she was standing at the foot of the bed, before flicking off the lights. Overhead and covering the walls, small fluorescent stars glowed. It was like standing in the middle of the universe. Above her head, Greg had hung the little stars on clear fishing line at levels varying from 3 - 5 inches, as well as placing several flat against the ceiling. She could feel him beside her in the dark raise an arm and make a sweeping motion with it, causing the stars on the sting to sway in the gentle breeze.
"This is beautiful! You must have over 1000 stars in here."
Greg smiled at the astonishment in her voice. "Actually, there's over 5000 - took me about 2 weeks to apply them all. Here, lie down on the bed and look at the ceiling." He smiled when she plopped down and he slid in beside her, his hands rested casually under his head.
"Oh wow! I see Orion, and the Big Dipper - you've made the ceiling into the night sky! This is really amazing, Greg." The two lay there in companionable silence, admiring the universe in his room, until the stars began to fade. Sighing, Greg sat up and made his way unerringly to the light switch, flicking it on and blinking against the sudden harsh light. "I really miss my room," he sighed.
Alli sat up and smiled at him gently. "I would miss this too! It's awesome. I could just lay here for hours and watch the stars on your ceiling. When do you get to move back?"
Greg shrugged. "Not sure. Dr. Jansen doesn't want me on my own for a while yet."
Alli grinned. "Well, your loss is my gain. I'd take this apartment on the basis of this room alone. The pick-up lines with a room like this are endless!"
"Pick-up lines?"
"Yeah," her gaze was teasing, and she slid to her feet, approaching him seductively. "Hey, sexy. Come back to my room with me - I'll make you see stars!"
Greg stared at her in shock, before bursting into laughter. "Oh my God! My rooms been like this for almost a year now, and I never thought of using that!"
* * * * *
"Okay - I officially want to rent your apartment." Alli stated with a sigh as she sank into the overstuffed sofa in the living room. "This place is perfect! How did you manage to rent it?"
"Actually, I own it. Estate sale. I bought it about three years ago. Totally lucked out. I was a courier for a lawyer while working my way through university, and he helped me out when it came on the market - gave me a heads up and a loan so I could finance it. Paid him back last year, and now I only owe the bank." Greg sat down beside Alli, stretching his arms across the top of the sofa.
"So - I'll make your mortgage payments for you then. Is that fair? How much?"
"$1100 a month." Greg smiled when Alli looked crestfallen. "Don't worry. I won't ask you for the mortgage in full. How about you pay $600 and we'll call it even? Right now, I'm not getting anything at all, so I'd be perfectly happy with that."
Alli looked at him dubiously. "I'd feel like I'm taking advantage."
"Why? You'd be doing me a favor - I'm uncomfortable leaving it empty for so long. I'd feel better if someone was here. I'll tell you what - give me one of your paintings, and in 40 years when it's worth millions, I'll consider us even."
Greg turned to look at Alli, who was gazing at him pensively. "You have that much faith in my work?"
"Why wouldn't I? It's beautiful. I told you that already. So, do we have a deal?"
Alli smiled. "Deal," she whispered, just before she leaned forward and kissed him.
__________
Author's notes: Okay - next chapter - more angst coming up. Hope you all enjoyed this one.