Title: Fear
Author: csiphile/Stepf
Rating: PG still.
Notes: Here is the next chapter for you guys finally, I couldn't leave you in suspense anymore. Sorry Zheidi, threats will get you nowhere with me!! Bwhahahahaha. BIG thanks to everyone who has reviewed, it really does keep me writing this beast, its big, really big. Bigger than my first fic and I didn't think that was possible so the encouragement keeps me going.
Again thanks to Meg for betaing for me. She does a rocking job and I appreciate her stepping up when my regular beta person decided to have her baby.
Closing the file before either of the boys can see, Sara places it on the table, focusing her attention on the interdepartmental envelope. She doesn't recognize the handwriting, but opens it to find what looks like a card inside. Sliding the blue envelope out of the larger one, her senses go on alert and she stiffens immediately. The men in the room all notice the sudden change in her body language from previously loose and happy to suddenly tense. Swallowing, Sara picks it up, and opens the envelope to find a handwritten note inside, all the while hoping its not what she thinks. Her fears are confirmed in the first line of the brief note.
My love,
While I sent the flowers to you for your enjoyment, I am not upset with what you did with them. What a good thing to do, so selfless, so you. I enjoyed our meeting, hopefully I will see you soon again, I look forward to it.
Have a good evening at work,
Joey
"Oh my god," are the only words that escape her lips before Sara lets go and the note drifts to the table. Trying to control her emotions gets her nowhere and her hands begin to shake violently.
Warrick and Nick exchange confused looks with each other then Warrick leans over and reads the note aloud. Grissom hesitates for one instant in going to her side, and Nick beats him to it, grabbing her hands in his and talking softly to her.
"Sara. What's going on?" he asks quietly, concern for his friend evident.
Finally looking him in the eyes, Nick sees the one emotion he never expected from Sara Sidle; fear. She locks eyes with Nick briefly before finding Grissom's warm blue ones.
When she finally speaks, her voice is tainted with desperation. Directing her words at Grissom, she all but ignores the other worried members of her team. "I though he was gone. I thought he got the message. He followed me Gris, he waited for me to get out of work and he followed me."
"What is she talking about Gris?" Warrick asks.
"Let's sit down." he says and watches as Nick pulls out a chair for Sara, who it looks like is shaking less. "Several weeks ago Sara encountered someone at a crime scene, who it now appears is stalking her. That's who sent the flowers the other day."
"I can't believe this. He's barely contacted me though." They are both ignoring the other men in the room and the shocked expressions on their faces.
"Sara, there is no doubt in my mind this man is determined, look at the note. I am sure that shortly he will step up his efforts. You need to be careful."
"Grissom I am armed and can defend myself." She gives him a small smile and gets her emotions in check; she refuses to let this affect her. The note is startling and that's it. "I refuse to let this man dictate my life. He hasn't gotten violent; I'm sure I will be fine."
"Sara, are you sure it's a good idea to be so cavalier about this? He could be dangerous," Nick asks, voicing the thought on both his and Warrick's minds.
"Guys, he sent me flowers and a card, and talked to me, that's it. Nothing violent, I'm sure if I just ignore him, he will go away. Okay? I do not want this invading my work."
The men look at her with matching expressions of skepticism but nod their acknowledgement and acceptance.
Grissom watches as she speaks, her words becoming defiant, the meaning behind the words clear in her eyes. He has no doubt of her intentions to not let this affect her life. Sara puts up a good front, but he can tell it's bothering her more than she lets on in front of Nick and Warrick. Sitting back in the chair, his eyes never leaving her, Grissom is more than pleased they will be leaving next week; a vacation will do her a world of good. For a moment he wishes Catherine wasn't on vacation for the next few days. He needs someone to talk to about this.
"Okay Sara. Let's move on for now, but I am talking to Brass to see if there is something they can do." Receiving a nod from her, he indicates Nick and Warrick. "Well, no new cases tonight. Work on what you have and let's try to catch up with the paperwork, okay?"
"Sure boss," Warrick replies and looks at Sara. "You need anything."
"I know. Thanks War." She smiles at them and picks up the note and throws it in the trash on her way out the door, making the decision not to think about it again.
Sara is sitting in the layout room, watching one of Grissom's experiments for him while he talks to Brass, when the receptionist's voice comes over the intercom.
"Sara Sidle, Line 1. Sidle, Line 1." Sara looks up at the speaker, confused as to who would be calling her here. Most people know its easier to get a hold of her on her cell.
"Sidle."
"Hi Sara. How's your evening?" a strange voice asks over the line.
"Fine. How can I help you?" She knows who it is and starts to look around the lab, as if he is right there.
"How can you help me? Man you are funny. You get the note? You know, that was a nice thing you did, giving the flowers away, I guess I will just have to replace them."
A sudden stab of fear hit Sara in the stomach. "Ummm. I asked you not to do that, please don't send more. Yes I got the note. Look, Joey, I don't know what you think is going on, but there is nothing between us. Please don't send me anything else, and do not call me at work, okay?" She is trying to let him down easy and still get the point across, though by now Sara is wondering what will get through his head.
"Sorry Sara, I wont call you at work anymore. But if I want to send you gifts I will, that's my right."
"Your right?" Sara's hands being shaking as she thinks about the implications of his statement, 'Was Grissom right?' she wonders. "What right?"
"Sara, seeing how I love you, I can send you gift to show you that." He tone is eerily calm.
"Excuse me? Joey, listen, we need to get something straight. You don't love me, I barely know you. Do you understand?" Sara is trying hard not to let the fear come through in her voice. She is greeted by silence on the other end. As she is about to say something, Joey's voice cuts through the line.
"Yeah, sure Sara. Sorry."
Why? Why would she do this to him? He loves, her and all he wants it so show her his love, convince her that they are meant to be, that they have a future together. She is just throwing that future away, and not for any good reason he can determine. Becoming angry, he hangs up the phone, he would show her, he would convince her somehow.
Before she can speak, Sara hears the dial tone. He has hung up on her. 'Thank god' she thinks, maybe he will leave her alone now. Replacing the phone in the cradle she takes a moment to calm herself, holding her head in her hands; that's the position Grissom finds in her as he walks in.
"Sara?" he asks and approaches.
"Hey. How did it go with Brass?" She lifts her head as she speaks, giving no outward indication of what had just happened.
"Not great. He can't do a damn thing until there are threats involved."
"Well, I don't think we need to worry about it. He just called and I told him to go away. I think he got the message this time; he hung up on me."
"Sara, stalkers are much more persistent than that. He probably isn't gone, so still watch out, will you?" He is now standing directly in front of her; she is still sitting on the stool, almost no space between their knees.
"Gris, I am a CSI, I'm always careful and looking over my back. No need to worry about me." She gives him a genuine smile.
"Still. I worry, so be careful. Why don't you come to my place for a few days?" The idea of her staying with him is more appealing then Grissom is willing to admit.
"No, Grissom. That's exactly what I was talking about earlier; he will not disrupt my life. I will stay in my apartment; I will go about my normal business. Okay?" Her tone is a little harsher than she would have liked, but Sara doesn't want him or anyone else worrying over her for no good reason. Sara honestly thinks she has seen the end of Joey Harrington. Grissom nods at her and turns to the experiment.
"Gris, I'm sorry, that was harsher than I wanted it to sound. I appreciate your concern, really I do, but I am an adult and I can handle myself, ok?"
"Of course. I'm sorry too, I know you can take care of yourself, I just worry. I care about you Sara."
Silently they smile at each other and go back to discussing Grissom's experiment.
tbc...........
I sorta figured after the last chapter break I would give you guys a rest. Heh. More to come by the end of the weekend. Soon comes the really creepy stuff...
Author: csiphile/Stepf
Rating: PG still.
Notes: Here is the next chapter for you guys finally, I couldn't leave you in suspense anymore. Sorry Zheidi, threats will get you nowhere with me!! Bwhahahahaha. BIG thanks to everyone who has reviewed, it really does keep me writing this beast, its big, really big. Bigger than my first fic and I didn't think that was possible so the encouragement keeps me going.
Again thanks to Meg for betaing for me. She does a rocking job and I appreciate her stepping up when my regular beta person decided to have her baby.
Closing the file before either of the boys can see, Sara places it on the table, focusing her attention on the interdepartmental envelope. She doesn't recognize the handwriting, but opens it to find what looks like a card inside. Sliding the blue envelope out of the larger one, her senses go on alert and she stiffens immediately. The men in the room all notice the sudden change in her body language from previously loose and happy to suddenly tense. Swallowing, Sara picks it up, and opens the envelope to find a handwritten note inside, all the while hoping its not what she thinks. Her fears are confirmed in the first line of the brief note.
My love,
While I sent the flowers to you for your enjoyment, I am not upset with what you did with them. What a good thing to do, so selfless, so you. I enjoyed our meeting, hopefully I will see you soon again, I look forward to it.
Have a good evening at work,
Joey
"Oh my god," are the only words that escape her lips before Sara lets go and the note drifts to the table. Trying to control her emotions gets her nowhere and her hands begin to shake violently.
Warrick and Nick exchange confused looks with each other then Warrick leans over and reads the note aloud. Grissom hesitates for one instant in going to her side, and Nick beats him to it, grabbing her hands in his and talking softly to her.
"Sara. What's going on?" he asks quietly, concern for his friend evident.
Finally looking him in the eyes, Nick sees the one emotion he never expected from Sara Sidle; fear. She locks eyes with Nick briefly before finding Grissom's warm blue ones.
When she finally speaks, her voice is tainted with desperation. Directing her words at Grissom, she all but ignores the other worried members of her team. "I though he was gone. I thought he got the message. He followed me Gris, he waited for me to get out of work and he followed me."
"What is she talking about Gris?" Warrick asks.
"Let's sit down." he says and watches as Nick pulls out a chair for Sara, who it looks like is shaking less. "Several weeks ago Sara encountered someone at a crime scene, who it now appears is stalking her. That's who sent the flowers the other day."
"I can't believe this. He's barely contacted me though." They are both ignoring the other men in the room and the shocked expressions on their faces.
"Sara, there is no doubt in my mind this man is determined, look at the note. I am sure that shortly he will step up his efforts. You need to be careful."
"Grissom I am armed and can defend myself." She gives him a small smile and gets her emotions in check; she refuses to let this affect her. The note is startling and that's it. "I refuse to let this man dictate my life. He hasn't gotten violent; I'm sure I will be fine."
"Sara, are you sure it's a good idea to be so cavalier about this? He could be dangerous," Nick asks, voicing the thought on both his and Warrick's minds.
"Guys, he sent me flowers and a card, and talked to me, that's it. Nothing violent, I'm sure if I just ignore him, he will go away. Okay? I do not want this invading my work."
The men look at her with matching expressions of skepticism but nod their acknowledgement and acceptance.
Grissom watches as she speaks, her words becoming defiant, the meaning behind the words clear in her eyes. He has no doubt of her intentions to not let this affect her life. Sara puts up a good front, but he can tell it's bothering her more than she lets on in front of Nick and Warrick. Sitting back in the chair, his eyes never leaving her, Grissom is more than pleased they will be leaving next week; a vacation will do her a world of good. For a moment he wishes Catherine wasn't on vacation for the next few days. He needs someone to talk to about this.
"Okay Sara. Let's move on for now, but I am talking to Brass to see if there is something they can do." Receiving a nod from her, he indicates Nick and Warrick. "Well, no new cases tonight. Work on what you have and let's try to catch up with the paperwork, okay?"
"Sure boss," Warrick replies and looks at Sara. "You need anything."
"I know. Thanks War." She smiles at them and picks up the note and throws it in the trash on her way out the door, making the decision not to think about it again.
Sara is sitting in the layout room, watching one of Grissom's experiments for him while he talks to Brass, when the receptionist's voice comes over the intercom.
"Sara Sidle, Line 1. Sidle, Line 1." Sara looks up at the speaker, confused as to who would be calling her here. Most people know its easier to get a hold of her on her cell.
"Sidle."
"Hi Sara. How's your evening?" a strange voice asks over the line.
"Fine. How can I help you?" She knows who it is and starts to look around the lab, as if he is right there.
"How can you help me? Man you are funny. You get the note? You know, that was a nice thing you did, giving the flowers away, I guess I will just have to replace them."
A sudden stab of fear hit Sara in the stomach. "Ummm. I asked you not to do that, please don't send more. Yes I got the note. Look, Joey, I don't know what you think is going on, but there is nothing between us. Please don't send me anything else, and do not call me at work, okay?" She is trying to let him down easy and still get the point across, though by now Sara is wondering what will get through his head.
"Sorry Sara, I wont call you at work anymore. But if I want to send you gifts I will, that's my right."
"Your right?" Sara's hands being shaking as she thinks about the implications of his statement, 'Was Grissom right?' she wonders. "What right?"
"Sara, seeing how I love you, I can send you gift to show you that." He tone is eerily calm.
"Excuse me? Joey, listen, we need to get something straight. You don't love me, I barely know you. Do you understand?" Sara is trying hard not to let the fear come through in her voice. She is greeted by silence on the other end. As she is about to say something, Joey's voice cuts through the line.
"Yeah, sure Sara. Sorry."
Why? Why would she do this to him? He loves, her and all he wants it so show her his love, convince her that they are meant to be, that they have a future together. She is just throwing that future away, and not for any good reason he can determine. Becoming angry, he hangs up the phone, he would show her, he would convince her somehow.
Before she can speak, Sara hears the dial tone. He has hung up on her. 'Thank god' she thinks, maybe he will leave her alone now. Replacing the phone in the cradle she takes a moment to calm herself, holding her head in her hands; that's the position Grissom finds in her as he walks in.
"Sara?" he asks and approaches.
"Hey. How did it go with Brass?" She lifts her head as she speaks, giving no outward indication of what had just happened.
"Not great. He can't do a damn thing until there are threats involved."
"Well, I don't think we need to worry about it. He just called and I told him to go away. I think he got the message this time; he hung up on me."
"Sara, stalkers are much more persistent than that. He probably isn't gone, so still watch out, will you?" He is now standing directly in front of her; she is still sitting on the stool, almost no space between their knees.
"Gris, I am a CSI, I'm always careful and looking over my back. No need to worry about me." She gives him a genuine smile.
"Still. I worry, so be careful. Why don't you come to my place for a few days?" The idea of her staying with him is more appealing then Grissom is willing to admit.
"No, Grissom. That's exactly what I was talking about earlier; he will not disrupt my life. I will stay in my apartment; I will go about my normal business. Okay?" Her tone is a little harsher than she would have liked, but Sara doesn't want him or anyone else worrying over her for no good reason. Sara honestly thinks she has seen the end of Joey Harrington. Grissom nods at her and turns to the experiment.
"Gris, I'm sorry, that was harsher than I wanted it to sound. I appreciate your concern, really I do, but I am an adult and I can handle myself, ok?"
"Of course. I'm sorry too, I know you can take care of yourself, I just worry. I care about you Sara."
Silently they smile at each other and go back to discussing Grissom's experiment.
tbc...........
I sorta figured after the last chapter break I would give you guys a rest. Heh. More to come by the end of the weekend. Soon comes the really creepy stuff...