Chapter Four
There was a silence for a moment while they let this sink in.
"Which means the knife upstairs belongs to the suspect who killed Mr. Williams and presumably so do the footprints. So We're looking for a male between 5'5" and 5'8" with size seven feet. What about the swab?"
Before Nick could answer, Grissom heard Greg shout in the background. Nick answered him, then came back to the phone.
"The blood's just in, it's being checked with police records now."
Grissom sighed.
"Good work. It shouldn't be long before we have him, then we can get his accomplise."
"I'd better phone Catherine and the others. They wanted notifying as soon as we found anything out."
"Keep me informed."
Grissom said.
"Sure. And tell Jade from all of us, we're gonna get the bastard."
*****
It wasn't long before Catherine, Warrick and Sam had joined Nick at CSI. Nick explained everything that he had found to the others, Warrick explaining about the tape, and that there were two suspects. Brass entered during the conversation.
"We've identified the suspect. His name is Dave Hollis. He got out of prison a couple weeks ago for grand theft. Looks like he couldn't wait to get back into the habit. We have cops out looking for him at the moment, he seems to have disappeared, but we'll get him."
All four of them whooped with satisfaction.
"And as soon as we get him, we can find out who his accomplise was."
"Any ideas?"
"Nope. He used to work alone, but we did suspect he was working for someone although he never admitted it."
He took a breathe.
"Anyway, back to normal tonight, I've given Grissom a couple of nights off to be with Jade but don't be surprised if he comes in sooner."
"I'm gonna phone Grissom and give him the good news."
Catherine said, getting up.
*****
Grissom was, for need of a better word, ecstatic! Catherine was a little shocked as he just about shouted 'yes!' down the phone to her.
"Good work, guys."
He said, smiling.
"and as soon as we get this guy, we should get the other and then the whole thing will be over. I'd better go and tell Jade. Thanks Catherine."
He said sincerely. Catherine smiled.
"Wasn't just me."
"Tell the others I owe them one. I won't be in tonight, I need to talk to Jade about what happened. She's gonna need to talk and I'm hoping she'll open up to me. She hardly said anything to the counsellor. But I should be in tomorrow."
"Okay."
She knew that there was no point in arguing with him. He couldn't spend a day away from CSI and when he was forced to he would still ring up to be kept involved, except if he was at a seminar or giving a lecture but for Grissom that was still working. He was a workaholic!
"I'm gonna come over at the end of my shift to stay with Jade, while you go home and get a shower and some food. I know you Gil, you've probably hardly moved since Jade was brought in, am I right?"
"Thanks Catherine. I know Jade will be glad to see you."
She smiled.
"You're welcome."
*****
Jade sleeps right through the night and wakes to see Catherine sitting next to her, reading something.
"Catherine?"
She said tiredly. Catherine looked up and smiled.
"Hey, sleep okay?"
She nodded.
"Where's Gil?"
"I sent him home about an hour ago to get a shower and some food. And he's bringing you some items from home."
Jade nodded again.
"Thank you for staying, and for catching him."
Catherine smiled.
"That's okay, it's my job. I wasn't going to let a bastard like that get away with what he did."
Jade nodded silently. Grissom had mentioned that Jade still hadn't spoken about what exactly happened. Catherine had told him about the tape and what he had said to her and Grissom was enraged. Catherine said that she'd try and talk to her, maybe she'd find it easier to talk to a woman, and Grissom thanked her.
The nurse brought some food and Catherine finally persuaded her to eat some of it. The doctor came in as she finished. Before he could talk she spoke.
"When can I get out of here?"
The doctor smiled.
"As soon we're sure you're up to it."
She sat up, slightly awkwardly.
"I'm up to it now."
The doctor gave her a look as he saw the look of discomfort pass across her face and she laid down again.
"I just want to go home. I'll feel better there, please."
The doctor watched her earnest face for a moment deciding.
"If you don't give me permission I'll just discharge myself, but I'd rather you let me go."
She sounded stubborn about this. The doctor sighed.
"Fine. You can go home as soon as I've checked you properly. But – "
He said quickly as she started to move.
"That's only if I'm happy with how you're healing. And there are rules. You have a nurse come and check on you every morning and night for the next week, you not to be left alone, you eat everything that's put in front of you, and you rest. That means no strenuous movement and definitely no driving. We don't want you bursting your stitches. I want you waited on hand and foot until the stitches are removed in about...8 weeks."
She rolled her eyes slightly and nodded.
"I'll wait outside."
Catherine said. Jade nodded and allowed the doctor to check her knife wound. When Catherine left she saw Gil coming down the corridor. He'd had a shower and looked more refreshed than he had when she'd come to see him. He frowned at her and placed the small backpack on the floor.
"What's going on?"
"The doctors just checking her injury, then she can go home."
"Home? Already?"
Catherine nodded.
"You have one stubborn girl there. She told him that if he didn't discharge her, then she would do it herself."
"Is she well enough to go home?"
"The doctor seems to think so, but he did give her some rules."
She told him and he smiled.
"She sounds just like her mother."
Catherine gave him a smile. Grissom lost the smile.
"I've just listened to the tape."
He said suddenly going solemn. Catherine nodded. She'd almost been in tears at what she heard. Her screaming had been so painful to listen to.
"We'll catch him."
She said when she saw his expression. The tape had hit a nerve in him and Catherine could tell from the look on his face. If you hadn't know him you would have never known that he was upset, but she knew. She gave his arm another squeeze, he gave her a nod. They turned at the sound of the door opening and saw the doctor smile at them.
"She's one tough girl. The wound is healing nicely so I told her she can go. Does she have anyone at home who can look after her?"
Gil shook his head.
"Her aunt and uncle are away on business in Japan. She can stay with me, I've got a spare bed."
The doctor nodded.
"Well, she's all yours. Just make sure she rests. The knife ripped some of the smaller muscles in her abdomen and back and she needs to give them time to heal."
"Thank you, doctor."
Doctor Cartwright nodded.
"I've set up a home care nurse to come every day to change the bandage and check her generally."
Gill nodded and they entered. Jade was sitting up in bed, waiting. She smiled slightly when she saw Gil.
"Hey, you're back."
"Yeah. I heard a rumour that you've just been discharged."
She nodded.
"Are you sure you're up to it."
He asked concerned.
"I'll feel a lot better once I'm out of here. This place just brings back too many memories."
Gil gave her an understanding look. Her parents had died in this hospital, when she was just 9 and Gil could still remember it as if it was yesterday.
"I brought you some clothes and other items. We'll have to go back to your home to get anything else you might need."
She gave him a questioning look.
"Where we going?"
"I'm not going anywhere. However you're coming to stay with me, at least until your aunt and uncle are back. You heard what the doctor said."
She rolled her eyes a bit, but nodded. She was actually looking forwards to staying with Gil.
"Do you want me to help you get changed?"
Catherine asked.
"Thanks, but I'll be okay. I'm gonna go to the bathroom to get changed."
She pulled the blanket off her legs and carefully swung them out of bed. Gil saw the look of pain cross her face and she took a deep breath.
"Okay?"
He asked. She nodded and took his arm as he helped her out of bed. For a moment she stood swaying unsteadily, even though Gil had an arm around her waist supporting her.
"Are you sure you're all right?"
He asked again.
"Just give me a moment to find my legs."
She paused for a short time as she got used to being upright again. Then she nodded. Gil loosened his grip slightly and Catherine took her other arm and her bag and headed out the room and down the corridor to the bathroom. By the time they reached it she seemed to have found her legs and Gil waited outside ( it was the girls toilet) while Catherine went in and made sure she was okay and handed her the bag where she found hipsters and a loose fitting top that Gil had grabbed from the ironing.
"Just call if you need help."
Jade nodded a thanks and said she'd be okay. Catherine joined Gil outside.
Once she'd gone Jade sighed and leaned against the sink for a moment to compose herself, then she entered one of the stalls to use the toilet and get changed. It took her a few minutes but she finally managed to get the trousers on. Bending over was sending ripples of pain through her but she bit down on her lips and dealt with it. The top was easier because she didn't have to bend down, but it did hurt to raise her arms. When she was done she went out to the sinks to check her appearance. Her short hair was sticking up and she looked really pale. She sighed. She checked in her bag but Gil hadn't packed any make-up or even a hairbrush. That was so typically male, she thought to herself. She'd just have to leave her face looking pale but she could sort out her hair. She turned the tap on and soaked her hands, brushing them through her hair until it looked relatively neat. She was lucky her hair was like it was. It was short enough to look okay spiked up and slightly ruffled. She paused looking at her face in the mirror and sighed again. She could feel her lip quivering and she tried to clamp down but found that she couldn't. She'd managed to shut out her feelings earlier when she'd been speaking to Gil but now that she was alone she could feel the tears coming freely. Her adrenaline reserves was empty and she leaned against the sink, letting the tears come.
Grissom looked up.
"She's taking her time in there."
He gave Catherine a look that said he was getting worried.
"I'll check up on her."
She stood and entered the bathroom. Turning the corner to the sinks she saw Jade. She was leaning into the sink and her body was shaking from the quiet sobs. Catherine went over to her immediately.
"Jade?"
She reached her. Jade turned into her and Catherine put her arms around her tightly as Jade cried, her hands over her face, leaning against Catherine's shoulder.
"Hey, Shh, Shh, it's okay. It's all right. It's over. You're okay now. Shh."
She comforted her like she'd comfort her own daughter after she'd had a nightmare. Jade cried until the tears dried up, then she just leaned comfortingly into Catherine.
Catherine pulled back slightly when Jade finally quietened, then she lead her over to the chairs alongside one wall and sat her down. Jade wiped her eyes.
"Sorry."
She said, her voice hoarse.
"For what? It's okay to cry you know, you've been through a lot."
Jade looked down at her hands.
"I was so scared."
She said quietly. Catherine didn't speak. She just waited for Jade to continue like she knew she would.
"At first I just kept reminding myself about everything I learnt in self-defence and that you should take in everything you can about what they look like. He slammed me into the table breaking the lamp, then he pulled me back into him. I managed to elbow him in the ribs but it had no effect. Then he turned me around and I managed to get a good look at him. But then I saw his eyes – he was enjoying it and I knew that he was crazy and he was likely to kill me. I couldn't think, my mind was just screaming at me to get the hell out of there. I kicked him and hit him but he was just too strong. When I scratched him it distracted him enough for me to run, but then he caught my wrist...he swung me around...I didn't see the knife until he'd...it was strange because it didn't hurt. Not at first, it was just numb. But then my head started swimming and I couldn't stand. He leaned down and he whispered in my ear."
At this point she closed her eyes and clenched her hands.
"Then the pain came, and there was so much blood. I saw blood all the time at Uni, but this was my blood. It's different when it's your blood. That's when I knew I was going to die. I could still hear him laughing."
She took a breath knowing that the hardest part was over.
"Next thing I know the ground was moving and I could hear voices. I opened my eyes and I was in the ambulance."
Catherine took her hand and gave it a squeeze to reassure her.
"What did he say to you?"
She urged gently, she knew what he'd said but it would help her if she could get it out into the open. Jade paused and took a couple of deep breaths with her eyes closed.
"He asked if I could see a tunnel of white light and to give my regards to St. Peter."
Catherine stared at her, relieved that she had managed it.
"Funny thing is I think I did. I had this strange dream. Mr. Williams was there and he was telling me to go back and that my time wasn't up yet. When I woke I knew that he was dead before the doctor even told me. If only I hadn't been late, maybe he'd still be alive."
"No Jade – listen to me. Don't go down that path. You did the best you could. You weren't to know that that was going to happen. Don't go blaming yourself just because you were later that usual. Never doubt anything you do, and never look back. If anyone's to blame, blame the man who did this to you."
Jade looked at Catherine for a moment trying to understand what she had said, then Catherine saw the acceptance in her eyes and sighed. She gave Jade a hug who returned it.
"Thank you."
"You've nothing to thank me for."
"Yeah I do. You know it's been so long since anyone's held me like that, like my mother."
"What about your aunt?"
Jade grunted.
"What; the cow that married my uncle? Please, she didn't even explain to me what periods were. I thought I was dying when I saw all that blood!"
She joked. Catherine laughed.
"So how did you find out?"
Jade looked at her, trying not to laugh out loud.
"Don't tell him I told you, but Gil told me."
Catherine's eyes widened and she tried to conceal the laughter.
"He was like my mother, father and big brother rolled into one. He taught me how to ride a bike, he took me on a 'take your child to work' day. He was the one that told me about my parents. Not my fathers brother, but his best friend. I couldn't care less if I never saw my aunt and uncle again."
Jade sighed.
"Ready to go?"
Catherine asked her. Jade nodded.
"Just give me time to wash my face. I don't want Gil to see that I've been crying."
Catherine found that strange.
"Why not?"
"I've only ever cried in front of him once and that was when my parents died. I don't know maybe I just don't want him to see me like a little girl anymore, to see me weak. I've always tried to be strong since my parents died. I had to be. Anyway you know Gil, he's never been good around women, let alone crying women."
Catherine half laughed in understanding.
"I'd better go out and tell him you're okay. He's probably frantic by now."
She was right. As soon as she left Gil just about pounced on her.
"You've been gone nearly 10 minutes!!!! I was about to send a nurse in after you!! Is she okay?"
Catherine stepped back partly in shock. Gil had never shown his concern so freely before. He was usually quite calm when showing his concern which was usually to do with one of his team. He was always protective over his team although he'd never show it freely.
"Gil, she's fine."
Catherine debated about telling him everything but then he realised that Jade hadn't asked her not to.
"She just got a bit upset that's all. I think it just finally hit her what had happened. She told me about the attack. She thought she was gonna die. Don't mention that I told you, okay? I'll tell you everything later."
Gil nodded as the door opened. Jade exited and smiled at him.
"Sorry it took so long."
She didn't offer an explanation and was glad when Gil didn't ask, just nodded at her.
"Come on, lets go home."
She nodded and accepted him arm.
"I'd better get home as well. I'll come round and see how you're doing later."
Jade nodded.
"Thanks."
Catherine nodded and headed off. Gil and Jade followed at a slower pace while Jade got her strength back.
"You know, maybe I should get you a wheelchair."
Gil suddenly said as she inhaled deeply trying to breath through the pain.
"I'm fine." She said harshly. "Sorry."
She calmed a bit and looked at him.
"I'm okay, really. I just need to do this. I need to walk out of here."
Gil nodded his head slightly.
"I'm sorry."
She stopped him and looked at him. Gil didn't feel comfortable at all. She was doing it again. She was looking inside of his inner self. She could always do that, it was like a gift to her.
"I'll be okay, you don't have to worry about me."
He looked back into her eyes. He never could keep anything from her. She could always see it in his eyes.
"Yeah, but I still do."
"Of course you do. You are human. And like a father to me."
And with that she turned back and carried on walking. He had no choice but to go with her, supporting her, while he thought about what she'd said. He'd always feared being known and had spent his life trying to make sure no-one knew the real him – he wasn't sure why. But somehow Jade had known him. Maybe it was because she'd known him since she was young. Children always had a way of seeing things that adults didn't and knowing things about people just from a look. Jade had always had that gift and no matter how hard he tried to hide himself he couldn't from her. Strangely he found it comforting to have someone that did know him deep down, maybe because it was Jade. Children always accepted the strangest of things and he'd always been scared of not fitting in, of being known, so he hid. Jade accepted him, no questions asked.
He looked at her as he helped her into the SUV. She gave him a smile, her face lighting up for a second. He smiled back and moved round to get in his side.
After a quick stop at her house to collect her belongings, Gil pulled up outside his place and switched off the ignition. Jade carefully slid out of the car and stifled a yawn. Gil grabbed her bags and locked the door. He offered his arm to her and she smiled appreciatively and took it. He led her up to his home, unlocked the door and directed her over to the brown sofa where she sat.
He placed her bags down by the table, then moved over to the stereo and turned it on. Instrumental music started playing quietly throughout the apartment. Jade wasn't sure what it was but she found it relaxing.
"I'm gonna make up the spare bed so you can take a nap."
"Oh, I'm not tired."
Grissom gave her a look that said 'oh really'.
"Well, I'll make it up anyway - you'll have to sleep sometime. Then I'll make us some lunch - and don't say you're not hungry."
Jade closed her mouth back up. Then said:
"Fine. But you're not cooking. I've seen what you keep in your fridge. Order a pizza or something."
"Pizza…?"
She nodded eagerly.
"Whatever you want." He smiled. "As long as you take a nap afterwards."
*Touché* She gave him a look.
"I said I wasn't tired. I'm fine, really."
He gave her the same look and she looked away, changing the subject.
"What time do you start work tonight?"
"I'm going in for 7.30. But I'll only be gone for a few hours and the nurse will be around before I go so you won't be alone."
"I'd rather go with you."
She said seriously. She looked at him and he held her gaze evenly.
"I know."
And with that he headed to the spare room.
It didn't take five minutes to make up the spare bed. Then he headed back into the living room.
"So, what pizza do…you…want…?"
He slowed the question as he saw her, then he smiled. She was laying half curled up on her side…and she was asleep.
"No tired, huh?"
Well? Sorry this chapter took a little longer to download. Our computer got a virus and we lost everything!!! And I mean everything!!! I couldn't believe it!!! Luckily I had my Csi fan fic printed up to where I got so I didn't lose any - I just had to write it all up again! Pshaw!!! - I did lose loads of A-Team work that I'd done - two whole chapters and no way to find out what I wrote - it's the worst thing ever. So make sure you back your work up people - save it to disk - anything. I've had to download my own fic from the net because I'd lost it as well!!! Keep those reviews coming please.
There was a silence for a moment while they let this sink in.
"Which means the knife upstairs belongs to the suspect who killed Mr. Williams and presumably so do the footprints. So We're looking for a male between 5'5" and 5'8" with size seven feet. What about the swab?"
Before Nick could answer, Grissom heard Greg shout in the background. Nick answered him, then came back to the phone.
"The blood's just in, it's being checked with police records now."
Grissom sighed.
"Good work. It shouldn't be long before we have him, then we can get his accomplise."
"I'd better phone Catherine and the others. They wanted notifying as soon as we found anything out."
"Keep me informed."
Grissom said.
"Sure. And tell Jade from all of us, we're gonna get the bastard."
*****
It wasn't long before Catherine, Warrick and Sam had joined Nick at CSI. Nick explained everything that he had found to the others, Warrick explaining about the tape, and that there were two suspects. Brass entered during the conversation.
"We've identified the suspect. His name is Dave Hollis. He got out of prison a couple weeks ago for grand theft. Looks like he couldn't wait to get back into the habit. We have cops out looking for him at the moment, he seems to have disappeared, but we'll get him."
All four of them whooped with satisfaction.
"And as soon as we get him, we can find out who his accomplise was."
"Any ideas?"
"Nope. He used to work alone, but we did suspect he was working for someone although he never admitted it."
He took a breathe.
"Anyway, back to normal tonight, I've given Grissom a couple of nights off to be with Jade but don't be surprised if he comes in sooner."
"I'm gonna phone Grissom and give him the good news."
Catherine said, getting up.
*****
Grissom was, for need of a better word, ecstatic! Catherine was a little shocked as he just about shouted 'yes!' down the phone to her.
"Good work, guys."
He said, smiling.
"and as soon as we get this guy, we should get the other and then the whole thing will be over. I'd better go and tell Jade. Thanks Catherine."
He said sincerely. Catherine smiled.
"Wasn't just me."
"Tell the others I owe them one. I won't be in tonight, I need to talk to Jade about what happened. She's gonna need to talk and I'm hoping she'll open up to me. She hardly said anything to the counsellor. But I should be in tomorrow."
"Okay."
She knew that there was no point in arguing with him. He couldn't spend a day away from CSI and when he was forced to he would still ring up to be kept involved, except if he was at a seminar or giving a lecture but for Grissom that was still working. He was a workaholic!
"I'm gonna come over at the end of my shift to stay with Jade, while you go home and get a shower and some food. I know you Gil, you've probably hardly moved since Jade was brought in, am I right?"
"Thanks Catherine. I know Jade will be glad to see you."
She smiled.
"You're welcome."
*****
Jade sleeps right through the night and wakes to see Catherine sitting next to her, reading something.
"Catherine?"
She said tiredly. Catherine looked up and smiled.
"Hey, sleep okay?"
She nodded.
"Where's Gil?"
"I sent him home about an hour ago to get a shower and some food. And he's bringing you some items from home."
Jade nodded again.
"Thank you for staying, and for catching him."
Catherine smiled.
"That's okay, it's my job. I wasn't going to let a bastard like that get away with what he did."
Jade nodded silently. Grissom had mentioned that Jade still hadn't spoken about what exactly happened. Catherine had told him about the tape and what he had said to her and Grissom was enraged. Catherine said that she'd try and talk to her, maybe she'd find it easier to talk to a woman, and Grissom thanked her.
The nurse brought some food and Catherine finally persuaded her to eat some of it. The doctor came in as she finished. Before he could talk she spoke.
"When can I get out of here?"
The doctor smiled.
"As soon we're sure you're up to it."
She sat up, slightly awkwardly.
"I'm up to it now."
The doctor gave her a look as he saw the look of discomfort pass across her face and she laid down again.
"I just want to go home. I'll feel better there, please."
The doctor watched her earnest face for a moment deciding.
"If you don't give me permission I'll just discharge myself, but I'd rather you let me go."
She sounded stubborn about this. The doctor sighed.
"Fine. You can go home as soon as I've checked you properly. But – "
He said quickly as she started to move.
"That's only if I'm happy with how you're healing. And there are rules. You have a nurse come and check on you every morning and night for the next week, you not to be left alone, you eat everything that's put in front of you, and you rest. That means no strenuous movement and definitely no driving. We don't want you bursting your stitches. I want you waited on hand and foot until the stitches are removed in about...8 weeks."
She rolled her eyes slightly and nodded.
"I'll wait outside."
Catherine said. Jade nodded and allowed the doctor to check her knife wound. When Catherine left she saw Gil coming down the corridor. He'd had a shower and looked more refreshed than he had when she'd come to see him. He frowned at her and placed the small backpack on the floor.
"What's going on?"
"The doctors just checking her injury, then she can go home."
"Home? Already?"
Catherine nodded.
"You have one stubborn girl there. She told him that if he didn't discharge her, then she would do it herself."
"Is she well enough to go home?"
"The doctor seems to think so, but he did give her some rules."
She told him and he smiled.
"She sounds just like her mother."
Catherine gave him a smile. Grissom lost the smile.
"I've just listened to the tape."
He said suddenly going solemn. Catherine nodded. She'd almost been in tears at what she heard. Her screaming had been so painful to listen to.
"We'll catch him."
She said when she saw his expression. The tape had hit a nerve in him and Catherine could tell from the look on his face. If you hadn't know him you would have never known that he was upset, but she knew. She gave his arm another squeeze, he gave her a nod. They turned at the sound of the door opening and saw the doctor smile at them.
"She's one tough girl. The wound is healing nicely so I told her she can go. Does she have anyone at home who can look after her?"
Gil shook his head.
"Her aunt and uncle are away on business in Japan. She can stay with me, I've got a spare bed."
The doctor nodded.
"Well, she's all yours. Just make sure she rests. The knife ripped some of the smaller muscles in her abdomen and back and she needs to give them time to heal."
"Thank you, doctor."
Doctor Cartwright nodded.
"I've set up a home care nurse to come every day to change the bandage and check her generally."
Gill nodded and they entered. Jade was sitting up in bed, waiting. She smiled slightly when she saw Gil.
"Hey, you're back."
"Yeah. I heard a rumour that you've just been discharged."
She nodded.
"Are you sure you're up to it."
He asked concerned.
"I'll feel a lot better once I'm out of here. This place just brings back too many memories."
Gil gave her an understanding look. Her parents had died in this hospital, when she was just 9 and Gil could still remember it as if it was yesterday.
"I brought you some clothes and other items. We'll have to go back to your home to get anything else you might need."
She gave him a questioning look.
"Where we going?"
"I'm not going anywhere. However you're coming to stay with me, at least until your aunt and uncle are back. You heard what the doctor said."
She rolled her eyes a bit, but nodded. She was actually looking forwards to staying with Gil.
"Do you want me to help you get changed?"
Catherine asked.
"Thanks, but I'll be okay. I'm gonna go to the bathroom to get changed."
She pulled the blanket off her legs and carefully swung them out of bed. Gil saw the look of pain cross her face and she took a deep breath.
"Okay?"
He asked. She nodded and took his arm as he helped her out of bed. For a moment she stood swaying unsteadily, even though Gil had an arm around her waist supporting her.
"Are you sure you're all right?"
He asked again.
"Just give me a moment to find my legs."
She paused for a short time as she got used to being upright again. Then she nodded. Gil loosened his grip slightly and Catherine took her other arm and her bag and headed out the room and down the corridor to the bathroom. By the time they reached it she seemed to have found her legs and Gil waited outside ( it was the girls toilet) while Catherine went in and made sure she was okay and handed her the bag where she found hipsters and a loose fitting top that Gil had grabbed from the ironing.
"Just call if you need help."
Jade nodded a thanks and said she'd be okay. Catherine joined Gil outside.
Once she'd gone Jade sighed and leaned against the sink for a moment to compose herself, then she entered one of the stalls to use the toilet and get changed. It took her a few minutes but she finally managed to get the trousers on. Bending over was sending ripples of pain through her but she bit down on her lips and dealt with it. The top was easier because she didn't have to bend down, but it did hurt to raise her arms. When she was done she went out to the sinks to check her appearance. Her short hair was sticking up and she looked really pale. She sighed. She checked in her bag but Gil hadn't packed any make-up or even a hairbrush. That was so typically male, she thought to herself. She'd just have to leave her face looking pale but she could sort out her hair. She turned the tap on and soaked her hands, brushing them through her hair until it looked relatively neat. She was lucky her hair was like it was. It was short enough to look okay spiked up and slightly ruffled. She paused looking at her face in the mirror and sighed again. She could feel her lip quivering and she tried to clamp down but found that she couldn't. She'd managed to shut out her feelings earlier when she'd been speaking to Gil but now that she was alone she could feel the tears coming freely. Her adrenaline reserves was empty and she leaned against the sink, letting the tears come.
Grissom looked up.
"She's taking her time in there."
He gave Catherine a look that said he was getting worried.
"I'll check up on her."
She stood and entered the bathroom. Turning the corner to the sinks she saw Jade. She was leaning into the sink and her body was shaking from the quiet sobs. Catherine went over to her immediately.
"Jade?"
She reached her. Jade turned into her and Catherine put her arms around her tightly as Jade cried, her hands over her face, leaning against Catherine's shoulder.
"Hey, Shh, Shh, it's okay. It's all right. It's over. You're okay now. Shh."
She comforted her like she'd comfort her own daughter after she'd had a nightmare. Jade cried until the tears dried up, then she just leaned comfortingly into Catherine.
Catherine pulled back slightly when Jade finally quietened, then she lead her over to the chairs alongside one wall and sat her down. Jade wiped her eyes.
"Sorry."
She said, her voice hoarse.
"For what? It's okay to cry you know, you've been through a lot."
Jade looked down at her hands.
"I was so scared."
She said quietly. Catherine didn't speak. She just waited for Jade to continue like she knew she would.
"At first I just kept reminding myself about everything I learnt in self-defence and that you should take in everything you can about what they look like. He slammed me into the table breaking the lamp, then he pulled me back into him. I managed to elbow him in the ribs but it had no effect. Then he turned me around and I managed to get a good look at him. But then I saw his eyes – he was enjoying it and I knew that he was crazy and he was likely to kill me. I couldn't think, my mind was just screaming at me to get the hell out of there. I kicked him and hit him but he was just too strong. When I scratched him it distracted him enough for me to run, but then he caught my wrist...he swung me around...I didn't see the knife until he'd...it was strange because it didn't hurt. Not at first, it was just numb. But then my head started swimming and I couldn't stand. He leaned down and he whispered in my ear."
At this point she closed her eyes and clenched her hands.
"Then the pain came, and there was so much blood. I saw blood all the time at Uni, but this was my blood. It's different when it's your blood. That's when I knew I was going to die. I could still hear him laughing."
She took a breath knowing that the hardest part was over.
"Next thing I know the ground was moving and I could hear voices. I opened my eyes and I was in the ambulance."
Catherine took her hand and gave it a squeeze to reassure her.
"What did he say to you?"
She urged gently, she knew what he'd said but it would help her if she could get it out into the open. Jade paused and took a couple of deep breaths with her eyes closed.
"He asked if I could see a tunnel of white light and to give my regards to St. Peter."
Catherine stared at her, relieved that she had managed it.
"Funny thing is I think I did. I had this strange dream. Mr. Williams was there and he was telling me to go back and that my time wasn't up yet. When I woke I knew that he was dead before the doctor even told me. If only I hadn't been late, maybe he'd still be alive."
"No Jade – listen to me. Don't go down that path. You did the best you could. You weren't to know that that was going to happen. Don't go blaming yourself just because you were later that usual. Never doubt anything you do, and never look back. If anyone's to blame, blame the man who did this to you."
Jade looked at Catherine for a moment trying to understand what she had said, then Catherine saw the acceptance in her eyes and sighed. She gave Jade a hug who returned it.
"Thank you."
"You've nothing to thank me for."
"Yeah I do. You know it's been so long since anyone's held me like that, like my mother."
"What about your aunt?"
Jade grunted.
"What; the cow that married my uncle? Please, she didn't even explain to me what periods were. I thought I was dying when I saw all that blood!"
She joked. Catherine laughed.
"So how did you find out?"
Jade looked at her, trying not to laugh out loud.
"Don't tell him I told you, but Gil told me."
Catherine's eyes widened and she tried to conceal the laughter.
"He was like my mother, father and big brother rolled into one. He taught me how to ride a bike, he took me on a 'take your child to work' day. He was the one that told me about my parents. Not my fathers brother, but his best friend. I couldn't care less if I never saw my aunt and uncle again."
Jade sighed.
"Ready to go?"
Catherine asked her. Jade nodded.
"Just give me time to wash my face. I don't want Gil to see that I've been crying."
Catherine found that strange.
"Why not?"
"I've only ever cried in front of him once and that was when my parents died. I don't know maybe I just don't want him to see me like a little girl anymore, to see me weak. I've always tried to be strong since my parents died. I had to be. Anyway you know Gil, he's never been good around women, let alone crying women."
Catherine half laughed in understanding.
"I'd better go out and tell him you're okay. He's probably frantic by now."
She was right. As soon as she left Gil just about pounced on her.
"You've been gone nearly 10 minutes!!!! I was about to send a nurse in after you!! Is she okay?"
Catherine stepped back partly in shock. Gil had never shown his concern so freely before. He was usually quite calm when showing his concern which was usually to do with one of his team. He was always protective over his team although he'd never show it freely.
"Gil, she's fine."
Catherine debated about telling him everything but then he realised that Jade hadn't asked her not to.
"She just got a bit upset that's all. I think it just finally hit her what had happened. She told me about the attack. She thought she was gonna die. Don't mention that I told you, okay? I'll tell you everything later."
Gil nodded as the door opened. Jade exited and smiled at him.
"Sorry it took so long."
She didn't offer an explanation and was glad when Gil didn't ask, just nodded at her.
"Come on, lets go home."
She nodded and accepted him arm.
"I'd better get home as well. I'll come round and see how you're doing later."
Jade nodded.
"Thanks."
Catherine nodded and headed off. Gil and Jade followed at a slower pace while Jade got her strength back.
"You know, maybe I should get you a wheelchair."
Gil suddenly said as she inhaled deeply trying to breath through the pain.
"I'm fine." She said harshly. "Sorry."
She calmed a bit and looked at him.
"I'm okay, really. I just need to do this. I need to walk out of here."
Gil nodded his head slightly.
"I'm sorry."
She stopped him and looked at him. Gil didn't feel comfortable at all. She was doing it again. She was looking inside of his inner self. She could always do that, it was like a gift to her.
"I'll be okay, you don't have to worry about me."
He looked back into her eyes. He never could keep anything from her. She could always see it in his eyes.
"Yeah, but I still do."
"Of course you do. You are human. And like a father to me."
And with that she turned back and carried on walking. He had no choice but to go with her, supporting her, while he thought about what she'd said. He'd always feared being known and had spent his life trying to make sure no-one knew the real him – he wasn't sure why. But somehow Jade had known him. Maybe it was because she'd known him since she was young. Children always had a way of seeing things that adults didn't and knowing things about people just from a look. Jade had always had that gift and no matter how hard he tried to hide himself he couldn't from her. Strangely he found it comforting to have someone that did know him deep down, maybe because it was Jade. Children always accepted the strangest of things and he'd always been scared of not fitting in, of being known, so he hid. Jade accepted him, no questions asked.
He looked at her as he helped her into the SUV. She gave him a smile, her face lighting up for a second. He smiled back and moved round to get in his side.
After a quick stop at her house to collect her belongings, Gil pulled up outside his place and switched off the ignition. Jade carefully slid out of the car and stifled a yawn. Gil grabbed her bags and locked the door. He offered his arm to her and she smiled appreciatively and took it. He led her up to his home, unlocked the door and directed her over to the brown sofa where she sat.
He placed her bags down by the table, then moved over to the stereo and turned it on. Instrumental music started playing quietly throughout the apartment. Jade wasn't sure what it was but she found it relaxing.
"I'm gonna make up the spare bed so you can take a nap."
"Oh, I'm not tired."
Grissom gave her a look that said 'oh really'.
"Well, I'll make it up anyway - you'll have to sleep sometime. Then I'll make us some lunch - and don't say you're not hungry."
Jade closed her mouth back up. Then said:
"Fine. But you're not cooking. I've seen what you keep in your fridge. Order a pizza or something."
"Pizza…?"
She nodded eagerly.
"Whatever you want." He smiled. "As long as you take a nap afterwards."
*Touché* She gave him a look.
"I said I wasn't tired. I'm fine, really."
He gave her the same look and she looked away, changing the subject.
"What time do you start work tonight?"
"I'm going in for 7.30. But I'll only be gone for a few hours and the nurse will be around before I go so you won't be alone."
"I'd rather go with you."
She said seriously. She looked at him and he held her gaze evenly.
"I know."
And with that he headed to the spare room.
It didn't take five minutes to make up the spare bed. Then he headed back into the living room.
"So, what pizza do…you…want…?"
He slowed the question as he saw her, then he smiled. She was laying half curled up on her side…and she was asleep.
"No tired, huh?"
Well? Sorry this chapter took a little longer to download. Our computer got a virus and we lost everything!!! And I mean everything!!! I couldn't believe it!!! Luckily I had my Csi fan fic printed up to where I got so I didn't lose any - I just had to write it all up again! Pshaw!!! - I did lose loads of A-Team work that I'd done - two whole chapters and no way to find out what I wrote - it's the worst thing ever. So make sure you back your work up people - save it to disk - anything. I've had to download my own fic from the net because I'd lost it as well!!! Keep those reviews coming please.