1 Another chapter for ur entertainment – you'd better review or else!!!
2
3 Chapter Five
Back at the CSI, Nick and Warrick were still working overtime on another case, when Brass walked in.
"We got him. Small motel in the middle of no-where. He'll be here in about two hours."
"Wohoo!"
Nick shouted.
"Maybe now we can find out who the second person is."
Warrick said.
"Can one of you call Grissom. Give him the news?"
"Yep, sure thing."
Nick replied.
*****
Grissom, who was sitting at the table poring over the evidence took a sip of his coffee and glanced over to the sofa. Jade was still sleeping peacefully. Grissom had placed a blanket over her to keep her warm. Suddenly the phone rang. He bolted out of his seat and moved quickly away as he answered.
"Grissom."
He answered quietly.
"Hey Gris, it's Nick - I've got good news for you."
Grissom, who was watching Jade to make sure the phone hadn't woken her, waited for an answer.
"Well…?"
"We've got him. Out of town at a small motel. He'll be in, in about two hours."
"Fantastic. Good job. I'll be in later."
"What? You think that's such a good idea, Grissom?"
Grissom paused.
"I'll see you later."
And he hung up. He smiled to himself that little half grin. He checked up on Jade, who stirred slightly, then sat back down at the table.
An hour later the doorbell rang. Grissom got up to get it, noticing Jade shifting at the sound. He opened the door and smiled to see the pizza man.
"Here you go - and keep the change."
He handed over the money as he took the pizza.
"Thanks mate."
Grissom closed the door with one hand while balancing the pizza box on the other. He headed over to the kitchen unit and glanced at Jade who was just sitting carefully, on hand on her side protectively. Once sitting she rubbed her eyes tiredly. Grissom placed the box on the counter.
"Have a good sleep?"
Jade looked up at Grissom and smiled sheepishly.
"Is that pizza I smell?"
"Yep, your favourite. Ham and mushroom with extra pineapple."
"Mmm."
She smiled and looked down at the blanket around her waist, smiling a little to herself. He'd obviously placed it there - something her aunt and uncle wouldn't have even bothered with.
"I'll be going to the lab after lunch for a couple of hours, okay?"
"Why?"
He looked at her and gave that half smile again.
"We've caught him, they're bringing him into custody."
She sighed and seemed to relax, her shoulders looking suddenly less tense. Then a thought hit her.
"What about me?"
"You'll be okay on your own for a couple hours, besides the nurse will be here about 5.30-6."
"I don't want to be alone."
She said suddenly, her eyes widening. She tried to cover her fear but it was too late. He watched her for a moment as she looked down. He picked up their plates and putting them on the coffee table he sat down beside her.
"Okay," he replied gently. "You can come with me. I'll get someone to stay with you in the break room while I get some work done."
On any other occasion she would have stayed with him and helped but he was going to be interrogating the bastard that stabbed her and he didn't want her anywhere near him. She looked up and gave him an appreciative smile.
"Eat up, before it gets cold."
"Cold pizza's nice."
She smiled, he returned the smile.
*****
Grissom held the main door to the CSI open for Jade, then followed her through. Her hand was sub-consciously pressed gently against her side but Grissom had noticed it. He nodded to the receptionist and then, with a hand on her back, he led her down the corridor.
"Where we going?"
Jade asked him, knowing his office was down the corridor they'd just passed.
"I'm just gonna find Nick, I need to have a word with him."
As if on queue, as they walk past ballistics, Nick and Warrick both exited.
"Hey Gris, I wondered when you'd get here."
Nick said. Grissom turned to face him as did Jade.
"Oh hey, I was just looking for you. This is my God-daughter."
Nick smiled at her and held his hand out.
"Hey, Nick Stokes," She shook his hand. "Glad to see you're looking a lot better than earlier."
She smiled.
"Thanks. Jade Greenlee."
"Jade GREENlee?"
Warrick asked learning her surname for the first time. She smirked.
"Yes, my parents had a sense of humour. And you must be Warrick."
"Yeah, Warrick Brown."
They also shook hands. She seemed to relish the touch of his hand and they gave each other a small, knowing smile.
"We have very colourful names."
She joked.
"Yeah, we do."
Nick smirked at the scene playing out in front of him. There was a definite chemistry between them. Grissom stood there frowning, confused at what he was seeing for a moment. Then he gave Warrick a look that said 'don't even think it'. Warrick gently let her hand go and stepped back. Jade hadn't noticed Grissom's look.
"Nick, could I speak to you a moment?"
"Sure."
Grissom turned to Warrick.
"Could you take Jade to the break room. I'll be along in a moment."
"Yeah."
Warrick nodded. Grissom led Nick towards his office, while Warrick gestured for Jade to carry on down the corridor.
"Gotta baby-sit the invalid, eh?"
Jade smiled.
"I don't mind."
"Well, I do. Gil can be so protective sometimes. Not that I don't mind the company."
They reached the break room. Greg was sitting in there with Sam, who was also working overtime on as case as always. Warrick held the door open for her and thanking him, she entered. Sam and Greg looked up as they entered.
"Hey Warrick."
Sam said.
"Hey, this is uh, Jade, Grissom's God-daughter."
He introduced her. Sam stood.
"Oh hey, I'm Sam."
She shook her hand.
"And that's Greg."
Warrick pointed out.
"Hey Greg."
Jade said. Greg, who still had a mouthful of food, just waved his hand and nodded. Jade smiled. He finished his mouthful.
"Sorry, hey, good to see you looking well. Want some coffee?"
"Thanks, I'd love some."
Greg got up and poured her a mug, Warrick sat next to her with his own. They sat and chatted for 10 minutes until Grissom entered with Nick.
"How you doing Jade?"
He asked, checking on her.
"I'm good."
"Come on back to my office, I've got some new things to show you."
He got a little excited. She rolled her eyes slightly but stood, pausing only long enough to inhale from the slight throb in her side. Grissom watched her carefully as he spoke to the others.
"Can one of you let me know when the suspect arrives?"
"Yeah, sure thing."
Nick replied. Warrick was still looking at Jade, his gaze hadn't left her since she'd arrived.
"Thanks. Come on Jade."
He put his hand on her back protectively again and started to lead her away.
"See you later?"
She asked in general, but was looking at Warrick.
"Definitely."
He smiled and watched them leave. Warrick looked up to see Nick giving him a knowing look.
"What?"
He half snapped. Nick held his hands up defensively.
"Nothing, nothing. Just looked to me that you have some, shall we say, designs on the boss' God-daughter.
"Pshaw!"
He replied, hitting Nick in the arm as he stood.
"Come on, we have work to do."
*****
As they reached the door to his office, she slows to a stop. He stops with her and gives her a questioning, concerned look.
"Do you uh, still have your tarantula's?"
He nodded.
"Yeah…"
"What you're showing me doesn't involve them, does it? Or any other bugs? Because if they're gonna be out I'm not going in."
She said with determination. He half laughed.
"Don't worry, they're in their cages and I promise I won't get them out."
She was about to reply and move towards the door when she heard a voice from down the corridor, then a laugh that stopped her dead in her tracks. She stood completely still, except for a fine tremor chasing up and down her frame. Her expression was blank and her normally warm caramel skin had a blue tinge to it. Her jaw was tightly clenched and a white line was traced around her full lips. But the most startling sight was her eyes. They were huge, unfocused, with a fine sheen of tears. And the expression they held was one of pure terror. Grissom noticed straight away that something was wrong, and he took hold of her shoulders comfortingly, and to make sure she didn't turn around, as he looked past her and down the corridor to see a man in his late 20's in handcuffs. Brass was standing talking to him but he kept laughing, then was led roughly away. Grissom bent down to look in her eyes.
"It's him, isn't it?"
He gently asked her. Jade didn't reply, but she didn't have to. From the look on her face, Grissom knew it was the truth. He guided her into his office and sat her down, she was still shaken up and he got her a glass of water, then kneeled down infront of her. She took a shaky sip, then thanked him quietly.
"You okay now?"
He asked worriedly. She tried a weak smile that faltered.
"I will be…"
She replied just as quietly not looking at him, just staring off into the distance. Grissom looked out the window and spotted Warrick wondering past. He looked back at Jade.
"I'll be right back, okay?"
She just nodded vaguely. Grissom stood and opened the door.
"Warrick?"
He called. Warrick stopped and turned around.
"Would you sit with Jade until I get back?"
Warrick noticed the angry look in his eyes and the way his jaw was set.
"Sure, what's up?"
"Thanks."
Grissom said striding down the corridor, ignoring the question. Warrick stood frowning for a moment, then entered the office. Jade glanced up and gave him a small smile. Warrick could tell that she'd been shaken up but she looked a little more composed that he figured she'd been.
"Hey there again."
He sits down on the chair beside her.
"You okay?"
She just nods again, staring around the office, her mind elsewhere. They sit in silence for a long moment while Warrick tries to think of something to say. He glances around the office and stares at all the strange things that Grissom owns, the tarantula's, 'Miss Piggy', all the various kinds of bugs – you name it.
"You know…I hate this office, too many creepy crawly things for my liking."
Jade laughed softly which relieved Warrick slightly to see the smile of her face, even if only for the slightest moment.
"I had to grow up with this. My dad was exactly the same. I never went down to the basement because it was always full of bugs and spiders and all sorts of strange crawly things that my dad and Gil used to collect. The spiders were the worst, all those hairy legs and the way they just used to sit there and stare at you."
She said looking over at the orange-kneed tarantula just sitting in the corner of it's cage, looking like it's watching the both of them. Warrick watched it for a moment. Jade started to feel uneasy and she knew that Warrick could feel it. It was as if they'd just jumped into the middle of a horror movie and the hairs on the back of their necks were starting to stand on end.
"Maybe…we should get out of here. It's starting to look hungry and I'm getting images of Arachnophobia in my head."
Jade said, standing, slightly shakily.
"I totally agree."
Warrick said holding the door open. They both looked like they couldn't get out of there fast enough, and he led her back towards the break room. She laughed, Warrick looked at her.
"Well, that was crazy. And kinda weird."
She said in the relief of getting rid of such a strange feeling of claustrophobia being surrounded by so many bugs. The tenseness was dissipating.
"Yeah, I'm starting to feel a little stupid now."
He agreed.
"I won't tell if you won't."
She said to him.
"Thanks."
They both laughed. Jade felt a weight lifting slowly off her shoulders. The voice she'd heard had sent ripples of tension and shivers down her spine and for a moment she'd been back in that living room on the floor. It was like she'd just woken up form a nightmare and the only thing that made it real was the bright lights in the corridor, and the sunlight shining through the slits in the blinds of the break room. They both sat down once again, Jade in the leather seat and Warrick on one of the chairs by the table.
Knowing that she still looked slightly shaky, Warrick tried to get her talking, to get her mind off her memories.
"So, where you at, at the moment?"
"Oh, I've just finished a BS for Medical Technology at UNLV and next semester I'm off to the University of California to do a Ph.D. in Biology."
"Wow, you're going to be busy – that's a tough course."
"Yeah."
She smiled.
"California, isn't that where Grissom went to do his Ph.D.?"
Jade nodded.
"Yeah, it is. When they heard that I wanted to be on the course, they jumped at the chance because of who my guardian was. I'm not sure if they took me on my merit or on my parentage – my father did Biology there was well."
She partly joked. But he knew that it bothered her.
"Didn't I hear that you were Summa Cum Laude for Medical Technology?"
Jade nodded.
"Well, the I'd say that you got in on your merit and your parentage was a bonus."
She smiled at him.
"Thanks. Anyway what about you?"
"Me, oh I received a BS in Chemistry at the UNLV and now I'm a CSI Level Two."
Congratulations."
"Thanks. You know I really love my work."
"I know. Gil talks about you sometimes, you know, talks about how proud he is of all of you. I can't wait to work here."
Warrick kept her talking for ages to keep her mind off her problems. He found that he really liked her company and found her a really interesting person to be around.
*****
Meanwhile…
Grissom had stormed off towards the interview room and had been watching the suspect, through the mirror, from the adjoining room. Hollis was just sitting there alone, waiting and looked very bored. Grissom had a stern look on his face. Brass walked past and noticed Grissom standing there, arms folded.
"I've been looking for you. Nick told me you were in."
Grissom, who had jolted at the voice, just stood there. Brass looked at the suspect.
"Looks relatively normal, doesn't he? But when he laughed you could tell he was nuts."
"Yeah, I heard him. So did Jade…That's him all right."
"For definite?"
"If you'd have seen her reaction, you'd know. I've never seen anything like that from Jade before. She went really pale and started to shake…The bastard…"
"I would usually advise against anyone related coming in but I know you, Gil. I don't think I could stop you."
"No, you couldn't."
He said sternly, then walked out of the room and into the main interview room with Brass following. Brass sat down infront of Dave Hollis while Grissom leaned back against the wall, fading into the background.
"So, Dave Hollis – I'm Cpt. Brass. How you doin'?"
"I'm good, man."
"Good. Bet it feels good to be out – how's longs it been? 3 weeks?"
"Yeah?"
"Been in any trouble since? Burgled any houses?"
"Is that what this is about? You think I've done a job? Nah man, I'm clean. I don't do that anymore."
"No? You know that's funny. Because we've got proof that you did."
"Ah man – you can't prove nuthin'."
He leaned back in his seat. Brass leaned forward.
"Where were you last Monday – around 8pm?"
"I was at my mothers – having dinner."
"Now, you see I know you're lying because we have proof that you were in North Vegas at that time. Breaking and entering into an elderly man's house."
"What kind of proof?"
"You're DNA."
They stared at each other and Hollis knew that he had no choice but to admit it.
"I didn't steal nuthin'."
He said defensively. Grissom suddenly stepped forward.
"No you didn't. You didn't have time, because you were interrupted, weren't you? You ransacked the place, but before you could take anything someone came home, didn't they?"
He sounded calm as he leaned on the table but his expression spoke volumes about what he was feeling. Hollis looked slightly uncomfortable.
"Didn't they?!"
He raised his voice.
"A young woman came home and you ATTACKED her!!! You STABBED her with a KNIFE – YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!"
He leaned across the table and grabbed him, pulling him forwards and yanking his jumper down. There were scratch marks across his neck.
"She fought back when you grabbed her, scratching your neck – so you stabbed her!!"
"Easy, Gil."
Brass said as Grissom pulled harder. He let go and moved away to calm himself – his jaw set.
"And what about the elderly man? Why kill him, hm?"
Brass continued. Hollis, who was just sitting there looking fed up, looked up in confusion at this news.
"What?!"
"The elderly man. Why did your partner kill him? Why not just tie him up?"
Hollis looked genuinely confused.
"I never work with anyone. I was alone. I didn't see no old man, let alone kill him. There was just the girl."
"If you're lying…"
Grissom said threateningly.
"I'm not – I swear!"
Brass and Gil gave each other a look.
"So who killed the elderly man?"
He said to Gil. Grissom looked back at Hollis.
"Take us through everything that happened."
Hollis was only too pleased to tell him – anything to get him off the murder charge – even if he did go down for attempted manslaughter.
"There's not much to tell. I saw the front door open and I took the opportunity. I had finished downstairs – didn't see anything exciting and I was about to go upstairs when I heard the girl outside and a dog whining. I hid and she came in, went into the living room and was phoning the police. I was gonna sneak out but she heard me – damn floorboards. I hadn't planned on stabbing her but I guess that's just how the world works – beside it's not as if I killed her – she's still alive – she's fine – "
Before he knew what was happening, Grissom had lunged around the table, grabbing his lapel's and pulled him out of his seat, pinning him against the wall.
"YOU SON OF A BITCH!!" You think just because she's alive it makes her okay? Well, she's not okay. You've ruined her life – it's gonna take a long time for her to recover."
By this time Brass was by his side.
"YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR THIS! I'M GONNA SEE TO IT PERMANENTLY THAT YOU GO DOWN FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER!"
"Come on Gil, lets go – NOW!"
Brass pulled him off and took Gil outside where he stared pacing. Brass told the officer to take Hollis to a cell. As he was brought out Grissom stared at him."
"What is your problem?"
He said with attitude.
"That girl you stabbed? Is my God-daughter. You've messed with the wrong guy this time, you dumb punk!"
He watched as Hollis was escorted down the corridor, then turns to Brass.
"We've got a problem now."
Grissom said.
"Who killed Mr. Williams."
"Two crimes, two crime scenes."
Well…? Comments purrrrrleassssseeeee?
2
3 Chapter Five
Back at the CSI, Nick and Warrick were still working overtime on another case, when Brass walked in.
"We got him. Small motel in the middle of no-where. He'll be here in about two hours."
"Wohoo!"
Nick shouted.
"Maybe now we can find out who the second person is."
Warrick said.
"Can one of you call Grissom. Give him the news?"
"Yep, sure thing."
Nick replied.
*****
Grissom, who was sitting at the table poring over the evidence took a sip of his coffee and glanced over to the sofa. Jade was still sleeping peacefully. Grissom had placed a blanket over her to keep her warm. Suddenly the phone rang. He bolted out of his seat and moved quickly away as he answered.
"Grissom."
He answered quietly.
"Hey Gris, it's Nick - I've got good news for you."
Grissom, who was watching Jade to make sure the phone hadn't woken her, waited for an answer.
"Well…?"
"We've got him. Out of town at a small motel. He'll be in, in about two hours."
"Fantastic. Good job. I'll be in later."
"What? You think that's such a good idea, Grissom?"
Grissom paused.
"I'll see you later."
And he hung up. He smiled to himself that little half grin. He checked up on Jade, who stirred slightly, then sat back down at the table.
An hour later the doorbell rang. Grissom got up to get it, noticing Jade shifting at the sound. He opened the door and smiled to see the pizza man.
"Here you go - and keep the change."
He handed over the money as he took the pizza.
"Thanks mate."
Grissom closed the door with one hand while balancing the pizza box on the other. He headed over to the kitchen unit and glanced at Jade who was just sitting carefully, on hand on her side protectively. Once sitting she rubbed her eyes tiredly. Grissom placed the box on the counter.
"Have a good sleep?"
Jade looked up at Grissom and smiled sheepishly.
"Is that pizza I smell?"
"Yep, your favourite. Ham and mushroom with extra pineapple."
"Mmm."
She smiled and looked down at the blanket around her waist, smiling a little to herself. He'd obviously placed it there - something her aunt and uncle wouldn't have even bothered with.
"I'll be going to the lab after lunch for a couple of hours, okay?"
"Why?"
He looked at her and gave that half smile again.
"We've caught him, they're bringing him into custody."
She sighed and seemed to relax, her shoulders looking suddenly less tense. Then a thought hit her.
"What about me?"
"You'll be okay on your own for a couple hours, besides the nurse will be here about 5.30-6."
"I don't want to be alone."
She said suddenly, her eyes widening. She tried to cover her fear but it was too late. He watched her for a moment as she looked down. He picked up their plates and putting them on the coffee table he sat down beside her.
"Okay," he replied gently. "You can come with me. I'll get someone to stay with you in the break room while I get some work done."
On any other occasion she would have stayed with him and helped but he was going to be interrogating the bastard that stabbed her and he didn't want her anywhere near him. She looked up and gave him an appreciative smile.
"Eat up, before it gets cold."
"Cold pizza's nice."
She smiled, he returned the smile.
*****
Grissom held the main door to the CSI open for Jade, then followed her through. Her hand was sub-consciously pressed gently against her side but Grissom had noticed it. He nodded to the receptionist and then, with a hand on her back, he led her down the corridor.
"Where we going?"
Jade asked him, knowing his office was down the corridor they'd just passed.
"I'm just gonna find Nick, I need to have a word with him."
As if on queue, as they walk past ballistics, Nick and Warrick both exited.
"Hey Gris, I wondered when you'd get here."
Nick said. Grissom turned to face him as did Jade.
"Oh hey, I was just looking for you. This is my God-daughter."
Nick smiled at her and held his hand out.
"Hey, Nick Stokes," She shook his hand. "Glad to see you're looking a lot better than earlier."
She smiled.
"Thanks. Jade Greenlee."
"Jade GREENlee?"
Warrick asked learning her surname for the first time. She smirked.
"Yes, my parents had a sense of humour. And you must be Warrick."
"Yeah, Warrick Brown."
They also shook hands. She seemed to relish the touch of his hand and they gave each other a small, knowing smile.
"We have very colourful names."
She joked.
"Yeah, we do."
Nick smirked at the scene playing out in front of him. There was a definite chemistry between them. Grissom stood there frowning, confused at what he was seeing for a moment. Then he gave Warrick a look that said 'don't even think it'. Warrick gently let her hand go and stepped back. Jade hadn't noticed Grissom's look.
"Nick, could I speak to you a moment?"
"Sure."
Grissom turned to Warrick.
"Could you take Jade to the break room. I'll be along in a moment."
"Yeah."
Warrick nodded. Grissom led Nick towards his office, while Warrick gestured for Jade to carry on down the corridor.
"Gotta baby-sit the invalid, eh?"
Jade smiled.
"I don't mind."
"Well, I do. Gil can be so protective sometimes. Not that I don't mind the company."
They reached the break room. Greg was sitting in there with Sam, who was also working overtime on as case as always. Warrick held the door open for her and thanking him, she entered. Sam and Greg looked up as they entered.
"Hey Warrick."
Sam said.
"Hey, this is uh, Jade, Grissom's God-daughter."
He introduced her. Sam stood.
"Oh hey, I'm Sam."
She shook her hand.
"And that's Greg."
Warrick pointed out.
"Hey Greg."
Jade said. Greg, who still had a mouthful of food, just waved his hand and nodded. Jade smiled. He finished his mouthful.
"Sorry, hey, good to see you looking well. Want some coffee?"
"Thanks, I'd love some."
Greg got up and poured her a mug, Warrick sat next to her with his own. They sat and chatted for 10 minutes until Grissom entered with Nick.
"How you doing Jade?"
He asked, checking on her.
"I'm good."
"Come on back to my office, I've got some new things to show you."
He got a little excited. She rolled her eyes slightly but stood, pausing only long enough to inhale from the slight throb in her side. Grissom watched her carefully as he spoke to the others.
"Can one of you let me know when the suspect arrives?"
"Yeah, sure thing."
Nick replied. Warrick was still looking at Jade, his gaze hadn't left her since she'd arrived.
"Thanks. Come on Jade."
He put his hand on her back protectively again and started to lead her away.
"See you later?"
She asked in general, but was looking at Warrick.
"Definitely."
He smiled and watched them leave. Warrick looked up to see Nick giving him a knowing look.
"What?"
He half snapped. Nick held his hands up defensively.
"Nothing, nothing. Just looked to me that you have some, shall we say, designs on the boss' God-daughter.
"Pshaw!"
He replied, hitting Nick in the arm as he stood.
"Come on, we have work to do."
*****
As they reached the door to his office, she slows to a stop. He stops with her and gives her a questioning, concerned look.
"Do you uh, still have your tarantula's?"
He nodded.
"Yeah…"
"What you're showing me doesn't involve them, does it? Or any other bugs? Because if they're gonna be out I'm not going in."
She said with determination. He half laughed.
"Don't worry, they're in their cages and I promise I won't get them out."
She was about to reply and move towards the door when she heard a voice from down the corridor, then a laugh that stopped her dead in her tracks. She stood completely still, except for a fine tremor chasing up and down her frame. Her expression was blank and her normally warm caramel skin had a blue tinge to it. Her jaw was tightly clenched and a white line was traced around her full lips. But the most startling sight was her eyes. They were huge, unfocused, with a fine sheen of tears. And the expression they held was one of pure terror. Grissom noticed straight away that something was wrong, and he took hold of her shoulders comfortingly, and to make sure she didn't turn around, as he looked past her and down the corridor to see a man in his late 20's in handcuffs. Brass was standing talking to him but he kept laughing, then was led roughly away. Grissom bent down to look in her eyes.
"It's him, isn't it?"
He gently asked her. Jade didn't reply, but she didn't have to. From the look on her face, Grissom knew it was the truth. He guided her into his office and sat her down, she was still shaken up and he got her a glass of water, then kneeled down infront of her. She took a shaky sip, then thanked him quietly.
"You okay now?"
He asked worriedly. She tried a weak smile that faltered.
"I will be…"
She replied just as quietly not looking at him, just staring off into the distance. Grissom looked out the window and spotted Warrick wondering past. He looked back at Jade.
"I'll be right back, okay?"
She just nodded vaguely. Grissom stood and opened the door.
"Warrick?"
He called. Warrick stopped and turned around.
"Would you sit with Jade until I get back?"
Warrick noticed the angry look in his eyes and the way his jaw was set.
"Sure, what's up?"
"Thanks."
Grissom said striding down the corridor, ignoring the question. Warrick stood frowning for a moment, then entered the office. Jade glanced up and gave him a small smile. Warrick could tell that she'd been shaken up but she looked a little more composed that he figured she'd been.
"Hey there again."
He sits down on the chair beside her.
"You okay?"
She just nods again, staring around the office, her mind elsewhere. They sit in silence for a long moment while Warrick tries to think of something to say. He glances around the office and stares at all the strange things that Grissom owns, the tarantula's, 'Miss Piggy', all the various kinds of bugs – you name it.
"You know…I hate this office, too many creepy crawly things for my liking."
Jade laughed softly which relieved Warrick slightly to see the smile of her face, even if only for the slightest moment.
"I had to grow up with this. My dad was exactly the same. I never went down to the basement because it was always full of bugs and spiders and all sorts of strange crawly things that my dad and Gil used to collect. The spiders were the worst, all those hairy legs and the way they just used to sit there and stare at you."
She said looking over at the orange-kneed tarantula just sitting in the corner of it's cage, looking like it's watching the both of them. Warrick watched it for a moment. Jade started to feel uneasy and she knew that Warrick could feel it. It was as if they'd just jumped into the middle of a horror movie and the hairs on the back of their necks were starting to stand on end.
"Maybe…we should get out of here. It's starting to look hungry and I'm getting images of Arachnophobia in my head."
Jade said, standing, slightly shakily.
"I totally agree."
Warrick said holding the door open. They both looked like they couldn't get out of there fast enough, and he led her back towards the break room. She laughed, Warrick looked at her.
"Well, that was crazy. And kinda weird."
She said in the relief of getting rid of such a strange feeling of claustrophobia being surrounded by so many bugs. The tenseness was dissipating.
"Yeah, I'm starting to feel a little stupid now."
He agreed.
"I won't tell if you won't."
She said to him.
"Thanks."
They both laughed. Jade felt a weight lifting slowly off her shoulders. The voice she'd heard had sent ripples of tension and shivers down her spine and for a moment she'd been back in that living room on the floor. It was like she'd just woken up form a nightmare and the only thing that made it real was the bright lights in the corridor, and the sunlight shining through the slits in the blinds of the break room. They both sat down once again, Jade in the leather seat and Warrick on one of the chairs by the table.
Knowing that she still looked slightly shaky, Warrick tried to get her talking, to get her mind off her memories.
"So, where you at, at the moment?"
"Oh, I've just finished a BS for Medical Technology at UNLV and next semester I'm off to the University of California to do a Ph.D. in Biology."
"Wow, you're going to be busy – that's a tough course."
"Yeah."
She smiled.
"California, isn't that where Grissom went to do his Ph.D.?"
Jade nodded.
"Yeah, it is. When they heard that I wanted to be on the course, they jumped at the chance because of who my guardian was. I'm not sure if they took me on my merit or on my parentage – my father did Biology there was well."
She partly joked. But he knew that it bothered her.
"Didn't I hear that you were Summa Cum Laude for Medical Technology?"
Jade nodded.
"Well, the I'd say that you got in on your merit and your parentage was a bonus."
She smiled at him.
"Thanks. Anyway what about you?"
"Me, oh I received a BS in Chemistry at the UNLV and now I'm a CSI Level Two."
Congratulations."
"Thanks. You know I really love my work."
"I know. Gil talks about you sometimes, you know, talks about how proud he is of all of you. I can't wait to work here."
Warrick kept her talking for ages to keep her mind off her problems. He found that he really liked her company and found her a really interesting person to be around.
*****
Meanwhile…
Grissom had stormed off towards the interview room and had been watching the suspect, through the mirror, from the adjoining room. Hollis was just sitting there alone, waiting and looked very bored. Grissom had a stern look on his face. Brass walked past and noticed Grissom standing there, arms folded.
"I've been looking for you. Nick told me you were in."
Grissom, who had jolted at the voice, just stood there. Brass looked at the suspect.
"Looks relatively normal, doesn't he? But when he laughed you could tell he was nuts."
"Yeah, I heard him. So did Jade…That's him all right."
"For definite?"
"If you'd have seen her reaction, you'd know. I've never seen anything like that from Jade before. She went really pale and started to shake…The bastard…"
"I would usually advise against anyone related coming in but I know you, Gil. I don't think I could stop you."
"No, you couldn't."
He said sternly, then walked out of the room and into the main interview room with Brass following. Brass sat down infront of Dave Hollis while Grissom leaned back against the wall, fading into the background.
"So, Dave Hollis – I'm Cpt. Brass. How you doin'?"
"I'm good, man."
"Good. Bet it feels good to be out – how's longs it been? 3 weeks?"
"Yeah?"
"Been in any trouble since? Burgled any houses?"
"Is that what this is about? You think I've done a job? Nah man, I'm clean. I don't do that anymore."
"No? You know that's funny. Because we've got proof that you did."
"Ah man – you can't prove nuthin'."
He leaned back in his seat. Brass leaned forward.
"Where were you last Monday – around 8pm?"
"I was at my mothers – having dinner."
"Now, you see I know you're lying because we have proof that you were in North Vegas at that time. Breaking and entering into an elderly man's house."
"What kind of proof?"
"You're DNA."
They stared at each other and Hollis knew that he had no choice but to admit it.
"I didn't steal nuthin'."
He said defensively. Grissom suddenly stepped forward.
"No you didn't. You didn't have time, because you were interrupted, weren't you? You ransacked the place, but before you could take anything someone came home, didn't they?"
He sounded calm as he leaned on the table but his expression spoke volumes about what he was feeling. Hollis looked slightly uncomfortable.
"Didn't they?!"
He raised his voice.
"A young woman came home and you ATTACKED her!!! You STABBED her with a KNIFE – YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!"
He leaned across the table and grabbed him, pulling him forwards and yanking his jumper down. There were scratch marks across his neck.
"She fought back when you grabbed her, scratching your neck – so you stabbed her!!"
"Easy, Gil."
Brass said as Grissom pulled harder. He let go and moved away to calm himself – his jaw set.
"And what about the elderly man? Why kill him, hm?"
Brass continued. Hollis, who was just sitting there looking fed up, looked up in confusion at this news.
"What?!"
"The elderly man. Why did your partner kill him? Why not just tie him up?"
Hollis looked genuinely confused.
"I never work with anyone. I was alone. I didn't see no old man, let alone kill him. There was just the girl."
"If you're lying…"
Grissom said threateningly.
"I'm not – I swear!"
Brass and Gil gave each other a look.
"So who killed the elderly man?"
He said to Gil. Grissom looked back at Hollis.
"Take us through everything that happened."
Hollis was only too pleased to tell him – anything to get him off the murder charge – even if he did go down for attempted manslaughter.
"There's not much to tell. I saw the front door open and I took the opportunity. I had finished downstairs – didn't see anything exciting and I was about to go upstairs when I heard the girl outside and a dog whining. I hid and she came in, went into the living room and was phoning the police. I was gonna sneak out but she heard me – damn floorboards. I hadn't planned on stabbing her but I guess that's just how the world works – beside it's not as if I killed her – she's still alive – she's fine – "
Before he knew what was happening, Grissom had lunged around the table, grabbing his lapel's and pulled him out of his seat, pinning him against the wall.
"YOU SON OF A BITCH!!" You think just because she's alive it makes her okay? Well, she's not okay. You've ruined her life – it's gonna take a long time for her to recover."
By this time Brass was by his side.
"YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR THIS! I'M GONNA SEE TO IT PERMANENTLY THAT YOU GO DOWN FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER!"
"Come on Gil, lets go – NOW!"
Brass pulled him off and took Gil outside where he stared pacing. Brass told the officer to take Hollis to a cell. As he was brought out Grissom stared at him."
"What is your problem?"
He said with attitude.
"That girl you stabbed? Is my God-daughter. You've messed with the wrong guy this time, you dumb punk!"
He watched as Hollis was escorted down the corridor, then turns to Brass.
"We've got a problem now."
Grissom said.
"Who killed Mr. Williams."
"Two crimes, two crime scenes."
Well…? Comments purrrrrleassssseeeee?