Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters… I'm only borrowing them for the sake of entertainment.
~*~
A/N – this chapter has pieces that are confusing, but at one point, two or four people are giving their perspective on the same situation at the same time, so just be aware.
~*~
"Sir, cell phones aren't allowed in this area," a man declared, motioning at the sign. Nick glared at the man, but refused to hang up his phone. He continued to follow Grissom out of the chaotic airport.
'Welcome to Vegas' he thought.
The night was cold and eerie; the bright lights of the city radiating as Nick and Grissom exited the airport, suitcases in tow. The airport was busy; transport vehicles were hauling luggage to and from planes, overnight passengers camped over seats and the constant messages heard over the PA system.
"Warrick," he called.
"Listen, I think we should start looking for black trucks-"
"Oh, what do you mean?" he wondered, as Warrick interrupted with an explanation. He continued to listen intently.
"We'll be right there," he concluded jumping in the car. Grissom taking the driver's seat.
He looked at Nick, who was now sitting beside him, with adrenaline rushing through his body and fortitude in his brown eyes. He looked into the young CSI's face, waiting for him to talk.
"Warrick has a lead," he finally explained. From that point, no words we exchanged. Instead, they quickly drove towards the city that was still alive; through the brightly lit and active Vegas strip.
~*~
"Yeah, black truck. I know," Warrick explained, confused as to why his friend had hinted on finding black trucks.
"Fifteen minutes ago, highway patrol officer was injured on U.S. Route 93 when he pulled over a black truck for speeding," he paused.
"The officer is doing fine at the hospital, and he's identified Mark Wallis as the man who fired at him," Warrick concluded. The man sensed the fear of his friend over the line.
"We'll be right there," Nick said over the phone.
But before Warrick could say anything else, the line went silent.
~*~
The parking lot was silent; a silence that was normal for the graveyard shift. However, tonight this silence made Nick feel uneasy. He and Grissom had just arrived from their short trip to San Francisco, and were now heading into the large CSI building. The building was cool, contrasting the warm moist air outside. Both men walked around the building, turning left, right, and finally finding their way to the break room. Today, unlike any other evening, it was empty, the coffee pot empty, and the garbage can full of trash. Grissom proceeded towards his office, just to visit his pets and Nick searched for someone to talk to - there was nobody. Disappointed, he wandered over to the locker rooms. He advanced by the tall metal lockers, stopped, and turned his head. 'SARA' the nameplate indicated, he missed her. He was worried; he didn't know where she was, no place to call her, just in case he wanted to check up on her. This has never happened before, he was afraid of what she's going through. He sighed and took a couple of steps back taking a seat on the bench. He reflected once again on what had transpired the day that Sara disappeared, the day when he last saw her, at this thought, he also remembered Traci. He scoffed at the way Sara and Traci reacted to each other once introduced. 'Was she jealous?' he questioned, 'of Traci?'
"Nick," a voice called. It was Grissom, holding several folders in hand. Nick simply looked up, and waited patiently for Grissom to continue.
"We have some leads that need to be tracked. We could use your help," he finally stated. Nick was relieved; he feared that Grissom's news wouldn't be pleasant. But he was now relieved, he half-grinned,
"Alright," he replied as he quickly got up from his seat and followed Grissom out of the door.
"I'll look over these files," Grissom requested.
Nick had just put on a new pot of coffee and found himself a comfortable chair - he was ready to work. Eyeing the stack of folders or leads that Grissom had produced. He yawned, taking one folder out.
"Nick, wake up," he heard a voice.
The light flooding back into his eyes; it was Warrick, who looked like a complete mess. It was apparent that the events of the past several days had too taken a toll on the young.
"Hey man, did I fall asleep? What time is it?" Nick questioned, rubbing his eyes as he tried to focus.
"Yeah, you did sleep. It's 6:45, sunrise," Warrick answered. He had made his way towards the coffee machine, and has now started to pour himself a cup of coffee.
"Anything new," Nick questioned. Who moved towards the coffee machine as well.
"Brass is confirming reports of spotting a black truck on U.S. Route 93," Warrick explained.
Just then, his phone rang, it was Brass. He just confirmed the reports, and it was true. At around midnight last night, a black truck was spotted at a secluded motel off the road. The man's appearance matched the description of "wanted by the police" flyer that had been handed out to the surrounding areas.
Warrick said farewell and was now facing Nick, hesitating whether or not to discuss this matter further.
"Brass?" Nick questioned. He paused.
"I'm coming," he continued, dumping the mug-full of coffee into the sink and heading towards the door. Warrick shook his head, but simply followed his colleague.
Before heading out of the building, Nick and Warrick were joined by Catherine and Grissom, who at this point was asking Catherine to stay back. The woman was determined, much like the rest of the group, and she stood her ground. Soon after a along piercing stare, Grissom finally gave in and allowed her to join.
The sun was still shyly peeking over the city when the line of black Tahoes exited the city limits. In the first car were Brass and his team, followed by Nick and Warrick and rounding off the line were Catherine and Grissom.
In the first jeep, Brass was endlessly chatting on the phone with the officials in Arizona, requesting for back up, when and if they encounter some resistance. He was also requesting permission to cross jurisdictions and become part of the "rescue" task.
Warrick sat silently as Nick took control over the jeep. The jeep was speeding down the highway; the desert landscape passing by, not a word was said. Nick hadn't said anything since they left the break room, and Warrick was not eager to agitate Nick.
Nick was focused on the road, figuring out in his mind what he was going to do if given the opportunity to encounter Mark Wallis again. Fury filled his eyes and adrenaline was working, he sensed that Warrick was also tense. With this in mind, he attempted to calm himself, or at least pretend, because he knew that he would never be able to be calm at this point.
Warrick sat there, occasionally glancing at Nick, he could tell that his friend's mind was in a dark tunnel, he was afraid of what Nick might do once they do stop the jeep.
Catherine and Grissom were also silent. They haven't talked since Grissom had arrived back from his trip.
"How was the trip?" Catherine finally mentioned, as she slid the sunroof closed.
"Alright," he answered, without taking his eyes off the road.
"How did her parents react?" Catherine pried.
"They were fine," he continued without blinking.
As she looked at the man who sat beside her, she felt the deep emotions that were hidden. She observed the sunken eyes behind the glasses, dryness of his lips and the frown that was temporarily plastered on his face. Catherine looked away, she stared at the jeep ahead of them, then looked at Grissom. She then reached over to hold on to his right arm and squeezed it lightly.
Grissom was subjected to questioning from Catherine, but he didn't fully respond, he just focused on the road. Then, just as his mind prepared to drift, he felt a warm hand on his arm, he looked over and tried hard to smile. He was thankful that he had Catherine, he was happy that she understood the sense of duty he had towards Sara, as her mentor. He was glad that Catherine was there supporting him. She smiled back.
~*~
The black truck pulled out of the parking space it had occupied overnight. The dust that the hood had collected almost made the truck seem like a different color. Inside were two passengers, one in the driver's seat and the other in a trunk.
Sara lied in the small trunk, her knees almost touching her chin and her arm bound. The night had been horrible, but good compared to the time she spent inside this coffin. It might was well be her coffin, with it's locked top and stifling air, it was a death box. She tried to rotate, but the gash on her side was still bothering her, it was healing, but the pain was still there. Giving up, she just lied there, her eyes didn't hold anything, and she was empty. Hope was fleeing and she wasn't sure if she would ever see anything beyond the confines of this box and dirty motel rooms.
" They just left," the hotel owner, mentioned over the phone as he watched the black truck pull out of its parking space.
~*~
They had been driving for an hour now, and the sun was hotter than ever, all three Tahoes were racing down the highway, dust blowing as they sped through. Each car still focused and eager to reach their destination. They passed dozens of towns, gasoline stations and motels, but they were solely interested in location. At this time they had caught up and in fact even surpassed Mark Wallis' motel location; thanks to the "delays" that the hotel manager had rigged. Brass had just gotten off the phone with the police, and he had just been informed that the truck had left the motel. They were close.
Everyone was anxious once they received confirmation. Nick's heart gained momentum, Warrick chewed maniacally on gum, Grissom said nothing and Catherine tapped her fingers against the dashboard - they were ready.
Brass was running scenarios with his officers, they were preparing themselves for a safe take down, knowing full well that this could go both ways. Despite the burning sun and raising temperature, they still wore black LVPD vests and predominant black outfits. They breathed deeply as they sighted a checkpoint that was being formed ahead.
"Let's do this," Nick exhaled, as he stepped on the gas and maneuvered his way ahead of Brass' vehicle.
The checkpoint was just outside the crossroads of Grasshopper Junction, AZ.
When all the Tahoes reached the checkpoint, everyone introduced themselves and prepared their protective equipments and weapons. During this time, they also discussed what was going to unfold; along with the local police, they have set up a spot check, something along the lines of "ensuring the safety of drivers" was their excuse. It was in 15-25 minutes that Mark Wallis, the target, would reach this checkpoint.
The trap was set.
~*~
'What's with the hold up?' he questioned. His eyes darted in front and behind, checking that he wasn't being followed - there was nobody behind him. He was one of the first vehicles to be in line of a checkpoint; his heart raced. Panic coursed through his veins. As he slowly moved towards the checkpoint, there were two cars ahead of him when he caught sight of the Tahoes that were parked past the checkpoint.
"Damn!" He exclaimed, banging his fist on the wheel. Just then, the car in front had moved forward, his mind was racing.
Sara could hear the frustration in Mark's voice, she heard the words that were spewing out of his mouth. Something was going on.
Heart racing, palms sweating, beads of sweat forming around his forehead; he was thinking 'if I drive the other direction, they'd know it was me, if I stay...' his mind went blank. He didn't know what to do. Panic.
"Target approaching. Stand by," the voice was heard over the radio. Everyone heard it, most stayed hidden, some were behind the cars, but some stayed unseen behind the small bridge, down in the river.
Warrick, Nick, and Grissom were the closest to the checkpoint they were behind the tall grass beside the river.
Nick gripped the binoculars, knuckles white. Grissom too held a pair of binoculars, observing the officers at the checkpoint. Warrick kept his eye on the black truck, trying to find signs of Sara, but nothing. His blood ran cold when he saw the face of Mark Wallis; Nick had identified him earlier, along with the sound of anger in his tone.
Mark continued to ponder, knowing full well that this was the end of the road. He was panicking, and he didn't know what to do, he couldn't let them do this, he was meant to be with Sara, this was all for Sara. This was fate, Sara was his! All this emotion enraged him, without hesitation, he reversed the car, making visible tire marks on the road. He headed towards the opposite direction. Adrenaline and mental instability had fully taken over him, he was determined to keep Sara with him. Sara was his.
The car jerked, 'something is definitely amiss' Sara thought. She felt the car move swiftly, and along the way, she banged her head against the panel above her head.
"He's on the move. Go!" Warrick exclaimed as he quickly pulled the binoculars away from his face and raced towards the Tahoe; Nick closely behind him. Both men jumped into the jeep and sped after the runaway truck ahead of them. Catherine had raced over to the Tahoe and when Grissom reached it; they too sped after the truck and the Tahoe. The cavalry soon followed, abandoning the trap that they had set, the plan now had a different dimension.
"Warrick punch it!" Nick exclaimed. As the jeep accelerated and quickly took flight and closely tailed the truck.
"Damn! You'll never get me Nick," he stated. He knew that Nick was behind him, he spotted the vested man jumping out of the river.
"You will never get Sara," he stated coldly. He made a quick sharp turn to the right, hoping that the large delivery truck would slow down the parade of jeeps that were now trailing him.
"Right! Right!" Nick waved, the redness in his face said all the emotions. Warrick's face was focused as well, never keeping his eyes off the truck ahead of them.
"BANG!"
"What the-" Mark called out. Something had punctured one of the truck's tires. He looked at the truck behind him, it wasn't them. Panic.
Sara was afraid, her heart was racing, knowing full well that the truck was traveling at a high speed. "What's going on?" Beads of water soon fell down her cheeks, she was frightened.
Mark looked down ahead, he was on a partially abandoned road. He looked up to check on the Tahoe behind him, they were closer. He quickly reached under his seat and grabbed a concealed revolver.
At this point, Warrick had driven up to Mark's side, Nick drew his handgun. He rolled the window down and shot the black truck's tire. Sending the unstable truck off the road, but, it continued to speed ahead.
Sara screamed, hearing the shot fired and feeling the car jerk.
Grissom, Catherine, Brass and the police witnessed what transpired, they were all concerned. Grissom wondered when Sara was, he scanned the truck - nothing.
Warrick and Nick were intent to getting Mark, they pursued the unstable truck in the middle of the dry desert, sand blowing into the vehicle as both continued to travel at a high speed.
"Shit!" He screamed, frustration getting the best of him. Everything was crumbling around him. Panic.
"One more time," Nick signaled. Warrick agreed and continued to drive alongside Mark's vehicle.
Brass was stunned, 'what's going on?' he questioned as he witnessed the Tahoe drive up to the truck.
He inhaled, exhaled, heart pumping furiously, sun slightly burning his exposed skin. He aimed, and 'BANG'
Nick had fired another shot.
The truck ahead swerved, and this time it stopped. Warrick quickly stepped on the brakes.
'Crap' Sara had hit her head once more, but this time, the car had stopped moving. Fear took over her body, 'this was it,' she thought. She felt her heart race, body weakening, arms and fingers shaking - terrified.
With the others close behind, Warrick and Nick swung the door open and stepped onto the dry desert ground, each pointing their weapons at Mark Wallis.
Slowly, Mark Wallis immerged from the dirty truck, and holding onto the doorframe for support, hands halfway up.
The sun was fierce as moments passed, all waiting for Mark Wallis to surrender. Each minute seemed like an hour, and each light breeze made the time seem lengthened. A group of officers approached Mark Wallis; he appeared tired, weak, and disoriented. They continued to approach; suddenly, he pulled out the pistol that he had hidden in the side compartment of the door.
'BANG'
Mark Wallis fell onto the dry ground. It wasn't over. He lifted his heavy arms and aimed it towards Nick, he fired, but missed, instead hitting another officer.
Warrick didn't pull his gun down, after spotting Mark Wallis' pistol and taking the first shot. He was hesitant about shooting again, but didn't have to, Mark was shot again.
'BANG'
Nick was rattled, but the emotional rollercoaster that he had endured the past several days helped him focus and react. He aimed to disable Mark, the shot grazed his thigh. This blow forced him to fall. In one swift move, all the officers that had gathered around them arrested Mark Wallis, it was over.
Gripping his gun, Nick pointed it at the ground as he cautiously moved toward the truck. He wondered where Sara was, his mind moving a mile a minute.
Sara gasped and her heart sank, she heard gun shot right outside. Then, silence. 'Was it over?' She thought.
"Sara!" Nick screamed frantically. By this time, Grissom, Warrick, and Catherine had joined the chorus.
"Sara!" She heard her name, and she struggled to give them a signal. 'I'm here' her mind screamed.
"The trunk, where are the keys?" Nick wondered, as he spotted the dark hunting trunk chained and locked in the back of the truck. Everyone cautiously checked the interior of the vehicle - nothing. They all looked disappointedly at Nick.
As he stared into his colleagues' confused eyes, he jumped off the truck, and commenced walking towards the Mark Wallis, who was at present lying at the back of a jeep, surrounded by officers. He walked straight up to the man, pushing each officer out of the way, eyes burning with wrath.
"Where are the keys?" He questioned, breathing heavily into Mark's face, ready to do something drastic.
"Listen you little piece of-"
"Nick!" Warrick called. Slowly, he turned his head to face Warrick's voice. Just as quickly, he jumped out of the jeep and ran towards the abandoned truck.
'Oh God, please be alright,' he hoped. He was handed a solitary key, he accepted it, no questions asked. His heart slowed, the redness of his face apparent and the lines across his forehead more pronounced. He jumped onto the back of the truck and stared at the trunk, 'please be alright Sara.'
Slowly he inserted the key into the lock, and just as slowly, he raised the cover.
His heart stopped, and he took a step back, the look of terror in his eyes
Warrick was confused, Catherine had her eyes partially closed, while Grissom studied the expression on Nick's face.
Something wasn't right.
*---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*
A/N – hmm, what happens next? i just wanted to thank everyone who had been reading and reviewing my project, i really appreciate all the feedback, i'm learning a lot from my first attempt at fanfics.
love it, loathe it, review it! thanks. - oceanwave
~*~
A/N – this chapter has pieces that are confusing, but at one point, two or four people are giving their perspective on the same situation at the same time, so just be aware.
~*~
"Sir, cell phones aren't allowed in this area," a man declared, motioning at the sign. Nick glared at the man, but refused to hang up his phone. He continued to follow Grissom out of the chaotic airport.
'Welcome to Vegas' he thought.
The night was cold and eerie; the bright lights of the city radiating as Nick and Grissom exited the airport, suitcases in tow. The airport was busy; transport vehicles were hauling luggage to and from planes, overnight passengers camped over seats and the constant messages heard over the PA system.
"Warrick," he called.
"Listen, I think we should start looking for black trucks-"
"Oh, what do you mean?" he wondered, as Warrick interrupted with an explanation. He continued to listen intently.
"We'll be right there," he concluded jumping in the car. Grissom taking the driver's seat.
He looked at Nick, who was now sitting beside him, with adrenaline rushing through his body and fortitude in his brown eyes. He looked into the young CSI's face, waiting for him to talk.
"Warrick has a lead," he finally explained. From that point, no words we exchanged. Instead, they quickly drove towards the city that was still alive; through the brightly lit and active Vegas strip.
~*~
"Yeah, black truck. I know," Warrick explained, confused as to why his friend had hinted on finding black trucks.
"Fifteen minutes ago, highway patrol officer was injured on U.S. Route 93 when he pulled over a black truck for speeding," he paused.
"The officer is doing fine at the hospital, and he's identified Mark Wallis as the man who fired at him," Warrick concluded. The man sensed the fear of his friend over the line.
"We'll be right there," Nick said over the phone.
But before Warrick could say anything else, the line went silent.
~*~
The parking lot was silent; a silence that was normal for the graveyard shift. However, tonight this silence made Nick feel uneasy. He and Grissom had just arrived from their short trip to San Francisco, and were now heading into the large CSI building. The building was cool, contrasting the warm moist air outside. Both men walked around the building, turning left, right, and finally finding their way to the break room. Today, unlike any other evening, it was empty, the coffee pot empty, and the garbage can full of trash. Grissom proceeded towards his office, just to visit his pets and Nick searched for someone to talk to - there was nobody. Disappointed, he wandered over to the locker rooms. He advanced by the tall metal lockers, stopped, and turned his head. 'SARA' the nameplate indicated, he missed her. He was worried; he didn't know where she was, no place to call her, just in case he wanted to check up on her. This has never happened before, he was afraid of what she's going through. He sighed and took a couple of steps back taking a seat on the bench. He reflected once again on what had transpired the day that Sara disappeared, the day when he last saw her, at this thought, he also remembered Traci. He scoffed at the way Sara and Traci reacted to each other once introduced. 'Was she jealous?' he questioned, 'of Traci?'
"Nick," a voice called. It was Grissom, holding several folders in hand. Nick simply looked up, and waited patiently for Grissom to continue.
"We have some leads that need to be tracked. We could use your help," he finally stated. Nick was relieved; he feared that Grissom's news wouldn't be pleasant. But he was now relieved, he half-grinned,
"Alright," he replied as he quickly got up from his seat and followed Grissom out of the door.
"I'll look over these files," Grissom requested.
Nick had just put on a new pot of coffee and found himself a comfortable chair - he was ready to work. Eyeing the stack of folders or leads that Grissom had produced. He yawned, taking one folder out.
"Nick, wake up," he heard a voice.
The light flooding back into his eyes; it was Warrick, who looked like a complete mess. It was apparent that the events of the past several days had too taken a toll on the young.
"Hey man, did I fall asleep? What time is it?" Nick questioned, rubbing his eyes as he tried to focus.
"Yeah, you did sleep. It's 6:45, sunrise," Warrick answered. He had made his way towards the coffee machine, and has now started to pour himself a cup of coffee.
"Anything new," Nick questioned. Who moved towards the coffee machine as well.
"Brass is confirming reports of spotting a black truck on U.S. Route 93," Warrick explained.
Just then, his phone rang, it was Brass. He just confirmed the reports, and it was true. At around midnight last night, a black truck was spotted at a secluded motel off the road. The man's appearance matched the description of "wanted by the police" flyer that had been handed out to the surrounding areas.
Warrick said farewell and was now facing Nick, hesitating whether or not to discuss this matter further.
"Brass?" Nick questioned. He paused.
"I'm coming," he continued, dumping the mug-full of coffee into the sink and heading towards the door. Warrick shook his head, but simply followed his colleague.
Before heading out of the building, Nick and Warrick were joined by Catherine and Grissom, who at this point was asking Catherine to stay back. The woman was determined, much like the rest of the group, and she stood her ground. Soon after a along piercing stare, Grissom finally gave in and allowed her to join.
The sun was still shyly peeking over the city when the line of black Tahoes exited the city limits. In the first car were Brass and his team, followed by Nick and Warrick and rounding off the line were Catherine and Grissom.
In the first jeep, Brass was endlessly chatting on the phone with the officials in Arizona, requesting for back up, when and if they encounter some resistance. He was also requesting permission to cross jurisdictions and become part of the "rescue" task.
Warrick sat silently as Nick took control over the jeep. The jeep was speeding down the highway; the desert landscape passing by, not a word was said. Nick hadn't said anything since they left the break room, and Warrick was not eager to agitate Nick.
Nick was focused on the road, figuring out in his mind what he was going to do if given the opportunity to encounter Mark Wallis again. Fury filled his eyes and adrenaline was working, he sensed that Warrick was also tense. With this in mind, he attempted to calm himself, or at least pretend, because he knew that he would never be able to be calm at this point.
Warrick sat there, occasionally glancing at Nick, he could tell that his friend's mind was in a dark tunnel, he was afraid of what Nick might do once they do stop the jeep.
Catherine and Grissom were also silent. They haven't talked since Grissom had arrived back from his trip.
"How was the trip?" Catherine finally mentioned, as she slid the sunroof closed.
"Alright," he answered, without taking his eyes off the road.
"How did her parents react?" Catherine pried.
"They were fine," he continued without blinking.
As she looked at the man who sat beside her, she felt the deep emotions that were hidden. She observed the sunken eyes behind the glasses, dryness of his lips and the frown that was temporarily plastered on his face. Catherine looked away, she stared at the jeep ahead of them, then looked at Grissom. She then reached over to hold on to his right arm and squeezed it lightly.
Grissom was subjected to questioning from Catherine, but he didn't fully respond, he just focused on the road. Then, just as his mind prepared to drift, he felt a warm hand on his arm, he looked over and tried hard to smile. He was thankful that he had Catherine, he was happy that she understood the sense of duty he had towards Sara, as her mentor. He was glad that Catherine was there supporting him. She smiled back.
~*~
The black truck pulled out of the parking space it had occupied overnight. The dust that the hood had collected almost made the truck seem like a different color. Inside were two passengers, one in the driver's seat and the other in a trunk.
Sara lied in the small trunk, her knees almost touching her chin and her arm bound. The night had been horrible, but good compared to the time she spent inside this coffin. It might was well be her coffin, with it's locked top and stifling air, it was a death box. She tried to rotate, but the gash on her side was still bothering her, it was healing, but the pain was still there. Giving up, she just lied there, her eyes didn't hold anything, and she was empty. Hope was fleeing and she wasn't sure if she would ever see anything beyond the confines of this box and dirty motel rooms.
" They just left," the hotel owner, mentioned over the phone as he watched the black truck pull out of its parking space.
~*~
They had been driving for an hour now, and the sun was hotter than ever, all three Tahoes were racing down the highway, dust blowing as they sped through. Each car still focused and eager to reach their destination. They passed dozens of towns, gasoline stations and motels, but they were solely interested in location. At this time they had caught up and in fact even surpassed Mark Wallis' motel location; thanks to the "delays" that the hotel manager had rigged. Brass had just gotten off the phone with the police, and he had just been informed that the truck had left the motel. They were close.
Everyone was anxious once they received confirmation. Nick's heart gained momentum, Warrick chewed maniacally on gum, Grissom said nothing and Catherine tapped her fingers against the dashboard - they were ready.
Brass was running scenarios with his officers, they were preparing themselves for a safe take down, knowing full well that this could go both ways. Despite the burning sun and raising temperature, they still wore black LVPD vests and predominant black outfits. They breathed deeply as they sighted a checkpoint that was being formed ahead.
"Let's do this," Nick exhaled, as he stepped on the gas and maneuvered his way ahead of Brass' vehicle.
The checkpoint was just outside the crossroads of Grasshopper Junction, AZ.
When all the Tahoes reached the checkpoint, everyone introduced themselves and prepared their protective equipments and weapons. During this time, they also discussed what was going to unfold; along with the local police, they have set up a spot check, something along the lines of "ensuring the safety of drivers" was their excuse. It was in 15-25 minutes that Mark Wallis, the target, would reach this checkpoint.
The trap was set.
~*~
'What's with the hold up?' he questioned. His eyes darted in front and behind, checking that he wasn't being followed - there was nobody behind him. He was one of the first vehicles to be in line of a checkpoint; his heart raced. Panic coursed through his veins. As he slowly moved towards the checkpoint, there were two cars ahead of him when he caught sight of the Tahoes that were parked past the checkpoint.
"Damn!" He exclaimed, banging his fist on the wheel. Just then, the car in front had moved forward, his mind was racing.
Sara could hear the frustration in Mark's voice, she heard the words that were spewing out of his mouth. Something was going on.
Heart racing, palms sweating, beads of sweat forming around his forehead; he was thinking 'if I drive the other direction, they'd know it was me, if I stay...' his mind went blank. He didn't know what to do. Panic.
"Target approaching. Stand by," the voice was heard over the radio. Everyone heard it, most stayed hidden, some were behind the cars, but some stayed unseen behind the small bridge, down in the river.
Warrick, Nick, and Grissom were the closest to the checkpoint they were behind the tall grass beside the river.
Nick gripped the binoculars, knuckles white. Grissom too held a pair of binoculars, observing the officers at the checkpoint. Warrick kept his eye on the black truck, trying to find signs of Sara, but nothing. His blood ran cold when he saw the face of Mark Wallis; Nick had identified him earlier, along with the sound of anger in his tone.
Mark continued to ponder, knowing full well that this was the end of the road. He was panicking, and he didn't know what to do, he couldn't let them do this, he was meant to be with Sara, this was all for Sara. This was fate, Sara was his! All this emotion enraged him, without hesitation, he reversed the car, making visible tire marks on the road. He headed towards the opposite direction. Adrenaline and mental instability had fully taken over him, he was determined to keep Sara with him. Sara was his.
The car jerked, 'something is definitely amiss' Sara thought. She felt the car move swiftly, and along the way, she banged her head against the panel above her head.
"He's on the move. Go!" Warrick exclaimed as he quickly pulled the binoculars away from his face and raced towards the Tahoe; Nick closely behind him. Both men jumped into the jeep and sped after the runaway truck ahead of them. Catherine had raced over to the Tahoe and when Grissom reached it; they too sped after the truck and the Tahoe. The cavalry soon followed, abandoning the trap that they had set, the plan now had a different dimension.
"Warrick punch it!" Nick exclaimed. As the jeep accelerated and quickly took flight and closely tailed the truck.
"Damn! You'll never get me Nick," he stated. He knew that Nick was behind him, he spotted the vested man jumping out of the river.
"You will never get Sara," he stated coldly. He made a quick sharp turn to the right, hoping that the large delivery truck would slow down the parade of jeeps that were now trailing him.
"Right! Right!" Nick waved, the redness in his face said all the emotions. Warrick's face was focused as well, never keeping his eyes off the truck ahead of them.
"BANG!"
"What the-" Mark called out. Something had punctured one of the truck's tires. He looked at the truck behind him, it wasn't them. Panic.
Sara was afraid, her heart was racing, knowing full well that the truck was traveling at a high speed. "What's going on?" Beads of water soon fell down her cheeks, she was frightened.
Mark looked down ahead, he was on a partially abandoned road. He looked up to check on the Tahoe behind him, they were closer. He quickly reached under his seat and grabbed a concealed revolver.
At this point, Warrick had driven up to Mark's side, Nick drew his handgun. He rolled the window down and shot the black truck's tire. Sending the unstable truck off the road, but, it continued to speed ahead.
Sara screamed, hearing the shot fired and feeling the car jerk.
Grissom, Catherine, Brass and the police witnessed what transpired, they were all concerned. Grissom wondered when Sara was, he scanned the truck - nothing.
Warrick and Nick were intent to getting Mark, they pursued the unstable truck in the middle of the dry desert, sand blowing into the vehicle as both continued to travel at a high speed.
"Shit!" He screamed, frustration getting the best of him. Everything was crumbling around him. Panic.
"One more time," Nick signaled. Warrick agreed and continued to drive alongside Mark's vehicle.
Brass was stunned, 'what's going on?' he questioned as he witnessed the Tahoe drive up to the truck.
He inhaled, exhaled, heart pumping furiously, sun slightly burning his exposed skin. He aimed, and 'BANG'
Nick had fired another shot.
The truck ahead swerved, and this time it stopped. Warrick quickly stepped on the brakes.
'Crap' Sara had hit her head once more, but this time, the car had stopped moving. Fear took over her body, 'this was it,' she thought. She felt her heart race, body weakening, arms and fingers shaking - terrified.
With the others close behind, Warrick and Nick swung the door open and stepped onto the dry desert ground, each pointing their weapons at Mark Wallis.
Slowly, Mark Wallis immerged from the dirty truck, and holding onto the doorframe for support, hands halfway up.
The sun was fierce as moments passed, all waiting for Mark Wallis to surrender. Each minute seemed like an hour, and each light breeze made the time seem lengthened. A group of officers approached Mark Wallis; he appeared tired, weak, and disoriented. They continued to approach; suddenly, he pulled out the pistol that he had hidden in the side compartment of the door.
'BANG'
Mark Wallis fell onto the dry ground. It wasn't over. He lifted his heavy arms and aimed it towards Nick, he fired, but missed, instead hitting another officer.
Warrick didn't pull his gun down, after spotting Mark Wallis' pistol and taking the first shot. He was hesitant about shooting again, but didn't have to, Mark was shot again.
'BANG'
Nick was rattled, but the emotional rollercoaster that he had endured the past several days helped him focus and react. He aimed to disable Mark, the shot grazed his thigh. This blow forced him to fall. In one swift move, all the officers that had gathered around them arrested Mark Wallis, it was over.
Gripping his gun, Nick pointed it at the ground as he cautiously moved toward the truck. He wondered where Sara was, his mind moving a mile a minute.
Sara gasped and her heart sank, she heard gun shot right outside. Then, silence. 'Was it over?' She thought.
"Sara!" Nick screamed frantically. By this time, Grissom, Warrick, and Catherine had joined the chorus.
"Sara!" She heard her name, and she struggled to give them a signal. 'I'm here' her mind screamed.
"The trunk, where are the keys?" Nick wondered, as he spotted the dark hunting trunk chained and locked in the back of the truck. Everyone cautiously checked the interior of the vehicle - nothing. They all looked disappointedly at Nick.
As he stared into his colleagues' confused eyes, he jumped off the truck, and commenced walking towards the Mark Wallis, who was at present lying at the back of a jeep, surrounded by officers. He walked straight up to the man, pushing each officer out of the way, eyes burning with wrath.
"Where are the keys?" He questioned, breathing heavily into Mark's face, ready to do something drastic.
"Listen you little piece of-"
"Nick!" Warrick called. Slowly, he turned his head to face Warrick's voice. Just as quickly, he jumped out of the jeep and ran towards the abandoned truck.
'Oh God, please be alright,' he hoped. He was handed a solitary key, he accepted it, no questions asked. His heart slowed, the redness of his face apparent and the lines across his forehead more pronounced. He jumped onto the back of the truck and stared at the trunk, 'please be alright Sara.'
Slowly he inserted the key into the lock, and just as slowly, he raised the cover.
His heart stopped, and he took a step back, the look of terror in his eyes
Warrick was confused, Catherine had her eyes partially closed, while Grissom studied the expression on Nick's face.
Something wasn't right.
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A/N – hmm, what happens next? i just wanted to thank everyone who had been reading and reviewing my project, i really appreciate all the feedback, i'm learning a lot from my first attempt at fanfics.
love it, loathe it, review it! thanks. - oceanwave