Disclaimer: I own nothing!!!
A/N: Hey. So it didn't take me as long as I thought it might. But no such promises on the next chapter, but I'll try my best. Thanks once again too all you wonderful reviewers: MissyJane, The Madhatter, PITAchic, Moose, Brianna and JMNchik21. Thank you sooo much, you've made a girl very happy :o) Please keep them coming in. And Moose don't worry; I didn't compromise my schoolwork for this (as tempting as it was). Well back by popular demand, we have the return of Nick and Sara, and also Warrick. So R&R and ENJOY!!! - Bex
Sara woke up feeling fully rested for once. That was the best sleep she'd had in a long while. A smile spread across her face as she felt Nick's strong arms still wrapped around her. Who'd have thought that he would be the cure for her insomnia, when he was one of the things she thought about most when she couldn't sleep.
She shuffled slightly to face him. Enjoying herself, she allowed herself the luxury of staring at his peaceful face. She breathed in the scent of him, wishing this moment could last forever. She smoothed her crumpled shirt, apart of her glad that they'd agreed to take it slow. Apart which was in conflict with the part which wanted more.
Slowly, his eyes fluttered open. They fixed on her with a loving smile.
"Morning beautiful," He whispered and kissed her softly on the forehead.
"Morning," She replied in the same tone and kissed him softly on the lips.
"You sleep well?" He asked as they parted.
"Much better then usual," She smiled.
He chuckled and stared into her eyes. Nick wasn't sure if he would ever get used to this, because it still felt like a dream.
'And if that is what it is,' He thought, 'I hope I never wake up.'
This was a perfect time to kiss her again, but before he could act, their pages went off in unison. Both let out a small groan, before rolling away from each other, in search of their pagers.
"Work," Nick said after looking at his. "Same here."
"Looks like we're needed," Nick sighed.
Really he just wanted to stay here with Sara. A shy look covered her face and she looked awkwardly back at him.
"I think we...um..." She hesitated.
"Keep this a secret for now?" He finished and she nodded.
He wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her closer.
"I understand," He reassured her, though a part of him wanted to tell the whole world.
She smiled and hugged him back. He gently stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head.
"We should be going," He whispered, not wanting to move him self.
She nodded in agreement and got up. She couldn't rid her face of that smile. And really she didn't want too.
'Come on,' She challenged the world. 'Do your worst. I can take it. I have Nick now.'
~*~*~*~*~
Grissom found Jenny Sinclair staring at the wall in her cell. Her face was worn with exhaustion, but a small amount of hope glimmered in her eyes when she saw him. The cell door rattle echoed loudly as it was opened. Grissom stepped inside and walked up to her.
"You're free to go," He told her gently.
Relief flooded her face and a small smile touched her lips.
"Thank god," She whispered. "Thank god."
She ran a hand through her tangled hair, as she tried to calm it. She gave Grissom a grateful nod and picked up her book. He led her in silence back to the reception.
There he found Brass arguing with some guy. They stopped suddenly when they saw Gris and Jenny walking closer. The guy looked glad to see Jenny.
"Jenny," He smiled.
He walked closer and reached out as if to embrace her, but she flinched back slightly. She looked uncomfortable, though she was trying her best to hide it. The man either didn't notice or didn't care. The man looked a lot like Ethan Sinclair, though he was taller, with darker hair and eyes. He wore an expensive suit and aftershave. Grissom decided that it was safe to beat that this was Julian Sinclair.
"They're releasing you right? Will told me what happened. They're not charging you right?" He demanded.
Jenny just gave a small nod, still refusing to meet the other man's eye.
"Oh Jen, I'm so sorry bout Ethan," He soothed, embracing her.
She looked uneasy as she hugged him slightly back. Though that look was replaced by one of hidden relief when he pulled back finally.
"You ok? How you holding up?"
"I'm fine Julian really," She replied avoiding his staring eyes.
"You sure? You got anywhere to stay, cos I'll get you a room at the hot..."
"I've got somewhere,' She cut across.
"You sure, cos it'll..."
"Mr Sinclair?" Grissom interrupted.
Julian Sinclair turned to face Gris with an annoyed look.
"Yes?" He demanded icily.
"We would like to ask you a few questions."
"Well you'll have to wait," He snapped back. "I'm going to take Jenny..."
"I'm fine Julian," She cut across firmly.
"You sure? Well you know where I'll be if you need me," He smiled and squeezed her arm gently.
She pulled back and plastered a tiny smile on her face, which Gris presumed to be fake, then nodded. Julian turned to glare at Brass, who led him to the interview room.
Grissom walked up to Jenny. She seemed a bit shaken, but he wasn't sure what had caused it. He wanted to pry, but he wasn't sure if this was a good time.
"Hey, you ok?" He asked concerned.
"Yes," She let out a small laugh. "Why does everyone keep asking me that?"
He returned her smile and shrugged in response. Her smiled changed to a serious look and she pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket.
"Do you have a pen?" She asked.
Gris handed her one and she wrote something down, and then handed it to him.
"It's the address and phone number of the place I'm staying," She explained. "If you want anything or need help. Or if there's something I can do, then just please call me."
Gris nodded, "Sure."
He placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it gently in comfort. She looked him in the eyes and he saw the pain in them.
"We're going to find out who did this Jenny," He promised.
She just gave him a half-hearted nod and a smile in return and left.
Grissom joined Brass in the interview room. Julian Sinclair sat there with a very pissed off look on his face. He reached into his pocket to pull out a lighter and cigarette.
"You can't smoke in here," Brass told him.
He glared even more and put them away.
"So, can you tell me why I'm here?" Julian demanded, not bothering to hide his annoyance.
"Just to ask a few questions," Brass replied. "You sure you don't want a lawyer?'
"Why? I have nothing to hide," He stated confidently.
'Oh, but we all do Mr Sinclair,' Gris though back. 'Some more then others.'
"Fine. Maybe we should start by you telling us where you were yesterday around 10.30," Brass asked more then suggested.
"I was with Drusilla Luis at her house."
"Girlfriend?"
He shrugged casually, "Sort of. I can give you her address and number if you want to check."
"Yes, we will be."
Julian fished out a little black book, then copied down an address and number and slid it across the table.
"There. Anything else?" He asked cockily.
Gris raised an eyebrow a bit. He'd taken a strong disliking to this man. He was very confident and full of himself. And Gris didn't trust him one bit.
"Yes, can you tell us what you did for the rest of the day?" Gris took over.
"Like I said, I was at Dru's, till about 11.00. Got something to eat and met some clients around 11.15. Found out from my father what had happened around 2.30. I was grieving, so I went and got drunk. Then I crashed at my place, I have no idea when."
"We know you had a fall out with your brother. Can you tell us what about?"
Julian chuckled softly, "It was stupid really. He'd heard that I'd slept with Melissa before she died and her and her boyfriend had a fight about it. He thought for a while that she'd topped herself on purpose. He kinda blamed it on me and though she'd might of said something to me. Then he went and brought the property I was after to get at me. Stupid really." His face grew sober, "I wish now that we'd sorted it out."
Gris wasn't sure if he was being genuine. He seemed to be, but from what he'd heard, Julian Sinclair was very slippery. Julian let out an annoyed sigh.
"Look, can I go? My father's grieving, so I've got to run the business solo," He asked irked.
Brass nodded, "But we'll need a list of the clients you talked to yesterday and their contact numbers."
"Sure," He mumbled. "What ever. I'll send them to you.'
And with that, he left before either of them could get another word in.
~*~*~*~*~
Nick's hands were still entwined with hers. It had been that way ever since they'd gotten out of the car. And now they were almost entering the building.
"You know, I think it'll give the game away if we go in like this," Sara pointed out, trying her best to sound serious, but her smile caused her to fail.
"Yeah," Nick agreed, but didn't let go.
"Mr Stokes," She warned playfully.
"Miss Sidle?" Nick's tone was equally as playful.
In one quick movement, he spun her around to face him and wrapped his arms around her back. Now they were only centimetres apart.
"This better?" He asked teasingly.
Sara giggled and Nick started to lean in...
"Ok. Put the Sara down and back away slowly," ordered a mock serious voice.
They leaped apart and spun around to see Warrick standing there, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"Well, well, well," He teased. "What do we have here?"
Sara was blushing and Nick look embarrassed. They looked like two teenagers who'd just been caught by their parents. Warrick had to try very hard to stop himself from cracking up.
"Hi Warrick," They mumbled one after the other.
"Finally. You know I was beginning to suffocate under all the sexual tension you two and Gris and Cath were producing," He wrapped an arm around both of them. "I happy for you guys. Just be glad it's me who caught you and not Grissom. And be more careful in future."
"Believe me, we will," Sara muttered.
He laughed, "Come on, Gris wants to see us in the break room. I think it might look less suspicious if you don't go in together."
And as if taking a hint, Sara walked off by herself.
Warrick turned to Nick and whispered, "Told you she won't break your nose," before following her.
Nick was the last one to arrive in the break room. Grissom noticed him exchange a look with Sara, before he went and stood on the opposite side of the room. Something was definitely going on between those two, but right now he had more important things to worry about, so he brushed aside.
"Glad you could finally join us," Gris greeted with a hint of irritation in his voice.
The three younger CSIs picked up on this and exchanged a look.
"What did we miss?" Nick asked.
"Jenny Sinclair's been released. We managed to finally find Professor Rebus to confirm her alibi," Cath filled in.
"So we're back to square one," Sara sighed.
"Not quite. Greg found out what the white powder mixed with the bourbon is. It's ground painkillers, but more importantly, they're the same brand that Robert Sinclair's been proscribed," Gris informed them. "Also, we've interviewed Julian Sinclair. He claimed to be with a Miss Drusilla Luis, so we need to pay her a visit."
"I'll go," Brass offered.
"Ok, Cath can you go with him?"
"Sure," She smiled at Gris and then the pair left.
Grissom then turned to the three remaining members of his team. He looked at each one of them quickly and made his decision.
"Sara and Warrick, I want you to go and see Robert Sinclair. Make sure you ring a head," Gris ordered.
"Oh joy!" He heard Warrick mutter sarcastically as they left.
"What do you want me to do Boss?" Nick asked.
"I need you to go and see Al. He should have the blood tox results back by now. Also get him to go over the autopsy report with you again, see if there something we've over looked."
"Sure, I'll get right on it," Nick replied before he gave Gris a quick nod and left.
Now he was all alone again. Just him and the case files. He looked at them. He knew he wouldn't be getting any sleep until he'd solved this case. Sighing, he poured himself a coup of strong coffee, collected up the files and walked back to his office. There he would wait, sipping at his coffee and going over the files, till the answers his team were collecting came in.
A/N: What do you think? I promise Cath and Gris will get there eventually. I just haven't decided when yet * laughs evilly * But maybe I'll hurry it up if I get some more review? It's up to you. Please? :o)
A/N: Hey. So it didn't take me as long as I thought it might. But no such promises on the next chapter, but I'll try my best. Thanks once again too all you wonderful reviewers: MissyJane, The Madhatter, PITAchic, Moose, Brianna and JMNchik21. Thank you sooo much, you've made a girl very happy :o) Please keep them coming in. And Moose don't worry; I didn't compromise my schoolwork for this (as tempting as it was). Well back by popular demand, we have the return of Nick and Sara, and also Warrick. So R&R and ENJOY!!! - Bex
Sara woke up feeling fully rested for once. That was the best sleep she'd had in a long while. A smile spread across her face as she felt Nick's strong arms still wrapped around her. Who'd have thought that he would be the cure for her insomnia, when he was one of the things she thought about most when she couldn't sleep.
She shuffled slightly to face him. Enjoying herself, she allowed herself the luxury of staring at his peaceful face. She breathed in the scent of him, wishing this moment could last forever. She smoothed her crumpled shirt, apart of her glad that they'd agreed to take it slow. Apart which was in conflict with the part which wanted more.
Slowly, his eyes fluttered open. They fixed on her with a loving smile.
"Morning beautiful," He whispered and kissed her softly on the forehead.
"Morning," She replied in the same tone and kissed him softly on the lips.
"You sleep well?" He asked as they parted.
"Much better then usual," She smiled.
He chuckled and stared into her eyes. Nick wasn't sure if he would ever get used to this, because it still felt like a dream.
'And if that is what it is,' He thought, 'I hope I never wake up.'
This was a perfect time to kiss her again, but before he could act, their pages went off in unison. Both let out a small groan, before rolling away from each other, in search of their pagers.
"Work," Nick said after looking at his. "Same here."
"Looks like we're needed," Nick sighed.
Really he just wanted to stay here with Sara. A shy look covered her face and she looked awkwardly back at him.
"I think we...um..." She hesitated.
"Keep this a secret for now?" He finished and she nodded.
He wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her closer.
"I understand," He reassured her, though a part of him wanted to tell the whole world.
She smiled and hugged him back. He gently stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head.
"We should be going," He whispered, not wanting to move him self.
She nodded in agreement and got up. She couldn't rid her face of that smile. And really she didn't want too.
'Come on,' She challenged the world. 'Do your worst. I can take it. I have Nick now.'
~*~*~*~*~
Grissom found Jenny Sinclair staring at the wall in her cell. Her face was worn with exhaustion, but a small amount of hope glimmered in her eyes when she saw him. The cell door rattle echoed loudly as it was opened. Grissom stepped inside and walked up to her.
"You're free to go," He told her gently.
Relief flooded her face and a small smile touched her lips.
"Thank god," She whispered. "Thank god."
She ran a hand through her tangled hair, as she tried to calm it. She gave Grissom a grateful nod and picked up her book. He led her in silence back to the reception.
There he found Brass arguing with some guy. They stopped suddenly when they saw Gris and Jenny walking closer. The guy looked glad to see Jenny.
"Jenny," He smiled.
He walked closer and reached out as if to embrace her, but she flinched back slightly. She looked uncomfortable, though she was trying her best to hide it. The man either didn't notice or didn't care. The man looked a lot like Ethan Sinclair, though he was taller, with darker hair and eyes. He wore an expensive suit and aftershave. Grissom decided that it was safe to beat that this was Julian Sinclair.
"They're releasing you right? Will told me what happened. They're not charging you right?" He demanded.
Jenny just gave a small nod, still refusing to meet the other man's eye.
"Oh Jen, I'm so sorry bout Ethan," He soothed, embracing her.
She looked uneasy as she hugged him slightly back. Though that look was replaced by one of hidden relief when he pulled back finally.
"You ok? How you holding up?"
"I'm fine Julian really," She replied avoiding his staring eyes.
"You sure? You got anywhere to stay, cos I'll get you a room at the hot..."
"I've got somewhere,' She cut across.
"You sure, cos it'll..."
"Mr Sinclair?" Grissom interrupted.
Julian Sinclair turned to face Gris with an annoyed look.
"Yes?" He demanded icily.
"We would like to ask you a few questions."
"Well you'll have to wait," He snapped back. "I'm going to take Jenny..."
"I'm fine Julian," She cut across firmly.
"You sure? Well you know where I'll be if you need me," He smiled and squeezed her arm gently.
She pulled back and plastered a tiny smile on her face, which Gris presumed to be fake, then nodded. Julian turned to glare at Brass, who led him to the interview room.
Grissom walked up to Jenny. She seemed a bit shaken, but he wasn't sure what had caused it. He wanted to pry, but he wasn't sure if this was a good time.
"Hey, you ok?" He asked concerned.
"Yes," She let out a small laugh. "Why does everyone keep asking me that?"
He returned her smile and shrugged in response. Her smiled changed to a serious look and she pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket.
"Do you have a pen?" She asked.
Gris handed her one and she wrote something down, and then handed it to him.
"It's the address and phone number of the place I'm staying," She explained. "If you want anything or need help. Or if there's something I can do, then just please call me."
Gris nodded, "Sure."
He placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it gently in comfort. She looked him in the eyes and he saw the pain in them.
"We're going to find out who did this Jenny," He promised.
She just gave him a half-hearted nod and a smile in return and left.
Grissom joined Brass in the interview room. Julian Sinclair sat there with a very pissed off look on his face. He reached into his pocket to pull out a lighter and cigarette.
"You can't smoke in here," Brass told him.
He glared even more and put them away.
"So, can you tell me why I'm here?" Julian demanded, not bothering to hide his annoyance.
"Just to ask a few questions," Brass replied. "You sure you don't want a lawyer?'
"Why? I have nothing to hide," He stated confidently.
'Oh, but we all do Mr Sinclair,' Gris though back. 'Some more then others.'
"Fine. Maybe we should start by you telling us where you were yesterday around 10.30," Brass asked more then suggested.
"I was with Drusilla Luis at her house."
"Girlfriend?"
He shrugged casually, "Sort of. I can give you her address and number if you want to check."
"Yes, we will be."
Julian fished out a little black book, then copied down an address and number and slid it across the table.
"There. Anything else?" He asked cockily.
Gris raised an eyebrow a bit. He'd taken a strong disliking to this man. He was very confident and full of himself. And Gris didn't trust him one bit.
"Yes, can you tell us what you did for the rest of the day?" Gris took over.
"Like I said, I was at Dru's, till about 11.00. Got something to eat and met some clients around 11.15. Found out from my father what had happened around 2.30. I was grieving, so I went and got drunk. Then I crashed at my place, I have no idea when."
"We know you had a fall out with your brother. Can you tell us what about?"
Julian chuckled softly, "It was stupid really. He'd heard that I'd slept with Melissa before she died and her and her boyfriend had a fight about it. He thought for a while that she'd topped herself on purpose. He kinda blamed it on me and though she'd might of said something to me. Then he went and brought the property I was after to get at me. Stupid really." His face grew sober, "I wish now that we'd sorted it out."
Gris wasn't sure if he was being genuine. He seemed to be, but from what he'd heard, Julian Sinclair was very slippery. Julian let out an annoyed sigh.
"Look, can I go? My father's grieving, so I've got to run the business solo," He asked irked.
Brass nodded, "But we'll need a list of the clients you talked to yesterday and their contact numbers."
"Sure," He mumbled. "What ever. I'll send them to you.'
And with that, he left before either of them could get another word in.
~*~*~*~*~
Nick's hands were still entwined with hers. It had been that way ever since they'd gotten out of the car. And now they were almost entering the building.
"You know, I think it'll give the game away if we go in like this," Sara pointed out, trying her best to sound serious, but her smile caused her to fail.
"Yeah," Nick agreed, but didn't let go.
"Mr Stokes," She warned playfully.
"Miss Sidle?" Nick's tone was equally as playful.
In one quick movement, he spun her around to face him and wrapped his arms around her back. Now they were only centimetres apart.
"This better?" He asked teasingly.
Sara giggled and Nick started to lean in...
"Ok. Put the Sara down and back away slowly," ordered a mock serious voice.
They leaped apart and spun around to see Warrick standing there, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"Well, well, well," He teased. "What do we have here?"
Sara was blushing and Nick look embarrassed. They looked like two teenagers who'd just been caught by their parents. Warrick had to try very hard to stop himself from cracking up.
"Hi Warrick," They mumbled one after the other.
"Finally. You know I was beginning to suffocate under all the sexual tension you two and Gris and Cath were producing," He wrapped an arm around both of them. "I happy for you guys. Just be glad it's me who caught you and not Grissom. And be more careful in future."
"Believe me, we will," Sara muttered.
He laughed, "Come on, Gris wants to see us in the break room. I think it might look less suspicious if you don't go in together."
And as if taking a hint, Sara walked off by herself.
Warrick turned to Nick and whispered, "Told you she won't break your nose," before following her.
Nick was the last one to arrive in the break room. Grissom noticed him exchange a look with Sara, before he went and stood on the opposite side of the room. Something was definitely going on between those two, but right now he had more important things to worry about, so he brushed aside.
"Glad you could finally join us," Gris greeted with a hint of irritation in his voice.
The three younger CSIs picked up on this and exchanged a look.
"What did we miss?" Nick asked.
"Jenny Sinclair's been released. We managed to finally find Professor Rebus to confirm her alibi," Cath filled in.
"So we're back to square one," Sara sighed.
"Not quite. Greg found out what the white powder mixed with the bourbon is. It's ground painkillers, but more importantly, they're the same brand that Robert Sinclair's been proscribed," Gris informed them. "Also, we've interviewed Julian Sinclair. He claimed to be with a Miss Drusilla Luis, so we need to pay her a visit."
"I'll go," Brass offered.
"Ok, Cath can you go with him?"
"Sure," She smiled at Gris and then the pair left.
Grissom then turned to the three remaining members of his team. He looked at each one of them quickly and made his decision.
"Sara and Warrick, I want you to go and see Robert Sinclair. Make sure you ring a head," Gris ordered.
"Oh joy!" He heard Warrick mutter sarcastically as they left.
"What do you want me to do Boss?" Nick asked.
"I need you to go and see Al. He should have the blood tox results back by now. Also get him to go over the autopsy report with you again, see if there something we've over looked."
"Sure, I'll get right on it," Nick replied before he gave Gris a quick nod and left.
Now he was all alone again. Just him and the case files. He looked at them. He knew he wouldn't be getting any sleep until he'd solved this case. Sighing, he poured himself a coup of strong coffee, collected up the files and walked back to his office. There he would wait, sipping at his coffee and going over the files, till the answers his team were collecting came in.
A/N: What do you think? I promise Cath and Gris will get there eventually. I just haven't decided when yet * laughs evilly * But maybe I'll hurry it up if I get some more review? It's up to you. Please? :o)