Disclaimer: Like I've said before, I own nothing.
A/N: Hi. So I took a bit longer updating this time. Thanks to all who reviewed the last chapter; MissyJane, PITAchic and The Madhatter. Can't express enough how much I appreciate them, so please keep them coming. Well R&R and Enjoy!!! - Bex
'This place is even worse then the last place,' Cath thought as she looked at Lou Carpenter's apartment block.
All the paint on the walls had faded, a couple of broken windows had been boarded up and she had already counted ten things that need replacing or fixing. And to top it off, seeing as this place was next to the desert, a fine layer of sand seemed to be every. Right now, Brass was banging loudly on the battered door of Lou's number 14 apartment.
"Mr Carpenter?" He yelled once again through the door. "Mr Carpenter open up."
"You lookin' for Lou?" A voice asked behind them.
They turned round to see a Chinese woman, with short black hair and silver rimmed glasses, staring at them. By her side stood a young boy with short, spiky hair.
"Yes," Catherine answered.
"Good luck," The woman wished them as she began to unlock her door.
"What do you mean by that? Do you know where he is?"
"Last time I saw him, he was getting ready to leave for Mexico," She replied. "Probably half way there by now."
"Great," Cath muttered bitterly.
"What's your name miss?" Brass asked.
She gave them a questioning look.
"Ching-man Yen. Who are you anyway? Why you lookin' for Lou?"
"We're from the Las Vegas crime lab. We need to ask Mr Carpenter some questions," Brass replied.
"Like I said, good luck. He spilt after he completed this job. Didn't tell me what it was, but hell did he get a lot of money for it. Gave me $2,000, said it was to help me take care of Li," She indicated to the child next to her and then frowned, "He's not in trouble is he?"
"Like I said, we just need to ask him a few questions," Brass repeated.
Ching-man looked slightly reassured at this and unlocked her door.
"Hope you find him, but I doubt it," She said before walking in.
'Great. Grissom is not going to like this,' thought Catherine darkly.
~*~*~*~*~
Catherine was right, Grissom didn't like it. Their only lead had evolved into yet another dead end. He now sat there glaring at the files; as if he was trying to scare the secret they hid out of them.
'I promised Jenny that I would find out who did this,' He told them silently, 'And believe me, I will.'
That was when the knock at the door came. His head snapped up and he started at it, as he tried to guess who it was.
"Come in."
Surprise took over him when the last person he thought it would be was standing right in front of him. Her skin was pale, free from make-up, revealing the exhaustion she felt. Her hair had been quickly tied up, so loose bits fell out around her face. She wore a pair of jeans, a black tank top and a plan grey jacket, zipped half way up. Now her worn face offered him a weak smile in greeting.
"Hi."
"Jenny what are you doing here?" Grissom asked, his surprise leaking into his voice.
"I...I couldn't sleep. I couldn't focus. I need to help. I need to...to do something. I'm going mad not doing anything. I need closure," She answered, her face and voice pleading. "Please? Take me to the crime scene? I know it. I can spot something which might help. Please?"
He knew he should say no. He knew he shouldn't let her get involved. His head knew this, but his heart felt for her. Her eyes mixed with pleading and pain, the desperation in her voice. Her longing for closure. It was that what made him give in. For once letting his heart take control and ignoring his head.
He nodded and his lips formed a simple answer; "Yes."
~*~*~*~*~
They had sat in silence the whole journey. Jenny kept staring out of the window, her face and eyes haunting. He saw a look of fear spread across her face as they came closer to the place she'd once called home. Without knowing what he was doing, he clasped a hand over hers and squeezed it gently. The action caused her to look at him. He gave her a quick smile, which she returned, before staring out the window again.
Grissom was silently thankful when they arrived to find that the press had packed up and cleared off. He got out first, the walked around to help Jenny out. She was shaking slightly from fear and dread. Grissom began to think that maybe this wasn't such a great idea.
"Are you ok?" He asked concerned.
She shook herself slightly, "Yes."
And before he could say another word, she had started off towards the crime scene. He followed her, handing her a pair of latex gloves, which she put on before they entered. Her pace slowed, as they got closer to the study. She stopped, took a deep breath and regained her composure. Then she walked defiantly in.
Grissom watched her carefully, as she analysed the crime scene. Now she reminded him so much of Brit. The way she took her time, careful not to miss a single detail. She then had a look of realisation as she found something.
"There," She announced, pointing at the top of the liquor cabinet.
She walked over and Gris followed.
"There are no glasses on top of it. He always used to keep two glasses out encase we had company. That means someone was with him, because if he'd been on his own, there would be another glass here," She explained.
"Are you sure?" Grissom questioned.
"I know my husband's habits Mr Grissom," She replied.
"Ok. But in future call me Grissom or Gris or even Gil. The Mr part just sounds wrong."
She gave him a nod and a smile. A smile which faded away when she saw the wedding photo on the desk. She walked over and gingerly picked it up. Tears formed behind her eyes, waiting to fall as she stared at it intensely.
"Are you ok Jenny?" Grissom repeated the question he'd asked her so many times now.
She nodded firmly, placed the photo back down, wiping away the unshed tears. Then a questioning look covered her face and she sniffed the air. Grissom followed her as she walked over to the curtains and sniffed again.
"Do you smell that?" She asked.
She held out the curtains so he could smell.
"It's smoke. Doesn't smell that old at all."
Grissom was confused, "So?"
"My husband gave up smoking after we got married," She stated. "The ashtray in here is just for guests."
Jenny walked over to the ashtray and dipped a covered finger in it. She showed Grissom her fingertip. A fine layer of grey ash covered it.
"It looks quite fresh. Someone had a cigarette, empty the tray, but left a fine layer of ash behind," She decided.
Grissom nodded in agreement and collected the ash.
"Lets go back and get this processed," He suggested.
She nodded and followed him out of the house. Away from her husband's tomb.
~*~*~*~*~
Grissom told Jenny to wait in his office whilst he gave Greg the new evidence. He walked in to find her sleeping in a chair, her head resting on his desk. There was peacefulness to her face, something she deserved to have when she was awake as well.
"Grissom, I was wonderin..." Cath began as she walked in.
He raised a finger to his lips, the gesture cutting her off, then indicated to the sleeping form of Jenny.
"What's she doing here?" Catherine asked in a hushed voice.
"I took her to the crime scene," He replied in a soft tone.
"Gris," She snapped quietly, "Do you think that was a sensible idea?"
"She found some new evidence."
"But that still doesn't excuse the fact that you took a civilian to a crime scene. Even let her search it."
"A civilian who knew what she was doing," He defended.
"What's going on?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know perfectly well what I mean. You've been distant for weeks now. Shutting everyone out. Shutting me out. What's going on Gil?"
Grissom held her demanding gaze. He wanted to tell her. Admit that he was loosing his hearing. Admit that soon he wouldn't be able to hear her voice. But he couldn't bring himself to do it.
"Fine," She sighed in frustration. "Fine!"
She turned on her heels and stormed out. He watched her go, mentally kicking himself. He turned around to see Jenny's eyes wide open, watching him from where she lay.
"How...How long..." He stammered slightly.
"Have I been awake?" She finished, straightening herself up. "The whole time. I heard everything."
"Ah."
"Are you..." She paused for a moment, searching for the right words. "Are you in love with her?" You are aren't you?"
His eyes snapped up to meet hers. He managed to hide his shock, but it unnerved him how she knew. Was it really that obvious? He considered lying to her, but decided that she was probably as good at reading people as Brit. So instead he nodded.
"Thought so. You look at her in the same way Ethan looked at me," She stated, slightly pained by the memory. "But you haven't told her."
He shook his head, turning away.
"And I guess you haven't told her that you're loosing your hearing either?"
He spun around to face her, failing this time to hide his shock. He'd know this woman two days and yet she knew so much about him. He wouldn't be surprised if she suddenly told him his blood type.
"How...How did you know?" He asked unnerved.
"When people talk to you, you focus on their lips like Estella does when she's lip reading," She pointed out.
'She's an observant one I'll give you that Brit,' He thought to himself. 'Looks like he taught her well.'
"Does anyone know?" She asked him gently.
"No," He replied and sat down, avoiding her eye.
"You should tell someone. You shouldn't go through this alone. You should tell her everything. Even how you feel," She pushed slightly.
"You make it sound so easy," He chuckled a bit.
"Your heart understands what your head cannot yet conceive; trust your heart," She quoted.
He laughed this time, "You sound just like Brit."
"He's a very wise person. What's holding you back?"
"The fear she doesn't feel the same. The fear that she'll reject me and I'll loose her," He admitted for the first time.
"You won't. She feels the same way too."
Her statement caused him to look at her. Her eyes were just as confident as her voice.
"How can you be so sure?" Gris questioned.
"Because she looks at you the same way I looked at Ethan," Jenny replied honestly.
Grissom had never been so shocked in his life. A part of him was convinced that she was wrong. But she seemed so sure. Was she right? Did Catherine feel the same?
He watched her try, but fail to suppress a large yawn. He could see her exhaustion was trying to take over her again.
"You should go home and get some rest," He pointed out softly.
"I don't want to be alone," She admitted quietly.
She looked so vulnerable. So frightened. Gris felt his pity rising. Just like Brit, a part of him wanted to protect her. Take care of her. He gave her a slight nod of understanding.
"Stay here," He ordered gently and walked out his office.
In the corridor, he automatically spotted the person he was after.
"Warrick."
"Yeah Gris?" He asked turning around.
"Can you do me a favour?"
"Depends what it is?" Warrick replied looking at him cautiously.
"I want you to take Jenny Sinclair back to where she's staying and stay with her until we get the results of what brand of cigarette left the ash."
Warrick looked confused, but after a pause he nodded, "Fine. Just let me get some stuff from my locker."
Grissom returned to his office to find Jenny standing there, waiting for him.
"Warrick's taking you back and he's going to be staying with you till we get the results. He's a good guy, he'll look after you," He informed her.
"Thanks. I've been making friends with your hairy office partners," She smiled, pointing at his spiders. "What are you going to do? Are you going to tell her?"
He shrugged and looked away, desperate to avoid the conversation.
"Oh no, that's not a good enough answer."
He raised an eyebrow, "You're not going to give in till I say yes, are you?"
"Nope."
"Fine, I tell her," He gave in and Jenny smile widened triumphantly. "You've got to realise that I'm not great with words and people."
"Then remember what I learnt from learning sign language," She suggested.
"And what's that?"
Before she could answer, Warrick walked in.
"Ready to go?"
"Yes," She turned to Gris, "I'll talk to you soon. Good luck."
She began to follow Warrick out, but before she exited she turned back and signed her answer; 'Actions speak louder then words.'
A/N: What do you think? I think you can guess what might happen next chapter (nudge, nudge, wink, wink!) So please get those reviews in and I'll try my best to update ASAP (not compromising my schoolwork in anyway though!) :o)
A/N: Hi. So I took a bit longer updating this time. Thanks to all who reviewed the last chapter; MissyJane, PITAchic and The Madhatter. Can't express enough how much I appreciate them, so please keep them coming. Well R&R and Enjoy!!! - Bex
'This place is even worse then the last place,' Cath thought as she looked at Lou Carpenter's apartment block.
All the paint on the walls had faded, a couple of broken windows had been boarded up and she had already counted ten things that need replacing or fixing. And to top it off, seeing as this place was next to the desert, a fine layer of sand seemed to be every. Right now, Brass was banging loudly on the battered door of Lou's number 14 apartment.
"Mr Carpenter?" He yelled once again through the door. "Mr Carpenter open up."
"You lookin' for Lou?" A voice asked behind them.
They turned round to see a Chinese woman, with short black hair and silver rimmed glasses, staring at them. By her side stood a young boy with short, spiky hair.
"Yes," Catherine answered.
"Good luck," The woman wished them as she began to unlock her door.
"What do you mean by that? Do you know where he is?"
"Last time I saw him, he was getting ready to leave for Mexico," She replied. "Probably half way there by now."
"Great," Cath muttered bitterly.
"What's your name miss?" Brass asked.
She gave them a questioning look.
"Ching-man Yen. Who are you anyway? Why you lookin' for Lou?"
"We're from the Las Vegas crime lab. We need to ask Mr Carpenter some questions," Brass replied.
"Like I said, good luck. He spilt after he completed this job. Didn't tell me what it was, but hell did he get a lot of money for it. Gave me $2,000, said it was to help me take care of Li," She indicated to the child next to her and then frowned, "He's not in trouble is he?"
"Like I said, we just need to ask him a few questions," Brass repeated.
Ching-man looked slightly reassured at this and unlocked her door.
"Hope you find him, but I doubt it," She said before walking in.
'Great. Grissom is not going to like this,' thought Catherine darkly.
~*~*~*~*~
Catherine was right, Grissom didn't like it. Their only lead had evolved into yet another dead end. He now sat there glaring at the files; as if he was trying to scare the secret they hid out of them.
'I promised Jenny that I would find out who did this,' He told them silently, 'And believe me, I will.'
That was when the knock at the door came. His head snapped up and he started at it, as he tried to guess who it was.
"Come in."
Surprise took over him when the last person he thought it would be was standing right in front of him. Her skin was pale, free from make-up, revealing the exhaustion she felt. Her hair had been quickly tied up, so loose bits fell out around her face. She wore a pair of jeans, a black tank top and a plan grey jacket, zipped half way up. Now her worn face offered him a weak smile in greeting.
"Hi."
"Jenny what are you doing here?" Grissom asked, his surprise leaking into his voice.
"I...I couldn't sleep. I couldn't focus. I need to help. I need to...to do something. I'm going mad not doing anything. I need closure," She answered, her face and voice pleading. "Please? Take me to the crime scene? I know it. I can spot something which might help. Please?"
He knew he should say no. He knew he shouldn't let her get involved. His head knew this, but his heart felt for her. Her eyes mixed with pleading and pain, the desperation in her voice. Her longing for closure. It was that what made him give in. For once letting his heart take control and ignoring his head.
He nodded and his lips formed a simple answer; "Yes."
~*~*~*~*~
They had sat in silence the whole journey. Jenny kept staring out of the window, her face and eyes haunting. He saw a look of fear spread across her face as they came closer to the place she'd once called home. Without knowing what he was doing, he clasped a hand over hers and squeezed it gently. The action caused her to look at him. He gave her a quick smile, which she returned, before staring out the window again.
Grissom was silently thankful when they arrived to find that the press had packed up and cleared off. He got out first, the walked around to help Jenny out. She was shaking slightly from fear and dread. Grissom began to think that maybe this wasn't such a great idea.
"Are you ok?" He asked concerned.
She shook herself slightly, "Yes."
And before he could say another word, she had started off towards the crime scene. He followed her, handing her a pair of latex gloves, which she put on before they entered. Her pace slowed, as they got closer to the study. She stopped, took a deep breath and regained her composure. Then she walked defiantly in.
Grissom watched her carefully, as she analysed the crime scene. Now she reminded him so much of Brit. The way she took her time, careful not to miss a single detail. She then had a look of realisation as she found something.
"There," She announced, pointing at the top of the liquor cabinet.
She walked over and Gris followed.
"There are no glasses on top of it. He always used to keep two glasses out encase we had company. That means someone was with him, because if he'd been on his own, there would be another glass here," She explained.
"Are you sure?" Grissom questioned.
"I know my husband's habits Mr Grissom," She replied.
"Ok. But in future call me Grissom or Gris or even Gil. The Mr part just sounds wrong."
She gave him a nod and a smile. A smile which faded away when she saw the wedding photo on the desk. She walked over and gingerly picked it up. Tears formed behind her eyes, waiting to fall as she stared at it intensely.
"Are you ok Jenny?" Grissom repeated the question he'd asked her so many times now.
She nodded firmly, placed the photo back down, wiping away the unshed tears. Then a questioning look covered her face and she sniffed the air. Grissom followed her as she walked over to the curtains and sniffed again.
"Do you smell that?" She asked.
She held out the curtains so he could smell.
"It's smoke. Doesn't smell that old at all."
Grissom was confused, "So?"
"My husband gave up smoking after we got married," She stated. "The ashtray in here is just for guests."
Jenny walked over to the ashtray and dipped a covered finger in it. She showed Grissom her fingertip. A fine layer of grey ash covered it.
"It looks quite fresh. Someone had a cigarette, empty the tray, but left a fine layer of ash behind," She decided.
Grissom nodded in agreement and collected the ash.
"Lets go back and get this processed," He suggested.
She nodded and followed him out of the house. Away from her husband's tomb.
~*~*~*~*~
Grissom told Jenny to wait in his office whilst he gave Greg the new evidence. He walked in to find her sleeping in a chair, her head resting on his desk. There was peacefulness to her face, something she deserved to have when she was awake as well.
"Grissom, I was wonderin..." Cath began as she walked in.
He raised a finger to his lips, the gesture cutting her off, then indicated to the sleeping form of Jenny.
"What's she doing here?" Catherine asked in a hushed voice.
"I took her to the crime scene," He replied in a soft tone.
"Gris," She snapped quietly, "Do you think that was a sensible idea?"
"She found some new evidence."
"But that still doesn't excuse the fact that you took a civilian to a crime scene. Even let her search it."
"A civilian who knew what she was doing," He defended.
"What's going on?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know perfectly well what I mean. You've been distant for weeks now. Shutting everyone out. Shutting me out. What's going on Gil?"
Grissom held her demanding gaze. He wanted to tell her. Admit that he was loosing his hearing. Admit that soon he wouldn't be able to hear her voice. But he couldn't bring himself to do it.
"Fine," She sighed in frustration. "Fine!"
She turned on her heels and stormed out. He watched her go, mentally kicking himself. He turned around to see Jenny's eyes wide open, watching him from where she lay.
"How...How long..." He stammered slightly.
"Have I been awake?" She finished, straightening herself up. "The whole time. I heard everything."
"Ah."
"Are you..." She paused for a moment, searching for the right words. "Are you in love with her?" You are aren't you?"
His eyes snapped up to meet hers. He managed to hide his shock, but it unnerved him how she knew. Was it really that obvious? He considered lying to her, but decided that she was probably as good at reading people as Brit. So instead he nodded.
"Thought so. You look at her in the same way Ethan looked at me," She stated, slightly pained by the memory. "But you haven't told her."
He shook his head, turning away.
"And I guess you haven't told her that you're loosing your hearing either?"
He spun around to face her, failing this time to hide his shock. He'd know this woman two days and yet she knew so much about him. He wouldn't be surprised if she suddenly told him his blood type.
"How...How did you know?" He asked unnerved.
"When people talk to you, you focus on their lips like Estella does when she's lip reading," She pointed out.
'She's an observant one I'll give you that Brit,' He thought to himself. 'Looks like he taught her well.'
"Does anyone know?" She asked him gently.
"No," He replied and sat down, avoiding her eye.
"You should tell someone. You shouldn't go through this alone. You should tell her everything. Even how you feel," She pushed slightly.
"You make it sound so easy," He chuckled a bit.
"Your heart understands what your head cannot yet conceive; trust your heart," She quoted.
He laughed this time, "You sound just like Brit."
"He's a very wise person. What's holding you back?"
"The fear she doesn't feel the same. The fear that she'll reject me and I'll loose her," He admitted for the first time.
"You won't. She feels the same way too."
Her statement caused him to look at her. Her eyes were just as confident as her voice.
"How can you be so sure?" Gris questioned.
"Because she looks at you the same way I looked at Ethan," Jenny replied honestly.
Grissom had never been so shocked in his life. A part of him was convinced that she was wrong. But she seemed so sure. Was she right? Did Catherine feel the same?
He watched her try, but fail to suppress a large yawn. He could see her exhaustion was trying to take over her again.
"You should go home and get some rest," He pointed out softly.
"I don't want to be alone," She admitted quietly.
She looked so vulnerable. So frightened. Gris felt his pity rising. Just like Brit, a part of him wanted to protect her. Take care of her. He gave her a slight nod of understanding.
"Stay here," He ordered gently and walked out his office.
In the corridor, he automatically spotted the person he was after.
"Warrick."
"Yeah Gris?" He asked turning around.
"Can you do me a favour?"
"Depends what it is?" Warrick replied looking at him cautiously.
"I want you to take Jenny Sinclair back to where she's staying and stay with her until we get the results of what brand of cigarette left the ash."
Warrick looked confused, but after a pause he nodded, "Fine. Just let me get some stuff from my locker."
Grissom returned to his office to find Jenny standing there, waiting for him.
"Warrick's taking you back and he's going to be staying with you till we get the results. He's a good guy, he'll look after you," He informed her.
"Thanks. I've been making friends with your hairy office partners," She smiled, pointing at his spiders. "What are you going to do? Are you going to tell her?"
He shrugged and looked away, desperate to avoid the conversation.
"Oh no, that's not a good enough answer."
He raised an eyebrow, "You're not going to give in till I say yes, are you?"
"Nope."
"Fine, I tell her," He gave in and Jenny smile widened triumphantly. "You've got to realise that I'm not great with words and people."
"Then remember what I learnt from learning sign language," She suggested.
"And what's that?"
Before she could answer, Warrick walked in.
"Ready to go?"
"Yes," She turned to Gris, "I'll talk to you soon. Good luck."
She began to follow Warrick out, but before she exited she turned back and signed her answer; 'Actions speak louder then words.'
A/N: What do you think? I think you can guess what might happen next chapter (nudge, nudge, wink, wink!) So please get those reviews in and I'll try my best to update ASAP (not compromising my schoolwork in anyway though!) :o)