Title: It's never too late
Notes: Just one more chapter!!
Chapter 6
Friday, 10.00 a.m.
As she had promised, Catherine went to the doctor the next day. He was just leaving Gil's room.
"Good morning, Dr. White", she greeted him.
"Mrs. Willows, nice to see you. Do you want to visit Mr. Grissom?"
"Yes. But first I would like to talk to you. "
"Go ahead."
"How's he doing? When is he allowed to go home?"
"Well, the healing process is going on as expected and if he takes care, I see no further problems. If you support him, there should be no reason to hold him here longer than necessary. We can schedule his release at Monday morning."
"That are good news. Does he already know?"
"I've talked with him about it, but he seemed...distracted somehow."
"I will talk to him once more. Thank you."
Gil sat on the table and was reading the newspaper as Catherine stepped in.
"Good morning", she said.
"Did you read the article on page 3? Who gave those informations about the Jackson case away?"
"No idea. But the informations are wrong, anyway. So why..."
"I don't care it those informations are right or wrong! If they came from sources within the police station, it reflects on the whole department! Can you imagine how this looks on my team?! " he said angry and raised his voice.
"Woah, easy Gil. Now isn't the time to..." she tried to calm him down.
"Not the time to what?" he shouted, suddenly pushed himself up and knocked down the chair. But he did it too quick, so his world went black, his knees gave in and he fell down. He wanted to take a step forward, but he was too slow. Before Catherine could reach him, he knocked his forehead on the table. She ran towards him. He kneeled on the floor, his right hand pressed above his right eye.
"Gil! What was this about?! Why...?" she looked at him questionally and stopped short.
He had removed his hand and blinked irritated. She was covered with blood.
"I did warn you. Now isn't the time to play big boss. Understood? What happened on the Jackson case is none of your business right now", she said and pressed a handkerchief on the flesh wound. "Let's find someone who takes a look at this."
10 minutes later Gil was back in bed with a band aid over the three stitches above his right eye. He seemed to be exhausted.
"It's never boring having you around", Catherine said and smiled. "I hope your head hurts right now. You know exactly that our department don't give such things away. Why are you so aggressive anyway?"
First he was only looking at her. Then, "Ecklie called this morning."
"And?"
"He accuses failure to me. He questions my position", he answered softly.
"And because of that you are that worried? You should know Ecklie a lot better. He's a bigmouth. He's only jealous about our team and tries to pull us down on his level. That's nothing new to me."
"But probably he was right this time", he interjected. "I shouldn't sent the police away. What if Nick went outside. Or you...?"
"That's it, right? You're making reproaches to yourself?"
"Shouldn't I?"
"No! It was awful what happened. And if I could turn back time, I would do it without hesitation. But I can't and you can't either. We should concentrate on to bring you back as soon as possible. Let's forget Ecklie. All he says is bullshit. You know that."
"But..."
"No word about it anymore. You were lucky, your skull is very thick. Does it hurt much?"
"Worse things happen."
"Good, now that we've cleared that. Man, I need some sleep. And thanks for watching Lindsey that day."
"Well, I had fun. And you were right about this, too", he smiled. "She was watching me. But you're welcome."
They said their good-bye's and as she reached the door he said: "Catherine?"
"Yes", she answered and turned around.
"I'm sorry. I was out of my mind. You are doing a great job."
"I'm flattered hearing those words from you. But I have to admit, I had a great teacher, too."
Monday, 10.00 a.m.
"Let's see, Mr. Grissom. Aside from the little accident last Friday, your healing process is working well. I've told Mrs. Willows all the important things she needs to know and also gave her your medicine. If nothing else turns up we should meet next Monday to pull the stitches above your eye", Dr. White said and looked at Gil seriously. "You better do what she says."
"I've learned this lection. Thanks, Dr. White", he answered and they both shook hands.
Warrick stood next to Catherine, wheelchair right in front of him.
After the doctor had left, she took the bag and looked at Gil.
"What?" he wanted to know.
"What are you waiting for?"
"I'm waiting for you to leave this building. Why?"
"You're are leaving this hospital only at one way. In the wheelchair."
"But..."
"Did you already forget? Dr. White said you better follow my orders. And, it's a hospital instruction."
"Yeah, well", he gave in and took place carefully. "No race, Warrick. Understood?"
"What are you thinking about me, boss?" Warrick answered as innocent as he could and blinked at Catherine.
As they arrived outside (with no race), Grissom needed Warrick's help to get into the car, though. The drive was silent until Gil noticed that Warrick wasn't driving to Grissom's house.
"Why are you driving at Catherine's?"
"Because that way I'm having you much more better under control, my friend. And don't you dare trying to discuss with me about it", she said from the back seat.
He stayed silent for a moment, then he asked: "Do you have Discovery Channel?"
The living as a "family" worked out well, other than imagined by Catherine. She went to work, Lindsey went to school and Grissom...tried to do nothing besides his daily rehabilitation training at the hospital. Lindsey was glad to have someone to look after her when she came home from school - and having someone cute to help her with the homework. Her birthday was a few days ahead and so Catherine agreed to let Gil and Lindsey manage all the stuff. They worked great together and everything went fine that day. After the kids had left, the mess was left behind. Catherine and Lindsey were already in the kitchen as Gil brought some more dishes.
"Who had thought that children could be so exhausting?" he asked.
"You call that exhausting?" Catherine laughed. Then she became serious. "I'm appreciate your help, but we take over now."
"I'm fine. Why I'm not allowed to help you?"
"Because you have to work Monday evening and therefore you have to be fit. We need hours to get the house clean again."
"You would need much less time if I help you. And speaking of..." he said and pointed with a fork at her, "...I'm working a 4 hours shift and only at my office. I could work at home as well."
"You and working at home? You would call every 5 minutes and drive us crazy."
"And what would stop me from terrorizing you at the office?"
"Well, our emergency plan says to lock Greg and you up in the lab. Together."
"You're having a emergency plan?"
"'Always be prepared' that's my motto", she answered. "And to be honest, it was Nick's suggestion."
He raised his hand in a mock gesture. "My Nicky? No way!"
"Your Nicky is a deep one. But you're changing the subject. You are not allowed to stay in the kitchen. Watch TV, read a book, listen to Mozart, just do something relaxing."
He gave in and went to the living room.
Short time later Catherine came and took a seat next to him on the couch. Lindsey was already in her room. Gil put the book he was just reading away and looked at her. She laid her head on his right shoulder and sighed.
"What's up?" he wanted to know.
"I'm sad 'cause you only stay until this weekend. I've enjoyed your company very much."
"Is there hint of regret?"
"Well, it was nice having someone waiting for me at home after work. It was also comforting to know that someone looked after Lindsey . And your cooking...I could get used to that. But...I guess my life of luxury is over."
"A few days back when Lindsey and I got to my house to get some stuff, I noticed the emptiness. You know what? At that moment I regretted going home next week."
"You don't have to leave. We had no time frame. You can stay as long as you desire."
"Yeah, but I stayed much too long already..."
"No. I liked it having you around", she said and kissed him.
"Are you serious with that? I 'can stay as long as I desire'? How can I thank you for your care and support? Without you I would have given up. You did a lot of extra work already because of me. Therefore I can't stay forever."
"Why not? And besides, I wasn't alone. The others did their part as well."
"That's why I thanked everyone last week. I'm planning a little party after my rehabilitation."
"Oh, that's nice", she said. "And take that for granted, you CAN stay here forever."
"I want to stay forever with you. The last few days showed me how lonely and monotonous my life was. I don't want to waste one more day. It took me quite some years to figure out, but now I know that I don't want to live without Lindsey and you anymore."
"It's never too late, Gil. It's never too late", she answered and kissed him deeply.
THE END (?)
Chapter 6
Friday, 10.00 a.m.
As she had promised, Catherine went to the doctor the next day. He was just leaving Gil's room.
"Good morning, Dr. White", she greeted him.
"Mrs. Willows, nice to see you. Do you want to visit Mr. Grissom?"
"Yes. But first I would like to talk to you. "
"Go ahead."
"How's he doing? When is he allowed to go home?"
"Well, the healing process is going on as expected and if he takes care, I see no further problems. If you support him, there should be no reason to hold him here longer than necessary. We can schedule his release at Monday morning."
"That are good news. Does he already know?"
"I've talked with him about it, but he seemed...distracted somehow."
"I will talk to him once more. Thank you."
Gil sat on the table and was reading the newspaper as Catherine stepped in.
"Good morning", she said.
"Did you read the article on page 3? Who gave those informations about the Jackson case away?"
"No idea. But the informations are wrong, anyway. So why..."
"I don't care it those informations are right or wrong! If they came from sources within the police station, it reflects on the whole department! Can you imagine how this looks on my team?! " he said angry and raised his voice.
"Woah, easy Gil. Now isn't the time to..." she tried to calm him down.
"Not the time to what?" he shouted, suddenly pushed himself up and knocked down the chair. But he did it too quick, so his world went black, his knees gave in and he fell down. He wanted to take a step forward, but he was too slow. Before Catherine could reach him, he knocked his forehead on the table. She ran towards him. He kneeled on the floor, his right hand pressed above his right eye.
"Gil! What was this about?! Why...?" she looked at him questionally and stopped short.
He had removed his hand and blinked irritated. She was covered with blood.
"I did warn you. Now isn't the time to play big boss. Understood? What happened on the Jackson case is none of your business right now", she said and pressed a handkerchief on the flesh wound. "Let's find someone who takes a look at this."
10 minutes later Gil was back in bed with a band aid over the three stitches above his right eye. He seemed to be exhausted.
"It's never boring having you around", Catherine said and smiled. "I hope your head hurts right now. You know exactly that our department don't give such things away. Why are you so aggressive anyway?"
First he was only looking at her. Then, "Ecklie called this morning."
"And?"
"He accuses failure to me. He questions my position", he answered softly.
"And because of that you are that worried? You should know Ecklie a lot better. He's a bigmouth. He's only jealous about our team and tries to pull us down on his level. That's nothing new to me."
"But probably he was right this time", he interjected. "I shouldn't sent the police away. What if Nick went outside. Or you...?"
"That's it, right? You're making reproaches to yourself?"
"Shouldn't I?"
"No! It was awful what happened. And if I could turn back time, I would do it without hesitation. But I can't and you can't either. We should concentrate on to bring you back as soon as possible. Let's forget Ecklie. All he says is bullshit. You know that."
"But..."
"No word about it anymore. You were lucky, your skull is very thick. Does it hurt much?"
"Worse things happen."
"Good, now that we've cleared that. Man, I need some sleep. And thanks for watching Lindsey that day."
"Well, I had fun. And you were right about this, too", he smiled. "She was watching me. But you're welcome."
They said their good-bye's and as she reached the door he said: "Catherine?"
"Yes", she answered and turned around.
"I'm sorry. I was out of my mind. You are doing a great job."
"I'm flattered hearing those words from you. But I have to admit, I had a great teacher, too."
Monday, 10.00 a.m.
"Let's see, Mr. Grissom. Aside from the little accident last Friday, your healing process is working well. I've told Mrs. Willows all the important things she needs to know and also gave her your medicine. If nothing else turns up we should meet next Monday to pull the stitches above your eye", Dr. White said and looked at Gil seriously. "You better do what she says."
"I've learned this lection. Thanks, Dr. White", he answered and they both shook hands.
Warrick stood next to Catherine, wheelchair right in front of him.
After the doctor had left, she took the bag and looked at Gil.
"What?" he wanted to know.
"What are you waiting for?"
"I'm waiting for you to leave this building. Why?"
"You're are leaving this hospital only at one way. In the wheelchair."
"But..."
"Did you already forget? Dr. White said you better follow my orders. And, it's a hospital instruction."
"Yeah, well", he gave in and took place carefully. "No race, Warrick. Understood?"
"What are you thinking about me, boss?" Warrick answered as innocent as he could and blinked at Catherine.
As they arrived outside (with no race), Grissom needed Warrick's help to get into the car, though. The drive was silent until Gil noticed that Warrick wasn't driving to Grissom's house.
"Why are you driving at Catherine's?"
"Because that way I'm having you much more better under control, my friend. And don't you dare trying to discuss with me about it", she said from the back seat.
He stayed silent for a moment, then he asked: "Do you have Discovery Channel?"
The living as a "family" worked out well, other than imagined by Catherine. She went to work, Lindsey went to school and Grissom...tried to do nothing besides his daily rehabilitation training at the hospital. Lindsey was glad to have someone to look after her when she came home from school - and having someone cute to help her with the homework. Her birthday was a few days ahead and so Catherine agreed to let Gil and Lindsey manage all the stuff. They worked great together and everything went fine that day. After the kids had left, the mess was left behind. Catherine and Lindsey were already in the kitchen as Gil brought some more dishes.
"Who had thought that children could be so exhausting?" he asked.
"You call that exhausting?" Catherine laughed. Then she became serious. "I'm appreciate your help, but we take over now."
"I'm fine. Why I'm not allowed to help you?"
"Because you have to work Monday evening and therefore you have to be fit. We need hours to get the house clean again."
"You would need much less time if I help you. And speaking of..." he said and pointed with a fork at her, "...I'm working a 4 hours shift and only at my office. I could work at home as well."
"You and working at home? You would call every 5 minutes and drive us crazy."
"And what would stop me from terrorizing you at the office?"
"Well, our emergency plan says to lock Greg and you up in the lab. Together."
"You're having a emergency plan?"
"'Always be prepared' that's my motto", she answered. "And to be honest, it was Nick's suggestion."
He raised his hand in a mock gesture. "My Nicky? No way!"
"Your Nicky is a deep one. But you're changing the subject. You are not allowed to stay in the kitchen. Watch TV, read a book, listen to Mozart, just do something relaxing."
He gave in and went to the living room.
Short time later Catherine came and took a seat next to him on the couch. Lindsey was already in her room. Gil put the book he was just reading away and looked at her. She laid her head on his right shoulder and sighed.
"What's up?" he wanted to know.
"I'm sad 'cause you only stay until this weekend. I've enjoyed your company very much."
"Is there hint of regret?"
"Well, it was nice having someone waiting for me at home after work. It was also comforting to know that someone looked after Lindsey . And your cooking...I could get used to that. But...I guess my life of luxury is over."
"A few days back when Lindsey and I got to my house to get some stuff, I noticed the emptiness. You know what? At that moment I regretted going home next week."
"You don't have to leave. We had no time frame. You can stay as long as you desire."
"Yeah, but I stayed much too long already..."
"No. I liked it having you around", she said and kissed him.
"Are you serious with that? I 'can stay as long as I desire'? How can I thank you for your care and support? Without you I would have given up. You did a lot of extra work already because of me. Therefore I can't stay forever."
"Why not? And besides, I wasn't alone. The others did their part as well."
"That's why I thanked everyone last week. I'm planning a little party after my rehabilitation."
"Oh, that's nice", she said. "And take that for granted, you CAN stay here forever."
"I want to stay forever with you. The last few days showed me how lonely and monotonous my life was. I don't want to waste one more day. It took me quite some years to figure out, but now I know that I don't want to live without Lindsey and you anymore."
"It's never too late, Gil. It's never too late", she answered and kissed him deeply.
THE END (?)