Title: Summer Party
Disclaimer: I don't own CSI, or any of the characters.
Chapter six: Suspicious Minds
The contest drew slowly to a close. Only two more performances and it would be time for Brass, Catherine and Sara to show their hidden talents to the world outside.
Brass and Sara could see the nervousness in each other's eyes and feel the tension, which became stronger any minute. Only Catherine, as a former dancer, remained cool.
"So that's what they call stage-fright." Sara's voice was hoarse.
"Yeah, I cannot believe that I've done something like that voluntarily in the past", came Brass's reply. "Although it was other times back then. I was younger, more slender and had definitely more hair", he continued.
Catherine looked at the two of them with sympathy. She knew this feeling well, although it was a long time ago that she had felt it to that extend herself. She grasped for one of Sara's as well as one of Brass's hands and pushed them slightly.
"You two don't have to be afraid. We will make it, no question. We practiced a lot and in my opinion we are really good. Furthermore we look really good."
She winked at them. "Besides there are only two ways how this could end. First scenario we enter the stage and one of you, or you both will be so nervous that you couldn't move any more or would spoil it. Second scenario, and I have to admit that I prefer this one, we enter the stage, you will be nervous but with the beginning of the music you will relax and show them all what is inside you."
Sara relaxed a little bit. "I prefer the second scenario too. Furthermore we shouldn't forget that there is more at stake than our dignity. There are 500 hundred dollars out of the bet as well as the 100 hundred dollars prize to win. And I want that money."
Brass nodded into the direction of the stage. "Did you hear that? Warrick is just announcing the last group before us. In approximately five minutes we will know how it will end!"
They remained silent for the next minutes, held hands and waited for the moment they had finally to face the auditory.
Greg and Archie approached the bench where Grissom and Nick were sitting and sat down opposite of them.
"And….?" Greg asked.
Grissom raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean by 'And…' Greg?"
Archie gazed at him. "Isn't that obvious? He wants to know how you liked our performance."
Nick looked with mock seriousness from one to the other. "Yes….. ."
"What the hell do you mean by 'Yes' Nick?" Greg looked incredulous.
"Isn't that obvious?" Grissom asked tauntingly. His face softened a bit. "I am sure that Nick wanted to say that your show was the best so far and that you could only be beaten by Sara, Catherine and Brass anymore. And before you read to much into my words, I didn't mean that you are special talented, you are only the best of a sad bunch of people who think that they are special gifted."
Nick raised his hands. "Shhh, Warrick is announcing Sara, Catherine and Brass. We don't want to miss that, will we?"
The four man concentrated on Warrick, who smiled widely.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, dear colleagues. We nearly reached the end of our contest. But before our jury will have to decide about the quality of the different performances, I'll have the pleasure to announce a special highlight. Three of my dearest colleagues, Catherine Willows, Sara Sidle and last but not least Jim Brass will now, for the first time in front of an auditory, perform for you. I wish them much luck, although I am sure they won't need it. Ladies and Gentlemen, here comes CSI nightshift with 'Suspicious Minds'.
He clapped his hands and made his way to Grissom and the others.
The stage was still dark. Nick turned to the others. "Does he mean 'Suspicious Minds' like in the song 'Suspicious Minds' of Elvis?"
The lights spotted Brass and the first notes of the music could be heard.
There were more than a few who gasped at the sight of Brass, or what they supposed to be Brass.
"Brass as Elvis", Grissom stuttered the words in total disbelief.
The man in question wore a white suit, embroidered with silver sequins and a special, big collar. To make the outfit complete he had a black wig with long sideburns, as well as large, black sunglasses. On his hands glistered brummagem jewellery.
Sara and Catherine were still not to be seen. Brass went to the microphone at the front of the stage. Even his movements had changed, were somewhat more self-confident and smarter.
He reached the microphone and swivelled his hip, a movement that Elvis couldn't have done better. As he started to sing it was the greatest of surprises of a long evening. His voice was full and rich and reminded people in the auditory of times where Elvis inspired millions of people all around the world.
We're caught in a trap
I can't walk out
Because I love you too much baby
Why can't you see
What you're doing to me
When you don't believe a word I say?
Two other headlights were turned up and now Catherine and Sara were to be seen. They went to microphones to the right and left of Brass.
As people agreed afterwards the two of them were the real eye-catchers. They both wore clinging, black dresses with plunging neck-lines, as well as pairs of high heels. Their hair was made wavy and fell gentle on their shoulders. Both of them wore only little make-up, but it helped to outline their natural beauty.
Warricks mouth fell open and Nick eyes became wide. "How could women wear such deep neck lines and nothing falls ever out of it?", he whispered.
Greg shook his head but didn't turn his attention of the stage. "Nick, do you know nothing? They use double sided adhesive tape." He sighed. "Isn't Sara absolutely gorgeous?"
Warrick nodded slightly. "Yeah she is and Catherine too. When they would show up with dresses like these at work, our productivity would decrease to zero."
Grissom was silent during this little conversation. He was totally absorbed in the view in front of him.
With the beginning of the refrain Catherine and Sara joined in the singing. Their voices were unexpected strong and clear. They were the perfect completion to Brass with his deep voice.
We can't go on together
With suspicious minds
And we can't build our dreams
On suspicious minds
The auditory was now totally under Brass's spell. A few were singing along with him, because they remember the song of former times and others were clapping in the rhythm of the music.
So, if an old friend I know
Drops by to say hello
Would I still see suspicion in your eyes?
Here we go again
Asking where I've been
You can't see these tears are real
I'm crying
Brass took his sunglasses of and went over to Catherine. He looked her deep in the eyes and his eyes expressed a pain as if he really meant what he was singing. She looked back at him mirroring the intense in his eyes. She caressed his cheek with a soft stroke of her thumb.
He went back to the microphone and the three of them sang the refrain together.
We can't go on together
With suspicious minds
And be can't build our dreams
On suspicious minds
"I always knew it. Elvis lives." A very drunk Ecklie slumped down beside Grissom and placed an arm around his shoulder. "You know, that isn't Brass. It is Elvis, believe me. But Brass knew, during all the time, that he lives and where he lives. Someone should arrest him." He started to giggle.
Grissom shook off Ecklie's arm. "Ecklie shut up. You are drunk and I want to see that show."
Ecklie giggled another time. "Ah Grissom, you can be sooo boring sometimes." He got up and shouted towards the stage. "Elvis, I love you." Fortunately the music and the clapping of the auditory drowned his shout.
Oh let our love survive
Or dry the tears from your eyes
Let's don't let a good thing die
When honey, you know
I've never lied to you
Mmm yeah, yeah
This time Brass went over to Sara. He kneeled down in front of her, his right hand placed on his heart, in a gesture to beg her forgiveness. When she placed a kiss on his head, he got up, placed a hand around her hip and walked over to Catherine. He placed his other arm around her and together they went to the front of the stage to sang a last time the refrain.
We can't go on together
With suspicious minds
And be can't build our dreams
On suspicious minds
The applause, that rose after they had finished, was ear deafening. Standing ovations followed. Several people shouted for more.
Nick turned to Grissom. "Could you believe it? I never imagined Brass as Elvis. Never ever. Cool was never a word I thought about when it came to Brass, if you know what I mean?"
Grissom nodded. "I absolutely know what you mean. But you have to admit that he did a damned good job. They all did a damned good job. Who knew that they could sing. And our ladies are real eye-catchers this evening." His eyes twinkled.
Greg got up. "Please excuse me, I have to ask Sara if she wants to marry me. Damn is she hot."
Archie followed him. "Someone has to take care that he make no fool of himself. And perhaps one of the Ladies would want to marry me."
Grissom rolled his eyes. "Those kiddos are crazy. Nice but crazy."
Ecklie, who had sat in a corner of the bench, got up too. "Wait for me. I would like to ask Elvis for an autograph."
"Shouldn't someone stop him?", Nick asked.
Grissom looked thoughtful. "Nope, I think we should let him go. It could be a good lesson for him and we have something to stop his spiteful remarks for the next few weeks."
Nick chuckled. "Yeah, now it is our turn to make him crazy. That could be a lot of fun."
Grissom simply raised his eyebrows.
Catherine, Brass and Sara bowed one last time and left the stage. Back in the locker room they embraced each other.
Sara sighed relieved. "I am happy that everything went so well, but I must admit that I am also happy that it is done."
Brass gave the two women a look of affection. "Ladies, you were simply great." Sara laughed but shook her head. "Nope Brass, you were great."
"Yeah", Catherine added. "You have the certain something." She gave him a light kiss on his cheek.
Sara who saw her movement left them without a further word.
Brass felt that he blushed again. "Cath you should let this be, or I could get used to this."
Cath turned away, her voice suddenly hoarse. "You are a good friend and you did such a great job out there. You deserved a little kiss." She laughed nervously. "Anyway what did you mean with you could get used to this? Get used to the kisses or get used to blush" She faced him and her eyes glistered mischievously.
Brass sighed. "You are a cheeky one, you know that, don't you? I think it is time to go to the others and wait for the jury to decide."
Warrick entered the stage.
"After this great performance it is now time for the jury to decide. Let me introduce our jury to you. It consists of Sheriff Cavallo, Detective Susan Harrison and our favourite pathologist Doc Robbins."
The auditory applauded, especially as Doc Robbins were mentioned.
"The three of them will have half an hour time to make a decision. I have to admit that I have two favourites, but because I am no member of the jury, I will have to wait too. Enjoy your time"
A/N: I would like, as always, to thank you all who took the time to review the previous chapters. Reviews and constructive criticism are always more than welcome. I am not a native speaker so I beg you to forgive me my stupid mistakes.
I still haven't decided who should win. Greg and Archie or Catherine, Brass and Sara. So, what do you think?