Thanks so much for the feedback! I really appreciate it and it keeps me motivated to write. ;)
Angelic Little Devil and Silent Typewriter –I had to leave the last chapter as a cliffhanger. I hope this makes up for it.
Same disclaimers as in the previous 5 parts. I think everyone gets it now.
Part 6
Nick grabbed Greg's hand and rushed out of the elevator, nearly knocking Crane over. He watched as Crane got into the elevator. As the doors shut, Greg and Nick saw Nigel Crane waving.
"See you later," Crane mocked just as the doors shut.
"Hey Nick," Greg said.
"Yeah?"
"I think room service sounds good right now."
"Me too. Let's hope Grissom gets someone here…now!" Nick said as they waited for an elevator.
When the doors opened, Nick protectively stood in front of Greg. The ride up to their room was short and silent. Back in the room, Nick got on the phone, this time talking to Catherine. He filled her in on what has been going on and what just happened.
"Grissom told us about Crane being out. Warrick and I are working that angle. We know how he got out, that's in the fax Grissom sent you earlier. We're now finding out how it was done and gathering evidence, finding the details, that kind of thing," Catherine explained.
"Do you know if Grissom sent anyone yet?" Nick asked.
"Actually he did. He's sending O'Reilly, they're at the airport as we speak. He already has your room number and phone number. All he's going to need is the schedule of events that you two plan on going to," Catherine answered.
"Good," Nick sighed. He found the schedule of events and made a mental note to make a copy of it in the morning.
"You two need anything else?" Catherine asked.
"Just Crane gone. Other than that…"
Nick looked over at Greg, who was lying on his stomach while perusing the menu. For someone who's had a really rough afternoon, he's quite anxious to eat.
"If you need anything, you know where we are. Just call and let us know," Catherine replied. "And Nick?"
"Yeah?"
"Keep an eye on Greg for me, please," Catherine answered.
"I will," Nick replied. "I will."
"And that goes for you, too. Take care of yourself," Catherine said.
"Yes, mom. I promise we'll be careful," Nick teased a little, lightening the conversation.
Catherine simply laughed. After listening to Catherine's story of Greg's replacement, Nick hung the phone up.
"O'Reilly is on his way," Nick announced.
"Good," Greg said.
After ordering their meals, Nick and Greg watched TV while making idle conversation. They had enough of Nigel Crane for the rest of their lives, let alone one day. When dinner came, Nick cautiously opened the door.
After dinner, Nick read through the faxes while Greg looked over his shoulder.
"Pretty ingenious, although absolutely frightening," Greg commented as they finished reading the last page.
"At lease we know he's not that stupid. Just psychotic," Nick mumbled in agreement.
"So he switches his dental records with another inmate, kills him, then starts a fire that burns the place down. It shows the dead inmate alive and loose and Crane burned to a crisp," Greg summarizes.
"That's pretty much it," Nick replied.
"How did he get so much access? I mean, he switched records after all," Greg asked.
"That's what Catherine and Warrick are working on," Nick answered.
"I don't know about you, but I'm really tired. If we have a full day of stuff to do tomorrow, I'd rather not be falling asleep in the middle," Greg commented.
"Sleep sounds good," Nick replied, unconsciously looking up. He was checking the ceiling for holes.
"We're in a hotel Nick. I doubt he'd be able to drill holes in the floors here," Greg said.
Nick shifted his gaze to Greg, who was looking back at him. "I guess you're right."
Sleep came quickly to Greg, not so for Nick. It was going to be a long night, but Nick already knew that. Although he'd feel a little better with O'Reilly around, it wouldn't be until Nigel Crane was away for good that Nick would totally feel at peace.