The end is near! Thanks for the feedback, and I hope everyone enjoys this part.
Same disclaimers as always.
Safe and Sound- The Aftermath
It wasn't long after their arrival at Burlington's Fletcher Allen Hospital that Greg woke up. His eyes flew open, and upon not seeing anything familiar, he obeyed his first instinct.
"Nick!" he called.
"I'm right here Gregy. I'm right here," Nick said, softly and soothingly.
"Where…"
"You're in the hospital. Fletcher Allen to be exact. You're safe," Nick answered.
"Crane?"
"In jail. Since the crimes were committed here, he'll be tried here."
"And O'Riley?"
"He's fine, just a knock on the head. He'll be back soon, he just wanted to do something over at the police station."
"You ok?"
"I'm fine. You know me, hard-headed."
"Good, I was worried."
"And you're going to be just fine. The doctor said that you weren't hurt too bad, the worst being your throat. But nothing crucial was cut. You got stitches there, on your stomach and a couple on your cheek."
"I want to go home."
"You will in a few days."
"I bet Grissom's mad."
"He's furious alright. He's mad that he wasn't here to help us, furious about what Crane did to you. He's just frustrated with himself right now. I think he regrets not coming when it all began."
"There was nothing he could've done. He would've just gotten hurt."
"You know Gris."
It was late in the day, and the doctor wanted to see Greg when he woke, and by the time the doctor was done and Nick was finished updating Grissom, both were quite tired. And after the horrific night at the hotel, Nick wasn't about to stay anywhere alone. So when the doctor said that Greg had to spend a couple days in the hospital, Nick's cot was right next to his best friend.
During the night, Nick didn't sleep much. He was still a little terrified, and when he closed his eyes, all he could see was Greg lying on the floor, blood everywhere. And Nigel Crane standing over him with that knife.
"Nick!"
Nick glanced over to see Greg's ghost-white face staring back at him. Nick realized he had fallen asleep and had the nightmare. But Greg looked like he had one of his own.
The door opened, causing both men to jump. Nick was on his feet, ready for anything. Except a nurse.
"Settle down, both of you. You're in the hospital and safe, no one can hurt you here," she said, coming by Greg's bed. "I heard the scream and wanted to make sure both of you were ok. And I need to check Greg's vitals."
"Just a couple of nightmares. Other than that, we're great," Nick replied.
"If you have a cure for nightmares, please tell me about it. I could use one for my son," the nurse said while writing something down in Greg's chart.
"Your son has nightmares too?" Greg asked.
"Yes, my younger one. My older one thought it would be a good idea for the two of them to watch It."
"That movie isn't good for young kids or people with a fear of clowns," Greg noted.
"You have a point there," the nurse replied. "Go back to sleep, and no nightmares. You're safe here. I want only sweet dreams for you both."