Disclaimer: Same as before.
A/N: I'm back!!! Austria was great. For the first time in months I was completely relaxed, enjoying gorgeous cakes, beautiful scenery and awesome shops in Vienna. Plus I stayed near Salzburg, which is the home of the 'Sound Of Music' and birthplace of Mozart. Also I went to a very different Undertaker museum, where I learnt where the term Graveyard shift originally came from. Enough of my rambling and on with the thanks to the people who review the last chapter: cRaZyPiXiE, candaceFABULOUS, ArodLoverus2001, SisterBear, The Madhatter2 and MissyJane. You guys are wicked!!! Please keep them coming. I'm sorry about the cliff-hanger and have decided to make it up by updating quickly. I'm waiting for my beta to get back with the last chapter of 'Fragmented', but hopefully that will be updated soon. Well R&R and Enjoy!! - Bex :o)
Warrick took another sip from the half-empty coffee mug and checked the clock on the wall again. The hands pointed definitely at 7.49am. Grissom had sent him home an hour early, because work was slow and also Warrick had spent the last three hours of the shift a sleep in the break room. So Warrick happily came back to his apartment to get ready for Jenny coming for breakfast. He'd decided to keep it simple - seeing as cooking wasn't his strong point - and just make a couple of omelettes and toast.
He bobbed his head along to the radio as he poured the egg into the hot pan. Then the doorbell rang. Figuring he could risk leaving the cooking food for a minute, he hurried over and opened the door. Jenny stood in front of him dressed in a pair of tight dark brown trousers and fitted red top. "Hey, you're early."
She returned the wide smile and stepped passed him into the apartment. "Hey yourself. I know I'm early, but I figured you won't mind. Better then being late."
"I don't mind," He said and looked carefully at her, knowing something was amiss. "Where's Melissa?"
"Had to go see Brit. I told him where I was going and he offered to take her off my hands for an hour," She filled him in. "Don't get me wrong, I love being a mother and all, but it's damn exhausting sometimes. It's nice to have a break and Brit adores spending time with her. Treats her like she's his grandchild. I guess in a way she is."
"Well you're here to relax and put your feet up."
Her smile widened as he pulled out a chair for her. "Always a gentleman." Then a look of confusion covered her face and she sniffed the air. "Warrick what's burning?"
Warrick's eyes widened and he turned to see a thick black cloud rising from the frying pan. Quickly, he rushed over, turned off the hob and tried to fan away the smoke. Jenny walked up and leaned against the counter as she tried to control her laughter. "Where there's smoke; there's Warrick's cooking."
"Ha, ha," He muttered as he slapped the pan into the sink and poured water over the smouldering ruins, but soon he was laughing as well. "God, I've messed this up."
"No," She said and leaned over his shoulder to stare at the charcoaled eggs, "It just looks...inedible. So what else have you got?"
"Have no idea. Look in the fridge."
She wandered over and opened the door. "Oh my god. This piece of cheese has one hell of a lot of mold on it. Leave it in here any longer and it may evolve, then try to kill you in the middle of the night!"
"Death by cheese. Definitely would be a new one for the team," Warrick mused. "But at least I know you'll miss me."
"Ummm, I think I need time to consider that."
He gave her a hurt look. "Awww, come on. That was uncalled for. You should be nicer seeing as I went to all this trouble to burn eggs for you."
"Very true. No one burns food quite like you. You would be greatly missed."
He leaned closer so he could inspect the furry mass on the fridge shelf. "Um, Jen, I don't think that's cheese."
Jenny backed away in disgusted and slid the bin closer. "Ok, put it in there now!"
Obediently, he obliged then turned his attention back to the rest of the fridge's contents. "Aha!" Warrick exclaimed triumphantly, pulling out two Chinese take-away boxes and handing them over.
"Half eaten Chinese, boy you sure know how to show a girl a good time," She teased with a wicked smile.
"Just wait until you're a CSI, then you shall learn the truth; take-away for dinner followed by cold take-away for breakfast is part of nutritious diet!" He retorted.
Jen stuck out her tongue playfully at him. "I was in collage you know."
After finding two forks, they started to eat in a comfortable silence. Warrick stole side-ways glances at Jenny, as she unknowingly bobbed her head along to the background music. Then her eyes lit up with delight and her smile widened at the new intro. "I love this song," She beamed as she hurried over to turn it up.
He watched in amusement as she began to sway to the music, then started to sing perfectly in time with the lyrics: "I wonder, If he knows I've been watching him, And I wonder, If he knows I can feel him, And I wonder, In my dreams when I'm sleeping, I'm keeping him close to me. I'm thinking, He's the thunder; I'm the lightning, And I'm thinking, Maybe we can come together, And I'm thinking, We can bring the rain with a lovely breeze with such harmony"
Without a second consideration, Warrick placed his own 'breakfast' down, walked over and placed his arms around her waist. She returned the gesture by wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Like a train on a track, like spokes inside a wheel, Involuntary motion like rolling down hill, And there's no way to stop it. Ain't no way baby, Ain't no way baby. It's a natural thing like sunrise and dusk, Snowflakes, waterfalls, same thing with us, And there's no way to stop it, Once you fall in love."
They gently swayed together to the music, as Jenny continued to sing along. Their eyes locked firmly together and Warrick smiled at seeing hers dance with joy. She hadn't looked so happy since Melissa had been born - and even then there was bitterness to the joy, knowing her husband would never see their daughter. But right now all she felt was pure peaceful happiness.
"I'm glowing, And overflow of happy laughter I'm growing, Closer to you more than ever I'm blowing, Daffodils and kisses, baby breath, and roses gently touching noses, I'm sailing, Without a destination, I'm sailing, Explore uncharted places, I'm exhaling. No more lonely seasons, I'm underwater breathing. Drowning in the sea of love."
The moment had crept quietly back. He knew that Jenny felt it as well, because her voice trailed off and her smile turned sombre. The music began to fade, as if hundreds of miles away. There was nothing else to stop it this time: only them.
~Like a train on a track, like spokes inside a wheel, Involuntary motion like rolling down hill, And there's no way to stop it. Ain't no way baby, Ain't no way baby. It's a natural thing like sunrise and dusk, Snowflakes, waterfalls, same thing with us, And there's no way to stop it, Once you fall in love.
I heard a songbird, a seed came through the earth, Strangers holding hands, a crowd cheering in the stands, I've already seen all the evidence, It's obvious love's in the air again. Saw dark clouds blow, chased by rainbows, Saw two roses bloom just like me and you, Caught up in the magic I can't pretend, It's obvious love's in the air again ~
He swallowed hard, helpless to look away from her. The temptation was spreading fast and finally he gave in. He leaned closer to kiss her; ready to pull away at the first sign of hesitation. But when he received none, he deepened the kiss - letting her know just how much he wanted her. She answered back with just as much hunger; arms pulled him closer and fingers ran through his hair. Then as quickly as she responded, she backed away.
~ Like a train on a track, like spokes inside a wheel, Involuntary motion like rolling down hill, And there's no way to stop it~
"Warrick!" Jenny almost fumbled to the floor, when she jerked violently from his grasp. He stared at her; lips still swollen from his kiss and eyes swollen with unshed tears. The happiness has disappeared from her emerald orbs, only to replaced with the familiar pain. Pain he'd promised to protect her from.
~ Ain't no way baby, Ain't no way baby ~
"Jenny..." He began, trying to hold her arm in comfort like he was used to doing. She flinched away, sending a surge of pain through his already aching heart.
~ It's a natural thing like sunrise and dusk, Snowflakes, waterfalls, same thing with us ~
"I...I...I need to go," She stuttered, running a hand her hand. "I...have...I need to get Melissa."
"Jenny!" He called in a feeble attempt to stop her as turned and fled the apartment. Warrick wanted to go after her, but he was rooted to the spot; the knowledge that he'd over stepped the line and destroyed their relationship stabbed him. What was he meant to do now?
~ And there's no way to stop it, Once you fall in love ~
It was the phone's ringing that managed to drag him back to reality. He blinked rapidly as his brain snapped back on and he grabbed the handset. "Hello?"
"Warrick it's me," Nick voice answered back. There was something strange about it. Was it worry? Guilt? Both?
"Are you ok?"
"Do I sound ok?" Nick snapped, taking Warrick by surprise. He sighed and apologised quickly, "Sorry, it's just... have you seen Sara?"
"Not since yesterday. She said she was going to see you. Why? What happened?" Warrick asked, suddenly troubled by Nick's tone.
He sighed again heavily. "I'm such an idiot. No, idiot doesn't even begin to describe what I am... God, why did she have to do that? I thought we agreed to be friends. Just friends. God, why was I stupid enough to think she'd changed? But no, Michelle has to ruin my life again...I ca-"
"What happened Nick?" Warrick pressed, cutting him off mid-ramble.
"Michelle came over last night, before Sara, and we got talking and everything was fine. It was all ok until she kissed me," He paused and took a deep breath. "And Sara saw."
"Shit, have you tried to explain?"
"I've been trying since she left, but I can't reach her. I have no idea where she's gone. God War, what am I going to do?"
Warrick rubbed his head, as he tried to think. 'Well man, we're stuck in the same boat. Both of us have hurt the girls we love the most and are now completely lost as what to do.'
But instead he asked: "What are you doing now?"
"Walking around outside, trying to get my head back together and figure out how the hell I am going to make this rig-" He stopped abruptly.
"Nick, what's going on?" Warrick asked, the sudden silence alarming him.
"Oh god Warrick, it's Sara's SUV, it's definitely hers. It's about a block away from my apartment....oh no....no..."
"What?"
"Her keys are on the ground beneath it....Oh god! God no!"
"Nick, what is it?" He asked, already sure by Nick's tone that it wasn't good, but he needed to know.
"There's blood..."
~*~*~*~*~
The bright yellow crime scene tap was already up and police officers milled near by as Grissom and Catherine pulled up in their Tahoe. They had been asleep when the phone rang; quickly waking up when they heard the news. He'd ordered them not to touch a thing until he'd arrived, and - after a tiny argument - agreed that Catherine could come.
Grissom slid his sunglasses on; the Las Vegas skies shone brightly once more, as if the events of last night had never happened and the horrors had been washed away as well. 'No,' He thought darkly. 'They're still here. Even after the storm is gone, it's presence remains.'
He felt a hand squeeze his arm and he turned to look at Cath, as she nodded towards Nick and Warrick. Both were slumped on the pavement; Nick fidgeting impatiently, whilst Warrick tried to calm him. Gris and Catherine walked towards them - kits ready in hands. Nick spotted them first and leapt to his feet. "Come on le-" He began as he took a step towards the crime scene, but Grissom stopped him.
"You can't handle this one Nick."
"Why the hell not?" Nick demanded, rage filling his voice.
"You know why not. I'm sorry Nicky, but you're the most emotionally involved out of all of us. Go back with Brass and we'll handle this."
"But-"
"Please Nick, I know you want to help her, but this is the only way you can right now. Please."
He glared frostily at Grissom as Brass led him to the car. Gris felt Cath walk up next to him, all eyes watching Nick departure. "Then why do we have the case Gil? Shouldn't this be handled by the day team?" She asked gently.
"Ecklie's team couldn't find a piece of evidence if it was bagged, labelled and right under their noses. We owe Sara more then that," Grissom stated. "Besides, we know him."
His last words took them both by surprise. "You don't think it's the stripper and hooker killer do you?" Warrick questioned.
"It's hard to explain, but I know when it's one of his crime scenes. There's just this feeling that lingers there and this feels like one of his."
"There...there might be another explanation," Cath pointed out uncertainly. "I mean; this might not be what it looks like."
Grissom nodded slightly. "I haven't ruled that out yet. That's why, when we get back, I want you and Warrick to think of anywhere she might have gone and check them out." He pulled out a pair of latex gloves and turned his attention back to the crime scene. "But right now, we have a crime scene to process."
~*~*~*~*~
Her head hurt. It was the first thing Sara was sure of as the darkness released her from its hold. Everything was a jumble inside her head; nothing made sense. She tried to move, but her hands were yanked forcefully back with a clunk. Sara stared up to find that her wrist had been pinned above her head, held in place with chains. Pointlessly, she tugged at them, but the metal held fast. She blinked into the gloom, wondering where the hell she was.
Bricks scrapped the backs of her hands and she managed to make out a large old-fashioned boiler in the corner. 'Ok, so I guess this is a basement,' She concluded.
Then the smell of burning flesh stung her nose. She recoiled in disgust, feeling nausea stirring in the pit of her stomach and just wishing that the smell would disappear. After several minutes, she dared to open her eyes again and she realised something else: she wasn't alone. On the opposite wall lay another woman. She was from African origin, her dark hair fell in greasy wild curls and he dark skin was somehow sickly pale. And - just like Sara - her arms were chained above her head.
Sara tried to call out to her, but her throat was bone-dry, making her voice no louder than a whisper. The woman gave no response. Sara wondered if she even knew that she was there. She looked so weak and frail, but it was her eyes that froze her blood. They were bleak and hollow, as if the light of life and hope had been long snuffed out. And now they remained fixed to her left.
Following her gaze, Sara's eyes landed upon an empty basin on the floor, above which was a photo. It was a photo she's seen before: the one of Catherine and her old workmates at the 'French Palace'. But Portia's face had been slashed and next to her stood the smiling image of the girl trapped here. Panic surged through Sara as she realised where she was and what was happening. The fearful nausea was rising faster then mercury and she desperately tried to yank herself free from her restraints.
Suddenly, the door banged open and the bright light that flooded in stung her eyes. A dark figure approached her as she tried to back away. His forearms were more tanned then the rest of him - they were outstretched as he carried a tray. Ink-black hair flopped in front of his eyes and the orbs themselves were just as dark. He knelt down beside Sara and - without so much as looking directly at her - began to tend to the cut on her forehead. She hissed as it stung, but his tender touch took her by surprise. When he's finished, he pressed a glass of water to her lips. She gratefully drank it, the cooling liquid smoothing her throat.
She stared over his shoulder at the other girl who had been left neglected. "What about her?" She croaked to her captor.
Slowly, he looked at the other girl, then at the basin and finally at the small slit in the wall - the only source of light in the cellar. Then he held Sara's gaze, before standing up and leaving, locking the door firmly behind him. Though he hadn't spoken a word, he had answered her question: when the sun went down, the other girl's time had run out.
A/N: Well at least you now know Sara's alive. What do you think? Any theories, comments, questions, or rambles are much welcomed. I know you've missed hitting that little button for two weeks; so go on, what are you waiting for? Lol :o)
A/N: I'm back!!! Austria was great. For the first time in months I was completely relaxed, enjoying gorgeous cakes, beautiful scenery and awesome shops in Vienna. Plus I stayed near Salzburg, which is the home of the 'Sound Of Music' and birthplace of Mozart. Also I went to a very different Undertaker museum, where I learnt where the term Graveyard shift originally came from. Enough of my rambling and on with the thanks to the people who review the last chapter: cRaZyPiXiE, candaceFABULOUS, ArodLoverus2001, SisterBear, The Madhatter2 and MissyJane. You guys are wicked!!! Please keep them coming. I'm sorry about the cliff-hanger and have decided to make it up by updating quickly. I'm waiting for my beta to get back with the last chapter of 'Fragmented', but hopefully that will be updated soon. Well R&R and Enjoy!! - Bex :o)
Warrick took another sip from the half-empty coffee mug and checked the clock on the wall again. The hands pointed definitely at 7.49am. Grissom had sent him home an hour early, because work was slow and also Warrick had spent the last three hours of the shift a sleep in the break room. So Warrick happily came back to his apartment to get ready for Jenny coming for breakfast. He'd decided to keep it simple - seeing as cooking wasn't his strong point - and just make a couple of omelettes and toast.
He bobbed his head along to the radio as he poured the egg into the hot pan. Then the doorbell rang. Figuring he could risk leaving the cooking food for a minute, he hurried over and opened the door. Jenny stood in front of him dressed in a pair of tight dark brown trousers and fitted red top. "Hey, you're early."
She returned the wide smile and stepped passed him into the apartment. "Hey yourself. I know I'm early, but I figured you won't mind. Better then being late."
"I don't mind," He said and looked carefully at her, knowing something was amiss. "Where's Melissa?"
"Had to go see Brit. I told him where I was going and he offered to take her off my hands for an hour," She filled him in. "Don't get me wrong, I love being a mother and all, but it's damn exhausting sometimes. It's nice to have a break and Brit adores spending time with her. Treats her like she's his grandchild. I guess in a way she is."
"Well you're here to relax and put your feet up."
Her smile widened as he pulled out a chair for her. "Always a gentleman." Then a look of confusion covered her face and she sniffed the air. "Warrick what's burning?"
Warrick's eyes widened and he turned to see a thick black cloud rising from the frying pan. Quickly, he rushed over, turned off the hob and tried to fan away the smoke. Jenny walked up and leaned against the counter as she tried to control her laughter. "Where there's smoke; there's Warrick's cooking."
"Ha, ha," He muttered as he slapped the pan into the sink and poured water over the smouldering ruins, but soon he was laughing as well. "God, I've messed this up."
"No," She said and leaned over his shoulder to stare at the charcoaled eggs, "It just looks...inedible. So what else have you got?"
"Have no idea. Look in the fridge."
She wandered over and opened the door. "Oh my god. This piece of cheese has one hell of a lot of mold on it. Leave it in here any longer and it may evolve, then try to kill you in the middle of the night!"
"Death by cheese. Definitely would be a new one for the team," Warrick mused. "But at least I know you'll miss me."
"Ummm, I think I need time to consider that."
He gave her a hurt look. "Awww, come on. That was uncalled for. You should be nicer seeing as I went to all this trouble to burn eggs for you."
"Very true. No one burns food quite like you. You would be greatly missed."
He leaned closer so he could inspect the furry mass on the fridge shelf. "Um, Jen, I don't think that's cheese."
Jenny backed away in disgusted and slid the bin closer. "Ok, put it in there now!"
Obediently, he obliged then turned his attention back to the rest of the fridge's contents. "Aha!" Warrick exclaimed triumphantly, pulling out two Chinese take-away boxes and handing them over.
"Half eaten Chinese, boy you sure know how to show a girl a good time," She teased with a wicked smile.
"Just wait until you're a CSI, then you shall learn the truth; take-away for dinner followed by cold take-away for breakfast is part of nutritious diet!" He retorted.
Jen stuck out her tongue playfully at him. "I was in collage you know."
After finding two forks, they started to eat in a comfortable silence. Warrick stole side-ways glances at Jenny, as she unknowingly bobbed her head along to the background music. Then her eyes lit up with delight and her smile widened at the new intro. "I love this song," She beamed as she hurried over to turn it up.
He watched in amusement as she began to sway to the music, then started to sing perfectly in time with the lyrics: "I wonder, If he knows I've been watching him, And I wonder, If he knows I can feel him, And I wonder, In my dreams when I'm sleeping, I'm keeping him close to me. I'm thinking, He's the thunder; I'm the lightning, And I'm thinking, Maybe we can come together, And I'm thinking, We can bring the rain with a lovely breeze with such harmony"
Without a second consideration, Warrick placed his own 'breakfast' down, walked over and placed his arms around her waist. She returned the gesture by wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Like a train on a track, like spokes inside a wheel, Involuntary motion like rolling down hill, And there's no way to stop it. Ain't no way baby, Ain't no way baby. It's a natural thing like sunrise and dusk, Snowflakes, waterfalls, same thing with us, And there's no way to stop it, Once you fall in love."
They gently swayed together to the music, as Jenny continued to sing along. Their eyes locked firmly together and Warrick smiled at seeing hers dance with joy. She hadn't looked so happy since Melissa had been born - and even then there was bitterness to the joy, knowing her husband would never see their daughter. But right now all she felt was pure peaceful happiness.
"I'm glowing, And overflow of happy laughter I'm growing, Closer to you more than ever I'm blowing, Daffodils and kisses, baby breath, and roses gently touching noses, I'm sailing, Without a destination, I'm sailing, Explore uncharted places, I'm exhaling. No more lonely seasons, I'm underwater breathing. Drowning in the sea of love."
The moment had crept quietly back. He knew that Jenny felt it as well, because her voice trailed off and her smile turned sombre. The music began to fade, as if hundreds of miles away. There was nothing else to stop it this time: only them.
~Like a train on a track, like spokes inside a wheel, Involuntary motion like rolling down hill, And there's no way to stop it. Ain't no way baby, Ain't no way baby. It's a natural thing like sunrise and dusk, Snowflakes, waterfalls, same thing with us, And there's no way to stop it, Once you fall in love.
I heard a songbird, a seed came through the earth, Strangers holding hands, a crowd cheering in the stands, I've already seen all the evidence, It's obvious love's in the air again. Saw dark clouds blow, chased by rainbows, Saw two roses bloom just like me and you, Caught up in the magic I can't pretend, It's obvious love's in the air again ~
He swallowed hard, helpless to look away from her. The temptation was spreading fast and finally he gave in. He leaned closer to kiss her; ready to pull away at the first sign of hesitation. But when he received none, he deepened the kiss - letting her know just how much he wanted her. She answered back with just as much hunger; arms pulled him closer and fingers ran through his hair. Then as quickly as she responded, she backed away.
~ Like a train on a track, like spokes inside a wheel, Involuntary motion like rolling down hill, And there's no way to stop it~
"Warrick!" Jenny almost fumbled to the floor, when she jerked violently from his grasp. He stared at her; lips still swollen from his kiss and eyes swollen with unshed tears. The happiness has disappeared from her emerald orbs, only to replaced with the familiar pain. Pain he'd promised to protect her from.
~ Ain't no way baby, Ain't no way baby ~
"Jenny..." He began, trying to hold her arm in comfort like he was used to doing. She flinched away, sending a surge of pain through his already aching heart.
~ It's a natural thing like sunrise and dusk, Snowflakes, waterfalls, same thing with us ~
"I...I...I need to go," She stuttered, running a hand her hand. "I...have...I need to get Melissa."
"Jenny!" He called in a feeble attempt to stop her as turned and fled the apartment. Warrick wanted to go after her, but he was rooted to the spot; the knowledge that he'd over stepped the line and destroyed their relationship stabbed him. What was he meant to do now?
~ And there's no way to stop it, Once you fall in love ~
It was the phone's ringing that managed to drag him back to reality. He blinked rapidly as his brain snapped back on and he grabbed the handset. "Hello?"
"Warrick it's me," Nick voice answered back. There was something strange about it. Was it worry? Guilt? Both?
"Are you ok?"
"Do I sound ok?" Nick snapped, taking Warrick by surprise. He sighed and apologised quickly, "Sorry, it's just... have you seen Sara?"
"Not since yesterday. She said she was going to see you. Why? What happened?" Warrick asked, suddenly troubled by Nick's tone.
He sighed again heavily. "I'm such an idiot. No, idiot doesn't even begin to describe what I am... God, why did she have to do that? I thought we agreed to be friends. Just friends. God, why was I stupid enough to think she'd changed? But no, Michelle has to ruin my life again...I ca-"
"What happened Nick?" Warrick pressed, cutting him off mid-ramble.
"Michelle came over last night, before Sara, and we got talking and everything was fine. It was all ok until she kissed me," He paused and took a deep breath. "And Sara saw."
"Shit, have you tried to explain?"
"I've been trying since she left, but I can't reach her. I have no idea where she's gone. God War, what am I going to do?"
Warrick rubbed his head, as he tried to think. 'Well man, we're stuck in the same boat. Both of us have hurt the girls we love the most and are now completely lost as what to do.'
But instead he asked: "What are you doing now?"
"Walking around outside, trying to get my head back together and figure out how the hell I am going to make this rig-" He stopped abruptly.
"Nick, what's going on?" Warrick asked, the sudden silence alarming him.
"Oh god Warrick, it's Sara's SUV, it's definitely hers. It's about a block away from my apartment....oh no....no..."
"What?"
"Her keys are on the ground beneath it....Oh god! God no!"
"Nick, what is it?" He asked, already sure by Nick's tone that it wasn't good, but he needed to know.
"There's blood..."
~*~*~*~*~
The bright yellow crime scene tap was already up and police officers milled near by as Grissom and Catherine pulled up in their Tahoe. They had been asleep when the phone rang; quickly waking up when they heard the news. He'd ordered them not to touch a thing until he'd arrived, and - after a tiny argument - agreed that Catherine could come.
Grissom slid his sunglasses on; the Las Vegas skies shone brightly once more, as if the events of last night had never happened and the horrors had been washed away as well. 'No,' He thought darkly. 'They're still here. Even after the storm is gone, it's presence remains.'
He felt a hand squeeze his arm and he turned to look at Cath, as she nodded towards Nick and Warrick. Both were slumped on the pavement; Nick fidgeting impatiently, whilst Warrick tried to calm him. Gris and Catherine walked towards them - kits ready in hands. Nick spotted them first and leapt to his feet. "Come on le-" He began as he took a step towards the crime scene, but Grissom stopped him.
"You can't handle this one Nick."
"Why the hell not?" Nick demanded, rage filling his voice.
"You know why not. I'm sorry Nicky, but you're the most emotionally involved out of all of us. Go back with Brass and we'll handle this."
"But-"
"Please Nick, I know you want to help her, but this is the only way you can right now. Please."
He glared frostily at Grissom as Brass led him to the car. Gris felt Cath walk up next to him, all eyes watching Nick departure. "Then why do we have the case Gil? Shouldn't this be handled by the day team?" She asked gently.
"Ecklie's team couldn't find a piece of evidence if it was bagged, labelled and right under their noses. We owe Sara more then that," Grissom stated. "Besides, we know him."
His last words took them both by surprise. "You don't think it's the stripper and hooker killer do you?" Warrick questioned.
"It's hard to explain, but I know when it's one of his crime scenes. There's just this feeling that lingers there and this feels like one of his."
"There...there might be another explanation," Cath pointed out uncertainly. "I mean; this might not be what it looks like."
Grissom nodded slightly. "I haven't ruled that out yet. That's why, when we get back, I want you and Warrick to think of anywhere she might have gone and check them out." He pulled out a pair of latex gloves and turned his attention back to the crime scene. "But right now, we have a crime scene to process."
~*~*~*~*~
Her head hurt. It was the first thing Sara was sure of as the darkness released her from its hold. Everything was a jumble inside her head; nothing made sense. She tried to move, but her hands were yanked forcefully back with a clunk. Sara stared up to find that her wrist had been pinned above her head, held in place with chains. Pointlessly, she tugged at them, but the metal held fast. She blinked into the gloom, wondering where the hell she was.
Bricks scrapped the backs of her hands and she managed to make out a large old-fashioned boiler in the corner. 'Ok, so I guess this is a basement,' She concluded.
Then the smell of burning flesh stung her nose. She recoiled in disgust, feeling nausea stirring in the pit of her stomach and just wishing that the smell would disappear. After several minutes, she dared to open her eyes again and she realised something else: she wasn't alone. On the opposite wall lay another woman. She was from African origin, her dark hair fell in greasy wild curls and he dark skin was somehow sickly pale. And - just like Sara - her arms were chained above her head.
Sara tried to call out to her, but her throat was bone-dry, making her voice no louder than a whisper. The woman gave no response. Sara wondered if she even knew that she was there. She looked so weak and frail, but it was her eyes that froze her blood. They were bleak and hollow, as if the light of life and hope had been long snuffed out. And now they remained fixed to her left.
Following her gaze, Sara's eyes landed upon an empty basin on the floor, above which was a photo. It was a photo she's seen before: the one of Catherine and her old workmates at the 'French Palace'. But Portia's face had been slashed and next to her stood the smiling image of the girl trapped here. Panic surged through Sara as she realised where she was and what was happening. The fearful nausea was rising faster then mercury and she desperately tried to yank herself free from her restraints.
Suddenly, the door banged open and the bright light that flooded in stung her eyes. A dark figure approached her as she tried to back away. His forearms were more tanned then the rest of him - they were outstretched as he carried a tray. Ink-black hair flopped in front of his eyes and the orbs themselves were just as dark. He knelt down beside Sara and - without so much as looking directly at her - began to tend to the cut on her forehead. She hissed as it stung, but his tender touch took her by surprise. When he's finished, he pressed a glass of water to her lips. She gratefully drank it, the cooling liquid smoothing her throat.
She stared over his shoulder at the other girl who had been left neglected. "What about her?" She croaked to her captor.
Slowly, he looked at the other girl, then at the basin and finally at the small slit in the wall - the only source of light in the cellar. Then he held Sara's gaze, before standing up and leaving, locking the door firmly behind him. Though he hadn't spoken a word, he had answered her question: when the sun went down, the other girl's time had run out.
A/N: Well at least you now know Sara's alive. What do you think? Any theories, comments, questions, or rambles are much welcomed. I know you've missed hitting that little button for two weeks; so go on, what are you waiting for? Lol :o)