Disclaimer: Hasn't changed; I still don't own this!
A/N: Ok, I'm about to start with the apologies again: I'm sorry it took so long. I've now completed my Mocks (I worked hard for my U in maths!) and I'm still struggling with coursework, but there is only just over a week left 'til I'm free for Christmas hols! So lets make a deal: if I update this within a week, no apologies. Ok? Thanks to all who reviewed last time: Charming-Storm, little me, Cool Penguin, Sprinkles143, spikes-storm, MissyJane, Megs23, Nicola and The Madhatter2. You guys are wonderful. I'll now shut up and get on with the plot. R&R and ENJOY!!! - Bex
Brit had insisted - much to Nick and Grissom's annoyance - that they should finish at least one mug of coffee before they left. His logic behind this was that they needed to calm down a bit to be able to think straight. However, he had allowed Gris to ring ahead so he could order a nasal swab from Pick Tarantino and for Greg to check his DNA against the semen's. Also Grissom asked them to get an officer to bring Lindsey over to Brit's; the old man said he didn't mind looking after her and it was about time he spent some time with her.
After drinking the scolding liquid as fast as possible, and when Brit seemed satisfied, they were allowed to go. As they left, Brit gave Jenny strict instructions to get some rest; the young woman was still quite shaken by the advents before. They climbed into Grissom's car, where the question began almost instantly: "You're sure that he's not going to hurt Sara?" Nick asked again, still needing reassurance.
"Almost positive. She doesn't fit the vic profile and she wasn't taken on the third night. Serial killers create a pattern - a ritual if you want to call it that - and they stick to it," She explained. "They can't stand it when something goes wrong or something interferes with it; like the police or you guys. He's going to keep repeating the pattern until he's caught."
"And it looks like Catherine's next," Grissom muttered darkly.
"Not if we have anything to do with it," Warrick reassured. "Come on Gris; I've got a gut feeling our new lead's gonna help us catch him in time. We'll have them back before you know it."
"So anything else you want to add that you have mentioned already Jen?" Grissom inquired.
"Only that he's definitely an ex con. That's probably how he met Tarantino."
"How can you be so sure?" Nick asked.
"Because he took too much precaution for his DNA not to be on record. Also it could be the reason he's so good at covering his tracks," She stated.
"How do you know that?"
Jenny glanced awkwardly at Warrick then adverted her gaze, but not quickly enough for him not to notice. "Because we learn from our mistakes."
~*~*~*~*~
The vehicle glided back into its space in the parking lot and the occupants got out. Warrick spied Jenny's car parked in the furthest spot from the building. He looked at her, wondering what she meant when she said that we learn from out mistakes? Was their kiss a mistake? Was everything about them a mistake?
Melissa had fallen asleep in her arms. She held her tightly and rocked her gently. Jenny looked at them, focusing on Nick and Grissom, whilst she ignored Warrick. "I'm going home to get some sleep like Brit said. Call me if you need any more help," She reminded them and smiled reassuringly. "They'll be back safe, soon."
She had only taken a few steps before someone grabbed her arm. When she turned round she was met by Warrick's sad face. "Can...can I walk you to your car?" He asked unsurely.
"I can managed," She replied curtly.
"Jenny-"
"I'll see you soon Warrick," She cut across quickly and walked away.
He watched her go; kicking himself about what a mess he'd made out of everything. Warrick knew the other men were staring at him and he knew it was only a matter of time before Nick asked: "What happened?"
"It doesn't matter."
"It does when it's the reason we couldn't contact Brit or Jenny earlier," Nick snapped angrily.
"Nick," Gris said, trying to keep the peace though Warrick knew he was just as mad.
"No Grissom. We've got a right to know. What did you do?"
"I kissed her, ok?" Warrick blurted out, the hurt, anger and rejection filling his voice. "You were right all along. I'm in love with her. I love her and that kid more than anything else. I didn't mean for it to happen and now it did, I wish it hadn't. She made it perfectly clear that she doesn't feel the same. And I'm sorry. I'm sorry I stopped us from getting them back before. I'm sorry I lost Cath more time."
There was an awkward stillness as these words settled in. Then Grissom unexpectedly put a hand on Warrick's shoulder. "We've still got some time left to get her back. And we're going to get them both back safely." He looked at both of them. "That's all that matters right now. Come on, we've got work to do."
~*~*~*~*~
Over on the other side of the car park, Jenny placed Melissa into the baby seat in the car, careful not to wake her daughter. She fastened her seat belt and kissed her gently on the head, then wiped the two silent tears from her eyes. She shut the door and went to get into the driver's seat. The sky was getting darker by the minute as a new night captured Vegas.
It was the twig that snapped when he stepped on it that gave her a warning no one else had. During the first inhalation of the intoxicated cloth that had been pressed against her mouth, her elbow had been bought sharply backwards and into his ribcage. He grunted and doubled over in pain.
Jenny's head was spinning and she felt faint, but as she glanced drowsily at the man dressed in black with his face concealed by a balaclava, her mothering instincts kicked in. She knew she had to protect her baby at all costs.
Swaying slightly, she tried to hurry to the other side of the car, but he had already recovered. He shoved her back against the car; waking Melissa up and the infant began to bawl. With all the oxygen in her lungs, Jenny started to scream.
The men were halfway into the building when they heard them. They ran back to see Jenny struggling to fight off an unidentifiable man. It looked like she'd just clawed at his neck, when he viciously slapped her with the back of his hand. She went limp as her head smacked against the metal door. "LEAVE HER ALONE!" Warrick roared before he could stop himself, as he sprinted over there.
The attacker looked up to see the three men heading towards him. He took off as fast as he could; Nick persuade him, whilst Warrick rushed to Jenny's aid and Grissom went to retrieve the distressed baby.
"Jenny? Jenny?" Warrick said as he gently shook her.
She opened her eyes slightly. "Melissa?" She chocked.
Warrick looked up to see Grissom trying to calm Melissa again by rocking her in his arms. "She's safe."
"He got away," Nick panted as he returned. "He goddamn got away."
Warrick felt the rage building. The second he found that man would be the second he'd make him sorry for ever laying a finger on Jenny. "You're going to be alright," Warrick told her softly and went to hold her hand, but she jerked it away.
"Don't. It's his," She muttered. He looked at her nails and realised they were covered with blood.
"Nick, get Greg out here, tell Brass what happened and make sure someone calls an ambulance," Grissom ordered above Melissa's cries. Nick nodded and hurried towards the building.
Only minutes later, the lab tech came running out with a kit in his hand. He froze when he saw Jenny slumped against the car, battered and almost unconscious. "Greg," Grissom barked, snapping him out of his trance.
"Sorry," He apologised, as he removed a swab and knelt down before her. Gently, he held her wrist as he collected a sample from under her fingernails. "Hey Sinclair. You've done a good job. We'll find him and when we do, he'll be sorry," He reassured. When he'd finished, he stood back up. "An ambulance is in its way," He told the others.
"Thanks Greg," Grissom said.
Greg smiled faintly and headed back towards the lab to run the DNA through CODIS. Warrick wrapped an arm protectively around Jenny. "An ambulance will be here soon Jen, so just hold on, ok?"
"Melissa?" She whispered.
"She's fine."
"I'm sorry. I feel so tired..." Her voice trailed off as her eyes rolled back into her head and she passed out against Warrick shoulder.
~*~*~*~*~
Sara wanted to scream for the light to come back; despite Catherine's reassurances, she was sure that her time was up. The door opened and she cowered back as far as she could into the shadows. Every step he took echoed around the cell, making her heart pound faster with fear. She was sure that Cath felt it as well. 'I'm going to die,' Her head screamed, 'I'm going to die.'
But he completely blanked them both; angrily throwing a set of chains he was carrying into the corner. In the faint light, she could just make out several open gashes on his neck. He must have sense her staring at him, because he spun round. His raging eyes burned into her.
"Leave her alone!" Cath began to shriek, with strength Sara was amazed to see she had left. "Leave her alone. LEAVE HER ALONE YOU ASSHOLE!"
He turned round, stormed angrily over to where she was chained and delivered a teeth-rattling smack across her face. It silenced her, as she spat blood on to the floor.
He marched out, taking the light with him. But he left something behind; despite him attacking Catherine, Sara had found a wisp of hope. She was going to live.
For now.
A/N: What do you think? You guys should know by now that I wanna hear it, plus it'll help me write faster ;o) So what are you waiting for? HIT THAT BUTTON NOW!!!!
A/N: Ok, I'm about to start with the apologies again: I'm sorry it took so long. I've now completed my Mocks (I worked hard for my U in maths!) and I'm still struggling with coursework, but there is only just over a week left 'til I'm free for Christmas hols! So lets make a deal: if I update this within a week, no apologies. Ok? Thanks to all who reviewed last time: Charming-Storm, little me, Cool Penguin, Sprinkles143, spikes-storm, MissyJane, Megs23, Nicola and The Madhatter2. You guys are wonderful. I'll now shut up and get on with the plot. R&R and ENJOY!!! - Bex
Brit had insisted - much to Nick and Grissom's annoyance - that they should finish at least one mug of coffee before they left. His logic behind this was that they needed to calm down a bit to be able to think straight. However, he had allowed Gris to ring ahead so he could order a nasal swab from Pick Tarantino and for Greg to check his DNA against the semen's. Also Grissom asked them to get an officer to bring Lindsey over to Brit's; the old man said he didn't mind looking after her and it was about time he spent some time with her.
After drinking the scolding liquid as fast as possible, and when Brit seemed satisfied, they were allowed to go. As they left, Brit gave Jenny strict instructions to get some rest; the young woman was still quite shaken by the advents before. They climbed into Grissom's car, where the question began almost instantly: "You're sure that he's not going to hurt Sara?" Nick asked again, still needing reassurance.
"Almost positive. She doesn't fit the vic profile and she wasn't taken on the third night. Serial killers create a pattern - a ritual if you want to call it that - and they stick to it," She explained. "They can't stand it when something goes wrong or something interferes with it; like the police or you guys. He's going to keep repeating the pattern until he's caught."
"And it looks like Catherine's next," Grissom muttered darkly.
"Not if we have anything to do with it," Warrick reassured. "Come on Gris; I've got a gut feeling our new lead's gonna help us catch him in time. We'll have them back before you know it."
"So anything else you want to add that you have mentioned already Jen?" Grissom inquired.
"Only that he's definitely an ex con. That's probably how he met Tarantino."
"How can you be so sure?" Nick asked.
"Because he took too much precaution for his DNA not to be on record. Also it could be the reason he's so good at covering his tracks," She stated.
"How do you know that?"
Jenny glanced awkwardly at Warrick then adverted her gaze, but not quickly enough for him not to notice. "Because we learn from our mistakes."
~*~*~*~*~
The vehicle glided back into its space in the parking lot and the occupants got out. Warrick spied Jenny's car parked in the furthest spot from the building. He looked at her, wondering what she meant when she said that we learn from out mistakes? Was their kiss a mistake? Was everything about them a mistake?
Melissa had fallen asleep in her arms. She held her tightly and rocked her gently. Jenny looked at them, focusing on Nick and Grissom, whilst she ignored Warrick. "I'm going home to get some sleep like Brit said. Call me if you need any more help," She reminded them and smiled reassuringly. "They'll be back safe, soon."
She had only taken a few steps before someone grabbed her arm. When she turned round she was met by Warrick's sad face. "Can...can I walk you to your car?" He asked unsurely.
"I can managed," She replied curtly.
"Jenny-"
"I'll see you soon Warrick," She cut across quickly and walked away.
He watched her go; kicking himself about what a mess he'd made out of everything. Warrick knew the other men were staring at him and he knew it was only a matter of time before Nick asked: "What happened?"
"It doesn't matter."
"It does when it's the reason we couldn't contact Brit or Jenny earlier," Nick snapped angrily.
"Nick," Gris said, trying to keep the peace though Warrick knew he was just as mad.
"No Grissom. We've got a right to know. What did you do?"
"I kissed her, ok?" Warrick blurted out, the hurt, anger and rejection filling his voice. "You were right all along. I'm in love with her. I love her and that kid more than anything else. I didn't mean for it to happen and now it did, I wish it hadn't. She made it perfectly clear that she doesn't feel the same. And I'm sorry. I'm sorry I stopped us from getting them back before. I'm sorry I lost Cath more time."
There was an awkward stillness as these words settled in. Then Grissom unexpectedly put a hand on Warrick's shoulder. "We've still got some time left to get her back. And we're going to get them both back safely." He looked at both of them. "That's all that matters right now. Come on, we've got work to do."
~*~*~*~*~
Over on the other side of the car park, Jenny placed Melissa into the baby seat in the car, careful not to wake her daughter. She fastened her seat belt and kissed her gently on the head, then wiped the two silent tears from her eyes. She shut the door and went to get into the driver's seat. The sky was getting darker by the minute as a new night captured Vegas.
It was the twig that snapped when he stepped on it that gave her a warning no one else had. During the first inhalation of the intoxicated cloth that had been pressed against her mouth, her elbow had been bought sharply backwards and into his ribcage. He grunted and doubled over in pain.
Jenny's head was spinning and she felt faint, but as she glanced drowsily at the man dressed in black with his face concealed by a balaclava, her mothering instincts kicked in. She knew she had to protect her baby at all costs.
Swaying slightly, she tried to hurry to the other side of the car, but he had already recovered. He shoved her back against the car; waking Melissa up and the infant began to bawl. With all the oxygen in her lungs, Jenny started to scream.
The men were halfway into the building when they heard them. They ran back to see Jenny struggling to fight off an unidentifiable man. It looked like she'd just clawed at his neck, when he viciously slapped her with the back of his hand. She went limp as her head smacked against the metal door. "LEAVE HER ALONE!" Warrick roared before he could stop himself, as he sprinted over there.
The attacker looked up to see the three men heading towards him. He took off as fast as he could; Nick persuade him, whilst Warrick rushed to Jenny's aid and Grissom went to retrieve the distressed baby.
"Jenny? Jenny?" Warrick said as he gently shook her.
She opened her eyes slightly. "Melissa?" She chocked.
Warrick looked up to see Grissom trying to calm Melissa again by rocking her in his arms. "She's safe."
"He got away," Nick panted as he returned. "He goddamn got away."
Warrick felt the rage building. The second he found that man would be the second he'd make him sorry for ever laying a finger on Jenny. "You're going to be alright," Warrick told her softly and went to hold her hand, but she jerked it away.
"Don't. It's his," She muttered. He looked at her nails and realised they were covered with blood.
"Nick, get Greg out here, tell Brass what happened and make sure someone calls an ambulance," Grissom ordered above Melissa's cries. Nick nodded and hurried towards the building.
Only minutes later, the lab tech came running out with a kit in his hand. He froze when he saw Jenny slumped against the car, battered and almost unconscious. "Greg," Grissom barked, snapping him out of his trance.
"Sorry," He apologised, as he removed a swab and knelt down before her. Gently, he held her wrist as he collected a sample from under her fingernails. "Hey Sinclair. You've done a good job. We'll find him and when we do, he'll be sorry," He reassured. When he'd finished, he stood back up. "An ambulance is in its way," He told the others.
"Thanks Greg," Grissom said.
Greg smiled faintly and headed back towards the lab to run the DNA through CODIS. Warrick wrapped an arm protectively around Jenny. "An ambulance will be here soon Jen, so just hold on, ok?"
"Melissa?" She whispered.
"She's fine."
"I'm sorry. I feel so tired..." Her voice trailed off as her eyes rolled back into her head and she passed out against Warrick shoulder.
~*~*~*~*~
Sara wanted to scream for the light to come back; despite Catherine's reassurances, she was sure that her time was up. The door opened and she cowered back as far as she could into the shadows. Every step he took echoed around the cell, making her heart pound faster with fear. She was sure that Cath felt it as well. 'I'm going to die,' Her head screamed, 'I'm going to die.'
But he completely blanked them both; angrily throwing a set of chains he was carrying into the corner. In the faint light, she could just make out several open gashes on his neck. He must have sense her staring at him, because he spun round. His raging eyes burned into her.
"Leave her alone!" Cath began to shriek, with strength Sara was amazed to see she had left. "Leave her alone. LEAVE HER ALONE YOU ASSHOLE!"
He turned round, stormed angrily over to where she was chained and delivered a teeth-rattling smack across her face. It silenced her, as she spat blood on to the floor.
He marched out, taking the light with him. But he left something behind; despite him attacking Catherine, Sara had found a wisp of hope. She was going to live.
For now.
A/N: What do you think? You guys should know by now that I wanna hear it, plus it'll help me write faster ;o) So what are you waiting for? HIT THAT BUTTON NOW!!!!