Chapter 1 was ridiculously short I know, so here's another one
As he took his seat Grissom soon realized that this meeting would not be what he expected. Carvallo and the new Sheriff sat opposite a clearly uncomfortable Conrad Eckley who appeared to be sweating bullets. He thought he might enjoy this meeting after all. Shortly after Grissom's arrival Sally Davies, swing shift supervisor arrived and the formalities of the meeting began.
Carvallo started "Most of us are aware of today's events and revelations, but for Gil's benefit and for the minutes I will recap. Today Mrs Edith Eckley entered the CSI building without authority in order to confront her husband, Conrad is this true?"
Eckley studied the table and mumbled out a reply "mmyesmmm"
"In the course of her visit Mrs Eckley not only confronted Conrad but also CSI Jane Forster, Mrs Eckley claimed that her husband and CSI Forster were engaged in an extra-marital affair and in the minutes that followed Mrs Eckley assaulted CSI Forster and caused damage to furniture supplied to the breakroom."
Oh God Eckley was sleeping with one of CSI's. What are they gonna do to him.
"This meeting has been convened to decide whether and in what from disciplinary action should be taken against Conrad and, or CSI Forster."
The Sheriff now spoke. "The city realizes that our officers and criminalists especially operate in a close knit community, I have spoken to the Governor and officers of the city about the matter of relationships within that community and we agree that this is a delicate subject. We feel that punishing the existence of relationships would be detrimental to the efficiency of the lab as these relationships will arise, and many fare very successfully. However we also feel that we must implement procedures in order to protect the city."
Carvallo continued "We will require that any Police department employee entering into a relationship with another Police department employee sign a waiver preventing them from filing sexual harassment claims against the other, concourse to this should the relationship end this waiver can be withdrawn. Both the signing and withdrawal of these must be completed with both parties present and witnessed by senior management."
The sheriff took his turn once again. "We request that these relationships are carried out non-secretively yet discreetly around colleagues, although we accept that this cannot be enforced. We do, however, insist that in the workplace and during working hours complete professionalism is required. Should we find that employees are … fraternizing… during city time the penalties will be heavy. It is this accusation that has been levied at you Conrad, have you anything to say?"
Eckley cleared his throat and began "uh…I admit that CSI Forster have been engaged in a…uh…liason. I realize that as married people this was morally wrong. It was not a relationship of huge meaning to either of us. Obviously we were unaware of how the city felt on this matter, and considering our home situations we kept our…selves to ourselves…i..uh…that's it."
The sheriff spoke up. "Conrad as we have stated that you were in a relationship with CSI Forster is not an issue for us, and we are not in a position to judge your morals. However your wife accuses that she witnessed yourself and CSI Forster engaged in inappropriate behavior during city time this morning at 8.45am in the parking lot of the 'western inn'."
Eckley's face drained of color while Grissom and Davies observed in secret delight at the discomfort of their old nemesis. "…Uhhh…." He audibly gulped "uhh…Sir if you check the records you will find that both myself and CSI Forster applied for and were given leave this morning up until 10.30am."
" Should this check out then that is fine Conrad, we then must also broach the subject of the damage of city property as a result of your…liason. As I am sure you are aware the city is within it's rights to pursue criminal action against Mrs Eckley, this however would involve the circumstances of her visit to come out in court. Are you willing to foot he bill for any damage in order to prevent this from happening?"
"oh..yes Sir…of course"
"Obviously CSI Forster is within her rights to request charges of assault be brought. The director and I believe that a 5 day unpaid suspension should be handed out to both Conrad and CSI Forster for the undue disruption to the lab
that has resulted from this mess, and this will be a standard punishment for such circumstances. Do we agree that these are appropriate measures?"
Davies eagerly agreed hoping that this would end the meeting and allow her to fill in the many lab techs desperate for gossip.
Grissom was still too stunned to respond.
"Gil?"
"oh..agreed"
"I trust that as supervisors you will make all staff aware of relationships procedures and will enforce them to the letter. Thank-you."
With that the Sheriff and Carvallo left the room.