Chapter 8
Everyone gathered at Elaina's house within a short time. Grissom and the others were still there as well, waiting on more answers, which Elaina said they would get. Elaina made herself a cup of coffee while she waited.
"Everyone is here, why is she stalling?" Cody asked Sabrina.
"I don't know. It must have to do with the call she got. Why didn't you bug her phone?"
"I've been preoccupied. Why didn't you?" Cody asked her.
"Same reason as you."
"When this is all over can I get a tour of the lab? I was able to get one in Chicago. Even got to sit in on an autopsy," Alex asked Grissom.
"I don't think your Boss would like you associating with the enemy," Grissom said.
"When this is all over, I don't know who my boss will be. So can I get that tour or not?" Alex asked with a smile.
"I'll look into it Miss Cross," Grissom told her.
"Is it my imagination or is everyone on this team a brick shy of a load?" Catherine asked Brass.
"I thought I was the only one that thought it," Brass said with a chuckle.
Elaina went from the living room to the dining room like a shot. The others followed her to see where she was going. She had gone out through the garage as they made it to the door; she opened it to come back in.
"Are you following me?" she asked. "Go sit in the living room, I'll be there soon. That was an order to the team and a request to the three of you," she said to Grissom.
"We're tired of this game. We want answers now!" Brass told her.
"You'll get them in just a few minutes. Now go sit down, please," she said with a smile.
"Five minutes, no longer," Brass told her.
"Won't be that long," she said, going back out.
*****
"It is so good to have you back. I was beginning to think I'd have to go to trial, before you got the case solved," Elaina said to Frank. She kissed him before he could say anything.
"Umm, I liked that." He chuckled. "I didn't think it would take so long. I thought two days and it would be over. Ever notice bad guys don't run on our time schedule?" he said, holding her close to him.
"I noticed a long time ago. Where's my girl?"
"She's with Derek and Becky back at the plane. They'll be here when the smoke clears. We should go in and explain what exactly happened."
"I like standing here holding you."
"Come on, let's face the music and get it over with," Frank said, breaking the embrace.
"Wait! Where did Andy go?" she asked, remembering seeing him in the car with Frank.
Frank walked over and opened the garage door; Andy was on the other side. "Come on in, she's harmless."
"Andy, I was only joking when I said I'd shoot you the next time I saw you. You know I like you or I'd have shot you already," Elaina said with a smile.
"As often as you have threatened in the last couple of months, I thought it wise to have Frank make sure it was safe."
"Do you have Sam pregnant yet?" Elaina asked changing the subject.
"You ask me that every time we talk. No not yet but we are trying very hard."
"Don't try, it will happen when it's supposed to happen," Elaina said.
"I'm beginning to think that is very true. But Sam is getting frustrated not getting pregnant when she wants to be."
"I'll call her and talk to her soon. Let's go in and explain things to our guests," Elaina suggested.
******
"What is taking them so long?" Jake wondered.
"She said we'd get our answers, so just be patient," Maria told him.
"Do you really think she killed Frank?" Alex asked Grissom.
"At first yes. But now we know she didn't," Grissom announced.
"Really? Then why are you here?" Cody questioned him.
"I want to know why she went to all this trouble to make herself look guilty and take my team from other cases," Grissom answered as Elaina walked in with Andy.
"I didn't take you from other cases, you could've worked any that came up. You're the bulldog of this group. You got hold of it and wouldn't let go," Elaina said.
"My curiosity had the best of me. I've never seen a case quit like this one," Grissom told her. "I have to admit you made me think about all of the evidence including your answers that you have given us in the interviews."
"I gave so many clues but I don't know if anyone realized what I was actually saying," Elaina mentioned.
"I figured out that you were only drinking to set up a pattern to make others think you were a lush," Sab said.
"Very good, Sabrina," Andy commented.
"Yeah she had most of it figured out I had to throw her off the trail by using Derek," Elaina said.
"He was in on it too?" Catherine asked.
"Yes. I would never have my children thinking their father was dead if it wasn't true."
"Where is Mr. Donovan, if he's alive," Brass asked.
Elaina walked over to get Frank. He was coming back from the kitchen with a sandwich in his hand. "What are you up to?"
"Where are all the knives?" Frank asked before eating another bite.
"Sabrina hid them afraid I'd hurt myself. Are you plan on making Andy and I explain this?"
Frank made sure he swallowed before answering making her wait for an answer. "It would be very impolite to talk with my mouthful."
"Then get rid of the sandwich. You're going to help explain this."
"I haven't been back that long and all ready you're pulling rank on me?"
"Damn straight," she said pulling him in the room, taking half of the sandwich too. "I haven't ate anything today."
"Welcome back from the dead, Boss," Cody joked.
"If you will just stay seated and don't ask a bunch of questions the three of us will tell you what happened," Frank said, sitting with Elaina.
"Why can't we ask questions?" Sab wondered.
"It would take too long when we can just tell you what happened and get it over with," Frank said.
"Ok. We'll listen, just don't leave anything out," Sab said, leaning back on the couch.
"Andy would you like to start? After all you did start all this," Elaina said.
"Sure. As you all know I called Frank and Elaina the day before the supposed murder…."
****** A few days before. *****
"Hey Andy. What's up?" Frank asked.
"Your number. Seems there is a problem only you can fix. You need to die in the eyes of others."
"Where am I going?" Frank wondered.
"Not over the phone. I'll fill you in later when you get back to Chicago. Tell no one what is going on, except Elaina."
"She's just came in you can talk to her about it. I need some fresh air all of a sudden." Frank handed Elaina the phone as he did their eyes locked on one another. She knew something big was about to happen to each of them.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"Andy will fill you in." He left her standing with the phone in her hand wondering then she finally talked to Andy.
"Andy, what's happened?"
"Frank needs to die in the eyes of the others."
"Ok. How long will he be gone?"
"A few days maybe longer. You know how these CIA cases are. I promise to keep you informed while he's gone as much as I can," Andy promised.
"I know you will. I believe this is perfect timing for me. Our boss won't give me the funds to start our own forensics lab here. He said the Las Vegas crime lab was the best in the area. I was to use them. I'd like to actually 'kill Frank' to see how good they really are."
"You could get into something deep doing a stunt like that," Andy warned. "Especially, if something were to keep Frank away longer than we suspect."
"I'm willing to risk it. As long as others think he's dead then it will protect Frank in the long run. Especially if he were to meet someone who recognized him," Elaina stated.
"This is true. I want you to let Frank in on your plan. I don't want him mad at me, you're bad enough," Andy said with a laugh.
"Good bye, Andrew." Elaina hung up and started making notes about her plan.
*******
"Frank, do you want to continue?" Andy asked.
"I have one question. At least let us ask between explanations?" Alex said.
"Ok, go ahead," Frank said.
"Why did you say 'die in eyes of others'? Why did he have to die in our eyes?" Alex wondered.
"I can't answer the first part at this time. The second was because that is how Elaina wanted it to pull off what she wanted to do," Frank explained.
"She was testing my team," Grissom said.
"Yes. Now we'll tell you how we set you up," Frank said. "Cody and Sabrina fell into the plan before I knew what it was, they had asked to go riding that afternoon…
********
"Are you ok?" Elaina asked Frank as he came back in from the porch.
"Yeah, I hope you don't mind I told Sab and Cody they could go out riding later."
"Why would I mind? As a matter of fact they will help with my little plan I have brewing."
"Oh God! What are you doing now?" Frank asked, really not wanting to know. He knew her plans could be very devious and complicated at times.
"Don't worry. It will be fun pulling a fast one on everyone," Elaina said with an evil smile.
"Tell me the plan."
"I'm going to kill you," she said it with a deadpan look.
"You're going to kill me. Glad I get a little notice," Frank chuckled.
"I'm not actually going to kill you."
"Well, I certainly hope not. I have work to do elsewhere you know."
"I know. I think we need a body to really pull this off though."
"We can get one. But how do we get the blood and DNA to match?"
"We'll have to fake your medical records, which they will get from the doctor here. Hopefully, they won't think of Daniel's copy too quickly."
"What about Sarah she'll be home in a couple of days?" Frank wondered.
"I'll call your parents on a secure line and tell them the plan they can act as the grieving parents if they get called about it. Which I'm sure they will be."
"We better go home and make those calls so no one thinks it's for real, at least the family won't."
"I'm going to have so much fun with this."
"Just don't go overboard and land in jail," Frank said kissing her.
"Never happen, my love," she said, before returning his kiss.
*****
"So, you went home and made the calls. Then you and Frank beat each other up to make us think you were mad at each other about something, just to set us up?" Cody asked.
"Yes, we did. Only we were getting carried away in the argument, that's when she threw the vase at me," Frank explained.
"I'd like to skip ahead and find out where and how you got the body?" Brass asked.
"We got it from the cadavers we have for such occasions. There was a recent body donated to us so I brought it to help Elaina with her little test. Then we faked the medical records to match the body," Andy explained.
"How could you disgrace a body like that?" Monica asked. "You cut the hands and head off. That's so disgusting."
"The head was already missing, I'm afraid. That is how the person died," Andy told her.
"It was a fresh body, so to speak and how it was donated, we can't say. However we needed to have blood to match the body, when and if it was found. We also needed a weapon as evidence, so we cut the hands off so there would be no fingerprinting," Elaina explained.
"How did you dispose of the body?" Catherine asked.
"The body, itself was never in the house. All of the cutting of the hands and saving the blood was done by Andy and he had the body put in the lake then found when the time was right," Elaina said.
"Are there any other questions?" Frank asked.
"No. I think we've heard enough. With what we found out in our own investigation with you having the bartender water your drinks down and other little things we know enough. I want you to know I don't like being tested this way. It had better never happen again," Grissom said as he got up to leave.
"I assure you there will be no more testing on my part. I will suggest to my bosses that you're lab handle all federal cases in this area if wish to do so. I will also turn my finding over to the rating's board. You may not be number two lab anymore," Elaina said.
"Our rating had better not drop because of this," Catherine said.
"I assure you it won't. It was never my intention to do your department any harm. We will reimburse you for all money and wages spent on this case. All you need to do is send the bill to me at the Foley building. It will be paid as soon as I receive it," Elaina assures him.
"Believe me, you'll receive one," Grissom commented. "Let's get out of here."
"Catherine?" Elaina stopped her before she left the room. "If there are no ill feelings between us, I would like to invite you here to ride anytime you wish. I extend the invitation to any of your co-workers too, if they wish."
"Thank you. Maybe after the air clears a bit more, I might take you up on the offer," Catherine said.
"Very well, I understand completely." Elaina walked the CSI team out then went back in to hear everyone talking about what went on. She went over to Frank, who was talking to Sonny and Jake. "Excuse me, did you call the plane? I want to see my children."
"Yes, I did. I called as you were walking them out. They'll be here soon," Frank answered.
"Have you told them why you were missing?" Elaina wondered.
"I told them all I could that it was a CIA mission. Monica said you had mention I could've been on a mission as an excuse for missing Derek's birthday. She didn't realize you were giving a clue."
"I don't think they caught on to many of my clues," Elaina said. "But it is over and done with."
"I'm thinking we should leave you two alone. I'm sure you need some family time," Sonny said.
"We'd appreciate it very much. We'll talk to all of you tomorrow about this but I think we explained it as much as we can," Frank said.
"Elaina. It was fun working with you again. I really enjoyed it," Andy said.
"Thank you for helping me. I know after the way I have treated you, you could have said no."
"And miss out on one of your plans? Not when they are as good as this one," Andy said laughing. "I'll call to you in a day or two. I'll tell Sam you'll call her, too."
"Have a safe trip back, Andy. And thanks again." Frank walked them all out.
*******
Megan, Becky and Sarah were greeted with hugs from Elaina. She had truly missed Sarah and it had been a while since she had seen Becky. Derek's hug was also a thank you for the great acting job he did when he came to visit days before.
I'm so glad to have my family back together," Elaina said as they all sat down to talk.
"I'm really glad to be back," Frank said. "For a while there I was wondering how long it was going to take to…" Frank was interrupted when Elaina cleared her throat. "I guess I better not say anymore."
"We know you can't take about it in front of us," Becky said.
"Sarah, how did you like staying with Grandma and Grandpa D.?" Frank asked her as she sat on his lap.
"We went to the zoo!" she answered. "I got to pet a pig and a goat."
"She really liked the petting zoo more than the animals she couldn't touch," Megan said. "I have pictures for you to look at later."
"Thank you for taking them," Elaina said. "Becky, how's everything going with you?" she asked as Sarah talked to Frank about the zoo.
"Great. My mother called and told me she and Father are finally divorced. She asked if she could come stay for a while. I told her no. I wasn't ready to mend our relationship yet and not to call me again."
"Are you sure, you should have done that?" Elaina wondered.
"You and Frank have been better parents to me than they could ever hope of being. So I'm sure about what I said. I'm quite sure she only wanted to live in luxury while I paid for everything," Becky stated.
"Ok. I believe you know her better than I do. How is managing a restaurant and college working out?" Elaina wondered.
"I'm doing good with both. My grades were down a little at first but I brought them back up. Derek helps me when he can; he even helps with my homework."
"Really?" Frank asked.
"Yeah, I decided to take a few college courses while I worked. So I'm taking a few of the same classes she takes so we can see each other more."
"Being married isn't enough?" Frank quipped.
"If I had a day off she was in class, so I figured since, I have a set schedule with work now, I can take a few classes and be with her," Derek answered.
"What is she taking, you would be, is it to get a degree for the FBI?" Elaina wondered.
"Psychology and Sociology. I take it to get a better handle on how to deal with the public," Becky explained.
"Daddy, can we go riding? I missed Sand while I gone," Sarah said.
"I don't see why we can't. Why don't you go change into some pants instead of your pretty dress then I'll take you riding?" Frank told her.
"Okie, Megan, would you help me?" Sarah asked, getting off Frank's lap.
"Sure I will. I have to unpack your our bags anyways. We'll be right back." Megan took the bags and followed Sarah up the stairs.
"Is anyone hungry? I haven't been eating much," Elaina said as the phone rang. "I'll get that. Hello?"
"Hi, Aunt Lainie, How are you?" It was Elaina's niece Constance.
"Connie, I'm fine. How are you?"
"I'm good. I have been thinking a lot about what you asked me the other day. I even talked to Dad about it and I have made my decision."
"You're not going to do it are you?"
"Don't say anything. Let me get this out before you say anything else please," Connie stated.
"Ok." Elaina sat down in the chair to brace herself for the news. Frank noticed the tears in her eyes so he went over and sat on the arm of the chair next to her and placed his arm around her.
"I debated this and I talked to a lawyer as you requested. I find it all very overwhelming. So I finally thought of family and not the legal aspects and science of it all. That's what I based my decision on."
"Connie, please just tell me," Elaina begged.
"Yes. I'll be your surrogate," Connie said with a catch in her throat, knowing how happy she just made her aunt.
"OH God! Thank you," she said. Frank got her attention and she told Connie to hold for a sec.
Frank took the phone as Elaina went over to Derek and Becky to tell them. She asked them to keep it quite from Sarah, because she wants it to be a surprise for her.
"Connie, Thank you. I'm thrilled you would do this for us," Frank said, beaming with a big smile.
"There was no way I could say no. I know how much she wants another child, and this will tell me if I want to have one of my own someday." Connie figured. "I'll be there in a few days to meet with you and Elaina and sign all the papers."
"We'll make sure they're ready. You've made us both very happy," Frank said.
"You're very welcome. Tell Aunt Lainie I love her and will talk to her soon."
"I will. Good bye."
"Bye."
Frank hung up the phone and went over to see if Sarah was coming yet. Seeing she wasn't he walked over and grabbed Elaina kissing her deeply. "We're going to be parents again. I am so excited. I just hope I don't let it slip to Sarah."
"You do the CSI team will see how I actually do kill you," Elaina joked, kissing him again.
"Don't joke about that. You need me to get the baby, remember?"
"Sure, I remember. I'd do it after you made the donation," Elaina said with a wink.
Sarah came running down stairs ready to go riding. "Why don't we all go riding?" Frank said.
"Yeah!" Sarah agreed.
"Ok, I'm willing," Elaina said.
"So are we!" Becky said, holding hands with Derek.
The End