Chapter 6
The photographer was already there and the make up person to be sure everything was still good. It took over two hours to get all the pictures John wanted and then they had the before party. She met everyone he wanted her to meet and an hour before the show she excused herself to get ready. She went back to her dressing room and let the makeup person fix her up one more time.
She sat in front of the mirror and looked at herself. She was never nervous before a show but today she was. She had never really had anyone there for her before and knowing Nick and Catherine were going to be there warmed her heart. She soaked her hands in the ice water they had brought her and then wrapped them in the hot towel. She always made her hands cold and then hot before a performance to loosen them up.
John knocked on her door, "Its time."
Grace took one last look in the mirror and stood up. "Showtime"
She waited outside the stage while they introduced her. She peeked out and saw the packed house. They should raise lots of money tonight.
She took a deep breath and walked on stage. As she was walking to the piano she glanced down at the first row. There was Catherine and a little miniature version of her. They both looked so beautiful in their dresses. Nick was dressed in a very nice black suit and looked so handsome. She smiled at them as she started to sit down.
She always chose never to speak before a performance but this time she changed her mind. She leaned into the mike and spoke. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I would like to thank you all for coming. Not only is tonight's performance special because tonight's proceeds will go to the Las Vegas General Hospital's Children's Ward Foundation but today is also the birthday of a very dear friend of mine and I would like to dedicate tonight's performance to Miss Lindsey Willows." She took a breath and started to play.
Catherine had tears in her eyes. Lindsey was so excited she couldn't sit still and then Grace had said her name and she was so still Catherine thought she was in shock.
Nick was surprised when they sat him in the front row next to Catherine and Lindsey. Catherine smiled at him and Lindsey gave him a hug. While they were waiting on the show she was a nonstop chatterbox and Nick enjoyed listening to her talk about Grace. He watched her play and thought how beautiful she was. The dress she had on was red crushed velvet. It had long sleeves that covered her arms but it stopped just below her wrists so only her fingers showed. Her skin was so pale and smooth and her hands looked exquisite.
She didn't speak as she played. She started with classical Christmas songs and then went into the more commercial ones. The time she played seemed to fly by. She played constantly for over two straight hours. Finally she stopped and pulled the mic close to her again.
"I want to thank you again for coming tonight and for inviting me to your lovely city and for letting me play for you tonight." She looked over at Nick and smiled, "I would like to dedicate my final song to someone very special." She closed her eyes and took a moment and started to play.
When Nick heard the opening notes he actually got tears in his eyes. He couldn't believe she was playing the song. Then she started to sing and his heart about burst out of his chest.
I'll be home for Christmas; you can plan on me
Please have snow, and mistletoe, and presents 'neath the tree
Christmas Eve will find me, where the love light gleams I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams Christmas Eve will find me, where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams
If only in my dreams
Grace lingered on the last note and then closed her eyes. She felt so proud and smiled to herself. As she stood up the crowd started applauding. Some people stood and then everyone did. It wasn't very often she got a standing ovation and it felt really good tonight. She bowed and smiled. She stood on stage for almost ten minutes and then bowed again and walked off.
Backstage was a total madhouse. John took her arm and led her to the dressing room, he gave her fifteen minutes to fix herself up again and relax a little. Finally she opened her door and the people came in. It took almost thirty minutes but then she saw Catherine and Lindsey. She smiled and hugged Catherine and looked at Lindsey. "Well don't you two look beautiful tonight."
"You really didn't have to do that Grace." Lindsey pulled on her hand and she laughed, "But we're glad you did. Grace I'd like you to meet my daughter, Lindsey Alison Willows."
Grace bent down to Lindsey's level and shook her hand; "It is an honor to finally meet you Lindsey. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about your playing."
"Really?" Lindsey whispered.
"Yep and actually I'm not scheduled to leave for a few days and I would love to play with you sometime."
"Really?"
"Absolutely." Grace smiled and hugged her.
More people were crowding in and Catherine took Lindsey's hand, "Why don't we get out of the way and let someone else in."
"Thank you for coming Catherine. It meant a lot to me."
"It meant a lot to us too." She led Lindsey away who kept looking over her shoulder.
Grace met even more people and finally the crowd was dwindling. She was getting awful tired and still hadn't seen Nick. The crowd shifted and she saw him leaning against the wall watching her. She smiled at him and started over. Nick pushed himself off the wall and met her halfway.
"I wasn't sure if you were back here." She said.
"Well I wanted to wait until everyone else was done." He took her hand. He leaned over to kiss her cheek and whispered, "I thought maybe I'd walk you to your room."
Grace shivered and squeezed his hand, "OK." She led him to the backdoor of the dressing room and slipped out.
They made it to the elevator and she felt Nick pulled her toward him. He kissed her while they waited on the elevator to come back down. He ran his hands down her arms, "I love this dress. You look very beautiful in it."
"Thanks."
The doors opened and as they walked in another couple came out.
"We enjoyed your show." The woman said.
"Thank you for coming." Grace managed to get out.
The ride seemed to take forever. Finally they were there and the officers outside the door opened it for her. Nick stopped to talk to them and then followed her in.
"What did you say to them." She asked.
"Only that they might be more comfortable waiting by the elevator instead."
Grace blushed, "Oh."
Nick walked over to her and put his arms around her. "I hope that's OK."
"That's absolutely OK." She answered. Suddenly she was very nervous.
"Grace what's wrong?"
She cleared her throat a little; "I just want you to know I don't usually do this."
"This?" He asked.
"Ask someone up to my room that I just met. Its just I feel so comfortable with you."
He cupped her face; "I know that. I don't usually make it a habit to sleep with someone I just met either. But I feel something special when I'm with you."
"Sleep?" She took his hand and led him into her room. "I'm not sure how much sleeping we'll be doing."
Nick laughed, "I think I like the sound of that."
Grace led go of his hand and walked over to the mirror. She caught his eyes and said, "I can't reach the buttons on this dress, do you think you could help me?"
He slipped out of his jacket and tie as he walked over to stand behind her. He kept his eyes on hers, "I think I can handle that." He reached down and slowly unbuttoned each one. He looked into her eyes as he went along. The dress unbuttoned all the way down and he made it until he saw the top of her silk panties. He stopped and brushed his finger down her back and felt her shiver.
Grace closed her eyes and leaned back against him and whispered his name. She felt like she was shaking all over.
Nick leaned down and kissed her on the back of her neck. She had her hair piled on top of her head and he had an excellent view of her graceful neck. She tilted her head to the side giving him better access. He brought his hands around the front of her and slowly pealed her dress down. It got just past her elbows and he let go and it fell to her feet. All she had on was a pair of white silk panties and bra. He brought his hands up and put them around her waist. He glanced at her in the mirror and sucked in his breath when he saw the bruise on her stomach.
Grace opened her eyes and looked at Nick and saw him brush his hands over her stomach. The bruise on her stomach had gotten darker. It was a nice shade of blues and purples. Embarrassed she brought her hands up to cover it but Nick took her hands.
"Please don't." He said, "You don't have to hide it from me."
She looked away so he wouldn't see the tears in her eyes and brought her hands back down.
Nick walked in front of her and brought her face to his. "Let me love you Grace." He gently kissed her mouth and started to trail kisses down to her shoulder. Slowly Nick kissed her lower until he was at the bruise. He put his hands around her waist and kissed the bruise on her stomach. He brushed his tongue across her stomach and felt her body shaking. He stood up and gently pushed her back to the bed. He turned and pulled her down on to the bed with him.
Grace wanted to feel his skin on hers and unbuttoned his shirt. Nick sat up and pulled his shirt off and then pulled her on top of him. She lost all coherent thought. All she could do was feel. Feel his arms around her, his hands on her back and in her hair, his mouth so hot and demanding. They fit together in all the right places.
Grace woke slowly. She had a dull ache in her stomach and it took her a minute to remember where she was. Then everything from the past two days came back. She glanced over at Nick who was still asleep. The clock said it was almost eight. She practiced every morning at eight but she was contemplating skipping this morning. Then she remembered she promised a private concert for the hotel staff and their family at lunchtime. She gently rolled off the bed not wake Nick up and went to take a shower.
Later, when she came out of the bathroom, Nick was still asleep and she didn't want to wake him. She wrote him a quick note and went out the door. The two security guards were still outside the door and they accompanied her down to the auditorium. She asked them to wait outside while she practiced and they stood outside the door.
She went to the piano and just sat there for a minute. She loosened her fingers a little and just started playing. She was in a blues kind of mood and started with some Billy Holiday. Before she knew it she had lost track of time.
Grissom went into the office early on Saturday. He wasn't happy with the way things went yesterday with Andrew. He wanted to check on some things again and see what he could do. He called the sheriff to get his input. When he hung up he was relieved. The sheriff Okayed his plan to suspend Andrew until the outcome of the investigation. The fact that Catherine and Nick saw him attack his sister gave him more leverage. He went in search of Andrew and found him in the break room.
"Andrew I need to speak with you."
Andrew looked up from his paper, "What now? My lawyer advised me not to talk to anyone about the case."
"Lawyer? This doesn't have to do with the case. Can you come to my office please?"
Andrew just looked at him; "Whatever you have to say you can say it right here."
"Fine. Andrew until further notice you are on suspension."
Andrew jumped up, "What the hell! You have no cause to put me on suspension." He was furious.
"Actually I do. I have the word of two CSI's who saw you push your sister against the wall hard enough for her to require stitches."
Andrew got up into Grissom's face; "You guys don't want to mess with me."
Grissom just looked at him, "I don't think you want to mess with me."
"You tell Nick Stokes he better watch his back." Andrew said.
"Is that a threat?" Grissom asked.
Andrew just smiled at him, "No, not a threat. A suggestion."
"I suggest you get your belongings and clock out." Grissom turned and walked out. He figured he better call Nick and warn him.
Nick woke knowing Grace was not beside him. He sat up and looked at her pillow and saw the note:
'Nick, I went down to practice and didn't want to wake you. I shouldn't be too long and should be back in about an hour or two. Wait for me? Grace'
Nick hoped she didn't go alone and decided he should check on her. It only took him a few minutes to get ready. When he went out the door he noticed that the officers weren't there and that was a good sign. When he got to the auditorium he saw one of them standing outside the doors.
"Hey guys. Grace still in there?"
"Hey Nick. Yeah, she's in there. Marshall is walking the other doors right now making sure they're secure."
"Thanks Mike." He opened the door and heard her playing as soon as he went in. It sounded like a sad song and she was completely into the music. He didn't want to disturb her so he went halfway up and sat in one of the seats.
Grace went right from Stormy Weather to one of her favorite oldies. Her favorite version of the song was by Linda Ronstadt and she knew could never sing as well as her but she always love to play this song and sing.
"There's a saying old, says that love is blind, still we're often told, seek and ye shall find. So I'm going to seek a certain man I have, in mind. Looking everywhere, haven't found him yet, he's the big affair I cannot forget, Only man I ever think of, with regret. I'd like to add his initial to my monogram. Tell me, where is the shepherd for this lost lamb?"
She took a deep breath and finished "There's a somebody I'm longing to see. I hope that he turns out to be someone who'll watch over me. I'm a little lamb whose lost in the woods, I know I could always be good, to one who'll watch over me. Although he may not, be the man, some girls think of as handsome, to my heart he carries the key. Won't you tell him please to put on some speed, follow my lead, oh how I need, someone to watch over me. Someone to watch over me." She held onto the last note and when she finished she heard someone start to clap. She jumped up and looked out and saw Nick and smiled.
"Very nice." He said.
"Thanks. I have a small performance at twelve and wanted to practice a little." She came off the stage and walked to him.
"Another performance?" Nick asked.
"Yeah just for the hotel staff and their families. It won't be a long one though."
Nick leaned over and kissed her, "I missed you this morning when I woke up." He said.
Grace put her arms around him and kissed him back, "You looked so cute lying there I just didn't want to wake you."
Nick laughed, "Cute?"
"Yeah cute."
Just then his cell phone rang and he reluctantly let her go. He looked down and saw that it was Grissom so he walked away to answer. "Stokes."
"Nicky."
"Hey Grissom, what's up?"
"I just wanted to let you know I put Andrew on suspension."
Nick glanced over his shoulder at Grace who had gone back up onto the stage to practice, "How was he?"
"Not good. I want you to have someone with you for now. Where are you?"
"I'm here at the hotel with Grace. She's practicing and then she has another show at noon."
"Are her two guards still there?"
"Yeah, they're outside the doors."
"Good. Keep them there with the two of you. I'm calling Brass right now. I don't like the way Andrew acted and I want him charged and off the streets. Keep your eyes open."
"Sure thing Gris." He hung up the phone and walked over to the door to talk to the guards.
Grace watched Nick go out the door and talk with the officer who was by the door. She could tell by the way he was standing that it wasn't good news. He walked back over to her and she asked, "What's wrong Nick?"
Nick smiled and said, "Nothings wrong."
She stood up and went over to him, "I can tell something's wrong, is it Andrew?"
Nick looked away for a minute. He decided he should tell her the truth, "Yes its Andrew. Grissom was talking to him and he stormed out."
"And?"
"And nothing." Nick said.
"Nick!"
"And he said some things." He looked at Grace.
"What kind of things Nick?" She asked.
"He was just making idle threats Grace, it's nothing to worry about."
Grace turned and walked away from Nick, "This is all my fault." She whispered.
Nick walked over to her; "This is not your fault." He reached out to her but she stepped away from him.
"You're in danger and it's because of me." She said. She couldn't turn and look at him; "You should go Nick."
"What?" Nick asked, "I'm not going anywhere."
Grace turned back to him. She couldn't keep the tears from coming, "Please Nick. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you."
"Nothing is going to happen to me Grace." He walked over to her but she backed up, "Hey."
She shook her head "No, you need to go back to your office where you'll be safe."
"I'm safe here. And, I'm not leaving you." Nick said.
"Nick please." She begged.
Nick walked to her and put his hands on her face, "Grace, please trust me." He leaned over and kissed her, "Trust me." He whispered.
Grace just looked at him, unsure of what to do.
Nick pulled her to him; "I'll be fine."
Grace went into his arms and felt so safe.
The doors opened and Nick turned quickly to see who was there.
"Sorry Nick," Mike said, "There is a Mr. John Anderson who wants to see Ms. Lynn."
"Its OK Mike you can let him in." He turned back to Grace, "Are you sure you want to do this concert?" She shook her head yes, "OK."
John came in and went over to them, "Are you going to be ready or do you want to postpone? I'm sure the staff will understand."
"Yes I'll be ready. I still have an hour to get ready don't I?"
"Yes" He looked at Nick and then back at her, "Can I talk to you alone for a few minutes please?"
Grace smiled, "You said please John, I'm so proud."
John sighed, "Grace."
She laughed, "OK." She turned to Nick, "Give us a minute."
Nick leaned over and kissed her, "OK I'm going to make some phone calls. The guards are right outside the door." He walked over to the guard and spoke to him and went out.
The photographer was already there and the make up person to be sure everything was still good. It took over two hours to get all the pictures John wanted and then they had the before party. She met everyone he wanted her to meet and an hour before the show she excused herself to get ready. She went back to her dressing room and let the makeup person fix her up one more time.
She sat in front of the mirror and looked at herself. She was never nervous before a show but today she was. She had never really had anyone there for her before and knowing Nick and Catherine were going to be there warmed her heart. She soaked her hands in the ice water they had brought her and then wrapped them in the hot towel. She always made her hands cold and then hot before a performance to loosen them up.
John knocked on her door, "Its time."
Grace took one last look in the mirror and stood up. "Showtime"
She waited outside the stage while they introduced her. She peeked out and saw the packed house. They should raise lots of money tonight.
She took a deep breath and walked on stage. As she was walking to the piano she glanced down at the first row. There was Catherine and a little miniature version of her. They both looked so beautiful in their dresses. Nick was dressed in a very nice black suit and looked so handsome. She smiled at them as she started to sit down.
She always chose never to speak before a performance but this time she changed her mind. She leaned into the mike and spoke. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I would like to thank you all for coming. Not only is tonight's performance special because tonight's proceeds will go to the Las Vegas General Hospital's Children's Ward Foundation but today is also the birthday of a very dear friend of mine and I would like to dedicate tonight's performance to Miss Lindsey Willows." She took a breath and started to play.
Catherine had tears in her eyes. Lindsey was so excited she couldn't sit still and then Grace had said her name and she was so still Catherine thought she was in shock.
Nick was surprised when they sat him in the front row next to Catherine and Lindsey. Catherine smiled at him and Lindsey gave him a hug. While they were waiting on the show she was a nonstop chatterbox and Nick enjoyed listening to her talk about Grace. He watched her play and thought how beautiful she was. The dress she had on was red crushed velvet. It had long sleeves that covered her arms but it stopped just below her wrists so only her fingers showed. Her skin was so pale and smooth and her hands looked exquisite.
She didn't speak as she played. She started with classical Christmas songs and then went into the more commercial ones. The time she played seemed to fly by. She played constantly for over two straight hours. Finally she stopped and pulled the mic close to her again.
"I want to thank you again for coming tonight and for inviting me to your lovely city and for letting me play for you tonight." She looked over at Nick and smiled, "I would like to dedicate my final song to someone very special." She closed her eyes and took a moment and started to play.
When Nick heard the opening notes he actually got tears in his eyes. He couldn't believe she was playing the song. Then she started to sing and his heart about burst out of his chest.
I'll be home for Christmas; you can plan on me
Please have snow, and mistletoe, and presents 'neath the tree
Christmas Eve will find me, where the love light gleams I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams Christmas Eve will find me, where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams
If only in my dreams
Grace lingered on the last note and then closed her eyes. She felt so proud and smiled to herself. As she stood up the crowd started applauding. Some people stood and then everyone did. It wasn't very often she got a standing ovation and it felt really good tonight. She bowed and smiled. She stood on stage for almost ten minutes and then bowed again and walked off.
Backstage was a total madhouse. John took her arm and led her to the dressing room, he gave her fifteen minutes to fix herself up again and relax a little. Finally she opened her door and the people came in. It took almost thirty minutes but then she saw Catherine and Lindsey. She smiled and hugged Catherine and looked at Lindsey. "Well don't you two look beautiful tonight."
"You really didn't have to do that Grace." Lindsey pulled on her hand and she laughed, "But we're glad you did. Grace I'd like you to meet my daughter, Lindsey Alison Willows."
Grace bent down to Lindsey's level and shook her hand; "It is an honor to finally meet you Lindsey. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about your playing."
"Really?" Lindsey whispered.
"Yep and actually I'm not scheduled to leave for a few days and I would love to play with you sometime."
"Really?"
"Absolutely." Grace smiled and hugged her.
More people were crowding in and Catherine took Lindsey's hand, "Why don't we get out of the way and let someone else in."
"Thank you for coming Catherine. It meant a lot to me."
"It meant a lot to us too." She led Lindsey away who kept looking over her shoulder.
Grace met even more people and finally the crowd was dwindling. She was getting awful tired and still hadn't seen Nick. The crowd shifted and she saw him leaning against the wall watching her. She smiled at him and started over. Nick pushed himself off the wall and met her halfway.
"I wasn't sure if you were back here." She said.
"Well I wanted to wait until everyone else was done." He took her hand. He leaned over to kiss her cheek and whispered, "I thought maybe I'd walk you to your room."
Grace shivered and squeezed his hand, "OK." She led him to the backdoor of the dressing room and slipped out.
They made it to the elevator and she felt Nick pulled her toward him. He kissed her while they waited on the elevator to come back down. He ran his hands down her arms, "I love this dress. You look very beautiful in it."
"Thanks."
The doors opened and as they walked in another couple came out.
"We enjoyed your show." The woman said.
"Thank you for coming." Grace managed to get out.
The ride seemed to take forever. Finally they were there and the officers outside the door opened it for her. Nick stopped to talk to them and then followed her in.
"What did you say to them." She asked.
"Only that they might be more comfortable waiting by the elevator instead."
Grace blushed, "Oh."
Nick walked over to her and put his arms around her. "I hope that's OK."
"That's absolutely OK." She answered. Suddenly she was very nervous.
"Grace what's wrong?"
She cleared her throat a little; "I just want you to know I don't usually do this."
"This?" He asked.
"Ask someone up to my room that I just met. Its just I feel so comfortable with you."
He cupped her face; "I know that. I don't usually make it a habit to sleep with someone I just met either. But I feel something special when I'm with you."
"Sleep?" She took his hand and led him into her room. "I'm not sure how much sleeping we'll be doing."
Nick laughed, "I think I like the sound of that."
Grace led go of his hand and walked over to the mirror. She caught his eyes and said, "I can't reach the buttons on this dress, do you think you could help me?"
He slipped out of his jacket and tie as he walked over to stand behind her. He kept his eyes on hers, "I think I can handle that." He reached down and slowly unbuttoned each one. He looked into her eyes as he went along. The dress unbuttoned all the way down and he made it until he saw the top of her silk panties. He stopped and brushed his finger down her back and felt her shiver.
Grace closed her eyes and leaned back against him and whispered his name. She felt like she was shaking all over.
Nick leaned down and kissed her on the back of her neck. She had her hair piled on top of her head and he had an excellent view of her graceful neck. She tilted her head to the side giving him better access. He brought his hands around the front of her and slowly pealed her dress down. It got just past her elbows and he let go and it fell to her feet. All she had on was a pair of white silk panties and bra. He brought his hands up and put them around her waist. He glanced at her in the mirror and sucked in his breath when he saw the bruise on her stomach.
Grace opened her eyes and looked at Nick and saw him brush his hands over her stomach. The bruise on her stomach had gotten darker. It was a nice shade of blues and purples. Embarrassed she brought her hands up to cover it but Nick took her hands.
"Please don't." He said, "You don't have to hide it from me."
She looked away so he wouldn't see the tears in her eyes and brought her hands back down.
Nick walked in front of her and brought her face to his. "Let me love you Grace." He gently kissed her mouth and started to trail kisses down to her shoulder. Slowly Nick kissed her lower until he was at the bruise. He put his hands around her waist and kissed the bruise on her stomach. He brushed his tongue across her stomach and felt her body shaking. He stood up and gently pushed her back to the bed. He turned and pulled her down on to the bed with him.
Grace wanted to feel his skin on hers and unbuttoned his shirt. Nick sat up and pulled his shirt off and then pulled her on top of him. She lost all coherent thought. All she could do was feel. Feel his arms around her, his hands on her back and in her hair, his mouth so hot and demanding. They fit together in all the right places.
Grace woke slowly. She had a dull ache in her stomach and it took her a minute to remember where she was. Then everything from the past two days came back. She glanced over at Nick who was still asleep. The clock said it was almost eight. She practiced every morning at eight but she was contemplating skipping this morning. Then she remembered she promised a private concert for the hotel staff and their family at lunchtime. She gently rolled off the bed not wake Nick up and went to take a shower.
Later, when she came out of the bathroom, Nick was still asleep and she didn't want to wake him. She wrote him a quick note and went out the door. The two security guards were still outside the door and they accompanied her down to the auditorium. She asked them to wait outside while she practiced and they stood outside the door.
She went to the piano and just sat there for a minute. She loosened her fingers a little and just started playing. She was in a blues kind of mood and started with some Billy Holiday. Before she knew it she had lost track of time.
Grissom went into the office early on Saturday. He wasn't happy with the way things went yesterday with Andrew. He wanted to check on some things again and see what he could do. He called the sheriff to get his input. When he hung up he was relieved. The sheriff Okayed his plan to suspend Andrew until the outcome of the investigation. The fact that Catherine and Nick saw him attack his sister gave him more leverage. He went in search of Andrew and found him in the break room.
"Andrew I need to speak with you."
Andrew looked up from his paper, "What now? My lawyer advised me not to talk to anyone about the case."
"Lawyer? This doesn't have to do with the case. Can you come to my office please?"
Andrew just looked at him; "Whatever you have to say you can say it right here."
"Fine. Andrew until further notice you are on suspension."
Andrew jumped up, "What the hell! You have no cause to put me on suspension." He was furious.
"Actually I do. I have the word of two CSI's who saw you push your sister against the wall hard enough for her to require stitches."
Andrew got up into Grissom's face; "You guys don't want to mess with me."
Grissom just looked at him, "I don't think you want to mess with me."
"You tell Nick Stokes he better watch his back." Andrew said.
"Is that a threat?" Grissom asked.
Andrew just smiled at him, "No, not a threat. A suggestion."
"I suggest you get your belongings and clock out." Grissom turned and walked out. He figured he better call Nick and warn him.
Nick woke knowing Grace was not beside him. He sat up and looked at her pillow and saw the note:
'Nick, I went down to practice and didn't want to wake you. I shouldn't be too long and should be back in about an hour or two. Wait for me? Grace'
Nick hoped she didn't go alone and decided he should check on her. It only took him a few minutes to get ready. When he went out the door he noticed that the officers weren't there and that was a good sign. When he got to the auditorium he saw one of them standing outside the doors.
"Hey guys. Grace still in there?"
"Hey Nick. Yeah, she's in there. Marshall is walking the other doors right now making sure they're secure."
"Thanks Mike." He opened the door and heard her playing as soon as he went in. It sounded like a sad song and she was completely into the music. He didn't want to disturb her so he went halfway up and sat in one of the seats.
Grace went right from Stormy Weather to one of her favorite oldies. Her favorite version of the song was by Linda Ronstadt and she knew could never sing as well as her but she always love to play this song and sing.
"There's a saying old, says that love is blind, still we're often told, seek and ye shall find. So I'm going to seek a certain man I have, in mind. Looking everywhere, haven't found him yet, he's the big affair I cannot forget, Only man I ever think of, with regret. I'd like to add his initial to my monogram. Tell me, where is the shepherd for this lost lamb?"
She took a deep breath and finished "There's a somebody I'm longing to see. I hope that he turns out to be someone who'll watch over me. I'm a little lamb whose lost in the woods, I know I could always be good, to one who'll watch over me. Although he may not, be the man, some girls think of as handsome, to my heart he carries the key. Won't you tell him please to put on some speed, follow my lead, oh how I need, someone to watch over me. Someone to watch over me." She held onto the last note and when she finished she heard someone start to clap. She jumped up and looked out and saw Nick and smiled.
"Very nice." He said.
"Thanks. I have a small performance at twelve and wanted to practice a little." She came off the stage and walked to him.
"Another performance?" Nick asked.
"Yeah just for the hotel staff and their families. It won't be a long one though."
Nick leaned over and kissed her, "I missed you this morning when I woke up." He said.
Grace put her arms around him and kissed him back, "You looked so cute lying there I just didn't want to wake you."
Nick laughed, "Cute?"
"Yeah cute."
Just then his cell phone rang and he reluctantly let her go. He looked down and saw that it was Grissom so he walked away to answer. "Stokes."
"Nicky."
"Hey Grissom, what's up?"
"I just wanted to let you know I put Andrew on suspension."
Nick glanced over his shoulder at Grace who had gone back up onto the stage to practice, "How was he?"
"Not good. I want you to have someone with you for now. Where are you?"
"I'm here at the hotel with Grace. She's practicing and then she has another show at noon."
"Are her two guards still there?"
"Yeah, they're outside the doors."
"Good. Keep them there with the two of you. I'm calling Brass right now. I don't like the way Andrew acted and I want him charged and off the streets. Keep your eyes open."
"Sure thing Gris." He hung up the phone and walked over to the door to talk to the guards.
Grace watched Nick go out the door and talk with the officer who was by the door. She could tell by the way he was standing that it wasn't good news. He walked back over to her and she asked, "What's wrong Nick?"
Nick smiled and said, "Nothings wrong."
She stood up and went over to him, "I can tell something's wrong, is it Andrew?"
Nick looked away for a minute. He decided he should tell her the truth, "Yes its Andrew. Grissom was talking to him and he stormed out."
"And?"
"And nothing." Nick said.
"Nick!"
"And he said some things." He looked at Grace.
"What kind of things Nick?" She asked.
"He was just making idle threats Grace, it's nothing to worry about."
Grace turned and walked away from Nick, "This is all my fault." She whispered.
Nick walked over to her; "This is not your fault." He reached out to her but she stepped away from him.
"You're in danger and it's because of me." She said. She couldn't turn and look at him; "You should go Nick."
"What?" Nick asked, "I'm not going anywhere."
Grace turned back to him. She couldn't keep the tears from coming, "Please Nick. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you."
"Nothing is going to happen to me Grace." He walked over to her but she backed up, "Hey."
She shook her head "No, you need to go back to your office where you'll be safe."
"I'm safe here. And, I'm not leaving you." Nick said.
"Nick please." She begged.
Nick walked to her and put his hands on her face, "Grace, please trust me." He leaned over and kissed her, "Trust me." He whispered.
Grace just looked at him, unsure of what to do.
Nick pulled her to him; "I'll be fine."
Grace went into his arms and felt so safe.
The doors opened and Nick turned quickly to see who was there.
"Sorry Nick," Mike said, "There is a Mr. John Anderson who wants to see Ms. Lynn."
"Its OK Mike you can let him in." He turned back to Grace, "Are you sure you want to do this concert?" She shook her head yes, "OK."
John came in and went over to them, "Are you going to be ready or do you want to postpone? I'm sure the staff will understand."
"Yes I'll be ready. I still have an hour to get ready don't I?"
"Yes" He looked at Nick and then back at her, "Can I talk to you alone for a few minutes please?"
Grace smiled, "You said please John, I'm so proud."
John sighed, "Grace."
She laughed, "OK." She turned to Nick, "Give us a minute."
Nick leaned over and kissed her, "OK I'm going to make some phone calls. The guards are right outside the door." He walked over to the guard and spoke to him and went out.