Friends: New & Old
Chapter 1 - The Assignment, The Trip
9:30p.m. Friday May 10
CSI Crime Lab Break Room
"All right everyone, listen up," Grissom said as he entered the break room. Four head looked up at him, taking sips from their respective coffees. "Catherine," He continued, "You have a DB in the desert. Brass is already there." He handed her the file that was in his hand and she got up.
"See you later everyone," Catherine said as she walked out of the room.
"Warrick," Grissom said at he turned and faced the younger CSI, "we have a double homicide at a restaurant. Go ahead and process the bodies so David can have them. I'll be there in half-an-hour." He handed Warrick the file.
"Sure thing boss. Later," Warrick responded at he left the room.
"What about us?" Nick asked, noticing he didn't have another file in his hand.
"Well . . . it seems that you two have the night off," Grissom replied.
"Why?" Sara asked." I haven't even come close to maxing out my overtime yet this month. Let me go with Catherine if there isn't another case."
"No, it's not that. I mean, OK, I am really sorry about this but if you are mad take it up with Brass, these were his orders," Grissom said, becoming a bit flustered.
"Grissom, what are you talking about?" Nick asked slowly.
"Evidently there is seminar from the eleventh to the fifteenth. Brass promised the organizers that you two would come and speak, but he forgot to ask you first. Although, you still have to go."
"WHAT?!?!" Sara yelled jumping up from her chair.
"Sorry but it is settled. Now your flight leaves at 5:00 in the morning. I suggest you both go home, pack, and try to get some rest. The department is covering your flights there and back and also providing a rental while you are there. Since you are speaking, the organizers at this function are putting you up at the hotel where the conference is being held, free of cost. I will see you two in a week," Grissom finished and started to leave before he had to face 'The Wrath of Sara'.
"Wait," Nick's voice stopped him in his tracks. "Where exactly is this meeting?"
"Oh sorry," Grissom started, "Nick you will be happy at least to go, you will have plenty of free time to do whatever while you are there. Nick it's in Dallas. If you want to drop see your family while you are there, feel free. Say 'hello' for me." He then walked out of the room as fast as possible trying to be subtle.
"I can not believe this," Sara said quietly as she sunk back into her chair.
"Oh it won't be that bad, Dallas is a great place. I was born and raised there, remember?" Nick replied.
"I don't mean to offend you and it's not going there that is bugging me. I just do not like to talk to a whole room full of total strangers," She replied.
"It won't be that bad. I'll be there the whole time. I'll do all the talking if you want. You can just stand up there and look gorgeous."
"Ha, ha, ha. You know that wouldn't work, you don't even know how to act like you know what you are talking about," She smirked.
He put his hand over his heart and feigned being hurt. In all honesty, though, he loved their joking around and bantering like kids.
"How about I swing by your place around three and we go get breakfast before the flight? I don't know about you but there is no way that I could possibly sleep anytime soon and airplane food is disgusting. Besides they usually don't have food that you would eat."
"What's that suppose to mean?" She questioned.
"I mean airplanes don't usually have any vegetarian food, at least not anything worth eating."
"Oh, well in that case it sounds fine," She said.
He got up, took one last gulp of coffee, put his mug away, and began to leave.
"Oh, Nick?"
"Yeah?"
"The saying is 'stand there and look pretty'."
"Huh?"
"You said 'stand up there and look gorgeous', the saying is 'stand there and look pretty'."
"Oh . . . well . . . in this case pretty doesn't seem . . . adequate enough. I'll see you at three. Bye." Nick turned and walked out of the room, leaving Sara a bit speechless.
2:59a.m. Saturday May 11
Sara's Apartment
Nick pulled up to Sara's apartment. He got out of the SUV and headed up to her front door. He knocked on the door but when he didn't hear anything, he knocked again. This time he heard something from inside.
"Come on in, it's open."
Nick opened the door and walked in and then closed it again. "Sara?"
"I'm coming give me a minute."
"Sure, no problem." He took this opportunity to look at his surroundings. Sure he had been at Sara's before, but this time seemed different, something about it was different.
"I was wondering how long it would take you before the investigator in you came out."
"Huh?"
"Aren't you trying to figure out what is different since the last time you were here?"
"Yeah, so?"
"The couch." she answered as she pointed to it.
"Oh, of course. How long have you had it?"
"A couple of months, why?"
"Oh I was just thinking that maybe I should come around here more often, then I might have noticed it sooner."
"Yeah you should, it seems that I always go over to your place. Now why do you suppose that is?"
"Because I know how to cook and you don't."
"Hey!" She responded as she punched him on the arm. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah, where are your bags?" He asked and she pointed to three large bags and two smaller ones. "ALL of those?!?!"
"Yeah. Why?"
"What the heck do you have in all that? Bricks just so I can break my back?"
"NO! All clothes and the necessities are only in the big, blue one and the two smaller ones. I have all my forensic books, journals, and stuff like that in the other to big ones."
"Sara, why do you need all that? We'll only be gone a week."
"Exactly. I don't want to get bored."
"Sara Sidle we are going to one of the most fascinating places in this country. Plus you have a special bonus."
"And what would that be Mr. Stokes?
"Me."
"You?"
"Yes me. I am from there so I know all the cool places to go. Days and nights. So can we please leave that . . . that stuff here, you bibliophile?" He asked pointed to the two suitcases.
"Fine. But if I get board once, just once, you are taking me to the nearest bookstore and buying me several, several books. Got that?"
"Yes ma'am." His accent coming out more than usual. He pick up her blue suitcase and one of her small bags and walked out to his vehicle. Sara grabbed her other bag and purse, turned out the lights, walked out the door, closed and lock it. She then made her way downstairs and got into Nick's SUV.
3:18a.m. Saturday May 11, 2002
I.H.O.P.
"Well, here we are," Nick said, he got out of his vehicle and walked to the front.
"Yeah." She got out, and met Nick at the front. They then went inside.
"Table for 2 please, non-smoking," Nick told the hostess.
"Right this way," She replied. They followed her and got to a table. They both sat down opposite of each other and placed their orders when the waitress arrived.
"Nick?" Sara asked.
"Yeah?" He replied.
"Did you talk to Grissom after you left the break room?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"I was wondering . . ."
"Yeah?"
"Do you have any clue about what we are suppose to talk about at the conference?"
"Yeah. You have materials and element analysis. I have hair and fiber analysis."
"Ah, our specialties."
The waitress came back with their food and Nick and Sara began to eat.
"Thanks," Nick told the waitress and she walked away, "Yeah anyway it won't be hard to come up with something to say. Grissom said everyone that will be there, minus the organizers and other speakers, are all level ones and wanna be's."
"Oh that's it?"
"Yeah, I am starting to think this is going to be more like a vacation. If you and I aren't lecturing in the hotel, I'm out of there. I already called mom and since it's such short notice, none of my sisters or brother will be there but at least I'll get to see my mom. Dad's in Austin on business."
"Oh." Sara had gotten very quiet and started picking at her food instead of eating it, Nick hadn't seen to notice at this point.
"Yeah I really can't wait to see my mom. I haven't seen her since Christmas."
"Oh."
"Sara what's wrong? You seem mad . . . disappointed . . . sad . . . nervous . . . ?"
"Stop guessing!"
"Then tell me what is wrong."
"Don't worry about me."
"But I do worry, I care."
"Nothing is wrong."
"Then why are you picking at your food?"
"I am not," Sara retaliated and took a big bite of pancakes. She swallowed and then continued, "See. Happy?"
"I don't really have a choice do I?"
"Not really."
"Fine." They continued to eat and talk until it was time to go. Nick paid for their meal and they left for the airport. Once there, they went through all the security and finally they were able to board. Fortunately they were seated in business class, so they were comfortable, and were able to get to their seats without a problem. Finally the plane took off and they were on their way.
5:13a.m. Saturday May 11
The Plane
"So, Nick . . ." Sara began.
"So Sara," He countered, turning slightly in his seat so he could face her better.
"What 'fun activities' have you got planned for me in Dallas?"
"What?"
"I'm sorry I am just trying to keep my mind off the fact that I am thousands of feet off the ground with nothing holding me up here."
"That's OK, but what do you mean fun activities for you?"
"You know since you made me leave all my fun things at home and you will be with your mom when you aren't lecturing."
"OK. First books are not fun, they are intellectually stimulating. Second, I said when the two of us are not lecturing. I told you that I would be there the whole time you were on the stage, and I plan on keeping my promise. Third, yes I am going to visit my mom, but probably no more than several hours, and probably only once, and you are coming with me. I want you to meet her. Fourth, I thought we would kind of play it by ear. See what things are in town this week. But don't worry you won't get board," He told her, starting to tease.
"Well, OK then." There was a long awaked silence. "So Nick do any of your friends live in Dallas? You know from when you were younger."
"Yeah, permanently," He muttered under his breath.
"What?"
"Oh nothing. I just said that I didn't have too many friends when I was younger. One married my youngest sister and two are married and have their own kids now. I still keep in touch through e-mail though."
"Oh. That's it, only three friends? Nicky I am very disappointed. At work, and to Warrick and Greg, you make it seem like you were Mr. Popular," She told him teasingly.
"Sara, you said when I was younger and referring to when I lived in Dallas. In Dallas and as a child, yeah I wasn't very popular but no one really hated the five of us. Now in college is probably what you are referring to when you eavesdrop on our conversations," He said laughing.
"I do NOT eavesdrop. You all are just so loud that I can't help but overhear."
"Sure," He said sarcastically.
"I am serious," She punched him in the arm. "Wait you just said the five of us."
"Huh?"
"Just a minute ago when you were trying to explain why you lied, you said 'I wasn't very popular but no one really hated the five of us'."
"Oh, I guess I did."
"So you, your brother-in-law, the two that you keep in touch with by e-mail; that's four. Who is the fifth?"
"His name was Jeremey. He was my best friend, even before we started school."
"Well what about him? Were does he live?"
"About six feet under in a cemetery in Dallas."
"Oh Nick. I'm so sorry, I didn't know."
"It's OK. You couldn't have known, I don't really talk about it much. It happened a long time ago."
"Oh, if you don't mind my asking . . ." She paused, not sure or not if she should go on.
"It's OK, go ahead."
"How old were you?"
"We were fourteen. His older sister was driving . . ."
"Nick you don't have to tell me, I understand."
"No. It's OK. I want to."
"Are you sure?"
He just nodded his head yes and then continued, "His sister was driving. Jeremey was in the passenger seat. I was behind his sister in the back seat. We were on our way home from the last day of school. We were in eighth grade and she was a senior. She was a great driver but a drunk in what I like to refer it as, 'a big gray metal box', came out of nowhere. He ran a red light and hit the passenger side full force. Jeremey died before they could get him to the hospital. The drunk was arrested but they said there wasn't enough evidence to hold him in jail, although he practically pleaded guilty. Jeremey's sister had two broken wrists and a broken ankle. I only had a fracture in my leg, but it was enough to have a cast," He finished choking up.
"Oh Nick, I am very sorry."
"Thanks. It wasn't her fault, no one blamed her."
"Her, who?"
"Jeremey's sister."
"Oh, right."
"Even her parents didn't blame her, but her dad was so mad that it just happened that he packed them all up and shipped them down to Houston."
"Let me guess, she blamed herself and became depressed?"
"Something like that." Nick took a deep breath and then continued, "Ever since that accident I have wanted to go into law enforcement. That's why after college I was a police officer for three years. But my dad didn't wanted me fighting crime with a gun. So I talked to a ranger mentor of mine and we came up with the idea of being a CSI. So now I can really make sure that in every case there is enough evidence to hold the person responsible in jail. It hit his sister hard too."
"Is she another CSI?"
"No, cop. She was always the tough one. Always the fighter." He chuckled.
Sara could tell that his revelation was tough to tell her. She knew he was holding back tears but was not about to grieve and cry in front of her and damage his 'male ego'. She had to get out of there so he could compose himself. But where would she go? 'Wait! I know!' She thought. "Nick I'll be right back, OK?"
He just nodded his head. He was afraid if he tried to speak the tears bottled up under his eyelids would fall. He saw Sara get up and leave and he took this time to calm himself down. 'I wonder what's up?' He thought. By the time she got back he had cooled off.
"Here Nick," Sara said as she sat back down and handed him a drink.
"What's this?"
"Don't worry, it's just a coke, I thought you might want something cool and refreshing."
"Yeah I would, thank you," He told her taking a big drink from the glass.
"I hope you don't mind but I am kind of tired."
"No, no it's fine. Actually so am I. Why don't we both try to rest before we reach Dallas?"
"Yeah OK. Good night Nick."
"'Night Sara." Eventually they both drifted off to sleep.
10:23a.m. Saturday May 11
The Plane
They stayed that way until the pilot came back on over the intercom.
"Ladies and Gentlemen if you will please turn off all electrical equipment, put you seats in the upright position, and buckle your seat belts. We will be landing in about ten minutes."
Nick heard this and woke himself up. He looked over to his left and saw Sara fast asleep, leaning of his shoulder. 'Wow,' he thought, 'She's even more beautiful when she is asleep.' "Sara. Sara."
"Mmm?" A very sleepy Sara replied.
"Sara, come on, get up. We are about to land."
"OK, OK, I'm up," She told him as she sat up and sat her seat up. "What's up?"
"Nothing, we're about to land. Did you sleep good?" A smile playing on his lips as he sat his seat up and buckled up.
"Not really, but at tonight I'll be in a real bed so I'll sleep then."
"Right, anyway you better put your seat belt on, we're are almost there." He pointed to the seat belt sign.
She saw that indeed it was on so she buckled up. "There. Happy now?"
"Very. After all we wouldn't want to see you get hurt when we land or get in trouble by on of the flight attendants. Now would we?" He said teasingly.
"Ha, ha."
Within a few minutes the plane had landed, a very smooth landing. "Ladies and Gentlemen," the Captain began, "Welcome to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. We hope your flight was very enjoyable and we hope you will use our airlines again for all you air transportation needs. If you will please be patient, we are having some slight problems inside the main building. For your safety we have been asked that you stay seated for about five more minutes while the cops take care of things inside. Do not worry, all your luggage will be safe and you may collect it regularly after we have been authorized to let you off the plane. Again please be patient and thank you for your corporation."
"Nick," Sara began, "what do you think is wrong in there?"
"I don't know. But you heard the pilot, the cops are in there and there is nothing to worry about."
"I am not worried, just curious."
"Whatever."
"Nick, I am tired and I didn't get to work last night. You do not want to mess with me."
"Chill Sara I was just joking around with you. I'm sorry."
"I didn't mean to snap. Like I said I am just really tired."
"OK."
"Ladies and Gentlemen you may now unbuckle and make you way inside in an orderly fashion," The Captain told them.
"You ready?" Nick asked.
"Definitely. Let's get out of here. We still have to go to the hotel and figure out what we are going to lecture about."
"You just had to bring that up, didn't you?"
"Nick, I am being realistic."
"Yeah, yeah. I know. Let's go." They each gathered their own carry-on and got off the plane and headed inside.
To Be Continued . . .