Friday, July 18th, 2003
6:13 am
Not bothering to knock on the open door, Sara breezes into Grissom's office and sits down across from him. Arching an eyebrow, Grissom puts down the file folder he's holding and leans back in his chair.
It's frightening how much information you can find out about someone through a computer, Sara says, holding up the stack of paperwork clutched in her hands.
So you were successful?
Sara nods emphatically. Pay dirt city. Give me enough time, I could tell you just about anything about anyone.
Clearly intrigued, Grissom leans forward. So, what did you find?
Basically everything you'd want to know for stalking a victim, Sara reports bitterly. Once you get in the door, you have access to all the info you need. You can get to work history, banking records, credit cards, the works.
So considering how well the killer knows his victims, it's possible, perhaps even likely that he somehow can get access to a system like this, the scientist replies. Just as Dani suspected.
Sara tenses at the mention of Dani's name. Pretty much.
Noticing the look on her face, Grissom asks, What aren't you telling me?
Shifting in her seat, Sara looks down for a moment. Brad said something strange yesterday, so after I was done with Melinda, I decided to do some digging into Dani's life using the same resources.
Bristling, Sara's tone changes. Look Grissom, the letters are telling me that he knows her. He's taken a liking to her, she insists. Dani's not exactly a fountain of information and we need to know what he knows about her.
And what did you find out?
That the woman in this file bears zero resemblance to the CSI I met two days ago, Sara replies.
Confused, Grissom arches an eyebrow. What do you mean?
She's a total brain. Skipped grades entirely and finished high school before she turned 15. She could have had her pick of schools, but doesn't even bother applying to any on the east coast. Instead, she moves all the way across the country to attend UCLA on a full scholarship. She lives in residence all four years, no complaints ever filed about her. No friends, no boyfriends. Within the walls of the school, she was practically a ghost to the student population. Externally however, she was being followed by three different pharmaceutical companies, all interested in hiring her as soon as she graduated. She was headed for the fast track. Set for life.
And then?
Sara's face becomes more serious. Less than three months before graduation, her mother dies. Breast cancer. Despite the fact that her mother was her only living relative, Dani didn't attend the funeral.
She didn't attend . . . Grissom trails off, confused and unsure of what to say.
Anyway, she graduates in the top ten percent of her class. Gets her science degree in both chemistry and biochemistry as planned. Shocks everyone when she turns down all the offers from the pharmaceutical companies and instead, takes a job in the LA County Morgue's office. She was only nineteen years old.
Death affects people in different ways, Gil says softly.
Leaning forward in her seat, Sara tucks her hair behind her ears. Okay, so she works there a little over two years, makes no waves or any friends, no surprises there, but receives good reports on her work. All very boring. And then one day, she quits.
Just like that?
Walked in one Tuesday morning and gave her two weeks notice. And here's where we take a walk on the weird side, Sara reports, scarcely able to believe it herself. She moves to Las Vegas of all places.
I'm getting to that. She takes some part time jobs waitressing for almost a year, then applies to UNLV. Once again, not surprisingly, she's at the top of her class at school. No friends, no romances, no fun.
Leaning back in his chair, Grissom frowns. And how does this tie in with the case?
She's practically a blueprint for the victims, Sara blurts out, shaking her head. Let me run with this, please? It'll make sense when I'm done.
Reluctantly, Gil nods. Okay, keep going.
Okay, so she works like a dog the for three years so she can take a light load in her last year, graduating a full semester early. Gets her degree in Criminal Justice and applies to the LVPD Cadet program.
Catherine enters the room as Sara pauses to dig into her file folders and pulls out a stack of faxed pages.
My question is why? She didn't need another degree to go into law enforcement, Sara says throwing her hands up in confusion. I don't get it.
Am I interrupting? Catherine asks, eyeing the stack of paper in Sara's lap.
Close the door, Grissom requests. Sara was just giving me a history lesson.
On what? she asks, closing the door with a quiet click.
Catherine repeats.
I'm getting to that, Sara replies.
Curious, Catherine perches on the edge of Grissom's desk to listen.
Sara picks up the papers that are now on the top of the pile. In October of her last year at school, police are called to The Double Door; that college bar out on Tropicana and Koval? A waitress called in a report of an UNLV student behaving erratically. She suspected that drugs were involved.
And? Who was it? Catherine presses.
Sara says. Police figure someone slipped something into her drink. She's taken to Desert Springs Hospital. Tests comes back with Rohypnol and Ecstasy in her system. Fortunately, no sexual assault. Dani checks out AMA after five hours.
Surprised, Grissom asks,
No idea. Sara pulls out a hospital form from the file. Report says she was highly agitated until she was told she could leave against medical advice. She left with a friend. No name listed.
Catherine takes the proffered piece of paper and scans it. Did they catch the guy? she asks.
Sara replies, shaking her head.
Catherine mutters.
Okay, back to the Cadet program. With her science degrees and aptitude for forensics, she's assigned to the CSI department, Sara continues. All is fine for almost a year and a half. She makes lots of friends, is well liked by all accounts. It's like she's a completely different person from everything I've read so far. She even gets a promotion to a Level 2 CSI, Sara points out. What happened to her to inspire such a huge change? Then, out of nowhere, she transfers to D.C. to work in their CSI office. Why?
Remembering a letter she received from Dani, Catherine replies, She said she missed her family. Wanted to be closer to them.
But all her family is dead, Grissom supplies, figuring out where Sara is going with her story.
Catherine asks, completely confused.
Grissom nods. According to Sara's research, they're all deceased.
Leaning back in her chair, Sara continues. D.C. is like school all over again. Married to her work. No friends, no outside interests, nothing. Predictable patterns in her credit cards. Starbucks, a gym membership and restaurant take out. Then, eleven months ago, the first murder occurs.
Not comfortable discussing the personal details of someone he knows, Grissom interrupts. Sara, we know all this.
No. You don't, she fires back. Dani didn't tell us everything. Hell, she left out a major element of the case.
What do you mean?
Brad mentioned something about a stabbing because he thought I knew about it. He thought Dani had already told everyone. I wanted to know what he was talking about so I did some digging.
And found what? Catherine asks, her mind racing.
That Dani was in protective custody for months. The department wouldn't allow her to stay at her own place in D.C., they were so worried about her safety. They made her give up her apartment and started moving her from safe house to safe house. She even had her own security detail for almost three months in LA.
Sara pauses, debating on whether or not to continue.
Grissom asks, shaking his head in disbelief.
I called the LAPD and got them to fax me everything they had on the stabbing. Medical and police, Sara informs the stunned CSI's. It turns out Dani was revisiting the scene by herself and like you've warned us all; signature killers return to the scene of their crimes.
Oh my god, Catherine gasps, covering her mouth with her hand.
Pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, Grissom asks, What happened?
Somehow he overpowered her, stabbed her in the back and dumped her on the kitchen floor. Sara consults the report in her hand. She was lucky. Surgeon's notes say the blade missed her kidney and ascending colon by less than a quarter of an inch.
Anger flashes in Catherine's eyes. That bastard!
A detective who worked on the case emailed me the photos of the scene after the attack. Oddly enough, the killer took the time to remove the clip from her gun and eject the round in the chamber, but left the empty gun on the floor. No prints other than hers were found on it.
Grissom asks, taking the photo printouts from Sara. Dani is unconscious in the photo, but the damage is clear. Angry bruises cover most of the left side of her face and there is a distinct red line across her throat. The crime scene photos are worse. From the discarded weapon - a four inch double edged blade, covered in blood, to the large pool of freshly spilt blood. The last photo is a close up of Dani's bloody hand print on the stark white linoleum floor.
He didn't take her cell phone either. Brad was supposed to meet her there, but he was running late and he arrived on the scene about fifteen minutes later. She had managed to call for help. Paramedics were already on their way.
Catherine stands and begins to pace. Wait a minute. If he wanted her dead, why not finish the job? He had the perfect opportunity. Secluded location, no witnesses.
He's not finished yet, the scientist surmises. This could be his way of showing her that he's in control.
He knew exactly where to put that knife, Sara adds. Incapacitate her, but not kill her.
Grissom replies.
So, she's okay now? Catherine asks.
Depends on your definition of okay, Sara answers. A prescription for Xanax was written shortly after the incident. Apparently she's had trouble sleeping and a few anxiety attacks.
Nodding slowly, Catherine says, That explains the dark circles.
Sara looks up at her.
What circles? Grissom asks.
Shaking her head, Catherine sits back down on the edge of Grissom's desk. Gil, I can spot a coverup job at twenty paces. Dani's wearing more makeup than any sane woman would in this heat. She's trying to hide something and I don't think it's a shiner.
My thoughts exactly, Sara adds in agreement.
Why is she still on this case? Grissom demands, averting his eyes from the grisly photos. It's way too close to her.
Sara produces another file folder. According to the report I found, after the stabbing the FBI tried to take over again. Another murder occurred within a matter of days of Dani being removed from the case. In the letter left at the scene, the killer threatened to increase the number of victims if she wasn't reinstated immediately.
And they folded? Just like that? Catherine asks, dumbfounded.
Like a bad hand of poker, Sara replies ruefully. Chief of Police in D.C. gave Dani the option of coming back to the case and she went for it. The ADIC in Los Angeles reluctantly handed over the reins.
Catherine frowns. That's Assistant Director in Charge, right?
Sara nods.
Shaking his head, Grissom leans back in his chair. She feels responsible for these women. That's why she said yes.
Well of course she does, Catherine fires back. In her mind, he's killing women in her name.
Grissom reaches for all of the files in Sara's lap. Wordlessly, she hands them over.
And stopping him could get her killed, he replies darkly.
* * *
6:29 am
Barely five minutes has elapsed on the treadmill when Dani's pager begins vibrating insistently, pulling her out of her rhythm. Pressing the STOP button, she steps off the running track and swipes the small black box off the waistband of her nylon track pants.
Need to talk. My office. ASAP.
Grissom
Dani sighs. Workout is over.
Tossing the white gym towel over her shoulder, Dani hurries into the locker room to change.
* * *
6:54 am
Knocking sharply on the frosted glass, Dani opens the door to Grissom's office and pokes her head in. He is seated at his desk, flipping through a file, but looks up as the door opens.
You wanted to see me? she asks.
Come sit down, he invites, gesturing to the chair across from him.
What's up? Dani asks as she sits down and leans back. New information for the case?
As a matter of fact, yes, he replies before handing her the file folder he was perusing.
Opening the file, Dani's smile fades as she quickly flips through medical reports, university records, and finally, the surgeon's report and photos.
Where did you get these? she asks tightly, closing the file.
Care to explain why you didn't tell me or anyone else about L.A.? Grissom replies, ignoring her question.
Dani growls, stabbing the file with her index finger, is private. It's nobody's business, but mine.
I don't agree. You said he was dangerous and was targeting a certain type of woman, but you never said anything about it being based on you and the fact that he attacked you.
It doesn't change his M.O., she fires back defiantly. This is privileged information. You had no right-
I had every right! Grissom interrupts angrily, his eyes flashing. You withheld potentially vital information from the investigating team. When you're on my watch, you're my responsibility.
I don't need your protection, Dani argues vehemently. I can take care of myself, thank you very much!
I think you need to remove yourself from this case, he advises after taking a calming breath. You're too close to it and it's too dangerous.
Well then, I guess it's a good thing you're not my boss, Dani replies coldly before throwing the file back at him. Excuse me.
Pushing herself out of the chair, she leaves, slamming the door behind her.
* * *
7:01 am
Brad is stepping out of a taxi when Dani bursts out of the front door of the LVPD, cursing under her breath.
Hey! What's going on? Brad asks. I got paged by Grissom. Something about the case. Have we got a lead?
You couldn't keep your big mouth shut, could you? Dani accuses angrily.
Confused by her outburst, Brad asks, What are you talking about?
They know about L.A., she fires back. They know everything. It had to be you.
Wait just a minute, you didn't tell them?
No, I didn't tell them! They didn't need to know! Clutching the car keys in her fist, Dani walks over to the rental car. Racing after her, Brad grabs her by the arm.
How was I supposed to know that?
Wrenching free of his grip, Dani glares at him from behind her sunglasses. Oh, I forgot. You're fucking perfect. You never make mistakes, so therefore you would have no idea about having your fuck ups broadcast to everyone you work with!
Without another word, Dani slides into the driver's seat and slams the door shut. A moment later the car roars to life and peels out. Brad watches her leave before turning back to the LVPD entrance. Shaking his head, he enters the building and goes to find Grissom. To try to explain and undo the damage.
* * *
8:17 am
The diner is bustling, but the corner booth at the back of the restaurant provides enough privacy for the impromptu CSI breakfast meeting. Stunned, Nick drops the photos on the table and stares disbelievingly at Catherine.
I thought you should both know, she finishes.
How did we not know about this before? he asks as Warrick hands him the surgeon's report.
They kept a tight lid on it in LA and she didn't volunteer the information when she got here, Catherine replies.
So if Brad hadn't slipped up and mentioned it, we never would have known, Warrick adds bitterly.
According to Grissom, Brad didn't know she was keeping it a secret. He thought we all knew.
I hugged her the other day, Nick says softly. What if I hurt her or something?
Oh Nicky, you didn't. I promise, Catherine soothes. She was restored to active duty over a month ago and they wouldn't have done that if she was on pain medication.
Yeah, you're right, Nick replies, but a frown of concern still remains.
Where's Sara? Warrick asks. Didn't she figure all this out? Is there more?
Hopefully she's sleeping, Catherine replies. She was up all night putting all these details together. As for what's there and what's not there, I can't say.
Why not? Nicky asks.
The female CSI glances down at her hands. Grissom is keeping some details, not important to the case, private. For Dani's sake.
She didn't take it too well, huh? Warrick asks dryly.
Imagine your entire life being examined with a magnifying glass. Your privacy taken away without your consent.
Nick and Warrick reply in unison.
Where is she now? Warrick asks nonchalantly.
No idea. Brad talked to her just before she took off.
Do you mind if I have a look at the case? he asks. Fresh pair of eyes and all that. Maybe something will jump out at me.
Go ahead. Brad is doing some damage control and dealing with his boss in D.C., so he won't be working on it, Catherine replies, eyeing him carefully. I'm coming off a twelve hour shift and I'm beat, or I'd be in there with you.
Me too, Nick chimes in.
Just then, breakfast arrives and the subject is changed. Halfheartedly, Warrick listens to Catherine and Nick discuss the case they'd just solved, but his mind is clearly somewhere else.
What the hell had happened in L.A. and why didn't she tell him, he wonders silently.
It's going to be a long day.
* * *
8:27 am
Because of the early hour, the indoor shooting range is nearly empty when Dani slides on clear safety glasses and protective ear coverings. Pressing a green button, she sends the paper image of a man to the back wall before drawing the 9 mm at her left hip.
Disengaging the ambidextrous safety, Dani raises the stainless steel weapon and aims at the target, her hands trembling ever so slightly. Taking slow, controlled breaths to steady herself, she wraps her hand around the curved backstrap and begins firing.
As the shots are expelled, the tight band of tension around her rib cage loosens ever so slightly. The nagging ache in her lower back begins to dissapate as the gun kicks back in her hands, sending waves through her whole body.
Eleven shots, in evenly measured succession, echo off the concrete walls as Dani empties the gun of all its bullets. Only when the trigger emits a loud click does she realize that the 9 mm is now spent. Laying the weapon on the cement counter next to an open box of shells, she presses a red button to bring the bullet-riddled paper within her grasp.
Wasting no time, she exchanges the used sheet with a fresh one and sends it back to the far wall. Ejecting the clip from the base of her gun, she replaces it with a full one from her belt, loads a single bullet in the chamber, cocks it and resumes firing.
Body now more relaxed, she feels the energy flow through her limbs and the fragile control she holds in a deathgrip return. Eyes flat and devoid of emotion, the gun bucks in Dani's well-trained hands as another eleven shots ring out as controlled as the ones before it.
While the second target glides forward on its track towards her, Dani fills one empty clip and then the other before reloading her gun. Reengaging the safety, she holsters the 9 mm and pulls down the paper target. With a critical eye, she studies the two targets. All the holes are less than two inches off the center mark on the chest, with the exception of two shots.
Those are reserved for the head.
Tossing the targets into a large metal trash can, Dani removes the safety glasses and ear guards before sliding her spare clip onto her belt next to the silver handcuffs holstered at the center of her back. Pausing at the counter, she wordlessly hands over the glasses and ear coverings to the attendant and slides on her black sunglasses before walking out into the sweltering heat.
* * *
12:07 pm
Opening the third file box sitting on the layout table in front of him, Warrick pulls out a stack of typed letters encased in plastic evidence baggies. Reading Dani's handwriting on the labels, he sorts them in order of the murders.
Hello Strawberry,
I saw you walking today, the rain soaking your pretty red hair as you made your way down the street. You bought a Caramel Macchiato from your favorite coffee shop. Not your usual drink. Are you trying something new?
You're very good at your job, aren't you? I'm sure you are. You have that look about you. I know it must really bother you, not being able to catch me.
Would you be interested to know that Teresa was nice? Nice, but ordinary.
She wasn't special. Not like you.
Danielle tried to please me, to save her life, but she cried too much. Annoyed me. Bored me.
You don't cry, do you Strawberry?
Would you cry for me?
I think one day you will.
Surpressing a shiver, Warrick sets the first letter aside and picks up one from the middle of the pile.
Oh Strawberry,
Why do you make me keep doing these things? Why won't you listen?
Linda and Erica didn't listen either. I tried so hard to make them understand, but in the end I had to teach them a lesson. I had to hurt them. Believe me, I didn't want to.
You've moved again. Trying to hide from me? You should know that no matter where you go, I'll find you. Don't worry, I'll find you.
Soon you'll understand that you need me as much as I need you.
Sadly, now you've made me teach you a lesson. You're getting careless, sweetheart. That's not like you.
I'll see you soon.
You fucking bastard, Warrick growls under his breath, throwing the letter down on the layout table.
Anything I can help with? Brad asks from the doorway, his arms crossed across his chest.
Looking up from the table, Warrick shakes his head. No, I'm fine.
Walking over to the CSI, Brad picks up a stack of photographs and flips through them. It's all Dani thinks about. Day and night. She's been like that since we caught the case. Laying the photographs down, the detective takes a seat across the table from Warrick.
Realizing that Brad isn't going to take the hint, Warrick asks, How long have you two been working together?
Um, we met about two and a half years ago, but have been together-, Warrick raises his eyebrows in surprise. I mean working together for almost a year, the detective clarifies awkwardly. Next Wednesday will be a year, actually.
Warrick gives him an odd look.
We've tossed around the idea that he might kill again on the anniversary of the first murder.
It doesn't look likely because of the pattern he's in right now. He's just killed, so if he holds true, there won't be another for several weeks, Brad offers optimistically. Then again, maybe we'll catch him before that happens.
Yeah. Let's hope.
Are you sure there isn't-
The sound of a beeper interrupts Brad, and both men check their belts.
Mine, the detective says, then grimaces. Captain wants an update. Again.
Warrick says, suppressing a snort of annoyance until the detective has left the room.
Returning his attention to the evidence in front of him, Warrick picks up a third letter, but puts it down almost immediately.
They're together? he grumbles, hands clenching into loose fists. Funny how she failed to mention that.
Pushing his emotions to the side, Warrick concentrates on the case before him, determined to find the answers to the lingering questions in his mind.
* * *
2:48 pm
Blue Diamond Road.
The Silverton Casino.
An unplanned walk down memory lane.
A wall of cold air hits Dani's entire body as she pushes through the second set of polished glass doors and she sighs with relief.
Air conditioning, she moans as goose bumps appear on her bare arms. The long drive in the desert has left her feeling unsettled and craving reminders of the past.
Cigarette smoke lingers in the air, swirling suggestively around the scantily clad cocktail waitresses as they deliver beverages to their customers. Countless dollars disappear into banks of merrily chirping slot machines and thousands of lights twinkle as Dani slips past the one-armed monsters and approaches a row of empty blackjack tables.
Trailing her fingers over the smooth green cloth, she recalls the first time she sat down at a table just like this one, in this very casino. Learning how the game was played and laughing, Warrick nestled against her side. Seems like a dozen lifetimes ago instead of just four short years.
Settling into a chair, Dani slides a twenty dollar bill across the table and takes the proffered chips. Smiling brightly, the blonde female blackjack dealer begins flipping cards.
The familiar game is comforting and for a short while, Dani relaxes.
* * *
4:29 pm
The file boxes are now empty and the part of Sara's report that Grissom handed over has been reviewed thoroughly. Looking up from the glossy photos in his hand, Warrick spots Greg lingering in the doorway of the layout room, shifting his weight from side to side as a frown creases his brow.
What are doing here? Warrick asks. Aren't you working tonight?
Catherine called me. Told me about Dani, the lab technician replies uneasily. I want to help.
I'm doing okay. You should get some sleep.
I said, I want to help, Greg answers, more forcefully this time. That's why we have an unlimited supply of coffee in the break room.
Seeing the determined look in his eyes, Warrick finally concedes.
Okay. I need you to run some blood samples for me.
Warrick hands him a stack of papers encased in plastic envelopes, the last four letters left at the crime scenes.
Sure. What do you need to know? Greg asks, examining the copper splattered at the bottom of the letters.
Tell me if that blood is from different victims, or one source.
I'll get right on it. Any particular victim I should be looking at for comparison?
Ducking his head, Warrick clears his throat.
You think this is her blood? Greg asks, eyes wide with shock.
I'm playing a hunch, the CSI replies. Are her fingerprints and DNA still in the personnel files?
The lab tech nods and turns to leave.
Warrick calls out. Keep this to yourself, okay?
You got it.
* * *
6:13 pm
After ensuring that she is alone in her hotel room, Dani kicks off her boots and sits down cross-legged on a couch near the small table next to the window. While her laptop powers up on the coffee table, she digs into the brown paper bag containing her dinner. As always, her gun is close by.
Breaking the seal on the package of wooden chopsticks, she then opens the small collection of white boxes containing honey garlic spare ribs, chicken fried rice, egg foo yung and potstickers. Her stomach rumbles as she inhales the delicious aromas, reminding her that she's forgotten to eat all day. Again. Just as Dani is about to dig in, the cell phone at her side rings.
Pulling the small silver object off her belt, she looks at the call display before flipping it open and pressing it to her ear.
Hi Dwayne, she says, bracing herself for the reply.
I've been trying to call you all afternoon! Charlie Reynolds came barreling into my office with a bug the size of Texas up his ass! the CSI supervisor exclaims, the words quickly tumbling out of his mouth. What the hell is going on down there?
she mutters under her breath. Um, yeah. I needed some time so I turned my phone off for a few hours. I was going to call and tell you what happened.
No time like the present, he prompts.
I, uh, I didn't tell them about what happened to me in LA, Dani confesses. I pulled the record out of the case files before anyone could see it.
But somebody found out, Dwayne adds dryly.
Yeah. They are the number two crime lab in the country for a reason, she replies bitterly.
I kinda lost my temper and went off on Grissom. Dani winces as she remembers the icy words she'd uttered.
You what?!?
Not my finest hour, I admit.
Maybe you should hand the case off to Mark and Carolyn, Dwayne suggests gently, his voice filled with concern. I can put them on a flight in the morning.
Dani protests vehemently. I made a mistake, that's all. I never should have tried to hide it from them.
I don't know . . .
Dwayne, please. Her tone is desperate, pleading with every fibre of her being.
The CSI supervisor sighs heavily. he replies reluctantly. But you have to promise me you'll be careful.
You know I am.
And get some sleep.
I'll try.
Hanging up the phone, Dani picks up her chopsticks and digs into the box of honey garlic ribs. With her mouth full, she leans over to the laptop and opens a file sitting on the desktop. Wordlessly, she proceeds to study the dozens of pictures inside. A shiver runs down her spine and her hands tremble slighty.
I'll sleep when I've caught the fucking bastard who's doing this, Dani vows to herself.
* * *
9:03 pm
Stunned, Doctor Robbins pours over the photos Grissom has just handed him.
She didn't say anything to me about this, he says, glancing over at the grim faced CSI.
She didn't tell anyone. Sara found out and pieced it together.
Doc grimaces. Look at that, he says, pointing to the black and blue raccoon marks in the soft tissue around Dani's eyes. Classic traumatic strangulation.
Wordlessly, Grissom nods.
He took her to her last breath. Right to the edge.
I know.
Looking through the other photos, Doc pauses to examine a close up of Dani's neck.
the CSI asks, leaning closer to look as well.
Doc points to a tiny red mark just above the angry line on Dani's neck. That could be an injection site. Did Sara find a toxicology report?
Grissom shakes his head. No, just the surgeon's.
Melinda Greenwalt wasn't injected with anything. Sodium amytal was administered orally. Frowning, Doc lays the photos down on table and removes his glasses.
True, but she wasn't trained in self defense like a member of law enforcement, the CSI points out. Like the other victims, she was overpowered quite easily.
Dani would've fought back.
With everything she had, Grissom adds. If she could.
The two men exchange a look, not daring to say what they're thinking. The very long list of things that may have happened. More than a few reasons why Dani would stay silent about her connection to the killer.
* * *
10:13 pm
Switching on the bathroom light, Dani taps out two pills and swallows them easily with a glass of water. The hem of her powder blue drawstring pants brush the tops of her bare feet while a white, spaghetti strap top clings to her ample curves. For the second time in fifteen minutes, there is a firm, insistent knock at her door.
Rolling her eyes in annoyance, Dani walks over and jerks the door open, not bothering to check the peephole.
Brad, I told you, I'm not in the mood, she growls before freezing in place. What are you doing here?
Warrick raises his eyebrows at her greeting. Hello to you too.
So, what do you want? Dani asks coolly, crossing her arms across her chest, unknowingly exposing more of her cleavage. I thought we covered everything last night.
He glances down at the soft flesh before returning his gaze to her face. Not even close.
Forcing the armload of brown case files into Dani's arms, Warrick pushes his way into her hotel room and shuts the door behind him.
What the hell do you think you're doing? Dani fires back, her eyes blazing. The files are tossed onto the coffee table next to her laptop, the photos sliding out onto the floor.
I want to know why you didn't pick up the damn phone and tell anyone what was going on, Warrick announces, his jaw set firmly.
The case was being handled by members of the Washington office, Dani replies stiffly. Details were released on a need to know basis.
Since when do you play by the rules? he scoffs, his hands coming to rest on his blue jean clad hips. He purposely baiting her, pushing all the right buttons.
Dani's eyes narrow and her breath quickens. Things change.
You should have called me.
Why would you care? she asks coldly.
Warrick steps closer, invading Dani's space and causing her to take a step back. Because you could've died.
You don't think I know that? she fires back, the expression of annoyance returning. Thank you. I'm not a complete idiot.
Why did you go alone? You know about signature killers. He watches Dani bristle at the question. More than anyone, you should've known better.
A part of Warrick is afraid of what she might do, even though he's never witnessed any violent outbursts in the time he's known her. However, she'd been under less stress at the time.
I don't need to justify myself to you or anyone else, Dani spits out, her body visibly tensing up. My case. My business.
Warrick rolls his eyes and laughs. Oh yeah, you've done a great job so far, haven't you?
The criminalist in him knows the one track mind that Dani has when it comes to certain cases. A dangerous characteristic when tracking a twisted, methodical killer who has developed a taste for her.
So much for being a team player, huh? Warrick taunts. I'm surprised you didn't leave town after you got found out.
Oh nice, Warrick, she retorts flatly. That's hitting below the belt, even for you.
I call it like I see it.
Drop the holier than thou act, will you? Dani demands, tossing her hair off her face. You pretend like I was the only one who made a mistake!
I didn't leave.
You want to talk about this now? Dani asks disbelievingly. You know what? Fine. Let's do that. Let's talk about Judge Cohen and his agenda.
Shame rips through Warrick and his eyes flash wide. Jaw clenching, he looks away.
How about we talk about the phone calls at all hours of the day and night, Dani continues, jabbing her finger Warrick's chest, causing him to meet her eyes. Let's talk about you dropping everything to go play errand boy for that crooked son of a bitch. Have you forgotten about getting me to cover for you in court while you met with him?
I didn't make bets when I was on the job, you know that! Warrick protests vehemently.
Emotions boil over and tears well up in Dani's eyes. She knuckles them away, smudging the mascara that the cold cream failed to remove. I begged you to stop. Do you remember that?
he replies softly.
And what about Holly Gribbs? she spits out. Were you working something for the Judge when she got shot?
Warrick takes a step back. What do you know about Holly?
I knew her, Dani reveals.
You never mentioned her.
Dani shrugs. We attended the same university at the same time. We were in an osteology class together.
So what happened? Why was she alone?
I don't want to talk about it.
Dani rolls her eyes and snorts in disgust.
Did you even think twice about leaving her alone at the scene?
Warrick remains silent.
She died, working on a case that most likely would have been mine. If I had stayed in Las Vegas, she would still be alive. Dani looks away. Maybe I would be dead.
You don't think I know that? Warrick fires back, eyes flashing.
Well then, back off! Let me do things my way.
Turning the attention back to Dani, Warrick asks, You know the dangers that come with the job. What was so important that couldn't wait? Why did you go in without back-up?
Because I was stupid, okay? Dani retorts sharply. There. I've said it. Are you happy now?
Dani spins on her heel when she feels her face contract and stinging tears fill her eyes. Her shoulders hunch involuntarily and she turns to one side and then the other, before her knees begin to tremble. She clutches the edge of the table to steady herself.
Oh God. No.
Deep, hot tears flood from her eyes and her belly contracts in a violent sob. Panic tears through the sweeping liquid pain, ripping the control from her desperate fingertips.
What? You thought you knew better than everyone else? Warrick presses. Figured you didn't need anyone?
She can't cry. Not now. Control is all she has left.
The accusatory tone in Warrick's voice breaks her heart. It doesn't matter what she wants, what she needs or can't live without. He's been wounded too much already, by the mere touch of her in his life again. Because she loves him, she will do anything to protect him. Even deny her own heart.
I want you to go. she chokes out tightly.
Breathing openmouthed, she desperately tries to control the shaking in her limbs.
Snatching up the photos of Dani's attack, Warrick shoves them in front of her face.
If you keep this up, it will happen again, he insists. Is that what you want?
Without any warning, her chest expands as air rushes in only to be expelled forcefully in a strangled scream that stuns Warrick into silence.
"Stop!" she cries. The tears spill down over Dani's face and she hugs herself as gut wrenching spasms threaten to bring her to her knees. Her body is wracked with sobs as the agony overwhelms her. She screams as it all comes pouring out in a jumble of incoherent babbling and she starts to crumble to her knees.
Warrick is at her side in an instant, his arms wrapping around her trembling form, gathering Dani into his embrace before she can fall to the floor. Immediately forgotten, the crime scene photos of Dani's attack are tossed aside.
He'll kill . . . too close, she sobs, blindly trying to grab at something, anything to hold, to bring her back. Not safe, she moans, making eye contact for a brief moment before looking away.
Hands gently stroking her back, Warrick murmurs comforting words, but Dani can't hear him. His lips are moving, but the sound is drowned out by her sobs. The floodgates are open and the pressure is too strong to be controlled. An explosion was inevitable, she realizes, no matter how hard she tries to keep it from happening.
Giving in, Dani buries her face in Warrick's neck, her hands clutching desperately at his shirt as he guides her over to the couch. He sits, pulling Dani into his lap, wondering what the hell he has unleashed.
It's clear Dani is lost, swirling in an abyss of self-damnation. Warrick finally recognizes the look in her eyes. The anger was a cover. The desperate look is fear. Absolute terror. At its mercy as it tears her soul to shreds. Being crushed under the weight, not knowing where to turn.
Dani sobs uncontrollably for nearly twenty minutes, hot tears soaking Warrick's shirt and skin. Finally spent, she collapses limply in his arms, eyes staring ahead blankly, breath coming in ragged gasps.
Stop," she whispers. "You should let me go . . ."
"No," is his reply as he holds her closer and continues rocking gently from side to side.
You need to go, she begs, head lolling back, her eyes unfocused and she struggles weakly in his arms. If he finds out-
I'm not leaving, Warrick states bluntly, holding her tighter as he continues to murmur softly, his voice lulling her into a sleep state.
Dani doesn't move for a long moment, her lips pursed, breathing still short and raspy. Not . . . safe.
A few minutes later Dani's eyes finally drop closed and her head rests on Warrick's shoulder. The pills she ingested earlier have taken effect. Eventually, her breathing becomes deep and even as she drops further into sleep.
Moving carefully, Warrick rises, Dani curled up in his arms. After pressing his lips to her hairline in a soft kiss, he pulls back to study her face.
What did she mean, not safe if he finds out, Warrick wonders silently.
Deciding it can wait until tomorrow, Warrick walks over to the rumpled bed and lays Dani down on the sheets. Automatically, she rolls over onto her left side, curling up into a fetal position. The close fitting white top Dani is wearing rides up, exposing her lower back and an angry pink scar. Where she'd been stabbed.
Breath catching in his throat, Warrick slides his hand lightly over the exposed flesh, his finger tracing the scar. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, his hand roams higher, up her ribcage, over her bare arm, up to her shoulder and finally her neck. He gently sweeps the auburn curls off the delicate flesh, his fingers lingering longer than necessary. Releasing a soft sigh, Warrick finally reaches over her body and pulls the sheet and blanket towards them, to cover Dani. He freezes when a small, well worn stuffed animal is exposed. A chocolate brown puppy with beanbag feet, grinning up at him.
You kept it, Warrick murmurs, picking up the small dog and turning it over in his hands. After all this time, you kept it.
He snuggles the stuffed animal against Dani's side as he recalls the day he'd given it to her. More specifically, won it for her at a traveling carnival. One of many dates they'd shared in secret. Sweeping her hair off her face, Warrick brushes a feathery kiss over her forehead and quietly stands up before he can change his mind and lay down beside her. It's then he spots the cheesy Las Vegas snow globe on the night stand.
Wordlessly, he takes the garish souvenir in his hands and tips it to one side and then back again, causing the sparkles to swirl maddeningly in the spherical prison. Shocked, he looks back at Dani and spots a strange shadow on the underside of her pillow. Lifting the edge of the pillowcase, Dani's stainless steel 9 mm comes into view.
You sleep with a gun under your pillow? Warrick asks disbelievingly, shaking his head. He's tempted to move it, but decides against it.
Curious to know what else is going on and worried about Dani's well being, Warrick begins looking around the room for clues. Dani's nightshirt has been tossed over the chair in the corner and Warrick recognizes it as one of his. In the bathroom he finds prescriptions in Dani's name for Xanax and Dalmane. Anxiety medication and sleeping pills. Examining the dosages, his eyes widen in surprise.
As he turns out the bathroom light he notices the sticky residue on the edge of the door and door jamb leading to the hallway. Experimentally he touches it, his brow furrowing in confusion.
Duct tape? he asks himself aloud, cocking his head to one side. What the hell?
Spotting Dani's laptop on the coffee table, he walks over to it, but the screen has been locked with a password. He closes the laptop and cleans up the files he'd brought before walking over to the table near the window. Finding a pad of hotel paper, he scrawls a quick note and tears it off the pad.
Unsure of what to make of everything he's found, Warrick walks back over to the bed, tucks the note under the snow globe. Unable to stop himself, Warrick lays down next to Dani and slips an arm under the covers to slide around her waist. Despite the pills she's taken, she seems to know he's there and relaxes into his touch. Smiling gently, Warrick lowers his head and kisses her neck, just below the earlobe.
I'm here, baby, he whispers. You're safe.
For the next thirty minutes he strokes her hair, knowing that's what she likes. That it makes her feel better. Finally, reluctantly, Warrick carefully slips off the bed and away from Dani. Taking a final, longing look at her, Warrick picks up the brown case files and turns off the lights as he leaves her room, closing the door behind him with a quiet click.
* * *
