Saturday, July 19th, 2003

5:00 am

Dani rolls over to answer the ringing phone. When the automated message begins, she hangs up and pushes herself up in bed. Switching on the bedside lamp, she spots a piece of paper anchored by her snow globe. Curious, she picks it up to read.

I didn't want to wake you.

We'll talk later.

W


Nibbling on her lower lip, Dani looks down at the note again.

Oh God. What have I done?

* * *


6:06 am

A firm, but gentle knock on the open door causes Grissom to look up from the file in his hands.

Got a minute? Dani asks, lingering in the doorway

Unable to hide her nervousness, she shifts from one foot to the other and tucks a stray lock of hair behind her right ear.

Come in, Grissom invites, gesturing to a chair. Sit down.

Closing the door behind her, Dani hands him a brown case file before taking a seat and folding her hands in her lap.

I owe you an apology, she begins. I had no business speaking to you that way. You were doing your job. You now have the complete file concerning my attack.

Grissom leans back in his chair, studying her. I must admit, you did surprise me.

I'm sorry. I know you hate surprises.

He smiles gently for a moment, then becomes more serious. I have questions. I could read this, or . . .

Go ahead. I'll do my best to answer them.

I showed the photos of your attack to Doc Robbins, he says, and Dani flinches visibly. He pointed out a spot that looks like an injection site on your neck.

Trust Doc not to miss a thing, Dani murmurs softly.

What was it?

Syringe full of high dose Pavulon. I was on the floor in under thirty seconds.

A fast-acting paralyzing drug. Involuntarily sucking in a breath, Grissom watches Dani shiver at the memory.

I'm sorry, he says gently.

Clearing her throat, Dani looks up. Anything else?

I hate to ask, but . . .

Noticing the uncomfortable look in the scientist's eyes, Dani cocks her head to one side.

she asks.

We didn't find a medical report listing all of your injuries. There was only the surgeon's notes. Grissom looks down and adjusts his glasses. The attack. Was it-

Dani interrupts, causing him to meet her eyes. It wasn't sexual. He was just teaching me a lesson.

Visibly relieved, Grissom releases the breath he's been holding.

Gil, don't worry about it, Dani continues. I know it was my fault. I'm the one who put myself in harms way and got caught. That's not going to happen again.

Glad to hear it.

Rising from his chair, Grissom walks over to a stack of metal shelves and pulls a small box down from the top shelf. Blowing the dust off the top, he hands it to Dani.

Some things you forgot when you left.

Lifting the lid off the box, Dani smiles.

I was wondering what happened to this, she says, lifting out a faded black ball cap with the LVPD crest embroidered on the front; the word FORENSICS' on the back. I thought I'd lost it in the move.

I put the medallion in an envelope so it wouldn't get lost.

Digging through papers and various odds and ends, Dani finds a small white envelope at the bottom of the box. Ripping open the end, a small silver disk rolls out into her palm.

St. Jude, Grissom says, removing his glasses. The Patron Saint of Lost Causes.

Smiling gently, Dani looks up at him. You know your Saints. I shouldn't be surprised.

It's an interesting choice.

It was a gift from my boss in LA, Dani says. I had a run of bad cases in the M.E.'s office. It seemed like every time I turned around there was another senseless death. I decided to quit. Was going to walk away from it all. On my last day, he said if I didn't fight for the victims, who would?

So that's why you-

The phone on Grissom's desk rings, interrupting his question. Snatching up the receiver, he holds it to his ear.

A few moments pass as the scientist listens. On my way.

As he hangs up the phone, Dani gets to her feet.

Looks we both need to get to work, she says with a smile.

Let me know if there's anything I can help with, Grissom requests.



* * *


6:12 am

Opening her locker, Dani sets the small cardboard box inside and takes her ball cap in both hands. She smiles as her fingers smooth over the brim and the happy memories flow.

How did you sleep? Warrick asks, interrupting her thoughts.

Whirling around, Dani drops the hat to the floor.

What are you doing here? she asks, her heart beating a little faster; breath a little heavier.

I wanted to talk and figured you'd be here, Warrick replies, walking closer to her. What do you know? I was right.

Well, I need to go, so I'm afraid you've wasted a trip.

Dani closes her locker and tries to leave, but Warrick grabs her arm.

We need to talk about last night.

Her response is short and blunt. No, we don't.

You're in trouble. Let me help, he pleads.

No, I don't need your help, Dani hisses. Last night was a mistake. One that I won't be-

Cutting off her rant, Warrick claims her mouth with an unexpected kiss and Dani freezes under his touch, surprised and uncertain. She doesn't open her mouth for him for what feels like an eternity, but Warrick coaxes Dani's soft lips to part, pushing his tongue between her teeth and delving deep into her mouth. She tastes like fresh spring water after being lost in the desert and of promises left unspoken for far too long.

After the initial moment of shock, Dani responds in kind, but at the same time, thinks about pushing Warrick away. In her head she tells him all the reasons why she can't kiss him and why she shouldn't feel this way about him and why they should get back to work and why it doesn't matter that he tastes so damn good and feels even better. With a will of their own, Dani's hands find the lapels of his deep blue dress shirt and slip beneath the fabric to caress his warm skin as she returns his kiss.

Warrick pulls Dani toward him, and any thought of resistance flees her mind when he guides her hips with strong fingers and gently backs her against the row of gun metal grey lockers. Sweeping her hair off of her face, Warrick runs his fingers through the length of her long, auburn curls while his other hand is flat against her back, rubbing the tense muscles in seductively slow circles. Warrick moves his fingers lower and catches the hem of Dani's sleeveless burgundy blouse with his fingertips, pulling it up and revealing the smooth expanse of her lower back.

A soft moan escapes Dani's lips as she wraps her arms around him, her fingers sweeping over the cords at the nape of his neck. It feels good to be held so close to his body again, so good to feel the hot muscles and smell his salty skin. Dani realizes how much she's missed the intimate contact when Warrick draws his fingers across her jaw and down her neck while the other delves under the hem of her shirt. Warrick's lips are soft, smooth and devastatingly slow as they cruise over her face, reacquainting himself with her skin.

Oh God, she moans breathlessly.

The world slows, stopping in the single moment when Warrick's fingertips meet the curve of Dani's breast. They both gasp for breath, even as they continue to kiss each other hungrily. It's been too long for both of them and it shows. It's too late to turn back, she realizes as her hands pull Warrick's shirt free of his waistband and delve underneath. Frantically, she clutches his well muscled back, touching more, needing more.

With trembling fingers, Warrick nudges open the buttons of Dani's blouse and pushes it to the edge of her shoulders, eager to touch and taste her passion-flushed skin. His lips trail down her neck and into the valley between her breasts, his hot breath causing goose bumps to form on her skin as she arches forward, inviting more. Warrick groans softly when his tongue finds her burgundy, lace trimmed bra, barring him from exploring anymore of her skin.

Scared to talk, even to say her name, lest the spell be broken or dream be ruined, Warrick keeps silent, hands roaming endlessly over her body. If it is a dream, he doesn't want to wake up from it, cold and alone in his bed again. Doesn't want to scare her away. Instead he mouths caressing words against her skin, bathing it with his tongue. She moans and pants breathlessly, but doesn't speak either.

The mood is shattered when the locker room door bursts open, causing the pair to spring apart and hastily make themselves presentable.

Greg calls out. You in here?

Busying herself with her locker, Dani clears her throat. I'm back here. What's up?

Coming around the corner, Greg smiles. Grissom told me you were around. The GCMS came up with something on your bathtub swab.

Eyes wide with surprise, Dani turns to face him.

Finally noticing Warrick, Greg arches an eyebrow in confusion. I didn't know you were on tonight.

I'm not. I just needed to pick something up, he replies easily.

After spinning the combination lock on her locker, Dani picks her hat up off the floor. Show me what you've got Grego.

Without a backward glance, Greg and Dani leave the room. Walking down the hall, Greg glances over at her and frowns.

Are you okay? Your cheeks are kind of flushed, he remarks.

I'm fine, Dani replies, looking away to hide the lie in her eyes.

* * *


6:20 am

So, after the GCMS did it's thing, I managed to figure out which products your killer has been using in the bathrooms.

Wait. The lab in D.C. did that.

Well, I read the file and how they decided it was a combination of window cleaner and a strawberry scented body oil, but I think they're wrong.

So what is it?

The first two ingredients are Windex and Baby Oil. Both Johnson and Johnson brands, by the way, and the last ingredient is Lady Ophelia's Strawberry Scented Body Spray. It's an exclusive body spray, might I add.

Dani arches an eyebrow. How exclusive?

Well, it's made in San Francisco, but is sold in only two stores in the D.C. area.

And you've got the names of the stores? the CSI asks hopefully.

Grinning like a cheshire cat, the lab tech hands Dani a piece of paper. Got a fax from the distributor a couple minutes ago.

I could seriously kiss you right now, she says with a smile. Taking her cell phone off her belt, Dani quickly dials a series of numbers.

Carolyn? Hi, it's Dani.

She pauses to listen for a few moments.

I'm in Las Vegas, of course it's hot here. Listen, my lab guy here has come up with a lead I need you and Mark to follow up on.

Greg smiles proudly as Dani relays the information to her colleague in D.C. and says goodbye.

When this case is over, you and I are going to dinner, Dani vows with a grin. Anywhere in town and it's on me.

Greg blushes and ducks his head. You don't have to do that.

I want to, Dani replies. You're good at your job, but you went above the call of duty on this one.

Gathering up the printouts she and Greg have reviewed, Dani looks up in time to see a look of concern on the lab technician's face.



I heard about the thing in LA, he confesses.



I'm glad you're okay. You are okay, right? he asks gently.

Did you see me holding back on the dance floor the other night? Dani asks.

Well, no.

I'm fine, Greg, she promises. Just a little wiser.

Satisfied, Greg nods.

I could use some C8H10. . . Dani trails off, looking expectantly at Greg.

he finishes with a grin.

Together, they walk out of the room and stroll down the hall to the break room for some much needed coffee.

* * *


7:25 am

Striations match up perfectly, the ballistics tech says, peering through a microscope at two .38 caliber bullet casings. It's definitely your murder weapon.

Thanks Bobby, Nick says, making some notes in a case file. I'll call Catherine and let her know.

As Nick reaches to take his cell phone off his belt, a shadow in the doorway catches his eye and he looks over. Nibbling on her lower lip, Dani gives a small wave.

Nick says, closing the file and walking over to her. This is a surprise.

Looking up from the microscope, Bobby smiles and nods to Dani.

After waving to him, she turns to Nick. I wanted to talk to you, but if it's a bad time . . .

No, It's fine. See you later Bobby, Nick says as he and Dani leave the room.

Silently, the pair walk down the hall to the empty fingerprint lab. Nick gestures for Dani to enter first, then closes the door behind him.

I heard that you and Grissom had some words yesterday, he drawls, a twinge of his Texas accent slipping out. I think the whole building might have heard by now.

I talked to him a little while ago, Dani replies. We're okay now.



Ducking her head, she takes a deep breath. I'm sorry Nicky. I should have told you.

Yes, you should have, Nick replies. But I think I know why you didn't.

Surprised, Dani meets his gaze. You do? she asks softly.

You didn't want anyone to worry about you. To see you less than the smart CSI that you are.

Struggling to maintain her composure, Dani says, I screwed up Nicky.

Shaking his head, Nick hugs her gently. Congratulations. You're human.

Dani can't help but laugh.

And you're forgiven for not telling me, he concludes. Just be straight with us from now on, okay?



* * *


7:58 am

Oh come on Nick. It's not like I'm leaving town tomorrow. We'll have plenty of chances to have breakfast together, Dani teases. You've been up all night working. Go home. Get some sleep.

Alright, but I will collect on this rain check, he replies with a grin.

Well, well, well, a nasally voice interrupts. If it isn't the rookie. Chandani Bennett.

Recognizing the speaker, she sighs and turns around.

Hello Ecklie. It's been a while.

I'd heard you were back in town, the dayshift CSI continues snidely. Looking for some help on a case you can't solve.

Apparently not long enough, Dani adds coolly as Nick bristles.

Graveyard is on the case, Nick interjects, his jaw set in a hard line.

I'd be happy to take a look at it, Ecklie adds with a condescending smile. See what you missed.

I see your level of class is right up there with your hairline, Ecklie, Dani answers, her eyes flat and cold. Receding rapidly.

Turning on her heel, Dani walks away without a backward glance, Nick hurrying after her.

I can't believe you said that! he hisses. Ecklie could cause you a lot of trouble that you don't need.

Finally pausing, Dani turns to face Nick.

Do you think I forgot about Kristy Hopkins? she asks. That son of a bitch was more than willing to have you charged with her murder. Murder! All because he was too fucking lazy to do his job.

Yes, but it all worked out in the end.

I don't care, Dani spits out. He's hated me since I was on his crew. There's no love lost there.

Remind me never to piss you off, Nick says, surprised at her outburst, but trying to lighten the mood.

That'll never be a problem Nick. You have a brain.

* * *


8:32 am

Now wearing the ball cap Grissom returned to her, Dani leans over a small table and examines the sheets from Melinda Greenwalt's bed with a magnifying glass.

If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were hiding from me, Warrick says softly, noticing Dani flinch at the sound of his voice. The drying room, of all places?

I needed some peace and quiet, Dani begins and Warrick arches an eyebrow. Okay, fine. I know you hate this room and it seemed like a good choice.

Heard that you told Ecklie where to shove it, he replies with a lopsided grin as he closes the door behind him. Wish I could have seen it.

He deserved it, Dani growls. Fucking prick.

No argument here.

Look Warrick, I know you're not here to talk to me about Ecklie, so why don't you just get to the point, Dani says, peering at him through her wire-rimmed glasses.

I meant it when I said we need to talk about last night, Warrick says, moving closer. I'm sorry I yelled at you.

Dani shrugs. I'm not. The release helped to clear my mind.

Last night you said it wasn't safe. Something about if he finds out.' You said he'll kill' and too close,' Warrick says, watching Dani's face closely. What did you mean by that?

Dani opens her mouth to lie, but can't. A lie won't protect him. Maybe the truth will.

He talked to me, she says softly.

What? When? Warrick asks, eyes wide.

Feeling her knees tremble, Dani sits down on a stool next to the examining table. Wordlessly, Warrick takes a seat across the table from her and leans forward to listen.

I didn't hear him come up behind me. I was taking a look in the bathroom and when I walked out into the hall I was shoved from behind. Remembering, Dani lifts a hand to her cheek. I caught a wooden support beam with my face and by the time I got my bearings he had a needle in my throat. Her fingers flutter over the spot.

He injected you? Warrick asks and Dani nods. With what?



Stunned, Warrick says nothing.

I couldn't move. It was like my whole body was encased in concrete. Dani shivers at the memory. I could look and I could feel. When my knees gave out, he pulled a white plastic bag over my face and pulled it tight. The room went black, and I was sure I was going to die. But then he just stopped.

Jesus Christ, Warrick mutters under his breath.

He grabbed a fistful of my hair to hold me up and that's when he stabbed me. When he let go, I just fell over like dead weight and hit my face again.

Glancing up at Warrick, Dani clears her throat.

So there I was, bleeding, wondering what else he was going to do to me when he leaned over me and started to talk.

What did he say to you?

Dani's voice is eerily calm as she recites the words seared on her memory.

Beauty must be possessed and protected, Strawberry.

Warrick watches Dani's face as she stares ahead blankly.

I know you. I know your every thought. You finally realize that no one can protect you. Nothing can keep me away.

Taking a ragged breath, she lets it out slowly.

You think that boyfriend of yours can keep you safe? You're wrong. I'm inside of you. If anyone gets in my way, I'll remove them.

Cursing under his breath, Warrick reaches across the table to hold her hand.

Can't you see, Strawberry? I love you. I can't live without you, and I won't let you live without me. Remember that and think of me.

Looking up from the table, Dani meets Warrick's gaze, her eyes misting over. Blinking quickly, the tears are gone as quickly as they appeared.

That's what was in the file you were hiding?

Dani shakes her head and ducks her head again.

I didn't tell anyone that he spoke to me. Until now.

The words sink in and Warrick finally understands.

Thank you for trusting me with this, he says softly.

I'm trying to make you understand.

You think he'll come after me? he asks.

You've seen the photos, Warrick. That's what he does to the person he claims to love, she says desperately. I'm not going to take the risk.

But you're giving him what he wants. You. Isolated. Scared. Shaking his head, Warrick stands and begins pacing. Dammit, Dani. You sleep with a gun under your pillow!

That's none of your business.

The hell it isn't!

Rick, I have the blood of seven women on my hands. Seven! I'm not going to give him any more reasons to kill.

Well, I meant what I said last night, he replies, walking over to where Dani is standing. I'm not leaving.

It's not up to you, Dani argues heatedly. One risk I can't take is losing you.

Realizing what she's revealed, Dani looks away.

And I am willing to take the risk, Warrick says firmly, his hands sliding up her bare arms and taking her chin in one hand. He nudges her head higher until their eyes meet. Have you even thought that maybe I won't risk losing you again?

Why won't you leave me alone?

That's not the message you were sending when I kissed you earlier, he presses.

You surprised me, that's all. Stepping back, she tries to put some distance between them.

And that's why we were trying to take each others clothes off? Warrick asks in his trademark deadpan way. You we're surprised?

With a blush coloring her cheeks, Dani looks away. You're not being fair.

Arrest me.

Being around me isn't safe, Dani insists.

Stepping closer, Warrick grabs her hand and threads their fingers together. C'mon Dani, you know I don't play it safe. It's not in me.

"You have to go . . . now," Dani pleads.

"Yeah," Warrick agrees, But not before I do this."

With a quick tug on her hand, Warrick pulls Dani to him and covers her mouth with his. The softest touch of firm, full lips against hers. Dani shivers and the touch returns, brushing, caressing, light, but demanding. Breath catches in Dani's throat as she tries to step back, but Warrick has her trapped. Trapped with only his teasing lips. Knees immediately weakening, Dani moans softly and kisses Warrick back, clasping her arms around his waist. Warrick kisses her until he is out of breath, and finally tears himself away from Dani's heated embrace. It takes all of his willpower to let her go and start to walk out of the room.

At the doorway he pauses.

There is a white paper bag in the break room fridge with your name on it. Inside is a multigrain bagel and vanilla mango yogurt, Warrick says, looking over his shoulder at Dani. If you're not there, eating, in ten minutes, I'll come find you and throw you over my shoulder to carry you down the hall for everyone to see.

Dani opens her mouth to protest, but he is already gone.

she repeats. Of course he picks the one flavor I can't resist.

Eight minutes later, Dani is curled up on the couch in the break room, a toasted bagel on a plate resting in her lap and a spoonful of mango yogurt in her mouth.

* * *


11:04 am

After rinsing her coffee cup out in the sink, Dani turns to leave the break room and nearly trips over Brad.

Hey. Morning.

You look better, Brad says. Get some sleep?

Yeah. You?

Shrugging, Brad walks over to the coffee pot and pours himself a cup. I needed to get out, so I went for a drive and got some air.

I'm sorry about last night, Dani offers apologetically. I shouldn't have snapped at you.

Don't worry about it. You were having an exceptionally bad day.

What time did you get in? Dani asks.

Not sure. Your lights were out though. Tilting his head to one side, Brad looks at Dani's hat. Changing teams?

Grissom found a box of my stuff that I left behind and this was in it, Dani explains, adjusting the brim with a smile.

You talked to him?

Dani smiles. Things are fine now.



What are you up to today?

Brad rolls his eyes. Traffic camera footage. It's a long shot, but maybe we'll get lucky.

Dani opens her mouth to reply, but her cell phone rings and she quickly answers it.

Bennett. . . Hi Carolyn. She pauses to listen.

Eyes widening with surprise, Brad gives Dani a quizzical look.

Okay, thanks for letting me know. Talk to you later.

The moment Dani hangs up the phone, Brad leans in.

What's going on? Why are you talking to Carolyn?

Greg isolated a specific body spray from the shower swab, Dani explains. There are only a couple of places that sell it in D.C, so she and Mark are checking them out.

When did this happen? Brad's tone is edged with annoyance. How come the D.C. lab didn't find this body spray? Were you even going to tell me?

I'm telling you now. And as for why it's different, I don't know. Dani shrugs. Maybe this was a stronger sample. Maybe he's changed the ingredients. I don't care. It fits with the signature, so relax.

Give me a break Dani. You've been distant since we got here, he accuses. I know you have history with these people, but we are supposed to be working together.

And we are. Greg told me this morning after I talked to Grissom, Dani says. I called Carolyn and told her, and she just called to let me know that they've got purchase lists from one of the stores and are cross-checking them with known offenders.

How many were sold?

No idea yet.

If he paid cash . . .

I know. It'll be another dead end, but we've got to try. It's the closest thing we've had to a lead in a long time.

Glancing at his watch, Brad gulps down the coffee in his cup. I've got to go. I'm supposed to meeting this traffic guy in twenty minutes.

Call me if you get anything, Dani requests. I'm going to be in the A/V lab most of the day, I think.

Will do.

* * *


6:36 pm

Dressed in a snug fitting black t-shirt and jeans, Warrick nudges the glass door open with his hip, two cups of coffee clutched in his hands. Looking up from her laptop, Dani smiles.



Hey. I got your page, Warrick says, setting a clear plastic cup with a long green straw down in front of her. One decaf iced Mocha with extra whipped cream.

Salivating, Dani reaches out and runs a fingers down the side of the chilled cup. Reading my mind? she asks before licking the condensation off the tip of her index finger.

Warrick's eyes darken at the unconscious, seductive gesture. It's 132 degrees outside. I took a chance.

She arches an eyebrow and smiles. Are you trying to butter me up?

Is it working? Warrick asks with a sly grin.

Sit down, she says, nodding to the metal stool. I want you to look at something.

I could have sworn you told me to stay away, he points out as he sits down. What changed your mind?

A/V is your specialty. If I don't talk to you when I'm working on something that directly relates to your specialty, people might ask why, Dani offers as justification. I don't want it to look like I'm avoiding you.

After letting Dani's words set in, Warrick gives her a strange, somber look. You've spent too much time thinking this out.

Dani sighs lightly. It's become a necessary habit.

Directing his attention the the bank of monitors, Warrick takes a sip of his coffee. What's this?

You're looking at photographic 3-D recreations of every crime scene, displayed in chronological order, Dani explains. First one is top left.

They're very good, Warrick notes.



Startled, he turns and looks at her. You made these?

Don't sound so surprised. You taught me how, she replies with a wry smile. So tell me, what do you see?

Besides a beautiful woman?

Dani admonishes. The blinds are open. Anyone could see us.

Yes ma'am.

Focusing his attention on the monitors, Warrick looks carefully at each crime scene.

The layouts of the rooms are identical, he says, brow furrowing.

Wordlessly, Dani nods.

Have you got a translucent overlay? he asks.

With the click of a mouse, a new file opens and clear layouts appear.

Can you stack them?

Another click of the mouse and eight layouts become one.

They're exactly identical. Confused, Warrick turns to Dani. How long have you known about this?

I started mapping them out after the second murder, Dani finishes, sucking on the long straw sticking out of her coffee.

Go back to the photos.

Dani does as he asks.

Seven murders. Why are there eight crime scenes? Warrick asks.

Number eight isn't a crime scene, Dani reveals. It was my apartment in D.C.

He's been in your apartment? he asks incredulously.

Suspected, but nothing could be confirmed. F.B.I. interviewed anyone who'd ever heard of me since I joined the D.C. office, Dani replies. Employees of utility companies, restaurants, video rental store, fitness centre, everything you could think of. They never found anything.

But they still put you in protective custody.

He still knew things about me that he shouldn't, like what I wore to bed the night before Linda Hemming's body was discovered, Dani says tightly, her back aching from the tension.

Ducking his head, Warrick curses under his breath.

That was the last straw for Dwayne. He wouldn't let me go home.

Smart man, Warrick decides. I like him already.

A bag was packed for me and everything else was put into a police storage facility, Dani finishes. I've been living out of a suitcase ever since.

Leaning back, Warrick sucks in a deep breath and lets it out slowly.

You duct tape the door shut when you go to sleep don't you? he asks somberly.

Is there anything you haven't figured out? Dani asks.

Warrick smiles. A way to convince you to play hooky for the rest of the day, he replies softly, slipping his fingers under the hem of her burgundy blouse to rub her lower back. You need a break.

Suppressing a groan, Dani bites down on her lower lip and arches her back. Oh right there.

Was that a yes?

I can't.

C'mon. You can take a bath in my claw foot tub, with bubbles up to your chin, Warrick whispers, stroking her warm skin a little harder. I'll give you a back rub and ply you with sparkling wine and chinese food, and something sinfully chocolate for dessert.

You know I can't, Dani insists, standing up and stepping out of Warrick's reach. You just don't get it. He'll see.

Without another word, Dani escapes the A/V lab. Warrick stands to follow her, but when his pager begins beeping, he pauses.



* * *

11:52 pm

After swallowing her pills, Dani turns out the bathroom light and walks over to the bed. She checks to see that her gun is still under the pillow and that the curtains are still tightly drawn. Dropping the towel from around her body she slips an oversize t-shirt over her head before crawling into bed and turning out the lights. Her damp hair fans over the pillow as she tosses and turns, struggling to put Warrick out of her mind.

The way he'd kissed her, full of passion. The way she'd kissed him back, equally needful. How his touch had reawakened the overwhelming feelings inside. The love she'd never been able to let go of.

Way to go, Rookie, she says to herself. Like you didn't have enough to deal with.

Nearly an hour later, she finally falls asleep.

* * *