Monday, July 21st, 2003

11:42 am

Striding down the hall past Grissom's darkened office, Catherine turns the corner and runs into Warrick. Literally.



Whoa! Sorry Cath, Warrick says, grinning from ear to ear.

No problem. Stepping back, she quirks an eyebrow. What are you doing here?

On call for court this afternoon.

That explains the suit, she begins, looking him up and down, but not your mood.

What? Can't I be in a good mood? he asks playfully, unable to hide his chipper attitude.



Hey, she told me that you knew about us, Warrick says softly, choosing his words carefully. I'm glad she could talk to you about it.

Oh, I enjoyed it, Catherine replies with a sneaky smile. Learned all kinds of interesting things about you.

Oh really?" he asks, arching an eyebrow. "Like what?

Yes, really and forget it. I'm not going to tell you anything.

Shaking his head, Warrick continues down the hall, whistling a cheerful tune.

Digging her cell phone out of her purse, Catherine quickly finds the number she's looking for and presses SEND.

* * *


11:46 am

The cell phone on his belt vibrates fiercely, tearing him away from his train of thought. He pulls the phone out it's holder and flips it open without looking at the caller ID, hurriedly offering his name as a greeting.

You sound so professional when you answer the phone like that, her soft voice replies, smooth as silk.

He hides his instant smile and rises from the A/V table, moving to the back of the room and into the shadows. That's because I didn't know who was on the other end. Hey you.

Hey yourself. He can hear the smile in her voice.

Not really. Quiet night on the crime solving front, but that's good. I like having time for you.

Mmm, that sounds nice. I could use a little attention right now.

Oh yeah? He looks down the hall, where his coworkers are engaged in a heated debate over something that he can't quite hear. Something bothering you?

You could say that, she sighs, snuggling down into the pillows at the head of the bed. I put on my favorite shirt of yours a couple of hours ago. I've been laying in bed, looking at pictures of you from our weekend getaway and it's gotten me kinda desperate for the real thing.

He groans in sympathy. Wish I could come scratch that itch for you, but I can't get-

I love the taste of your skin, she interrupts, hands sliding up the inside of a bare thigh. The way you taste all salty and clean on my tongue.

Baby, now really isn't-

My favorite is that hollow spot at the base of your throat, right where you collarbone comes across." She's relentless, refusing to back down. "It's so sensitive when I run my tongue over it.

He lowers his voice to a bare whisper, worried that he might be discovered. Baby, please, he warns, begging her.

Actually, come to think of it, that's only my second favorite. My favorite spots are the muscles going up and down on either side of your stomach." Her voice becomes deep and breathless. "When I lick those, I can feel your whole body shiver.

Are you trying to do to me what I think you are? he growls into the mouthpiece, watching the people down the hall for any sign of notice. Because if you are, it's working.

I certainly hope so, she responds seductively. I'd hate to think I was the only one turned on enough to have to touch myself.

The mere mental image of her lying in his bed, her soft hands sliding over her supple body is enough to break him. Muffling a groan, he looks around again before putting the phone back up to his ear. Darlin', you are so gonna pay for this later.

She snickers softly. And yet somehow I don't find that to be any kind of a deterrent whatsoever. Are you somewhere where you can you lock the door?

Sneaking over to the glass door, Warrick turns the lock on the handle and turns down the blinds a little, but not enough to draw any attention. When I get my hands on you . . .

I'd worry about getting your hands on yourself for now, she fires back teasingly.

He drops into a desk chair at the back of the room and pivots it to prop his feet up on the corner of the desk. Opening his jeans, he slides a hand inside to rest against his growing arousal.

How does it feel? she asks huskily, fingers trailing over the soft curve of her belly.

he says tightly, palm jerking lightly across the engorged flesh.

I bet it feels good, she says wistfully. Wish I was there to touch you.

Me too. Leaning his head back, he closes his eyes to enjoy the friction of his hand and the image of her in his head. Take off the shirt.

She gasps softly, and then he hears the phone knock around for a moment before her voice returns. It's gone.

Oh Baby, I want to touch you so bad. To feel your beautiful breasts in my hands. How warm and tender they are against my lips.

Her gentle sigh slides right through him, and he grips himself more firmly. I love the feel of you against my skin, she breathes, hand between her thighs, rubbing herself frantically. You're always so warm. So strong and gentle at the same time.

You're so soft, he replies hoarsely. Always so soft. I just want to sink into you and never come out.

her sigh becoming a soft moan.

Say my name again, he demands gently, the dry friction building up tension within him.

God, Wip! He can hear her quick breaths, ragged with need. I love the way you make me feel.

I'm right there. I can feel you. Inside. His words came out in a groan of passion.

Oh God, Wip . . . Blood rushes through her ears and her legs shake uncontrollably.

That's it, Baby. Just let it go. I want to hear you. He strokes himself faster, in time to his erratic breathing.

Suddenly, an insistent ringing interrupts the private moment.

Dragging herself out of the dream, Dani fumbles around the night stand and finally finds her cell phone, pulling it under the covers so she can answer it.

she says groggily.

Oh honey, were you sleeping? Catherine asks, suddenly feeling guilty.

Don't worry about it. What's up?

We need to talk.

Sitting up in bed, Dani pushes the covers back. Is everything okay?

Yes, everything's fine. Can we meet for lunch?

Lunch? What time is it? Dani asks, reaching for her watch on the night stand.

Almost noon, Catherine informs her.



Was that a yes to lunch? Catherine asks, voice filled with amusement.

Give me an hour, Dani requests. Meet you at the diner?

I'll be there.

Hanging up the phone, Dani flops back on the rumpled bed, hands splayed over her heaving chest.

Yup. Should've gone home with him, she decides with a decisive nod before rolling out of bed and heading for the shower.

* * *

12:56 pm

The diner is emptying out as the lunch rush slows, but a dozen tables are still occupied throughout the space. Spotting Catherine at a table away from everyone else, Dani hurries over, loose auburn curls tumbling over her shoulders.

Am I late? she asks as she slides into the booth across from her friend.

Catherine shakes her head, laying down the menu in front of her. I was early.

Moving a mug to the edge of the table. Dani catches the eye of a waitress and motions for coffee. Understanding, the forty-something server nods.

Catherine watches Dani for a few moments, noticing that her make up is much lighter, eyes brighter and the reduction of tension in her face is obvious.

Did you two sleep together last night? the elder CSI asks bluntly.

Shocked, Dani's eyes flash wide. I beg your pardon?

I saw Warrick just before I called you. He's on call today, roaming around the lab because a case he worked on might be called up. On his last day off, Catherine says, the words tumbling out faster than she intends. He should be grouchy and impossible to be around, but he's not.

He's not? Dani repeats.

He's grinning like the cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland.

And you think that means that we . . .

Catherine prompts, a knowing look in her eyes.

Um, no offense, but why is it any of your business what I do on my own time?

I'm sorry, You're right, Catherine concedes. It's none of my business.

Relenting, Dani replies, Oh forget it. The short answer is no.

Then why were you still sleeping at noon? You've been at the lab before 7 am everyday since you got here. Why is today different?

Dani shrugs noncommittally. I got back to the hotel late and decided to cancel my wake up call, that's all.

But you look so much better than you did yesterday, the other woman presses, so sure that she is right.

Dani replies. I got a good night's sleep.

You really didn't sleep with him?

The teasing smile on Dani's lips tell Catherine that there is more to the story.



Taking a quick look around the diner, Dani leans forward. He kidnapped me.

He what?

We went to the beach. We had dinner and a nice visit. No hopping into bed. She blushes, remembering how close they had come to ripping each others clothes off and making love.

You kissed.



Catherine raises an eyebrow. More than once?

The crimson stain on Dani's cheeks grows.

Hah! I knew it!

He should be more careful, Dani muses aloud. An ad on the Mirage billboard would be less obvious.

He's obviously very happy about how things went last night, Catherine says gently. I haven't seen him like that in a long time. Since you left.

Guilty tears start to fill Dani's eyes, but she quickly blinks them away.

You know what you need? Catherine asks suddenly, changing the subject.



A spa day.

I don't have time, Dani protests. I need to get to the lab.

For what? There's no new evidence.

Knowing Catherine is right, Dani ducks her head.

I have, stuff, I need to do, she replies lamely.

C'mon. You've just had a great night's sleep. Now is the perfect time for a facial and a massage, Catherine insists.

Dani groans. That's so tempting.

Remember when we used to have our girly spa days? I've missed them. Please? Catherine begs.

Finally, Dani relents.



But then I have to go to work.



* * *


1:47 pm

I'll be right behind you, Catherine calls to Dani as she climbs into her SUV. Smiling in return, Dani nods and waves.

Silently, Catherine watches her friend drive out of the parking lot and into traffic. Pursing her lips for a moment, she digs into her purse and pulls out her cell phone. Pushing a number on the speed dial, he holds the phone to her ear.

Wait one hour, then go to Laguna Salon and Spa on West Tropicana. She'll be having a massage. Alone.

She pauses to listen to the person on the other end of the line.

Just leave me out of it.

Without another word, she ends the call and follows Dani.

* * *


2:45 pm

Softly knocking on the door, a female attendant enters the cozy, serene space where a sheet clad Dani waits on the well padded massage table. Scented tea lights are sprinkled around the room, giving it a soft glow.



Dani replies with a smile.

Shall we start by loosening up your back?

Nodding in agreement, Dani settles on her stomach while the masseuse slathers her hands in warm lotion.

Now just relax and enjoy, the masseuse instructs, pressing a button on the small stereo system in the corner.

There is a long pause and Dani grows restless. She is about to raise her head to ask what was wrong when she feels her hair being drawn off her shoulders and neck.

The strong, but gentle hands of the attendant begin moving at the base of Dani's skull, pads of the thumbs rubbing over the stubborn knot there. Fingers slide slowly up and down the column of Dani's throat and over her shoulders, easing the tension she's been holding onto for months.

Sighing with contentment, Dani feels herself sinking into a fog of bliss as the attendants hands move lower to begin massaging her shoulder blades. Fingers slips along Dani's spine and over her ribs, to the beginning swell of her breasts and back again with increasing pressure. Firm, but giving. Next is her biceps and lower arms, soothed from shoulder to fingertip.

The sheet is shifted lower, exposing Dani's lower back, her narrow waist and the small pink scar. Gentle hands resume massaging, releasing the layers of tension in each vertebrae. Meticulously, the attendant places a thumb on either side of Dani's spine and begins working down to the base. Suddenly, Dani cries out.

Oh right there! That's it, she moans.

I was starting to think you'd gone to sleep or something, Warrick replies softly.

Eyes flying open, Dani grabs for the sheet and covers herself as she starts to sit up. Warrick watches her struggle for a moment.

Please don't cover yourself.

What are you doing here? she demands, cheeks flushing as she clutches the white sheet to her breasts.

I got a phone call, Warrick replies, smiling suggestively.

Dani looks around for the attendant. When did she leave?

Eyes roaming over Dani's barely covered curves, Warrick replies, Early. She never touched you.

Don't look at me like that.

Like what? he asks hoarsely.

Like you're about to- Unable to hold back the emotions, Dani stops and ducks her head.

Lay back down. The way you were.

Unable to say no, Dani complies.

Dropping to his knees at the head of the massage table, Warrick leans in close, stopping mere inches away from her lips, his eyes locked on hers. What do you want me to do? If you tell me to go, I will.

Her heart flutters, blood roaring though her ears. I want to feel your hands on my body, she blurts out. Despite her brazen words, she can barely draw a breath to steady herself.

There's no innuendo in Warrick's voice, although Dani detects a hint of it in his darkened eyes.



Okay then. Closing the gap between them, he kisses her with a gentle intensity that sets her alight. Rising to his feet, Warrick slowly lowers the sheet to it's last position.

When were you going to tell me about this? he asks, tracing over the black ink marking low on her back, just above the cleft of her backside. It's a tattoo, identical to the one on his left bicep.

I wanted a reminder of you. Something only I would know about.

It's beautiful.

Hands sliding tenderly along the curve of Dani's waist, Warrick pauses to nibble playfully at the dimples at the base of her spine. Hungrily, he massages the plane of her lower back again before sliding the sheet up over her waist to cover her back. Dani whimpers as he focuses his attention on the curve of her ass and the seam where leg and cheek meet. Slowly, he slips lower, over one slim thigh and then the other, gently kissing the back of her knees before moving down along her calves, ankles and the arches of her feet. Finally, for the first time in what feels like hours, Warrick speaks.

Roll over, he whispers pleadingly.

Whimpering with need, Dani responds instantly, turning onto her back to look at him. The rumpled sheet just covers Dani from her breasts to the tops of her thighs, leaving the juncture of her thighs in shadow.

Their eyes lock for a moment, both breathing heavily. Softly smiling at her, Warrick bends down and resumes where he left off, stroking and kissing the tops of her feet. Dani moans when his lips trail higher, up the inside of her calf and past her knees, nudging her thighs open a few inches.

she gasps, hands finding his shoulders and halting his exploration.



It's too much, she pants breathlessly. If you keep touching me like that the whole place is going to know what we're doing in here.

Withdrawing, Warrick slides the sheet down over her legs, covering up temptation.

You're right.

What feels like an eternity passes, and Dani finally breaks the silence.

Oh to hell with it.

Reaching for him, Dani pulls Warrick down on top of her, their lips meeting in a hungry, passionate kiss. Bracing himself over Dani so he doesn't crush her, Warrick deepens the kiss, teasing her mouth open to taste her sweetness. Her arms wrap around his chest as she strains against him, crying out at the pleasure his proximity is giving her, hips undulating with the energy gathering there.

Gently pressing the heel of his hand down on her hipbone, Warrick holds her still against the table as he kisses down her neck, finding all the sensitive spots. Fingers dance over the sheet covering her, spiraling around the curve of her belly and higher, finding the underside of her breasts.

Oh Wip, she pants, writhing beneath him. Kicking the sheet, Dani manages to free her right leg and wraps it around him, trying to hold him close as he works his way down her body.

Warrick's hand pauses at the top of the sheet, waiting for her consent to peel it back. When Dani nods frantically, he nudges the cloth lower, exposing her left breast and bathes the swell of flesh with his tongue. He catches the tight peak between his lips, flicking over the rosy bud rapidly before latching on to suckle it the way he knows she likes.

Clapping a hand over her mouth, Dani muffles a scream of pleasure.

Moving back up her body, Warrick covers her mouth in an urgent kiss. he moans, burying his face in Dani's hair. I want to be inside you.

Reaching between their bodies, Dani starts to unbuckle Warrick's belt, but just then, his pager begins beeping insistently.

Groaning and cursing under his breath, Warrick gets to his feet and checks the message as Dani covers herself with the sheet once again.

I've got to be in court in half an hour, he says regretfully. I'm sorry.

Dani shrugs. Not your fault.

Rolling down his sleeves, Warrick quickly buttons the cuffs and pulls on his suit jacket.

You be careful, okay? he asks, ducking his head to press a kiss to Dani's lips.





When the door closes begin Warrick, Dani buries her head in her hands.

Let's just hope he thinks you came here to see Catherine and not me.

Hopping off the table, she drops the sheet and quickly pulls on her clothes.

Brilliant Rookie. Why not just paint a target on the man you- Swallowing hard, she continues. On an innocent man.

With a final shake of her head, Dani heads to the lab. Work sounds like a good distraction right now.

* * *


9:28 pm

Wearily, Dani opens the door and silently sighs at the sight before her.

It's Warrick, not five feet away, in the hallway of the hotel. White dress shirt untucked and light grey tie askew, his errant dark grey suit jacket is tossed carelessly over one shoulder. He couldn't have looked sexier if he'd tried.

And he's come looking for her.

You shouldn't be here.

Producing a file folder, Warrick hands it to her. Greg wanted you to see these. It's a slow night and I was finishing up some paperwork from court today, so I told him I'd drop them off.

Thank you. I won't keep you.

Dani starts to close the door, but Warrick pushes his way inside and closes it behind him. Carelessly, his suit jacket is tossed to the floor in a heap. Taking Dani by the shoulders, Warrick marches her back towards the bed, his face deadly serious, eyes tumultuous.

Surprised at his aggressiveness, the folder drops to the floor as Dani's hands find Warrick's waist.

What are you doing? she asks.

Finishing what we started before I got called into court. Tripping over each others feet, the couple land on the bed in an ungainly sprawl. You need to understand something, Warrick says as he pins Dani to the mattress with his body, eyes focused on hers. So I need you to listen.

Shocked, Dani can only nod.

I lied, Warrick says against her lips, before covering her mouth and passionately kissing her. I don't care how dangerous it is. I can't stay away, he continues. Please don't ask me to again. Instinctively Dani responds, opening her lips with a sigh and kissing him back as hard as she can.

Wrapping her slender arms around Warrick's frame, Dani holds him tightly against her body. You know I can't say no to you, she says when he pauses to catch his breath. I never could.

Fumbling with the buttons on her baby blue blouse, Warrick covers Dani's face and neck with hungry kisses while she pulls desperately with the belt buckle of his pants, tossing his cell phone, pager and gun to the floor.

This is dangerous Dani says breathlessly as her hands slip under Warrick's shirt and across his back. And a part of you likes it.

Warrick smiles suggestively. Don't you?

Hell yes, she pants, rolling over so she is sprawled over Warrick. Effortlessly, Dani's blouse is pushed away, exposing the matching blue bra beneath. The shirt flutters to the floor as Warrick's hands splay over her bare back. Touching. Caressing.

I want to see you, Warrick murmurs in Dani's ear, rocking his hips against hers. All of you.

You're overdressed, Dani states, hurriedly undoing the buttons of Warrick's shirt so she can run her hands over his smooth chest. That's better.

Before she can say another word, Warrick rolls over and traps Dani beneath him, nuzzling her neck, kissing and licking until she is whimpering. Wrapping her long legs around him, Dani thrusts against Warrick's hips, encouraging him to do more as she finishes removing his shirt and tosses it to the floor.

Rick, please . . .

Pardon me? he asks softly, his fingers sliding the soft blue straps of her bra off her slim shoulders as he covers them with hungry, needful kisses.

Wip . . . she moans as his lips trail down the valley between her breasts, nudging away the silky fabric covering her curvy frame.

That's better. Bending his head down, Warrick takes a pert, rosy nipple into his mouth and sucking on it, tongue flicking it back and forth, teeth gently nibbling the sensitive flesh.

Oh God, she moans, hands clutching his arms, legs still wound tightly around him as she thrashes beneath him.

Not letting up, Warrick's hand moves to Dani's right breast, mimicking with his fingers what he is lavishing on the left one. Biting down on her lower lip, Dani bucks wildly, breathlessly begging for release.

Bringing his lips back up to her face, Warrick's tongue seeks Dani's mouth again, wanting another dance. Rolling to one side, Warrick's hand runs up the inside of her thigh, tugging at the zipper of her blue jeans. When Dani's hand closes over his, Warrick pauses.

Do you want me to stop? he asks breathlessly.

No. I need you, she pants, eyes drowsy with desire.

There's no going back after this, Warrick says softly as one hand slides down her damp skin, caressing every curve of Dani's body.

She swallows hard, the insane light of lust fading from her eyes, replaced by the softened light of love. Hands cupping Warrick's face, she nods slowly. I know.

Amid kisses and caresses, their pants are pushed aside. Bodies, damp with perspiration, glide against one another, making soft wet sounds, accentuating their own whispered words. Sensations hurtle madly through their undulating bodies, giving and taking from each other to quench the burning within.

Suddenly, a loud beeping interrupts them. Smothering a groan, Dani snatches up her pager from the night stand and turns it off.

Ignore it, she says, tossing it onto the floor.

No argument here.

They resume kissing as Warrick's hands move lovingly over Dani's hips, sliding the silky briefs down her legs until they are skin to skin. Warrick's fingers brush against her soft curls, gently parting her knees so he can get closer. Settling in the cradle of her thighs, Warrick slides a hand down Dani's heaving chest, along her ribcage and over the soft curve of her belly.

As their bodies are about to become one, Dani's pager goes off again, causing her sob in frustration.

You better get it, Warrick says reluctantly and starts to withdraw.

No, we've got a few minutes. We can be quick, Dani murmurs seductively, holding him to her. We've made it work before.

Dani . . . Warrick protests.

You remember? she purrs. The night we were christening your kitchen table and you answered your phone? You were inside me. Making love to me.

This is different, he insists, looking deep into her eyes. A quick roll in the sheets isn't going to be enough for me. Or you.

I hate it when you're right, Dani moans, crossing her arms over her breasts as Warrick moves off and lays down next to her. Looking around, he begins collecting his clothing.

Rolling off the bed, Dani kneels to retrieve the discarded pager.

Maybe it's nothing, she says with a sly smile as she starts to stand up. Maybe a phone call will-

The rest of Dani's thought vanishes as she reads the text message. Bile rises in her throat, choking off the air, making her eyes water.

Another beeping begins and Warrick looks around. That's mine.

Trembling violently, Dani falls to her knees, clutching the edge of the bed for support as she gasps for breath.

Warrick cries, rushing to her side.

Hand shaking, she wordlessly hands him her pager.

419
1147 Hacienda
Victim # 8
Grissom

Oh shit, Warrick says softly. Honey, are you-

Clapping a hand over her mouth, Dani leaps to her feet and dashes for the bathroom, Warrick racing after her. She slams the door shut before collapsing in front of the toilet and emptying her stomach into the porcelain bowl.

Listening outside the door, Warrick cringes as he listens to Dani painfully sob and wretch.

Baby, let me in, Warrick requests gently.

Get dressed, she says, panting heavily. I'll be out in a couple of minutes.

True to her word, Dani reappears a few minutes later, hair bound up in a tight french braid. A fresh layer of make-up disguises her wan complexion, her normally expressive eyes distant and cool. An oversize t-shirt covers her nudity as she hurries over to the closet and pulls out a pair of jeans. Tossing them onto the rumpled bed, she digs into the dresser drawers, retrieving socks, a black t-shirt and underwear.

What are you doing? Warrick asks.

Getting dressed.

Turning her back to Warrick she slips on the underwear before stripping off the oversized t-shirt and snatching up the bra she'd discarded less than ten minutes before.

But you just-

It happens every time, Dani says softly, snapping the clasp of her bra closed. I'm okay.

Once her important parts are covered, she dons the black jeans and t-shirt, bucking the black leather belt before perching on the edge of the bed to pulling on socks and finally, her boots.

Next stop is the night stand where her 9 mm goes on her hip, and the .38 is strapped to her ankle. Pager and cell phone are quickly hooked on her belt next to the set of silver handcuffs.

Standing up, she walks over to the chair in the corner and picks up the final piece of her outfit.

Hold on a second.

Walking over to her, Warrick settles the kevlar vest over her t-shirt and draws her arms out to her sides.

Take a deep breath.

When she does, he adjusts the velcro straps, securing the vest against her frame.



Exhaling, Dani is surprised at the immediate comfort she feels. For the first time the bulletproof vest isn't cutting into her side or neck.

Warrick shrugs. A trick my Training Officer taught me when I first joined the LVPD.

she says softly.

Aching to gather Dani up in his arms, he gives her hand a gentle squeeze. Let's go.

Together, they head down to the parking lot.

* * *

10:07 pm

The red and blue blinking lights tell Dani that she's in the right place. That, and the wide perimeter of bright yellow crime scene tape. A small, morbid crowd has gathered to watch the activity and it makes her stomach twist. Pulling the rental car to the curb, Dani exits and removes her evidence kit from the trunk. Settling her utility vest over her shoulders, she turns around spots Brad questioning a petite female by a patrol car.

Ducking under the yellow tape, she begins walking up the driveway to meet Grissom at the front door. The sound of a slamming door catches her attention and she looks over her shoulder. Nick has arrived to help and she recognizes the headlights coming down the street as belonging to Warrick's SUV. Taking a steadying breath, she turns and approaches the CSI Supervisor.

Hey Grissom.



As she sets her kit down on the concrete, Dani glances at the front door that is cracked open a few inches. Who's been inside?

One uniform, Brass and David just pronounced. Uniform knew about the previous case, so he gloved up and even had a pair of blue boots to cover his shoes. He checked for a pulse and then cleared the scene. Swears he didn't touch anything else.

An uncontaminated crime scene. Impressive.

Hey guys, Nick says as he and Warrick arrive at the front door.

Dani nods tersely and returns her attention to Grissom.

How do you want to do this? she asks.

This is your case, Grissom says. What you want to do?

Are we waiting for Catherine or Sara?

Sara's working a 407 and Catherine's off tonight, Grissom replies. I called them to let them know what's going on. Catherine said she was going to get someone to watch Lindsey and head over as soon as she could.

Okay then, Dani decides, looking at Grissom. You and I do a walkthrough; Nicky, take the backyard and Warrick, take the front. Let's see what we've got.

Nick nods.

Opening her kit, Dani pulls out a digital camera, a flashlight, a pair of vinyl gloves and blue boot covers in a clear, sterile envelope. After covering her feet, she pulls on the gloves, slips the strap of the camera over her head and clicks on the silver Maglite.

she asks.

High powered film camera around his neck and a flashlight in hand, Grissom wordlessly nods and opens the front door.

Low pile industrial carpet. Looks like it's been vacuumed. We can forget about footprints, Dani remarks.

As the two scientists make their way carefully though the house, hugging the walls, Dani finds a black leather wallet sitting on the hall table next to a set of keys. Opening it, she scans the contents.

Rebecca Elizabeth Kaplan. Age 29. 5'9, 155 pounds. Organ Donor.

Slowly and carefully, they examine the living room and kitchen before continuing down the hall. Everything is undisturbed and eerily clean, like a hotel room. When they draw close to the back rooms of the small house, Dani sniffs.

she surmises.

He cleaned up, Grissom adds. Not unexpected.

Finally entering the bedroom, he pauses. The fresh aroma of death hangs heavily in the air. Glancing over his shoulder at Dani, he continues inside.

Like all the other victims, the nude body is posed suggestively on the bed, thighs spread wide as a last act of degradation. Large brown eyes stares blankly up at the ceiling, frozen in terror.

Bruising at the wrists, knees and ankles. Looks like she was tied down pretty tight.

Spotting the bruising on the victim's inner thighs, Dani cringes inwardly. He's getting more violent. And he's liking it.

He's escalating.

Petechial hemorrhaging. Cyanosis, Dani comments as Grissom raises his camera to snap a series of photos. Tipping her head to one side, she studies the body. First time he's ever posed an arm across the throat.

She steps closer for a better look as Grissom takes more photographs, flash reflecting off of the pale yellow walls.

she asks.

He nods. Go ahead.

Taking hold of the hand and elbow, Dani moves the arm back and chokes back a gasp.

Oh God.

The slender column of smooth flesh is marred by a large, ugly gash. The edges of the wound are stained with blood, and it's obvious that the area has been wiped clean.

You don't have to stay, Grissom says, watching the flurry of emotions in Dani's eyes. I can do this.

I'm okay, she replies tightly. Rigor's passed. She's been dead over 24 hours. Blade appears to have severed the carotid and anterior trachea. Left and right internal jugular veins have been transected.

Help me turn her over? Grissom requests.

Once again, the words YOU'RE MINE WHORE' have been carved into the back in four inch high letters and a white, folded piece of paper is wedged into the deep track.

That belongs to me.

Carefully withdrawing the piece of paper, Dani unfolds it to read.


Strawberry,

Here we are. Your favorite city. Do you like the present I got you? Isn't she beautiful? Well, not as beautiful as you.

Trying to catch me making a mistake are you? I saw you dancing the other night, with that lab nerd. When you smiled, I imagined it was me touching you.

I can't wait until we dance.

You look tired. Are you not sleeping well? I know you'd sleep peacefully in my arms.

I'll see you soon.


Sick sonofabitch, Dani mutters, sliding the letter into the clear evidence envelope Grissom offers her.

Bruising looks like she was alive when he cut her and there's not nearly enough blood here. There should be evidence of arterial spray somewhere, Grissom comments, looking around the room. It's not in here.

The bathroom? Dani suggests.

Leaving the bedroom, Dani walks across the hall into the small bathroom and sweeps her flashlight over all the surfaces. Polished to perfection. Not a drop of blood to be seen. Finally, Dani kneels next to the bathtub and takes a swab of the drain. Reaching into a chest pocket on her utility vest, she pulls out a small bottle and adds a few drops of the clear liquid to the swab.

Stunned, Dani looks over her shoulder at the other CSI. Negative for blood.

Grissom says, brow furrowing.

Look for yourself. Dani holds up the swab. Pristine white.

He had to clean her up somewhere. Where is all the blood?

Divide and conquer. We get to find it, Dani replies. Let's start with all drains.

I'll check the kitchen.

I'll check the walls and sink in here.

A few minutes later, the two meet in the hallway. Both are holding white swabs.

Dani looks at Grissom, then shakes her head. This is a new twist.

* * *