7:01 pm
You are so busted.

Grissom looks up from the photos spread out before him on the layout table to the doorway where Sara is standing. Watching him.

What do you think you're doing? she asks, stepping inside the door and letting it close behind her.

Nothing. Just taking a look, he replies, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

Something's obviously bugging you. What is it?

It doesn't make sense that he killed himself, Grissom says, shaking his head.

Well, he knew he was about to be caught and maybe didn't want to go to jail, Sara suggests, walking across the room to stand by his side.

Give me a minute here, Grissom requests and Sara nods.

He systematically murders eight women, leaving no evidence at the first seven crime scenes. Then he leaves a fingerprint, knowing that it will lead us to him. He doesn't even use an alias on the motel room registry, Grissom reports, pointing to various pieces of evidence incased in plastic envelopes. And instead of running, he calmly sits down and puts a bullet in his head.

Shrugging off her jean jacket, Sara tosses it onto a chair in the corner and steps up to the edge of the table.

Okay, you got me. What can I do to help?

Dig up everything you can on Thomas Grampling. There's got to be something on file, somewhere, to give us some insight to the way his mind worked.

I'm on it. She turns to walk out the door, but stops short when Grissom's hand touches her bare arm.

Sara . . .

A long moment passes as they share a look, eyes speaking when their mouths refuse to move.

Thank you.

You're welcome, she replies, voice hushed and intimate. I better get to work.


7:12 pm


The distant sound of a doorbell rouses Dani from a deep sleep and a wonderful dream. When she reluctantly opens her eyes and realizes that she's in Warrick's bed, she smiles sleepily. It isn't a dream.

She'd fallen asleep curled up against Warrick's chest, comforted by the steady thrum of his heart as it slowed from the pounding pace of their lovemaking to the easy, constant rhythm of sleep.

Reaching to the other side of bed, Dani is surprised when she finds it empty. Warm, as though he's been there until recently, but empty. Pulling the royal blue sheet more closely around her body, Dani looks around the room, spotting the open handcuffs that had been carelessly tossed to the floor.

As she opens her mouth to call out Warrick's name, he appears in the doorway. He is bare chested, well worn blue jeans zipped, but not buttoned, riding low on his hips, carrying a large brown paper bag.

Hey, you're awake, he says, sitting down on the edge of bed next to her.

she offers as explanation, sliding up into a seated position beside him, the bed sheet held against her breasts. Eyeing the bag, she sniffs. Is that what I think it is?

Wong's Chinese. Your favorite.

Dani moans in appreciation as she opens the bags and peers inside. Tell me you didn't have this in your fridge or I will be forced to admit that I was a forgone conclusion.

I ordered it forty-five minutes ago when I heard your stomach growling, Warrick replies with a lopsided grin. And just so you know, if you hadn't shown up here I would have been on your doorstep before the night was out.

Blushing, Dani ducks her head and starts pulling small white boxes out of the bag, but Warrick stops her.

she asks.

Taking the bag out of Dani's hands, Warrick sets it on the floor beside the bed. Moving close to her, he coaxes her mouth open with a tender kiss.

Just felt like kissing you, he replies softly, lips trailing across her jaw line and down her throat. Dani tenses when he tries to lower the sheet covering her breasts.

I'm not as skinny as I used to be, she says, a blush coloring her cheeks. With being in the hospital and things being so crazy . . .

Are you kidding me? Warrick asks incredulously. You're gorgeous.

I've been working out hard, trying to get back to where I was, but-

What are we taking about? Warrick interrupts. Five, maybe six pounds?

Dani reports with a sigh.

Well, I for one, like the new curves here. He slides the palm of his hand over her sheet covered hip.

And here. Fingers trail over the soft curve of her belly.

Both hands dip under the sheet to grip her hips and Warrick pulls her into his lap, straddling him. And here, he continues, cupping her bare backside.

Finally, Warrick drags the sheet lower, exposing Dani's full breasts to his gaze. And most especially, here.

When his fingers glide over the soft flesh, Dani sighs, her head tilting to one side. she moans softly.

You've always been beautiful . . . Warrick trails off, not knowing how to continue. I can't think of a way to say this without sounding like a jerk.

Confused, Dani arches an eyebrow. Say it anyways.

Warrick glances meaningfully at her breasts. I like them bigger.

Dani's jaw drops open, arms crossing over her bared flesh. I can't believe you just said that.

I warned you . . .

She glances down at her chest. But they're not-

Oh yes they are, Warrick insists. Believe me when I say I've memorized every inch of you. They're definitely bigger.

And you like it? All of it?

His eyes darken, breath heavy as he draws her arms away and gazes upon her soft skin. Oh yeah.

Dani smiles suggestively. Show me.

Returning her smile, Warrick rolls over so Dani is trapped beneath him.

My pleasure, he murmurs, trailing kisses down her neck.

7:39 pm

The lovers lay side by side, propped up on pillows piled at the head of the polished oak headboard, small boxes of chinese food in their hands, blue bed sheet tangled around their hips.

So, how long is a while? Warrick asks, feeding Dani some egg foo young with his chopsticks.



You said it had been a while. How long?

Fighting back a blush, Dani snuggles further into Warrick's side and digs into her takeout container of boneless spare ribs. Wordlessly, she offers him a mouthful, but he shakes his head.

How long? he asks for the third time.

Finally Dani looks up to meet his eyes. When was the last time you touched me?

Warrick's eyes widen in surprise. Are you serious?

What can I say? Dani asks with a tiny shrug. You've ruined me for anyone else.

That makes two of us, Warrick replies quietly.

Dani stares wide-eyed as Warrick lowers his head and brushes a kiss over her lips.

Do you mean-

I had a couple of first dates, but they were never you.



Are you going to feed me some of those things or what? Warrick asks teasingly, nodding at the box in her hands.

Grinning, Dani feeds him a mouthful of the honey garlic ribs and follows it with a kiss, flavor exploding in both their mouths.

Mmmm. Yum, Dani murmurs, licking her lips.

Cupping her cheek, Warrick kisses her again, their tongues tangling. Definitely yum, he says when they come up for air.

Together, the couple polish off the egg foo young, ribs, chicken fried rice and potstickers before clearing off the bed and snuggling in for some much needed sleep.

It's been a very long week.

8:34 pm

Sara says, walking into the morgue, a file folder clutched in her hand.

The scientist looks up from the body on the examining table, a small ultraviolet light clutched in his hand. Good timing.

Found something?

A void.

Curious, Sara walks over to Grissom and peers over his shoulder.

Gun shot residue is all over his hand, but there's a void here, he states, pointing to the spot. Just above the wrist.

That's a pretty big void, especially since he was in short sleeves.

It needs to be explained. What have you got? he asks, nodding to the file folder in Sara's hand.

Thomas Grampling was committed to a psych ward on a 72 hour hold as a teenager. Brass found police records from Detroit that shows when he was fourteen, he went after his mother with a knife. Mother locked herself in the bathroom until the police came. A few days later he was back to normal and was released.



There's no explanation for the violent outburst listed in the file, Sara reports. I'm going to do more digging and see if I can find more details in his prison file.

I'm going to go back to the scene. I want to look around.



Grissom shakes his head. No. I'll get Brass to go with me.

Be careful, Sara requests.

Thanks. I will.

9:04 pm

Dani awakens in the warm cocoon of Warrick's arms, his body spooned up along her back. One hand moves in lazy circles over her belly, his other arm acting as a pillow for her head as his hand possessively cups one of her breasts. Sighing happily, she cuddles back against him more closely.



she murmurs sleepily.

God you smell good. I know it's not perfume. What is it? Warrick asks, inhaling deeply. It's been driving me crazy all week.

Dani giggles when his hand sweeps over her ribs and turns over to face him. It's a peaches and cream body wash.

You taste like peaches, only better, he whispers against her skin, tongue darting out to sample her flesh. Silky, like cream.

You're making me hungry, Dani moans.

Want some dessert? Chocolate?

Don't tease me, she chastises, nipping playfully at his neck. You don't keep chocolate in the house. It's a girl thing.

Dropping a kiss on her cheek, Warrick climbs out of bed and pads down the hall to the kitchen. Snuggling down into the pillows, Dani smiles as she watches his naked backside disappear from sight. He returns a few minutes later and walks over to the far side of the bed, arms laden with goodies.

What have you got there? she asks, flipping her hair out of her eyes and rolling over in bed to face him. Her jaw drops when Warrick places several items on the nightstand, revealing a wedge of chocolate dessert with a fork, a small bowl and an aerosol can.

Black forest cheesecake with extra maraschino cherries and whipped cream on the side.

Good God, Dani moans.

Picking up the chilled can Warrick squirts some whipped cream on the end of his finger and leans forward, teasing her. Dani lunges forward and wraps her lips around his finger, sucking it deep into her mouth with a soft moan. Quickly, she pulls him onto the bed and rolls him onto his back, straddling his hips. He opens his mouth to protest, but stops when their eyes meet.

Dani's deep blue eyes are rich with seduction, and she catches the tip of her tongue between her teeth in a wicked grin. Leaning down, she kisses him hungrily, indulging in the feel of his warm velvet skin and hard muscles rubbing along every inch of her. Her hands wander freely over his body, stroking and caressing all the places she can reach without releasing his beautiful mouth. Finally she had to breathe and she pulls her head up to look into his passion filled eyes.

Why should you get to have all the fun? she asks in a low, throaty voice.

Reaching over to the tray, Dani takes a maraschino cherry from the bowl, places it between her teeth and leans over to kiss him again.

Warrick groans into her mouth, tongue caressing hers.

Abruptly, Dani pulls away and picks up the plate of cheesecake, using the fork to cut away a mouthful. Slowly she feeds it to Warrick and then plunders his mouth with a breath stealing kiss. Wordlessly, Warrick takes the fork from her and repeats her action, groaning when Dani wraps her pink lips around the fork and sucks it off slowly. Running her finger along the edge of the soft, top layer of chocolate, Dani draws it across her tongue, savoring the sweet, decadent flavor.

Aren't you the saucy one tonight, Warrick growls, thrusting upwards with his hips.

Dani grins wickedly around her finger and slides the clean digit out. You know better than to tease me with chocolate.

You're right. I do. Pushing himself up on his elbows, Warrick tries to pull Dani's body against his, seeking her warmth, but she leans back with a giggle, avoiding him.

Not yet, she whispers, nudging him back to lay flat on the bed. I'm not finished.

Several more mouthfuls of cheesecake are exchanged and then Dani picks up the can of whipped cream. Warrick's hands rest comfortably on her hips, softly caressing her heated flesh. Studying Warrick's muscled, yet lean frame, she finally leans forward and dots his flesh with the fluffy white substance. The hollow of his throat, his nipples, the defined muscles of his chest and the long lines of his stomach. Setting the can back on the nightstand, she picks up several cherries and places them carefully.

she says, admiring her creation.

Baby, please, Warrick begs, hands sliding up her body to cup her breasts.

Flipping her hair over her shoulders, Dani moves lower, out of his reach, Slowly she begins licking Warrick clean, pausing at his navel before moving higher, her lips lingering on his nipples. Warrick's hands clutch her ass tightly, his arousal resting firmly against her damp heat. When the last drop of whipped cream is gone, Warrick rolls Dani onto her back, settling between her thighs.

My turn, he whispers low and dangerous in Dani's ear, making her shiver.

Instead of sliding inside her as she is expecting, Warrick grabs the can of whipped cream off the nightstand and covers her nipples with the dessert topping. She gasps at the sensation, fingernails digging into his shoulders.

Now you see how it feels, he teases before lowering his head and wrapping his lips around a pert nipple. He suckles it gently, teeth caressing the sensitive flesh while his hand slips between her thighs and against her wet heat.

Dani moans as she bucks against him, her auburn hair flowing in loose waves around her face, framing her sultry dark eyes. Oh God.

Warrick moves to her other nipple and repeats what he did to the first, while two fingers slide into her slick passage and his thumb begins rubbing her bundle of nerves in a tight, circular motion.

Need you, she gasps.

He's aching and hard for her now, and she is more than ready for him. Warrick doesn't wait for another invitation to slip inside her. Just to be sure, he pushes into her slowly, and with soft, caressing thrusts he murmurs loving words, making her melt in his arms like chocolate left in the sun.

Dani threads her fingers with his as Warrick thrusts into her with more force. They both sigh with relief at the sensation, but are otherwise silent. There are no words or even sounds to express the passion raging in their bodies and the way the world has tilted beneath them.

Pulling out and thrusting back in again quickly, Warrick moans with effort as Dani wraps her legs around him, high on his waist. Her internal muscles clamp snugly around his throbbing arousal with overwhelming pressure and Warrick increases his tempo, pumping rapidly, Dani's soft exclamations driving him closer and closer to the edge. Following him, she begins to shudder and tremble violently, her walls tightening around him.

Bracing himself with a white-knuckled grip on the headboard, Warrick slides a hand between their bodies and rubs Dani's clit frantically, hips rocking furiously as she rides the spasms out. Her breathless moans continue until he finally pours himself into her, giving a few jerky thrusts before collapsing on top of her.

Both gasp for breath, trying to steady themselves, but their limbs are like jelly and don't have the strength to move. Warrick buries his face in the hollow of Dani's neck and inhales deeply. It's still hard for him to believe she's really here, body wrapped around his. Here, in his arms. The only woman he's ever loved; with her fiery spirit, her lush, curvy figure and voluptuous lips. It's a moment he never thought he would experience again.

Finally, Warrick rolls over and pulls Dani snugly against his body, allowing himself to fall into a deep, dreamless sleep.

10:15 pm

You're back already? Sara asks as Grissom walks into the room where she is planted in front of a monitor.

It was staged, he announces without preamble. Thomas Grampling didn't shoot himself.

Can you prove it?

I'm working on it.

Sara begins, turning away from the desk. I've been busy.

Do tell.

Thomas Grampling's mother was quite the disciplinarian. He claimed she used to lock him in the closet for days at a time, beat him with an extension cord. According to records I found, he had a psychotic break at age seventeen. Was committed to a state facility for over two years.

Was the break violent?

He cut up his mother with a kitchen knife, Sara replies matter of factly.

Grissom's eyes widen. Anything specific?

Didn't like her new boyfriend so he carved the word WHORE' into her chest.

Does that prove he's our killer? Grissom ponders aloud. Maybe he was an accomplice or a copycat.

Sighing, Sara moves back over to the computer. I'll keep looking.

10:32 pm

There are ghosts surrounding them. Walls between them. Mistakes. Tears. Secrets.

The eyes of a child, desperate for affection. Bourbon soaked breath stings her skin, the harsh words cutting far deeper than a knife ever could. Jagged fingernails grip her small arm painfully, and she is tossed about like a rag doll. A long flight of stairs. A scream. Falling. Hands that should comfort, but instead they hurt, carelessly tearing away small pieces of her fragile soul.

The first time she saw him, that October day as she exited the LVPD. Skin the color of coffee with a touch of cream stirred in and an easy, ready smile. How she later learned of his tendency to be serious and even melancholy at times, but also how he loved to laugh. How he'd stolen her heart.

In her mind's eye, she grabs his hand and folds her fingers in his and she remembers the good times. Pushes the bad moments to the side, pretending they don't exist. That moment eclipses the pain. All the pain. The look in his eyes when they fought, angry and passionate.

She's dreamt of him so many times before. Tender and loving, gentle hands stroking tangled hair from her damp forehead in the aftermath of their lovemaking. That sly, sexy grin, and what his unshaven cheek feels like against the underside of her breasts; his lips and tongue on the inside of her thigh.

Dani awakens sharply, warm and safe, cradled in Warrick's arms, her ear resting against his chest. Comforted by his touch, she listens to the steady beating of his heart, thrilled to be close enough to hear it, to smell his skin. She doesn't want to leave the warmth that has cocooned her and promises to lull her into honey sweet dreams.

Instead of drifting off again, Dani slowly pulls out of Warrick's arms to study him in the moonlight. Eyes drowsy with sleep, her eyes wander over his body as she draws back the rumpled sheet covering his nude form.

She doesn't touch him at first, not until her gaze has covered his entire body, memorizing every detail. Of course she's seen his entire body before, touched every inch of his skin, but now it's different. Now, after three long years, she is getting a chance to watch him with unabashed, shameless lust. She doesn't have to avert her eyes, or pretend that he's just a coworker. She knows the secret spots that make him ache and quiver and beg for more. She longs to touch them again.

She runs her fingers down his arm lightly, the tips barely whispering against his warm skin. Even though Dani knows Warrick would let her watch him without questioning her, she doesn't want to wake him. Not yet. Brow furrowing in concentration she traces the patterns of muscles on his arms, chest and stomach. Occasionally a muscle jumps beneath her touch, but he doesn't stir or react.

Dani's other hand passes over Warrick's tousled hair and she threads her fingers in the dark locks. Next she traces the outline of his forehead and jaw before caressing his cheek, her fingers fluttering across his brow and brushing against his closed eyelids.

Resting one hand on his chest, just over his heart, Dani slides her other hand lightly over Warrick's thigh. His body jumps and she pulls back, not wanting to wake him, and a few moments later he relaxes, his breathing returning to normal. Returning her hand to his thigh, she begins stroking it gently. Dani touches the tip of her tongue to her lips and smiles when she realizes that the salty taste of him still lingers on her mouth. Swallowing hard, she leans forward, wanting to taste the rest of his body. If the hollow of his throat still tastes the same; the soft part of his wrist, the curve of his shoulder where it meets his back.

Dani's mind wanders as her eyes and hand continue to sweep over his body, not quite knowing what to do with all the conflicting emotions she's experiencing. How easy it is to touch him, kiss him, lose herself in him.

What's going to happen in the morning? Would the desire and need that made her throw caution to the wind and fall into his arms still be there in the harsh light of day? More importantly, would he still want her? If not, convince herself that it was just sex? An itch that needed to be scratched one final time so they could move on. What does that say about her?

Alternatively, would she be doing him a favor by pushing him away? Maybe that would be better than trying to bury the truth, who she really is, forever. Why should he be forced to keep her secret? If he did still want her and she stayed, why would this time be different from the last? What would prevent them from making the same mistakes?

Pushing the thoughts out of her mind, Dani leans forward and kisses Warrick's mouth desperately, feeling his lips twitch beneath hers. His breathing shifts, and she can tell without opening her eyes that he is awake. Finally pulling back, she looks at him. While Warrick's eyes remain closed, his sensuous mouth is now curved into a smile.

Suddenly, looking at him pretending to sleep, vulnerably stretched out before her, Dani is overwhelmed with the need to feel Warrick within her. Taking her to another place.

In case it is the last time.

Without a second thought, Dani straddles Warrick and guides his arousal inside her. Dani leans forward and presses her breasts against Warrick's chiseled chest and his arms possessively snake around her narrow waist.

Now this is a nice way to wake up, he murmurs, shifting his hips and sliding deeper into her wet channel.

Her head falls to one side, barring the graceful arch of her throat to him, inviting his touch. Nibbling at the soft flesh, Warrick's teeth graze over the artery where her pulse flutters before moving higher to her ear lobe.

Sit up, he murmurs. I want to see you.

Maneuvering carefully Warrick slides up the bed, his back supported by a large pile of pillows against the headboard. Still cradled in his lap, Dani leans forward and claims his mouth in a passionate kiss. Returning her kiss, Warrick's hands slide up her thighs to splay over her lower back as her soft breasts rub against his chest. Bracing her hands on Warrick's broad shoulders, Dani begins to move.

Quickly rising and falling over him, the intensity overwhelms Dani and she rides him hard, bucking and moaning, crying out his name with each stroke. The sighs of pleasure quickly become pants of passion as Warrick thrusts upwards to meet her. He holds her close to him as she moves, murmuring words of encouragement and pleasure with every movement. Climax catches her unawares, and she bucks and trembles against him as he caresses her comfortingly.

Warrick's strong hands stroke the length of her hair as Dani comes back down, laying her head on his heaving chest, still intimately aware of the solid shaft within her. With the last of her strength, she wraps her arms around his body and rolls, her legs tangling with his to keep him in place as they change positions.

Dani's eyes are heavy-lidded and glassy as she stares up at Warrick, lips swollen from his kisses. Drawing her damp curls off her face, Warrick brushes his lips over her cheeks before finding her lips again as he rocks into her. He kisses Dani thoroughly, dipping his tongue into her lush mouth, tasting her sweetness, unable get enough of her. He is surprised when she attacks him, her lips almost violent on his, her fingers locking in his hair and pulling to the edge of pain to keep him in place.

Hands clutching at his body, Dani's sharp fingernails rake across the rippling muscles of Warrick's back as she thrashes beneath him. Groaning in pain and need, he cups one of her full breasts in his hand, caressing the sensitive nipple before sinking his blunt teeth into its twin. Immediately she cries out lustfully, primal and uninhibited, her legs wrapped around his waist like a vice as he pounds into her.

she moans, tightening her inner muscles around him.

Warrick frantically covers her flushed skin with his lips, working up her body, nibbling her neck. Gasping, Dani arches her back, moaning from deep in her throat as she directs him with her breathless gasps of pleasure, leading him by the sound of her voice to the most sensitive parts of her body.

Following the silent requests of her body, Warrick slides his hands behind her knees and hooks her legs over his biceps, stretching her, opening her wide. At her request, he wildly thrusts into her, their speed quickening, strengthening. The tight friction of her walls on his arousal as he thrusts is almost unbearable. He pulls back and drives home again, and they both cry out at the sensation.

she begs desperately, fingernails raking over his shoulders.

His hands grip Dani's ass to lift her body, changing his angle and transposing her demands into wordless wails that he captures in his mouth as the knot in his belly tightens. Recklessly, Warrick pounds into her slick channel, his restraint gone, emotion overwhelming him. Suddenly, she begins trembling violently and heaving beneath him, her eyes wide and unseeing as an explosive release takes her over the edge again. His own climax surges over him, and he cries out as he sinks into her wet heat one last time.

He collapses over her, exhausted, breath ragged on her neck. Equally breathless, Dani absorbs all the sensations, not wanting to forget a single moment as her hands sweep up and down his back. Refusing to be separated from her body, Warrick rolls over, taking Dani with him so she is sprawled over him. Exhausted, his eyes drift closed and he sleeps.

He is unaware when Dani carefully extracts herself from his embrace, slips out of bed and leaves the room.

11:15 pm

According to this, the doctor at the state facility, Dr. Bryman, was concerned that Thomas Grampling was at risk of another psychotic break. He believed that Thomas could be easily manipulated because of the mind games and torture his mother inflicted because of her need for complete control, Sara says, consulting the file in front of her. He was a bomb waiting for someone to light the fuse.

Grissom cocks an eyebrow. Did he believe Thomas was capable of murder?

It doesn't say.

We need to talk to this doctor, the scientist decides.

Bryman died five years ago.



Shaking her head, Sara sighs. Back to square one.