Wednesday, July 23rd, 2003

1:26 pm


Warrick awakens before Dani does and gazes at her sleeping form. He smiles lightly as his mind replays the events that have transpired over the last week. Gently reaching over, he carefully brushes Dani's hair away from the back of her neck, allowing his fingers to linger on the small white scar hidden in her hairline. Physical evidence of how they may never have met, if not for the miracle of modern medicine.

Sighing lightly, Dani stirs in her sleep, shifting her body closer to him. His smile widens as he presses a kiss into her hair, breathing in her delicate scent.

"Good morning," she murmurs sleepily, snuggling against Warrick's side.

He grins. "Good afternoon."

Eyes snapping open, she looks up at him. "Afternoon?"

He chuckles gently and leans down to place a soft kiss on her lips. "Yes, afternoon. Sleep well?"

"Apparently so. Why didn't you wake me up?"

I was kinda busy, admiring the view.

Dani blushes and ducks her head.

"So, I was thinking . . ."

Dani's eyes twinkle with mischief. "Did it hurt?"

She giggles lightly as his brow furrows and he narrows his eyes at her. Her giggles became full blown laughter as he covers her body with his and begins mercilessly tickling her.

"No!"

She wriggles desperately underneath him as his fingers move across her ribs, tormenting her relentlessly.

"Warrick!"

His movement ceases quickly and he stares deep into her eyes. "Take it back."

"What?" she asks, eyes wide with mock innocence.

His hands move to her arms, his fingers slowly moving over her supple skin. "Take it back - what you just said," he whispers seductively, making Dani shiver.

"Why?" she asks breathlessly.

His fingers entwine with hers as he slips between her thighs. "Because I'm asking you to."

Wrapping her legs around him, Dani softly gasps as he gently pushes into her. "First of all, she moans, You aren't asking, you're-ohhh.

Smiling suggestively, Warrick rocks his hips forward, moving further inside her. You were saying?

You're demand - hmmm . . demanding." Dani tightens her legs until he is completely sheathed in her warmth.

Smiling down at her, Warrick begins to move. Slowly. Teasing her. "Demanding? Me?"

"Mmm, yes you, and second - oh God!"

Leaning over her, Warrick nibbles on Dani's neck as he gently thrusts into her, their moans of passion resonating in his head. Erratic breathing, racing hearts, their sweat mingling together; he can think of nothing more wonderful.

After a few moments he halts his movments to take a deep breath and look into her eyes.

"Secondly?"

She laughs softly and rains kisses down his throat. "Secondly, you never said why you wanted me to take it back."

"Oh." He grins and leans in to kiss her passionately, stealing her breath. Pulling back, he captures her eyes once again. "You're supposed to call me Wip."

The room fills with gentle laughter and she suddenly realizes her mistake. In my mind that's all I ever call you. I didn't realize that I hadn't.

Taking a deep breath, Warrick silently gazes at her before allowing his fingers to gently trace her face. Scarcely able to believe this is real. Pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, he smiles.

"In the kitchen you called me Star," Dani says softly. Last night, too.

I know.

I wasn't sure you'd ever call me that again.

I'm sorry I didn't say it sooner, Warrick replies, eyes sincerely apologetic.

She exhales deeply and laces her fingers with his. "I'm glad you finally did, Wip."

Me too.

Not that I'm complaining, but since when do you have the sex drive of a seventeen year old, but with staying power? Dani asks impishly.

Oh, it's definitely all your fault, Warrick replies with a smirk. You've seduced me with your wicked ways.

"Smart ass," she mutters lightly under her breath as she pulls him close for another kiss.

Finally, Warrick begins to move again, and Dani sighs with pleasure. Quickly, his thrusts increase in tempo as he urges her to give herself over to him. Writhing beneath him, she obliges, breathlessly begging for release.

When their orgasms wash over each other forcefully, Warrick carefully rolls onto his side, collapsing on the mattress and pulling Dani to his chest.

I think I like being wicked, she says, brushing her lips over his.

Warrick laughs. Me too, Star. Me too.

1:47 pm

You'll never guess what I found, Sara announces with a smile as she sits down in the chair across from Grissom.

The scientist arches an eyebrow.

Eight years ago Thomas Grampling started seeing a shrink. Dr. Bryman.

Really. For how long?

Until Bryman died.

Three years. Evidently he had a lot to talk about.

Also found out that Bryman was married. I got a hold of his wife in Detroit and it turns out she kept the good doctor's records. She was more than willing to fax Thomas Grampling's file to me.

What did you say to her? Grissom asks, astonished.

The truth, Sara replies with a shrug. That he's been implicated in a series of murders and there might be information in that file to help us catch a killer.

Well done.

It's not quite the same as talking to the doctor, but it's something. Holding up a stack of papers, Sara gives him a quizzical look. Shall we read?

Ten minutes later Grissom breaks the silence.

This doesn't sound like our guy.

Sara sighs. I was just thinking the same thing. From everything I've read so far, he was making serious progress. It looks like he was getting better.

So how and why did he end up dead in a motel room in Las Vegas?

2:04 pm

Sprawled naked on her stomach across the rumpled bed, Dani's bare feet playfully kick back and forth in the air as she gazes into Warrick's eyes, smiling softly. He lays on his side next to her, relaxed and content from their previous rounds together.

I'm sorry about-

Don't you dare apologize, Dani interrupts sharply.

But you're bruised, Warrick insists, gesturing to the smattering of darkened skin on her waist and backside.



I hurt you.

The hell you did! Besides, have you seen your back? Dani asks, arching an eyebrow.

It's only a couple of scratches, he answers softly, unable to hide the pride in his tone. And you were screaming my name at the time.

Running a hand over her lower back, Warrick feels her skin heat up under his touch as a blush colors her cheeks. Smiling, he chuckles and leans over to kiss her bare shoulder.

Did I mention how beautiful you look without all that makeup you were wearing last week? he asks. Lowering his head, he brushes a feather light kiss across her lips.

It's amazing what getting some sleep can do for you, Dani replies. After that night at the beach I slept almost twelve hours.

Oh really? he wonders aloud, giving her a knowing look.

Shut up, you smug bastard, she chastises with a grin. You knew exactly what you were doing.

Hey, I planned a dinner on the beach. The moonlight swim was your idea.

Dani arches an eyebrow. I don't remember you complaining.

Well, as I recall, I was busy kissing you and trying to get the rest of your clothes off.

Hmm. You were very good at it. If it weren't for that rather cold watch strap, you probably would've succeeded.

Warrick laughs.

I'm glad you kept the piano, she continues, changing the subject. I'd think about you and wonder if you still played. Her hand roams endlessly up and down Warrick's side, not wanting to break the connection between them.

In return he smiles at the memory of Dani sliding into his lap and nibbling on his neck as he stroked the ivory keys. Good memories associated with that piano.

Dani blushes. Did you know I used to lay in bed and listen to you play? Sometimes it was ten minutes, sometimes it was two hours.

Why didn't you come out? Warrick asks, frowning.

I did once, and you stopped playing. I learned my lesson. Her hand gently strokes his face, mapping his features as Warrick's fingers lovingly caress her shoulder.



she says softly, leaning over so their lips can meet.

After a long, tender kiss, Dani moves over to snuggle against Warrick's chest. Her fingers twine with his for a moment then trail away, leaving tickling lines of fire across his skin.

It's been a long time since we spent a day in bed, Warrick remarks thoughtfully.

Most of our long talks took place in this bed, Dani replies. All the important ones anyways.

We never could fight with our clothes off.

Dani giggles, arm sliding around his waist. Very true.

Speaking of fighting, Warrick says uneasily. You haven't asked about laying bets.

Things were kind of intense last night, she says softly, watching his eyes carefully. I figured you'd tell me what was going on when you were ready.

You were right about Judge Cohen, he admits. Not long after you left I got in too deep and he wanted me to compromise the evidence on a rape case to make amends.

That low down, scum sucking bastard!

Thanks to Grissom it all worked out, and I haven't laid a bet on sports since.

Dani cups his cheek and kisses him gently. I'm very proud of you.

I'm sorry I didn't figure it out sooner, Warrick finishes, his eyes clouded with emotion. I'm sorry I hurt you.

You're forgiven. It's as simple and as hard as that.

Ducking her head, Dani curls into Warrick's arms, cheek resting against his chest. A few moments later an insistent beeping breaks the comfortable lull between the lovers.

Yours or mine? Dani asks automatically, her eyes widening a moment later. Whoa. Deja vu.

Warrick laughs lightly. I had the same problem after you left. Took me weeks to stop asking myself if it was your beeper or mine. Rolling over, he grabs the small black pager off the nightstand and turns it off. Is your pager even on?

Actually no. I turned it off. Cell phone too, Dani admits. I wanted to get away from it all for a while.

What was your plan last night? Warrick asks, arching an eyebrow.

Drop off your shirt. Check in with Brad to tie up loose ends. Sleep.

I'm glad it didn't work out that way.

Me too.

Warrick glances down to look at the text screen of his beeper.

And it's back to reality.



Yeah. I have to go in.

Aww . . . Dani groans, pushing out her lower lip in a pout.

I better grab a quick shave, Warrick says, dropping a kiss on her forehead before rising to his feet and walking out of the room.

2:15 pm

Baby, have you seen my sunglasses?

Squinting at the sunlight reflecting off the pool, Warrick finishes buttoning his light blue dress shirt as he steps out onto the concrete and looks around. Clothes feel awkward on his skin, having worn nothing but her for the past twenty hours. He spots Dani stretched out comfortably in a lounge chair.

I can't find-Damn!

Turning her head, Dani smiles up at Warrick from behind the familiar gold frames as his jaw drops, eyes roaming over the curves of her body barely covered by a skimpy black bikini.

Hey gorgeous, she says. Looking for these?

Looking at her with shadowy, passion-filled eyes, his only response to her greeting is to kneel at her feet and crawl up her body to claim her mouth. She naturally wraps her limbs around him, content to have him rest his body on hers. It had taken months the first time to grow use to his weight and warmth and breath surrounding her constantly, but she had become accustomed to it. Missed it. Craved it. Reached for him in her sleep.

You're going to put me in the hospital, he whispers against Dani's lips.

Pushing the sunglasses up onto the top of her head, Dani's eyes sparkle mischievously. Can I be your nurse?

Instantly hard, Warrick groans into her neck.

Unable to stop herself, Dani giggles, her hands pulling his hips firmly to hers. I thought you had to go to work, she murmurs when she pauses to catch a breath.

I do, he says tightly. But someone is making it rather difficult to leave.

I'd say I'm sorry, but I'm not.

Where did you find this? Warrick asks, fingering the ultra-thin strap of material hugging her hip.

Bottom drawer in the closet on the right, by your suit jackets. I was going to put on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, but I decided I liked this better.

Warrick shakes his head in disbelief. I couldn't throw it away.

I remember the day you bought it for me.

Stifling a groan, Warrick scrapes his teeth gently across Dani's throat, licking it better before the skin can even turn red. He repeats the pattern down her body, alternately nibbling and licking, pausing to suck on her nipples through the fabric as he devours her breasts. She writhes beneath him, doing her best to touch and caress him as many places as possible, using her entire body.

You need to go, she pants. They're waiting for you at the lab.

You really expect me to see you like this and be able to keep my hands off you?

Dani's reply is for her mouth to meet his firmly, teasing his lips apart with the soft curve of her own to allow her tongue to explore the darkness within. After long moments, his hand comes up to pillow the mass of hair at the base of her neck while she eagerly yanks open his jeans, pushes the fabric aside and pulls the string ties on her bikini bottom.

Like a kitten getting her belly scratched, Dani stretches and contracts with each flex of Warrick's hand, each caress and flick of his thumb over her nipple. She's so close to completion that she knows she will scream if he doesn't take her right this second.

Sliding his hand down the soft curve of Dani's belly, Warrick moves his hand lower until his fingers slip between her satiny folds. She's already wet for him.

Don't leave me all hot and bothered. Dani begs, urging him forward and against her damp heat. she asks breathlessly.

I never could say no to you, he replies hoarsely, eyes hot with desire.

They both sigh blissfully when he finally enters her. Warrick moves in and out of her with long, slow, tender strokes that her drive out of her mind with ecstasy. Arching her back to meet each thrust, Dani is more than happy to match the rhythm he sets.

Warrick wants to pound into her until they are both breathing hard and exhausted, but doesn't want to hurt her, so he holds himself back as much as possible. The bright afternoon sun is hot on his back, but not nearly as hot as the velvet surrounding his arousal. She's burning him up, and he has never felt anything so good, so welcome.

He can't take it much longer, and she knows it. Sliding a hand between them, Warrick finds her clit and increases his pace as he rubs it frantically. The combined efforts are more than enough to make Dani's body shake as she quickly reaches her orgasm. Seeing the rapture on her face and hearing his name on her lips is enough to push Warrick over the edge, and he empties himself deep inside her heated core.

Let's hope your neighbors aren't watching right now, Dani pants breathlessly, giggling against his neck.

Warrick groans. You had to say it.

Reluctantly withdrawing, he straightens his clothes and refastens his belt as Dani knots the lycra straps of her bikini bottoms over her hips.

I'll be back as soon as I can, Warrick promises, taking the sunglasses from Dani's outstretched hand and sliding them on.

You know where I'll be.

Watch yourself in the sun, he advises, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. Don't want you to burn.

I'll be careful.

A few moments later Dani hears the front door close and Warrick's SUV roar to life. Smiling, she reaches over to the small table next to her and into her black handbag. Pulling out a pair of sunglasses and a small, silver cell phone, she turns the power on and hits the speed dial as she slides the dark shades over her eyes. The phone rings once before someone picks up.

Hey. It's me.

She lives! Dwayne cries. Where have you been? I've been trying to call you for hours.

Needed a little bit of down time.

Hey, you've earned it.

Did you get my fax? Dani asks, fiddling with her bikini top. I sent it to the house.

Yeah. Got it last night, he replies. You should've seen Jenny's face. She was so happy. I signed off on the vacation days and put them in the system first thing this morning.



So where are you?

At the moment I'm laying on a comfy lounge chair next to a sparkling pool, working on my tan.



Dani grins. I thought so.

Wait. The motel you're staying in doesn't have a pool.

No, it doesn't.

Dwayne swallows, unsure what to say. I'm not going to ask, he decides.

Good idea, Dani replies with a laugh. I'll talk to you soon, okay?

Be careful, the supervisor adds automatically.

she says before hanging up and turning off the power.

2:35 pm

Uh, guys?

Turning towards the sound, the two criminalists spot Greg in the doorway of the layout room.

Greg. What's up? Sara asks.

Did you take the bathroom swabs out of the evidence room? he inquires, a frown creasing his brow as he steps further into the room. I was wrapping evidence up to ship back to D.C., checking each case individually, but now the swabs are all missing.

Sara parrots.

What's going on? Warrick asks, strolling into the room and sliding onto a stool across from Grissom and Sara. You guys look terrible.

Sara replies, distracted by Greg's news.

Thomas Grampling's suicide was staged, Grissom says, looking up from the papers in front of him. And now the bathroom swabs are missing.

Warrick's eyes flash wide with shock.

There may have been an accomplice, Grissom adds. We've been reading the records his psychiatrist kept, looking for a clue.

Have you called everyone? Warrick asks, fighting to keep the panic out of his voice.

Nick and Catherine are on their way in and I left a voice mail for Dani, Sara says. Got a hold of Brad, but he said he hadn't seen her. He figured she decided to hide out for a couple of days, enjoy her freedom.

I need to make a phone call, Warrick says, hurrying out of the room.

What's his problem? Sara wonders aloud.

Distracted, Grissom shrugs and returns to the handwritten pages before him. Suddenly, a sentence catches his eye.

Wait just a second. Do we know if Thomas Grampling was an only child? Maybe there's a sibling we can talk to.

2:47 pm

Sliding down in the lounge chair, Dani smiles as the blistering hot sun beats down, heating her skin. She sighs, allowing herself to relax as the warmth begins to lull her to sleep.

Hello Strawberry.

The chilling words are like a bucket of ice water and Dani leaps to her feet, hands automatically reaching for the gun that isn't on her hip.

That wasn't funny, she snaps.

He laughs coldly, his gaze unnerving her more than she cares to admit. You didn't think you'd get away from me that easily, did you, Strawberry?

Muscles in her back tensing, Dani frowns. Stop that, she demands.

I watched you on tv last night, looking so calm and controlled. You looked so pretty with your hair up. I waited for you, back at your motel room, he continues, taking a step closer. But you never showed up.

What I do during my off hours is none of your business.

Shut up. I'm not done talking yet.

She freezes when he pulls a knife out from a leather sheath attached to the belt of his jeans, sunlight glinting off the long, polished blade. It's a knife identical to the one she'd been stabbed with in LA. What the hell?

All of this could have been avoided, he spits out, eyes as sharp as daggers. All you had to do was turn to me. I could've helped you.

Realization dawns and betrayal rips through her body, churning her stomach into twisting knots. Breath catching in her throat, she stares, unable to believe what she is hearing. Shock threatens to overwhelm her, but she fights it back, forcing herself to remain calm.

Put it all together now, Strawberry, he adds condescendingly. Take your time.

It's so clear now. Why it felt like she was always half a step behind him. He was so close. Watching her. She'd thought that he was ahead of her, but she was wrong. So very, very wrong.

He'd been under her nose all along. Right beside her.

Glancing over her shoulder, her eyes find the cordless phone sitting on the hall table just inside the patio doors.

Don't bother. I cut the line. Brad smiles coldly. There's nobody to help you.

You bastard.

I have to give you credit, he says, toying with the knife in his hands. I thought you would've broken a long time ago. Never thought you'd bounce back like that after the stabbing.

Was it you who ambushed me? No, I would've recognized your voice, she corrects, thinking out loud. It was the piece of trash you left in that dive motel, wasn't it? He did it and then you got to play hero.

You were always running ahead, not following protocol. If you had waited, it never would've happened.

And that makes what you did okay? Dani asks disbelievingly. Fuck you.

You didn't know me at all, did you? he scoffs. All this time and you never saw me for more than you Boy Friday.

Saw what? I never gave you any reason to think I was interested in you that way, did I? she fires back, hands on her hips. There was nothing personal between us.

I was your errand boy for months, Brad seethes. Waiting for the tiniest scrap of respect. In LA you were alone and you still wouldn't turn to me. Then we get here and suddenly you're a different person.

Much to her own surprise, a snort of laughter bubbles up from Dani's throat. See, that was your mistake. I'm guessing you figured that because I didn't have friends in LA, the same would be true in Vegas. Boy were you wrong.

Glaring opening, he sneers. Blindly, you trusted them, after three years away from them. You let them in, let them put their hands all over you.

You're pissed off because I hug the people I care about? Dani asks, shaking her head in disbelief. The people I think of as family?

But you left them! Brad argues. You left and came to D.C. Are you telling me you thought about them?

Every single day, she replies hotly, tossing her long hair over her shoulder.

I did everything right. I figured out a way that I could finally get your attention, your respect, he blurts out, words dripping with frustration. I planned and committed the perfect crime, but you didn't listen. I took everything away from you. Your home, your freedom, and you still didn't listen. I even switched the bathroom swabs so you'd think that the people you were working with were incompetent!

You what?

I didn't count on your geeky little lab rat being so damn smart.

Geeks are hot. You didn't get the memo? Dani mocks. Without warning, Dani's fist shoots out and catches him square in the mouth, splitting his lip. He curses, dropping the knife and holding his face. Pain flares in her fist, but she doesn't give him the satisfaction of knowing that she's hurting. Besides the fact that Greg's got more class than you could ever dream of.

Careful Strawberry, he warns, stepping the blade of the knife with his heavy shoe before she can dive for it and blocks any escape route. Remember what happened the last time you got over confident?

I think you're afraid to try me when I'm not shot up with some drug. Is that why you sent your flunky?

My brother was weak, Brad spits out. A loser. He couldn't do anything right. He liked the lights here, so I did him a favor and ended his life here.

Did you really think bringing me to Las Vegas would be the last straw?

Yes, but then I saw your face when you were surrounded by them. Watched you drift farther and farther away. I had to kill Rebecca to get your attention again.

Don't you dare blame me for her death, Dani spews venomously. I'm not responsible for your actions.

Silently she realizes that Brad has no idea how close she came to falling apart completely. How bringing her back to her friends had been the one thing, the only thing that could save her. The love she feels with Warrick was what she needed to feel safe, to be sheltered from the storm.

I really thought I could break you, he says. But know I think it doesn't matter. I know how to finish it.

Anger flares deep in her belly, radiating in all directions.

Oh really? she asks tightly.

I told you we'd meet again, he says condescendingly, cocking his head to one side. Another time, another place.

He takes a step closer, the knife now clutched tightly in his right hand.

I tried with others, but they were never you, he continues, eyes raking up and down the length of her scantily clad form and she refuses to flinch under his gaze.

Why me? Dani demands. What was so damn special about me?

You're pure. Innocent. Or you were until you allowed him to touch you, he growls. This is the last place I ever expected to find you.

Dani snorts in derision. I'm not pure. I haven't been pure in a very long time. You picked the wrong girl.

All you had to do was open your eyes and see what was right in front of you sweetheart. For someone who is supposed to be so damn smart, you're pretty clueless.

Look who's talking, Dani fires back. You brought me back to the man I love.

The words sink in and the fiery rage burns hotter, causing his hands to clench tightly, breath faster and heavier.

You don't love him.

I've been here all night. We weren't playing checkers, she taunts. He knows me and this body in ways you've only dreamed of.

he screams at her, his fist shooting out and connecting with her left cheek. She reels back, but doesn't fall. Slowly she rights herself, gingerly touching the reddened skin.

You hit like a girl, she says, blinking back the tears that have flooded her eye, forcing herself to push the pain to the side to concentrate.

I'll teach you a lesson, you bitch! he growls. He lunges forward, but is stopped by a lightening fast one-two punch to his nose and chin and he staggers back. Quickly, she kicks the knife out of his reach, but it skids farther than she intends and drops into the pool.

Did I forget to mention that Warrick taught me how to box? she ridicules.

Blood pours out of Brad's nose and down his chin, dripping onto his shirt and the concrete in front of him.

And just so you know, she finishes. I'd rather be his whore than your anything.

2:51 pm

The wooden gate slams shut behind him as Warrick hurries down the stone path towards the pool area.

Baby did you fall asleep? he calls out as he rounds the corner. I've been trying to call. We need to get out of- Warrick freezes, staring at the man glaring at Dani.

Warrick, stop!

I warned you what would happen to anyone who got in the way, Brad says coldly. Eyes filled with murderous rage, he raises the gun at his side and aims at Warrick.

Dani screams.

Two shots ring out, echoing in the quiet neighborhood.

There is a loud splash as a body hits the water. Hard.

Three more shots ring out in rapid succession.

The sparkling blue water turns pink as fresh blood spreads through the ripples.

A second body falls heavily to the ground, eyes frozen in death.

2:55 pm

Brass calls out, wildly looking around the lab for the scientist.

he replies, quickly rising to his feet and pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

Dispatch just got a call. 444.

Officer involved shooting? Sara asks.

Brass nods. There's an officer down. EMS is en route.

Grissom asks.



Sara's jaw drops. What? He was just here!

Gesturing quickly for them to follow, the detective turns to leave. We've got to move.

2:56 pm

What the hell were you thinking? Warrick demands as he presses down on the towel covering the bullet wound to Dani's abdomen. Lifting her up a few inches, he pushes the towel against the exit wound on her back. Blood is starting to pool on the wet cement, staining his already soaking wet jeans, steadily inching towards Warrick's discarded cell phone and gun.

Coughing, the last of the chlorinated water that she'd swallowed is expelled from Dani's lungs and she gasps for breath, hissing at the pain even the slightest movement causes.

You had a gun and I didn't, Dani hisses through clenched teeth. I figured if I could distract him for a couple of seconds, you'd have a chance. She moans when Warrick increases the pressure and he grimaces, hating that he's causing her more pain.

I'm sorry, Baby. Gotta keep the pressure on, Warrick says.

And I thought stab wounds hurt, she grimaces.

Your leg. Tearing off his belt, Warrick wraps it around her thigh above the gunshot wound. Hold on. This is going to hurt.

When he tightens the leather ring, Dani cries out, tightening her grip on Warrick's wet shirt.

I'm sorry, he repeats.

How did you know? Dani asks. I didn't think you'd be back for hours.

Thomas Grampling didn't commit suicide. Grissom and Sara have been working on it all night.

Trust Grissom to listen to his gut, she remarks. And thanks to Ecklie's incompetence I've got a hole in my peritoneum. Bastard is going to pay for that.

How can you crack anatomy jokes at a time like this? he asks, shaking his head in disbelief.

It's called distraction, she pants breathlessly.

Why didn't you answer the phone?

I was going to call you, but he said he cut the line.

Dammit. I thought you'd fallen asleep in the sun.

He must've been watching the house, she says breathlessly, breathing shallow as it hurts less. I'm glad you're here.

Warrick glances over at the body laying face down, the amount of blood growing by the second from the three bullets he'd put in Brad's chest. I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner.

Listen to me. If I don't make it, don't tell him, she requests weakly, unable to control the trembling in her limbs. The letter is-

Warrick interrupts. You're not saying goodbye. Not now.

Promise me.

You're going to be okay.

Promise me you won't tell him. Her eyes are wide as she stares up at him, pleading with him.

he says reluctantly. I promise.

In the distance, the sound of sirens can be heard.

Tell them my blood type is B positive.

The sirens grow louder and louder, and Warrick nearly sighs with relief. Ambulance is almost here. You're going to be fine. He smiles and smoothes a tangle of wet hair off her face. Just fine.

I love you, she whispers, eyelids fluttering as she loses consciousness.

Stay with me, Star, Warrick begs. Stay with me!

3:05 pm

Two police cruisers with red and blue lights flashing are parked in front of Warrick's house, the ambulance siren roaring to life as it pulls away from the curb.

What have we got? Grissom asks, ducking under the crime scene tape and quickly walking over to Brass as he talks to a uniform officer.

One white male. Dead. Black male and a white female are on their way to University Medical Center. Multiple gunshots wounds, Brass reports gravely. Paramedics scooped and ran. They're calling one death imminent.' Party is out back by the pool. There's a walkway along the side of the house.

Together, the two men make their way along the path and through the wooden gate to the backyard with Nick and Sara in pursuit. So most likely Warrick and a female- Grissom stops suddenly and Sara nearly runs into him.

Whoa! Why did you stop? she asks.

He points at the corner of the house where the wires comes into the building. One line has been severed.

The phone line has been cut, Nick says, cocking his head to one side.

Warrick said he had to make a call, Sara adds. If he was trying to call here, he wouldn't have been able to get through.

And came straight here instead.

But the bigger question is why? What would concern him so much that he would drop everything and hurry home just because someone didn't answer the phone? Grissom finishes.

Continuing around the corner, the group pauses to take in the scene. The concrete is wet with water and blood, a nearby towel soaked red. Bloody footprints follow the equally bloody uniform lines of the wheels of a narrow gurney.

Gun and cell phone in proximity to the pool. Water is pink. Looks like someone fell in, Grissom notes.

That's a Kate Swan bag, Sara says, staring at the purse on the table next to the lounge chair. It's worth three hundred dollars.

the homicide detective asks.

Ashleigh James had a bag like that. Warrick told me he bought one for an ex-girlfriend.

Could be she's not so ex, Brass offers with a shrug. Wrong place at the wrong time? Maybe a jealous ex-boyfriend showed up?

Snapping on latex gloves, Sara opens the handbag and removes a black leather wallet while Nick crouches down to examine the body lying face down in a large pool of blood.

Uh, guys? Nick says, causing everyone to look over at him. You might want to take a look at this.

Oh my god, Sara chokes out and everyone looks back. It's Dani.

Grissom exclaims.

The female. Sara hold up the driver's license. It's Dani.

3:11 pm

In a flurry of activity, doctors and nurses descend, barking orders as the gurney is quickly pushed down a long hall. At a set of double doors, Warrick's hold on Dani's slack hand is wrenched away and all he's left with is the blood staining his palms.

Warrick Brown? A dark haired female dressed in blue scrubs grips his arm and shakes him gently. Mr. Brown!

he finally replies, tearing his eyes away from his hands.

I'm Dr. Monroe. Dani's on her way to surgery, but I need to ask you a few questions.

Warrick nods, forcing himself to concentrate. What do you need?

Medical history. Allergies. Whatever is relevant.

I-I told the paramedics. Latex. She's allergic to latex. It's on her bracelet.

Okay. Good.

She told me her blood type is B positive. I told the paramedics that, too.

Dr. Monroe nods. They radioed ahead. We've got her type ordered and standing by in the OR. Has she had any recent injuries?

She uh, she was stabbed in back about four months ago, he continues, knowing how important the information is. Nothing major was hit. She was um, all healed, had gone back to the gym. I uh, I saw her boxing one day last week.

Okay. Any surgeries that you know of?

Shaking his head to pull himself of the daze threatening to overtake him, Warrick nods. When she was ten, she uh, she took a header down a flight of stairs. Cracked her skull and uh, there was bleeding in the brain. They had to operate. Dani called it an epi-something hematoma.



Yeah, that's it. There's a-a scar on the back of her neck. She also broke her right arm and cracked three vertebrae in her back. D-12, L-1 and uh, L-2.

All that happened when she fell down the stairs?

With some help, Warrick adds darkly, eyes narrowing. She had it rough growing up.

Tilting her head to one side, she frowns. You're bleeding.

No, no. This is her blood. She jumped in front of me.

Lifting the edge of his shirt, Dr. Monroe shakes her head. No, you're definitely bleeding. You need stitches. I recommend you go downstairs to the ER and have that looked at.

She can't die, he whispers, ignoring the ache in his side. I just got her back.

We'll do everything we can, Mr. Brown. I've got to go scrub up. With a final squeeze of his arm, Dr. Monroe pushes through the double doors and disappears.

Knees buckling, Warrick slides slowly down the wall to the floor, staring at his blood stained hands.