Wednesday, July 23rd, 2003

3:15 pm


Standing in the doorway between the bedroom and the hallway, Nick shakes his head slowly. There are signs of sex everywhere. Discarded clothing trailing down the hall, rumpled bed sheets, leftovers of dinner and dessert sitting on the nightstand. Nick inhales deeply and the familiar aroma of Dani's scent and Warrick's after shave flood his senses.

Warrick and Dani . . . together?

Now how'd we miss that? he asks aloud.

Catherine calls as she steps through the patio doors and into the living room.



Got anything? Walking over to his side, she stops and follows his gaze.

Arching an eyebrow, Nick turns to look at her. You don't seem all that surprised.

I knew there was something going on between them, Catherine admits. But I didn't know it had gone this far. Not again.

he repeats. Whoa. You mean they were together before?

Don't ask.

It's a hell of a mess out there, Nick says quietly. I can't wrap my head around it.

I know, she replies, squeezing his shoulder in reassurance.

Stepping into the bedroom, Catherine walks over to the far side of the king-size platform bed. She stops when the toe of her shoe bumps the abandoned handcuffs on the floor and her eyes widen. Glancing over her shoulder to see if Nick is watching, she gives them a quick nudge and sends the metal sliding under the bed and away from prying eyes.

Grissom wants me to get over to the hospital and see what's going on, she says, hurrying out of the bedroom.

I don't want to think about the investigation that there's going to be over this, Nick replies turning his attention back to Catherine. You'll let us know what you find out?

I'll call, she promises before walking out the door.

3:21 pm

Backing into the OR with freshly scrubbed hands and forearms, Dr. Monroe glances over at the machines monitoring Dani's vital signs. The sound of U2's Beautiful Day' floats over from a ghetto blaster sitting on a nearby shelf.

What's her pressure?

Holding at 80 over 40, the anesthesiologist replies. Second litre of saline and two units are running.

Thanks Pete. After stepping into a surgical gown, Dr. Monroe turns and a nurse ties the strings snugly around her waist.

Kate, I thought you were going home early, the doctor on the other side of the table says, removing the sterile packing from the abdomen wound.

Hey Vince. I was downstairs when she came in. Vitals were in the toilet so I tubed her and put in the central line. Thought you could use a hand, she replies, sliding her hands into sterile gloves. Stepping up to the edge of the table, she grimaces. What a mess.

Leg isn't much better, but I've got it clamped for now. We've got to stop this bleeding.

Yeah, I saw it downstairs. Without that belt, we wouldn't be here.

I heard she's a cop.

No, a crime scene investigator, Dr. Monroe corrects. From D.C.

Hang those packed cells, will you, Molly? Vince asks the nurse to his left. I think she's going to need them sooner rather than later. Nodding, she obliges.

Dr. Monroe slides a tool into the wound and suctions it out to get a better look. Belly is full of blood, she remarks.

Yeah, ultrasound shows the spleen is ruptured. There's blood in her urine. Kidney might have to come out, too.



Just tell me they're not working on the shooter next door, Vince asks coldly.

Dr. Monroe shakes her head. I doubt it. She came in on Kelly's rig. He said the boyfriend shot back and killed him.

What do you say we do our best to make sure she doesn't join Trigger Happy Jack'?

Sounds like a plan.

3:42 pm



The voice seems so far away, muffled as if it's underwater.

Catherine repeats, kneeling beside him and laying her hand on his arm. His skin is cool and clammy, his breathing shallow and rapid.

Unfocused, he looks up at her.

I need you to come with me, she says gently.

He shot her, he says distantly. That sonofabitch shot her.

I know, honey. Catherine's hand slides up to his shoulder, the damp fabric of his shirt still sticking to his skin.

Warrick stares blankly at his hands, stained red. There was so much blood, Cath. I couldn't stop it.

You need to see a doctor, she says softly.

I can't leave. What if she- Looking up at the nearby doors, he trails off.

The OR desk has my numbers, Catherine says. If anything happens, they'll find us.

Warrick glances over at her, then looks back at the doors. I want to be here.

Honey, you're in shock. You're soaking wet and you're bleeding, she persists, pointing to the blood soaking through the side of his shirt.

It's just a scratch, he says, waving her off.

Dani would want to make sure you're okay, Catherine presses. Do it for her, please?

No response.

You want to be here when Dani gets out of surgery, right? she urges. She's going to need you.

The words seem to sink in and finally, Warrick nods.

4:17 pm

Thanks Catherine. Keep me posted, Grissom says, then closes his small silver cell phone.

Sara asks.

Dani's in surgery and Warrick is in the ER, getting stitched up.

Surgery? Damn, Nick says softly.

Apparently Warrick walked right into the middle of the confrontation. Dani jumped in front of him and got shot. She fell in the pool and he pulled her out. Called 911.

Sara lays a comforting hand on Nick's shoulder. Is it as bad as they thought? she asks.

It doesn't look good.

Oh, man. Nick starts pacing, shaking his head in disbelief.

Nick, find some clothes for Warrick and take them over to the hospital, Grissom instructs. I think Catherine can use your help. Sara and I can finish up here.

Uh, okay. Turning on his heel, Nick disappears inside.

What's wrong with Warrick? Sara asks quietly.

He's in shock. Catherine's staying close by.

Catching a look in his eyes, Sara cocks her head to one side. You're scared, aren't you?

Grissom exhales slowly. Feels like deja vu, he admits.

Knowing exactly what he's referring to, Sara says the name they're both thinking of.

6:12 pm

The curve of her back.

Nick looks up from the dark blue industrial carpet of the waiting room and over at Warrick. It's the first time he's spoken in over an hour.



Now dressed in the white t-shirt, royal blue dress shirt and faded blue jeans that Nick brought, Warrick is staring out the window at the neon lights twinkling in the distance, arms crossed over his chest.

It's the thing I remember about the night we met. The curve of her back.



When she was curled up on the gurney in the emergency room, shaking because she was so scared; begging for my help. She held my hand so tight, Warrick says, glancing down at his hand as the memories flood his mind. And then later when she was asleep in my bed. She was restless and her t-shirt was bunched up. I'd never seen such perfect, beautiful, pale skin. I reached over and almost touched her, but I couldn't do it.

Why not?

That night some coward tried to take away her choice. He would have done whatever he wanted, and she wouldn't have been able to say no. I couldn't do that to her.

You love her, Nick says simply.

And I didn't tell her, Warrick replies, shaking his head.



Earlier today, I mean, he explains. I used to say it to her all the time. Before she left and went to D.C. Then before I went to the lab this afternoon I was going to tell her. It was there, on the tip of my tongue. Then she kissed me and I couldn't think straight.

For the first time, Nick smiles. I can imagine.

She told me she loves me. It was the last thing she said before she passed out. And I didn't tell her.

The waiting room door swings open and Catherine returns, with Greg, Sara and Grissom right behind her. Walking over to Warrick, she offers him the sandwich she'd purchased in the cafeteria and encourages him to eat something while Nick makes his way over to the new arrivals.

How's he doing? Sara asks softly.

A little better, Nick reports. He's steadier on his feet and talking again, sort of.

Any word on Dani? Greg asks, hands stuffed into the front pockets of his jeans, brow furrowed with worry.

Nothing yet.

Sara consults her watch, It's been hours.

It must mean they're having some success, or- Unable to say the words out loud, Nick stops abruptly and looks over at Warrick.

Oblivious to the other people in the room, Warrick is once again staring out the window at the neon lights, lost in his own thoughts.

What about shift tonight? Nick asks, suddenly realizing the time.

Brass got some volunteers from dayshift to cover any calls tonight, Catherine informs him. Davis, Hooper and Patterson. He figured we'd all want to be here.

7:25 pm

Pressure is down to 50, the anesthesiologist says, the tension obvious in his tone. You need to get her off this table.

We're trying, Dr. Monroe replies tightly. I just got this bleeder tied off.

Suddenly, the heart monitor begins beeping urgently.

Pete, what is that? Vince asks, looking up from his task.

Heart rate is skyrocketing. 160. 190. 210.

Dr. Monroe asks, looking over at the monitor.

She's throwing pvc's, Vince reports incredulously.

The monitor emits a loud whine.

Lost the pulse! Pete says.

Dr. Monroe rips back the sterile drape covering Dani's chest. She's in v-fib.

What the hell is going on? Vince wonders, dropping his surgical tools on a nearby tray.

Give her two amps epi, iv push, Dr. Monroe instructs as she begins chest compressions.

I don't want to open her chest, Vince mutters, pulling the defibrillating paddles out of their holders and angling them towards the nurse so she can squirt gel onto them. Charge to 200.

200. Charged, the nurse next to him reports.



The shock is delivered, but no change registers on the monitor.



Still no change.

Atrophine. 7 milligrams, Vince instructs, looking across the table at Kate and shaking his head in confusion.

Allergic reaction? she suggests, resuming chest compressions.

He shrugs. Charge 300. Clear.

The monitor stubbornly refuses to change.

Dr. Monroe shakes her head. 100 of Lidocaine.

Charge to 360.

7:48 pm

Stepping out of the operating room, the two doctors remove their blood spattered blue surgical aprons and toss them in a nearby biohazard bin.

We did everything we could, Kate, Vince says as she stretches her arms above her head. There's no way we could've known that she'd have that kind of reaction.

Sighing, she lowers her arms to massage her aching lower back. Yeah. I know.

Want me to talk to the family? he asks.

Kate shakes her head and rubs her hands over her face before removing the blue cap covering her short ebony hair. No, I talked to the boyfriend before. He should hear it for me.

I'll take care of things here.



Pushing open the heavy door, Dr. Monroe pulls her sweat dampened scrub shirt away from her body, attempting to move some air against her skin as she walks down the hall to the waiting room.

Taking a deep breath, she opens the door and enters. Everyone in the room turns to watch her.

How is she? Warrick asks, eyes wide with uncertainty.

Mr. Brown. Why don't we sit down. Gesturing to a chair, Kate tries to guide him over to it, but he's frozen in place.

His face falls. She's dead, isn't she?

Dani is getting settled in ICU as we speak.

Cries of relief erupt, but is quickly silenced by Dr. Monroe.

Please, sit down, she requests. I've got a lot to explain.

Quickly, everyone does as asked, their eyes filled with worry. Dr. Monroe perches on the chair across from Warrick, scanning the faces around her.

Dani made it out of surgery, but she's by no means in the clear. The next twelve hours are extremely critical. Dr. Monroe looks over at Warrick. It was your belt on her leg. wasn't it?

He nods.

Well, you bought her time and that's what she desperately needed. You did the right thing.

What were her injuries? Grissom asks. All we know is that she was shot.

I really should be talking to her family about this. Were you able to contact a relative?

She doesn't have any, Warrick says softly. Just us.

Dr. Monroe exhales slowly. Alright then. As you probably know, Dani was shot twice. Once in the thigh, once in the abdomen. The bullet in her leg lacerated the femoral artery, but we were able to repair it and from what I've seen there doesn't appear to be any nerve damage. That bleeding was controlled relatively quickly. The other bullet wound was a more pressing concern. I'm guessing that's the bullet that grazed you, she finishes, looking at Warrick.

Got some stitches, he replies. I'm fine.

The bullet passed straight through the intercostal space, missing her lungs and ribs, but that's where her luck ended. The capsule of the spleen was ruptured and there was damage to the kidney, pancreas and stomach. Now, the spleen had to be removed, but we were able to repair everything else. Right now we're finishing up replacing her blood volume, and keeping a very close eye.

But she's going to be okay, Warrick prompts.

Dr. Monroe swallows hard and clears her throat. There were complications.

Like what? Nick asks, brown furrowing in concern.

Dani had an adverse reaction to the anesthetic, Dr. Monroe reveals. It's rare, but it does happen.

Warrick frowns. She never mentioned a problem before.

Perhaps the recent surgery and anesthetic in LA contributed. We really don't know.

What happened? Grissom asks quietly.

She developed an arrhythmia. An irregular heartbeat, the doctor clarifies. And then her heart stopped completely.

Catherine gasps, nervous tears flooding her eyes. Oh my god, she whispers through fingers loosely covering her mouth.

We were able to shock her heart back into a normal rhythm, but it's something we're watching.

I want to see her, Warrick says tightly.

Mr. Brown-

I want to see her. Now, he interrupts.

You need to prepare yourself. She's hooked up to a lot of tubes and machines. I don't want anyone going in there and losing it.

Glancing around, Warrick leans forward. I need to talk to you. In private.

Confused, Dr. Monroe arches an eyebrow. Let's step into the hall.

Baffled, the rest of the group looks on as the two leave the room.

I need to be with her, he says quietly, but firmly after the door closes behind them. If I'm not there when she wakes up, she'll be the one losing it.

What makes you say that? she asks.

Dani hates hospitals. Back when she was ten, she woke up after surgery in her room alone. Put yourself in her position. Imagine being strapped down in a strange place; confused, scared and in pain. She never got over it.

I'm sorry, she replies sincerely.

I've been with her when she's had panic attacks. She trusts me. I can keep her calm.

Dr. Monroe decides. You can stay with her, but if at any time medical personnel need to get in there to run tests or whatever, you back off. Her condition is still very precarious.



Come with me.

Mutely, Warrick follows her down the hall and around the corner. Dr. Monroe pauses briefly at the nurses station to consult a metal clipboard before moving further down the hall to Dani's room made entirely of clear glass panels.

Hair framing her wan face, Dani is surrounded by machines monitoring her vital signs while plastic bags dispense various fluids through iv tubes running to her left arm and under her gown. A white hospital gown with tiny polka dots cover her body, blue sheets and a white blanket tucked closely around her.

Go on in, she says softly.

Stepping inside the room, a shaky breath catches in Warrick's throat. She's so pale, he whispers.

She lost a lot of blood, Dr. Monroe remarks. But she's a fighter. I saw it first hand.

I know she is, Warrick replies quietly.

Pulling a chair up to the edge of the bed, he sits and takes Dani's right hand in his, eyes watching the ventilator as it pumps oxygen through the tube in her mouth.

With any luck she'll be breathing on her own in the next few hours, Dr. Monroe adds. I'll be back to check on her.

Thank you, he says hoarsely.

You're welcome.

She walks over to the doorway, then pauses to look over her shoulder.

Talk to her. As she comes to she'll be able to hear your voice.

Nodding, Warrick doesn't look away from Dani's face.

8:15 pm

Moving quietly down the hall, Grissom pauses when he hears a familiar voice, speaking in low tones. Following the sound, he walks over to an open doorway and pauses to observe.

A narrow, well-worn piece of paper is lying on the white blanket next to Dani's and Warrick's clasped hands. Looking closer, Grissom realizes that Warrick is reading from it.


And I said, the moment my eyes beheld it,
"A love like this can know no death."

For just one kiss that your lips have given
In the lost and beautiful past to me,
I would gladly barter my hopes of Heaven
And all the bliss of Eternity.


Not wanting to intrude, Grissom quietly backs away and sits down in a chair a short distance away, staying in the line of sight.

A short while later when a nurse comes it to change the IV's, Warrick looks over and notices him sitting in the hall. After kissing Dani's forehead, he untangles his hand from hers and walks over to him.



Grissom replies. How's she doing?

No change.

Opening his hand, Dani's St. Jude medallion comes into view. Sara found this in her purse. I thought you might want to hold onto it.

Sinking into a chair beside Grissom, Warrick gratefully accepts the coin, warm from being clasped in Grissom's hand. A long moment passes as he studies the circular object, finger tracing the surface.

Was that Wilcox? Grissom asks suddenly.



The poem. It sounded like Ad Finem.'

Warrick nods. It's one of her favorites. I carry a copy of it in my wallet. Mustering up his nerve, he looks over at Grissom. I owe you an explanation.

Tell me . . . all of it, from the top, the supervisor suggests. And take your time. I'm not going anywhere.

Warrick takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. It was a Wednesday and I was dropping some paperwork off at the PD. The sun was warm and bright. It was a typical October day. Not much different from a thousand other days I'd seen before.

Looking up, he focuses on Dani in the bed across the hall.

And then I saw her . . .

8:52 pm

In the middle of her second week in the nursery the nurses got tired of calling her Baby Girl Bennett', so one of them gave her a name. Chandani Roshini, Warrick says quietly, brushing Dani's hair off her forehead. It means starlight.

And her mother never objected?

She was kinda busy with her own stuff and never really connected with Dani. Didn't much care what her name was. Rising from his chair, Warrick walks over to where Grissom is leaning against the door frame. Later on there was a string of boyfriends that used and abused her. Dani learned to stay low, until she could get away for good.

Like the other side of the country. That's why she didn't apply to east coast schools, Grissom says aloud, putting the details together.



How did she survive day to day life?

The nurse who named her lived in the neighborhood, just a couple blocks away. She looked out for her, took care of her. Anju was her name. She died when Dani was thirteen.

9:48 pm

A tall, fifty-something man with salt and pepper hair hurries down the wide hospital hallway, not slowing until he reaches the nurses station. His navy blue suit jacket and dress pants are wrinkled. His tie is loose, the top two buttons of his shirt open. Reaching into the breast pocket of his jacket, he produces a badge.

I'm Dwayne Hicks. I'm looking for information about Chandani Bennett. She was shot earlier today.

After examining the ID badge, the nurse consults a clipboard. She's out of surgery and has been moved to ICU. There's a waiting room down the hall. I believe there are a number of her friends waiting there.

Thank you.

Continuing down the corridor, he quickly reaches the warmly lit room and hurries inside. Everyone turns at the sound.

I'm looking for Gil Grissom, he says quickly running his fingers through his hair in a attempt to improve his appearance.

Rising from a chair near the window, Gil walks over to him. Dr. Hicks, I presume. I'm Gil Grissom, he says, offering his hand.

Oh please, call me Dwayne, he says as they shake hands. Thank you so much for calling. How's Dani?

Out of surgery and holding her own so far.

Relieved, Dwayne studies Gil for a few moments and then smiles. You're exactly as she described.

Dani talked about me? Surprised, Grissom cocks an eyebrow and nudges his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

It took a bit of time, but yes, she spoke about a number people she worked with, in some detail, Dwayne reveals. She respects you a great deal. Felt that she learned a lot from you in the time you worked together.

Thank you, he replies softly, touched by the words. I enjoyed working with her, back then and now.

Looking around the room, Dwayne's gaze lands on Nick sitting near the window. Dark hair, strong jaw. Is that Nick?

It is, Grissom confirms.

They would email each other about interesting cases they worked on. I think my favorite was the scuba diver up a tree.

Grissom smiles at the memory.

She said he looked out for her like a big brother. Continuing to look around the room, Dwayne spots a slim man full of nervous energy, a head of spikey blonde hair and a bright orange t-shirt. That's got to be Greg.

Two for two.

But Dani said his hair was blue.

It was, the scientist deadpans. He changes hair color as often as his socks.

She's got a real soft spot for him. Says he's sharp in the lab.

Again, Grissom smiles. He's the best.

That must be Catherine. She has a daughter, Lindsey, Dwayne says carefully, recalling the details. And I'm guessing the brunette is Sara. Dani mentioned that there was a new member on your team in one of her written reports. She said Sara was tough as nails, but a good CSI.

You're batting a thousand.

Just then, Brass and Doc Robbins walk through the waiting room door and Grissom rises to his feet.

Any word? Robbins asks.

No change since she was moved to ICU, Grissom replies. Warrick is with her. He's been checking in every hour with updates.

Dwayne asks, searching his mind for the details that Dani provided about him.

Doc repeats, eyes wide with surprise.

They were together when she was shot. Grissom clears his throat. I turns out they have a history.

9:59 pm

Fingers lightly trace the curve of Dani's jaw, careful to avoid the angry bruise that has formed on her cheekbone. The steady rhythm of the heart monitor is intrusive and comforting at the same time.

Wake up, Starlight, Warrick requests softly. I need you. To see your eyes. To see you smile.

He threads his fingers with hers and kisses each of her fingertips.

We've come too far to lose it all now.

Suddenly Dani begins bucking against the pillow, body shaking with uncontrollable seizing. Alarm bells on the monitors begin ringing and two nurses rush into the room.

one of them orders Warrick, pushing him away from the bed.

Dr. Monroe hurries into the room, barking instructions as Warrick reluctantly exits.

10:08 pm

What happened? Warrick demands the moment Dr. Monroe emerges from Dani's room.

Relax. Dani's okay, she assures him. She started breathing on her own and was fighting the ventilator, that's all.

Breathing on her own. That's good, right? No more tube down her throat?

Very good, Dr. Monroe replies. Honestly, I didn't expect her to regain consciousness quite this fast. Her strength surprises me.

Well, she's tougher than most people think.

So I'm learning.

Is she awake? he asks, looking past Dr. Monroe to see inside the room. The ventilator has been pushed away from the bed and a nurse is adjusting the oxygen tubing around Dani's nose and ears.

No. She's sleeping, but her breathing is good and her vitals are stable. It's all very encouraging.

Thanks Doc.

You're very welcome. She turns to leave, then pauses. Would you like me to update your friends on her condition?

Uh, no. I'll do it, Warrick replies.

10:11 pm

Hey guys. Rolling his shoulders in an attempt to loosen the stiff muscles, Warrick gives an exhausted wave hello.

How's she doing? Nick asks before anyone else can.

She just came off the vent and is breathing on her own, he replies, the relief obvious in his eyes. Her doctor is encouraged.

Oh thank God, Dwayne says tension sliding off his shoulders. Not recognizing the face, Warrick arches an eyebrow.

Grissom walks over to him with Dwayne in tow. Warrick, this is Dwayne Hicks.

Oh, hey. Warrick offers his hand and nods. Dani's talked about you. Said you're a hell of a guy.

It's nice to meet you, despite the circumstances.

Yeah. Uh, look, I really want to get back to her. I'm sorry, Warrick says. I don't want her to be alone.

Not a problem, Dwayne answers quickly. We can talk when she's feeling better.

Is there anything we can do? Greg asks.

Pausing for a moment, Warrick finally says, Actually, you can. C'mere.

The rest of the conversation is hushed and then the two men leave the room together, Warrick back to ICU, Greg in the opposite direction towards the exit.

Dwayne watches Warrick hurry down the hall before turning on his heel to face Grissom. That girl's been too stubborn for her own damn good for as long as I've known her. Sighing heavily, he sinks down into a chair. Let's hope that works in her favor.

10:43 pm

As soon as you wake up I'm going to make you promise to never do something like this ever again, Warrick vows softly, hands caressing Dani's free hand.

I'll do my best, she rasps weakly, her soft blue eyes fluttering open.

he says, sighing with relief. You're awake.

You look terrible, she whispers, struggling to stay focused. Her tongue feels thick, her eyelids almost too heavy to open.

Warrick smiles ruefully. You look beautiful.



A long moment passes as Warrick sweeps Dani's hair off her forehead.

There's something I've been waiting to tell you, he says finally.

What's that? she asks as he leans over, his lips grazing her temple.

"Ego amor tu," he whispers.

"Mmmm, latin, Dani murmurs drowsily. I love you, too.

Warrick smiles gently. Get some sleep, Star. I'll be here when you wake up.

Nodding slightly, she closes her eyes and lets the darkness envelop her.

10:46 pm

The sound of the door opening again so soon surprises everyone.

Catherine springs to her feet. Warrick. What's wrong?

Oh nothing. She woke up, just for a minute, he replies, a smile flashing across his face. Thought you'd want to know.

Did she say anything? Nick asks.

Yeah, she said I looked terrible.

Dwayne snorts with laughter. That's my girl. When I got to her in LA, she told me I needed a shave.

Nick chuckles.

Look, I'm going to be here all night, but you guys should go home, get some sleep, Warrick says.

Catherine asks, her brow furrowing. You said it yourself. We are her family and I for one am not going anywhere. She gives a very decisive nod before sitting back down next to Sara and crossing her arms. Classic Mom-like behavior.

Yeah. What she said, Nick adds.

Looking around the room, Warrick finds identical expressions on the faces of the other people in the room. Moved beyond words, he can only nod gratefully before slipping back out the way he came and returning to Dani's room.