Thursday, July 24th, 2003
11:12 am
Sunlight filters though the curtains covering the window, giving the room a soft, warm feeling despite the antiseptic smell. Dani awakens slowly to the aroma of flowers and the feeling of Warrick's breath on her hand. Eyelids fluttering, she blinks rapidly, trying to get her eyes to focus.
Did somebody die? Dani asks groggily, looking at the vibrant bouquets of orange and maroon sunflowers, white lilies, and pink gerber daisies with blue delphinium lining the table against the wall.
Looking up from their entwined hands, Warrick smiles as he fights back a yawn and drags a hand over his modestly deadlocked hair. Hey, you're awake. He looks over his shoulder for a moment to follow her line of vision. Flowers have been coming all morning.
Looking at the IV line taped to the top of her left hand, Dani reaches up and pulls the oxygen cannula and tubing away from her nose and ears. I hate these things. Glancing down at her hospital gown, she groans. Polka dots. Great.
Shaking his head, Warrick smiles and helps her remove the tubing, standing up briefly to hook it on the IV stand next to her. When he sits back down, her eyes widen.
Sterling roses, she says softly, her eyes lingering on a vase of lavender colored flowers.
Greg picked them up for me, Warrick admits with a gentle smile. I wanted them to be here when you woke up.They're beautiful.
Leaning close, Warrick cups her jaw, fingers loosely threading through her hair. He kisses her welcomingly, a slow, soft, open kiss full of promise, but not demanding. Finally he finally pulls back to look at her, fingering her auburn locks gently.
You scared the hell out of me, he says softly.
I'm sorry.I'm just glad you're alive.You look tired, Dani says gently, cupping his cheek in her palm. You stayed up all night, didn't you?I'm okay. I snoozed a little.
Looking back over at the flowers, Dani cocks an eyebrow. Who brought the lucky bamboo?Doc Robbins. He said you'd know what it was.
She smiles softly. Yeah, we used to talk about the eastern influence on medicine back when I was trying to find a way to help my back. He was the one who suggested the tai chi. It worked better than any pain medication I'd ever tried, that's for damn sure.
The memory reminds her of the growing stiffness in her back and she shifts slightly, wincing when a stab of pain rips through her belly.
Hey! Stop that! Warrick orders. You've only been out of surgery fourteen hours.Is that why I feel like a herd of elephants have been dancing on my chest?No, that's from when we were trying to restart your heart in the operating room, Dr. Monroe provides from the doorway as she draws back the privacy curtain. Good morning.
Warrick smiles. Hey Doc.Wait. My heart stopped?
Nodding in return, Dr. Monroe walks to the edge of the bed. You gave us quite a scare. The good news is, you've stabilized and the soreness will dissipate in a few days. Are you in any pain?Nothing I can't handle.
Dr. Monroe nods. I'll have your fentanyl dose adjusted.So what happened in surgery? Dani asks.
Glancing over at Warrick, Dr. Monroe asks her, Would you mind if we spoke alone?
Dani frowns for a moment. she says.
Rising to his feet, Warrick kisses her forehead. I'll be right outside.
Eight agonizing minutes pass as he paces up and down the hallway, wondering what is going on. Why the need for secrecy? Is there something else wrong that Dr. Monroe didn't tell them last night?
Finally Dr. Monroe emerges from behind the curtain, smiling as she beckons to him. You can go back in. A nurse will be coming by shortly to change the bandages. I'll be there to check her stitches.Is she okay?
Dr. Monroe nods. I'll let her fill you in.
After briefly patting his arm, she turns and leaves while Warrick hurries back inside Dani's room.
What was that about? he asks, sinking back into the chair next to her bed. Are you okay?It's nothing. I'm fine.If it's nothing, why did she have to talk to you alone?
Rolling her eyes, Dani carefully reaches for his hand. She wanted to know if there had been any involuntary physical contact before I was shot.
Realization dawns and Warrick ducks his head. Oh shit. The bruises. How they would look. She thought-Don't worry about it, she interrupts.
What did you tell her? he asks.
The truth, Dani says simply. That the other night was a long overdue reunion for us and that we kinda got carried away. She thought it was quite romantic, actually. She also told me that the belt you put on my leg saved my life, and how I no longer have a spleen. More importantly, she told me about the stitches you got. Funny how you failed to mention that.Did she tell you not to jump in front on any more bullets? Warrick asks, avoiding her comment about his injury.
Nodding, Dani smiles. Apparently I'm allergic to them.Smart ass.
A lull falls over them, knowing how bad things could have turned out. How lucky they are.
I didn't ask you if you're still on birth control, Warrick realizes with a start, eyes wide.
Dani says. I was off the depo-provera for a while, but went back on it when my cycle got all weird. With the crazy schedule I was keeping it appeared to be the simplest answer. One shot every three months was a small price to pay for knowing when I was going to be bitchy.
Warrick snorts, then becomes serious again. It's been one hell of a week, huh?I didn't see the case working out this way, Dani says softly.
Nick said it's front page news, Warrick tells her. Apparently taking down a serial killer is a big deal in the news world.
Dani rolls her eyes. Oh great. Reporters.Dwayne issued a statement, he says absently, smoothing her hair off her forehead with his free hand. They've backed off for now.Dwayne's here? she asks, eyes wide with surprise.
Of course he's here. Grissom found his number in your cell phone at the house and called him as soon as he knew it was you. He caught the first plane he could. Got in late last night.He's mad, isn't he?Scared would be more accurate, I think he replies. I should tell everyone you're awake. Maybe they'll go home and get some sleep.Nick, Cath, Sara, Grissom, Greg, Doc . . . even Brass, Warrick says. We gave them quite a scare, especially when they saw all the blood at the house.They were at the house?
He nods. It was a crime scene. Pausing, she nibbles on her lower lip. He's dead, right? she asks softly, the pain of betrayal bubbling to the surface once again.
Sara and Grissom wrapped up the case last night, Warrick says, changing the subject. Needless to say, I had some explaining to do.So everybody knows about us, she replies, reading his expression.
I think the part where I wouldn't leave your side gave it away. Or maybe it was the fact that your underwear was in the hallway and your hair was on my bed sheets.
Dani smiles. Guess we don't have to worry about how to break it to everyone.How'd they take it? she asks, arching an eyebrow.
Something tells me that we're going to be the talk of the lab for weeks. Warrick folds her hand in his, brushing his lips lightly over her bruised knuckles. But I'll take that over the alternative.
A slow smile spreads across Dani's face. I have an idea. I need you to do something for me.Find Nicky. You two have an errand to run.
Following Nick into the waiting room, Warrick pauses to take in the scene before him. Grissom and Sara are sitting side by side near the window, the tall brunette's head resting on the supervisor's shoulder. Grissom looks at Sara fondly as she appears to be fast asleep. The same is true for Greg, who is stretched out nearby on a row of chairs, snoring softly. Catherine's chin is propped up by her arm on the back of the couch, her eyes closed. Only Dwayne is standing, staring out the window, gazing at the mountains in the distance while Doc and Brass are engaged in a quiet conversation at the other end of the room.
We've got caffeine, Nick says, gesturing to the tray of Starbucks cups in Warrick's hands and the large box in his own hands. And donuts from Krispy Kreme.Why are two getting coffee and donuts? Grissom asks, straightening up and causing Sara to wake with a start.
Dani said it was the least she could do after you stayed here all night, Warrick supplies, walking over to Doc. Macchiato tall, he says, handing him the cup before turning to Brass. Dark roast. Black, with two sugars.How do you know how I like my coffee? the detective asks suspiciously.
I didn't, Warrick admits. Somehow Dani did. I guess she's more observant than we realized.
Nick sets the box of donuts down, takes two cups in his hands and walks over to Grissom and Sara. Macchiato tall and a Vanilla Latte.
Too surprised to speak, they accept the cups gratefully.
Warrick says, hanging the bleary eyed lab tech a large white cup. It's not Blue Hawaiian, but it's the best substitute I could find.
Touched, Greg smiles. And lemon zinger tea with honey, Warrick continues, handing the other cup he's been holding to Catherine.
You guys did good, she says, clearly impressed.
Donuts are still hot, so help yourself, Nick tells everyone as Warrick delivers the last cup of coffee to Dwayne.
Dani thought you were a Mocha Valencia kind of guy, he says. Hope she was right.I can't believe she remembered, Dwayne replies softly, accepting the cup.
How's Dani? Grissom inquires, speaking for everyone in the room.
She's awake and surprisingly alert, for now, Warrick reports. Her doctor has already been in to see her, told her what happened during surgery. They were going to be changing her bandages, so she kicked me out and sent me on the caffeine run with Nick.That's great, Catherine says with a smile. I mean that she's doing so well.Oh, she loves the flowers, he adds. And can't wait to see everyone to say so in person. 12:47 pm
A small crowd has formed in a semicircle at the foot of Dani's bed, faces filled with relief. The head of Dani's hospital bed is now elevated, pillows nestled against her sides like a protective cocoon. Warrick hangs back, allowing everyone else a chance to visit.
"Hey Sleeping Beauty," Nick teases, leaning over to kiss her on her unbruised cheek. "How you feeling?"
"Better now that you're here."
"Aww, I'm touched."
"Don't be. It's the drugs talking," she says seriously before breaking out into a wide grin.
Ouch. That hurt, Nick says with mock anguish.
Everyone laughs lightly, relieved to see Dani acting like herself.
Thank you so much for the flowers, Dani says. They're beautiful.
Sara steps forward to stand on the opposite side the bed. "How's the food?" she jokes.
"Liquid at the moment. And I don't think it's an accident that pain medication is distributed right before mealtime, Dani replies dryly.
You'll be back on solid food soon, Warrick soothes. I promise.Is ice cream considered a solid food or a liquid? she asks, batting her eyes innocently. I'd like to put in a request for chocolate. he admonishes, fighting back a blush.
What is going on in here? a middle aged nurse demands, stepping into the room, hands on her hips. There is a maximum of two visitors at a time. No exceptions. Grissom apologizes. We'll go.
Greg, Sara and Grissom silently file out of the room under her steely gaze while Dwayne steps forward.
Hey Boss, Dani says with a smile.
We have to quit meeting this way, he teases, but his eyes are serious. I'm going call D.C., let them know you're going to be okay, he says. We can talk more later.Sounds good, she replies.
The CSI pauses, allowing Brass, Doc and Dwayne to exit ahead of her. Give Linds a big hug and a kiss for me, will you? Tell her I'll see her in a couple of days, Dani requests.
Catherine smiles. You got it.
Reaching out, she takes hold of Nick's hand before he can move away. And I need to talk to you.
Smiling softly, Warrick crosses the room, leans over and captures her mouth in a soft kiss. I'll be right outside.I'll behave, Dani promises when he pulls back.
That's my girl.
With a final disapproving frown, the nurse leaves, pulling the curtain closed behind her.
What's up with Nurse Ratchet? Nick jokes, sitting down in the chair next to the bed. She escaped from the asylum?
A moment passes as Nick watches her eyes carefully.
So, you and Warrick. Dani nods and picks at piece of fluff on the blanket draped over her.
You could've told me, he says softly. I would've understood.It wasn't a secret because of you, Nicky. I promise, she replies. I started seeing Warrick almost four months before I joined the LVPD.And you didn't want to be treated differently because you were dating a senior officer?
Dani smiles. Something like that.Well, at least I know you're in good hands, Nick adds with a smile. He obviously cares a great deal about you. I just don't know how you two kept it a secret this long.Hard work and a lot of luck.I'll bet.Nicky, I don't want things to change between us, Dani says. I mean, you're like the big brother I never had. Our friendship is so important to me and I don't want you to feel weird.I find out that two of my closest friends are a couple? Trust me, I'm not going anywhere, he promises. Things just got real interesting.And besides, I've always been the youngest in my family. It'll be a nice change to have a baby sister.Baby? I'm only a couple years younger than you, Dani retorts.
However, I do reserve the right to give Warrick a bad time, as your big brother. Nick grins and Dani can't help but smile.
Well, I better get out of here. You need to rest and something tells me that Warrick won't let you out of his sight for very much longer.You're probably right, Dani says, squeezing his hand. Thanks Nicky.
Warrick appears a moment after Nick passes beyond the privacy curtain. That was quite a show you put on, he says, well aware of how tired she has become.
I don't want them to worry.Well, get some sleep, Warrick instructs, settling in the chair next to her. I'll be here when you wake up.I'll sleep if you will, Dani counters.
Kicking off his shoes, Warrick adjusts the chair and puts his feet up on the end of the bed.
The couple fall asleep side by side, their fingers entwined. 3:10 pm
Dani stares out the window at the mountains in the distance, lost in thought. She's been propped up on her side to ease the pressure on her back, with several pillows strategically placed to cushion her in a comfortable position.
Hey Rookie.
Dani looks up at the sound of Dwayne's voice. He looks tired and is in desperate need of a shave, but his eyes are gentle and filled with relief.
I hear they might move you out of ICU tonight and into your own room.As long as I behave myself.Jenny wanted me to tell you something.What's that?Così felice siete ancora con noi. Di ciao, he continues, walking over to the side of the bed. She's going to call you as soon as you're feeling up to it.
Leaning over, he brushes a kiss over her forehead before sitting down on the edge of the bed.
I finally get why you never jumped at the chance to attend a convention in Las Vegas, Dwayne says dryly. You were always so vague about your past, but . . . wow. I couldn't have imagined all this.
When Dani doesn't reply, he cocks his head to one side, studying her.
Go ahead and say it, she says finally, staring at her hands. Tell me it's not my fault.I'm only going to tell you the truth. Cupping her chin in his hand, Dwayne forces their eyes to meet. It wasn't your fault. He was a very sick man, who was an expert at hiding his illness.I was standing there, looking at him. He was almost playing with his knife, like it was a game, Dani says, eyes misting over. And I couldn't recognize the man I thought I knew.We can do this later if you want, Dwayne interjects softly, taking her hand in his. There's no hurry.The things he was saying to me, she continues, her voice wavering. I've never seen such rage, such blinding hatred. In his twisted mind, he loved me and hated me at the same time. I listened and tried to think back to all the time I'd spent with him, wondering if there had been a sign that I missed. I was so wrapped up in the case that I didn't see anyone but the victims.That doesn't make what he did okay, Dwayne protests. The fact of the matter is that we all missed it. I got Carolyn and Mark to search his apartment, and they found evidence that he'd been stalking you for at least eighteen months, maybe longer. Captain Brass had his hotel room searched. They found the evidence that he switched out from the lab, trying to throw you off the trail. Case is closed.I remember feeling so relieved when he found me in LA, Dani says, tears spilling out from beneath her eyelids and flowing down her cheeks. All the times that I put my safety in his hands. How he abused that trust. I invited him into my apartment, Dwayne. It makes me sick to know that he was that close to me all along.Honey, don't get yourself worked up. Please? he requests. Leaning forward, he lays his hands on her shoulders, squeezing gently It's over now. You're okay.He was going to kill Warrick, do God-knows-what to me and- She breaks off, fighting for control. I didn't want to believe it was Brad-
It takes several seconds before she hears it. Not loud or high pitched, just there, surrounding her. Wailing like the wind on a lifeless night. Distantly, Dani realizes that the sound is coming from her.
Dwayne doesn't speak, or if he does, she doesn't hear him. He slides up the bed, coaxing her head into the crook of his neck and wrapping his arms around Dani as best he can. She surrenders willingly, the awful sound of her pain still flooding her ears.
Feeling Dani tremble in his arms like a child makes Dwayne nervous, but he recognizes that crying is normal, and natural, and it's what she needs to get it out of her system. He strokes the back of her hair, whispering calm, soothing words in her ear as she dampens his shirt with her tears.
After several minutes, Dani's crying slows and finally subsides. She looks up at Dwayne, her face puffy and wet.
I'm sorry, she apologizes. I didn't mean to lose it like that.Don't be. You've been through Hell this year.
Releasing his hold on her, Dwayne reaches over to the tray table and retrieves a box of kleenex. Wordlessly, he offers it to her.
I'm glad you're here, she says after wiping her face and nose.
Honey, where else would I be? he asks, unable to hide the surprise in his tone. In case it's escaped your attention, you're my favorite. You have been for a very long time. Do you think I let Jeff or Carolyn or Mark get away with half the stuff you pull?
Dani offers him a watery smile. You're not so bad yourself.Jenny and I care about you, he continues. We worry about you like we worry about our girls. It took you so long to let us in, even a little. Right now you're hurt and I want to be here for you.You're going make me cry, she says with a sniff. Why don't you get some sleep, Dwayne suggests. You need to let your body heal. I'll be around for a while.
Too exhausted to argue, she closes her eyes as Dwayne stands, gently kisses her forehead and quietly leaves the room. At the doorway he nearly runs into Warrick, who has been listening.
Sounds like you got through to her, Warrick says softly.
I hope so, Dwayne replies. She feels responsible and that's not going to go away overnight.
Warrick draws the curtain back just enough so he can see Dani drifting off to sleep. One day at a time, right?So the experts say, Dwayne said with a nod.
I knew something was on her mind, Warrick admits softly. I'm glad she feels safe enough to talk to you about it.She may feel safe with me, but she loves and trusts you completely. It's all over her face. I can't tell you how relieved I am that you were there when she needed you the most. Pausing to study Warrick for a few moments, Dwayne shakes his head. If you hadn't been there she would've died. Alone. With that sick son of a bitch standing over her.Yes, I was lucky that I got there when I did, Warrick replies. However, the credit really belongs to Dani. She was scared, but despite being under all that pressure, she didn't panic. She looked into that monster's eyes and didn't back down one inch.How can you be so sure? Dwayne asks.
When I got to the house, his nose was bleeding, his lip was split wide open and he was really pissed off. Today, the knuckles on both her hands are bruised, Warrick tells him. Dani was using everything she had to take him down. I don't doubt that she knew she might die, but she wasn't about to take it laying down. It's not in her.
Dwayne cocks an eyebrow. If I didn't know any better, I'd think there was the faintest touch of pride in your voice.I taught her how to box and I can't think of a more deserving target, Warrick replies darkly. I wish I'd had the chance.
Italian Translation So glad you're still with us. Take care.
