Wednesday, October 29th, 2003
6:42 am
Striations match up perfectly, the ballistics tech says, peering through a microscope at two .38 caliber bullets. Check it out. Moving to one side, he gestures for Dani to take a look.
It's definitely your weapon.
Thanks Bobby, Dani says, moving away from the microscope to make some notes in a case file. I'll call Cath and let her know.
As she reaches to take her cell phone off her belt, she catches the tech watching her.
I was working the day you were shot. I matched the bullet they pulled out of your leg to that detective's gun, he admits.
Smiling gently, Dani reaches over and squeezes his shoulder. Bobby, it could have been a lot worse.
Two reasons actually. One, he was a lousy shot. She pauses when Bobby grins. And two, he could have been using hollow points.
Goes in the size of a pea, comes out the size of a baseball, he adds, nodding his head. Game over.
Well, it was good to see you, even if it was just filling in for Nick.
Thanks. It's good to see you too. Say hi to Aaron for me, will you?
Absolutely. He loves the watercolor kit you sent him. I can't keep enough paper in the house.
Just then, the pager on her belt begins beeping.
Gotta go. Greg's got news for me.
See you
Dani smiles.
7:01 am
Grego, you rang? Dani says as she walks into the DNA lab, gesturing to her pager.
Results are back. You were right. The lab tech hands her a piece of paper and Dani quickly scans it.
The ex-husband was there.
He was definitely in the bedroom. Blood does not lie, Greg continues, a satisfied smile on his face.
Dani snorts in disgust. I just knew that bastard was doing a song and dance.
The two friends exchange high five's as Catherine enters the room.
Hey, great timing, Dani says to her. Ballistics add up and blood places the ex in the middle of the crime scene.
Catherine replies. Jacqui just matched a partial print from the wall and a different partial from the gun to him as well.
Case closed, Greg says with a decisive nod.
I'll call Brass, Catherine adds.
Looking up from his desk, Grissom smiles.
Just came to return your jacket and say thanks for the loan. Walking around with ID that says Washington PD would have been a tad confusing. Dani walks over to the desk, laying the nylon jacket over the back of the chair beside her.
Done with the case already?
Ex-husband is getting booked as we speak. Ballistics, fingerprints and DNA nail him to the wall. Case closed.
Well, thanks for covering for Nick, he says sincerely.
Not a problem. What happened with your 419?
Suicide. Advanced, inoperable cancer.
Colon cancer actually.
Surpressing a groan, Dani shakes her head. And on that note, I think odds are pretty good that we're going to the diner for breakfast. Think you'll join us?
he replies, gesturing to the small mountain that seems to permanently live on his desk. I'll be here for a while.
Well, if you change your mind-
7:35 am
Catherine steps into the bathroom just in time to see Dani standing by the sinks, pulling a slim fitting, spaghetti-strapped top over her head. Her eyes immediately find the two small scars on Dani's lower back. The one on the right from the knife wound, a barely pink line against her ivory skin; the one on the left still healing from the bullet that had passed through her three short months ago.
At the sound, Dani looks in the mirror and catches the other CSI's eye. Hey Cath. You caught me.
I just realized that I've never seen the scar, she says softly.
Oh that? That's the baby, Dani replies easily, looking over her shoulder at her back reflected in the mirror. Momma's up front. As she turns around, the four inch scar near the bottom of her ribcage comes into view.
Looks like it's healing well, Catherine comments.
Yeah, it turns out that one of my doctors started his medical career as a specialist in plastic surgery. Give it another three months or so and it'll hopefully be a white line.
Well, the more invisible the scar, the better, Dani remarks. Warrick does his best to hide it, but it bothers him.
Yeah, I know.
Dani cocks her head to one side as she finishes tugging her shirt into place. You talked to him earlier, didn't you? she asks, positive that she is correct in the assumption.
He was battling some nerves, she replies. Made me promise to watch your back.
Shaking her head, Dani can't help but laugh lightly. He's so determined to keep me protected. I've tried telling him that it's just not possible, but-
He's stubborn that way, Catherine supplies. That said, I thought it was best to humor him. As time passes he'll relax.
Humor him? Dani repeats. That sounds a lot like ignore it and maybe it'll magically disappear. That's never been my style.
Catherine laughs. What, you two never disagree about anything?
Well, I called him a player once, Dani reveals. That didn't go over too well.
You what? Catherine's eyes are wide with shock.
Hey, we were out together and this mob of girls just descended on him and he was flirting them all up and I kinda lost my cool.
What did you say?
That I wasn't interested in being his flavor of the week, so if he wanted to play around I was out of there.
Stunned, Catherine asks. Then what happened?
I walked out and was at the curb hailing a cab when he caught up to me.
And you two made up?
Dani shakes her head. No, he tried to justify it. Tried to blame the girls.
And?
And I told him that I didn't know his game and wasn't interested. He swore up and down that it wasn't a game. Then he said that he really liked me and that he was sorry that he hadn't considered the affect his behavior would have on me. That it wasn't done intentionally.
What did you say?
I was honest. I said I wasn't sure that we were right for each other. Dani smiles ruefully at the memory. Then he really laid himself out there, turning on the charm.
Well, don't keep me in suspense, Catherine begs.
I told him that we didn't make any sense.
And he said?
It doesn't have to make sense, she quotes from memory. It's just something that happens. Like passing someone on the street and you look at each other - taking a moment together. Then the person is gone and it's too late to do anything about it. You always remember it because it was there and you let it go. Everyday you ask yourself, what if I had stopped? What if I had said something. What if?
What if you'd never met? Catherine ponders the question for a moment. It was fluke after all.
Then he said, That moment may only happen a few times in your life.'
Or once, Catherine adds.
Or once, Dani repeats softly. He finished me off by saying that he thought that he'd lost his chance outside the PD that day, when he'd let me walk away and that he'd be damned if he was going to screw it up now.'
That's good, Catherine decides. That's very, very good,
That's the day I started to fall in love with him. 7:48 am
Dani's normally quick pace slows as she walks towards the break room, finally coming to a stop so she can lean against the wall. Through the glass she quietly observes the quirky, dedicated bunch who work under Grissom and her heart warms at the immense affection she feels for them. Focusing on Warrick, she relishes in the sight of him casually sprawled in a chair at the end of the table, his green eyes flickering with amusement at whatever story Greg is regaling him and other CSIs with. A pang of regret shoots through her, reminding her of the three years she's missed out on being a part of their lives. Pushing it aside, she resumes walking.
Good morning all, Dani says with a smile as she walks into the break room. Sara, Catherine, Warrick and Greg are all seated around the table, coffee cups in front of them.
There she is, Warrick replies as Dani reaches his side. Sliding an arm around her waist, he smiles as she leans down and kisses him.
How was your day? he asks.
Pretty good.
It's then he notices a band-aid on her shoulder. What the hell is that? His eyes quickly flick over to Catherine, wondering why she hadn't said anything.
Oh nothing. I had to go hunting for a bullet in the attic and caught a splinter on the hatch. Doc fished it out for me. Dani reaches over and rips off the small bandage and tucks it in the front pocket of her blue jeans. See, it's fine.
It doesn't hurt?
Dani snorts. Hurt is having medical tape ripped off your inner thigh twice a day when nurses change the bandages covering a gun shot wound. Think daily bikini wax. This, she finishes, pointing at the tiny red mark, is nothing.
Greg winces at the mention of waxing.
Any other problems? Warrick presses, arching an eyebrow.
Glancing over her shoulder to ensure the coast is clear, Dani rolls her eyes. You guys really need to get Hodges onto dayshift. He and Ecklie are matched hoovers. What a suck up.
Sara grins as Catherine and Warrick laugh. Greg snorts and nearly chokes on his coffee. He coughs and then swallows. I'm okay.
Sorry Grego, Dani apologizes.
Looking around, she starts to sink into a vacant chair next to Warrick, but he tugs on her hand, pulling her into his lap.
she protests. There are other chairs.
Shift's over, he says with a shrug.
Well maybe not everyone wants to be witness to our pda's.
I don't mind, Greg offers quickly with goofy grin.
I think it's cute, Sara chimes in.
Catherine dunks a tea bag into her mug and smiles. I've got no problem with it.
Don't encourage him, Dani chastises, then giggles when Warrick insinuates his hand beneath her shirt so that he can stroke her warm, bare skin. Hey! Stop that!
Warrick's other arm snakes around her waist and his fingers lace together at her hip. Yes, boss.
So, I'm starving, Dani announces to the group. Who's up for a little CSI breakfast?
Both Catherine and Sara raise their hands.
Dani says, causing the lab technician to look over at her. Wanna come?
He grins broadly, touched that he's been included.
Okay then. Let's go.
What about Grissom? Sara asks.
He said something about paperwork, Dani replies. I told him where we'd be.
7:56 am
Warrick's arm is slung around Dani's shoulders, hers wrapped around his waist as they walk over to his SUV together. When they reach the passenger door, he backs her against the vehicle and she giggles.
What are you doing?
I want a good morning kiss from my girl, he says mildly.
I kissed you earlier in the break room.
That was in front of everyone. This is just us. A smile flickers over Warrick's mouth and as the morning sun floods the parking lot with light, he puts his hands on Dani's arms and moves closer until they're touching at hip and thigh. Smiling gently, Dani raises her limbs until her forearms rest on his shoulders, her fingers clasping lightly behind his neck as his arms wrap around her waist.
She finds her face tilting upward as he lowers his head.
Warrick's face, tender and serious comes closer and his lips part, brushing hers, just a light touch at first, and then a claiming, teeth brushing Dani's pouty lower lip. Finally his tongue slides in between her own teeth as their bodies meet from shoulder to hip, and her mouth is filled with the slippery, demanding warmth of Warrick.
Kissing Dani makes him think of a blaze of fire, a heat that doesn't hurt or consume, but only makes the passion between them grow stronger. Only when she is beginning to feel a bit weak from lack of oxygen does Warrick pull back. he says softly. That's how I wanted to kiss you in the break room.
I applaud your restraint, she manages to say before pulling him down so that it's her mouth, this time, that does the claiming. Dan's hands hold Warrick tightly against her body, a sultry moan escaping her lips when his fingers press against the small of her back.
When their lips part, Dani laughs. You taste like coffee.
And you taste like peanut butter, he replies. And chocolate.
Greg and I spilt a Reese's earlier, she explains.
C'mon you two, a voice calls out from across the parking lot. Break it up!
Looking over at the sound, Dani spots Greg and Catherine, and blushes.
To be continued later? Warrick proposes suggestively in a soft, throaty voice.
she replies, her face cheeky and radiant, eyes sparkling.
8:18 am
The three CSI's, Greg and Dani are sprawled comfortably in a large booth near the back of the diner. The lovers are on one side, Dani nestled comfortably against Warrick's side with his arm along the back of the booth while Greg has positioned himself between the ladies on the other side of the table. Business in the diner is brisk, but it's not too crowded for a change. Digging into the pocket of her apron, their waitress pulls out a pad of paper and a pen to take down orders.
Looking up from the menu between Dani and himself, Warrick asks her, The usual?
Smiling, she nods and lifts her coffee mug to her lips. Her other hand keeps busy, fingers stealing small touches of Warrick's denim-clad thigh, eliciting from him that secret tipped-up smile and the dangerous flicker of light in his eyes, both of which promise better things to come.
Bacon and eggs, sunny side up, whole wheat toast and she'll have the ham, cheese and mushroom omelet with a pancake instead of toast.
The rest of the group orders quickly and the waitress hurries away.
The usual? Catherine repeats with amusement.
Apparently I've gotten predictable, Dani says with a cheeky smile.
Yeah, picture that, Warrick snorts. You know I have very recent evidence to suggest otherwise.
Greg eyes meet Dani's and he hides a grin behind his hand.
I'm not sure I want to know what that means, Sara adds dryly before cracking a smile.
So, Sara, Dani says, taking another sip of coffee from her steaming cup before deliberately changing the subject. I hear Nicky tried to set you up with a buddy of his.
Instantly her cheeks flush. He told you that?
He mentioned it in passing, Dani admits. He tried to do the same to me, you know, after it was clear he wasn't my type.
Sara gapes in shock. He did that to you, too?
Warrick interjects. He tried to set you up with a guy? You never told me about this.
Dani laughs lightly. He didn't know that you and I were together, so yeah.
I'm more interested in how you two met and then managed to keep your relationship a secret for so long, Greg says, folding his arms across his chest and giving the couple a pointed look.
Dani laughs. You mean, what made him different from all the others?
I mentioned to him that I wanted to get to know the city better, and about a week later he sent me on a scavenger hunt.
the trio on the other side of the table ask in unison.
We'd been seeing each other for about two months and one Saturday, I woke up to a strange message left on my answering machine and the keys to his Tahoe in my mail slot, Dani begins, smiling as she recalls the memory. I followed his instructions, which directed me to Starbucks, where a free coffee was waiting for me and a piece of paper. From there I followed clues to about a dozen different locations all over Vegas. From M&M World for a t-shirt, to The Orleans for a cheesy snow globe of The Strip, to the Luxor for a pyramid key chain. There was even a stop at Star Trek Experience for something. Do you remember what that was? she asks Warrick.
Coffee cup, he replies softly with a nod. You left it at my place. I accidentally dropped it last year and it shattered. We'll have to get a new one.
Catherine barely holds back the awww' bubbling up in her throat at the loving expression on his face.
Finally I ended up at the beach, where he had a picnic all laid out, with all my favorite foods. Then, just as lunch was over, the helicopter arrived.
Sara repeats incredulously.
Warrick grins. A trip over the Grand Canyon.
Greg breathes.
I still think he sweet talked my landlord into letting him snoop in my kitchen cupboards. Dani snuggles closer, looking up at Warrick and wrinkling her nose.
I admit nothing, he replies, making her laugh.
It was a good day. We had a lot of days like that, Dani finishes. He never stopped surprising me.
What happened to the rest of the stuff that you picked up that day? Sara asks, curious.
I still have everything.
Well, the snow globe sits on the nightstand on her side of the bed, Warrick adds. I don't know about the rest.
As soon as I get my stuff moved down here I can prove it to you, Dani fires back teasingly. Just you wait.
The waitress appears, carrying ketchup and jam, setting them down on the table. She refills all the coffee cups and checks on Catherine's tea before hurrying away to her other customers.
Absently, Warrick picks up the sugar shaker and moves it over to Dani's cup as he listens to the conversation about various attractions around Vegas. Wordlessly, Dani holds her spoon over the steaming liquid so he can fill it twice before moving over to his cup, where they repeat the process, but with only one spoonful of sugar for him. After Warrick gives both their cups a shot of cream, Dani stirs his cup and then her own before setting the spoon down and taking a grateful sip.
Fascinated by the comfortable intimacy of the movements between the lovers, the banter between Greg and Sara hits a lull as they stare.
Dani says, setting her cup back down on the table.
I don't think you two notice how different you are around each other, Catherine replies. It's like you communicate without talking or something.
So are you guys going to get married or what? Greg asks without preamble.
Everyone laughs while Sara's eyes bulge as she makes a valiant effort to avoid a spit take.
We haven't even thought about that, Dani replies once Sara has swallowed the mouthful of coffee and shot Greg a murderous look.
Warrick clears his throat meaningfully and gives her a look. Dani's eyes widen with surprise and her mouth drops open.
Okay, we haven't talked about it, she amends after composing herself, unable to stop the wide smile covering her face.
Warrick adds firmly, leaning in close to kiss her cheek.
Watching the exchange, Catherine merely smiles and takes a another sip of her tea.
The breakfast plates have been cleared, only coffee cups remaining as the meal draws to a close, but nobody wants to leave. There's comfort in the familiarity. Suddenly, a new voice interrupts the group.
Hey love.
Looking up from her coffee cup, Dani gapes in shock.
Oh my God! Mark?
A tall, lean man dressed in a snug fitting white t-shirt and blue jeans lifts a hand in acknowledgment, smiling broadly as a lock of wavy black hair falls across his beard stubbled cheek.
In the flesh.
Stunned, Dani slips out of the booth and crosses the short distance to envelop the taller man in a hug. His arms slip around her waist, pulling Dani close and a moment later she is lifted into the air, causing her to burst out laughing. It's then that Warrick notices several pairs of eyes staring at him, waiting for his reaction to Dani in the arms of another man.
he asks, arching an eyebrow. I know where she sleeps. She can hug whoever she wants.
Sara grins and laughs lightly.
You look bloody incredible, sweets. Las Vegas obviously agrees with you, Mark says after releasing Dani and cupping her cheeks so he can look deeply into her soft blue eyes. Or maybe it's because you're head over heels in love.
Don't take this the wrong way, but what the hell are you doing here? she asks, taking his hands in hers and shaking her head in disbelief. Your message said you were working.
I came with him. Jerking his head to one side, he gestures to a familiar male walking over to them. Your big brother.
Nicky! You're not sick.
Leaning close, he kisses her cheek. I hear you did a great job filling in for me.
Okay, what is going on? she asks again. Why did you lie about being sick and why are you here, together, no less?
Surprising you, Mark provides with a grin.
Well congratulations, you definitely did that.
The trio move over to the booth where the rest of the CSI crew is waiting, confusion on all their faces. Warrick and Nick manage a quick hand knuckle tap while Dani sits back down next to her lover. Nick follows her and Mark grabs a chair, flipping it around before he sits, arms casually folding over the backrest.
Okay. Everybody, this is Mark, my old partner, Dani says, still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that he is really here.
Who are you calling old, you little tart? Mark protests and everyone smiles.
Excuse me, former partner, she corrects with a roll of her eyes. Mark, this is Sara, Greg, Catherine and Warrick.
Hello all. Tis a pleasure. Half rising from his seat, Mark offers everyone his hand to shake, saving Warrick for last. And to the hero who kept our girl among the land of the living. Nice to put a face to the name and the voice. I've heard a lot about you in the last few months.
Shaking the man's hand, Warrick gives Dani a speculative look. Oh really?
Um, are you going to tell me what scheme you two cooked up? Dani asks brightly, deliberately changing the subject.
I took a trip, Nick explains, taking pity on her. I needed to pick up a few things. Extending his hand a ring of keys with a small gold pyramid come into view. Like this.
Dani's jaw drops.
Is that the same- Sara starts to ask, breaking off when Warrick nods in amazement.
What are you doing with my car keys? Dani asks softly, her fingers closing around the ring of metal.
You have a car? Warrick asks in surprise.
We've been driving cross country, Mark supplies before catching the attention of a passing waitress and motioning for a cup of coffee.
When did you buy a car? Warrick continues.
About a year after I moved to D.C. Stunned, Dani can only stare. You two drove my car all the way from Washington? That's got to be almost twenty five hundred miles.
Two thousand, four hundred and forty seven, Mark corrects dryly. In three days.
Three days? When the hell did you sleep?
When necessary, Nick says. I flew out there right after a shift and we drove about a thousand miles a day for the first two days, trading off every few hours.
A thousand miles? Sara interjects. A day?
Well after hour twelve, I couldn't feel my ass and quit caring. Mark rubs his lower back and groans. That said, I was never so thankful for a hot shower and a bed in my life.
It's not just any car, Nick supplies. She's got a Mustang GT Fastback.
Warrick says, clearly impressed.
Don't sound so surprised, Dani fires back. It's all your fault.
How's that? Catherine asks.
For my 25th birthday he took me to the Motor Speedway. There's nothing like racing around a track at over 150 miles an hour to make you fall in love with the road.
It's not just the car, Nick adds. She's got the sound system all tricked out too.
Mark grins. My mp3 player felt right at home, love.
You thought I'd have an inferior sound system in that car? Hello? I dated a dj, Dani explains with a laugh. To have anything less than the best would be a crime.
That's my girl, Warrick says.
Wrapping her hands around her coffee mug, Dani shakes her head. I can't believe you two did this.
Well, we had a little bit of help, Mark admits.
Did you know about this? she asks Warrick.
No, he didn't, Nick answers for his friend. I didn't want him to have to keep a secret from you. Once you told me you were staying I wanted to be damn sure that you didn't change your mind. I made one call and got the ball rolling. Everyone I talked to wanted to help.
Dwayne and Jenny? Dani asks knowingly.
They arranged for the moving van to haul all your stuff.
Moving van? she repeats.
Oh, did we not mention that? Mark asks, eyes wide with innocence before breaking out into a grin. It should be pulling up to your place sometime tomorrow afternoon.
Oh my God.
And Carolyn sends her love, Mark adds. She wanted you to know how happy she is for you and sorry that she couldn't be here.
Oh I miss her. Give her a big hug for me, okay?
Well, you'll have to fly up and see her in about seven months or so. You have to be there for the big day.
Big day?
When the baby comes.
She's pregnant? Since when?
Since the night you almost died, as near as we can tell.
Dani repeats, eyes wide. You mean you and Carolyn? You two are having a baby?
Blushing, Mark nods. Yeah. I'm hoping she'll marry me before then.
Oh my God. A huge smile covers her face, eyes glistening with happiness. How did that happen?
Mark smiles suggestively and Dani wrinkles her nose at him.
I don't mean how-how, you pervy git.
Well, we were waiting to hear about you and we started talking about missed opportunities. After Dwayne called with news that you were going to be okay we were both so relieved, and then one thing lead to another and now here we are. Ducking his head, Mark blushes. I guess you were the push we both needed.
I can't believe it. I can't wrap my brain around it.
Try wrapping your brain around the idea of being a godmother.
Who else? he asks in astonishment.
Um, before I say yes, you should know that I bet Jimmy from Vice fifty bucks that you and Carolyn would be together by the end of the year.
You bet for us, he bet against?
Dani ducks her head.
Well, as long as you bet for us, Mark says with a grin, causing the group to break out into laughter. So it's a yes?
Of course.
Good, because Carolyn wasn't going to let me back into the apartment otherwise.
More laughter. Just then the waitress returns to the table with menus and more coffee cups. Time passes while Nick and Mark have breakfast, pausing often to tell stories of their marathon trek across the country. Then Mark tells stories of cases that he and Dani worked together.
Most memorable case for you, Dani? Sara asks.
Uh, I better not say, she replies. It's not exactly breakfast material.
Okay, now you have to tell us, Greg presses. C'mon, we're tough.
Finally Dani relents. Well, it was about five months after I moved to D.C. Some plastics manufacturing mogul's wife disappeared. No signs of forced entry or struggle. No ransom note. No body. The guy was connected up the wazoo so it was a political nightmare. The mayor was leaning on the Chief of Police, who was leaning on my boss, who was leaning on Carolyn and myself to close the investigation.
Sara grimaces. Damn, that sucks.
Tell me about it, Dani remarks dryly. Anyway, we wouldn't clear the husband, despite being told to do exactly that, because frankly, we didn't believe him. Something just wasn't right.
Did you find her? Greg asks, leaning across the table in anticipation.
Yeah, we did. In the waterbed.
Dani shivers at the gruesome memory. I remembered a case that Grissom worked once, where he found a body in the box spring of a hotel bed. Carolyn and I went back to the house with a sonar machine. It turned out that after the husband strangled the wife, he took her down to the factory in the middle of the night and heat sealed her into a waterbed mattress. He figured nobody would look there.
Catherine makes a face.
Yeah, four days immersed in heated water. It was nasty.
Arching an eyebrow, Mark starts to smile. Speaking of nasty, there was that night at the end of that forensics conference-
Mark, I will pay you not to tell this story, Dani says desperately to her British partner. Name your price.
Ooh, this sounds good, Greg interjects with a grin.
What? They don't know that you're hiding a beautiful singing voice in that curvy little body? Mark teases, causing Dani to blush and turn her face into Warrick's shoulder.
When I die of embarrassment, remember that I love you, she murmurs with a wince.
Now sweets, it wasn't that bad. It's practically a right of passage, Mark replies with a laugh.
If you tell this story, you are a limey bastard.
Mark says mockingly, hand over his heart. And to think I practically carried you to the loo and held back your hair while you tossed up everything you'd ingested since infancy.
Dani cringes at the memory, hand on her belly. Don't remind me.
Okay, this sounds like an overindulgence of alcohol story, Nick decides, nudging Dani with a grin. Spill it.
Right you are, mate, Mark continues. And karaoke was involved.
Warrick asks, looking down at Dani, who whimpers, still hiding her face.
We were in New York for a conference and on the last night we ended up in Midtown at this karaoke joint called Nibankan. Before I know it, she's taken up with Jose and is on stage, singing her sad little heart out.
Sara repeats.
Dani adds, resigning herself to the fact that Mark is going to tell the story in every, last, embarrassing detail.
Oh no, Warrick says softly with a shudder, knowing all too well her tolerance for alcohol or rather the lack thereof. How sick were you?
I couldn't eat for almost three days. Dwayne wouldn't let us go to conferences together after that, she replies, cheek pressed against his chest as she waits for the story to continue.
Mark snorts indignantly. It's not my bloody fault that you decided to drown your sorrows by mainlining tequila. You didn't even warn me, pet. The only way you could have done it worse would be death by mini-bar.
When was this? Sara inquires, trying not to laugh at Mark's rant.
Late October a couple years back.
Warrick gives Dani a knowing look. I see.
What did you sing? Greg asks.
I'll give a thousand dollars not to say it, Dani begs.
It must have been love, by Roxette, Mark announces with a flourish. She brought the house down.
The group breaks out into light laughter as Dani groans.
You wanker, she grumbles.
Recalling the memory, Mark sighs. She was completely smashed, but she looked gorgeous up there, like an angel with a broken heart.
Dani and Mark's eyes meet, the memories of that night flowing between them. How he'd taken care of her, wiped away her tears and told her that someday she'd be okay.
That night was the only time I've ever seen her cry. That's when I knew she was in love, he finishes softly.
You do have a way with words, Markus, Dani replies, reaching over to him to take his hand for a quick squeeze. But you're still a limey bastard.
Everyone breaks out into laughter. As the noise quiets, yet another familiar face joins the group, a wide, flat box tucked under his arm.
Grissom. Hi! Dani says, eyes wide with surprise. I didn't think you'd make it.
I had some things to take care of.
Gil Grissom, meet Mark Rothwell, my former partner from D.C.
Nice to meet you, he replies, briefly shaking Mark's hand before refocusing his attention on Dani. Can I talk to you for a minute? Privately?
Yeah, sure.
Quickly Nick slides out of the booth so she can join the CSI supervisor a short distance away. Conversation at the table resumes, but Warrick barely hears it as he watches Dani's face closely, unsure of what is going on.
How did you know we were still here?
I talked to Dwayne a little while ago. Thought it was a good place to start. Figured you'd all be here talking. If not I was going to try the house, he explains quickly.
You knew about this?
I gave Nick the time off. Grissom hands Dani an envelope. This came after you left.
Opening the envelope, Dani frowns. Waiver of liability? I filled one of these out last night. I left it on your desk.
Look closer.
Dani's eyes widen. The one she'd signed before had been a temporary one. This one is not. Oh my God.
Realizing there are several pages, she flips to the second and reads. LVPD letterhead. Offer of employment. In the CSI department. Graveyard shift.
she asks, shaking her head in disbelief.
New budget came down early last week. Job starts November first. It's yours if you want it.
Stunned, Dani looks over at Warrick. With a tilt of his head, he asks if she's okay. She nods, flipping through the paper in front of her again. For a long few moments she says nothing.
Why now? she asks softly.
Grissom waits until their eyes meet. Because things happen when they're supposed to, but only if you let them.
Before I can even think about taking this job, the higher ups will have to know-
There's nothing in the rule book that says family members can't work for the same police department, he interrupts firmly. And besides, they already know.
Dani's jaw drops.
They're fine with it. The department doesn't want to lose you, and neither do I.
Digging into the pocket of his jacket, Grissom produces a smooth leather square.
What's that?
He hands the item to her. Your new ID. I had a few different ones made for you to choose from. Her name. Her father's name. Her name in combination with her father's name. I thought you might like some options.
Dani's eyes are wide with shock as she stares at the scientist. I don't know what to say.
Say, I'll see you on Saturday at start of shift,' he replies. I already have your new vest all ready to go. He points to the box he'd set on the table next to them.
What about Greg? she asks. He's been waiting so long to get into the field. I can't take a spot that should be his.
You won't, Grissom promises. I've got a plan for him too. It'll be part time at first so he'll have to split his time between the field and the lab, but he'll get there. I knew you wouldn't take the job otherwise.
You know me so well. Looking over her shoulder at the table of friends behind her, Dani bites down on her lower lip for a moment. Grissom watches her silently, waiting for her answer. Finally she selects an ID and slides it into the holder.
I want them to hear it from me, she says quietly, but firmly. They deserve the truth.
Thank you, she says tightly, blinking quickly to keep from crying. For this.
You're welcome.
Stepping forward, Dani slides her arms around Grissom's shoulders and hugs him. To her surprise, he completes the circle by wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. After a long moment, they break apart and turn to face their confused audience.
I've got some explaining to do, she says with a sniff.
Walking back over to the booth and its growing number of chairs, Dani slides in next to Warrick and hands him the folded pages. He scans them quickly, eyes widening as she smoothes her fingers over the polished leather square in her hands. Wordlessly, Grissom places the box containing her new vest on the table in front of her.
Are you sure about this? Warrick asks quietly, knowing what this news means. How it will change everything. His eyes flip back and forth between Dani and Grissom.
It's time, she says, taking his hand in hers and squeezing it.
Warrick's other arm slips around her shoulders and holds her close to his side.
I need to talk to all of you, she says, looking around at all the familiar faces. I have a lot of explaining to do. Glancing over at Mark, she smiles weakly. Dwayne and Jenny are going to kill me when they find out about this and they weren't here.
Oh forget that. They love you. It'll be fine. I'm sure of it, Mark replies, more than a little confused.
Okay. I'm going to do the cliff's notes version, or we'll be here all day, she begins and several laugh lightly. It's no secret that I left Vegas under mysterious and strange circumstances. The truth is, I was running from something that I didn't know how to handle. When my mom died she told me something that I didn't really believe. Who my father was.
Someone inhales sharply, but Dani doesn't look up to see who it is. Instead she squeezes Warrick's hand tighter and continues.
I didn't put much faith in it and frankly had pushed it to the back of my mind. Then I joined the LVPD and imagine my surprise when I was introduced to a man with the name that my mom had told me. It turned out that he and I now worked for the same police department. As you can imagine it was one hell of a shock.
Did you know about this? Nick interrupts, eyes on Warrick.
Nope. Not then.
Anyway, I kept my suspicions to myself for over a year, but then I worked a case with a mother who had drowned her twin boys. There were two men involved and they had no idea which one was the father. There was something about that case that made me change my mind about knowing for sure if the man I thought was my father, really was. That day I told Warrick everything and he strongly suggested that I find out for sure. To be honest about it. Well, I wasn't ready for that much honesty so instead I stole a sample of DNA. I sent it to an outside lab and waited for the results.
And he had no idea? Mark asks. The presumed papa, I mean.
None. I didn't want to bother him in case I was wrong. And I didn't want everyone to know that I had no idea who my own father was.
I knew how long the results would take and the closer that date came, the more freaked out I became. I was edgy. Moody. I even picked a few fights with Warrick. She shakes her head at the memory. Then out of the blue an old classmate called me up, asking if I knew of anyone who wanted to relocate to D.C. because he was going overseas. I panicked and jumped at it. I packed up and got ready to leave, not telling anyone until the very last second.
Catherine provides. You walked in, quit, and were gone in less than an hour.
Dani nods in confirmation. I was on my way out the front door for the last time when the results of the DNA test were delivered. I was too scared to read them, so I stuck it in my purse and got on a plane. I didn't say goodbye to anyone. I couldn't.
Greg says softly, hands tightening around his coffee cup. That had to suck for you, he adds, looking at Warrick.
It did.
Fast forward three years, Dani says. And I was back in the one place I'd avoided like the bubonic plague. I walked through those doors and expected almost everyone to be really pissed off with me.
Especially Warrick, Sara interjects.
Especially him, Dani says with a weak smile. To my shock and surprise, you were wonderful. Everything clicked and it was like we'd never been apart. It felt natural, like coming home. That of course, was terrifying and despite how great it felt to be back, I had no plans to stay. As a matter of fact, it was only about 14 hours before I was shot that I had decided to stick around for a while.
I'll bet I know what you were doing when you changed your mind, Mark teases, eyebrows waggling suggestively.
Dani admonishes, fighting back a blush. For your information, I was sitting by the pool. Alone.
Disappointed, Mark pouts. Well that's not at all naughty and fun.
As I was saying, I had decided to stick around and finally stop running, long enough to face the truth at least. And then I got shot. Dani pauses to take a sip of coffee to soothe her parched throat. After I got out of the hospital I was even more scared, but equally determined. I'd almost lost my chance again and I didn't want to risk it a third time.
Nick says, tying to put the pieces together in his head. When did you know, for sure? he asks Warrick.
That night by the pool, Warrick replies.
So when I felt up to it, I called him, and we met. I showed him what information I had and we determined, forensically, that I was indeed his daughter. Over the last few months we've been getting to know each other that way. It's slow going and there have been hitches and challenges along the way, but it's happening. I'm getting to know my dad. Finally.
It's not Ecklie, is it? Nick asks, cringing a little.
Dani makes a face. First off, thanks so much for the mental image of Ecklie procreating and secondly: Hell. No. If he was my father I wouldn't be advertising that fact. Ever. I would take that little tidbit of info to my grave.
Why are you telling us all this now? Catherine asks, head tilted to one side.
Because I've been offered a job. As the newest CSI at the LVPD. Graveyard shift, of course.
A chorus of cheers erupts from the group and Dani blushes.
You're going to take it, right? Nick prompts.
Now how could I possibly miss out on Greg's training as an official CSI? she replies with a grin, watching the lab tech closely.
As the words sink in, his eyes flash wide. Stunned, he looks over at Grissom.
She's right, he says, smiling. Are you interested?
Hell yes!
Everyone offers their congratulations.
Wait just a second, Mark interrupts, causing the crowd to quiet. I think we're all forgetting a piece of the puzzle here.
Dani asks.
Who's daddy?
Wordlessly she sets her new badge on the table, open to the id inside. Nearly in unison, everyone leans forward to take a look at the new hyphenated name.
Now how the hell did we miss that? Nick asks as everyone except Warrick gapes in shock.
Swallowing hard, Dani looks over at Grissom. At eyes as blue and nervous as her own.
You want to take this one, Dad?
fin
