When it starts affecting your work, it's a problem.
This was Grissom's theory, and practically his mantra, as he drove into work an hour early. Even Sara wouldn't be in this early; he knew this because he had finally set his foot down about her spending every waking moment in the lab.
To show that he was fine, Grissom had decided to counteract yesterday's tardiness with an early appearance. He chose to ignore the implications of his work being affected in an effort to show his work wasn't being affected.
After beginning to organize the mess on his desk and realizing just how little he relished the upcoming day, Grissom dug out the day's case assignments and went to the break room to wait for the others, a stack of files tucked under his arm for reading in the meantime. Although the day shift was still mulling about, they knew from bitter experience that Gruesome Grissom coming in this early usually meant a foul temper, and wisely stayed clear of the break room.
As the minutes ticked by, Grissom quickly regretted not bringing the newspaper's crossword along as well. Unwilling to go back to his "sign here" duties so quickly, he instead leaned back in his chair, glancing around the room and tapping his pen idly. His eyes scanned the windows, the cupboards, the tables, and eventually came to rest on the chair to his right. The pen stopped tapping.
One of his first dreams had taken place here. The images were as sharp as memories.
Walking by on his way to Greg and wondering why Sara was sitting alone.
Coming back and seeing her still sitting, one hand holding the cellphone to her ear, the other covering her beaming smile.
Sitting down for the staff meeting and peeking at the list she was making, unaware of anything around her. Mary, Christopher, Jesse, Bridget, Maya.
Hearing her subtle way of telling Catherine and the guys. "We have to move the date up. Call it vanity all you want; I'm not gonna be a blimp in our wedding photos."
Grissom looked back to the crossword, hoping to distract himself. The dreams weren't in any chronological order, and he had convinced himself that this was a good sign. But thinking about them seemed to nullify that point. Just ignore it, he thought. It'll pass.
- - - - - - - - -
"The entire shift?" Nick asked with suspicion.
"It's either that or I don't get around to approving your requests for time off next month." Everyone but Sara groaned. "It's necessary stuff. I wouldn't be taking the day otherwise."
"That we know," Warrick snarked.
Grissom ignored him. "It's been a busy night, so you're all going solo. Call each other up for help; call me only for emergencies. Greg's not an option; he's swamped in the lab, so he stays put. Any questions?"
He passed out assignment slips and responded to Sara's smile with one of his own when she read up on her case.
"What's so special about yours?" Nick demanded.
"The crime scene's a warehouse," she beamed, gathering her things. "I love dusting those. Do you know how many prints I'll get off the shelves alone?" She walked out.
Nick raised an eyebrow. "You ever think she's a little too perfect for this place?"
"Someone needs to give Grissom a run for his money," Warrick pointed out. Grissom looked over but said nothing. "No offense man, but there's only one other person here that'd be psyched at the prospect of a few thousand prints."
- - - - - - - - -
Kneeling down and balancing herself with the back of her feet, Sara continued dusting the metal elevator door. Signs of struggle were all in this area and she was sure that someone had fallen at some point. One of the few things to brace against in the barren warehouse was the elevator.
Her cellphone chirped in her back pocket and she put her brush aside reluctantly to answer. "Sara."
"It's Catherine. How's the warehouse coming along?"
"Fine. I won't be done anytime soon, though. Did you need a hand?"
"Actually, I'm on my way back to the lab. Did you want me to stop by and pick up anything for processing?"
Sara turned and considered the growing pile of bags and envelopes behind her. "No. I'm on the other side of town. This can all make the trip with me. Thanks, though."
"No problem. With Greg so busy, I'll be there for a while. Call if you need anything."
"Yeah. Bye." Sara tucked the phone back into her pants and reached for her brush. She wanted to get more done before the officer out front came in again. She had tried to be patient because he was a rookie and very eager to help, but she humored interruptions about as well as Grissom.
A shadow covered her outstretched hand. Sara sighed. "Look, officer." She glanced up and froze.
"Suspect at scene! SUSPECT AT –"The world went black.