Chapter 1
Mirror Image
June 20th, 2004
When Catherine Willows stepped through the door, Gil Grissom, Warrick Brown, Nick Stokes and Sara Sidle right behind her, it took her a few minutes to scan the scene. She, as the first one to move, and with the most work ahead – blood was spattered everywhere – moved slowly around the back of the head table.
She couldn't hide her reaction.
In the bride was a mirror image of her, the groom the same of Grissom. Catherine involuntarily took in a breath as she looked to the others in the wedding party. She was looking at Nick, Warrick, Sara and Lindsey as well as the addition of a small boy. The resemblance was eerie.
"Catherine?" Grissom came to stand beside her and he noticed the same as she had. She reached out for his hand while she absorbed the scene. It was hard to look at the victims especially the husband, wife and flower girl.
"Got Ids. The brunette is Alexia Roscoe, the maid of honour. Following the line is the flower girl Miss Candace Cohen then the groom and bride, Mr. and Mrs. Seth and Sharon Prescott. Next is Malcolm Preston then Duncan and Bryant Roscoe. Mrs. Prescott's mother is outside. She gave me the Ids." Catherine nodded absently at Jim Brass as he left again.
"Sara, Warrick, Nick, get processing. Cath and I are going to talk to the stragglers," Grissom instructed, already leading Catherine away from the disturbing scene. He walked her outside to where the guests had stayed until 911 was called. Grissom didn't continue to the people. Instead, he walked her to the side.
"Are you going to be okay with this?" he asked, resting his hands on her shoulders.
"Shouldn't I be asking the same of you?" she retorted. Grissom smiled.
"You'll talk to me if…" Catherine smiled at him indulgently.
"Always."
I'm sorry to everyone who read the last chapter and flipped out because they thought it was Catherine. It wasn't, nor was it a nightmare. It's a case file!
Kavi Leighanna