Sara's eyes met up with Miranda's pleading for her to explain the situation. Miranda seemed almost too frighten to speak, and when she finally did, the words dismayed Sara.
"Sara, this is my husband and Molly's Dad, Rich," Miranda paused before decided how much information she wanted to give to Sara. Before she could decide, Rich possessively took Molly away from Sara and proceeded to walk out the door, leaving Sara with a look of pure fear on her face.
"Listen Sara, Rich has changed, he told me so. He said everything will be ok now, and he won't hurt me again. I believe him." She smiled while and tried to convince Sara. "Don't worry, I will still keep Molly in this program, she really likes it."
Sara looked deeply into the woman's eyes, knowing she had already fallen for the excuse every abuser makes. Knowing very well she wasn't going to change Miranda's mind, Sara reminded her to be careful, giving her an additional business card. "Call me if you need anything. If you feel you or Molly are in danger, get out, call me anytime." Sara closed her eyes and swallowed hard attempting to fight off sick feeling in her stomach. "Please tell Molly I'll see her next week."
XXXXXXXX
The next day, Sara pulled into the Lab's parking lot, practically jumping out of the car and marching into the lab. Her happy demeanor over the past weeks had been replaced with a serious determination. Seeking out Brass to get further information on Molly's Dad, Sara nearly ran over Warrick.
"Woah girl, where is the fire?" Warrick said with a half grin on his face. His grin quickly faded when he saw the look on Sara's face."I need to see Brass" is all Sara managed to utter before curtly turning and walking down the hallway.
Storming into Brass's office, Sara practically shouted at him. "I need the background and all files on Richard Ford. He recently did time at the State Pen for Spousal Abuse." I need this ASAP."
"Sara, first, no need to shout at me. Boy, this must be some big case for you to walk in here barking orders before you even put your pocket book down." Brass, ever the professional kept his tone down in an attempt to calm Sara down. He and Sara certainly weren't best friends, but they did share a demon, one in which united them.
Sara sat down, took a few deep breaths, trying to calm down the rage burning inside her. "Brass, I'm going to be honest with you, it is not for a case. You know the Big Sister program I am in? Brass nodded.
"Well the Father is home from Jail, I had the pleasure of meeting him yesterday. From the look of fear from both Molly and her Mom, I wanted to see the extent of what he did to land in Jail." Closing her eyes praying her friend would help her out.
Brass didn't need to think about it and told Sara to give him an hour. Sara thanked him, and exited as quickly as she came.
Sara went straight to the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face. Damn Grissom for making me find a diversion. Damn them for making me meet Molly, and liking her. She was sure Molly now needed Sara as much as Sara needed Molly. Sara fought to keep these feelings suppressed and tried to think about it rationally. Maybe he did change. She needed to give him a chance. She only had six days until she saw Molly again. She pushed back any thoughts of what could happen in one week. Closing the door behind her, she headed to the break room and thankfully found herself alone.
Sara's deep thoughts were interrupted as Grissom and crew joined her in the break room. Grissom handed out assignments, giving each of them their own cases. All for the better Sara thought, she would be lousy company. Before heading out the door, Grissom stopped her.
"Sara, everything ok? You seem a bit, um, down?" Grissom looked at her with absolute concern. In all honesty, he hasn't stopped thinking about her since the Zoo the day before. The day was a treasure, and he slept last night with pleasant dreams of Sara and family outings.
"Molly's Father was let out of jail. He is back. I'm trying to be optimistic, but you and I both know how often abusers become repeat abusers. I'm afraid for Molly, and her Mom." Sara explained the situation on what she encountered when she brought Molly back to the center the day before. "I've asked Brass to get me the background on him, I need to know."
Suddenly afraid of Sara's reaction to the situation, Grissom fought the urge to grab her in his arms and assure her it would be ok. Instead, he let her know he would be there if she needed him. "My door is always open, and you have my cell and pager numbers. Do you promise to call me if you need anything Sara? To talk, listen, or be there for you."
Grissom hold me, tell me nothing will happen to her. Tell me it will be ok. Sara wanted so badly to confide to him her worst fears. Instead they looked deeply into each other's eyes, silently speaking what neither of them could speak out loud.
"Thank you Griss, I'll remember that." Trying to lighten the mood, Sara told Grissom how Molly talked about him all the way home from the Zoo.
Sharing yet another smile and warm look, Sara didn't want the moment to end. "You know, I've never seen myself as kid friendly, but Molly seems so different. She is really easy to get along with, like a friend, only she's only 46 inches!" Looking up at Grissom, they both had a good laugh when he agreed. Without even thinking, Grissom raised his hand to touch Sara, stroking her arm in a calming fashion.
"Everything will be alright Sara. Please try not to worry, although knowing you, you will anyway." Grissom paused to access Sara's reaction. "Sara, I hope you consider me your friend. Promise me you will call if you need anything."
Sara looked up at Grissom with a look of curiosity and admiration. For the first time in a long time, Sara did considered him her friend, which felt great. Quite honestly, he was the only person who knew what was going on with her life, the only person who she confided in as of late and unfortunately, and the only person who could break her heart.
Sara thankfully had a very easy day, dealing with a bank robbery. The Perp, who got away with only $1,250 dollars, was very easy to track down. He all but smiled at the surveillance cameras. Having two gold front teeth with a history of bank robberies was enough to nab their suspect. Finding herself at a loss on what to do, she sought out Brass to see what he found out about Rich. Before Sara even made it to the doors, Brass walked in.
"Let's go to Grissom's office and talk." Knowing it was an order rather than a request, Sara followed Brass.
"We can talk in here, Grissom went to a Supervisor's meeting."
"Sara, this guy is a scumbag. I will not get into specifics, but make no doubt about it; he is a first class abuser. He hid behind a suit all day making a lot of money as a stockbroker, but for 9 years he abused his wife. 15 trips to the hospital, 2 concussions, 10 broken ribs, broken nose, broken eye socket. He snapped her arms like they were twigs."
Disgust was written all over the faces of Brass and Sara.
"ASSHOLE!" Feeling tears well up in her eyes, Sara dug her fingernails into her hand to attempt to ward off crying.
"Sara, I know I don't have to tell you, but watch out. Look for signs, but don't do anything stupid. If you suspect anything, call me, the police will handle it." Brass gave her his best hard guy look.
He was right, Sara knew better, but she couldn't even convince herself to walk away at this point.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Two months had passed since Molly's father returned to her life. And so far, they seemed like a happy family. Sara continued to see Molly every week and they had a great time. Sara was shocked how well she and Molly got along. They hadn't been back to the Zoo since they met Grissom there, but planned on going back soon. Sara wanted to ask him to join them, but was afraid to ruin their renewed friendship.
True to his word, Grissom and the team had weekly breakfast meetings that no one missed. They all looked forward to it, and it proved to be a great stress reliever. For the first time since joining the Vegas lab, Sara felt like part of the team. Collectively, the group was happy that Grissom and Sara were getting along. They worked together much more, and both were training Greg. Sara taught him by the book, where as Grissom taught him about instinct. The collection of which was producing a top notch CSI.Sara felt much more comfortable now with herself and with Grissom. Even last week when she had to process a bad rape case, she found herself seeking Grissom for comfort. Unlike six months ago, Sara could not have walked into Grissom's office just to talk. Now, he knew how to comfort her and she him, and without either of them wanted to admit it, they were heading towards more. She always knew she loved Grissom, but found herself falling "In love" with him.
The rest of the team often joked about them now. Not in a bad way, nor mocking. They referred to Grissom and Sara as being in their own little world. He talked to the group, but his eyes were on Sara. She cracked a joke, but looked to him for his response. No one dared to take "Sara's" seat at breakfast, as they all knew it which seat it was, next to Grissom. It was the playing picking at each other's food, and the playful hand jab that followed. Most importantly, it was the way they both smiled now.
Getting ready to leave for the day, Sara walked past Grissom's office, waving and saying her goodnight.
"Sara?" Grissom called out to her, hoping she heard him.
"Yeah Griss?"
"What are you doing with Molly this weekend?" Hoping he wasn't being to forward, but he wanted to tell her about the new Butterflies display at the Zoo.
"Not sure, I usually leave it up to her." Panic struck her, why is he asking me this?
"Well, just wanted to let you know the Zoo has some new Butterflies, and tomorrow they are having a celebration there, some music. Judging how much Molly liked it last time, may be an option."
Hoping her voice wouldn't crack, Sara decided to ask. "Are you going tomorrow? You know, because, Molly would like that. She had a good time with you, you were a good guide."
Grissom tried to play his excitement off. "Yes, I'll probably go around noon again." Hoping he wasn't sounding too pushy, "Maybe I'll see you there?"
"Sounds Great, I'm sure Molly will be love it!"
Sara started walking out the door, but turned back when she heard Grissom mutter something.
Looking up, he said it again, only louder this time.
"Me too."
TBC
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