Men of Science

Greg Sanders

STORY ONE

Chapter Two

The sun was hot as heat rippled off the ground; filling the clear sky with invisible waves. Greg squinted against the light; holding up his binoculars instead. Making a few adjustments he saw Summer wave at him. He used one arm to wave back.

Setting aside the binoculars he yawned and stretched out on the hood of the car. The sun sizzled around him; he reveled in it. Around the sounds of daytime desert helped him to relax.

He opened his eyes; at some point he'd fallen asleep. Greg sat up and found Summer crouched by the camp fire; she was stirring something over the flames.

"Morning," She said softly, standing up carefully.

"I guess your ankle is better," He mused.

"No. I just ignore the pain, that's all."

Summer walked over to the car and hopped up, Greg moved over so she could fit. He held her hand in his, they studied the fading sunset.

"I wonder how…" Greg stopped at the look she gave him, "Never mind."

"You'll be back at work in two days, Greg."

"I know," he sighed and squeezed her hand, "I like being here with you."

She looked at him. Deepening shadows cut across her face. Summer leaned down and kissed him.

Greg reached up a hand, running it through her hair. The kiss lasted a long time. Summer pulled away and slid off the car. Greg watched her crouch by the fire, stirring whatever was in the pot.

"Summer, why do you stay with me?" He asked.

She turned her head, surprise showed on her face. "Where is that coming from?"

"We've dated on and off for the last five years. I'm a workaholic, I work in a science lab with blood and guts all day. I was just wondering why you are bothering to stay."

"Well, the on and off thing was your idea, not mine. You were so shy in high school that you kept chickening out of our dates. College, you were so busy with studies and I was working. So really, we've only dated the last year and a half. I like you being a workaholic, it makes you happy. As to the science thing; well if I really had a problem with it, I wouldn't have stuck around for five years, now would I?"

She stood up and crossed to him; Greg sat up, she stopped between his legs and cupped is face.

"Greg, I love you, you know that. I like the way you comb your hair, I like the way you sing in the shower. I could on about things I like; but in reality, I stay because without you my life doesn't work."

He watched her eyes, "It doesn't?"

She shook her head, "No. Without you, I don't get up out of bed in the morning. I don't get through a day without wondering about you. I like hearing how you solved the case; I like knowing what Nick or Warrick said. Your life makes mine possible."

He reached out to her; smoothing back her hair. "The soup is burning."

"Let it," She pulled him close, kissing him.

Greg woke with a sigh; a weight rested on his chest, his arm was wrapped around it. He looked down and saw Summer, sleeping peacefully.

Never in his life would have had anticipated camping for five days in the desert. It just hadn't entered his mine. But Summer had asked him to come; pretty much dragged him along.

To his surprise, he found the experience a pleasure. There was no real science here; although he had studied some of the bugs he'd found. There was no rush, no deadline to meet. The air smelled of fresh and hot; not the staleness of the lab. He was confined to a chair all day, indeed he lay on his back and sunbathed most of the time.

Greg was surprised at the pang that hit him; he would miss this when he went back to work. But as much as he loved the camping trip, he loved the lab more. He missed the rush and bustle of his work; the challenges of solving strange cases. Work was what he lived for; but he knew everyone was right. He did need a break and he was enjoying it.

The hot afternoon found Greg splashing water on his face. Summer was off hiking, as she often did.

"Hey,"

He turned and smiled, "You need a shower."

Summer was covered in dust, "I need you to look at something."

He followed her carefully down the slope just off from the camp. The trail became smoother as they went.

Summer walked carefully, looking back for him several times. She paused before climbing up a slight incline; only to stop at the top.

Greg came up behind and stopped cold.

The body lay on its front; an orange parachute was flapping around it.

"Call Gris," he said.

Summer had her cell phone out, but handed it to him. "You know what to say."

Jim Brass took off his sunglasses as he watched Willows and Stokes. He looked to the left where Greg stood with his girlfriend. They were talking with a uniform about the discovery.

"I was just hiking and I found it." Summer told the police man. "I went back to get Greg and he called them." She waved a hand to the CSI team at work.

Jim made his way over; the uniform departed. "Sorry to ruin your vacation, Greg."

He shrugged, "Any idea what happened?"

"Not yet." Brass looked over as Warrick called to him, "You can go now." He walked over to the team.

Greg and Summer walked back to their campsite. He kept looking with the binoculars, studying the scene.

"You had better go to the lab." She said absently, "I can pack up."

Greg looked over at her, "Really?"

"Go on, it's what you want to do." She began to roll up their airing sleeping bags.

Greg crossed to her, turning her to face him. "Thank you," He kissed her, "I'll call you later."

Greg sat at his desk, studying the findings. It felt good to be in his old lab coat again.

"Welcome back,"

He looked up and smiled at Catherine, "Hi. I have those results for you."

Catherine took the paper he handed her but studied him. "That's a heck of girl you've got there, Greg. Not many women would be okay with being left behind."

He nodded, "I know. Summer really is something."

Catherine read over the results, "Just like we thought. Thanks, Greg. Oh and call that girl of yours."

Greg stepped into the lounge; pulling a chair from the table he plunked it down by the phone. A moment later it was ringing.

He heard Summer pick-up and mutter something. "I'd like two large pizzas made with love and soul."

She laughed gently, "The love department is on strike until the foreman gets home."

"How was the drive back?" He heard her move around.

"It was okay. I stopped off at the Tangiers to see Mary and Beth. Mary is dating some high roller out of Atlanta."

Greg smiled, "Is that good?"

"According to Beth, it's a serious thing this time. She said that…."

Greg sat back in his chair grinning as she told him. Life was good.